Finding Home (Finding Series, Book 1) (11 page)

Dane smiled in understanding and began working on his own breakfast.

“Thanks for letting me barge in on you guys so early,” Finn said as he forked some food into his mouth with one hand while he used his cheek to hold the bottle in place.

“Eight o’clock for us isn’t early,” Dane said with a chuckle. The man took a few more bites, then finally did what Finn had been expecting and said, “You want to tell me what happened?”

He didn’t. He really didn’t. It had been early when he’d woken up in Cal’s arms. They’d been facing each other and Finn had allowed himself a few precious moments to study the man while he peacefully slept. He’d looked so much younger and relaxed than Finn had ever seen him and the love he had for Cal had exploded to new heights as he remembered how it felt to have Cal rocking inside his body, his penetrating gaze holding back none of his emotions. If he’d had any doubt about Cal telling the truth when he told Rhys he loved Finn, it had died the instant Cal had entered him. But the betrayal had been a cold bedfellow to wake up with and no amount of the warmth that radiated from Cal’s body could take that way. And he hadn’t even started to factor in Rhys.

His anger towards Cal had been amplified at knowing Rhys had lied to him as well. It was something he hadn’t expected since Rhys had been open and up front from day one. The rational side knew that Rhys had been trying to protect Cal, but it didn’t take the sting away. And knowing Rhys had used his knowledge of Cal’s feelings for him to manipulate who made love to whom on their first night together left Finn feeling cold and used. Yes, he’d enjoyed every second of burying himself inside of Rhys, but what if that memory would always be tainted by the knowledge that Rhys had orchestrated how things would play out?

Finn realized Dane was still waiting for an answer. He didn’t know the man very well, but his instinct was that he could trust him. But as angry as he was at Cal, the secret Cal had kept for so long was his to tell, not Finn’s. He ignored the voice in his head reminding him it was the same reason Rhys hadn’t told him the truth.

“There’s no future for me at the ranch,” he said simply.

Dane studied him for a moment, then nodded in understanding. “What are your plans?” he asked.

An ache settled in Finn’s chest at the realization that the future he’d longed for was at hand, but he dreaded taking that final step. “Um, there’s a ranch hiring a couple towns over. Thought I’d check it out,” he managed to get out before dropping his eyes back down to Emma who was starting to nod off as the bottle grew emptier.

“Well, if you have some time, I could use a hand around here,” Dane remarked as he polished off the last of his pancakes and then reached for the baby.

Finn reluctantly handed her over, then tried to force the food into his mouth. He suspected Dane was throwing him a bone. “What do you need help with?” he asked.

“The guy that was supposed to tear down my barn and build me a new one flaked out on me. Said he’s backed up with other jobs.”

Finn froze at that and laid his fork down. “Someone from around here?” he asked, remembering the way Dane had fervently stood up for him in town.

Dane leaned back in his chair and began burping the baby. “Don’t even give me that look, Finn. You even think about blaming yourself for this crap, I will put this baby down and kick your ass from here into the next county,” he said firmly. “You really think I want to give my business to a guy who thinks he knows how I should live my life?”

Finn hadn’t thought about it that way. He’d always been on the receiving end of being refused service so he hadn’t considered it the other way around.

“I don’t know anything about building a barn,” Finn finally said.

“Well, luckily I do. I worked construction while I was putting myself through vet school so between the two of us I think we can figure it out. Soon as I find someone to keep any eye on this little girl here,” Dane said as he brought the baby up to his face for a kiss, “we can get started. I’ve got an extra room if you need a place to stay,” he offered casually.

Finn’s throat refused to cooperate so he managed a nod, then took another stab at the food.

Callan dismounted from his horse and led the animal into the barn and began stripping off the tack. He heard a car in the driveway and his heart stopped and he felt himself rushing to the doorway, hoping against hope that he’d see a blonde head in the passenger seat of whomever was bringing Finn home where he belonged. He’d known that Finn would be gone this morning, but hearing Rhys confirm it had been hard. Anything Finn could have carried, he’d taken, though he’d left the heavier items since he’d obviously walked to wherever he was going. Seeing that Finn hadn’t even taken West had been another blow to Callan. He’d spent months picking out the perfect horse for Finn two years ago and Finn leaving the animal behind was a clear sign that Finn wanted no reminders of the man that had betrayed him.

The car that pulled up in front of the barn was a small, basic sedan and Callan only recognized the young woman once she climbed out of the car.

“Wendy,” he said with surprise as the veterinary technician from Dr. Sanders’ office walked up to the barn, her palms running nervously over her thighs.

“Hello, Mr. Bale.” She nodded at him, then to someone behind him. A quick glance over his shoulder proved that Rhys had appeared to cover him in case their visitor proved to be a threat.

“It’s Callan,” he said. “This is Rhys.”

“Hi,” she said shyly to Rhys, then turned her attention back to Callan. She was a pretty thing, petite with long brown hair and hazel eyes. He guessed her to be around Finn’s age.

“What can I do for you?” he asked, hating that his suspicions instantly surfaced at her appearance.

Poor Wendy looked like she was going to break down in tears and Callan looked over at his shoulder at Rhys for help. Women and tears weren’t his thing. And by the shaking of Rhys’ head, he guessed they weren’t his either.

“I owe you an apology for the way I behaved at the clinic the other day,” she said as she tried to hold back her tears. “I became a vet tech so I could help animals and that calf needed me…” Wendy wiped her arm across her face. “I was a coward. I didn’t want to lose my job-” she said sadly.

Callan felt sorry for her. “Wendy…”

But Wendy barreled on as if he hadn’t interrupted. “If I could do it all over again, I would,” she said passionately. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“It’s okay,” he said. “The calf made it.” A look of relief flashed over her, but then she shook her head.

“I quit right after you left. I got a job over at the drycleaner’s till I can save up enough money to move to Missoula,” she said in a rush. “Finn and I went to high school together – he was always real nice to me. I know the stuff Hunter said about him was a lie,” she said in a strangled voice. “I tried to tell Doc Sanders and Anita that after Finn called looking for help for your calf. They said some awful stuff about him. I should’ve stuck up for him,” she said, then started crying uncontrollably.

Callan pulled her into his arms and stroked her back as he felt her tears seep through his shirt. She finally quieted, then leaned back from him and laughed in embarrassment. “Sorry,” she said as she looked at the wetness she’d left behind. An unexplainable emotion went through Callan and he felt himself softening.

“It’s okay,” he said as she stepped back. “Finn’s actually not here.”

“I know, I saw him on my way out here. He was helping Dr. Winters with his barn – tearing it down, I guess.”

Callan glanced over his shoulder at Rhys who had stiffened at the news that Finn hadn’t run as far as they thought.

“I stopped and talked to him. Told him how sorry I was for everything,” she said as tears threatened again. Callan didn’t even have a fucking tissue for her. Wendy solved the problem by wiping her face with her sleeve. “He said there was nothing to forgive.”

That sounded exactly like something Finn would say.

“If that’s what Finn said, then it must be true,” Callan said.

Wendy laughed again, then started to go back to her car. She hesitated before turning around.

“Mr. Bale-”

“Callan,” he reminded her gently.

“Callan, I was wondering if you might be able to help me with something. I mean, I know I don’t really deserve it…”

“Of course, Wendy. What is it?” he interjected.

“I volunteer with an equine rescue group and we got a horse in a few weeks ago that was pretty badly treated. No one’s been able to work with him and there’s talk that he’ll need to be put down,” she began. “My daddy always told me you had a way with horses and my best friend Amy said you worked wonders with her horse before her parents made her move him…” Wendy’s voice dropped off suddenly as she realized what she was saying. Amy’s parents had been one of the first boarders to leave after Hunter’s accusations.

“The answer is yes. I’ll take a look at him,’ he said.

Wendy smiled wide and suddenly threw herself into his arms. “Thank you, Mr. Bale. He’s the most amazing horse and I know you’ll be able to help him,” she said quickly. “We can get him down here tomorrow if that will work for you,” she said hopefully.

He nodded, got another hug for his efforts, then Wendy was waving and driving off, a trail of dust in her wake.

Arms closed around him from behind and a light kiss was pressed to his neck. The move should have had him looking all over the place to see if they were being watched, but instead he was turning in Rhys’ arms and kissing him.

“You’re such a good man, Callan Bale,” Rhys said against his lips, then kissed him softly. Strong arms wrapped around his neck as Rhys hugged him and whispered, “I want to go and bring him home.” His voice was vulnerable, shaky.

“Me too,” Callan heard himself admitting. And it was true. He hadn’t even realized when things had shifted and he’d decided he was going to try to make a life with Finn and Rhys in a town that didn’t want them. Not to mention the father that would spew his unfiltered, cruel words as his disease continued to consume him.

Rhys released him and stepped back, then shuffled in front of him the way Finn always did when he was hiding something. “What?” Callan asked.

“Frank called. I have to go in to the local police department for a random drug screen this afternoon. It’s part of the routine,” he said quietly, the shame in his voice evident.

“Don’t you fucking do that,” Callan snapped as he grabbed Rhys by the arms. “Don’t you act like you have something you should be ashamed of,” he nearly yelled.

Rhys pulled free of him and Callan felt his emotional withdrawal as well. It was like being kicked in the ribs.

“Rhys-” he began.

“I need a ride to the police station,” Rhys muttered.

Callan knew it was a fight he wouldn’t win, so he nodded and said, “Let me put away my horse and then we can go.”

***

Rhys couldn’t believe he’d forgotten why he was here. Less than two weeks in the middle of nowhere on a run-down ranch surrounded by dust and horse shit and already he was dreaming of mornings waking up with Finn and Callan wrapped around him after nights of endless fucking. Not once had he thought about the numerous plans he’d made for revenge on the former lover that had destroyed his life and ended four others. No, he’d been letting himself get wrapped up in a dream world that was just that – a fucking dream.

Finn was gone, Callan would never be free enough to be truly out and Rhys sure as hell didn’t want to be sloppy seconds to either man. Sure, Callan had enjoyed fucking the hell out of him this morning, but that’s all it was. Rhys should know better than anyone that a good, hard fuck was just that. It wasn’t a license to give up everything he’d fought for these past two years.

“Stop it!” Callan snapped at him from the driver’s seat.

“Stop what?” Rhys muttered.

“Stop questioning if what we have is real or not,” Callan said as he steered the truck onto the main road.

“What we have?” Rhys forced himself to say with a laugh. “What we have is you giving good head and me liking a nice big dick in my ass,” he bit out.

“Now who’s the liar?” Callan said coldly.

Jesus, he couldn’t take this. Rhys managed to keep his cool on the outside, but he felt his stomach rolling as the distance between himself and Callan grew. “I’ll call Frank and ask him to find me something else.” Rhys’ heart broke when Callan didn’t respond and the rest of the ride was made in silence.

Callan pulled to a stop in front of the police station, then got out of the truck. “You don’t need to come with me,” Rhys said, but Callan slammed the door closed and stalked to the entrance. Apparently Callan had decided to enjoy his complete humiliation, Rhys thought to himself as he climbed out of the truck and followed Callan into the station.
Fucking perfect.

***

Callan seethed as he waited for Rhys to follow him. He had no doubt in his mind that Rhys was letting his embarrassment about his status as an ex-con cloud his thinking, but it still pissed him off as being referred to as just another good fuck.

Rhys elbowed past him and stepped up to a desk where a young deputy was sitting, his pimply face and crooked teeth pulling into a sneer when Rhys told him why he was there.

“Deputy Rollins, he’s here,” the guy shouted as his beady eyes stayed on Rhys. Callan had to give his lover credit because he stood there, back straight and tall as the kid tried to look down on him. But Callan didn’t miss the slight tremor that went through Rhys’ body as a second deputy appeared from the back.

“Afternoon, Mr. Tellar, what brings you in today?” Deputy Rollins asked, even though he clearly knew.

“Random drug screen,” Rhys muttered, his eyes flicking briefly back to Callan.

“That’s right,” Rollins drawled as he pretended to look through some paperwork. “Heard you and Mr. Henry had a little run-in a while back. Said you threatened him,” Rollins said casually.

“You gonna get on with it, Rollins?” Callan said from his position near the door. Apparently Dare’s finest hadn’t even noticed him standing near the door because he looked up in surprise. The guy might as well be drooling in his eagerness to provoke Rhys into action.

“Mr. Bale, how are you today? Heard you had some trouble with a cut fence in your south pasture last week.”

“That’s interesting that you say that, Deputy. I don’t recall telling anyone my fence was cut.”

The deputy stiffened and the younger officer paled. “Doc Sanders mentioned it,” the younger one said.

Callan stepped up to the desk next to Rhys and softly said, “All we told Doc Sanders was that our calf was injured. We never told him how and he didn’t examine him.”

Rollins pulled himself up tall and said, “That other vet said something about it during his little coming out party at the hardware store.” The deputy looked strangely proud of himself.

“Dr. Winters didn’t say that the south pasture was the one vandalized,” Rhys pointed out.

Both officers looked at each other, then Rollins crossed his arms and said, “Follow me, Mr. Tellar.”

Rhys made a move to do as the deputy directed, but Callan grabbed him by the arm and said, “No.”

Rollins looked positively giddy and said, “Mr. Tellar, failure to comply means immediate revocation of your parole.”

“He’ll take the test. But not here. Dr. Meyer’s office is down the street.”

“That’s not protocol, Mr. Bale,” Rollins said as he pulled out his handcuffs. Callan stepped in front of Rhys.

“You touch him and I will drop you like the piece of shit you are,” Callan warned.

“Rollins, what’s going on here?” came a voice from the back of the office. Both deputies immediately straightened and if Callan hadn’t known better, he would have sworn they were preparing themselves to salute the older man as he moved into the room.

“Sheriff Granger, I didn’t hear you come in,” Rollins mumbled.

The sheriff looked to be in his late forties and moved with the ease and confidence that came from years of earning respect. “No doubt,” the sheriff commented, apparently unsurprised that his deputies were so oblivious to their surroundings.

“Mr. Tellar was ordered to submit to a random drug screen as part of the terms of his parole, but he’s refused,” Rollins gushed as he motioned to Rhys.

“That’s not what I heard, Rollins,” the sheriff said. “I believe they asked for the test to be administered by a medical professional.”

“It’s against protocol,” the younger deputy murmured, but then snapped his mouth shut when Granger’s hard eyes shifted to him.

“If either of you had bothered to read the fucking protocol, you’d know that Mr. Tellar’s request is appropriate.” Both men shut up at the venom in their superior’s tone. The sheriff turned to Rhys and Callan.

“Mr. Tellar, Mr. Bale, I’m Sheriff Bill Granger.” They each shook the man’s hand. “I apologize for my deputies here,” Granger sneered as he cast the two officers another hard look. “I was voted into office a few weeks ago and inherited the prior sheriff’s…leavings.” The deputies flinched at the crude term, but remained silent. “Rollins, Hargrove, get your asses out on patrol, now!”

Both deputies stared mutinously at Callan and Rhys, then hurried out the back entrance.