disappeared. None of it mattered at the moment.
Peter whimpered as he climbed into Chaz’s lap. All he could think about was how fast
they could get naked, because he really wanted Chaz inside him. He lost all track of time and where they were as they continued to kiss.
A throat being cleared caught their attention, and Peter broke away from their embrace
to glance over his shoulder. Derek and Max stood just inside the living room. Both wore
amused expressions.
“I’m glad the reunion seems to be going well, but I have to ask you don’t do anything in
the living room,” Derek commented.
Max snickered. “It’s not that we’re opposed to sex in the living room, but you should
probably make sure no one’s going to walk in on you. Unless you like people watching.”
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Blushing, Peter ducked his head, but he only slid to Chaz’s side, not moving any farther
away.
“We got a little carried away,” Chaz explained.
“We’ve been there and done that.”
Peter knew Max had wanted to say more, but Derek’s elbow connecting with his side
interrupted him.
“No big deal,” Derek reassured them. He sat in one of the chairs while Max sat on the
arm. “So I see you’ve made up?”
“There will be some more conversations, I’m sure,” Peter said. “But I forgive him for it
all. No one died, and life’s too short to waste on being angry or hurt.”
Derek nodded. “Understandable. Then Max will be able to report back to Les that
everything’s okay. What are your plans now, Chaz?”
Chaz shifted a little, but met Derek’s gaze. “I don’t have a job anymore, so I’ll be
looking for one around Austin.”
“Really?” Peter looked at Chaz in shock. “I thought you’d want to go live in Wyoming,
or someplace like that.”
“No. You live and work here. I don’t want to be separated from you again. That means I
go where you are. There are ranches that I could probably find work at in the area.”
Even more happiness bubbled up inside him, to know Chaz loved him so much that he
was willing to settle down where Peter worked instead of making Peter move yet again.
Max coughed. “I might be able to help out with that. Joe’s quitting. He’s moving back to
Washington to help his parents out on their ranch. I was going to come and talk to you about it today, Peter. I wanted to make sure we could give him a bonus for working here so long.”
“I’ll have to go over the finances, but I don’t see why not. Both the ranch and the
recording company are doing well. We have the money.” Peter started to think about the
accounts.
“Good. You can work on that tomorrow. Chaz, we are now one hand short, starting
next week. I can show you around, and you can see what you’d be doing. Then if you’re
interested, the job is yours,” Max offered.
Chaz looked stunned, and Peter beamed at Max.
“Thanks a lot. I really appreciate this. I can give you a clean bill of health for my back and my drug usage, if you want.”
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“I’ll take them, but not because I need the reassurance. It’s just good practice to have
proof.” After standing, Max strolled over to offer his hand to Chaz. “Welcome to St Martin Ranch, Chaz. I’m sure you’ll be a great addition.”
Chaz stood and shook Max’s hand. “Thank you for taking a chance on me, and for
being such good friends to Peter.”
Derek smiled. “We only did what Peter would have done for one of us. We’re family,
Chaz, and we welcome you into it.”
“I’m glad to be included.” Chaz glanced over at Peter. “Do you think your boss might
let you have the rest of the afternoon off?”
Peter felt his face heat up, but he couldn’t stop his thrilled grin. “I’d have to call Les, and ask.”
“Oh, trust me, Les will totally let you take off the rest of the day. Derek or I will call him and let him know what’s going on. I’m pretty sure you can expect a call from him
tomorrow.” Max winked.
Peter jumped to his feet before grabbing Chaz’s hand to start dragging him out of the
room. Derek stopped them with a question.
“Where have you been storing your stuff, Chaz?”
Chaz glanced at him. “My brother’s place in North Carolina. Matthew got out of the
army eight months ago and he’s thinking about moving as well. Maybe there’s a place
around here for him to rent.”
“Army, huh?” A calculating look crossed Derek’s face. “Is he looking for a job as well?”
“Yes.” Chaz frowned. “He’s still adjusting to being out of the military, and he might
have PTSD, though he hasn’t been diagnosed with it or anything like that.”
Derek waved his hand to dismiss Chaz’s doubts. “Doesn’t matter. He can get help here
as well if need be. I might have a job for him with my record studio.”
“All right. I can give you his number tomorrow if you need it.”
“I’m sure Les has it if I decide to talk to Matthew before tomorrow.” Derek flapped his
hands at them. “Get out of here, and have a more intimate reunion.”
Peter dropped Chaz’s hand before going back to hug Max and Derek. After he did, he
grabbed Chaz’s arm to lead him down the hallway towards the back door. His office was in
the main house, but he had his own little house several yards away from all of the other
buildings.
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Chaz laughed as they almost tripped down the back steps. “Take it easy, love. We have
all the time in the world now that we’re together.”
“I need you to make love to me, Chaz. You are the only man I ever loved or will love.”
Peter pushed open his door to let Chaz walk in.
After shutting the door, Peter leant back against it, staring at Chaz. While he really
wanted to get to the bed, he wanted to take a moment to settle the image of Chaz standing in his house.
It had been so hard to leave his parents’ house all those years ago,
