They rinsed off separately under lukewarm water, and then spent a lot of time kissing before George realized the time. “We’re going to be late for dinner if we don’t head back soon,” he said.
Levi found his phone and looked at the screen. “You’re right. One sec.” He swiped a few times, then bit his lower lip in a weird way.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing wrong, precisely. I forgot to text Wes that I’d be here to check the cats’ food and water. He texted me about twenty minutes ago that he came by, saw the ATV, heard the moaning and left.”
George flushed so hotly he thought his face might burst into flames.
“It’s okay,” Levi continued. “The only person who knows you’re up here with me is Reyes, and he doesn’t gossip. It’s our private business.”
“I appreciate you saying that. I’m just...not used to people hearing me doing private things. I can’t even masturbate while Orry’s home.”
One of Levi’s eyebrows twitched. “Then I will take you getting off twice with me today as a high compliment. And just to be clear, I do not expect anything else from you just because we had sex today. And expect is the key word. Would I love to do all this again and more? Definitely yes. But no pressure and no expectations.”
George melted a bit deeper into his gooey feelings for Levi. “Thank you. I mean, I definitely want to do more, but I appreciate your words more than you know. I spent a good third of my life feeling pressured to be what other people wanted me to be. The very best skater. An Olympic medal winner. Then I spent the last seven years hiding from everyone because I was terrified of other people’s expectations. You are a breath of fresh air, Levi Peletier. I am blessed to have met you.”
Levi cupped his cheek in a warm palm. “I don’t want to control or manipulate you. Not ever. All I want is your friendship. Your companionship. And your honesty. I genuinely like the man you are. Just be you, George Thompson.”
“I’ll try my best.”
“You don’t have to try. Just be.”
The naked emotions in Levi’s eyes prompted George to rise up on his tiptoes and rub their noses together. “I’ll be.”
“I’ll be, too.”
They kissed until George’s empty stomach growled for food, and while they could have probably eaten at Levi’s place, it would look funny to the other guests if they didn’t show for the meal. Levi put wet food out for the cats. George also spotted a dry food dispenser situated under the stairs. They both petted and cuddled the cats, especially Ginger, before leaving the tiny house. George enjoyed snuggling against Levi’s back on the ATV ride to the ranch, and it was hard to resist his urge to hold Levi’s hand during the walk from the barn/garage to the guesthouse.
Dinner was a hearty chicken potpie, and George did his best to get mostly vegetables and less of the crust. Plenty of the other fresh offerings, too. He also allowed himself to indulge in one of Patrice’s yeast biscuits, which were soft and buttery and so good. So different from the flaky breakfast biscuits. No one at the table commented on his and Levi’s afternoon-long disappearance, likely because they all knew Levi worked at the ghost town. They probably (and rightly) assumed he had special privileges.
After dinner was an evening hike that George kind of wanted to go on but he was exhausted after his long afternoon with Levi. Instead, he settled in the downstairs area with his phone to read. Levi went on the hike, and George was completely unsurprised when Miles and Shawn appeared in the guesthouse. As if summoned. Possibly by a text from Levi. A good guess from the fact that the pair gravitated right over to George’s armchair.
“Hey, dude,” Shawn said. “How are you enjoying your vacation so far?”
George closed his phone screen. “I’ve had a lot of fun. The overnight camp was neat, and I really like riding a horse.”
“I remember my first camping trip crystal clearly,” Miles added. “I was terrified, and these guys kept trying to scare me more with talk of mountain lions, but in the end, I loved the experience. It’s one of my and Reyes’s favorite things to do now. Camp together.”
“I’m starting to see the appeal.” He could almost see himself enjoying it with just him and Levi one day. Waking up alone in a tent, surrounded by nature. Maybe in warmer weather, though. “You two don’t have anything better to do on a Tuesday night than chill in the guesthouse? Or did Levi ask you to check in on me?”
The pair shared a look that screamed guilty.
“Not check in on,” Shawn said. “Just to chill out with. Our guys are up at Mack’s place watching a movie.”
“And you’re not both up there with your guys?”
Miles offered a patient smile. “We both know what it’s like to do things outside your comfort zone. And this is not us asking you anything, only offering support. My first visit here, I was a flaming mess because of something a shitty ex had done to me. But there is something about Clean Slate that helped me find a semblance of peace. It let me accept help from my friends and to eventually let my guard down and fall in love with Reyes.”
“And finally get said shitty ex tossed in prison,” Shawn added.
“I’m glad you found that love, I mean it.” George didn’t know much about Miles but the guy seemed like a very genuine soul. Shawn too.
“I lived in my car for two years.” Shawn’s confession jolted George. “Even while I worked at the ghost town, nobody knew. It wasn’t until I let myself be embraced by the generous people here that my life really began to improve. If you ever find yourself in the position to lean on the folks here, and to be part of this family, then do it. It’s worth it.”
George blinked hard, afraid his stinging eyes would start leaking tears at any moment. “I appreciate the advice. But I’m just here on vacation.”
“So was I,” Miles replied. “So were Wes and Derrick.”
He couldn’t deny those truths, and he’d seen firsthand how happy Derrick and Slater were. It was impossible to guess now if George’s happiness would be with Levi but he was having a lot of fun exploring the idea. “What are you saying? The horses are matchmakers?”
Miles laughed. “I mean, Tango definitely helped bring me and Reyes together. I adore that horse, but not more than I adore my husband. But if we’re bugging you or way off base about something, please let us know. We’ll back off.”
“You aren’t bugging me.” George wasn’t ready to come out to two guys he barely knew before he told his brother, but he did appreciate how kind and honest Miles and Shawn were being. “I’ve been...out of the world for a long time. It’s nice having friends again.”