AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He began to feel a little unwell, his stomach churning. He pushed the heel of his hand against his stomach and tried to breathe in deep. Albie caught him. “Are you ill?”
He shook his head quickly, taking a step back. “No. I’m fine. I’ll bring the horses out. Is Robert ready?”
Albie gave a concerned nod, but there was sadness in his eyes too. “He was getting himself dressed when I left. I’ll go fetch him and see about some bread and fruit for breakfast.”
Percy nodded, and it was better not to meet Albie’s gaze. So he ignored Albie, pretending the entire conversation hadn’t even happened by making himself busy, so he began bringing the horses out. It was easier that way...
He didn’t want to lose his job.
But he also didn’t want to lose the friendship he’d newly forged with Albie. The first person in far too long to show him real kindness.
But oh boy, falling asleep in his arms had been the best night of his life.
He’d never experienced anything like it. It was heaven, and everything had felt right. Every doubt he’d had about himself was confirmed. Being with a man was what he truly wanted. Courting Emily at his parents’ wishes had given him nothing but dread and a greasy belly. But the idea of being with Albie was all heart flutters, tummy butterflies, and warmed blood.
He needed to lie in his arms again. He wanted to know what it felt like to touch his skin, to feel his kiss. He longed to feel Albie’s strong arms around him forever.
Though now, in the cold reality of daylight, he doubted he ever would again.
He was so conflicted, so torn. So devastated.
Mostly, he was terrified.
So closing himself off and getting back to work, making himself so busy Albie couldn’t fire him was the only thing Percy could do.
He readied the dogs and horses, and when they’d gone to the store, Percy made sure to take all of Albie’s wares and load the saddle bags. Oats, flour, sugar. Whatever Albie handed him, Percy took without question.
Without eye contact.
When they went to the stockyards, it seemed half the town was there. Crowded with people, horses, dogs, and noise.
Too much noise for Percy’s liking.
“I’ll stay with the horses,” he declared, taking their reins.
It made sense that Robert would go with Albie anyway. Like it made sense for Percy to stay out of everyone’s way and mind their horses and purchases, keeping his head down and out of trouble.
He didn’t know how long they’d be so he stayed at the back of the lot by the trees so the horses and dogs could rest before the trek home. So he could get his thoughts together.
He couldn’t believe what he’d told Albie in the stable. He couldn’t believe he’d uttered those words out loud to anyone, let alone him. A man he’d shared a bed with, no less.
“If I had to choose between her bed and yours, I would choose yours.”
Percy was mad at himself. Mad for being so foolish. Mad for hoping...
It was sometime later when Albie and Robert came back. Albie’s jaw was clenched and he had murder in his eyes, and Robert gave Percy a quick shake of his head, silently telling him not now. They mounted up and rode out of the saleyards without a word and began the trip home.
Even though Percy was curious, he wasn’t game to ask what happened. Business matters weren’t his concern, and he didn’t want to put himself in Albie’s firing line.
As it was, Albie kept a tight hold on Ox’s reins and he shifted in his saddle a time or two, clearly frustrated and angry. Percy had to wonder how long it’d take before Albie let some steam out, and he made it as far as the Flagstaff Road junction.
“That blasted McAllister,” he seethed. “I expected no less from him, but I’d given more credit to John Bailey than he’s worth, apparently. The man’s a coward.”
“You did well,” Robert said. “You kept your cool and Bailey knew you saw through him.”
Saw through him?
“What happened?” Percy asked. He couldn’t help it now they’d brought it up.
