THE CATTLE IN THE CORN

Brent Archer

North Dakota, 1933

Damn it. Slim’s cows are trampling my crop. Again. Bob Utecht stormed across his field clenching his shotgun. As he neared the edge of the tall, waving grain and the beginning of the cornstalks, he aimed into the air and shot two rounds. The cattle snapped their heads up from chewing on the tall shoots of wheat and stared at him. He reloaded and fired again. The frightened animals bolted, trampling several cornstalks as they escaped through the hole in the fence.

Third time this week. Bob followed and surveyed the broken barrier. The fence still hasn’t been fixed. He fired off one more round in frustration and watched the herd of Angus run.

Fuming, he marched the half mile down the narrow dirt road to the old wooden house Slim Martinson owned. Even after the hike, his anger hadn’t abated.

Bob banged his fist on the wooden screen door.

After a few moments and some loud thuds from within, Slim’s ranch hand, Mark Tetrick, cracked open the door with a red face framed by messy dark curls. His eyes, the color of prairie grass after a spring rain, stared wide. “Uh, hello, Mister Utecht. How can I help you?”

“Where’s Slim?”

More shuffling came from behind the door, and a shirtless Slim moved into Bob’s view. “Right here. You look madder than a bull in heat. What’s wrong?”

Bob stormed past the ranch hand and into the house, glaring at Slim. “Your damned cows were in my cornfield again.”

With a frown, Slim ran a hand through wavy blond hair. “Shit.”

“You said you’d fix the fence last week?”

Mark moved to stand by Slim. “Some things came up.” He glanced at his boss. “We didn’t get to it.”

Narrowing his eyes, Bob stabbed a finger at Slim. “I suggest you get to it soon. I fired in the air this time, but my aim might improve if I catch any more of your cows trampling my crops.” Following the line of his pointing, Bob’s gaze traveled down Mark’s muscular frame and followed the flat stomach to the crotch of his blue jeans. His mind wandered momentarily to the farmhand who pleasured him several years ago. The taller man next to Mark shifted his weight, and Bob’s gaze swept across his tall, lean body and bulging pants. They’re both big.

Lowering his hand, he snapped his stare up to Slim’s blue eyes.

Slim and Mark exchanged a quick glance, and Slim stepped toward Bob. “We don’t want no trouble. We’ll fix the fence tomorrow.”

Returning his eyes to Slim’s chest momentarily, he swallowed and turned on his heel. “One more time and I’ll have beef for the next year.” He marched out the door, the screen slamming behind him.

Roosevelt gave the nation back its beer. How about some rain for us farmers, Mister President? Bob tossed the newspaper on the table in disgust and glanced out the window as the late afternoon sun slipped behind heavy clouds. Black and grey thunderheads advanced across the North Dakota prairie. Looks like twister weather.

He stepped away from the window and picked up the box of emergency supplies he kept near the door in case of tornados. After grabbing the old family pictures off the wall, he hurried out into the yard.

The old windmill next to the barn creaked as its metal blades spun in the accelerating wind. He glanced toward the cornfield through the dark hair whipping his face, and a chill shook him. A swirling green cloud extended to the ground. Shit, that’s a big one.

He turned and ran to the cellar next to the pump house, clutching his box of supplies. As he reached the door, Slim’s red ’32 Ford truck turned into his yard. The two cowboys jumped out and ran toward him.

Slim reached him first. “We were out fixing the fence when the storm came in.”

Mark arrived next. “No time to get home. Can we use your storm cellar?”

The thought of being cooped up in a hole in the ground for a few hours with the tall, lean rancher and his muscular buddy sent a thrill through him.

“Of course. Let’s go.” Bob wrenched open the door, and the two guys followed him down the steps.

“Bolt the door, Mark.” Bob placed the box on a small table against the earthen wall as something thudded against the door. He lifted a lantern from the box and lit it, setting it onto the table. A pale flame illuminated the room, and the two neighbors held back by the door. Three simple wooden chairs adorned the small space.

“Sit down a spell, boys.”

Pulling two of the chairs next to each other, Slim and Mark each took a seat and faced him.

Slim shook his head. “I hate these storms. I’ve been here since I was twelve, and I’m still not used to the twisters.”

The door rattled against the bolt as the storm raged outside. Rain pelted the wood while a boom of thunder echoed through the shelter, making the rancher jump.

Mark patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’re safe down here.”

Reaching into the supply box, Bob lifted out a deck of cards. “I usually play solitaire when I’m waiting out a storm, but how about a game of poker?”

Mark glanced at Slim with a smirk. “Sure, but what are you betting with?”

Unsure he wanted to engage in any gambling, Bob narrowed his eyes. “I’ve got a couple of sawbucks and Lincolns on me.”

With a shake of his head, Slim stood. “We’ll need our cash after this storm. How about something more interesting?”

“More interesting?”

A grin swept across Mark’s lips as he nodded at his boss. “Like strip poker.”

Heat surged through him as his cock hardened. “I don’t know, guys.”

“Oh, come on.” Slim stepped forward until he was nose to nose with Bob. “You were staring at our dicks more than complaining about our cows.”

“I…I don’t know what you mean.” His cheeks burned as he stepped backward, his back bumping the wall and fear shaking his body. They’d caught him looking them over, and he didn’t want a repeat of the beating he’d taken in Moorhead five years ago when he made a pass at one of the suppliers at a farm show. He’d misinterpreted a smile as interest and paid the price.

Slim pressed his hand against the crotch of Bob’s jeans, making him grunt and bite his lip. The palm pressed against his cock, and the damned thing betrayed him, hardening under the warm pressure.

Rising from the chair, Mark stepped next to Bob. He ran his hands across Bob’s tense chest and massaged his fingers into the muscles. “Let’s skip the cards and get right to the main event.”

Slim continued to rub Bob’s now throbbing hardness through his jeans. “Yeah, Farmer Bob. Let us cowboys show you how we make love.”

His fear and resistance melting, Bob swallowed hard. “Make love?”

Mark pressed his lips against his neck, sending small shock waves along his spine. “That’s right. I’m his ranch hand to the neighbors, but we’re lovers. We’ve had our eye on you for a long time, but never thought we’d get lucky enough to get you naked.”

The tall blond in front of him dropped to his knees and unfastened the fly of Bob’s jeans. “We’ve wanted you in our bed since the first time you came over to complain. Dark-haired guys like you and Mark light a fire in me like nothing else.” He pulled the fly open, and Bob’s erection slapped against his stomach.

With legs shaking, Bob pressed back against the wall as Slim sucked on the head of his dick. He ran his hand through blond locks of wavy hair, and rested his head back as Mark licked up to his ear, gently biting the earlobe.

Increasing his suction, the rancher took Bob’s shaft deep into his throat, nestling his nose into the tangle of dark hair at the root. When he constricted his throat and sucked hard, a moan forced its way from Bob’s core out his lips as his shaft pulsed.

The familiar sensation before his release tingled through his balls. “I’m going to blow.”

Slim backed off and bobbed his head up and down, swirling his tongue around the head. His increased rhythm brought Bob over the edge, and he roared as he unloaded into the blond man’s mouth.

Mark wrapped his arms around Bob’s chest and back, keeping him from sliding to the floor. “Nice work, buddy.”

As Bob turned his face to the side, Mark leaned forward and their lips met. He closed his eyes, savoring the intense pleasure surging through him. Slim joined their kiss, alternating between Bob and Mark. The passion of his kiss increased when he tasted the remnants of his release on Slim’s tongue.

With wobbling knees, he broke the kiss and grabbed a needed breath. “I should sit a moment, guys.”

Mark eased him into a chair, and Bob wiped the back of his hand over his forehead. “I can’t believe that just happened.”

Sharing a worried glance, Slim and Mark stared at him with furrowed brows.

Bob chuckled. “Don’t worry, it was the bee’s knees. Just took me by surprise.”

Silence settled over the shelter as the wind and rain stopped. A chill ran down Bob’s spine as he heard a rumble like a freight train grow in the distance. “It sounds close.”

Slim kicked the dirt of the floor, fists clenching and eyes squeezed shut. “Damn it.”

The roar grew louder, and Bob cringed at the sound of snapping wood outside. He pulled up his pants, and the three men huddled against the earthen wall. The door rattled and shook violently.

After a few minutes, the rumbling died down. They stayed on the floor for some time, no one saying a word as they listened to the retreating storm. Eventually, beams of sunlight shone through the door and birds chirped outside.

Bob stepped toward the stairs. “Storm’s over. Let’s see what’s left.” He pulled the bolt from the doorframe, and shoved open the heavy, wooden door. Fresh air rushed into the room, scented with rain and dust. He peeked outside.

The house and barn still stood, though the blades from the windmill were torn off and stuck into the side of the barn. Mark and Slim’s truck rested on its side.

With a sigh of relief, he emerged from the shelter and hurried to the house. Looking back, he frowned as he noticed half of the barn’s roof missing. Could’ve been worse.

Mark and Slim stepped into the daylight and surveyed their vehicle. Slim shook his head. “Damn. Our new truck.”

The ranch hand circled the sideways truck, his hands in his pockets. Bob returned and stood by Slim as Mark joined them. “Looks like just a broken windshield. The axles aren’t bent, and the frame doesn’t look damaged. Let’s see if we can get her back on her wheels.”

The pulley wheel still perched on the beam jutting from the hayloft on the barn. Bob nodded toward it. “I’ve got rope in the barn. Tie some to the winch, and we can pull her slowly so there’s no damage when the tires hit the ground.”

Slim helped Bob get the rope set up. Once everything was attached and ready, Mark stripped off his shirt and stood in front of Bob as they pulled. Bob clutched the rope tighter, almost losing his grip as he glued his eyes to the bulging muscles of the cowboy in front of him. Slim pushed on the top of the cab, and once the truck started moving, he rushed over and helped them pull on the rope. Muscles straining, the three men eased the truck back onto its wheels.

Bob dropped the rope and willed his cock to soften as he turned away from the glistening skin of Mark’s chest. “Nice work, guys. Let’s go take a look at your place and see if everything’s okay there.”

Pulling his shirt from the waistband of his jeans, Mark flexed his muscles as he slipped the fabric over his shoulders. He and Slim climbed in the truck while Bob jumped into the back after untying the rope from the truck frame. Mark started the engine, and they drove down the road.

Bob’s stomach tightened as they turned down the long driveway of the ranchers’ property. Only the chimney of the house remained intact, surrounded by splintered wood. He slung his legs over the side of the truck and jumped to the ground as the vehicle rumbled to a halt. What a mess.

Mark got out and put his hand to his forehead, his eyes wide.

Slim joined him, brow furrowed. “Not much left.”

Two horses trotted up the driveway. Mark hurried to catch them while Slim stood next to Bob. “At least our horses are alive.”

Bob turned to Slim. “I’m mighty sorry about your place.”

“Nice of you to say. We’ve got you to thank for the tornado not taking us. If you hadn’t come about that fence, we’d be dead. We usually spend Saturday afternoons screwing.”

Staring at his feet, Bob regretted threatening to kill their cattle. “Guess I have a few fences to mend, too.”

Slim patted his shoulder. “Nah, you were right. You caught Mark sucking me the day you came over. We both got a laugh out of it when you stared at the crotches of our jeans. That’s when we decided to see if you swung our way.”

Heat rose in Bob’s cheeks.

Mark led the two horses to the truck and tied their leads to the back bumper. “I think they’re okay. We’ll have to ride out later to see if we can find the herd. Wonder how many we lost?”

Slim strode toward the remains of the house, his back stiff and his voice strained. “Hopefully not many. We’ll need to sell some of them to rebuild.”

Bob followed and helped Slim pick through the debris. Lifting a cabinet door, he found a framed photo of the two men. They had their arms across each other’s shoulders, and the farmhouse stood behind them.

Slim glanced over. “What you got there?”

“Picture of you guys.”

Taking the framed photo, Slim ran a finger over the intact glass. “That was five years ago. My folks had just moved into Bismarck and gave us the farmhouse.”

“Do they know about you and Mark?”

“Yeah. Dad was none too happy, but Mom loves everyone. She made Dad treat him like part of our family, and she shot the picture for us. My brothers and sister all like him. His family disowned him, so I’m all he’s got.” He waved to his partner. “Hey, Mark. Come see.”

The young man looked up from soothing the horses and hurried over. “What’ve you got?”

“Bob found the picture of us from the mantel.” Slim handed it to him and snaked his arm around Mark’s waist. “I’m glad this survived.” Mark rested his head on Slim’s arm as they stared at the photo.

Guess they really care for each other. Tearing his eyes away from their affection, Bob resumed pushing through the splintered boards. I’d give anything for someone to care about me like that.

After a while, Bob and the two cowboys looked over the small pile of recovered items. A few chipped dishes, a couple of frying pans, clothes, boots, and some sheets. Not much left.

The pain of loss etched into the frown and furrowed brow on Slim’s face. “Well, we’ve got each other, and that’s the most important thing.”

Bob’s gaze lingered on both men. “Why don’t you guys stay with me until we can build your new place?” He sucked in a breath. What did I just do?

With eyes wide, Slim and Mark turned together to stare at him.

No turning back now. He met their gaze. “You need a place to stay, and neighbors stick together in times of trouble.”

Slim shook his head. “We can’t ask you to do that.”

“Who’s asking? I’m offering.”

Mark put his hands on Slim’s shoulders and gazed into his eyes. “Don’t kick up your pride. This is better than we’ll get from anyone else, and we’ll be close to the herd. Besides,” he turned to wink at Bob, “there’s lots of ways we can earn our keep.”

Bob stifled a gasp as his cock stirred. “What do you mean?”

“I think you have an idea.” He turned back to his partner. “Okay?”

The rancher closed his eyes. “Thanks, Bob. We accept your kind invitation.”

Mark nodded. “We’ll make sure you don’t regret it.”

Picking up the pile of clothes, Bob nodded toward the truck. “Let’s get your stuff into the truck and head back to the house. You can tie up the horses in my barn.”

Slim’s gaze lingered on the pasture beyond the remains of his home. “You take the truck. Mark, let’s ride out and check the herd.”

Bob turned the steaks over on his stove as the two cowboys strode through his door. “Howdy, guys.”

After kicking off his boots, Slim sank into the rocking chair by the window. “We lost fifteen cows, but the rest of the herd’s fine.”

Mark stood behind Slim and rubbed his shoulders. “The fence is still in place except in one spot, and the cows are staying away from the hole. You check your crops?”

Bob sighed. “Lost the corn. The grain is still good, and once I harvest it, Governor Langer’s embargo should get me a good price.” He opened the cabinet door and grabbed three plates. “Steaks are done.”

Slim perked up. “Steaks? What are we celebrating?”

“Being alive.” Bob grinned as he flipped the meat onto the plates. He scooped some fried potatoes and onions from the skillet and set the plates on the table. “Dig in.” Mark and Slim joined him, taking the two chairs next to each other.

After a few bites, Slim leveled his gaze on Bob. “Mighty fine meal.”

Mark cut into his steak. “We sure appreciate it.”

Bob shrugged. “Couldn’t let you starve.”

They ate in comfortable silence. Bob stole glances at both men, his temperature rising at the handsome men seated at his table.

“How did you guys find each other?”

Slim shifted his gaze from his steak to his lover. “I met this young cowpoke at the 1926 Fargo rodeo.”

Finishing a bite of food, Mark grinned. “I was pretty green and couldn’t believe a handsome cowboy took a shine to me.”

“Mark had just lost his job.”

“The boss caught me with one of the ranch hands.”

“We figured out we had a mutual attraction and went for a roll in the hayloft of one of the barns while the stable boy kept lookout for us.” Slim sat back with a grin. “Been together seven years now.”

Mark squeezed Slim’s shoulder with a beefy hand and stood. “I’ll wash the plates.”

“Rag’s on the counter.” Bob pushed away his empty plate. “There’s a washcloth and towel in the chest by the front door if either of you want to clean up from the day.”

Mark nodded and collected their plates and silverware. Bob admired his firm ass as he sauntered toward the door, grabbed the dishrag, and bent over to get a washcloth from the chest.

Slim gave a whistle.

With a laugh, Mark straightened. “Hold your horses, buckaroo. You’ll get plenty of tail later.” He hurried outside, the screen banging behind him.

Bob turned his attention to his other guest. “So, Slim, I’ve got a bed upstairs that we can sleep on, but we’ll have to be cozy.” His cock twitched.

Slim ran a hand along Bob’s leg. “Not a problem for us.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

Raising an arm, Slim sniffed at his pits. “I stink. Let me clean up and then we can try out our new sleeping arrangements.” Slim rose and strode outside.

Anxious for another glimpse of the lean rancher’s body, Bob hurried to the window. Slim approached the water pump. He pumped some water into a bucket and then unbuttoned and slipped his shirt from his lean body, hanging it on the metal pump handle. Bob’s cock fully hardened as he raked his eyes over the cowboy washing himself outside.

Mark stepped inside with the clean plates. “He’s a fine sight, isn’t he?” He set the dishes in the cabinet and the silverware in a small box on the shelf.

With a nod, Bob continued to watch the cowboy outside. “You’re a lucky man.” His temperature rose the more Slim rubbed the washcloth over his chest.

Mark moved to stand by Bob. “We appreciate your kindness.” He ran his hand over Bob’s back, making him shudder. Slipping an arm around him, Mark kissed along his neck.

Stiffening, panic welled up inside him as he caught Slim’s eye. He’s gonna think I’m trying to steal his man.

“Relax. We talked about this when we were out riding.” He slid his tongue from the collar of Bob’s shirt to his ear and spoke in a whisper. “Slim’ll join us in a minute.”

With another glance out the window, he gasped, both from the sensations of Mark’s touch and Slim’s grin as he unzipped his jeans. Bob’s worry eased some when Slim pushed the washcloth slowly down his abs and along the open fly, but his nerves overrode his lust.

He stepped back from the window and away from Mark’s attentions. “Sorry. I haven’t had this kind of kissing and caressing before.”

Slim pushed open the screen and hurried in, his brow furrowed. “You all right?”

Taking a deep breath, Bob sat on a chair by the table and met their concerned eyes. “I’ve only had sex with one guy. He was a farmhand at Dad’s place when I was eighteen.”

Mark stood by his partner. “What happened?”

The memory swirled in his mind. “He was twenty. Dark wavy hair hanging over deep blue eyes I could’ve lost my way in. I thought he was the most handsome man I’d ever seen in my life. We met behind the barn one summer evening, and he leaned against it with his pants down. No words, no tenderness. I just fucked him. Afterward, he pulled up his jeans and walked away. Next morning, he was gone.”

Slim shook his head. “Must’ve been scared.”

“I got the tar beat out of me in Moorhead a few years back, and never pursued anyone else. Too risky and painful. Now I’m a lot older and alone.”

Mark stepped forward and pulled Bob out of the chair. “How about we head upstairs, and we’ll show you how it’s done.”

Shaking with excitement, Bob led the two cowboys up the creaking steps and to his bed.

Slim closed the bedroom door and turned to Bob. “Handsome man, we’re going to make you feel real good.” He slowly unbuttoned Bob’s shirt as Mark slipped behind him and resumed kissing his neck.

As his fear melted away, he closed his eyes while Slim cupped his face in his hands and pressed their lips together. Bob returned the passion of the kiss, nearly shaking apart at the rush of sensation surging from his feet to the top of his head. Mark tugged on his shirt and it fell to the floor, then shed his own clothes. The younger cowboy pressed his muscular body against Bob’s back, radiating warmth along his over-sensitized skin.

Breaking the kiss, Slim stepped back and tugged off his jeans to stand naked before them. Bob leaned against the thickness of Mark’s dick nestled against his ass and took in Slim’s lean body, nickel-sized nipples, and smooth chest. The view out the window had been impressive, but paled next to seeing the cowboy up close in all his glory. His eyes widened at the thick cock rising between slender legs.

Mark wrapped his arms around Bob’s abdomen and pulled him toward the bed. He stepped around Bob and pushed him onto the bedspread. Licking his lips, he knelt and unlaced his farming boots. “I like your smooth chest.” The muscular ranch hand pulled off Bob’s pants. “My turn to get a taste of you.” He pounced and wrapped his lips around Bob’s shaft, sucking it into his throat.

“Oooh…” Pleasure radiated from Bob’s dick, and he laced his fingers into Mark’s soft hair.

Slim climbed onto the bed, swung his leg to straddle the farmer’s chest, and pressed his palms against the wall. His thick erection framed in blond hair touched Bob’s lips. “Suck me, sexy farmer.”

Eager to taste the rancher’s shaft, Bob opened his mouth and licked the head, enjoying the salty flavor of Slim’s dick. He pulled more of Slim’s shaft along his tongue, and his own cock grew harder.

Allowing Bob’s erection to fall from his mouth, Mark sat up. “I’ve got you too excited. Don’t want this over before it starts. How about we try something else?”

Slim rolled to Bob’s side and lay down next to him, gazing at his lover. “You gonna ride this farmer?”

With a jolt, Bob lifted himself to sit on the side of the bed. “I don’t know about that.”

Mark rubbed a hand across Bob’s chest. “Relax. We’ll try it, and if you don’t like it, I’ll pull out and you can plow me.”

Narrowing his eyes, Bob settled back on the bedspread. “Well, okay. But you gotta stop if I say so.”

Mark pushed Bob’s legs up and bent his knees. He spit into his hand and rubbed it against Bob’s ass as Slim planted a kiss on Bob’s lips. The rough stubble grazed across his cheek as the blond rancher’s tongue pressed for entry. Relenting, Bob parted his lips as he deepened the lip-lock, their tongues swiping and tasting each other.

The kiss broke as the head of Mark’s cock pressed against Bob’s pucker. He stared into the green eyes of the man who was about to fuck him for the first time. Seeking reassurance, he turned to Slim.

“Don’t worry. It’ll hurt at first, but then feel real good.”

Mark eased forward. “Push out when I tell you.” He nestled between Bob’s spread legs, lined up his cock, and nodded. “Now.”

Pushing out as Mark’s cock slid into his hole, pain lashed through his ass. “Aaaahhh…” He shut his eyes tight, amazed the young man he’d fucked all those years ago could take the pounding behind his dad’s barn. His eyes bulged open. “Oh god, it hurts!”

Mark stopped moving but didn’t pull out.

Still next to Bob, Slim caressed his face. “It’ll get easier. Just breathe.”

Bob took in several deep breaths, and the stinging subsided. He watched Mark ease out, spit onto his cock, and slip back inside him. The pain much less this time, Bob shuddered as a sudden wave of pleasure crashed over him.

Mark rested when his balls pressed against Bob’s ass. “You’ve got all of me.”

Rotating his hips, Bob arched his back, and Mark slowly eased back and thrust in, establishing an easy rhythm. Mark’s movements were tender and practiced, not rough and urgent as he’d been his first time topping the farmhand.

“Incredible.” He gasped and moaned as Mark increased his speed, making the springs on the mattress squeak.

Slim moved around Bob and knelt behind Mark as the dark-haired cowboy paused in his thrusting. “Oh, yeah, take me, Slim.”

Slamming in, Slim pushed Mark deeper inside Bob. Bob gripped the sheet, the pain and pleasure of the cock ramming him making his own dick pulse. Suddenly, his ass clamped on to Mark’s shaft and his balls pressed against his body. Ropes of come sprayed across his chest as his toes curled and he let out a loud yell.

Mark roared as he unloaded inside Bob. He fell forward, and Bob wrapped his arms around Mark’s back. Mark stiffened and yelped, then relaxed in Bob’s embrace as his cock softened and slipped out.

Bob sighed at the emptiness in his ass. Mark rolled off, but before Bob could put his legs down, Slim moved between them.

“May I?”

Bob nodded. “Be careful. I’m a might sore.”

With a wink, Slim pushed forward and slowly entered Bob’s hole. The sting returned as the thicker shaft stretched him. The cowboy gave him a moment to adjust, but then established a rapid thrusting.

Bob’s toes curled again and he grabbed on to Slim’s hips.

Slim’s smooth chest flexed. He leaned forward, and slammed harder, rocking Bob’s body.

Running his hands along Slim’s erect nipples, Bob clamped his fingers around the nubs and tugged at them. Slim’s eyes bulged, and he rammed all the way in. “Damn!” His body trembled as he erupted inside Bob’s ass.

After Slim collapsed forward, his body quivering as he took deep breaths, Mark jumped off the bed and opened the bedroom door. “Be right back.”

Slim’s softening cock slipped from Bob’s pucker, and he rolled to the side. “You’re ours, now. We both left our brand in you.”

An ache emanated from his battered hole, but the sensations had been incredible. “You can have me anytime.”

Mark returned with the washcloth Slim had earlier. He wiped off Bob’s chest and Slim’s body and cock, then tossed the cloth on the floor and joined the two men on the bed.

Laying his head on Mark’s chest, Bob sighed as a slow warmth settled over him. Slim rested on Mark’s other side, and Mark wrapped an arm each around them.

The ranch hand also sighed. “Guys, this is the start of something beautiful.”

Bob pounded the last nail into the shelves in Mark and Slim’s new kitchen. I can’t believe it’s been a year since the tornado. He wiped an arm across his sweaty brow and slid the hammer into the loop on his work pants. With a critical eye, he assessed his handiwork. Perfect.

The hinge on the door creaked as Slim stepped into the house. “Mark’s made dinner.”

He gave Slim a hug. The smell of sweat and horse assaulted his nostrils, and he wrinkled his nose. “Whew! You’ve been out riding.” Despite the strong odor, a surge of excitement shot through him and his cock stirred.

Slim pressed his hand onto Bob’s crotch, and his fingers closed over the hardening shaft. “You don’t mind too much.”

Pleasure radiated in waves throughout his body. “It’s likely to mean I’ll get a good ride later.”

With a chuckle, Slim gave him one more squeeze. “You can bet on it.” He scanned the room. “Nice work.”

“That’s the last to do on the house.” Sadness settled over him. “I guess that means you’ll be moving soon.”

Slim nodded. “Let’s go before dinner gets cold.”

Bob followed Slim out to the dusty Ford pickup, admiring the V of his back and his firm ass pressing against his tight jeans. Maybe they’ll invite me over once in a while.

After shoving the gearshift into place, Slim gave Bob’s leg an affectionate pat, then gripped the wheel and drove out of the yard. Bob hung his arm out the open window and gazed at the passing rows of cornstalks.

A few minutes later, Slim turned into the driveway of the old farmhouse and pulled up to the front of the barn. Bob climbed out of the truck and strode to the front door with Slim trailing behind him. The scent of fried beef hung in the air, and his stomach rumbled.

He pulled open the screen door and stepped inside. “We’re back.”

Three plates loaded with steak and potatoes with some corn sat on the table, and Mark grinned. “I saw you coming and figured you guys might be hungry.”

Bob’s stomach gave another loud gurgle.

“I guess that’s my answer.” Mark laughed. “Come and get it.”

Slapping an arm around Bob’s shoulders, Slim steered him to the table and they settled into their seats.

Bob savored his first bite of the beef. “Mighty tasty.”

Slim smiled. “This is our celebration dinner since the house is done.”

The thought of their leaving made Bob suddenly lose interest in eating. He stared at his plate, pushing at the potatoes with his fork.

Furrowing his brow, Mark stared across the table at him. “What’s wrong?”

Slim cleared his throat. “From the hangdog expression, I’d say he don’t want us to go.”

A wave of sadness crashed over Bob. He lifted his head to meet Slim’s blue-eyed stare and nodded.

“Thought so. That makes the timing of our proposition perfect.”

Bob looked from one cowboy to the other. “What do you mean?”

Mark laid down his knife and fork on the table and sat back. “We talked it over on the trail today. With times so tough, we thought that pooling our resources more long term would be good for all three of us.” He glanced at Slim, and then back to Bob. “And we got used to sharing your bed.”

Finishing his bite of steak, Slim also placed his fork on the table. “Rent out your place. We built the new house bigger in case you decided to bunk with us.”

Realizing it had dropped open, Bob shut his mouth and blinked. “You want me to live with you guys?”

Mark nodded. “It’ll look to everyone else like we’re just sharing expenses to get through tough times, but actually, we’ve gotten attached to you and want you to be with us. That is, if you feel the same way.”

Bob considered his options. My brother could rent the house. He needs a place, and he don’t care who I’m with. He stared at the two men, both so handsome and kind. He was definitely smitten with them.

Resting a hand on his leg, Mark raised an eyebrow. “So?”

With a grin, Bob nodded. “I’ve got the perfect renter in mind. I’m not letting you two get away.”

Slim pushed his chair back and stood, his smile wide. “Let’s take this celebration upstairs. I’m ready to plow a farmer and ride a cowboy.”

Mark laughed. “Welcome to the family, Bob.”