Page 21 of Redemption Ridge Vol II

Tyler’s raised brow dared Owen to go without him.

Owen winked and said, “How does Friday night sound?”

“Perfect.”

“Will you have to write a report?” Tyler teased.

“Nah, but I’ll journal about the experience, and Bryant will ask plenty of probing questions to make sure I’m not trying to bullshit my way through something. Sound familiar, Owen?”

“Nope.” It was clear the comparison struck a chord with him, and not at all surprising when he changed the subject. “Who’s ready for wings?”

Starving, Tyler let Owen deflect the conversation again instead of calling him out. The wings were as good as advertised, and Tyler enjoyed watching Keegan mow through a dozen of his own wings and help finish Owen’s. They kept their conversation on safe topics during the meal and ride back home, but Tyler struck as soon as they were alone in his cabin.

He pushed Owen up against the wall, reached under his shirt, and twisted his nipple just hard enough to make him gasp.

“Fuck! That hurts.”

“That’s what you get for insulting my man’s intelligence today,” Tyler replied. “I don’t want to hear that crap again. Do you hear me?” When Owen didn’t reply, Tyler tried to pinch him again.

“Okay! Okay! Damn,” Owen said, rubbing a hand over his chest.

“And another thing,” Tyler said, poking his solid chest. “You’re not dreaming. This is real. We are real.”

Owen smiled but still rubbed his chest. “I never knew you were so mean.”

Tyler grimaced. “Sorry if I went too far.”

Blue eyes sparkled with wicked intentions as Owen pulled Tyler closer. “Now you have to kiss me and make me better.”

“Gladly.” Tyler didn’t stop making amends until they were a naked, sticky mess sprawled across his bed.

“Say it again,” Owen whispered.

Tyler knew exactly what words he wanted to hear and didn’t keep him waiting. “I love you.”

Owen’s body trembled, and he tightened his hold. “I love you too.”

Tyler was on the verge of falling asleep when Owen added, “This is real.”

“The realest.”

Owen lifted a bottle of beer to his lips to hide a smile as Tyler and Keegan looked around the Thirsty Cowboy in wide-eyed wonder. Their inexperience shone brighter than the neon sign out front featuring a buff wrangler wearing nothing but a pair of chaps and a fuck-me grin. It was so damn adorable, but Owen didn’t think they’d appreciate him saying so. Rueben, who’d invited himself to tag along once he heard about the outing, had no reservations about sharing his thoughts.

“If your eyes get any bigger, they’re going to bulge out of your head like cartoon characters,” Rueben said. “And there will probably be one of those old-timey car horns.”

“Ahooga,” Owen said. So much for keeping his mouth shut.

Reuben saluted him with his beer. “That’s the one.”

Fortunately, Tyler and Keegan laughed at their antics instead of taking offense.

“Sorry,” Tyler said sheepishly, then turned to Keegan. “We have no chill.”

Keegan shrugged and turned his attention back to the crowd. Owen followed the direction of his gaze to where several couples swayed together on the dance floor. It wasn’t anywhere close to the kind of dancing at Cash’s birthday party. For one thing, Owen had kept a respectful distance from Keegan when they slow danced, but the couples at the Thirsty Cowboy were practically glued to one another. Some blatantly grabbed their partners’ asses, a few performed a cowboy version of dirty dancing, and others made out like there was no one else in the bar. It was hard to know what Keegan was thinking behind his enormous hazel eyes. Was he replaying the encouraging words his therapist said to him, or did he only hear the hateful messages the cult had spewed? Keegan must’ve sensed his attention because he met Owen’s gaze and offered a warm smile.

“Tell me about your homework assignment,” Rueben said. “Are you supposed to pick up a guy or something?”

Keegan had just taken a sip of his soda and practically choked on it. While Rueben and Owen had chosen beer, the novices ordered soft drinks, making them look even more innocent and adorable. If they weren’t careful, they’d draw the attention of every horny man like sharks to blood in the water. The mere thought made Owen sit up straighter and take stock of their surroundings.