The Wild Bunch 3 Casa Read Online Free
Author: Deirdre O'Dare
actually requested anything or not. This was where the younger cowboys could use or need some help, but they'd catch on fast.
* * * *
Less than half an hour after they had arrived for the morning meeting, the three cowboys rose to start their day's work. As Stace and Spark headed for the door, Casa hesitated. Once the other two were outside, he turned back toward Jason's desk.
" ¿Que paso? " Jason asked, sliding easily into Casa's native border Spanish. "You going to be leaving me, too?"
Casa shook his head. The words he wanted to say would not come. He cleared his throat. "Not planning on it, boss. I guess it's wise never to say never, but I expect to be around a long time yet. I--er--I figured I should put in a good word for Miguel. He may be my cousin, but he's a damn good kid. Well, not a kid really. He's twenty-two. When you get another special guest in, give him a chance, okay? I'll be here to help him if he has any problems."
Jason nodded. "Sure. I wasn't planning to leave him out. I like what I've seen from him so far. He's good with the horses and has a pleasant way of dealing with folks, exactly like you do."
He paused a beat. "It's good to hear you expect to be here a while. I know Stace and Spark say they aren't leaving right away, but they'd be fools to let partners like they've found get away. This dude wrangling isn't something to make your life's work. Still, when they move on, one familiar face will be a comfort. Not that I want you to feel like your foot's in a bear trap. The right chance comes along, you go for it, comprende? "
Casa shrugged. "If and when. I'm not looking too hard. I like what I'm doing and like working for you." He wanted to say more, but didn't quite dare. When his gaze met Jason's steady hazel-gray eyes, something inside him gave a funny little twitch. He started to wonder again about things he had no business even imagining. Before he let anything slip, he turned smartly and headed out after his two buddies.
I'll be here as long as you'll have me, Jase. When it comes to hooking up on a long term basis, I 'spect anyone else would have a damned hard time coming close to filling your boots for me. I know I'm reaching too far to even dream, but...
For the first time, he admitted to himself in full how his earlier hero worship had now deepened into a bond that felt a lot more profound. Of course, his longings were in vain, but so long as no one knew, it wouldn't matter. He picked up his pace in hopes the other two hadn't noticed he hadn't come out right behind them.
If they did, they didn't mention it. The three went about their normal morning tasks, preparing for the new group of guests due to arrive the next day. Jason usually scheduled a couple of days between most departures and the next arrivals to allow time for the catch-up chores that did not always get done when the rooms and cabins were filled.
Besides the special guests, the ranch catered to couples and sometimes groups of friends who chose to enjoy a regular guest ranch vacation without the amorous adventures provided for the special guests. Almost all their visitors were gay, but not all of them chose to get the full package. Whatever they elected, no one was ever made to feel uncomfortable or less welcome.
Regular straight families were not among the patrons, although occasionally a gay couple with a child would bring it along. Jason made sure in advance they knew facilities to entertain kids were limited. He knew having a youngster around made everyone a little more circumspect, which did curtail some of the fun. They all tried to clean up their language and restrain the sly little gestures and double entendres that often flew thick and fast. Sex was a big component of the ambience. Somehow sex and cowboys seemed to make a natural and appealing combination, but not a PG-rated environment.
* * * *
That afternoon, Casa and Spark worked together to change shoes on several of the horses. Casa pulled the old shoes
* * * *
Less than half an hour after they had arrived for the morning meeting, the three cowboys rose to start their day's work. As Stace and Spark headed for the door, Casa hesitated. Once the other two were outside, he turned back toward Jason's desk.
" ¿Que paso? " Jason asked, sliding easily into Casa's native border Spanish. "You going to be leaving me, too?"
Casa shook his head. The words he wanted to say would not come. He cleared his throat. "Not planning on it, boss. I guess it's wise never to say never, but I expect to be around a long time yet. I--er--I figured I should put in a good word for Miguel. He may be my cousin, but he's a damn good kid. Well, not a kid really. He's twenty-two. When you get another special guest in, give him a chance, okay? I'll be here to help him if he has any problems."
Jason nodded. "Sure. I wasn't planning to leave him out. I like what I've seen from him so far. He's good with the horses and has a pleasant way of dealing with folks, exactly like you do."
He paused a beat. "It's good to hear you expect to be here a while. I know Stace and Spark say they aren't leaving right away, but they'd be fools to let partners like they've found get away. This dude wrangling isn't something to make your life's work. Still, when they move on, one familiar face will be a comfort. Not that I want you to feel like your foot's in a bear trap. The right chance comes along, you go for it, comprende? "
Casa shrugged. "If and when. I'm not looking too hard. I like what I'm doing and like working for you." He wanted to say more, but didn't quite dare. When his gaze met Jason's steady hazel-gray eyes, something inside him gave a funny little twitch. He started to wonder again about things he had no business even imagining. Before he let anything slip, he turned smartly and headed out after his two buddies.
I'll be here as long as you'll have me, Jase. When it comes to hooking up on a long term basis, I 'spect anyone else would have a damned hard time coming close to filling your boots for me. I know I'm reaching too far to even dream, but...
For the first time, he admitted to himself in full how his earlier hero worship had now deepened into a bond that felt a lot more profound. Of course, his longings were in vain, but so long as no one knew, it wouldn't matter. He picked up his pace in hopes the other two hadn't noticed he hadn't come out right behind them.
If they did, they didn't mention it. The three went about their normal morning tasks, preparing for the new group of guests due to arrive the next day. Jason usually scheduled a couple of days between most departures and the next arrivals to allow time for the catch-up chores that did not always get done when the rooms and cabins were filled.
Besides the special guests, the ranch catered to couples and sometimes groups of friends who chose to enjoy a regular guest ranch vacation without the amorous adventures provided for the special guests. Almost all their visitors were gay, but not all of them chose to get the full package. Whatever they elected, no one was ever made to feel uncomfortable or less welcome.
Regular straight families were not among the patrons, although occasionally a gay couple with a child would bring it along. Jason made sure in advance they knew facilities to entertain kids were limited. He knew having a youngster around made everyone a little more circumspect, which did curtail some of the fun. They all tried to clean up their language and restrain the sly little gestures and double entendres that often flew thick and fast. Sex was a big component of the ambience. Somehow sex and cowboys seemed to make a natural and appealing combination, but not a PG-rated environment.
* * * *
That afternoon, Casa and Spark worked together to change shoes on several of the horses. Casa pulled the old shoes
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