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

set up to help defray those costs?” Brody shut his eyes, running numbers in his mind.

“There probably is something like that, but it never hurts to have more fall-back funds.” Les’ voice was thoughtful. “I’ll have Peter look into it.”

“I’m willing to donate money to start it,” Brody said. “I’m thinking about how hard Tony had to work to afford entry fees and gas money to get to the events. Maybe sponsoring a new rider would work as well.” He was thinking out loud now.

“We’ll look into it.”

He heard a rustling noise and figured Les was writing something down.

“How’s Randy and the boys?”

Les’ chuckle washed over him, easing tension Brody didn’t even know he had.

“Yancey and Juan are fine. Jackson has both of them helping with the horses.

Though I think Juan seems more interested in the jumpers than he does the cutting horses.” Les snorted. “Randy has decided that neither of us has enough to do, so he’s going to work on setting up riding lessons for area kids.”

“I think he has too much energy. You need to have more sex and wear the guy out.”

Brody grinned, imagining Randy’s usual boundless store of energy.

“We get enough comments from the guys around here about our sex life already.

You know Tony’s the same way when he’s not riding. Picture what you have to look forward to when the season is over with.”

Brody groaned. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to survive.”

They laughed together. Brody let silence reign for a moment before he continued in a causal tone.

“I was wondering if you could do me a favor, Hardin.”

“Sure. Anything.”

Les’ reply was exactly what Brody figured the man would say.

“I’m looking to buy a ranch.”

“Been bit by the bug, huh?”

“Well, not really, but Yancey likes Wyoming and I know Tony would like to stay near you and Randy.” Brody waited.

“You serious?” Les’ question was low.

“Yes, I am.” He closed his eyes. “I know Tony and I haven’t been together for long, but there’s something between us. I’m willing to relocate to find out if it’ll last. It’s not like I have anything to hold me in L.A.”

“How’s Tony feel about it?”

“He doesn’t know I’m looking. I know he feels the same way I do about our relationship.”

“What about your company? “ Les didn’t seem inclined to talk him out of it.

“I can run it from the ranch. Morgan and Vance can take over more of the daily running. I’ll have to travel for the security systems stuff, but once a month face-to-face meetings and it’ll work.” He sighed. “I wasn’t around for five years of Yancey’s life.

Five years when he needed me. I don’t want to do that again.”

“Understandable. I’ll have the real estate agent I worked with start looking for you.

Maybe she can find something close by.”

“That would be great. Thanks, Les.” He yawned.

“You’re welcome. Run off to bed. Give Tony a hug from us and tell him to call us tomorrow.”

“Will do.” Brody ended the call.

He stood, breathing in the crisp night air before heading back inside. His jeans landed in a pile next to the suitcase. Tony mumbled something when Brody slid into bed next to him, but didn’t wake up. He slipped an arm around Tony’s narrow waist, spooning tightly with his lover. He fell asleep with the warm scent of Tony’s skin in his nose.

Chapter Thirteen

Two days later

Tony swallowed and straightened his shoulders. This was going to be one of the hardest things he’d ever done. He stuffed his hands in his pockets. It didn’t help. His hands kept shaking.

Cody’s parents had called him as he and Brody were leaving the hotel to let him know Cody could finally have visitors. The cowboy was still groggy and pretty out of it, but Tony needed to see him before he headed back to Wyoming.

He jumped when Brody wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him in for a tight hug. He relaxed, knowing Brody would hold him. Brody kissed his cheek quickly.

“It’ll be all right,” Brody whispered in his ear. “I’ll be out here waiting.”

Tony nodded. Knowing Brody waited for him was the only way he could get through this. He stepped away from his lover and pushed open the door.

Cody’s parents looked up from their spots at his bedside. Mr. Harwood stood, offering Tony his hand. Tony shook it, recognizing the rough hands and weathered skin of a farmer. Cody’s parents owned a small farm in the southwest part of Missouri. Mrs.

Harwood stood and hugged him.

“He can’t talk and he tends to fade in and out, but he does know when someone is here.” She leaned over the bed railing and brushed a limp curl off Cody’s forehead.

“Cody, honey. Your friend Tony is here.”

Cody’s eyes didn’t open, but he shifted like he was acknowledging his mother’s words.

“We’ll be outside. I’m afraid you can only stay ten minutes.” Mr. Harwood ushered his wife towards the door.

“That’s okay. I have to head home today anyway.” He went to take the chair Cody’s father had been sitting in.

“Tell him about the round yesterday. I know he’ll want to know if you won or not.”

Cody’s mother smiled at him, a tired look in her eyes.

“I will, ma’am.”

He sat, resting his hands on his knees. He forced himself to look at Cody. His friend’s face was so swollen there were no distinguishable features. Cody’s breath rattled through a tube inserted in his throat. There wasn’t any other way for Cody to get air into his lungs at the moment.

Reaching over the bed railing, he took Cody’s hand in his. He gave it a slight squeeze. He almost fell out of the chair when he got a corresponding one back.

“Are you with me, Cody?” He kept his voice low.

Another squeeze. For a moment, he was at a loss. Did Cody really want to know the results of the event?

“You want to know who won?”

A harder squeeze this time. He chuckled. Just like a bull rider. Nothing mattered except who rode and