A Change of Pace (3 page)

His hand had been his best friend for a while.
No point in changing that strategy now.
He had a new life to establish, and it wasn’t going to get done by panting after Ridge Huntington.

Mentally slapping himself upside the head, Drew reminded himself of his determination to focus on what he had to accomplish. The first task was finding a home for Bella -- and then one for himself.

Blowing out a frustrated breath, he walked back to the inn. Eyes on the windows as he walked around the veranda up to the front entrance, he exhaled in relief at not seeing Ridge or Rae. He stopped in the lobby, hoping the high school kid he’d seen an hour ago was still on duty at the desk. The sunlit room was empty, but he could hear sounds from the kitchen, so he headed down the short hallway. Grimacing, he found Ridge’s sister at a stainless-topped prep table, working on some pastry-thingy from what he could tell. The room smelled pleasantly of garlic, and he saw a large pot simmering on the commercial range.

She looked up as he paused in the doorway, her brows raised. “What can I do for you?” Her voice was friendly. She was apparently going to ignore what she’d seen at the creek.

Good. He didn’t have to explain. Not that he could. What was he going to say, after all?
I really want to nail your brother?
“I just need some directions, if you don’t mind.” He kept his tone even. “I’ve got to head out to this barn, and I want to make sure I know where I’m going.” He walked forward and showed Rae a piece of paper with an address written on it.

Rae issued a sigh of her own, which might have been relief that they weren’t going to discuss her brother. She nodded and pushed her pastry dough away. “Let me wash my hands and I’ll write out some easy directions.”

Twenty minutes later, Drew and Elsa were on the road. The stable was about ten miles away. Sticking his Bluetooth headset over his ear, he dialed a number on his iPhone, turning down the radio as he waited.

“Lopez.”

“Mr. Lopez. It’s Drew Cunningham.”

“Drew! Glad to hear from you. Where are you?” Tony Lopez’s voice was friendly. Drew heard machinery in the background -- sounded like Tony was at a job site.

“I just got to town late yesterday. I’m on my way to check out a barn.” He paused a moment to check the road sign ahead, then headed up a ramp to a four-lane highway. “I wanted to see what your schedule is like for the next few days to see when we can get together.”

“No problem. Let me walk over to the trailer so I can hear you better, and I’ll check my calendar.” Drew heard more heavy equipment in the background, then the slamming of a door, before Tony was back on the line.

“Okay.” He heard a sigh as Tony apparently sat down. “Well, we’ll be at this site for a while. Do you want to meet me here? I’m around mostly all day, making sure the job gets done. Did your dad tell you that’s why I need somebody right now?” Drew heard Tony’s chair squeak as he moved.

Drew sighed a little. “My dad told me that you build small houses for lower-income folks, and that you’d agreed to take me on as a favor.” Drew mightily resented having a job found for him, as if he were a do-nothing son who had to be placed somewhere he couldn’t get into trouble. Christ, he’d just turned thirty-seven last month.

There was a long pause. “Well, that’s partly right, I guess. Look, today’s Monday, and I’m going to be tied up tomorrow. Why don’t we get together Wednesday? You can come by here around ten or so. How’s that sound?”

Drew hissed a little breath between his teeth. “Um, sorry. My baby girl arrives the day after tomorrow, and I have to get ready for her. Can we do it on Thursday instead? I’ll have to spend the whole day with her.”

“Huh. Your dad didn’t say you had any kids. No sweat. Thursday’s fine. I’ll see you at ten. Do you know where the job site is?” They had corresponded via email before Drew had left Chicago, and Tony had given him basic info about his current project.

“Yeah. I’ll call you if I need directions, but I think I’m okay,” Drew assured him. He’d explain about Bella when he met Tony in person.

“Okay. See you then.”

Chapter 3

Flies spread disease. Keep yours zipped.

Ridge Huntington

The next morning, Drew was up and headed downstairs early. Choosing one of the outdoor tables on the side veranda, he settled down and spread some Asheville area information booklets across the table.

“Good morning.”

Drew looked up to see Ridge Huntington standing next to him. He stared for a moment, surprised, before getting to his feet. Yvonne Stratton had had her work cut out for her when they’d first met, but she’d drilled manners into him, nonetheless.

“I didn’t know you worked over here.” The veranda had been empty when Drew arrived, and he’d parked his dog under the table before taking a seat. He was certainly glad there was no one around as he looked at the young man he’d toyed with yesterday.

Damn, the guy was hot.

Ridge shrugged. Drew watched the whiskey-brown eyes as they dropped down and trailed back up his body. His skin heated up in response to that look.

Nervously taking a deep breath, Ridge lifted the coffee carafe he held. “I don’t usually unless we’re short-staffed. This morning, Sheila called to say she’d be late. I’m just bussing tables until she gets here. Ready for some coffee?” At Drew’s nod, he filled the cup at Drew’s elbow. “Go ahead and sit down again, please.”

Drew obligingly took his seat again, then leaned back to look at his hot-looking waiter. He feasted his eyes on the sleek muscles and tanned skin shown off by the soft, worn jeans, plain white T-shirt, and work boots. The cotton shirt outlined the nipple ring he had played with.

Lingering, Ridge cleared his throat and asked a question. “Any luck finding a place to live yet?”

Drew looked at him in surprise.

“Rae mentioned you would be here only until you found a place.”

“Well, I found a place for my horse, but I didn’t see anything I liked for myself.” Drew paused to take a sip of the fresh brew appreciatively. “Mmmm. Thanks.”

Ridge grinned in excitement, his body language easing. “You have a horse? That is so cool!” He set the carafe down on the table as he leaned his hip against the edge. “What kind is it?”

Despite his decision to not get drawn into anything with this man, Drew found himself enjoying the attention and the flattering gazes cast his way. Ridge’s light brown eyes were eating him up. Drew honestly didn’t think the blond knew how he was looking at him.

He cleared his throat and took another sip of coffee as a delaying tactic while he tried to get his brain to stop taking note of the physical attractions of the other man; he had to shake his head a bit to start processing Ridge’s questions. “Uh, she’s a big girl; an American Warmblood.”

Ridge cocked his head, frowning. “I’ve never heard of that. What does she look like?”

“Um, well, she’s big, all right. She’s all black, like her mama. That’s the Percheron side, a draft breed. Her daddy is a thoroughbred, like the racehorse. He gave her his legs and his heart. Her mama gave her a great disposition and a beautiful conformation.” Drew’s voice softened as he talked about his sweetheart.

Ridge looked down at Elsa, who was lying quietly at Drew’s feet. “Doesn’t your other girl get jealous?” Squatting, he ran his hand over the silky-soft head, scratching her ears and muzzle. Elsa groaned softly, tilting her head into his touch.

Ridge’s head rose, and Drew sucked in a breath at the sight of those lips level with his cock. Staring fixedly, he watched Ridge bite a full lower lip, the brown eyes wandering down below the level of the tabletop.

Drew had put on his favorite barn jeans. He loved wearing them, since the soft black denim was comfortable, and didn’t squeeze his boys, gave them plenty of room. Right then, he had to say that the jeans were just a little tight, and getting tighter every second. Ridge’s fixed gaze was having a distinct effect.

Ridge clearly noticed. “God, I’m doing it again.” He jumped to his feet, losing his balance as he did so.

“Whoa there, guy.” Drew reached out and grabbed Ridge by the arm. His pulse was jumping, his own breath coming a little quickly.

Clearly embarrassed, Ridge was just about tripping over himself to escape.
“I’m sorry, Drew. I -- I, uh, need to get back to the kitchen.” Face red, his host grabbed the carafe and dashed back to the kitchen, shoving through the swinging door.

Drew was so tempted to follow.

Forcing himself to pay attention to his current priorities, he gave himself a mental slap. He didn’t have time to play with a new toy.
Damn it.
He needed to get busy instead with his revised, unwanted life.

Screw breakfast. Frowning, he got up from the table and clicked to Elsa to follow him as he walked out.

***

In the kitchen, Ridge dropped the carafe on the closest table. He faced the counter, his hands flattened on the edge. “Dope, dope, dope.” He banged his head slowly against a wall cabinet.
God, could you have been any more of an idiot? Real smooth, ace. Not exactly the way to impress the new guy.
The finest man to walk through the doors of the Place in, oh, how long? And he had to act like a teenager with his first crush.

“What’s wrong?” His sister’s concerned voice came from behind as she stepped in from the pantry. She walked over to stand next to him, eyeing him strangely.

“The engine’s running but nobody’s driving, that’s what’s wrong.” He kept his eyes closed as he leaned his head against the cabinet, breathing in deeply before turning to face Rae. “Look, it’s not busy in the dining room. Do you mind if I head over to work?” He pasted on a smile.

His sister looked at him, clearly skeptical. “Okay, if you say so.” She shrugged. “If you need to get out of here, go on, then. I think I heard Sheila out back anyway.” She grabbed a tray of eggs from the cooler and walked to the other side of the kitchen. “Hope whatever it is that’s bothering you works itself out before you get back.” She stared pointedly at him over her shoulder.

If I could control myself around Drew Cunningham, I would. But I can’t seem to do that.

***

Drew had spent the morning at the Hidden Springs Stable, checking out the chosen housing for his darling girl. He’d gotten a stall selected and had spent a lot of time reviewing her routine with the manager and his trainer. Drew had worked with George Drezak at the last two places he’d stabled Bella and had been happy with the progress he and his girl had been making. He’d hit a stumbling block the year before, having to adjust to a new trainer when George had relocated to North Carolina. A month ago, when he’d called George looking for a stabling reference, he hadn’t known the man was actually in the Asheville area, so it had been a lucky coincidence that they could begin working together again.

Wandering the stable grounds, he’d found two large outdoor arenas, as well as several riding trails. Drew had looked around in satisfaction as he observed all the room to ride. His barn in Chicago had been adjacent to the forest preserve trails, but the stable grounds themselves had been minimal. This was like an equestrian Versailles in comparison.

Later, he’d driven around a bit to familiarize himself with the locale. He’d spotted some areas that had attractive housing stock, and had made notes to follow up. One of the stable hands had given him a barbeque recommendation and, on the way back to the inn, Drew had grabbed some take-out. The spicy aromas in the place had his mouth watering.

When he returned to Huntington Grove, Rae was in the sunroom with some of the other guests.

Dropping his dinner container on a veranda table, he headed inside. Nodding politely to the guests, he raised an inquiring finger to Rae. “Do you mind if I get a glass of water from the kitchen?”

She broke away from her conversation with a smile and came over to him. “Gosh, not at all. Let me help you.” She stepped past him and moved into the kitchen where she pulled a large glass from a cabinet. “Did you have a good day today? Were you able to find the stables okay?”

Drew nodded. “Yeah, thanks. It was fine. I spent a lot of time there yesterday and today. Bella should be happy there.”

Rae handed him the glass, filled with ice water. “Can I do anything else for you right now?”

He shook his head, glad she hadn’t brought up anything about Ridge. “No, thanks. I’ll be okay.” He headed back to the veranda.

Sitting down with a sigh, he took a drink of water before remembering that he had to get Elsa’s bowls from upstairs. “Shit.” Getting back up, he told the patiently waiting dog, “I’ll be right back, girl. Hang on.” He went inside and loped up the stairs to his room, grabbing the full water and food bowls and bringing them back down. Setting them down for his little girl, he settled down on the wicker sofa once again.

Halfway through the brisket and corn fritters, he eased his head back, staring at the beadboard ceiling of the veranda, sighing again. If he could stop thinking about Chicago, this could be an exciting time -- finding a new home, a new job, the new barn. What was pissing him off was that he had been forced to give up his old home, his old job, his old life to help his father stand a chance for reelection. The fact that he despised politics and the many shallow, self-serving people closely allied to the mayor’s administration was most definitely adding to his ire. It also didn’t help that he’d called his dad from the barn and learned that some reporters were still sniffing around. Christ, when were they going to let it die? Wasn’t there something else to write about?

And bottom line, he really missed working with his dad. He missed his dad, period. They’d had some great years together at the engineering design and development firm, and even in the crazy last three years in the mayor’s office, his relationship with his father had never wavered.

Well... he didn’t really miss working for the city. He’d gone with Charles to the fifth floor of city hall to assist his father, to help Charles serve their fellow citizens. That had been his father’s dream. It had never been Drew’s.

Did he even have a dream? Looking at the wooden panels above him, he shook his head, wondering. Was that what he should be figuring out? He could probably tolerate the new job for a while. As long as he had a special place for Bella, and Elsa was with him, he’d make it work.

Just what exactly could come from this move? His life before city hall had pretty much run the way he’d wanted.

City hall.

Jesus, was he glad to see the back of that. The only bright spot there had been waving sayonara to the press. He’d had to really hold back from giving them the single finger blessing as he left city hall. It would have been so satisfying... but he couldn’t do that to his dad.

He hadn’t left much behind but his parents. He had told his real estate agent to either rent or sell his lakefront condo. He’d had no social life to speak of since his dad had been elected. He didn’t even have that many exes. The last one had pronounced him saddled with an unemotional, unavailable personality, and had accused him of seeing other guys.

Drew scowled as he remembered Danny. As he recalled it, Danny had screwed around on
him
.

Elsa suddenly jumped to her feet with a woof, nudging Drew out of his moody introspection. He turned his head and saw Henry coming around the corner of the house, followed by Ridge. The two dogs leaped toward each other joyfully while their owners stared at each other, momentarily transfixed.

Drew raised his head and sat forward as he watched Ridge approach, his thoughts of Chicago and his half-eaten dinner -- and the reasons why he shouldn’t get up from his chair -- immediately discarded.

This
was a welcome distraction.

Ridge’s motion had stopped when he’d first spotted Drew, then he’d slowly moved forward as Drew sat up. Now he came to a complete stop at the bottom of the steps, gaze locked on Drew’s. He watched without speaking as Drew stood up and came down the steps, coming to a halt next to him, their bodies practically touching.

Ridge was not as broadly muscled as Drew, but he clearly had some kind of regular workout regimen because his arms and chest very nicely filled out the blue T-shirt he wore.

Drew’s eyes were drawn to the beefcake on display. Sidling near, he used his heavier body intentionally, filling up the space next to Ridge. He was pretty sure it was having an effect.

Ridge swallowed roughly. “What -- what are you doing?” he asked huskily.

“What do you think I’m doing?” Drew kept his voice low, his head tilted toward Ridge. He watched the whiskey-colored eyes as they darted to the side before coming back to meet his. “What do you want me to do?” If his first question had been challenging, the second one was deliberately provocative. He watched Ridge struggle with an answer.

And damned if he could figure out just why this guy was so fascinating. Something about the man made him want to dominate, to take. Drew wanted to lower Ridge to the ground and cover the lean body, make Ridge learn the feel of his cock and take it any way Drew gave it to him.

The images in his mind had him drawing in a harsh breath. He moved closer to Ridge, brushing his body against the other man’s, positioning his feet on either side to contain, to control.

Ridge’s pulse was visible, fluttering in his throat as Drew brushed against his belly. The brown eyes jerked down to where their bodies met. He uttered a small sound, then lifted his head.

The want in those pretty brown eyes had Drew cursing softly. He leaned his forehead close, breath hot on Ridge’s ear. “Why don’t we go back around to your shop? Your apartment is up there, isn’t it?”

A need for the sexy carpenter was riding him hard. Why shouldn’t he indulge himself with a quick fuck?

Ridge nodded silently, licking his lips.

Drew’s eyes were drawn to the movement, and he moved to follow that tongue. At the last moment, he caught himself, remembering where they were. He pulled his head back an inch. “Let’s go, before I fuck you right here.” The words were raw, his voice hoarse.

He didn’t retreat from his dominating position, trying to force Ridge to respond the way he wanted. He was rewarded when Ridge’s head dropped and the sexy blond backed away, turning to walk around the house. The dogs raced over from their playing. Drew threw out his arm to Elsa, sending her off to play again, Henry following faithfully.