Page 36 of Haunted
They shook, and Race’s gaze drifted lower. “Man, does that thing ever sleep?”
Butch cupped his crotch and gave it a squeeze. “Not when your ass is near.”
“Then let’s make it a goodbye fuck to remember.”
Bailey whinnied, and Butch jumped. His cigarette had all but burned away, the ash sprinkled on the ground. He’d been lost in his thoughts.
He raised his eyes heavenward.
“Race, I’m happy you found someone. Truly. You got to spend all those years together, which is more than most of us get.” He paused. “But dude… indenial?”
The initial shock over, he couldn’t get past the idea he should feel more sorrow at Race’s death, but grief didn’t come into it.
“I’m sorry you’re dead, but I’m not gonna go to pieces about it. We had our time, said our goodbyes, and that, as they say, is that.”
Like he’d told himself many times, he wasn’t a nice guy.
It was only as he was heading back to the ranch that it struck him.
He and Race had been fuck buddies for six years. And five years ago, he and Teague had agreed on their arrangement.
A very similar arrangement.
How would I feel if something happened to Teague? Would I be this… detached?
He hoped he never had to find out.
He could almost hear Race’s voice.
“If you think you’re detached, dude, you’re fuckin’ delusional.”
Butch knew better. The detachment was his brain’s way of protecting itself.
With all the stuff shoved in there, he needed that protection.
Chapter 9
Monday, August 15
Lord, the day was working its way to being a hot one. Zeeb had had the right idea, taking the guests up to Mirror Lake. He and Walt had taken towels with them, so Butch guessed swimming was on the schedule.
When was the last time I did that?So long ago that he’d forgotten. Maybe he should’ve gone along too. He recalled the feel of icy water against hot skin, and even the memory cooled him, if only for a few seconds.
He pulled his bandanna from his pocket and wiped his brow, watching the workmen heading to their trucks.
“Must be time for lunch.” Paul joined him, leaning on the paddock fence. He indicated the new barn. “Have you seen what it looks like inside?”
“Not yet.” But he sure wanted to take a peek. “Have you?”
Paul shook his head. “But I have to admit, I’m curious.” He chuckled. “About more than just the building.”
“Hey, don’t let any of the new guests see that,” Butch teased. “Once this is a going concern, they might drag you in and invite you to… well, whatever it is they’re gonna do in there.”
He was in the dark when it came to BDSM. Sure, he’d seen stuff on his phone—who hadn’t? —and they’d all heard aboutthatbook and its movie, but he had no idea if that was real or made-up shit.
The reality could be totally different, not that he intended discovering that reality up close and personal.
Paul grinned. “So it’s not just me who’s in the dark here? Good to know. I think I’ll take a look before the guests arrive, but I was planning on waiting until it was finished.”
