Hudson nodded, blushing just a little, and took his steak off the tray with his fork. “Perfect. Thank you. Smells so good.”
“You’re welcome.” Mackey winked at Hudson. “You’re the first guy he’s brought home to us, you know.”
“Mackey…” Jack didn’t need that shit.
“It’s true!”
He nodded. “And Hudson knows it.”
Hudson rested a hand on his knee and rubbed, like he was quieting a horse. “It makes me feel special. Jack’s good at that.”
He didn’t resist the urge to stick his tongue out at Mackey, who cracked up.
Sid whistled softly. “I wasn’t sure anyone was going to be able to tie Jack down. Not after all the stories I’ve heard.”
Jack fastened Sid with a look, and he heard the kick Mackey shot out. “That’s not our kink, thanks.”He knew full well what Sid meant, but he had no intention of going there. That was real close to mean.
“Sorry, Jack. Totally misread the room.” Sid picked up his beer and took a long sip.
“I understand the confusion, though, you being so good with a rope and all.” Hudson gave him a warm smile and wink.
“Yeah, yeah. I just want to be with Hudson some. We got to feel this out together.” And that was that. They had to figure it out together.
“Of course. I’ll gag Sid tonight so he’ll be extra polite tomorrow.”
“Shut up.” Sid rolled his eyes.
“Seriously. Y’all are welcome, and you should relax here.” Mackey passed Hudson the salad. “You started out well.”
Hudson chuckled, but the blush was unmistakable now. How had he never noticed how much Hudson blushed before?
“You’re going to be fine, darlin’. Enjoy your steak, huh?”
“Oh, it’s amazing.” Hudson passed the salad on to Sid and took another bite. “You’re a grill master, Mackey.”
“I like it a lot, so thanks. There’s no takeout here, huh?” Mackey grinned and winked. “Of course, we travel a lot, don’t we?”
“This is so much better than takeout or hotel food.” Hudson was practically dancing in his chair.
“Jack, Mercy and Grace are doing so well.” Sid forked up a bit of salad. “Wait until you see them.”
“Oh, yeah. Even their coats look better,” Mackey agreed. “They’re not stressed at all.”
“Good. Good, I don’t want to bother them if they’re settled for the night, but I think they’re going to be solid mounts.” Jack wanted to get out there and start loving on them, gentling them to his touch. He wanted to get Hudson in the saddle and watch him ride.
“We’ll go for a hike tomorrow and show Hudson around.”
“Or we can take out the ATVs.” Sid grinned. “Mackey bought them for me.”
“Oh, man! Lucky!” Hudson beamed at Sid. “Do you ride horses too, or are you a four-wheeler-all-the-way guy?”
“Mackey taught me to ride. I’m not these guys, but I can keep my butt in a saddle. You?”
He’d seen Sid ride. The guy did okay.
“Ugh. I am clueless but willing to learn.”
“You’ll be fine. I have faith.” In fact, he had no doubt that he could get Hudson in a saddle.