Page 18 of Stirring Up Trouble (Saddle Up #1)

Sixteen

Blaze

Robin has been different since breakfast. I noticed it the second Leslie mentioned the rodeo wouldn’t be on our plate for another year.

Knowing my boy, he likely thought about what that meant for us, for our future. His mind had to be wondering about the next steps.

While I wanted to pull him aside and reassure him, it seemed like everyone wanted a piece of me. I couldn’t get people to fucking leave me alone long enough to take a breath, much less have a serious discussion with my boy.

And as if my day wasn't busy enough, I heard a voice right before lunch that completely decimated all other plans. I turned around right as Maddox reached me.

The big oaf pulled me into a back slapping hug as he chuckled and said, "Hey, cousin! Surprised to see me?"

I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him back as I shook my head. When we pulled apart, I stared him down. "What the fuck are you doing here? You didn't say you were coming right now."

He shrugged, then pointed over his shoulder. “My guys had a free couple of days. We squeezed it in instead of taking a vacation of our own, which by the way, means I'm missing out on some alone time, if you know what I mean.” He waggled his brows at me.

I shoved him away. "I don't need to know what you and your men are getting up to, but it is good to see you. I needed a breath of fresh air. Having a surprise visit from family definitely gives me an excuse to tell all these other people to leave me the fuck alone."

Maddox raised his hands as if surrendering.

“Easy tiger. I didn't think you’d be so temperamental today.” He dropped his hands, then tilted his head.

“Actually that's a lie. You're always somewhat temperamental.

But this seems more. Want to tell me what's going on before the other two get over here?”

I opened my mouth to share the truth with him and paused.

Could I just blurt it all out to Maddox?

Would he be supportive? I mean he was gay and had two boyfriends.

The man was pretty open-minded. And he did love me.

We were family. He wouldn't shun me or tell me I was an idiot.

Maybe he could even help me figure out what the hell to tell Robin to convince him to stay.

Considering he was now in a committed relationship with his former biggest rival and the man who owned the team the two of them play for, he had experience with difficult situations when it came to romance.

Before I could get the words out, there was a loud ring of laughter. Maddox spun around, and I stepped up beside him, following his gaze. There across the space from us was Jake Bellport clapping and bouncing on his toes with glee. Leon stood behind him, arms crossed and a soft smile on his face.

A second later, I realized who he was talking to.

Robin. My Robin .

My boy was holding his clipboard to his chest as he laughed along with Jake.

“Looks like Jake's already made a friend. Anyone you know?” Maddox asked.

I was unable to pull my gaze away as I nodded slowly.

Maddox hummed. “Yeah, I bet you know him all right.”

The way he said it had my gaze turning his way. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“You know exactly what it means, cousin. I've seen how you look at other people. You want to take a bite out of that man right there. Why haven't you?”

Again I opened my mouth, but the words didn't come out. Thankfully, I was interrupted when Jake came skipping over with Robin and Leon right behind him.

“Hello there, Cousin Blaze,” Jake said with a teasing tone in his voice.

Ever since the first time I met him, and he realized my name was legally Blaze, he's been enamored with using it all the time.

He also liked to be able to call me cousin because he wants more family.

Never mind he has a big family himself plus all the extended couples and siblings that come along with it.

There's even a group of Daddies that have become a big family of sorts from the way Maddox told me.

“Hello, Cousin Jake.” His grin grew at hearing the laughter in my voice.

Robin was taking in the conversation between us with wide eyes. I held my hand out for him to come join me. When he did, I tucked him into my side. Jake's eyes lit up, then he spun in a circle quickly and grabbed Leon.

“Look, Daddy Lee! Cousin Blaze has someone and it's a man.” He spoke dramatically in a whisper that wasn't really a whisper.

Leon shook his head, then wrapped his arms around Jake to keep him still. It wouldn't last long, but I appreciated the effort since I felt dizzy just watching the other man. The amount of energy he had was unreal. If he could bottle it up and sell it, he'd be even richer than he was now.

“Why don't you let Cousin Blaze tell us what he's got going on,” Leon suggested. “Good to see you again by the way.” The last part was directed at me.

“Good to see you too, Leon. I still don't know how you two handle him.”

Maddox bumped my shoulder. “You don't have to worry about that. What you should worry about is telling me who this young man is.”

My annoying cousin shifted around me, moving to Jake's other side. He held his hand out to Robin. “I’m Maddox, this big idiot's cousin on his mama's side of course.”

Robin smiled and shook his hand. “Of course! I'm Robin.”

They continued to shake hands as Maddox waited for him to elaborate. I pulled their hands apart after a few more seconds, tired of my cousin holding on to my boy as I said, “Robin is my partner. My boyfriend. Whatever you want to call him. He's mine.”

Jake shivered. “Oh, there's just something about his voice that's all deep and growly. Do you know what I mean, Robin?”

My boy nodded and bit his lip. “It's really hot.”

Jake cracked up at that, as did Leon and Maddox. Robin blushed and turned his face into my neck.

“Don't be shy baby. These three are just a bunch of goofballs. They love to play around and tease people. Besides, I like that you like my deep voice. You are mine .”

I kissed his forehead, then turned back to see the others staring at me slack-jawed.

“It's rare to see you so….” Maddox waved his hand.

Leon finished the statement declaring, “Cuddly,” with a firm tone.

Jake sighed. “Yeah, cuddly. He's definitely got big teddy bear energy right now. You know except if teddy bears had abs and biceps and a really clean-cut jaw.”

Leon squeezed Jake closer, then leaned down to whisper in his ear. The way the other man's pupils dilated and his whole body went slack meant it was some kind of promise I didn't need to know the details of.

Maddox cleared his throat to draw our attention. “Anyway — SURPRISE! We're here. We'd love to help if you need it. If not, tell us where to get some grub and how to have some fun. It's been a hot minute since I've been to a rodeo, you know.”

I smiled. “Yes, it has been a while. Don't those hockey contracts tell you not to get into any dangerous situations? Or is that just something made up on the internet?”

Leon, who had a smirk the size of Texas on his face, gave me a firm nod. “It's real. Which means none of us are getting on a horse or a bull or anything.”

A noise of discontent tore out of Jake. “I really want to get on something, and not a hockey player.” He made grabbing hands as he waved his arms around. “Load me up with all the cutest animals in the world.”

Robin looked at me, then to Jake. “Do you want me to take him? I could maybe get him on one of the gentle horses. Definitely not May.”

Jake's hands went to his hips. “Who's May, and why can't I be a part of this secret society that rides them?”

Before Robin could interrupt, Maddox was stepping in front of Jake. He pointed his finger in my direction. “Don't tell me you still have that fucking crazy horse of yours.”

Not one to be left out, Jake leaned around him. “It's a horse? Yes I love horses. Let me ride a horse, please.”

I smiled at him before turning to Maddox. “I do still have my perfect little angel May. Sorry to tell you, Jake,” I directed to the other man, “but May only lets me and Robin ride her. She won’t just let anyone hop on.”

Jake's bottom lip stuck out. “Well, that's just mean. Daddy Maddy, I want to ride a horse.” He stomped his foot, acting like a brat. The two men beside him took it in with smiles on their faces. This was just a normal day for them.

Meanwhile, Robin watched the entire interaction with interest. I knew it was because Jake had let the Daddy titles fly so easily. Robin had spent time with the men of the Coleman Ranch, but not as much as he likely could have.

I think seeing the dynamic in action was eye-opening for him. Jake being so carefree about it all probably helped Robin realize that it wasn't as unconventional as he probably thought. That this thing between us could just be a natural relationship.

Maybe it would also ease some of the fear he had about our time after the rodeo because I intended to find a way to keep him with me, whatever that entailed.

If I had to build my own goddamn vet clinic on my land and have people come visit us, which heaven forbid, would suck because I love my privacy, then I would.

Robin spoke up next, which drew my attention back to the conversation. “I think that we could probably eat and then do horses if that's okay with everyone.”

He looked to me, waiting for my agreement before turning to the others. When I gave a nod, Maddox and Leon followed as well with their acceptance. Jake did a happy dance, then reached out for Robin's hands. The clipboard he held started to fall, but I grabbed it just in time.

Jake winked at me, throwing out, “Thanks,” before tugging Robin free. The two skipped away. Or at least Jake skipped. Robin shuffled quickly to keep up with the exuberant boy at his side.

Maddox and Leon flanked me, the pair giving me big smiles.

“I think the two of them are gonna be great friends. How did this happen anyway?” Maddox asked me.

I shrugged. “He showed up at my house. I needed some help with the rodeo after some volunteers couldn't make it in, so I called a favor with the Coleman Ranch.”

Maddox's brows rose. “Wow! The Colemans. I hadn't thought about them in forever. Whatever happened to Clancy?”

A frown covered my features. “He passed a while ago. It's been a transition time much like I've been having to deal with. Atticus sent over three men. One wound up being Robin, and from there, it was impossible to ignore the connection we had.”

“Sounds like the love bug hit you.” Leon said, placing his hand on my shoulder. “It smacked me and Maddox straight on our asses, so we totally get it. No judgment here. But I do want to inquire… I also got some other vibes. Is there something you want to share with us?”

My cousin snorted. “Jake just called us both Daddy in front of them. Blaze is well aware of our dynamic. I don't think he would care much if we were being nosy when it's just us.”

I smiled at the pair, then nodded for us to walk. The longer we stood still, the more likely someone would approach to ask me something, and I really didn't want to get stopped again.

Maddox and Leon were both big men. Bigger than me in some ways. Though Maddox didn't resemble me all that much given the difference in our skin tones and facial features, he still had an ease about him that would let people know we were close. Hopefully that was enough to keep them at bay.

“There is more to it,” I admitted after we made it a ways through the back area. “I have always been a Daddy, which Maddox probably knew but forgot since we don’t talk about it much; however, I’ve never had a boy because I thought I was straight this whole time.”

Leon coughed. “You've never been with a man before this?” He kept his voice low, which I appreciated. Not because I didn't want people to know — they obviously knew given the display of affection I've been putting on with Robin — but I didn't need them questioning me the way these two would.

They could get away with being personal. Others couldn't.

“Yeah, it's a first for me. But I gotta admit, it's been insanely natural. It’s like this was what I was supposed to do all along.

It's opened my eyes, and I don't want anyone but Robin.

My sexuality is just what it is. Technically, I know it would be bisexual or pansexual, I think.

I don't care about titles though. I care about him. I want him to be mine.”

We stopped as we reached the edge of the food section.

The trucks were all lined up, and we could see Jake and Robin looking over the menus as they talked rapidly about something.

I smiled at the sight of Robin so happy.

It was better than the moody downturned expression he’d had since this morning.

My boy was an overthinker. Sometimes he needed someone who underthought to get his mind off things. Though that wasn't fair to Jake. His mind just raced so fast I don't think he had time to be nervous. He was actually really fucking smart.

Maddox stepped in front of my line of sight, his expression serious. “Whatever you need help with, we’ll make it happen. We can convince him that you're a good guy or help move all his stuff or pay for a flight or whatever you need. I know the Coleman Ranch isn't anywhere near here.”

I nodded. “Yeah, it's several hours away. Not close enough for frequent visits but not so far as to make it impossible either.”

“Would you do long distance?” Leon asked.

“I mean, I would do whatever it took to have him. I'm hoping I can convince him that being here is worth it.”

Maddox hummed. “Then it sounds like we need to put a plan together, and you know who's really good at planning.” He motioned to himself and Leon. “We have one of the best hockey teams in the world. We're very strategic, very efficient. Let us help you get your man.”

Leon shook his head. “He sounds like a salesman. What is with this version of Maddox?”

My cousin rolled his eyes, looking very much like his other boyfriend at the moment. “I’m just trying to help Blaze out. The bigger the family the better. Plus Jake's already attached to him. We can't let him get away. Just look at them.”

We all turned towards the boys.

I don't know how Maddox knew what they looked like considering his back had been to them. Sure enough, they were huddled up together at one of the windows ordering their food. From behind, it was obvious how close they had become in such a short time, and my cousin was right.

There was no way we could let the two of them lose touch. Whatever happened, Jake, Maddox, and Leon were going to be a part of Robin's life, which meant I would be a part of his life.

I wanted to keep my role as his Daddy. Nothing less would do.