Page 44 of Stable Hand

Adam looked me over while he arranged his napkin. “How are you holding up?”

I felt a strange sense of pride in what I had accomplished so far. Strange because it seemed weird to be proud of sticking a butt plug into someone. I shrugged. “Fine. Good.”

“It sounds like you’re doing a great job. Liv and Brian can’t say enough good things about you.”

I blushed but I’d really needed the reassurance. “Thank you. That makes me feel like I’m on the right track.”

“They also said you handle the ponyboys like a natural”

I blinked at Adam. “Well, I do have experience settling obstinate animals. And keeping them happy and healthy.”

Adam grinned. “I’m, uh, glad you can translate that to fit our needs.”

“It’s not hard. Humans are still animals, right?”

Adam nodded. “They are.” He stared at me. “What did you take in university, Jensen?”

“Uh, well, finance. But I minored in anthropology.”

“Uh-huh. That’s an interesting combination.”

“Yes. Anyway, quite a few ancient civilizations created mythologies around half-human, half-animal creatures: Centaurs, mermaids, fauns.”

Adam laughed. “Okay then. I guess I don’t have to worry you’re having a hard time with your duties.” He forked some salad into his mouth and chewed. “How are things at the bunkhouse?”

The question was placed innocently enough. I hoped Adam hadn’t heard about Luke’s commandeering of the shower room.

“Good. I guess.”

“You guess? Everyone treating you okay?”

I might have hesitated too long before I nodded.

“You sure? I know how young men can be around somebody new. A bit of teasing is par for the course, but if anyone steps out of line with you, please let me or one of the trainers know.”

I smiled, covering my doubts. I didn’t want Adam to know what had happened between me and Luke was making me question my decision to stay. Because if I was falling in deep with someone who only wanted a fresh piece of ass, I wasn’t sure I’d recover.

“It’s a lot to take in. But I’m getting along okay.”

A paper plate with two hot dogs on it slipped onto the table under my nose. I looked up to see Luke plunk himself down on the bench opposite with a similarly adorned plate.

“Luke,” Adam said.

“Adam.”

“Nice of you to bring Jensen some supper.”

“He’s too skinny. Cowboy needs to eat.” Luke gazed hard at me as warmth and relief radiated through me.

Adam laughed. He stood up, grabbing his plate. “I’ll leave you to your dinner. I need to talk to Brian. Cheers.”

Luke nodded and I said, “Okay.”

I placed my hat on the table and smiled at Luke. “Thanks.”

“I didn’t know what you ate on your dogs, so I got you ketchup and mustard.”

“Sounds perfect.” I took a bite and chewed slowly, gazing across the table at him, remembering everything he’d made me feel.