Right Move (Clean Slate Ranch #6) - A.M. Arthur Page 0,75
about Miles’s abusive ex last year. Miles being stalked all the way to the ranch and physically attacked.
“I hope you’re right.” George pressed his forehead into his shoulder. “Thank you. I feel a lot better with you here.”
Levi ran his fingers through George’s golden hair. “Do you have nightmares a lot?”
“No. Not very often. Usually, it’s because something...well, triggers it is kind of a loaded way to say it, but yeah. Something happens. Reminds me of the bad stuff.”
“Was it that moment you had after our first shower?”
George nodded. “Still not your fault, though. It’s all in my head.”
“I accept that.”
“Hey.” He sat up straight. “I know you say you accept it, but do you believe it? Do you believe me when I say it wasn’t you or anything you did?”
“Yes.” Levi had asked for George’s trust; he would offer his in return, no questions. “I believe you. I just hate that you’re still hurting over something you can’t talk to me about. I hope one day you will.”
“Me too.” George lightly pressed his lips to Levi’s. “Thank you for this. It’s nice having someone to wake up to when I’m scared.”
“You’re more than welcome. You okay to go back to sleep?”
“I think so. Good night, Levi.”
“Good night. I hope the bogeyman leaves you alone.”
“Me too.”
Levi hugged George before leaving his bed and returning to his own. In the dim light, he watched George settle beneath his covers on his back. He watched George for a long time, until sleep finally stole Levi away again.
* * *
George woke before the sun had risen, likely because he’d gone to bed early the night before, so he spent time simply staring at Levi, who was asleep facing George. Dark hair a mess, one arm bent awkwardly above his head. So handsome George could barely stand it.
His nightmare flitted back, and he reveled in how wonderful it had felt to be held afterward. To be comforted when he was scared. He didn’t have loud nightmares, and they almost never woke Orry. He was glad for that. Orry did so much for him already. And wasn’t that partly what this entire trip was about? Getting George into the world and doing things for himself, so Orry didn’t have to do it all?
Yes. His brother deserved a real life. George deserved a real life. And by God, they’d get it.
His bladder finally urged George out of bed, and by the time he got out of the shower the sun was rising. Not long after, the rooster call sounded, startling Levi awake. George was reading on his bunk when that happened, and he couldn’t help laughing. “Morning.”
“Hey, good morning.” Levi rubbed both palms into his eyes. “You know, the rodeo settled on farmland more times than I can remember, but I swear this is the only time I’ve ever been woken by an actual rooster call.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a live rooster call but whatever Patrice uses is effective. How’d you sleep?”
“Mostly like a rock. How was the second half of your sleep?”
George grinned. “It was good. I know I thanked you before but thank you for comforting me.”
“It was my pleasure.” Levi climbed out of his bed and came over to George’s. Leaned down and rubbed their noses together. “I’m glad I was here.” Before George could say or do more, Levi straightened and went into the bathroom.
As much as George would have liked a good morning kiss, he loved that Levi was respecting boundaries and not pressing for things. If they kissed today, it would be because George initiated it. And George absolutely planned to initiate kissing. As soon as Levi was washed, dried, and dressed from the bathroom, George initiated a lot of kissing with Levi’s back against the wall.
They kissed until George worried about his ability to attend breakfast without tented jeans. “I don’t care about my nightmare. Yesterday was amazing. I know we can’t sneak off to your house every afternoon but I am definitely up for more physical stuff if we get the chance. Here or after this vacation is over.”
“I am very glad to hear you say that.”
No good opportunities arose that day. After breakfast, they went on a group trail ride, and after lunch anyone interested in touring the horse rescue down the road was invited along. George definitely wanted to see it. It hurt his heart to see some of the thin, still-wounded horses in their stalls but he also adored watching one of the