Home of His Own by T. Chase (classic fiction .TXT) 📗

Brody climbed back in bed and Tony snuggled with his lover. Thinking Brody had fallen asleep, he was surprised when Brody spoke.

“I have to head back to L.A. tomorrow.”

He braced himself on an elbow and stared down at Brody. “I thought you were going to stay a couple days more.”

“I was, but Morgan said this new client wants to meet with all of us about her security. Not only does she want a bodyguard, she wants a security system as well.”

Brody sighed. “The systems were my idea. I’m the one who knows the most about them.

I need to be there to seal the deal.”

Disappointment shot through Tony. He had hoped to have more time with Brody before they got back to their regular lives. “I understand.”

It was true. He did understand having to do what needed to be done to make a living.

That’s why he spent most of his time traveling to events throughout the country and his weekends were usually taken.

Brody reached up and cupped his cheek. Regret glowed in Brody’s blue eyes. “I’m sorry. Does the PBR come to California?”

He perked up. “Yeah. There’s several events in California. I just got done with two events there. Maybe we can hook up when I come to compete. I’ll check the schedule and let you know when we’ll be there.”

“I’ll make sure to clear my calendar.” Brody closed his eyes and took a breath. When his eyes met Tony’s again, there was a serious look in them. “I want to try and make this work, Tony. Silly, isn’t it? We’ve had a one-night stand and then somehow managed to find each other again.”

“We’re getting sappy here,” Tony teased. “I thought about you a lot after I got back from Hawaii. As strange as it may sound, I feel there’s a connection between us and I’d like to explore it a little more.”

“I can rearrange things so I’m flexible. Maybe I’ll hit a couple events with you.”

Brody winked. “I’d like to see you compete.”

“I’m a stud.” He grinned.

“Yes, you are.”

Brody pulled his head down to kiss him and Tony stopped worrying about what was going to happen tomorrow.

Chapter Eleven

Three weeks later, Los Angeles, California

“I head out to St. Louis tomorrow. Did you want to come with me?” Tony checked his bull rope, making sure there weren’t any frays or broken strands.

Brody glanced up, surprise shining in his eyes. “Really? I enjoyed watching you in Anaheim. I’ll try to remember the rules, but won’t the guys start wondering if I show up at several events with you?”

He frowned. “No one’ll say a word. Randy and Les have come to see me compete several times.”

Brody nodded. “Makes sense. I’d like that. I’m becoming addicted to watching you.”

A wicked gleam twinkled in his eyes. “I know how well you ride me.”

Tony threw his riding glove at his lover. “Perv. You’re not supposed to have those types of thoughts when you’re watching bull riding.”

“I’m not? Shit. Wish someone had said something.” Brody grinned. “What the hell am I supposed to think? All those tight assed cowboys rocking their hips like that? It’s every gay man’s wet dream.”

Tony glanced up to see Brody standing in front of him, the man’s groin even with his mouth. Shooting Brody a smirk, he leaned forward and blew a puff of hot air over the bulge behind Brody’s zipper.

“Fuck.” Brody’s hips jerked, but pulled away before Tony could go further.

Brody sat on the arm of the chair where Tony was. “So where are we heading to this weekend?”

“St. Louis.” He folded his rope and packed it back in his bag.

“Missouri? Not really the first place I’d think of when it comes to riding bulls.”

“The PBR is getting bigger every year. Seems like we’re adding new venues all the time. This year we’re having a world event in Queensland, Australia.” Tony leaned back in the chair, resting his hand on Brody’s thigh.

“You going to that? My passport’s up-to-date.” Brody’s hand settled over his, a warm solid presence.

“I started late this year and missed a couple of events getting things worked out with Juan. I need to dig in and start riding if I want enough points to win the championship.”

He’d injured his right shoulder in the middle part of last year, making it difficult to shine during his rookie season on tour. By the time it’d healed enough for the doctors to let him compete, he’d missed the first two events of this year.

He finished second in Fresno and third in Sacramento. But then Juan came and he stayed home to help his nephew settle in. He won the Anaheim event, so he was getting back into form.

“You coming with me?” He looked up at Brody.

Brody shrugged. “Sure. Morgan and Vance can run the main company without me for the most part. I have some meetings set up to talk about installing security systems, but those aren’t until next week. I can fly back for those.”

“Who knew such a pretty face hid the brain of a business genius,” he teased.

“I didn’t.” Yancey wandered in, dropping down on the couch. “Though being a bodyguard is a career path I’m not surprised you took.”

Brody’s younger brother had been out visiting for a week or so. Tony knew Yancey was planning on heading back to Wyoming soon.

“Like beating up on people, huh?” Tony let his hand slide down to trace the seam of Brody’s jeans right below his groin.

“Beating up people is just a perk of the job. I like protecting people and some of them are pretty nice. I did some work for Derek St. Martin.” Brody shifted and Tony wasn’t sure if he was trying to get Tony to touch him harder or moving away from him.

“Really? What was he like?” Yancey slid down until he was lying on the couch.

“Nice guy. Didn’t act like an asshole or anything. When they get to be as famous as he is, you come to expect being