Easton [Belt Buckle Ranch 4] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) Read online

  “Why are you dressed up?” Oliver asked him when they were both settled in the back seat of Wyatt’s extended cab truck.

  “I’m not dressed up,” Easton insisted.

  It was the same conversation he’d had with Jared and Gabe before getting into Wyatt’s truck. Yes, he was trying to look nice. He wanted to impress Trent, but he didn’t want his brothers to know. It was embarrassing enough that they all considered him to be a naïve little country boy. He didn’t want them to know he had his sights set on Trent.

  His first and only interaction with Trent had been inside his father’s office when the older man read William Rickett’s last will and testament. He’d felt a connection each time Trent’s green eyes flashed up from the documents. He’d wanted to say something before Trent left the ranch, but refrained. He didn’t feel it would be appropriate.

  Now, a couple months later, he figured enough time had passed that he could ask Trent out on a date. Sitting up straight inside the cab, he smoothed out the front of his long-sleeve button-up shirt.

  “You ironed your shirt, Easton. As far as I’m concerned, that’s dressed up,” Oliver told him, but the man didn’t push for an answer.

  Wyatt drove down the long dirt and gravel driveway. The truck dipped and bounced, seeming to hit each rut in the road as they left the ranch behind. When they finally hit concrete, Wyatt turned the truck down another path. The truck passed under a huge metal sign that read Twin Acres, and Easton’s heart skipped a beat. The closer they got, the more nervous he became.

  Keeping his hands folded in his lap, Easton took a few deep breathes. He kept quiet as the others chatted around him.

  Although he didn’t have much experience with men, he wasn’t a virgin. In the small town where he grew up, most folks didn’t talk openly about homosexuality, so Easton kept his thoughts and feelings under lock and key. He could only truly be himself once a month when he took the work truck into one of the larger cities to gather supplies. On those days, he’d stay the night in a cheap motel and visit a small hole-in-the-wall bar. He only stayed long enough to find company for the night. Then, first thing in the morning, he’d head back home with a smile on his face and memories to last him until his next visit.

  “What does that little smile mean?” Oliver asked, breaking him from his thoughts, and Easton shook his head. “Come on, stud, let’s get some grub.”

  Oliver opened the door and climbed out of the truck and Easton followed his lead. When his boot-covered feet touched the ground, Easton straightened. He wasn’t going to chicken out. Today, he was going to ask Trent out on a date and if the older man rejected him, it would be okay. Giving himself a little pep talk, Easton shut the door and trailed behind Wyatt, Jackson, and Oliver toward the front door.

  “Hey, guys.” Jared opened the screen door. It seemed he’d beaten them all to the house by driving straight through the property instead of driving around like Wyatt. “They’re out back.”

  Easton was the last one through the door. Looking around, his eyes widened. The place was incredible, more so than anything his imagination could’ve dreamed up. The first thing that caught his attention was the huge vaulted ceilings and the exposed wooden beams that created an unusual artistic design. Throughout the wood beams were iron rod ties and Easton wondered if they served a specific function or if they were there for decoration. The ceiling was painted a light green, but it didn’t take away from the wood work, if anything, it enhanced the space.

  Walking further into the living room, he closed the door, and moved closer to the floor-to-ceiling windows along the back wall. The view was spectacular, looking out onto Trent’s property—green trees and beautiful mountains as far as the eye could see. Taking a deep breath, he turned around and surveyed the rest of the room—a giant rock fireplace, two leather couches, and polished antique furniture.

  There were a few frames sitting on top of the shiny coffee table and his curiosity grew. Shuffling his feet across the huge throw rug, Easton stared down at the intricately designed pattern. He shook his head and carefully stepped close to the coffee table. He didn’t want to disturb the space. It was obvious Trent took great care in keeping his home perfectly clean and organized.

  Lifting the silver frame from its perch, he studied the smiling faces. Easton knew right away that the two smiling faces belonged to Trent and his twin brother. They were identical in every way except one man was wearing a police officer’s uniform.

  “That’s Trent and his brother, Todd,” a voice said from behind him and Easton yelped, the frame slipping from his hand. He caught it before it had a chance to hit the ground and he sighed in relief. “I’m sorry,” Jacob Monroe said. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  His heart pounding rapidly, Easton placed the frame carefully onto the table. “Was Trent a police officer?” Easton asked, as he stared at the picture.

  “Yeah.” Jacob dropped carelessly onto one of the couches. “We were partners in Boston before Todd…” Died went unsaid, but Easton knew that Trent’s brother had passed away. Wyatt had shared that bit of information about Trent without revealing anything else. “Trent left the department and came back here when he got the news. He took charge of Twin Acres and made it what it is today. He’s been here about eight years or so.”

  “Why did you move here?” Easton asked, finally looking up from the picture. He walked around the coffee table and sat down on the opposite end of the couch.

  “I came here to visit Trent. I was worried about him. When I got here, I really liked the area and decided it was time for a change.” Jacob shrugged. “I opened my bar, Marilyn’s, and the rest is history. I’ve been here ever since and I really love the place.” Easton nodded his understanding before Jared asked, “How do you like living at the ranch?”

  “I like it here.” He smiled, thinking about the Belt Buckle ranch and his brothers. Everyone at the ranch made him feel welcome. “It’s nothing like Oklahoma.”

  “I can imagine.” Jacob chuckled lightly. “I didn’t get a chance to thank you for leaving me Jared’s number when you helped clean up the bar.”

  Easton rubbed the back of his neck. Jared hadn’t thanked him for leaving his number behind that day. His brother had been upset. Luckily the man got over it fairly quickly and made up with Jacob. The two men were now together and Jacob had pretty much moved into Jared’s bedroom.

  “I’m just glad everything worked out.”

  “Anyway…” Jacob stood up. “Jared sent me in here to find you.”

  “I got a little sidetracked.” Easton stood up and looked around once more. He wanted to ask more questions about Trent, but refrained.

  “The view is pretty amazing, but you’ll have to see it from outside on the porch.” Jacob tilted his head toward the back yard. “The food is almost ready. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out, especially when Trent’s cooking. He’s a grill master.”

  “I can’t wait.” Easton followed Jared through the kitchen.

  The whole house seemed more like a museum than a home. It didn’t feel lived in. A pang of grief touched his heart, thinking about Trent and how lonely he must be. Making their way to the back door, voices and laughter filtered in through the screen door.

  They stepped out onto the back patio and Easton surveyed the group sitting around a couple of large tables. Trent was standing in front of the grill, talking with Wyatt. He stared longingly at the man, wishing he was in Wyatt’s place, receiving all of Trent’s attention. Ignoring his wayward thoughts, Easton went toward the table where Oliver, Jared, Robbie, and Jackson were seated.

  “Did you get lost?” Oliver asked, raising a brow, and all eyes turned toward him.

  “Uh…how’re the wedding plans coming along, Cody?” Easton asked, completely changing the subject and getting the attention off of himself and onto someone else.

  The cowboy chuckled lightly and winked at him knowingly. It was nice to see Robbie and Cody together, holding hands and cuddling close. Easton was
n’t at the Belt Buckle ranch when Robbie arrived and met Cody, but he did have front row seat for most of their relationship. And now, the two were planning to get married.

  “We’re just planning a small ceremony at the ranch,” Cody told him, before placing a kiss on Robbie’s lips.

  “What about a bachelor party?” Oliver asked.

  “We could do a joint party at Marilyn’s, if you guys want,” Jacob offered.

  “Sure.” Robbie shrugged. “If that’s what Cody wants.”

  “I wouldn’t mind dancing with you again.” The cowboy winked and Robbie chuckled.

  Trent leaned over the table and placed a large tray of barbeque ribs and chicken in the center. Oliver reached for the plate first, stabbing a few pieces of chicken and transferring them to his plate.

  “Damn, I’m starving.” He sank his teeth into a chicken breast and moaned, licking the sauce from his lips.

  “Oh, stop it.” Susan Hunt gently elbowed him in the side, rolling her eyes, and Easton chuckled.

  Oliver had been complaining since he woke up. Mrs. Hunt did the cooking at the ranch and had prevented Oliver from entering the kitchen. She didn’t want them getting filled up on a giant meal so instead of the usual hot breakfast, they had been given cold cereal.

  Trent joined them at the table and started passing the food around so that each person could pile their plates high. When everyone started eating, Trent took the opportunity to talk to them.

  “I’m sure you’re all wondering why I’m having this little get together. As the executor, I made a lot promises to William. One of those promises was to make sure that everything is flowing smoothly at the ranch. If you need anything at all, I’m here. I want to make sure that you all are successful.” He looked around the table.

  “I think we’re all fine.” Jackson looked around the table and Easton nodded his agreement. “We’re just living and working.”

  “Wyatt is a wonderful foreman so I’m sure he’s got everything under control, but if you all need anything, I’m here to help,” Trent said.

  The meal progressed fairly quickly after their brief conversation, everyone digging into their food. After the meal, most of the guys toured Trent’s state-of-the-art barn. Wyatt took the lead, but Easton decided not to join the group. He didn’t need to see more of the same.

  Easton took his drink and went to the front. He walked around the wraparound porch and watched the late afternoon sun. Dropping into one of the chairs, he sipped his beer and rocked back and forth. Throughout the entire meal, he’d had a hard time keeping his eyes off Trent or keeping his mind from wondering. The older man sat at the head of the table and Easton had envisioned himself kneeling next to Trent’s chair, minus the rest of the men at the table. Leaning forward he placed his elbows on his thighs and took a deep breath.

  The screen door slammed shut and Easton looked up and waited. It didn’t take long before Trent was staring at him and finally, Easton got his wish. He was alone with Trent. This was his chance. Slowly standing up, Easton built up his courage. The words were on the tip of his tongue but before he could utter a single syllable, Trent cupped his cheek.

  “Stop dreaming about something that can never be. I’m not a gentle man, boy, and you’re too soft,” Trent said, and as if to prove his point, he rubbed his palm against Easton’s shaved cheek.

  Chapter 2

  One Week Later

  Easton woke up before the sun. Stretching his arms above his head, he stared up at the ceiling and took a few cleansing breaths. The house was silent and Easton knew that everyone was still asleep. Rolling out of bed, Easton shuffled his feet as he made his way to the bathroom. He flipped on the light and turned the faucet on, splashing cold water onto his face.

  Placing both hands on the counter, Easton looked at his reflection in the mirror as the drops of water ran down his face. He studied himself, wondering why Trent considered him soft. He may be the youngest of his half-brothers, but he was still a man. With short wavy blond hair, brown eyes, and a fit body, most of the older men he was attracted to assumed he was a naïve, innocent virgin.

  Why doesn’t Trent want me? He’d been asking himself that question since meeting the man. It was strange. Easton could almost swear the two had a connection the day they’d met. He could still remember Trent arriving at the Belt Buckle Ranch with the legal documents. Being the executor of William’s will, Trent had taken command of the meeting. He was a natural leader and Easton wanted to do as he commanded. It was exciting. Just thinking about the man heated up Easton’s blood and made his cock harden in seconds.

  Shaking his head, Easton grabbed his toothbrush and toothpaste, going through his normal morning routine. He didn’t bother with a shower since he’d be working outside, sweating his ass off under the sun. Pulling off the soft pajama pants over his bubble butt, Easton shook his hips, allowing the material to fall down his legs and pool at his feet.

  He abandoned his pajamas on the floor and strode back into the bedroom. Opening the top drawer, Easton grabbed clean pair of boxer briefs and slid them on. He opened the second drawer and pulled out a pair of Wranglers before grabbing a clean shirt. Taking a deep breath, Easton got dressed.

  This was his normal routine every morning and although he loved the ranch and he was getting along great with his brothers, something was missing. Back home in Oklahoma, he lived to take care of his grandparents and to make the farm a success. Living here on the ranch, Easton worked day and night. He occasionally went out to the small bar in town called, Marilyn’s, but he wasn’t looking for casual sex or a one-nighter. He wanted more. He wanted what Jackson, Robbie, and Jared had found…love.

  Easton scoffed at his own romantic thoughts as he shoved his sock-covered feet into his worn cowboy boots. He needed to get his head out of the clouds and get to work. Since the barbeque at Trent’s, he needed the labor to take his mind off the man. He’d been outside on the front porch all alone when Trent stepped out.

  There was something that called to Easton on a purely sexual level. The two stared at one another and something unexplainable passed between them. Easton felt it deep in his bones. The attraction was indescribable—like a rope was tied around his midsection pulling him to Trent. He could still hear the man’s words clear as a bell.

  Stop dreaming about something that can never be. I’m not a gentle man, boy, and you’re too soft.

  And with those words hanging in the air between them, Trent walked away. Easton hadn’t said a single word. He just stared at the man’s back as he disappeared into the barn. An air of dominance surrounded Trent like a thick blanket, and Easton was desperate for a taste. He’d never looked at a man and wished to be stripped down and forced to his knees. His thoughts and dreams had been consumed with vivid pictures of Trent since they’d met.

  Easton groaned, smacking himself in the forehead. Stop thinking about him! Leaving his bedroom, Easton headed toward the kitchen. He made himself a quick bite to eat before going out to the barn.

  The familiar smell of leather, hay, manure, and horses filled his nose. Oddly enough, Easton liked the various smells inside the barn. He didn’t even mind the manure. Cleaning out the stalls, he’d get a nose full, but it was mostly broken down grains and grass. Other workers were bothered by the smells, but after a lifetime of working with animals, Easton wasn’t fazed.

  “Good morning,” Easton called out, and the horses made various sounds in greeting.

  Easton walked down the center of the barn, smiling at all the horses. He stopped at a few stalls along the way—petting a few heads and patting necks—before going to the feed room. Opening the door, Easton grabbed one of the wheel barrows and using a large handheld scooper, filled it with sweet feed for the horses.

  “Damn, man,” Jackson said, and Easton looked over as the man leaned against the door frame. “You’re up early. Everything okay?” he asked on a yawn.

  “I’m always up early.” Easton dropped the scoop into the feed and grabbed the hand
les on the wheel barrow. He kept the single wheel balanced as he walked back toward the stalls and the hungry horses waiting for their breakfast.

  “You didn’t answer my question, Easton.” Jackson trailed after him. “You’ve been quiet lately. Are you doing okay?”

  “Yeah, sure.” He shrugged.

  “You know I’m here for you if you need anything, right?” Jackson asked as Easton started scooping feed into the buckets for the horses. “We all are. If you’re feeling homesick, you can always take a break and go to visit your grandma.”

  “I might take you up on that.” Easton smiled. He missed his grandma and thought of her often. Although they spoke on the phone, Easton missed her hugs and the smell of her perfume. She’d been wearing the same fragrance since he was a little boy, Estee Lauder, Youth Dew.

  “I’ll talk to Wyatt. Whenever you’re ready to take a little vacation, let us know. We don’t want you working yourself to death, man.” Jackson gripped his shoulder and Easton looked at him. “I’m serious. Would you please consider sleeping in at least one day a week, because you’re making the rest of us look bad?”

  Jackson chuckled and Easton grinned. “I’ll consider it.”

  “Thank you…the slackers would really appreciate it.” Jackson patted his back and Easton chuckled, watching his brother leave the barn.

  Easton went through the morning chores as the sun slowly woke up and rose above the horizon. Other ranch hands came into the barn and went out, carrying on with their daily activities. Saddling Daisy, Easton climbed onto the back of the horse and headed out toward the east pasture, ready for more work. Each day he worked himself until he stumbled up the stairs, took a shower, and passed out from sheer exhaustion.

  “Hey, Easton!” Wyatt hollered.

  “Morning, Wyatt.” Easton grinned, clicking his tongue and sending Daisy into a trot.

  “Trent needs some help over at his place. You interested?” Wyatt asked and Easton’s heart shot up to his throat.