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

to learn them. It’s hard knowing and liking them without being able to stop them from self-destructing.”

Tony nodded. He’d had a few friends on the rodeo circuit that he had tried to help, but they ended up destroying themselves with alcohol, sex and drugs. “It happens to the best of us, I guess.”

“What about you? Why ride bulls?” Mac took a swig from his own bottle.

“We have a little more in common than just liking cock.” He winked at Mac. “I left home at fifteen, worked at any job I could until I was eighteen. Mostly ranches. When I had the money, I’d go to the rodeo. I love watching all of the events, but the bull riding was excitement and danger all rolled together. I knew it was what I wanted to try. Turned eighteen and hit the circuit.”

“Must have been hard.”

He shrugged. “Everyone has times in their lives when things don’t go well. I’m not any different than the others. I joined the PBR last year after my traveling partner retired.

I crash at his ranch when I need a place to stay. His life partner is a pretty cool guy. He’s the one who loaned me the condo.” Tony waved a hand behind him at the condo.

“What about your family? Don’t you talk to them? I’m heading back home as soon as I can to see if I can mend some bridges I burned.”

“Hell no. They’re the reason I left in the first place.” Tony shook his head. “I’ve got a different family made up of friends.”

He finished his beer and stood, carrying his plate into the kitchen. Mac followed him.

They rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Grabbing the blonde’s hand, he led Mac back towards the bedroom.

“There are better things we can be doing than talking.”

“I like the way you think.”

He buried his hands in Mac’s hair, tugging the man’s lips to his, thanking God he’d gone to the bar Les had recommended after the final round was done. He licked along the seam of Mac’s mouth and wished he didn’t have to go home the next day.

* * * *

Tony groaned as he dropped his bag on a well-used bank of chairs in the Honolulu International Airport and sat down beside it. He glanced at his watch. Shit, he was an hour early. Seven forty-five was way too fucking early for a flight after the night he’d had. The past two weeks had been fun. It was a great way to unwind from the stress of competing. His ass was sore and he smiled, remembering Mac sprawled out on the condo bed. The man’s golden skin bore bruises from their night together. Tony shifted on the chair. He wondered if Mac’s ass would hurt as much as his did when the man woke up.

His sister’s letter hadn’t crossed his mind once while he was here, but he knew he’d have to deal with it soon. He wasn’t looking forward to even talking to a member of his family. Tia Elena was the only one he liked.

Leaning back, he rested his head on the back of the seat. He was looking forward to getting back to the ranch. His phone rang. Checking the number, he saw it was Randy calling.

“Hey, cowboy. Tired of that old man yet?”

Randy’s laugh filled his ear. “Would you be?”

“No. Les keeps getting better with age. He’s going to be sexy as hell when he’s eighty.” He stood and grabbed his bag. He had enough time before his flight to have a burger and a beer.

“And for that, I’ll be eternally grateful.”

Tony chuckled. “So why’d you call me? We talked earlier this morning. Did you miss me? Or are you trying to get details about my hot night of sex?”

“Always. Next to Les, you’re my favorite person. You know I’m all ears about your nights.” Randy’s tone changed. “There’s someone at the ranch waiting for you. Les wanted me to warn you.”

“Waiting for me?” He was surprised. Anyone who might want to talk to him either had his cell number or they knew he was due at the ranch tomorrow.

“Yeah. I just got off the phone with Les. He said your brother-in-law’s there.”

Tony stopped dead in his tracks and almost dropped his phone. “Luis is there?”

“He showed up about ten minutes ago. I’m on my way back from town.” Randy sounded worried.

“Shit. Did he say anything to Les about why he was there?” Tony glanced around, looking for a spot to collapse.

“No. Just that he was looking for you. Tony, babe, are you okay?” Randy’s question was gentle.

“I’m fine. I guess I’m shocked they’d come looking for me.” He never expected to see Luis again. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll be able to deal with it better.”

“Les is going to have him spend the night.”

“Don’t let him use my room,” he blurted out. He didn’t want Luis’ scent on his pillows or sheets.

“We wouldn’t. He can use one of the guest rooms. Will you be all right driving home? Do you want Les or me to come pick you up?”

Tony took a deep breath. Fuck. He had to get hold of himself. He couldn’t let Randy figure out there might be more history between Luis and him than just being brothers-in-law.

“No. I’ll be fine. It’s been a tiring trip. I was up most of the night and not thinking clearly. I haven’t seen Luis, or any of my family, in over nine years. It’s a surprise to have one of them show up on your doorstep.”

He made his way to a bar, gesturing for the bartender to give him a beer.

“Okay. I’m home, so I have to hang up. If I learn anything, I’ll call you. Let us know when you land in Cheyenne.”

“Will do. Thanks, Randy, for everything.” He hung up and threw his phone on the bar.

Shit, he was fucking screwed. Why did it have to be Luis who came to talk to him?

Luis had