Long Tall Drink (20 page)

“But what if everyone turns on us, like Dway—”

“That was over twenty years ago, Raymond.” Dot cut him off again. “Still a ways to go, but society has progressed since then. So maybe we lose a little business, but in this day and age, big deal. There’s much more to gain than lose, and you won’t lose those closest to you. I doubt you’ll lose many ranch hands or buyers either. Wouldn’t be surprised if you gained a few more.”

“Maybe, but how can this work?” Ray sighed.

“Like every relationship, son. Love, understanding, compromise, and a lot of hard work.” Dot paused. “Don’t worry. This town loves you. You boys are going to be just fine. You’ve got me to keep you in line, and some good men out there who have your backs.”

Ray looked a little shell-shocked. Dark shadows tinged the delicate skin beneath his eyes, complexion pale, shoulders rolled forward, and gaze unfocused somewhere beyond Travis’s chest. He hadn’t yet said a word since Dot left the hospital room a few minutes ago, satisfied that Travis had been properly fed.

“You sure you want to do this?” Travis couldn’t help but ask. Too many times he’d raised his hopes only to have them lopped off at the shoulders.

Ray reached for his hand and threaded their fingers. That melodic voice was rough but decisive when Ray spoke. “Without a doubt. I don’t ever want to go back to a life without you.”

“I don’t either.”

For the first time since he’d left White Deer, Travis felt happy, truly floating-on-air, to-the-tips-of-his-toes happy. Ray wanted him to stay, wanted him enough to risk everything for. Despite the drug-dulled throbbing pain in his side, Travis couldn’t remember ever feeling better than he did at this moment. Ray Ford, the serious, stoic rancher with those sexy, soulful brown eyes, had put
him
first—Travis Morgan, number one.

That little kernel of hope that refused to be dislodged could finally dig its roots in and grow. After eighteen years, he was home. For the rest of his life.

“Dammit, Travis. I almost lost you out there.”

He gave Ray’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m still here. And I’m not going anywhere without you.”

Ray looked into his eyes with so much intensity, so much emotion, Travis couldn’t breathe. The language this man,
his
man, silently spoke filled his heart near to bursting. He didn’t need to hear the words to know he was loved. Ray said it with his soul.

“We’re going to be okay,” he said, his voice a low rasp. “You know that, right? As long as we have each other, we’re going to be okay.”

Ray graced him with a smile he felt all the way to the marrow of his bones. “Yeah, as long as we have each other.”

Loose Id Titles by L. C. Chase

Long Tall Drink

Three to Tango

L. C. Chase

Artist by day, author by night, L.C. Chase is a hopeless romantic and adventure seeker. Many of those adventures have become fodder for her stories. The first time she left home, she traveled 1200 miles to California—to be a rock star—with two hundred dollars in her pocket. A four-year walkabout took her on a coast-to-coast back roads tour of the USA, across both of New Zealand’s islands by bicycle, and a short road trip in NSW, Australia. Now that L.C. has two of the coolest nephews on the planet, she calls the Canadian West Coast home. When not writing or reading sensual tales of romance, L.C. can be found drawing, painting, or running the trails with her goofy Australian Shepherd, who, if he were human, would be a stand-up comedian.

You can visit L.C. at her Web site,
http://www.lcchase.com
.