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“Seems much better than the little nub he somehow keeps knotted,” I say. “And not many more than usual, but the upcoming outdoor movie night needs a feature film so we’re choosing that tonight.”
Matt nods and steals a glance at Caleb, who is now fiddling with the satchel that’s ready for the pot.
I clear my throat. “I hope everyone can come. It’ll mean a whole lot to Sam for there to be a good turnout and I can promise the movie won’t suck.” It’s Caleb’s turn to peek at Matt who is examining the steaming pot. Caleb stands up a little taller and holds out the herbs to my little brother. “Yeah, I bet I can make it.”
Even though Matt is a few inches taller than Caleb, he somehow looks up at the former rodeo star through his lashes as he takes the bundle and gives him a half-smile. “Me, too.”
Caleb stuffs his hands into the pockets of Bryant’s grilling apron and shuffles backwards to the pile of veggies waiting to be peeled and diced.
“We’re going to have to get you your own apron for here, especially with how much help you’ve been while Matt preps these big batches for other families,” I tell Caleb.
“I’ve told Matt I don’t need to wear one,” he mumbles.
“You do, too,” Matt cuts in. “It’s not like we’re changing into clothes just for cooking, so it’s about keeping the food cleaner for everyone else. And Tommy’s right, we can pop into town later today and get you one.”
Caleb looks over his shoulder at Matt and his ears get a little brighter at the tips. “Fine, I suppose that would make sense.”
“Good,” I say, rubbing my palms together. “Don’t forget to bring extra clothes here, too.”
“Oh, I did last week when Sam came to ride Bella.”
“Perfect, you can sleep here any time, too.”
Matt shifts uncomfortably by the stove.
I know Caleb hasn’t been sleeping here, but now I’m wondering if he might be forgoing any of the spare bedrooms in favor of Matt’s if he ever does. There’s an awkward silence and the two of them are entirely too focused on what’s in front of them.
“Alright, I’m going to head out in a few, but I can tell the guys to come in for dinner soon on my way,” I offer.
Matt cracks open the oven door and lifts the tin foil lid to check the lasagna he and Caleb prepped an hour ago. He looks relieved to have something more concrete to do. “An hour should do it, thanks.”
Chapter 43: Sam
As usual, which might sound silly to consider something a “usual” if it has only been just over a week, Tommy’s text tells me he’s a little early and I practically skip down the steps to see him. We keep finding time to see each other throughout the week, even when we don’t have meetings, but I love that he picks me up for everything.
Except for horseback riding. I drive myself to the ranch for those where I haven’t seen Gerald-the-wolf-dog since my first lesson.
Tommy’s watching the door as he leans against the side of his truck and has a big smile when I exit the building. A few steps later and I’m in his arms, letting out a little squeal when he lifts me and spins us around. I laugh as my feet touch the ground once more and I raise up to my toes to kiss him. It’s quick, like anything where we’re remotely in public, but it still sends a shiver down my spine. Our alone time has been minimal since Tommy blew right past the number of orgasms I’d received from someone I was dating and I’m itching for something other than slightly frantic make out sessions soon.
“You ready to go pick out a movie?” he asks, grabbing my hand and walking me to the passenger side of the truck. He opens the door, and the hand that held mine trails along my waist as I heft myself, with some grace, into the seat.
“Are you complaining about the past selections?”
“So someone really did select those?”
“Just you wait until you see the list of what we’re licensed to share and you’ll be singing a different tune.”
“We’ll see about that,” he says, closing my door. I watch him walk in front of the truck and he looks back at me with a content expression on his face.
“I’d love to know where all of this confidence is coming from,” I say.
“I have resources that shall remain a mystery.” He puts his cowboy hat in the back seat and runs his hand through his hair, one piece stubbornly falling onto his forehead immediately.
“I’ll be sure to take notes on what these resources are.”
“I would expect nothing less,” he says, leaning over for a second peck and then putting his truck in gear.
“It’s supposed to rain a lot tonight,” Tommy says while pulling onto the street, confusing me with the shift in conversation.
