A Cowboy's Dance (White Oak Ranch Book 1) Read online

  Chapter 3

  Cole blew out a weary sigh as he strolled down the hallway connecting his master bedroom and bath to the large, open space that contained his den, dining room and kitchen. When he’d drawn out the plans for his home five years ago, on a paper napkin initially, Cole hadn’t needed nor wanted anything fancy. Just a place to unwind in private and call his own.

  He still stopped by his parents’ home each day to see his mother, to check in with her and make sure all was well. But once he’d turned twenty-one, Cole had needed to spread his wings as much as life on the family ranch would allow. His one-story cottage, tucked back behind several hills, was his answer to that need.

  Cole loved its open floor plan and the wall of windows he’d had installed along the back of the house, allowing the early morning sun to illuminate each room in soft light. Most days, Cole was already in the saddle and hard at work when the sun was making itself known, heralding a new day. But once a week, on Sunday, he had the chance to sleep in and enjoy his home – revel in the solitude that space afforded him.

  “Maybe that needs changin’ too,” he said aloud, finding that he was talking to himself quite a bit that evening. Maybe, Cole thought, solitude was the last damned thing he needed more of. It certainly hadn’t made his life any richer, being so cut-off and alone all the time.

  “Fuck!” Cole murmured as he reached the island separating the kitchen from the den. “Gotta get out of this funk!” He made a sound of frustration and whipped off the towel he’d slung over his bare shoulders. Cole draped it across the back of one of the island chairs instead of returning it to his bathroom, letting himself be lazy for a little while.

  He’d just come from the shower and decided to simply towel dry his hair. Cole had dressed in his favorite old pair of low-slung, pajama bottoms, opting for extreme comfort over fashion. Now that spring was in the air, he didn’t need much in the way of clothing anyway.

  Cole ran his hands through his mostly-dry locks and walked to the refrigerator. There, he slipped out the steaks he had marinating and the twice-baked potatoes that were all prepped and ready to pop in the oven. Once he’d slid those platters onto the stone-topped island, Cole set the oven to preheat and retrieved the one and only cold beer he was going to allow himself that night.

  It was a self-imposed rule, but one which Cole always adhered to, even on the night before his one day to sleep in. He drank one beer per day and no more.

  Sadly, Cole had seen the ill-effects of what excessive alcohol consumption could do to a life and a career more than once. He’d witnessed two of his father’s friends let their addictions lure them away from their goals to the point where they finally lost it all – their families and their ranches. Cole also knew that putting his young body through such punishment now would most likely lead him to an early grave right alongside his dad.

  Neither were options in Cole’s life. He had too much to accomplish and too many people depending on him.

  Cole took a long drink as he strolled through the den’s sliding-glass door and out onto the back deck that ran the length of the cottage. His new Weber grill, which had been a birthday present months before from all the hands, was there and Cole couldn’t wait to fire it up. He placed his brew down on a mosaic-topped table and set about preparing the charcoal.

  He might be alone now, Cole thought, but at least he was going to have a decent supper while he tried to figure out his life and where he went from there.

  Cole heard the chime of the oven several minutes later, telling him it was ready to go. He lit the grill and then returned to the kitchen, quickly sliding in the small pan of potatoes he’d prepared earlier. Once he’d set the timer, Cole returned to the deck and sat on one of his lounge chairs near the grill, sipping his brew and enjoying the smell of the charcoal burning.

  He hummed as he tipped his head back and looked up at the stars. Cole let his eyes rolled closed and just breathed, random thoughts skittering through his mind. He thought about the planting he and his men would start within the next few weeks on the western side of the ranch, of the plethora of new calves that would be born that coming season, and of his dream to someday start a breeding program for Tennessee Walking horses. Cole hoped that within five years he could make that dream a reality.

  And thinking about the future and the good in his life, Cole’s focus returned to why he was sitting alone on his deck rather than with his neighbors at a card table. Or better yet, why he wasn’t sitting with someone else who wanted to be with him for more than just two or three weeks out of every year.

  Cole blew out a beleaguered sigh as he whispered, “Because I allowed it to happen.” And he had. Throughout the entire long ride he’d taken on Fire, Cole had come to the conclusion that he played as big a part, if not more so, as Robbie in their failed so-called-relationship. He’d watched his lover leave town, but he’d willfully clung to whatever was left of them – refusing to move on – enough so that he had never let himself look for more.

  And that was on him, fair and square. He couldn’t blame that decision on Robbie. Not at all. That, too, was a hard pill to swallow, but one which Cole was glad he’d finally accepted. It was the only way for him to move on.

  “Not anymore,” he added with a little more conviction. “Never again.”

  Cole knew that even if Robbie ever called him back and tried to re-establish ties, he wouldn’t allow that door to be opened again. He was done settling for third or fourth place in another man’s life. He wanted to be first because Cole knew he had much to offer a partner and he was willing to put another man before himself, in every way. That meant no more one-sided giving on his part while a selfish lover took. It also meant no longer hiding in the closet.

  That had been his biggest revelation and decision of the night – that if he was ever to have the kind of partnership with another in the way he wanted and secretly dreamed of, then he was going to walk openly with that man without fear or shame. Cole had gone over and over every facet of his business while out on his ride. And though he knew how independent of the local whims and town his ranch was now, it had finally sunk in how that could benefit him when he came out.

  He had Everest to thank for that – for giving him the chance to be who he was and not lose his livelihood, even if Everest didn’t know it. Cole had promised himself that once he came out and found someone to share his life with, he’d have to sit down with Everest and thank him one more time. Thank him for giving Cole the means to live his life on his terms, even if it had taken him several years to be ready to do so.

  Damn, but did Cole hope he never had to thank Robbie, too, for giving him that final shove to make a change for the better. Cole chuckled dryly at that thought and shivered slightly. Nah, that wasn’t a scenario he wanted to envision.

  The sound of an approaching truck rumbling up to the left side of his cottage took Cole by surprise. He wasn’t expecting anybody, nor had any of the hands on staff that night called to report a problem or concern. Cole pushed himself off of the comfy chair and walked back inside, just as a heavy knock sounded on the front door.

  “Comin’!” he called out. He glanced at the timer on the oven as he passed by and saw that it was just about time to throw his steaks on the grill. Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to waylay that plan.

  Cole opened the door and stood blinking in surprise for several seconds, shocked to find none other than Everest on his doorstep in dark jeans and long-sleeve, navy button-up shirt that he’d left untucked. Cole knew he should invite Everest in, but he honestly couldn’t believe that his friend had turned up after he’d been the center of so many of Cole’s thoughts that evening. It was almost as if he’d conjured the man.

  Everest’s low, familiar chuckle filled the air between them as he stepped forward, putting himself directly in Cole’s space.

  “Gonna invite me in, Cole?”

  Again, Cole blinked and then he shook himself out of his stupor, feeling his cheeks heat from an unwanted blush. />
  “Y-yeah,” he stammered. “Sorry.” Cole stepped back and swung the door open wide. He ran a hand through his hair and gestured for Everest to come inside. “Whatcha doin’ over here tonight?” Cole inwardly grimaced, hearing how rude that sounded out loud. “Not that I’m not glad to see you. Just figured you’d be at Bo’s place with the others.” Shut up, he told himself, knowing he was making things so much worse by rambling.

  Everest let out another husky laugh as he ambled inside and gently pulled the door from Cole’s grip. When Cole released the wood, Everest closed it behind him and took a step toward Cole, putting them so close to each other again that Cole had to tip his head back slightly to look up into Everest’s gray eyes.

  “I’m glad that you’re pleased to see me because I’m always happy to spend time with you, Cole. And since you didn’t come to the card games tonight, I decided to drive over here and do just that.”

  Everest’s eyes roamed over his face and then down his naked torso, making Cole hyper-aware of how very little clothing he had on. And why, he wondered in confusion, was Everest looking at him like that? He never had before.

  “You don’t mind, do you?” Everest asked with a slow and easy smile.

  Cole’s focus snapped back to him. “No!” he was quick to say. “You’re always welcome. You know that.” Cole took a step to the side and gestured to the kitchen, trying to get himself back on familiar ground. He’d never seen Everest look at him with so much heat in those stormy eyes. Just what in the hell is going on, Cole questioned?

  “Good.” Everest glanced around and sniffed the air appreciatively. “Something sure smells divine.”

  “Oh,” Cole exhaled, glad to have something easy to talk about. He loved to cook when he had time, and Everest knew that about him. “Yeah, I’m cooking some twice-baked potatoes, and I was just about to throw the steaks on the grill. Got some salad already washed in the fridge ready to go, too. I’ve got plenty if you’re hungry.”

  “Though I didn’t come to steal your food, I honestly haven’t had supper yet. I’d love to share the meal with you. Talk some, too.” Everest grinned, and his eyes glinted as though he was privy to something which Cole was not.

  Okay. Talking and eating he could do. They could do, rather. God, but were his thoughts in a jumble!

  “Well, come on and join me,” Cole managed to say. He strolled over to the refrigerator and opened it, gesturing to the few microbrews he still had on hand from Everest’s last visit to his house several weeks before. Cole always purchased some, knowing they were Everest’s favorite. “Want something to drink while I grill the steaks?” He also had a different brand for Mike and red wine which Mike’s wife loved. Cole knew he could offer those if Everest wanted to try something different.

  Unexpectedly, Everest shook his head in denial.

  “Nah. I had one earlier at Bo’s. A glass of tea would be perfect, though. I’m sure you’ve got some fresh sun tea brewed, haven’t ya?”

  “Yeah.” Cole chuckled. He loved tea made that way and always kept a gallon on hand. “Made some yesterday. I’ve still got plenty.” He stood there staring at Everest for a few seconds before he realized Everest was waiting patiently and staring right back at him. “Oh! Right.” Cole turned away abruptly and walked around the island, putting a little distance between himself and Everest. He felt the tips of his ears growing warm.

  “Sorry,” Cole mumbled. He reached into a cabinet for a glass and decided that he needed two. It would be better to drink a little of the tea and forgo the rest of his own beer. Suddenly, staying clear-headed seemed very important.

  Cole added ice to each glass and then filled them full of the flavorful tea. When he turned to hand Everest his, Cole found the man on his side of the island and close once more. Cole transferred the glass into Everest’s hand and felt his friend’s warm, strong fingers brush over his own. Cole looked up sharply and gasped softly at the unexpected contact.

  “Easy there, Cole,” Everest murmured, much as Cole would expect him to do with a skittish colt. Everest lifted his free hand and cupped the side of Cole’s neck, holding him steady with gentle pressure.

  “Sorry, Everest.” Cole shook his head ever so slightly, thinking he must look a mess to Everest. That had to be it. Everest was reading his distress and doing what he always did – supporting Cole and helping him find his way through. “I don’t mean nothin’ out of the way here. I’ve just… I’ve had a tough day.” God, but did he suddenly want to spill his guts, though, and tell Everest everything. Tell the man he most admired and trusted about his well-guarded secret, and how he had decided that very night to rebuild his life on truths from now on.

  “I can tell that you have,” Everest said softly, his voice gravelly and yet soothing to Cole’s frayed nerves. “That’s one of the reasons why I’m here.”

  Everest’s gray eyes bore into his, and Cole swallowed hard when he felt Everest’s calloused thumb sweep up and down the column of his throat. Now that was unexpected and more than just simple comfort in Cole’s mind. But it was… nice. Really nice.

  Just then, the last thing Everest had said clicked in Cole’s mind. “One?” he asked, shocked at how low his voice had dropped.

  “Mmm-hmm,” Everest hummed. “Why don’t we get the steaks on the grill, like you said we needed to, and then we’ll talk while we eat? We’ve got all night, and I’ve nowhere else to be but here.”

  “You’re not needed back at your spread?” Cole frowned. Everest’s operation was twice the size of his ranch and Cole knew how challenging it was for Everest to find a little time away for himself. Vacation time was a foreign concept to both of them, sadly.

  Everest chuckled and shook his head. “I have all night and into tomorrow, Cole. Just as you do. Lyle can run my place, and Mike can look after yours a little while if need be.”

  Cole let himself relax and nod. “Yeah, thankfully. Sometimes I forget how well you know my schedule.”

  “Of course, I do. And our schedules match,” Everest grinned, “so it’s easy to keep track of.”

  “Huh.” He hadn’t thought of that. “I did mirror my weekly plan after yours, didn’t I?”

  “You most certainly did.” Everest gave his neck a little squeeze, and then he released Cole. He took a sip of his tea and made an appreciative sound that was mighty reminiscent of a moan in Cole’s book. “God, you make the best damned tea I’ve ever had!”

  “Don’t tell your mom that,” Cole quipped, glad to banter and be back on familiar ground.

  Everest barked out a laugh. “Nah, better not.” He winked and clicked his tongue.

  “Okay. Come on.” Cole motioned with his head as he picked up the platter of steaks in one hand and his tea with the other. “Come on out to the deck, and I’ll throw these on the fire.”

  “Sounds good, Cole.”

  Cole almost stumbled a step when he felt Everest’s free hand settle on his bare lower back. It wasn’t really moving, but just resting there, warm and steady as they walked toward the sliding glass door. He felt Everest’s fingers flex just once and Cole had to warn himself again not to read anything into his friend’s touch. Running Everest off was the very last thing Cole wanted to do – that night especially.

  If ever he needed Everest’s steady support, it was right about then. Yet still, Cole couldn’t help but think that if he could find a man just like Everest – someone who could be his best friend, a rancher with similar dreams as his, and someone as downright sinfully handsome as Everest Cooper – then he’d be looking at an ideal partner. Someone whom he could build a life with. And someone who might want to do the same with him.

  Chapter 4

  Everest watched Cole place three steaks on his grill with acute focus and knew the younger man was using the task to center himself after Everest had deliberately tested the waters with a few intentional touches. He couldn’t have been more pleased with Cole’s response – from Cole’s blown pupils to the slight hitch in his breathing as his
skin turned faintly pink – if he’d had weeks to plan this night out in advance. Some things were just meant to be, and Everest could easily see after watching Cole’s reaction to his touch that all of his hopes and dreams about the two of them were going to work out just fine.

  Now, he had to ease Cole into the knowledge that he was deeply and hopelessly devoted to the man. Loved him in fact, and had for years. There really wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for Cole Gentry, and Everest vowed he’d break his cowboy in with a gentle hand that night, paving the way for many happy years together down the road.

  Seemed to him from the immediate and visceral reaction Cole had to even the simplest of touches from Everest that Cole was long overdue for someone’s attention to be solely focused on him. Cole was touch-starved in the worst kind of way, he realized sadly, but Everest was honest enough with himself to admit that he was glad he was the one now poised to offer it to Cole. Everest didn’t want to entertain the thought of another man putting his hands on Cole ever again. Cole was his, plain and simple.

  Soon, Cole’s nerves got the better of him, and he asked Everest to watch the grill for a minute so he could step inside to retrieve a shirt. Everest had simply inclined his head and then watched as Cole made a hasty retreat. The view of Cole’s firm, tight ass in sinfully low-slung sleep pants was a mouth-watering feast for his eyes and his dick. Everest had to adjust his hardening cock for a little relief before Cole returned, glad he’d gone casual to Bo’s and left his shirt untucked. He didn’t want Cole catching sight of his erection until he knew the man was receptive to what Everest had in mind for them that night.

  Cole returned to the deck wearing a loose, gray t-shirt and a faded pair of jeans that looked soft and comfortable from years of wear. Everest wasn’t surprised that Cole had switched out of his sleep pants, but he wished that Cole had felt comfortable enough around him to keep them on. He knew that would come soon enough, though, with tender care and guidance on his part.