Chance of the Heart (24 page)

“Fuck yes,” Chance gasped. He was grunting with each upward thrust into his tight hole.

Bradley pushed up into Chance and they both stilled, looking at each other. Chance leaned down for a kiss which Bradley was more than happy to give. He’d never felt so connected to someone and now with nothing between them, they were completely one. He got it now. Really got it. They wrapped around each other, writhing, joined.

Then Chance leaned back. “I love you,” he said, then pulled up and slammed back down.

“Love you, too,” Bradley said, breathlessly and slammed up. And they started a dirty dance, falling against and into each other’s bodies.

“Fuck, Chance. I’m not gonna last much longer.” And by not longer he meant his balls were about to blow. Now. Chance reached back and rolled Bradley’s balls, making Bradley emit a pitiful sound as he started to spew, fucking his cum deep into Chance’s body.

“Oh, oh, fuck!” Chance said. And Bradley could feel the tightening, the splattering of cum on his chest. Chance fell forward onto Bradley’s chest. Bradley’s cock fell from Chance’s body, but they didn’t move for a moment.

After a few breaths Chance sat up and smiled in that blissed out way he did after sex. Bradley could think of few better sights in the world than that free, happy smile on this man’s face.

“You came back for me.”

Bradley returned the smile gladly. “Always.”

“Me too.”

That was almost better than “I love you” in Bradley’s estimation.

“You sure about this?” Bradley asked. Chance glanced over at Bradley who looked fucking edible in the same silver-grey suit he’d been wearing when they’d first met again six months ago.

“Let’s do this,” Chance said, a little more confidently than he felt, but not regretting his decision when he saw the happy grin crease his boyfriend’s face. His boyfriend. Now wasn’t that a concept.

He opened the passenger door of Bradley’s Jeep and got out. It’d been two weeks since Bradley showed up with is heart in his hand. That was better than a hat any day. And they’d been two great weeks. There’d been some lows as they’d dealt with moving Bradley out of his dad’s cottage but he’d moved in with Chance so it wasn’t all bad.

They’d had to figure out life around each other and how to do things so it wasn’t extremely awkward for his parents. They’d decided they would definitely find a place together than wasn’t on the ranch, let his parents rent the loft to one of the hands. But for now: needs must.

Chance had brought up the idea of going on a for-real date and they’d made plans for tonight. So they were there now, in Abernathy dressed in their best. Bradley in a suit, Chance in dark jeans and a black button down. Of course they’d both worn Stetson’ tonight, Chance having bought Bradley one as a moving-in gift. The man sure could wear the hell out of a hat.

They’d chosen a nicer, but not terribly upscale place. Bradley’d chosen, knowing better where two men could go on a date and not get stared at the whole time.

As they walked in the door, Bradley put a hand on the small of Chance’s back and while it was almost as odd as having been driven on this date, it felt nice. He still caught himself looking to see if anyone had noticed. He was still a work in progress, but he was doing okay.

The hostess smiled, not batting a lash at the fact they were obviously together, even though Bradley had removed his hand from Chance’s back after they’d gotten inside.

When they were seated they’d ordered their beers and pasta and were left to their own devices. Chance glanced around the definitely more urban restaurant. They certainly were not in Hope Springs anymore, Toto. They weren’t the only gay couple, which made Chance relax a fraction more.

When he looked at Bradley, seeing the contentment the man was emanating, the way his swagger was back but in a way that spoke more of his comfort at being here with the man he loved, made Chance a very happy man.

“This is nice. Thanks for bringing me.”

Bradley beamed. “Thanks for asking me out.”

Chance laughed. “I think we’re past you having to worry about whether I like you or not.”

Bradley rolled his eyes so Chance rolled his back, mocking him.

“You know what I mean,” Bradley said.

“Yeah I do.”

“Is it too weird?”

“Not at all,” Chance lied. But Bradley’s pointed stare said he didn’t buy it.

“Okay, so it’s weird. But not ‘too weird’. In my defense, I’ve never done ‘dates’.” He used air quotes.

Bradley’s stunned expression was cute. Yeah he’d started thinking of things the man did as cute. He was officially a teenage girl. But he didn’t give two shits.

“I know. I’m a horrible boyfriend.”

Bradley shook his head. “Not at all. You’re pretty great. When you’re not snoring.”

“I do not snore!”

“Whatever you say, pardner,” Bradley teased, hiding a smile behind his beer before taking a sip. The loving way he considered Chance, eyes full of affection, made Chance feel like he might float off he was so light.

Bradley noticed Chance’s staring and quirked a brow, smirking. He set his beer on the table, licked those full lips slowly and gave two subtle strokes to the long neck of his beer bottle. Chance shifted in his seat as his pants tightened in the crotch.

“So what’d you decide to do about Emma and the article?” He changed the subject, clearing his throat. He took off his hat to place over his lap and the straining erection there.

Bradley laughed at him, husky and seductive. “What?” Chance averted his eyes. “Shouldn’t a had it on at the table. Manners and all.”

“Uh huh.” Bradley’s tone was anything but believing. But he quit his teasing and shifted in his own seat, probably remembering there was no point getting wound up because they had a whole night planned and none of it got them in a place where they could successfully get off any time soon.

“Anyway. The article. I’m assuming you’re not still pissed at her since we’re hanging out with her later?”

“Well I know it wasn’t her fault, so my initial reaction to be pissed at her wasn’t fair. But I decided to answer a few questions about the ministry.”

Chance felt his eyes widen. “Really?”

“I’m just answering as an anonymous source. No interview, no human interest piece on me in exchange for background on the Reverend and his gay rights issues.”

“I’m surprised.”

“I can tell.” Bradley chuckled and rubbed his foot against Chance’s. “It’s time someone talked about the Reverend less… reverently.” He seemed to have amused himself with his little pun. Chance just rolled his eyes. Hard.

“No?” Bradley asked, grinning.

“No. No more puns.”

“Okay but only—” Bradley’s abrupt pause and his focusing over Chance’s shoulder had Chance turning to notice the couple approaching their table.

“Oh, are you shitting me? Every time we leave that damn ranch…” Chance continued cussing under his breath as he watched Keith and his wife walk over.

“Well, lookie here,” Keith drawled, eyes sliding back and forth between the two of them. “Mama told me to mind my business but I do believe I guessed right.”

“Look, Keith—” Chance started but was cut off by Keith pulling out a chair and sitting, leaning in to Bradley.

“I hear you two are an item.” His narrowed gaze bored into Bradley who was obviously preparing to give as good as he got. But Chance was no fair fucking maiden and this was none of his brother’s concern. He’d knock the fucker on his ass like he had twice before in their lives.

“You don’t need to mess up our night. If you don’t mind fucking off,” Chance snapped.

Keith turned on his brother, leaning in his space. “So this
is
a date?”

“Oh Keith, leave them alone,” Quinn said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“If I say yes, will you fuck off?”

“Is that a yes?” Keith asked.

Chance and Bradley shared a look. Bradley gave a slight shrug and Chance snapped a glare his brother’s way. “Yes. Yes, it’s a date.”

He looked up to Quinn with a smug grin and a cocky head bob. “You, dear wifey, owe me fifty bucks.”

Chance almost fell out of his chair. “Really?”

“No,” Keith said, laughing. “But I did tell her I was gonna fuck with you.” He seemed highly amused at himself though Quinn didn’t appear very pleased at the revelation.

“So…” Chance glared at his brother.

“I always figured when we were younger. Then when he looked like he’d swallowed something that night Caitlin came back I knew… I just knew.”

“Is it a problem?” Bradley finally asked.

“Naw. I mean, it’s gross to me, but it’s you two. Y’all were always the odd ones.”

“Thanks,” Chance drawled.

“Don’t mention it. We’ll leave you be. Just thought I’d come say hi when we seen you.”

“Hi and goodbye now,” Chance said.

“Really Keith, let’s go,” Quinn said, tugging on Keith’s sleeve.

“Right. Well you boys have a good night.” He pointed a finger at Bradley, “And you… I expect you to come to my place for a beer. I gotta ask you your intentions toward my brother.”

Chance looked up at Quinn. “Can you please?”

She huffed. “Sorry. One too many Mike’s.”

“Is he for real?”

“Oh please, you know his buddy Rory in college was gay sweetie. My brother is too.”

“What?” Bradley and Chance asked at the same time.

“Hey, not my fault you were such a quiet son of a bitch!” Keith said, defending himself against the glares. “You had a girlfriend. Couldn’t exactly pester you.”

“Go away Keith,” Chance said, trying to suppress a grin.

“Fine, fine. Try to be all supportive. Acting like it ain’t 2015 or something.”

“It’s not the year, honey,” Quinn said, sweetly. “It’s that you’re an ass. Now come on.” She finally got him to follow along.

Chance looked wide-eyed at Bradley who only shrugged lamely in response.

“Now that was weird.”

“That was nothing. Wait til you spend time with Emma.”

Yes, they were going back to Bar None, where they’d first seen each other again all those months ago. It seemed the best way to finish the night. Of course, now Chance needed something stronger than the beer and Bar None would provide that as well.

“And maybe next time we won’t be interrupted. God, seems there’s always someone…” Chance grumbled.

Bradley rubbed his foot against Chance’s under the table. “The point is, there
will
be a next time.”

Chance’s breath hitched as he noticed all the love just pouring off the man sitting across from him. He couldn’t believe how taking a chance, letting go, had completely changed his life. And he couldn’t be happier. He knew it wouldn’t always be perfect but moments like this would sustain them.

“Always,” Chance said.