“Good thing I could ride if I was dead, huh?” Jack winked at him, grin evil.
“Let’s not test that assumption, baby. Last night’s show was wild enough for me.” He flopped over into the pillows and stretched. “You can ride. I’m not sure I can walk.”
Jack chuckled and reached over, patting his belly with a clumsy hand.
“I want a shower. And more waffles.” He snuggled against Jack and sighed. He was wrung out. “When I can move again.”
“Let me know when that happens.” Jack winked at him, then closed his eyes.
13
It was a nice drive to Denver, the late summer sun like a balm on his arm.
The horses were settled at Mackey’s, and the hand Mackey hired was a good kid. Angelica had a fine touch with them and was happy to add them to the animals Mackey had bought.
Then he’d peeked at the land next to Mackey and Sid, taken some pictures, that sort of thing.
He’d almost cancelled a half dozen times with Hudson, but he hadn’t managed to do it.
Hell, the last time he’d picked up his phone to back out, Mackey had covered his hand, and he’d shook his head.
“Give it a try. Just this once.”
He shouldn’t. He knew he shouldn’t, but he was going to. He didn’t want to be needy. He didn’t want anyone to ever say again that he was a selfish, clingy bastard.
He didn’t ever want to be the one who got left.
Jack just wasn’t quite ready to leave Hudson. The sweet son of a bitch called to him, like in his marrow.
He sighed and punched his phone, intending to call Mackey. Of course he hit Hudson’s number first. He rolled his eyes at himself, intending to leave a voice mail saying hi.
“Hey, Jack.” Hudson’s tone sounded tentative, a little unsure. “What’s up?”
“Hey, darlin’. I’m in Idaho Springs. Just wanted to check in. GPS says I’ll see you in an hour, take or give.” And he wasn’t going to turn around. He wanted to get out and walk some.
“Oh yeah?” Hudson puffed out a breath like he’d been holding it. “Good. An hour is great. I can’t wait.”
“Do you need me to stop for anything on the way, darlin’?” He reckoned he’d pass a thousand stores on the way into town.
“I don’t think so. I went shopping. I’m making dinner.” Hudson sounded happy now, so whatever rain cloud he answered the phone under had moved on.
“Yeah? Cool!” He’d be damned. Hudson could cook. “What’re you making?”
“Just some grilled pork chops. Nothing fancy. They’ll be ready when you get here.”
Grilling was cooking he understood. “I like pork chops just fine. I’ll see you in a bit. You change your mind and need me to stop, holler.”
“I will. Drive safe. See you soon.” Hudson hung up and the truck went quiet.
He didn’t call Mackey, because he needed to focus. The traffic in Denver wasn’t evil, but it wasn’t the most fun in history either, and Hudson lived in a fancy-assed part of town. Jack found a place to park and grabbed his go bag from the truck.
Huh.
Look at all that glass.
He pulled on the door handle, and it didn’t budge, and a second try didn’t help either. He looked around and found a box with numbers on it and hit the one that was the same as Hudson’s apartment.
“Jack.”