Chapter 21

“Rusty? Hell, Michigan, if y’all get any better at blowin’ me, you’ll kill me.” Then, evidently realizing what he’d just said, Jake tipped back his head and laughed. Recovering, Jake said, “Now it’s your turn.”

Brett nodded to the numerous pearly-white streaks on the ground between them. “No need.”

* * * *

After unsaddling the horses, a still gloriously naked Jake took out a blanket from one of his saddle bags, laid it on the ground, and arranged Poco and Willow’s saddles at one corner. Lying on the blanket, his head resting on a saddle, Jake beckoned Brett to come join him. Brett needed no second invitation.

“Used to sometimes find Pete ’n’ Joe like this. Always thought, when I got me my own pardner, I’d do jist the same.” Jake delivered a soft, closed-mouth kiss to Brett’s lips. “Thank you, darlin’, for lettin’ my dream come true.” Jake then adopted his sleep position of the other night and wrapped himself tightly around Brett.