Cave Creek CowboyTotal Top

CAVE CREEK COWBOY TOTAL TOP

…The fresh smell of soap, mingled with Paul’s musky, masculine scent, nearly brought him to his knees. This had never been an issue in the past. Now Spence couldn’t even kiss without consequences. Thankfully Paul didn’t seem to notice how rattled he had him. Spence pulled back to gaze at Paul. “I think the soap landed between my feet,” he told Paul in a husky rasp. “I’ll try to find it. It could take a while.” Paul leaned over, took him in hand and kissed the head of Spence’s cock. A zing of pleasure shot through Spence at lightning speed. The sight of Paul’s lips on his cockhead made it hard not to be too aggressive. He tamped his enthusiasm and only ran his fingers through Paul’s long, shaggy, dark hair when he really wanted to grab two handfuls and fuck Paul’s mouth. Paul teased the tag of skin on the underside of his shaft and then licked him like a lollipop with the flat of his tongue. Spence had wanted their second time to be slow and easy, but this wasn’t the way. This would end it much too fast at this rate. He reached down to drag Paul back into his arms. “I need to be inside you again.” Paul smiled and kissed him. Both the smile and kiss went straight to Spence’s heart. This cowboy was dangerous. “Can we make it to the bed first?” Paul asked when he released Spence’s lips.

Spence turned off the water and walked out of the shower, holding Paul’s hand secure. They both grabbed towels from the wall and Paul dried Spence. He did such a good job, Spence fell short when he reciprocated. He needed Paul naked on the bed and he needed it fast…

ALSO BY B RIT B LAISE Cave Creek Cowboy Another Cave Creek Cowboy Cave Creek Cowboy Christmas Cave Creek Cowboy: Too Many Brides Cave Creek Cowboy In Vegas Cave Creek Cowboy Kama Cave Creek Cowboy Total Top Fix This! Galaxy Gone Wild A Lady’s Lessons Out Of Space Music Man Slayers Inc. Taking It Slow Two Weeks In Paradise Unchained Melody The Virginia Model-Logues Wanton Warrior Wild And Wanton

CAVE CREEK COWBOY TOTAL TOP BY BRIT BLAISE

AMBER Q UILL PRESS, LLC http://www.AmberQuill.com

CAVE C REEK COWBOY TOTAL TOP AN AMBER QUILL PRESS BOOK This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. Amber Quill Press, LLC http://www.AmberQuill.com All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review. Copyright © 2008 by Brit Blaise ISBN 978-1-60272-373-3 Cover Art © 2008 Trace Edward Zaber

Layout and Formatting provided by: Elemental Alchemy

PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

To all the women (and men) out there who love cowboys as much as I do… .

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CHAPTER 1 “You’re selling your house?” Bev squealed as she breezed through the front door on the arm of a handsome cowboy. Ordinarily, a cowboy as good-looking as this one would turn Spence’s head, but he’d been anxiously awaiting Bev’s arrival in the hope she’d be excited to find his house for sale. In fact, this entire party had been planned just so she’d be one of the first to know he intended to sell his ancestral home. “I hope to…I think.” He laughed at his own wishy-washy answer. Even after deciding to sell, he still vacillated. “It’s time. The place needs a lot of work, updating and there’s not much money left after property taxes for sprucing it up. It’s time for me to come down from the top of the mountain.” 1

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“It needs a lot of work.” Bev gave a sassy, “Tisk-tisk,” tossed her curly blonde hair, then marched toward the kitchen with a purposeful stride. Spence decided the best tactic would be to leave her alone, since by telling him it needed work, she’d revealed her interest. “You’ll find a paper and pen on the desk in my study if you need to make a list of everything that’s wrong with this place.” Bev stopped and shot him a saucy smile over her shoulder. Her blonde bob bounced again. “I just may do that.” She patted the wide shoulder of the tall, dark and handsome hunk, who tilted his cowboy hat back to stare at Spence with dark brown eyes snapping with smoldering heat. Or was it Spence’s imagination? “What luck to have a contractor on my arm!” Spence gave a dismissive wave. Was she yanking his chain? What were the chances she’d come with a professional to advise her? No way. Not that it mattered. If he didn’t have to use a real estate agent, he’d save around a quarter of a million in fees. He could afford to lower the price to reflect that savings if it meant having a friend buy—so he’d still have access to it. Spence walked toward the patio to see Matt Hansen leaning on the doorframe, staring in the direction Bev had just walked. His dark and brooding frown couldn’t be missed from a mile. “Do you know him?” The tensing of Matt’s jaw betrayed 2

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his deep emotions. Poor Matt. He had it bad and wouldn’t admit it. Spence clapped him on the shoulder and then offered his hand. Matt shook it like a man distracted by a beautiful woman, and Spence took mercy on him. “Bev claims he’s a contractor and they’re checking out the house.” “She’s never dates the same man twice. She gives new meaning to the word fickle.” Matt didn’t try to hide the frustration in his voice, which amused Spence. The line of his mouth tightened. Didn’t Matt know how jealous he sounded? “Maybe she already knows who she wants and is waiting on him to wise up.” After Spence made the dig, he regretted it. “What’s that supposed to mean? Do you know something I don’t know?” No way! This cowboy gives new meaning to the word obtuse. “How is it you and she never got together? I guarantee if Bev sees me talking to you, she’ll want to know what you had to say. And here you are quizzing me about her.” How could Matt be studying to be a psychoanalyst and have rocks for brains where Bev was concerned? Anyone who knew Bev well knew she’d been in love with Matt for years. Everyone knew…except Matt, and he didn’t seem to have a clue. Or if he did, he was a fool. Bev was sole heir to her family’s fortune, the last in the line of a pioneer family who’d parlayed a gold strike into a bonanza. “I wasn’t quizzing you. I’m curious about the stranger with her.” “Are you two talking about the handsome cowboy with 3

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Bev?” Spence’s best friend, Zandra, leaned over his shoulder and hugged him from behind. The unique fragrance told him it was her before her voice. They’d been inseparable for years until she’d found a man to replace him. “You know his sister, sweetie,” she continued. “You hooked up with her at a party at the Kales’. I remember because”— Zandra glanced away from Spence to her fiancé, who was headed in their direction, and gave a dismissive wave—“because those were wild and crazy days, and I want no part of them anymore.” Neither did Spence. After almost losing Zandra to a lunatic, Spence had given up his wild ways, too. Zandra had picked the right cowboy at the wrong time and found herself abducted from Spence’s driveway by the cowboy’s stalker. It was a nightmare. In the end it worked out for her when she’d found her happily-ever-after with that same cowboy. Spence didn’t have anyone…he wasn’t even dating. The likelihood he’d find someone special was nil at this rate. He hadn’t stepped into a club since Zandra found her soul-mate who’d dominated her time and energy, as it should be. Bev returned from looking at his house much too quickly and hugged Zandra. “I was right. This place needs a lot of work.” Damn. “True enough,” Spence agreed and swept his hand toward the rear of living room wall where floor-to-ceiling windows ran the length of the big room and displayed an unparalleled panoramic view. “But, besides being an architectural jewel, 4

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look at what makes it well worth the asking price.” “Did you name a price?” Bev asked. As the sun set over the valley, the sky to the west was crimson, and lights were beginning to twinkle from houses as far as the eye could see. Spence never tired of the spectacular, breath-taking view. The walled patio off the left end of the room could accommodate dozens of people in comfort. This house may need a little tender loving care, but the view… “I had a couple of Realtors tell me what they thought I should ask, but it seemed a little high. And I know you’d be fair.” Bev’s smile gave him hope his home would go to loving hands of a close friend, one who’d invite him over now and again. “This gives new meaning to being on top,” the cowboy with her said. “Better than the bottom.” Curious that the cowboy responded to his innuendo with a relaxed smile, Spence gazed into his delicious gray eyes, sparkling with fire and intelligence. His dark, craggy face, tanned by the harsh Arizona sun wasn’t pretty, but beautiful in a unique, masculine way. Spence looked away before the cowboy did and wondered… “Truer words can’t be found.” Zandra touched Spence’s chin and drew his attention to her. She winked at him and moved on to where her man stood talking to friends nearby. “Spence, I’d like you to meet Paul Wilson,” Bev said after she gave Zandra a wave. 5

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Paul held out his large, calloused hand, a cowboy’s hand. Paul. Wanna ball, Paul? As he reached, Spence hesitated, feeling a zing of anticipation. The cowboy grinned and removed his hat with his other hand. His glistening, dark hair fell across his forehead and made Spence warm with no effort. This guy was dangerous. When he finally met the man’s firm grip, Spence’s hand was swallowed. Spence avoided staring into his eyes again by fixating on Paul’s wide shoulders. The hard calluses on Paul’s hands made Spence stiff where he didn’t need to be in front of polite company. He had a thing about a cowboy’s hands. He had a thing about cowboys…period. “My grandparents built this house in the sixties,” Spence said, as he pulled his hand back when Paul continued to hold on a bit too long. Could he be gay? Looks didn’t tell. Paul smiled and his gray eyes twinkled, his tanned skin stretched over his high cheekbones. “I recognized the architect right away. He built several of these mountainside homes in the sixties and early seventies.” “But this isn’t just a mountainside home,” Spence objected. “This is the top of the mountain. It would cost a fortune to build a house this high today…that’s if you could get permits to make the grades for a road leading up here, which would be doubtful with all the new laws and regulations about cutting into the hillsides.” “What do you think, Matt?” Bev asked Matt, who still stood near Spence. Her entire demeanor changed as she 6

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looked at him. Everyone could see these two belonged to together…except the two in question. “How much should I offer?” So she was going to make an offer! Spence wanted to do a happy dance. “You’re thinking of buying Spence’s home?” Matt sounded displeased by the idea and tamped Spence’s enthusiasm. What business did Matt have discouraging her? “Do you have any questions I can answer while Matt gets you something to drink?” Spence asked a little too loudly. If she asked for a butterscotch martini, Matt would be busy making it and out of Spence’s hair. “The usual?” Matt asked. At her smile and nod he heaved a sigh and stalked off in the direction of the kitchen, while Spence gave a mental cheer. Bev was particular about her butterscotch martinis. “I have a few questions,” Paul said. “We couldn’t open the door to the room at the far end of the house off the master bedroom.” Spence hadn’t used the room since the night he’d shared it with Zandra and Jake Harper. That encounter had ended badly enough to make Spence question how he lived his life and come to the decision he needed to make some changes…big ones. “I haven’t used that room for a while. Give me a few seconds head start to find the key.” He knew where it was, but he wanted to make sure nothing lingered to embarrass him. Of course she’d want to see it. He had a mental block about that room, which is why he’d not thought of anyone wanting to see 7

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it. He’d considered redecorating, but hadn’t. It seemed a waste of time and money. And it wasn’t obvious he used the room for a sexual haven of sorts. He didn’t have whips and chains hanging from the walls with pink bows. It could be an extra bedroom…one with a really big bed. He took off toward the playroom. Once inside, he grabbed a quilt folded across the end of the leather sofa and spread it over the bed to make it look homier. He hadn’t replaced the red satin sheets since he’d stripped the bed before he’d discovered Zandra had gone missing. The goodie basket containing an assortment of lube and condoms still rested on the bedside table. He grabbed it up and stowed it on the floor of the closet just as the door opened. From the surprised expression on Bev’s face, she may have guessed the room’s use. Paul, her cowboy, stared at Spence and didn’t look away. This time Spence didn’t either.

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CHAPTER 2 Just inside the door, in a reverent display, sat a valuable silver saddle and rigging from the fifties. The only leather visible was the seat and fenders. The breast collar, hip drop, tapaderos, serrape and corona gleamed of high-quality silver. Spence owned two such parade saddles, one of which was in a museum. Recessed lights shining on it from the ceiling above made it glow like the work of art it was. “My grandfather and grandmother rode matching palominos in parades and horse shows all over the country. This beauty belonged to my grandfather.” Bev and Paul walked around the saddle, admiring it. “It’s lovely. Zandra’s mentioned it several times, and I’d always 9

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hoped to see it. So this is where you’ve been hiding it.” This saddle represented a magnificent era gone by…one of famous cowboy movies stars who used to frequent his grandparent’s lives. “My grandparents used the room to hold all their mementos from when they showed horses together. I moved the rest into storage in the extra garage.” “This is a big room,” Bev said as she looked around. “The master could be made twice as big with a sitting room, and there’d still be space for an additional bedroom.” “I’ll get the measurements to give you an idea of what it would cost,” Paul said. Bev hadn’t been joking? When he pulled a measuring tape from his jacket pocket, Spence had a sneaking suspicion it wasn’t just the sign on his gate that had alerted Bev to his sale. Most people don’t come to a party with tools in their pockets. “Who told you I planned to sell?” Spence asked her. “You’ve been talking about it for a long time, but Zandra called right before I left the house and gave me Paul’s cell number. It was her idea to call him, and a good idea at that. As luck would have it, he was at Ridge and Holly’s looking at a horse with a friend. I swung by and picked him up on way here.” “Bold people don’t shrink from bold moves to get what they want.” Spence gave her the thumbs-up, to which she responded with a bright smile. “Do you mind waiting while Paul measures the room? I want to look at the kitchen again.” 10

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“Be my guest.” Bev paused in the doorway to look at Paul. “Take your time.” Leaning against the saddle, Spence watched the cowboy bending and stretching as he measured the room, until Spence had a full-fledged hard-on, thankfully hidden by the silver hip drop that fell all the way to the floor. Taller than Spence’s six-two by about two more inches, Paul was heavier by at least thirty pounds. More than likely it was all muscle, the kind that comes from hard work and horses instead of a personal trainer like Spence’s. His dark angles and five-o’clock shadow were accented by the buffcolored, western-cut coat he wore over faded denim jeans. The brown shirt matched his wide-brimmed hat. Like most cowboys, the hat stayed firmly upon his head. The extra height added by both the hat and the heels from his tan ostrich-quill western boots made him an imposing figure. Paul was the kind of man these walls had once surrounded. So many western stars, icons of yesteryear, were frequent visitors of his grandparents. This cowboy fit. “My grandparents had a pool table and bar in here. I took it out years ago.” Paul crossed the room in Spence’s direction. “It’s going to drive me insane. I have to know,” he said as he pulled his hat from his head. Again his dark, shaggy hair fell over his forehead, and he swept it back with his strong hand. When he settled his hat over the horn of the saddle, Spence was about to 11

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object, but Paul reached up to catch Spence by the back of the neck to haul him closer. Paul’s mouth descended on his before Spence could formulate a coherent thought. Then, once their lips locked, any stray thoughts turned to mush. All of life’s most important questions could have been answered at that moment and Spence wouldn’t have listened. Paul’s mouth moved over his like a man who’d perfected the art of kissing and went on to become a Ninja-kissing master. The hard-on Spencer had had earlier didn’t compare to the one paining him now. Paul deepened the kiss with a sense of urgency that demanded immediate satisfaction. The urge to drape Paul, belly first across the saddle and fuck him became a real possibility, and the notion staggered Spence. His saddle was off limits. A knock on the door made Paul draw away with a sexy grin not quite reaching his heated gaze. “Yeah?” “Just me,” Bev said as she opened the door, not waiting for anyone to answer. By the time Spence made eye contact with Bev, Paul had moved several feet away. “I want you take a look at the kitchen.” Paul gave her a nod. “I still have to measure the closet. One moment.” Spence fought to control his erratic breathing. With heat suffusing every cell, it had to show, but Bev didn’t seem to notice as she moved to the right to check out a built-in alcove. Paul opened the closet and shot a look back over his shoulder 12

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at Spence. When he raised the goodie basket and winked, Spence grew hotter than fire. He looked at his watch…how long until he could get rid of everybody with the exception of one handsome cowboy?

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CHAPTER 3 Spence didn’t know how he made it through at least four hours of smoldering looks from Paul and suggestive comments from his friends who caught on all too easily to the heat Paul and Spence generated, even from across a crowded room. Zandra made more than one remark making him think she’d orchestrated this meeting. Only her reaction wasn’t what Spence expected when she demanded Spence send Paul home. She went home early and angry when Spence told her mind her own business. Why had she sent him a gift if she didn’t want him to get some use out of it? By the time the last guest left the house Spence was so hot for Paul, he couldn’t talk…couldn’t breath. 14

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The moment of truth… Spence was a top, a total top, if the truth be known. But Paul looked like one, too—big, brawny and with a commanding air about him. Hopefully not, or it would be cock-sucking and then goodnight. Spence jumped him with the snick of the closing door behind the final guest. The slight hesitation when Spence pushed Paul against the door was quickly replaced with a burning kiss. Spence slipped out the condom he’d pocketed earlier before reaching for his zipper. He needed inside Paul’s hot ass—fast. Even more than he wanted to see that glorious dark head bobbing up and down on his cock. Spence needed to fuck. “I want to fuck you.” “That’s what I want, too.” Bingo. *

*

*

Paul couldn’t believe his luck. Spence was a top, his preferred type. If pressed Paul could fill the role, but it didn’t begin to give him what he needed…what he wanted. The kind of men Paul normally attracted wanted him to fuck them. Spence’s lips moved over Paul’s like a hungry man, one accustomed to getting what he wanted and not even questioning if he could deliver the goods. Anxious to find out, Paul pulled his jacket down over his shoulders while still liplocked. Spence’s hand at the back of his head kept them secure, while his tongue danced inside Paul’s mouth, 15

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exploring and driving him to a fevered pitch of need. Before Paul tossed his jacket aside, he reached into his pocket for the small tube of lube he’d palmed from Spence’s basket, just in case. When he slid it into Spence’s hand, he was rewarded with a smile against his lips. When Spence eased back with a sigh, his eyelids hung heavy over the most spectacular blues eyes in the world. His breath, coming in pants from his parted lips, heated Paul’s neck. “Thankfully one of us was thinking.” He let go of Paul and took a step back to draw what looked like an expensive sports shirt over his head in one upward swoop. Paul’s gaze was drawn to his washboard stomach…the kind of abs that come from having a personal trainer. His smooth and hairless pecs strained under his golden skin. Spence tossed the shirt aside with a chuckle and ran his fingers through his tousled, medium length blond hair. No, not just cut—styled. Everything about Spence screamed wealth and privilege, the kind of guy who might come along once in a lifetime. His tanned skin made Paul’s mouth water. The combination of blond hair, blue eyes and golden tan made Paul itch to touch. Spence’s lithe, muscular torso would be a pleasure to explore at his leisure. Paul hurried to undress. The next few seconds were spent in a chaotic rush as both discarded their clothes. Because of his damned boots and taking time out to ogle the blond Adonis, Spence beat Paul and had even sheathed his cock by the time Paul was naked. Paul would’ve gladly helped with the 16

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tedious job, if he weren’t so damned slow shedding his pants. The glance he’d had of Spence’s long, thick member made Paul’s mouth water. The niceties could come later, hopefully, when they weren’t both crazed with desire. Spence took Paul’s hand and walked, not stopping until they were at the edge of the patio at the stucco retaining wall, the length of which was covered with several southwest woven blankets. “So you won’t think I’m hopeless in the romance department. Check out the view…while I do, too.” While Paul stared out at the breathtaking vista of city lights twinkling in the warm spring night, Spence moved behind him, pressing his warm, hard naked body against Paul’s naked backside. Spence’s arms surrounded him and the night was magic…on top of the world. There was no worry about prying eyes with the world stretched out below them. On top of the world… The people in Paul’s life didn’t live like this…not even close. They cleaned houses and mucked barns for people who lived like this. This was a one-time only experience, a one-night stand…and he intended to make the most of it. Spence kissed his shoulder, his cock running up the seam of Paul’s ass, while he nudged Paul’s feet farther apart. Paul leaned forward and placed his hands wide on the soft blanketed wall. Spence spread Paul’s cheeks and soon his lubed cock pressed against Paul’s butt hole. The anticipation made him tremble. From the moment of penetration, his pleasure rocketed off 17

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the charts. Paul feared letting go of the wall to touch his own cock until he got the urge to rush to completion under control. He leaned forward a little more and attempted to coax his balls to loosen. Every second was bliss. Spence lengthened his strokes, hard and deep. The sound of their pounding flesh, the rich smell of musk, the heavy night air…everything worked its magic. Beyond bliss, beyond perfect…beyond. “Incredible,” he managed to wheeze. The pleasure became so intense he couldn’t control his response. Paul exploded, shooting ribbons of cum, one after another until he lost count.

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CHAPTER 4 Spence smiled inside. As the spray of the shower washed over his face and down his chest, Paul rained kisses over the back of his shoulders and neck while he reached around to soap Spence’s hard cock. “It’s spotless already. If it gets any cleaner, it’s going to explode.” Spence had just had the most explosive ejaculation in his memory and already…he could go again. The power and magic of their outdoor encounter worried him. Could it be because he hadn’t had sex in months, or did this cowboy have the special ingredient that turned Spence to mush? Spence didn’t want it to be the latter. This guy could twist Spence around his little finger with no effort. Spence was 19

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the one who usually did the twisting. The soap slipped from Paul’s hands and hit the tile with a thud in the close space. “Oops. I guess I’ll have to go down and get it.” Spence stepped back and helped the shower rinse the soap from his cock by rubbing his hands over his swollen member. He smiled, turned and delivered a kiss to his handsome seducer. He rubbed his knuckles over the stubble on Paul’s cheek and then caught the back of his neck to direct Paul toward his mouth. Spence took charge of the kiss, moving his lips over the cowboy’s, concentrating on giving as much pleasure as he took until his breathing grew coarse. The fresh smell of soap, mingled with Paul’s musky, masculine scent, nearly brought him to his knees. This had never been an issue in the past. Now Spence couldn’t even kiss without consequences. Thankfully Paul didn’t seem to notice how rattled he had him. Spence pulled back to gaze at Paul. “I think it landed between my feet,” he told Paul in a husky rasp. “I’ll try to find it. It could take a while.” Paul leaned over, took him in hand and kissed the head of Spence’s cock. A zing of pleasure shot through Spence at lightning speed. The sight of Paul’s lips on his cockhead made it hard not to be too aggressive. He tamped his enthusiasm and only ran his fingers through Paul’s long, shaggy, dark hair when he really wanted to grab two handfuls and fuck Paul’s mouth. Paul teased the tag of skin on the underside of his shaft and 20

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then licked him like a lollipop with the flat of his tongue. Spence had wanted their second time to be slow and easy, but this wasn’t the way. This would end it much too fast at this rate. He reached down to drag Paul back into his arms. “I need to be inside you again.” Paul smiled and kissed him. Both the smile and kiss went straight to Spence’s heart. This cowboy was dangerous. “Can we make it to the bed first?” Paul asked when he released Spence’s lips. Spence turned off the water and walked out of the shower, holding Paul’s hand secure. They both grabbed towels from the wall and Paul dried Spence. He did such a good job, Spence fell short when he reciprocated. He needed Paul naked on the bed and he needed it fast. Spence grabbed Paul’s hand again and was headed toward the playroom door before he stopped short. He wasn’t ready to use that room again and he more than likely never would be. “Let’s go to my bedroom.” If Paul wondered when they changed direction, he didn’t say anything. The cleaning crew had been there that day so his bed would have fresh linens. With a flick of the wrist he skinned back the comforter, and Paul dove onto the bed, lifting his legs suggestively. It was all the invitation Spence needed to get fucking. He opened the drawer next to the bed and pulled out a condom while Paul watched. His gray eyes sparkled with heat, and the promise of a really good time. Spence sheathed himself with shaky hands. The lube he 21

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used next had a tangy tropical smell as he applied it liberally. He considered grabbing the cock ring in the corner of the drawer rather than take a chance of coming too quickly. His damned pride stopped him. He crawled up onto the bed and settled between Paul’s long, muscular legs, still covered with droplets of water from the shower. “Lift up,” Spence said as he grabbed for a couple of pillows to put under Paul’s hips. Paul complied and used one hand to separate his ass cheeks while he captured and pulled aside his considerable ball-sac with the other to reveal his pink pucker. Not one to waste good lube, Spence rimmed Paul’s hole with his wet fingers. Paul bucked when Spence teased the sensitive area between his balls and anus. Spence sat back onto his heels where he could watch and enjoy at the same time. He placed his cockhead at Paul’s now moist opening and applied pressure. The tightness gave way, and another zing of pleasure shot through Spence. Each inch he penetrated felt better than the last…so very tight. Paul’s washboard stomach couldn’t be more perfect. The way he moaned while Spence penetrated him couldn’t get any better. “Fuck me hard!” Spence complied and buried himself to the hilt, only to retreat and do it again and again, until both of them were moaning and grunting in unison. He varied the length of his strokes as the tension raged higher and higher. Paul’s balls, once loose, drew tight to his body, giving Spence a sense of power. He pumped harder. Paul took hold of his own cock. With a couple of jerks, he 22

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shot a long, thick ribbon of cum into the air, which acted on Spence like an aphrodisiac to make him come, too. Together they shouted their satisfaction. *

*

*

Paul curled on his side, spooned in Spence’s lap with Spence’s big cock buried deep inside him, Paul’s hand massaging Spence’s thigh, soft and easy. It was almost dawn and they’d made love all night long. It had been years since he done this and surprisingly he wasn’t the least bit tired. Spence stayed like that, buried to the hilt and hard. How did he do it? He might be younger than Paul’s thirty-five years, but not by much. Spence had the stamina of a teenager, making Paul feel old. And very, very good. Suspended in an altered state of bliss, somewhere between this world and another Paul didn’t know and had never known, both of their bodies seemed to meld into one. Humbled, it made him emotional…vulnerable. This was it. It was more spiritual than physical. This is what he’d been searching for his entire life.

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CHAPTER 5 Spence stood on the front portico of his Southwest-style mountainside home and watched as the old beater strained against the steep incline leading to his drive. Since he wasn’t expecting anyone, it had to be Paul’s sister. Paul had mentioned he’d called her the previous evening to see if she’d get him in the morning. Fucking one another had been a foregone conclusion from the moment of their first kiss. If only he could think of a good reason to send her on her way and convince Paul to spend the entire weekend with him. Spence wanted to celebrate their meeting and make it last. When Spence had suggested it, Paul shot the idea down, saying he had to work. Spence wanted to argue, but didn’t. It 24

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was obvious they came from two different socio-economic stations, and Spence didn’t want to blow his chance to get closer to Paul by being insensitive. Even an unintentional blunder could ruin this for him, and that he wanted to avoid at all costs. He walked toward the gate he’d installed after his best friend had been abducted from his driveway. He punched in the code and the gate slid open, but the sound of grinding gears made him wonder if she would make it up the final steep slant and into his drive. As the truck wended around the guardian saguaro and then into sight, smoke rolled from the front. It appeared Paul should’ve warned her. As the old pickup drew close, Spence could see the woman’s face better. Even with a brief glance, Spence thought he recognized her. They’d met before…but where? When? Just inside the gate the blast of a backfire sounded and the motor died. Spence tried not to be happy, but he couldn’t help it. Something special had happened last night…or rather all night long. He wanted more time to explore what could come of this thing between them. It was incomprehensible to have feelings for someone after a single night of off-the-charts sex. He’d never experienced anything like this. He wanted more. Paul padded out of the house with bare feet, jeans and no shirt. In the bright Arizona sun, he looked like a warrior god, bronzed and spectacular. He stopped by Spence and smiled. “I asked Lupe to bring me clean clothes. I should’ve told her 25

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drive my truck instead of hers. I think the grade up here killed it. Now she’ll kill me.” Lupe. Zandra’s words at his party the night before came back to him. “You know his sister. You hooked up with her at a party at the Kales’.” Why hadn’t he paid more attention? He’d hooked up with Paul’s sister? Was that why she’d been pissed with him when he wouldn’t send Paul away? This could get sticky. But maybe she wouldn’t remember him. “I don’t suppose I could bother you to give my sister a ride to her job in Cave Creek? It’s probably only about five minutes away once you come down from the mountain. That way hopefully I can see what damage was done to her truck before she has to worry about it.” “No problem. I’ll get my keys.” He headed for the house. It would be a good idea to talk to Paul’s sister without him hearing. Maybe Zandra was wrong. Maybe he hadn’t had sex with Lupe. Spence really didn’t remember, which was more proof positive he needed to make changes in his life. And if he did hook up with her…did it mean he shouldn’t date Paul? Spence knew he was screwed. Once he stood in front of the key holder, he had another dilemma. He didn’t want to open the garage door and show off his expensive vehicles when Lupe had driven an old pickup that quit running. He grabbed the keys for the dually he’d bought from Zandra and hoped to hell it had enough gas. It had been a long time since he’d driven it. He went out the side door and drove the truck around front 26

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to where Paul stood talking to his sister. She looked away from Paul to Spence and did a double take of recognition. She shook her head as if she couldn’t believe what her eyes were telling her. It almost looked comical…almost. Just great. No doubt, she remembered him, and it wasn’t fondly. Just wait until she discovered he’d had sex with her brother. She grabbed a bag out of the back of the beater and walked around the front of the truck, then toward him. Even with the canvas bag in her hands at her waist, Spence could see she was pregnant. Very pregnant. And pissed. Paul followed her and opened the passenger-side door. He smiled at Spence. “Spence Thorin, this is my sister, Lupe Ruiz.” She glared as she made an awkward entrance into the high truck. “Spence, huh? I’ve wondered about your name. So now I know.” Fuck! “What do you mean you wondered—” “I’ll be late for work,” Lupe said over her brother’s question. She slanted back toward Spence, a fierce expression pulling her beautiful face tight. “Let’s go. Now!” Paul’s face showed his confusion, but he shut the door and stepped back. Spence put the truck in drive and hit the gas, then watched Paul in the rearview mirror as he drove out of the gate. The confusion cut through Spence like a knife. Impending 27

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doom gnawed at him. “I should’ve known when I saw your friend in Cave Creek a few days ago. She asked when I’d gotten married and spoke about the night we got together when I told her I hadn’t. When I asked her if she knew the name of the blond man I’d met, she avoided answering me.” “Zandra.” “Yes, Zandra. I distinctly remember being told you two were best friends. The man who brought me didn’t know your name, and I had no way of finding out.” “Why were you asking about me? Is it mine?” “I thought you’d used protection.” Spence’s heart dropped. He’d gotten a woman pregnant. And not just any woman. Panic filled him. “I did use a condom. I always do.” “Then what happened?” Lupe demanded. “No, never mind. It was as much my fault as yours. I had no business sleeping with you when I didn’t even know your name. It’s been humiliating to tell my family I didn’t know my baby’s father.” “My memory is hazy, but I doubt sleeping was involved. Was it just the two of us or did Zandra join us?” Spence really didn’t remember, and he’d often played sex games with Zandra and a third party. She shot him a look of exasperation. “Dios mio! How do you know my brother?” “I didn’t until last night. He came to my house with a friend for a party.” 28

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“You and your friends have a lot of parties.” Spence started to say he didn’t go to the kind of gatherings where he’d end up in bed with someone any longer, but after last night, he couldn’t say that. This was a colossal fucking mess! One he’d not considered. “Actually, Zandra orchestrated our meeting. I think she wanted to use your brother to get us together.” Then, when she discovered Paul’s sexual orientation, Zandra had tried to separate them. Why didn’t she just tell Spence? All of this could have been avoided. Just when he’d decided to try settling down with just one special person, Spence was blindsided by the surprise of a lifetime. He’d gotten a woman pregnant. He had no reason to doubt the woman. Or did he? It was one of the last flings he’d had before the fateful encounter with Zandra and her cowboy. Now his life had just taken a drastic turn. He was going to be a father. How did he feel about that? He watched the road, while she watched him. “I didn’t know your name,” she said again, as if they hadn’t already had this conversation. “And once the baby is born, I’m more than willing to do a paternity test. I’ve no doubt when I got pregnant or who is to blame. I hadn’t been with anybody except you for a very long time before or since.” “And I wore down your resistance.” She smiled for the first time. “Something like that.” With her long black hair and big chocolate eyes, no wonder he’d wanted her, and while partying in his cowboy 29

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friends’ homes, he’d rarely found a man to hook up with. Until last night. Damn! “Do you live in that mansion on top of the mountain?” Her question reassured him she hadn’t gone after him intending to trap him and use the child to get money from him. “Yes.” “It’s not yours, is it?” He could hire a private investigator to find out everything there was to know about the woman and her brother. Would it do any good? Or if they discovered he’d investigated them, would it do more harm than good? If he’d been targeted for his money, then wouldn’t she know he owned the house. “It’s mine. I inherited it from my grandparents, who raised me. Which way?” he asked when he approached a stop sign. “Turn left. Are you rich? The idea of having a baby doesn’t seem to frighten you like it did me when I first learned. I’ve been scared to death ever since.” “Then why didn’t you do something about it?” “An abortion? My parents barely speak to me now. If I’d gotten rid of the baby, they would’ve disowned me forever.” Why was she scared to death? “I guess I’m rich by average standards. I don’t have to work to live. Although I’m thinking of going back to school to finish my education. The museum where I’ve donated some of the treasures from my grandparent’s estate has offered me a position.” She stared at him like he was an alien and didn’t say anything. “I’m selling the house because the real estate taxes are out30

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of-control, and the house is being neglected. Now I have added incentive. Could you imagine raising a child on the top of a mountain?” Lupe burst into tears. When Spence found a spot to pull over, he did. Lupe continued to cry, while he considered what this meant for him…for his life. This had been a strange few hours…the best sex in his life, the possibility of meeting someone who could fill the empty place in his heart…and then this. Lupe was right…it didn’t frighten him. If he had to name the emotion, excitement fit much better. A child. He’d decided not long after Zandra was abducted he’d stick with men…only men. He enjoyed sex with women, but if he had to choose, he couldn’t do without man-love. And he wanted a committed relationship. He believed he’d found that last night. Did Lupe know her brother was gay? What would she think when she learned about the two of them? Would she want her child to have a gay father? “Do you have to go to work? We have a lot to talk about.” She cried harder. “That’s it! You’re coming home with me. It can’t be good for the baby for you to be this upset.” He put the truck in reverse and turned around. When she didn’t complain, he relaxed somewhat. It was his nature to want a fast resolution to everything…sex, the sale of his home… now this. When he pulled back through his gate, Paul had his head under the hood of his truck. He looked up and, seeing Lupe 31

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still with Spence, a frown furrowed his dark eyebrows. “I hope you can keep your brother from killing me.” “I hope so, too. He’s been very angry with me and with the man who did this with me. Are you sure you want to tell him right now? Maybe I should do it later when I’m alone with him.” Spence needed to settle this like a man. “That nice of you, but no, I want to do this now. And I want to be completely honest with you. About everything.” Paul approached the truck as Spence cut the motor. “What’s wrong? Are you sick again?” “Sick again?” Spence asked. “I haven’t had an easy time,” Lupe said. “Why are you talking to my sister about her pregnancy? Fucking me doesn’t make you family.” “You fucked my brother, too?” “What do you mean ‘too’?” Lupe rubbed her belly and pointed to Spence.

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CHAPTER 6 “You’re bisexual?” Lupe asked. Her eyes filled with tears again. How could any one person have this many tears inside her? “Can I get you anything? A glass of water?” She frowned. Okay. He owed it to her to be honest. “Something really bad happened in my life not long after we were together, and I did a lot of soul searching. I’ve decided to restrict my sexual activity to men only. It’s complicated. I decided to make a choice…men or women. I chose men. I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life without ever touching another man. While women have great points, too, I can manage 33

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without them.” “I turned you gay?” Spence wished he could make her understand. “No. I’ve always preferred men.” Paul, who had been pacing the family room floor, stopped to sit next to her on the sofa. “What are your intentions toward my sister and this baby?” Spence was ready and willing to step up to whatever she needed or wanted. “Would you marry me?” “Fuck,” Paul said and slammed his fist down. Lupe looked at Spence with her big, brown, tear-filled eyes. “Marry you? No. No, wait. Maybe. Would I have insurance if I married you?” “You don’t have to do this,” Paul said and looped his arm about her shoulder. “You can’t marry a man who won’t love you like you deserve to be loved.” Lupe shoved her brother’s arm away. “It’s his baby, too. Would you have me deny my baby a father because of your pride? I clean other people’s houses for a living. I have no insurance. I imagine Spence wants a healthy baby as much as I do. Is that so wrong?” The drama playing out surprised him. What did Spence expect? The old truck, a cleaning job… Her life couldn’t be easy…all of this couldn’t be easy for her. “I want the best for this baby. Money isn’t an issue. We’ll get you the help you need, even if you choose not to marry me. Whatever you need.” “She needs to stay off her knees scrubbing the floors of 34

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rich white women who abuse her,” Paul said. “There’s only one who is mean to me and, since I didn’t show up this morning, she’ll fire me anyway.” “Good. The woman’s a bitch. You can move in with me.” Paul glared at Spence as if he’d caused this, too. Lupe swiped her eyes and smiled at her brother. “Please don’t fight with me in front of Spence. You have a tiny trailer on your friend’s ranch. You don’t even have a real bed, only a couch.” Spence had the perfect solution. She may not want to marry him, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t take care of her. “I need help here. Move in with me.” “Fuck that!” Paul didn’t like the idea? Too bad. “Just stop it already. This man doesn’t love me, and I don’t love him either, but we both can love our baby. Haven’t you always said the worst part of being gay is not having the ability to have a child?” The unasked question lingering in Spence’s mind had just been answered. Spence had prayed he hadn’t caused Paul to out himself to his sister, but it appeared she’d already known and accepted it. Spence turned away from Lupe to look into Paul’s eyes. He didn’t like what he found…pain. “Ever since Lupe told me, I’ve been excited. I can’t help it.” Whatever this relationship was…only time would tell. “She couldn’t have come into my life at a better time. I’m going through my grandparents’ treasures and deciding what to keep, what goes to the museum, and what I’ll sell. It’s a 35

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tedious and unpleasant process. Aunt Bet tries to help, but she gets more emotional than I do.” He didn’t add this was one of hardest tasks of his thirtythree years…deciding to let go of the past to push him ahead in his long, long overdue personal journey into adulthood. Lupe gave a nod and distracted his attention from Paul’s pained expression. “I take responsibility for what happened,” she said. “And I’ve taken a lifetime oath to temper my impetuousness because of that single night.” She sent a hooded gaze at Spence and blushed. “I’m sorry if that sounded— I’m sorry.” Maybe he could make this less painful for her. “You shouldn’t be apologizing to me. I’m certain I’ve been a sexual shark to your minnow of experience. I can only promise I’m not like that any longer.” Or was he? He’d been aggressive with Paul. “Aunt Bet could use your help here.” “Maybe your aunt will be angry because I’m expecting,” Lupe said. “I’m more than willing to accept help for the baby, but I can’t take your money, too.” “She’s not really a relative. Aunt Bet was my grandmother’s housekeeper for years and is almost seventy. She’s due in from her weekend off any moment. She spends every other weekend with her sister in a valley nursing home.” “You have a live-in maid and you want my sister to clean your house, too?” Paul finally pissed Spence off. He took a moment before he reacted in kind. “Aunt Bet doesn’t clean up after me. I just told you she’s almost seventy. I have someone come in twice a 36

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week to do the heavy cleaning, so she doesn’t do too much. But with this move I’ve planned, I’m worried about her. This has been her home for forty years. She came here when she was only twenty-eight and this move will be hard on her, too.” Lupe shot him a brilliant smile. “Show me my room.” Paul jerked away as though he couldn’t stand to see her happy. “I don’t like this one damned bit.” “I think Spence gets that, Paul. Snap out of it because I’m going to try to make this work. For the first time since I found out about the baby, I have hope. It would’ve been far worse if I hadn’t found Spence. It was fate.” Spence smiled, too. Fate didn’t have anything to do with it…or with fucking Paul or with Zandra’s manipulation of their reunion. “It was my best friend Zandra. And she’s probably sick with worry that I screwed it up royally by sleeping with your brother.” “We didn’t sleep,” Paul said testily. After they spoke at length about the baby and Lupe’s situation, Spence had a clearer idea what he’d be getting into by having Lupe come to live with him. And while he wouldn’t push her, what she really needed was more schooling and to put some distance between her parents and what they considered Lupe’s unforgivable sin. “Until the baby comes, let me take care of everything. You could help Aunt Bet a little, and get plenty of rest.” This would work. He gazed at Paul who’d remained silent for the most part, while he’d let Lupe share her feeling and thoughts about the baby. The dark angles and five-o’clock 37

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shadow made Paul menacing and…gorgeous. “I’m sorry,” Spence told him, but Paul looked away. Aunt Bet came in through the side door at that moment to find the three of them. He didn’t often have people early in the day without first warning her, so he expected the surprise on her face. While Spence made the introductions, Paul didn’t bother to disguise his anger. He rose and walked away to hover at the far wall. Spence couldn’t worry about him right then. Telling Aunt Bet he was going to a father was an incredible moment. “I think Lupe is here to stay with us,” he told Aunt Bet. “She’s having my baby.” Aunt Bet didn’t faint or even flinch. Her initial astonishment flashed into a smile brilliant enough to melt the most jaded heart. “And I’m only learning this now? Shame on you. When will the baby be here?” Spence hadn’t asked, since the party Zandra spoke about had been just before her abduction. That day he’d never forget and it had been seven months and eight days since. “Just a little less than two months.” “Do we know what it is? A boy or a girl.” It was Spence’s turn to be caught by surprise. He hadn’t thought to ask, and he awaited the answer with nervous energy. “I don’t know. I don’t have insurance, and it costs too much extra for a sonogram.” Aunt Bet shot Spence a look he knew well and didn’t care to have directed toward him. 38

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“Spence is only learning of the baby this morning.” Lupe’s voice cracked and the tears began to show again. Aunt Bet’s relief showed. “We have good doctors nearby.” “I’m sorry, Aunt Bet. But you can make up for lost time now. Just think of the shopping you can do with Lupe. Maybe you could make us a bite to eat, then we’ll all sit down together and make some plans.” “Don’t bother,” Paul snapped. “I’d choke on it.” To give her credit, Aunt Bet ignored him and headed for the kitchen. Lupe looked like she wanted to get away from her brother as well. “You’re welcome to go check out the kitchen with Aunt Bet,” Spence offered. Paul huffed at his words. Had his invitation sounded condescending? “I can’t call her Aunt Bet.” “Sure you could, but if it makes you uncomfortable, her name’s Betricia.” “Can I speak to you in private on the patio?” Spence said to Paul as soon as Lupe was out of earshot. He stood and walked away without waiting to see if Paul followed. And Paul didn’t come right away. After some time passed, Spence wondered if he needed to go back inside and have this fight in front of the women. He’d just started back when Paul walked out, a little too fast and much too aggressive. Spence got a hard-on in an instant. Paul noticed and jerked to a stop. He pointed at Spence’s crotch as if he’d done it on purpose. For a very long time, sex had been his drug of choice, so it didn’t surprise Spence to get turned on at inappropriate 39

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times. He only had to look at Paul to be aroused. “Your Hispanic maid is showing your pregnant Hispanic woman around your house. You must have a thing for brown faces.” Spence didn’t have a racist bone in his body, so never considered this was what had puckered Paul’s balls when he introduced Aunt Bet. “I don’t deserve that. If you want to argue, use something real…like sleeping with your sister.” “Half-sister. We have the same mother. The only brown faces in houses like these belong to the help or—” “This isn’t about race. It’s about a baby. Mine and Lupe’s baby. I didn’t expect this to ever happen to me, and I’m sorry if you don’t like it, but I’m happy. The thought of being a father takes my breath away.” “If Lupe hadn’t driven her truck into the ground, I’d be as far away from here as I can get.” If Paul had hit him, it couldn’t hurt worse. He dug for the dually keys in his pocket. “Use mine and get lost.”

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CHAPTER 7 When Spence went back into the house, he found Lupe still in the kitchen with Aunt Bet, who was on the phone motioning for him to be quiet. “Excellent,” she said into the receiver. At sixty-eight, Aunt Bet looked good, but lately her age had been affecting the way she moved. Her sharp mind hadn’t been affected by the years, though. “We’ll be there. And thank you.” “Two o’clock,” she said to Lupe. Lupe looked over his shoulder like she expected to see her brother. “He’s not happy with me,” Spence told her. “And not for the reason you might think.” 41

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Lupe gave a dismissive wave. “I need to get my things.” “If your parents will allow your brother to pick them up, perhaps that would be less stressful,” Aunt Bet said, making Spence wonder what Lupe had told her about her situation at home. “I don’t have much, but Paul loves to fight with our parents anyway. He’ll enjoy telling them I’m moving out.” She gave a shrug, as ridding herself of unwelcome emotion. “Where is he?” “He took off in my truck.” “He’ll be back.” Spence didn’t know. Nor did he want him to return if he was going to do anything to upset Lupe. “What’s happening at two?” “Betricia found a doctor who can see me today. I may even be able to have a sonogram.” Spence gazed at Aunt Bet, who smiled at Lupe and then at him. “Did you ever think you’d get a chance to diaper another Thorin child?” Aunt Bet shook her graying head. “I thought you were my one and only.” “This is really going to happen, isn’t it?” Lupe said with a sigh. “My baby will have a family who will love and care for it.” *

*

*

When Lupe called asking Paul to pack some of her things to bring to Spence’s, he did it with reluctance. Not just 42

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because it worried him to have Lupe move in with a near stranger, but he hated going to his mother’s house for any reason. Under the best of circumstances, their relationship had problems, but his step-father would find a way to blame this on Paul. They’d never gotten along. But Paul managed it with less drama than he’d anticipated. The folks were excited to finally have a name for the father of Lupe’s baby. The fact he had money didn’t hurt either. Of course, when they learned their twenty-four-year-old daughter had gotten impregnated by a queer, the shit would hit the fan. And while Lupe knew about Paul’s sexual orientation, his parents didn’t know, and the inevitable revelation loomed. As he pulled up to the closed gate of Spence’s mountain home, he dialed Lupe on his cell. “I’m here with your stuff,” he told her when she answered. When the gate rolled back, he drove the dually through. The expectation of seeing Spence had him tied in knots. They’d had a single perfect night and weren’t likely to have another. But the idea of seeing Spence made his cock take control. Lupe met him at the front door and threw herself into his arms. “Enough of that,” Spence said over her shoulder. “You heard what the doctor said. He wants you off your feet, and no excitement until the test results return. Back to the sofa and put your feet up.” “Why? What happened?” “I had an appointment with a doctor that lasted for at least 43

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thirty minutes. Can you believe it?” “Dr. Gregg wants her to stay off her feet until he’s certain it’s safe. She hasn’t been feeling well. And her blood pressure is too high.” Spence pissed Paul off. He hadn’t been here twenty seconds and already he wanted to punch him for the way he’d taken control, doing for Lupe as a brother should. “I know she doesn’t feel well. She hasn’t almost from the beginning. What about work? How will you support yourself?” “We’re going to find something for her do with her feet up.” The way he delivered the statement made it an order. He followed it by pointing toward the living room…the mess of a living room. “Come see what we bought for the baby.” All of this pink shit was for the baby! Then it hit him… “A girl?” “It’s a girl,” Spence said. “How did you buy all of this if you had to stay off your feet?” “I sat on a chair while Spence and Aunt Bet brought the items to me for my approval.” “And I picked out a few surprises,” Spence said, sounding smug. “A few? What happens when all this is over? When you’ve spoiled Lupe and the baby?” “Everyone deserves to be spoiled now and then. And Lupe has promised to go to nursing school as soon as she’s able after the baby comes. She said she always dreamed of being a nurse.” 44

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“You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?” “I doubt it. I’m open to suggestions, though.” “Smart ass,” Paul said when Spence wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of admitting Lupe was his pet charity case. “A year from now, where will she be? Back on her knees cleaning houses.” Lupe sobbed. “I want you to leave and don’t come back. Not until you can be happy for me.” *

*

*

After almost four weeks, Lupe hadn’t relented, and nothing Spence said could sway her. And in the beginning, he tried hard…maybe too hard. He began to wonder if he’d pushed for her reconciliation with Paul for his own benefit. Each day he grew to want Paul more. Not long after Lupe kicked him out, Paul returned Spence’s truck. Spence hadn’t been there when he came, and Lupe didn’t want to talk about it. Evidently they’d had another argument. Spence understood why most people wouldn’t want their sister involved with a gay man, but it seemed hypocritical on Paul’s part. Was it because Spence slept with Paul? Even if he could take it back, he wouldn’t. Aunt Bet came into the kitchen at a clip Spence didn’t see often. “We need to take Lupe to the hospital. I think it’s time.” “The baby’s coming? It’s too soon.” “These things happen. Especially with the first.” “What do I do?” Spence jumped up. Aunt smiled and motioned toward the door leading to the 45

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garage. “Bring the car around front and then help me with Lupe.” Spence did as she asked in record time and rushed back into the house. Lupe hadn’t gotten any farther than her bedroom and she didn’t look good. Then, what woman about to have a baby would? He half carried her down the stairs and into the foyer. “I’m better now,” she said as she reached the doorway. And she appeared to be moving more easily. Spence glanced at Aunt Bet, who still smiled. As long as she smiled, Spence could remain calm, too. He got the women in the car and headed down the mountain as fast as he could without worrying Aunt Bet. In the seat next to him, Lupe began to moan. Maybe he should call 911? Response time couldn’t be better than three minutes…he could be halfway to the clinic by then. Stay calm. People do this every day. Neither woman spoke, and he concentrated on driving. By the time he drove into the clinic parking lot, beads of sweat were running down his back. Swinging around the building to the emergency entrance, he shoved the car in park, opened the door and bounced out. He sprinted to the door and found a wheelchair just inside. “The baby’s coming,” he screamed like a drama queen and ran with the chair. When two people followed, he breathed easier. He lifted Lupe into the chair, and a nurse pushed him aside. “Check with admitting while I see to your wife. Did you 46

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pre-register?” He nodded and opened the door for Aunt Bet. “I’ll meet you inside. I need to admit Lupe.” Without waiting, he headed inside and saw the nurse wheel Lupe down the hallway to his right. “People do this every day.” He finished the paperwork and unclipped his cell. He’d programmed Paul’s cell for this occasion. When he answered on the second ring, the sound of his voice nearly brought Spence to his knees with relief. “Lupe’s having the baby. The maternity clinic on the corner of Tom Darlington and Spur.” “I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes. Call me if anything happens before I get there.” “Right.” He listened as Paul disconnected and looked at his watch. Fifteen minutes. It couldn’t come fast enough. A nurse approached. “Your aunt is in the waiting room on the right if you’d like to join her.” “Sure thing,” he said and headed the way of her pointing finger. Aunt Bet wasn’t the only one there waiting. “Did anyone talk to you?” he asked. She nodded to the woman at a desk in the corner. “They’ll let us know. It’s times like these not ever experiencing childbirth makes me feel useless.” “I should’ve insisted I do this with her—be her birthing coach. I hate not knowing.” “Everything will be just fine.” Aunt Bet leafed through the magazines on the table beside her. Evidently she didn’t want to talk. Spence got up to take a tour of the room. He should’ve 47

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insisted Lupe let him be her birthing partner. She shouldn’t be doing this alone. He began to pace and look at his watch every few seconds.

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CHAPTER 8 “You have a daughter. Five pounds and seven ounces. Come with me and you can look at her before we transport mommy and baby to Phoenix General. Your wife needs more intensive care than we can give her here,” the doctor said. The words cut through Spence. He didn’t want to hear them, and Paul hadn’t arrived yet…damn. She’d had the baby in about fifteen minutes. “She isn’t my wife. We’re not married.” Now what? “Do you have her medical power of attorney?” Why hadn’t they thought of that? “No.” “I’m afraid I won’t be able to share her medical information with you. Does she have any family here?” 49

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“Her brother is on the way.” “Follow me, and you can see the baby before we transport them. And perhaps you can contact Ms. Ruiz’s brother and let him know where he can find her.” Spence followed the doctor to where Lupe and baby were. The activity surrounding Lupe, who had an oxygen mask on her face, didn’t reassure him. A nurse had the baby on the other side of the room. “Are you the baby’s father?” she asked. Spence nodded and moved closer. “She little, but she’s perfect. She has your blonde hair. And she’s a good size for being this early. They’ll take good care of her at Phoenix General.” “She has my blue eyes.” As he looked at his daughter, he could feel his heart swell. He choked up and the back of eyelids burned. She was so tiny and helpless…and his responsibility. “Would you care to hold her before she goes?” It scared him, but he had to do it for the baby’s sake. He had to show her that he loved and wanted her. The nurse placed the baby in his outstretched arms. He stood frozen in place, fighting back tears of joy until they took her away. By the time he made it back to the waiting room where Aunt Bet waited, Paul still hadn’t arrived. Spence went outside and phoned him again. He answered on the first ring, as if he was holding the cell in his hand. “Did I miss it? I’m stuck in traffic.” “It happened only minutes after we arrived. They’re transporting them to the valley…Phoenix General. Find a spot 50

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to turn around and you’ll be there before us.” “Is it serious?” “They wouldn’t tell me anything since I’m not a relative.” “Fuck.” “I’ll see you there.” Aunt Bet tried to be upbeat, but Spence could tell she was worried, too. By the time they made it to the hospital and found Paul, Spence had full-blown hives on the back of his neck from the stress. *

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Three days later, he hadn’t left the hospital, and neither had Paul. Spence had a friend bring them clothes and rented a suite for them at a nearby hotel. He took convincing, but Paul agreed to leave the hospital for showers and a few hours of sleep. When he saw the hotel room, he baulked. “I don’t feel comfortable here.” “It’s the closest one to the hospital, and this suite makes sense. If you get a call, all you have to do is walk into my bedroom to let me know. If you thought I brought you here to have my way with you, I promise it was the farthest thing from my mind,” Spence lied. He wanted to get lost in Paul’s embrace. Paul’s phone rang. He answered it, and tears began to flow from his gray eyes. Spence choked. “Thank you,” he said and clicked the cell shut. When he met Spence’s gaze, he smiled. “Her blood pressure came down 51

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to normal. She’s turned a corner for the better.” Relief spilled through Spence, making him both joyous and weak. He sank to sofa behind him. “I suppose you want to head back to hospital?” Paul came nearer and swiped at damp cheeks, darkened with three days of stubble. “Lupe’s sleeping. I’m going to get cleaned up, and I’m sorry about what I said earlier. I’ve never stayed in place like this. When I said I didn’t feel comfortable, I meant because it’s so expensive. I could stay a week in a motel I’m used to for what you’re paying one day here. This isn’t my kind of place, and it had nothing to do with believing you wanted to have your way with me. The way I’ve been acting, I figured you wouldn’t want anything to do with me.” Spence hadn’t stopped desiring Paul throughout this entire ordeal. Each moment they spent together only confirmed how much he wanted and needed Paul in his life. He was about to say so when Paul turn on the heel of his boot and headed toward the bathroom, grabbing his bag on the way. *

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Paul hadn’t intended to apologize. As he gave his cheek a final swipe with the razor, he nicked himself. It was what he deserved. Spence had been great to Lupe, better than great. This was another first, a shower with a built-in mirror for shaving. The expensive travertine tile and sparkling glass were what he’d choose if doing a bathroom of his own and could afford it. And he had money for a down payment, but not enough regular income to afford the kind of property he 52

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wanted. Lupe always said his expectations were too high. She was easily pleased with little. Paul couldn’t think of another man, gay or straight, who did more to make sure she was happy and healthy than Spence had thus far. And it was obvious how much he loved the baby. At one point, when alone with Lupe and not knowing if she would survive, Paul had made her a promise. She’d asked him to be nice to Spence and give him a chance. When he sniped at him earlier about the room, he’d already dishonored his promise to his sister, and that bugged him big time. No more. Paul intended to try harder to get over the problem that had plagued him his entire life, but never more than now. He wrapped himself in the fluffy hotel robe and laughed as he caught his reflection in the mirror clouded with moisture. He wasn’t a fluffy terry robe kind of guy. When he walked back into the living area, Spence had disappeared…probably showering. On the coffee table sat a basket that hadn’t been there earlier. Spence padded barefoot, in jeans with no shirt out of his bedroom. His damp hair curled about his beautiful golden face. “Bev dropped the basket of goodies off right after you went into the shower. She stopped by the hospital and guessed we’d registered here. She left it at the office in case we were…” “She thinks we’re lovers?” “Zandra knows the details of what happened between us. She ran into Lupe shortly before the party the night we met. 53

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She manipulated our meeting…not because she knew you were gay and we’d hit it off. She remembered Lupe from the night we’d hooked up. They’d spoken at length that evening, and when she saw Lupe pregnant, she did the math. Zandra was using you as a way to bring Lupe back into my life so I could learn about the pregnancy.” “Wouldn’t just telling you have been simpler?” “It would have, but I don’t regret what happened between us. Do you?” Did he? Paul didn’t have to second guess his answer. “No. I only regret not being with you since then.” The hiss as Spence sucked air gave Paul a zing of pleasure along with the elation of finally telling Spence the truth. He’d never stopped wanting him.

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CHAPTER 9 They’d necked for so long Spence’s lips were swollen. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d kissed and been kissed like this. “Fuck me,” Paul whispered into his ear before he turned onto his side and spooned against Spence’s hard cock. Spence reached over to the bedside table where he’d placed their single condom. He stretched back and rolled it over his painful erection. They didn’t have lube, but at least the condom was a well-lubed brand. Paul spread his cheeks and welcomed Spence into his pucker. This meant more than it ever had. Each inch of slow penetration made Spence tremble until he retreated. With each stroke, he went a little deeper. 55

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When fully seated, he reached around to take Paul’s cock into his hand. He lengthened his stokes, while mimicking the action with his hand. Paul began to moan and ran his hand over Spence’s exposed thigh. Spence wanted to make it last, but it had been too long and he’d wanted Paul more than he’d ever wanted another man. This…after the emotional pain and anguish they’d shared made the act as sentimental as physical. Every fiber of his being was involved, his heart most of all. Spence exploded from the base of his neck all the way down his spine until he saw stars. *

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“I never knew my father. I only knew of him—Carter Redman. My mother’s brief marriage to another man gave me my name, but I had an aunt only too pleased to tell me about my rich father.” Spence knew him—remembered him. “He knew my grandparents. I have pictures at the house.” “You have pictures of him? I’ve only seen pictures in newspaper articles. By the time I was old enough to meet him on my own, he was gone. He died in a car wreck.” “He was rich.” “At one time. When he died, he owed more than he owned. It wouldn’t have mattered to me anyway. He never acknowledged me, and that’s all I really wanted.” This explained Paul’s bad attitude toward Caucasians with money. “He was a fool. We can’t pick our parents.” Spence 56

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had his own issues. “Too true.” Paul poured another coffee. He smiled as he held his cup near his mouth. “This is my first room service experience. What are these eggs called again?” “Eggs Benedict.” Spence speared a mouthful with his fork. “It’s one of my favorites. I’m glad you like them.” “Did I say that?” Spence chewed his food, while Paul attacked his plate again. “I haven’t seen my parents since they tried to overturn my grandparents’ will. It was the final straw. They didn’t want a kid and shipped me off to my grandparents before I could even walk. I only saw them on the occasional holiday.” “Your grandparents left you everything?” “Every cent.” “And your parents wanted it.” “Yep, but my grandparents anticipated it and the will couldn’t be successfully challenged. Then again, they built the house for about three hundred grand in the sixties. Who knew it would be worth millions one day? And they left me a trust fund besides. If taxes hadn’t grown at the same rate as the property, I probably wouldn’t consider selling.” “Well, as you said, the top of a mountain isn’t a great place to raise a child. Then again, I don’t think you turned out so badly. When Lupe needed you, you didn’t hesitate to do what you could.” “You could reward me for my efforts.” “I plan to…for as long as you’ll let me.” 57

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Two years later Paul came home and went straight to the shower…their shower, the one he’d remodeled. Spence waited until he knew Paul would be naked and wet. He locked the bedroom door, even though it was unnecessary. No one would bother them. “What took you so long?” Paul said when Spence dropped his robe at the doorway of the shower large enough to accommodate four large men…but those days were behind him. “Just giving you time to wash.” “My cock was the first body part to be soaped.” Spence took the hint and went down to take him into his mouth. This was the best part of being in a monogamous relationship…no condoms. The musky, sweet taste of him thrilled Spence, as did the salty pre-cum beading at his slit. “Mmmh.” “Hurry,” Paul managed as he panted and wrapped his fingers in Spence’s hair. Spence took him into his mouth and sucked, while jerking Paul off with one hand on his shaft and the other teasing his balls. It didn’t take long before they tucked into fire position. Paul gave a muffled grunt as he ejaculated into Spence’s mouth. Spence continued to suck until his lover softened. “How much time do we have?” Paul asked. “Lupe said dinner would be ready at six and not to be late.” Spence had more than enough time to get off. He was 58

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halfway there already. Without a condom, the first time of the evening always went fast. Paul reached for the lube in a built-in compartment in the expensive tile. He handed it to Spence and winked. “You could at least kiss me first.” “Yes, I can.” Spence took Paul into his arms. The thrill of holding him almost upstaged having Paul’s cock in his mouth. Would there ever come a day when this was old hat? Spence hoped not. Paul lowered his head, and Spence kissed him with all the passion of a newlywed. They kissed until Spence’s cock protested. He eased back and nudged Paul around. Paul leaned forward, placing his hands into the indents positioned appropriately in the shower wall, another bonus of fucking a contractor. Spence squirted lube over his cock and along the crack of Paul’s lovely, muscular ass. He moved quickly before the water washed it away and pushed into the spot where he knew he’d find Paul’s pucker. Dead on, he penetrated. Without a condom, the heat and sensations were off the charts. The lube allowed him to glide with ease. He lengthened his stokes…long and hard. Faster. Harder. When Paul grunted and said, “I’m coming,” Spence went off, too. He exploded enough hot juices into Paul’s ass, he’d be feeling him for a while. Incredible as always. Fucking incredible! 59

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“What are we having?” Paul asked as they headed toward the kitchen. Spence laughed. Paul asked the same thing every night like clockwork. Spence worked three days a week, but even then, he always beat Paul home. Maybe because he was accustomed to Aunt Bet’s good cooking…he never asked or even wondered for that matter. “What do I always say?” “You didn’t ask.” Lupe opened the patio door and stuck her head inside, just as they walked into their newly remodeled kitchen. “Come. Martha’s ready to eat.” Martha was always ready to eat—and entertain everyone. She was the light of their lives. Paul and Spence walked, hand in hand, out onto the patio where Aunt Bet was taking barbequed ribs from the grill…Paul’s favorite. He let go of Spence, dashed to Aunt Bet and kissed her cheek. The traitor! Martha squealed at the sight of him and came running. Paul scooped her up and hugged her to his wide chest. Could life get any better? Spence pulled two cold beers from a bucket of ice and popped the tops. “What are we celebrating?” Paul asked. Lupe patted her belly, and Spence slammed the beers down to grab his camera. He wanted to capture the moment he knew was coming. “Wait!” She rolled her beautiful brown eyes at him. “You and that camera.” 60

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“What’s going on?” Paul insisted, making both Aunt Bet and Lupe laugh. Lupe waited until Spence aimed the camera at Paul before she said, “It’s a boy.” Paul let out a shout that could be heard across the valley. “You’re sure?” Spence had seen it…a penis. No doubt about it. “It’s a boy.” Paul hugged Martha, who looked unsure at the commotion. “You’re going to have a brother, sweet baby girl.” He carried her to walled edge of the patio overlooking the valley. The December sun had already begun to set. Spending this time of day together as a family had become a ritual. Lupe had insisted Martha have a brother or sister, and neither man could deny her in the end. Spence donated sperm and now five months later came the good news. Lupe had finished her first year in nursing school, but decided she wanted more—forensic science. She’d enrolled at a local university for the winter. Paul gave the baby to her mother and moved to join Spence at the end of the table. “How were you able to keep that from me?” Because I had a mouthful? No. Save that for later. Spence turned off the camera and laid it aside. “Could life get any better? We’re on top of the world.”

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BRIT BLAISE

More than two years have passed since Brit wrote her first story for Amber Quill, and it’s been an adventure. No longer in Arizona, she resides on the outskirts of a small Ohio town with her extended family, which includes her daughter’s family, too. The dream of restoring a Victorian has passed and the home she’s found is big enough to get lost inside…while writing her next story. She’s taking the drastic changes one day at time! Keep in touch with her latest project at: www.myspace.com/britblaise www.Britblaise.com www.cavecreekcowboys.com www.butterscotchmartinigirls.com *

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Don’t miss Cave Creek Cowboy Ménage, by Brit Blaise, available at AmberHeat.com! When the heat turns from friendly to deadly… A dynamite duo, Zandra and Spence are best friends with a history of sexual exploits. When a handsome cowboy joins them, three isn’t a crowd, just pure raucous fun for all.

But something goes wrong. What starts as amusing entertainment with a splash of kink, becomes complicated for Zandra. She can’t control her emotions. What’s worse, Jake brings more to the ménage than anyone suspects—a desperate stalker. Jake’s already questioning whether the experimentation is messing with his mind, not because of Zandra’s bisexual friend, Spence, but because Zandra awakens feelings he’d wanted to bury forever. Even worse, she’s missing and everyone thinks he’s to blame. Jake’s life is what he wants, freedom to fulfill his every desire and some he didn’t know he had. He doesn’t need a six-foot-tall blond complication…

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