“Of course. Any time. Honestly. Please remember, I’m here to help.”
He took another sip of his whiskey, and it went down smoother this time, like he understood it better.
“So Kacey and Ryder are where now? The sub lounge?” He’d bet Ryder was getting an eyeful. He was getting quite the vibe out here.
“Yes. Would you like me to text them to come back?”
“Sure. I think I’m prepared.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Let’s hope that’s not a bad sign.”
“I have faith in you, man. You’ve got this.”
That was nice to hear. “I’m ready.”
He watched as River texted, and it wasn’t a minute before they appeared.
Ryder seemed more than a little shell-shocked, a little overwhelmed, and completely happy to slide in next to him.
He understood. The club could be intimidating. He’d been here several times now, but his first visit had been eye-opening.
“Hello, cowboy.” He put an arm around Ryder’s shoulders and kissed his hair. “Would you like to try my drink?” He slid his half a finger of whiskey in Ryder’s direction.
“It smells good.” Ryder sipped a little, humming deep in his chest. “Oh, that’s nice.”
“Isn’t it? Help yourself. I can get another.” Kacey started to kneel, but River shook his head and patted the chair next to him and Kacey settled there with a smile. “I was overwhelmed when I came here for the first time.”
“It’s something else.” Ryder offered him a smile, leaning in the slightest bit. “Do you need anything, Sir?”
“Not right now. Not here.” He gave Ryder a wink. They were headed back to the estate in the morning, and once they got settled, it would be time to talk. Tonight they could just relax and enjoy the company.
“Fair enough.” Ryder leaned back, the colored lights shining off the silver hair.
Ryder was beautiful and smelled great. Charles had missed the cowboy all day long. He’d ask for what he needed when they left. That was just between the two of them, after all.
Just like the conversation they needed to have, and the lifestyle they would create together.
Just between the two of them.
18
Ryder was so tickled to be heading home for a few weeks. The lake house was quickly becoming his favorite place on earth.
Mister Charlie was dozing next to him, snoring softly, and Ryder was juggling his schedule a little bit, giving him more time to de-stress before supper.
It was actually Mister Charlie who’d decided they’d stay at the lake house for a while. Tomorrow, he had to make arrangements for Charles to attend some meetings by Zoom instead of in person. It seemed like they both wanted some time on their own.
It worked out like a charm, honestly, and he was tickled as hell. He wanted a chance to sit and watch the water, work on the garden, cook in the big kitchen, and drive his truck.
Roper
Yo how was NYC?
Roper’s text popped up, obscuring the calendar he was working on.
Ryder
Weird, cool. You know. I went to the bar. It was fine
It was actually cool, if a little crazy and overwhelming.