Chapter Twenty

Sammi had fallen asleep. Edward hated to wake him, but his time was up.

“Sammi, honey.” He gave him a pat on the arm. “It’s over. How do you feel?”

“Wonderful.” Sammi stretched and sighed.

“I’ll be back. You go ahead and get dressed.”

“Okay.” Sammi sat up as Edward slipped out of the door for some water for him. But he needed it as much as Sammi. Massaging was thirsty work. He drank his down in one long thirsty gulp, then tossed it in the trash.

He waited outside with a bottle of cold water. Sammi opened the door and spotted him.

“Here. You’ll need to hydrate.” Edward held out the bottle.

Together, they walked to the front desk.

“I hope you enjoyed your spa day.” Edward gave Sammi a kiss on the cheek. “I know I did.” He winked.

“It was fantastic!” Sammi finished off the water and Beth stood to take it from him and throw it away. “Thank you. It was a thoughtful gift. I’ll never forget it.”

“I’ll see you at the ranch tonight.” Edward waved as Sammi left.

Nothing would have made him happier than knowing Sammi had been spoiled rotten. Of all his friends, Sammi needed pampering the most. Edward loved his gentle soul and his kindness despite all he’d been through. Knowing Sammi had found Mitchell and a new life, well, it warmed his heart.

And the relief he felt knowing Sammi was healthy? Priceless.

He’d use his power if he had to, to save a friend like Sammi, but he didn’t want to be in that position ever again.

He wasn’t sure if he was brave enough.

 

* * * *

 

Estaban couldn’t get out of work fast enough. He took a deep breath of fresh, cool air as he strode to his truck, letting it wash out the smells of the garage. Some days, he just about drowned in the mixture of oil, sweat, rubber and metal.

Tonight, he was going to pick up Phillip and take him to dinner. A real date. First one he’d had in years, if he didn’t count trolling gay bars in San Antonio. Looking for love in all the wrong places. He hadn’t met a man he’d wanted to see more than once or twice. Most guys hooked up on those online apps. Swipe left. Swipe right.

Most of the time he wanted to toss his phone into the garbage.

Whatever happened to meeting some guy, flirting, getting to know them? Have a few drinks, coffee, dinner?

If he thought about it, that was what had happened between him and Phillip. They’d met at the garage. Shared stories about family and their weekends over the shop’s cheap coffee, and, as of late, done a little flirting. Now, a date. Dinner. Talk. Maybe if he played his cards right, a kiss good night.

He knew nothing could happen between them tonight. He lived with his mom in her house. With all his spare money going to keeping her bills current and the mortgage paid, it didn’t leave him enough to rent a place of his own.

And from what he got out of Phillip, he was staying at the ranch with friends. No way could he bring a man there—it would be rude to say the least. And Phillip was not that guy.

Estaban had watched Phillip for nearly a year, how he’d interacted with everyone, from Flynn, to Jimmy, to him and the customers. Phillip was kind, level-headed and knew his manners. It amazed Estaban how Phillip always seemed to de-escalate problems, get people to see the reasonable side to any conflicts that arose around work or prices.

He had a way about him with people. He could probably sweet talk a miser from his money, if he wanted to, Estaban supposed.

But he’d never do that. Phillip was as honest as the day was long. A man with principles and honor. If he’d seen what Flynn had tried to pull padding that bill, he’d have flipped out. Probably reported him to Joe Smith right then and there.

Estaban smiled. Deep inside, a pride in Phillip filled him. To Estaban, honor and reputation meant everything. He’d grown up with everyone thinking he was something he wasn’t, a lowlife, an illegal immigrant, just because his last name was Martinez, or his skin was brown, not white.

His parents had been born in Texas—second generation. No one in his family had much of an accent, although they could sure make it thick if they wanted to. Mostly they had a Texas drawl. Hell, his nephews and nieces barely spoke Spanish, and the little bit of the language he knew was mostly dirty words.

Phillip had never treated him like a second-class person. Never looked down on him. Had treated him just like everyone else he met, courteous and respectful.

That was the kind of man he could build a life with, could give his heart to.

He pulled into the driveway of his house and parked. He grabbed his lunch cooler and slid out of the seat, slamming the door. Instead of going in the front door, he went farther down the drive, to the back door, where the kitchen was located. His mom would be working there, baking or cooking something.

Estaban pulled open the screen door and pushed into the kitchen.

His mom looked up from the table where she was peeling the husks from a dozen or so ears of corn. “Estaban! How was work?”

“Hi, Mom! Just fine.” He bent over to kiss her cheek, then put his cooler on the counter. “What are you fixin’?”

“Thought I’d do some roasted corn for the kids. They love eating it.”

“You’ll spoil them.” He shook his head, but remembered how much he loved it too. “Save some for me, okay?”

“Of course. What do you want for dinner?”

Estaban bit his lip. He’d dragged his feet about telling his mom about the date, but it was now or never. And he’d never lie to her. His family knew he was gay, but since he never acted on it they just never mentioned it. But it hurt, having that piece of him ignored.

He pulled out a chair and sat down across from her. “Mom, I’ve got a date tonight.” He watched her for any signs of disapproval, hurt or anger.

Her face lit up with a huge grin. “Wonderful!” She put down the ear of corn and clapped her hands. “Finally! You’ve found someone!”

He made a motion with his hands to calm her down. “It’s just a first date, Mom. Dinner. That’s all.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, giving him the ‘mom’ stare. “Don’t give me that crap. This is the first date I’ve heard about in years. Tell me everything! Where did you meet him? I want details!”

Estaban laughed. “Okay. Okay.” He exhaled and leaned back in his chair. “You know that guy from the shop?”

“Jimmy?” she screeched, and the look of horror on her face made him laugh.

“Hell, no! Why would you think of him?” He shook his head. “It’s Phillip.” He bit his lip and waited for her to say something.

“Phillip. That nice boy you talk about all the time?” She frowned. “Didn’t you say he was younger than you? Like ten years younger?”

“Yes, he is. But he’s very mature.”

“What is Joe Smith going to say about you two dating?” She picked up the corn and finished stripping the husk from it. Then she dropped it into a basket with the others. “How’s that going to fit in with his so-called Christian values?” She snorted.

“Won’t be a problem. Flynn fired Phillip right before Christmas. For being gay.” Estaban growled deep in his throat.

“Stupid man.” She shook her head, then froze. “Did he find out about you?” She gave him a sidelong glance as she picked up another ear of corn and handed it to him. Her subtle way of saying ‘get to work’.

“No. So it don’t matter if we date or not. And if he fires me, he’ll have to shut down the garage. No mechanic. No fixin’ cars.” He stripped off the husk with an easy, practiced technique.

They worked on a few more ears, until Estaban cleared his throat.

“Mom. I think Phillip might be worth something. Worth giving him a chance.”

She reached out and put her hand on his. “Son, if he makes you happy, I say go for it. Life’s not easy round here for a man like you and if you can find someone who loves you, someone to build a life with, you’re damn lucky. You have nothing to lose trying, son.” She patted him then got back to work.

“Nothing but my heart.” Estaban put his cleaned ear in the basket. “I’ve got to get ready if I want to pick him up at seven. He’s staying out at the Double T Ranch.”

“The Weston ranch?” She nodded her approval. “Is he friends with them? Working there?”

“A little of both. He got invited there for Christmas, and they asked him to hire on. He’s always wanted to be a cowboy, work on a ranch.” He rose and kissed her on the top of her head.

“Dress nice, but not too nice,” she called to him as he headed down the hall to his room. “And I see that swagger in your step, son!”

He laughed as he went into his room, shutting the door behind him. Now to find the perfect outfit for dinner. Nothing too fancy or too casual. Something that showed off his eyes, maybe his broad shoulders.

Or his tight ass.