A Subtle Breeze by Bailey Bradford (libby ebook reader .txt) 📕

point. He hadn’t slipped away to Fort Worth to find someone to get off with since before Mama had died, and had been taking care of it himself when he couldn’t hold off any longer. This, though… Well, he was flat-out hornier than he could ever remember being, but he didn’t want to do anything about it. Not yet, anyway. Not until he had matched a face to the voice that had caused this reaction. Decision made, Zeke turned the hot water off, hoping the cold would blast his cock into submission.

Zeke debated using the blow dryer on his hair, but after spending several minutes combing out the mid-back length mass, he decided that enough time had been spent on grooming. His cock was still semi-erect, and Zeke tried not to think about why it was still in such a state as he slid on a black pair of jeans. He grabbed a tight black tee and put on his socks and boots, then topped it all off with his black Stetson. Good enough, he hoped, for tonight’s guest.

It didn’t occur to him that the man in the kitchen might be one of the girls’ date until he was almost to the kitchen. The very thought caused him to stumble, and accomplished what the cold shower hadn’t—his cock went soft with disappointment. Bracing himself in the hall, Zeke took a deep breath and could have sworn he smelled his mother’s scent.

He felt his chest tighten with panic, then the sweet smell had the effect it often did. Calmness washed over him, helping him to breathe and focus his thoughts. By the time he pushed away from the wall, Zeke was back to himself, though he didn’t regain his erection.

Until he stepped in the kitchen and saw the owner of the voice, or rather, the back of the man. And it was a very fine back, broad shouldered and lean muscled, showcased in a white T-shirt, tapering down to a narrow waist and hips, a beautiful firm ass, and long legs that Zeke wanted to feel flung over his shoulders. His cock sprang back to life so fast that Zeke grunted, then immediately moved to take a seat when he realized the man, along with Nessa and Gloria, had heard him.

“Zeke! I thought you were going to stand us up there for a few minutes!” Enessa teased, walking over to him. He started to explain about ranches and constant work, but the words froze in his throat as he finally got a look at the man in the white tee. Zeke managed to snap his mouth shut before he made a bigger fool of himself, but there was no way he could look away from the fire he saw burning in those light brown eyes. Moisture slipped from the head of his dick, enough that he now had the added worry of standing up and revealing a wet spot.

Nessa and Gloria gave each other some look Zeke knew he would never decipher, and didn’t really care to as the man with the pretty eyes stepped around the table. He reached out a hand to Zeke, smiling and showing off a dimple that did all kinds of things to Zeke’s cock.

“Brendon Shanahan, Gloria’s cousin. Nice to finally meet you, Ezekiel. Nessa’s told me a lot about you.” Brendon winked at him when he added that last bit, and Zeke felt the tips of his ears burn. Somehow, he managed to reach out and shake Brendon’s hand, but words were simply beyond him. He nodded, keeping his eyes locked on the man’s even as Zeke started to let go of the guest’s hand. Except…Zeke felt Brendon’s reluctance to release his hand, felt the gentle caress of fingers as he lowered his hand to the tabletop.

Zeke finally made himself look away, only to find Nessa sliding the plate of fried chicken into the oven. What’s she doing that for? Gloria had left the kitchen, not that he had noticed when it happened. Brendon pulled up a chair beside Zeke as Enessa walked over and tipped back Zeke’s hat. She planted a big, smacking kiss on his forehead, then stepped back, edging to the kitchen door.

“What—? Where are you going, Nessa?” Zeke was glad his voice didn’t crack, and doubly glad it finally worked.

Nessa looked around a little nervously, smiling first at Brendon then Zeke. “Well, um, we, ah, we didn’t think…um. Gloria?” Enessa was almost out of the kitchen door when Gloria popped her head in, grinning from ear to ear.

“She means we didn’t think about how to exit and leave you two alone. Subterfuge is so not our thing. Bye!” Gloria’s head, along with the part of Enessa that was still visible, disappeared as Zeke sat there, stunned and so embarrassed he felt his lungs start to seize up. Breathe, he told himself, closing his eyes to try to battle back the panic he felt welling inside. Not now, not in front of Brendon, please God.

“Hey, it’s okay, Ezekiel. I can leave if you want.” Brendon spoke in a soothing tone.

Zeke kept his eyes shut, all too aware that his breathing was too fast, too irregular. He thought he shook his head slightly, but knew he’d failed when he heard Brendon’s chair scrape against the kitchen floor. Zeke’s heart kicked into overdrive when a hand touched his shoulder, and another cupped his cheek, turning his head to the side.

“But I’d much rather stay, if that’s all right with you.” Brendon’s breath fluttered against his lips, so close Zeke knew he had only to lean in a little bit. He opened his eyes, surprised to find the man squatted down beside him, those sweet brown eyes soft with understanding. Zeke lowered his gaze to Brendon’s plush lips and his panic start to subside. It couldn’t compete with his need to taste the tempting mouth so near his own.

“Stay,” he managed to get out before moving in that last little bit and lowering his mouth