Right Move (Clean Slate Ranch #6) - A.M. Arthur Page 0,66
brush down their horse first. A few of the other hands helped with the saddles and blankets—many hands made light work—and George nearly cheered when they were released to the guesthouse for lunch. A simple turkey sandwich with mustard and pickles had never tasted more like heaven. A platter of sliced vegetables and dip replaced the fruit bowl this meal, and George tried not to go overboard on his portions. He’d always loved raw veggie trays.
He and Levi ate on the porch, sharing the steps instead of the furniture, because the sun was shining right on them, and it felt amazing against his face. George couldn’t remember the last time he’d been exposed to this much constant fresh air, and he wanted to bask in every moment.
“There aren’t any specific activities this afternoon,” Levi said after he’d polished off half of a loaded sandwich. “I was thinking of asking Reyes if I can borrow an ATV. Go home for a little while and visit my cats. Make sure Ginger is doing okay.”
“Oh, cool.” George dipped a carrot stick in dip but didn’t eat it, disappointment tightening his belly. “I bet they miss you.”
“I miss them and don’t normally worry this much, but after Ginger’s accident...”
“You’re an overprotective cat papa. I get it.”
Some of his unhappiness must have bled through in George’s voice, because Levi nudged one shoulder against his. “You want to come with me?”
A few hours of privacy in Levi’s tiny home? Hell to the yes, he wanted to go. That disappointment dissolved, quickly replaced by anticipation. “Definitely.” He couldn’t bring himself to meet Levi’s gaze, though, worried he didn’t have a very good poker face on right now.
“Excellent.”
When they were both done, Levi took their plates and cups into the guesthouse with the promise of hunting down Reyes, or someone else who could give them permission to use an ATV. Riding horses might have been fun, but George’s ass needed a bit of rest after today’s long return trip.
“Permission granted,” Levi said upon return. “Reyes said the keys are in the ignitions, so we can take whichever.”
“Cool. I’ve never actually ridden on one before.”
“Want me to teach you how to drive it?”
His gut wobbled with nerves. “Um, maybe on the return trip? I’d rather watch you do it first.”
“Sure. No problem. I’m happy to share new experiences with you, George.”
“I hope you mean that.”
Levi quirked a single eyebrow. “I do. Some things you may need to ease into more slowly, but I think I’m up for the challenge.”
George glanced around but no one was close enough to hear the blatant flirting. “Then let’s go check on your cats.”
Chapter Fourteen
Levi was both excited and nervous to spend a few hours alone with George, far away from other people for the first time since Sunday night’s epic make-out session. He craved the taste of George in his mouth again, the sensation of his slimmer body pressed close to Levi’s. The chance to eventually do so much more.
Riding the ATV down the worn path to Mack’s place was a special kind of torture, with George pressed up close to Levi’s back and butt, arms cinched around his waist. Neither of them had showered since the previous morning, and George smelled faintly of sweat and horse, and Levi loved those scents. Craved them on George’s skin. He drove slowly over the rutted path that was easier to travel on horse, he imagined, but they managed.
The cabin came into view, and Levi steered past Mack’s place to the small patch of land Levi currently called home. No one came out right away, and he imagined it was because his girls didn’t hear the familiar roar of his truck engine. Just the unusual sound of the ATV. But as soon as he shut it off and clucked his tongue, Baby zoomed out from beneath the house and jumped into his lap.
“Well, hello, Baby girl.” Levi scratched her ears and chin, absorbing the familiar sound of her purr as it rumbled from her throat. “I missed you.”
George climbed off, and Levi immediately missed his body heat. Ginger and Sporty both came out of the brush, and Sporty jumped onto the ATV, too, trying to push Baby off his lap. Ginger headbutted George’s shin. George gently picked her up, and Levi’s heart fluttered at how sweet the pair looked together. Ginger had the loudest purr of the trio, and she filled the quiet air with her contentment and joy.