Page 61 of Stable Hand

“I bet you’re pretty good with those lips too,” Callum said. “But I guess I should ask Luke.”

“Knock it off, Callum,” Ben said. “We’re here to play ball, not to talk about our cocks.”

“Speak for yourself,” Callum muttered, but the remark was his last as the game started.

*

We played four games, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the activity. It wasn’t a hardship to play volleyball surrounded by gorgeous, half-naked men and one really cute woman, who were all a little buzzed and intent on letting loose for the evening.

We won the first two games, then got trounced in the third and fourth. A tiebreaker was announced, and Luke’s team won by a margin.

Luke behaved himself, in general, except for the occasional curse or insult thrown at another player. But never Noah. Noah, he encouraged and helped since the guy looked completely out of his comfort zone. I could see Luke was holding in his obstinate tendencies in order to put up a good show of sportsmanship and not ruin the pleasant evening.

In the end, Luke’s team won the grand prize, which was a trip into town next week for lunch. Ben won the award for gamesmanship, me for effort/participation, and Kamal for Best Chest, which made everyone groan because, apparently, he won this award every year. I was not surprised. The man was built.

Kamal put his arm around Luke as we walked off the field and commented on his lack of rebelliousness during the game. “You played well, Luke. I told you if you focus on your performance and not everything you don’t like, you’ll be a star.”

Luke shrugged Kamal’s arm off and said, “I did it for Noah.”

Kamal let him go and gave me a resigned look. “That man is his own worst enemy.”

I nodded, watching Luke head over to the cooler and grab a beer. “Why does he come here if he hates the place so much?”

“He doesn’t hate the ranch,” Kamal said. “He needs the BCR. And he loves the place so much he has to pretend he hates it.” He shrugged. “He’s complicated. Luke’s got some issues. But being here helps him work them out. Even if it doesn’t seem like being here is helping him, it is.”

I wasn’t sure I believed Kamal, but I nodded.

“He’s a good guy, Jensen. He’s had…a rough time. It’s a wonder he can function at all.”

“What do you mean?”

Kamal shook his head. “You’ll have to get him to tell you. Might help too. But don’t push him. Wait until he’s ready.”

“Okay.”

“I can see he’s gotten attached to you right out of the gate. Don’t let him scare you.”

“He doesn’t. I like him,” I said.

Kamal smiled. “Good. He’s not as tough as he pretends. Cheers.”

I watched Kamal of the ‘Best Chest’ walk away and felt someone put my hat back on my head. I turned to Lorraine.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. You play pretty good for a greenhorn. But then, that’s been the general consensus here.” She grinned and winked. “Feels like you’re one of us. See you at the bonfire.”

I let the feeling of acceptance wash over me. I could barely remember my life before arriving at the BCR. I was glad I’d already found a place here.

Chapter Thirteen

I fixed my hat more comfortably on my head and picked up my shirt from the bench. I was so hot and sweaty I didn’t put it on.

“Fuck! You look hot, cowboy,” Luke said into my ear, wrapping an arm around my waist and tickling my belly with his long fingers.

I smiled and rested my hand on Luke’s arm. “I am hot. Sweaty, I mean.”

“I know exactly what you need,” Luke winked.