I Am Not a Cook

Pulling my car to the side of the road was the first step in calming my anger. I took several slow deep breaths. I could not believe that I had driven from Connecticut to Wyoming for a job training people how to ride horses to find out they didn’t need a new teacher. The woman in charge, Mrs. R. J. Wheeler, humiliated me when she said, “I’m sure my son enjoyed fucking you back east and was hoping for more when he asked you to come here, but there is no job.”

I showed her the signed papers, and she merely laughed. “You can try legal action, but my lawyer knows how to handle my son’s prostitutes. You won’t get a dime.”

My anger slipped out, “I never fucked your son, Madame. You couldn't pay me enough to fuck him, and I don’t have to fuck anyone for a job. I’m an excellent teacher. For the way you’ve treated me, I suggest you go fuck yourself up the ass with a butcher knife. You deserve worse, but it would do.” Then I stormed out past a woman whose mouth was hanging open but seemed happy to have heard my tirade. I didn’t slam the door, I left it wide open. I didn’t squeal the tires as I left. I held the anger at bay until I was on the road.

In Wyoming, no job. The bastard had made it sound like a perfect job. And, based on what his mother thought, he had done it because he wanted my ass. Filthy, stinking bastard.

I was about to pull back onto the road when a blue Chevy pick-up pulled in front of me and stopped. The woman who stepped out looked like the one I walked past in the foyer of the Wheeler house. Had I dropped my wallet? She tapped on my window. I opened the door and stood in front of her. It was the polite thing to do.

“Hi. My name’s Andrew Lester. What can I do for you?” I asked.

“I heard what the bitch said to you back there,” she explained. “I’m Sarah Zeller. My family runs the Bar K Ranch. We’re not looking for someone to teach riding, but one of our ranch hands ran off with our cook. I’m looking to hire you.”

“Well, in addition to teaching people how to ride, I’ve trained horses after they’re broken. I’m not too proud to muck stalls, fix fences, or anything else.”

“Actually,” she chuckled, “I’m better at those things than I am at cooking. I had hoped you might be willing to take that on. You’ve got to be better than I am. My brother Adam has been making breakfast if you call scrambled eggs and burnt toast a hearty breakfast.”

“I’ve cooked for myself since I was a teenager and have never poisoned myself.” I tried to smile.

“That’s good enough for me. There are six of us, me, four brothers, and my father.”

“Why not? I’m jobless with no place to stay.”

“If you’ll promise me two weeks and then decide if you want to move on, it’s a deal.”

“Show me the way.”

“It’s just up the road,'' she said. “Follow me.”

I got back into the car, pulled back onto the road, and drove. I didn’t realize I was driving away from town. In a few miles, I saw the Bar K ranch. Sarah turned left, and I followed her into the driveway.

The drive to the house took several minutes. The house was behind a field of some crop and hidden by a copse of trees. She waved at me to park in a graveled area next to a small barn that was just north of the house.

Sarah Zeller was the oldest of the five siblings. She gave me a tour of the downstairs of the house, told me the expectations, had me fill out paperwork, and let me know that supper was at six. She also let me know that Thursdays had been meatloaf day since she was a child.

“Does that mean everyone is going to want meatloaf, or will they all want a change?”

“My father hates change,” she laughed. “Just having a different style of meatloaf is bound to rile things up.” She waved a good-bye and I set about to get started. I had plenty of time, but it was my first time in this kitchen, so I got started.

The recipe I loved as a kid had Ritz crackers and Amora mustard. I knew that I wouldn’t find the mustard, but I lucked out with the crackers. As I searched for which sides to use, I saw an abundance of potatoes. I found carrots in the crisper that were still good. I also found broccoli and cauliflower that had gone bad. I decided on carrots with garlic and grated parmesan, and the standard mashed potatoes. I hate washing potatoes, but one I got everything laid out, I started with them. I also boiled some water for iced tea. If they didn’t want to drink it, I would. I did find fresh garlic, but canned grated parmesan would have to do. I wanted to try to throw together a dessert, but all I’d seen were some boxes of gelatin.

After prepping and determining what time I needed to get things cooking to finish for a six o’clock meal, I went out to bring some things into the bedroom that Sarah said was mine. It had a full-size bed and a small sitting area. There was also an ensuite. I put a few things away and then went back to set the kitchen table. The family only used the dining room for “special” meals I was told. With the table ready, the meatloaf in the oven, I began to clean up.

Sarah came in about fifteen until six. She commented on how good the table looked and told me that I was expected to eat with them. I had only put places for six. I quickly remedied that and then began to worry about eating my dinner with six strangers who were also my boss.

The stomping of feet outside told me that the rest of the group was about to arrive. From the noise, I could tell that the mudroom was alive with activity. I heard one brother tell another that he still had mud on his chin. They seemed to be in a good mood. I heard Sarah tell them to quiet down. Someone else asked what she had made for dinner, followed by laughter.

“I’ve hired someone to make dinner for us. Please be civil. I’ll introduce you as you go into the kitchen. Remember to be civil.”

“You already said that.”

A deep growl of a voice then spoke up. “I’m hungry. Let’s get on with it.”

“OK, Papa, you lead.”

A man of about fifty came into the room. I was expecting an old man.

“Andrew, this is my father.”

I nodded my head. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Zeller.”

“Call me David,”

“Of course, David,” I replied. He seemed rather nice to me and very good looking as well.

“And these are my brothers, Adam, Benjamin, Caleb, and Daniel.” She smiled. “My mother loved that movie.”

I could tell the men were in their twenties and took after their father in the looks department. All of them were quite fit, with the older two having a little more in the shoulders and chest. I imagined each one coming down in the middle of the night to visit me, but there was something special about Daniel. His eyes were just a bit greener than the others, and his smile was just a tad sexier. There was definitely something about him, but I think the oldest brother was the one who made my cock stir.

Sarah whispered to me. “Sit, we’ll say grace, and then you can set the food out.”

I sat, and after the prayer, I took the food from the oven. I passed the carrots and the potatoes and sliced the meatloaf into thick pieces before passing it. I watched as everyone ate.

Benjamin took a second bite of the meatloaf and declared, “Fuck me, but this is the best meatloaf I’ve ever eaten.”

His father was quick with a reprimand. “Watch your language, boy, Or I’ll fuck your ass with a broomstick.”

Caleb whispered something in Daniel’s ear, and he turned bright red.

The conversation soon turned to what had been done that day and what they needed to do the next day. No one seemed to take a second thought about a perfect stranger having made their meal and joined them at the dinner table. No one except Adam and Daniel. Adam kept glancing at me and looking away when I would look at him. Daniel would start to ask something and Caleb would elbow him.

After dinner, Daniel stayed behind to help me clean up. I told him that he didn’t have to in order to find out if he was staying to find out more about me, but he told me it was one of his chores.

“So, where do you come from?”

“I was born and raised near Fort Worth. You know, in Texas. What about you?”

“Upstairs, the same as my brothers and sister. We were all born in this house. I went to school in town, and now I’m working here.”

“So why’d you come here? What was wrong with Texas?”

“Nothing was wrong with it. I had a job in Connecticut, but I had the misfortune of meeting Roger Wheeler. He told me that he had a training job for me here, with a substantial increase in pay. When I got here, there was no job.”

“Those Wheelers are crooked. Didn’t your girlfriend mind that you came way out here?”

“I don’t have a girlfriend.” I looked him directly in the eye. Was he fishing for information? Did he want to know if I was gay? And if he did, was it because he wanted to out me and get rid of me, or was he secretly looking for a buddy? There weren’t many opportunities for straight guys out here. Just his sister and an old bitch.

“What about…” he dropped his voice, “boyfriends.”

There it was. How should I answer? Honestly, I decided. If I was meant to stay here, they’d find out sooner or later.

“No boyfriend either.” His face kind of dropped. “I had one back in Texas, but he cheated on me.”

Daniel smiled. “Really?”

“Really,” I nodded. “It’s not a very interesting story. What about you? Any girlfriends,” I let my voice drop to a whisper, “or boyfriends?”

He answered back in a whisper. “My dad can’t find out.”

This sounded intriguing.

“My girlfriend’s name is Alice. We went to high school together. I want to marry her, but she doesn’t want to live out here. She wants me to get a job in town.” Daniel’s face fell as he spoke. “Please don’t tell. When we go to town to see a movie on Saturday, I go see Alice, and then Caleb tells me about the movie in case Dad asks.”

“So, there’s a conspiracy afoot,” I replied.

Daniel smiled again; he knew I wouldn’t say anything. He put the last dish in the dishwasher as his sister came in. “Maybe you’ll want to come to the movies with us.” He said it so she could hear.

“Already making plans for entertainment, I see.” There was a bit of laughter in her voice as she said it.

“I thought I was,” I answered without thinking.

Sarah raised an eyebrow.

“See you tomorrow,” Daniel left the room.

I turned my eyes back to the dishwasher.

“I’m not sure what you meant.” Her tone sounded slightly accusing.

I played dumb. “Hmm? Meant by what?”

“Planning your entertainment.” Her tone was definitely accusing.

“Daniel told me he goes to the movies on Saturdays with Caleb; he invited me to come along. Why? Should I not go with them? Is there a rule that I’m breaking? I apologize if I’ve overstepped.”

She continued to look at me. I started the dishwasher. I wondered what she was thinking. Did she think I was after her little brother? Truth be told, I wasn’t. He was cute, but he was the son of the boss, the youngest son at that. If I had met him out somewhere, and he had shown interest, I probably would have invited him back to my place for some fun, but I wasn’t about to shit in my own backyard. However, the oldest brother was a different story. If he happened to try to crawl in bed with me, I’d let him in a heartbeat. I’d never felt connected to someone with whom I hadn’t had a long conversation. He was different.

I needed to stop thinking about him. “Do you want to tell me what time to have breakfast ready, and what’s usually on the menu?”

“Eggs, bacon, coffee, water to drink. We usually get pancakes on Sunday morning. Breakfast is at six-thirty.”

“And lunch?”

“I’ve been making sandwiches for everyone, I’ll take care of it tomorrow morning.” She turned and left the room. I made an egg casserole before going to bed. It felt strange not watching TV or playing a game on my computer. I pulled my Kindle out and read for a while before taking a shower and going to bed. As I tried to go to sleep, the faces of the brothers kept whirling through my mind. ‘They're all straight,’ I told myself. I reached down and felt my cock. It was soft and my balls were warm, but I was too tired to play with either of them.

Breakfast went well; everyone said they liked the casserole and that it was a pleasant change from the overcooked scrambled eggs that Adam had been feeding them. He tried to grin and ignore the comments, but he turned red which accentuated the dimples he had when smiling. It was interesting that although he was the oldest of the boys, he was the shortest at about six feet. The others were about six-three, but Benjamin had developed his man-shoulders, and Daniel was still in his lean/skinny phase. I noted that Adam was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, hardly what one would wear for ranching. When the others left after breakfast, taking their lunches with them, he went upstairs.

I cleaned up the kitchen and wondered what I should make for dinner. I pondered calling him down to ask him for advice when I heard him come down the stairs. As he rounded the corner to head down to the basement, I saw that he had a laundry basket full of clothes.

He seemed a little embarrassed. “I have laundry duty on Tuesdays and Fridays. I have since I was twelve.”

“Hey, I think washing clothes is very manly.”

Adam laughed, “Yeah, but you’re a house cook.”

I started to laugh, too. “Speaking of that, what would you like for supper, or for lunch for that matter?”

“Friday is fried chicken night.”

I’m not sure why I found that funny, but I did. Adam started to laugh again. “I’m laughing because you’re laughing, but I’m not sure why you’re laughing.”

“I’m not sure either,” I told him. “What about lunch?”

“I’ll have what you’re having,” he said.

“When Harry Met Sally,” I blurted out.

“When Adam met Andrew,” he said in response, then his face turned red, and he turned to walk down the stairs. I watched as his head disappeared from sight. I went into the kitchen to research making fried chicken. I’d always purchased mine, and I preferred tenders. I searched the freezer for chicken, and I found whole birds and five trays of a dozen drumsticks each. I took out two trays and set them out to thaw. I also brought some turkey sausage; I considered sausage and mac ‘n’ cheese for lunch. I heard Adam head upstairs; I wondered whether he could use some help.

I heard him go back into the basement while I made a list of what I had in the freezer. I finished the first freezer and decided to check out the basement to warm up my hands. The stairs were easy to maneuver, unlike many basement steps I’d encountered in the past. As I reached the bottom step, I heard Adam call out, “Hey, I’ve got company.”

I smiled and walked over to him. He stood in front of a pair of washing machines and dryers. I saw him sorting clothes.

“Have you come to help?” He smiled. What a great smile!

“I thought I’d check on you. My hands are freezing from doing a food inventory.”

Adam grabbed my hands and held them in his. “They are cold.”

“Yeah, and yours are so soft and warm. And big.” I looked into those beautiful blue eyes. ‘Don’t,’ I told myself.

“I wear gloves,” he chuckled.

“That feels so nice.”

He didn’t look away. “Daniel told me.”

My heart started beating faster. What did he tell him?

“About your no longer having a boyfriend,” he added.

“He didn’t tell me anything about you,” I maintained my gaze.

Adam smiled. “I don’t have a boyfriend either.” Then he blushed and let go of my hands. “I guess we should have a talk.”

I nodded.

“I need to finish this; give me about ten minutes. Besides, I need to clear my head. Holding your hands has rattled my brain.”

I wanted to kiss him, but I thought better of it. I resisted the urge to reach up and touch his cheek.

“I’ll wait for you in the kitchen.” I turned and went back to the stairs. I looked back, and he was looking at me. I felt my heart jump. I went quickly up the staircase and into the kitchen. It was still too early to start lunch. And the chicken, shit, I forgot to ask about the chicken. ‘Well, he’ll be up in a few minutes,’ I told myself. I walked over to the window and looked out toward the barns. I didn’t see anyone. I’m not sure how long I stood there gazing at nothing in particular.

“Are you OK?” Adam’s deep voice felt warm and comforting.

“I’m fine, probably better than I’ve been in quite a while.”

“Sit there so we can talk,” he pointed to my usual seat at the table. He sat directly across from me.

“There are so many things that I want to say. First, I want to let you know this has nothing to do with how great a cook you are. I sensed something about you when I first saw you. The way you smile, well, it makes me feel good.”

That made me smile. I reached forward, and our fingertips latched on.

“I guess I need you to know that even though it’s lonely out here, I’m not feeling this way because of loneliness; it’s because of you. I get this butterfly feeling in my gut when I look at you. It’s like the first time I saw one of the ranch hands taking a shower. It happens when I think about you. Last night, I had trouble falling asleep because I kept thinking about you. And when you walked by me at the table last night, I wanted to put my hand out and touch you.”

I put my hand on his hand; he left it there.

“And just so you know I’m upfront about everything, I want you to know about Frank.”

“OK,” I said while continuing to gaze into his beautiful eyes. “But you know, anything that happened before yesterday has nothing to do with today and the future.”

“Yeah, I agree with that, but, you see, Frank is one of the ranch hands here.”

“What about him?”

“Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like we were in a relationship. He’s someone I’d fuck when I got horny. Or, sometimes he’d tell me that he was really horny, so I’d fuck him. I caught Caleb fucking him once, and Caleb swears to me that he’s straight. I just wanted you to know in case anyone ever said anything.”

“I appreciate that.” I reached over and pushed his bangs up. “There’s something else. When I was younger, I fell hard and fast for the son of one of the ranch hands. He came to visit during his summer break from college. It tore me up when he left. I’ve been a little gun-shy. I want to take things slow. Can you understand what I mean?”

“Of course.” I smiled, but inside, I was sad. I could tell he was someone special, and I wanted him. Because he was someone special, I knew that I could wait, but I didn’t want to wait. “If things are meant to grow between us, they will, and I feel confident that they will.”

He nodded. “I’ve got to check on the clothes.”

“Want me to help?”

“No. I have a system. And you, my sexy man, will be a distraction.”

I walked over to his chair; he stood up, and I hugged him.

He hugged back and whispered, “I want so much more than this, but it terrifies me to think that you could leave.”

“But think about this,” I told him, “even though we just met, I believe I would stay forever if you asked me to.”

“Brian said pretty much the same thing.”

“Yeah? But he was a kid who had to go back to college. How old were you?”

“Seventeen.”

“You were a kid, too. We’re men; we have some experiences behind us that give more credence to our decisions. So, I trust you when you say you need more time.” I kissed his cheek. When I did, I realized that I had never dated a man who was about my height. Neither of us would have to stretch to reach the other’s lips. “I’m going to take a short nap. I’m not used to getting up this early. I’ll make us lunch when I get up.”

Adam turned and left the room. He looked back at me and smiled as he went through the doorway. He was definitely a man worth waiting for.

-----

Four weeks later, I had a routine going. I had cleaned out the three chest freezers and refrigerator and had a rotation system in place. Menus were planned in advance, and Mr. Zeller actually liked the variation I was introducing. He didn’t realize I had a twelve-day rotation system in play for dinner and a nine-day rotation system for breakfast. It made planning easy and added variety.

Adam and I were still meeting on laundry day. We talked, kissed, and snuggled on the big leather sofa in the family room. We were cordial at dinner and rarely talked after. He was still unprepared to tell his father.

On the previous Saturday, we had gone riding; he knew that I taught riding, but he was unprepared at how good I was in the saddle. He took me up to one of the back pastures to a high hill where mountains could be seen in the background over the tree-line fence that separated grazing areas. It was beautiful, and it was here that I told Adam how much I loved him. I knew from that first day we talked that he was the man for me, and I had grown to love him more over those next few weeks. I was completely his when he was ready. He pulled his horse next to mine and kissed me with more passion than I had ever experienced. Our horses must have sensed the feelings we were having as they remained quietly next to each other during the entire kiss.

After the kiss, Adam announced, “We need to tell my dad, or I need to tell him. Getting him alone will be the only problem.”

“I’ll be with you unless you want to do it alone. You don’t think he’ll give you any grief?”

“If he does, are you willing to leave with me?”

“You’re willing to leave your home for me?” I knew he had feelings for me; I knew he was falling in love with me. What I didn’t realize is that he had fallen far enough that he’d leave everything behind.

“Adam, I’m with you always.”

“Oh, Andrew, I love you so much. I felt it that first night. I’m sorry I was so chicken-shit about committing.”

“No,” I implored, “don’t be. I’m glad it happened this way. I’ve no doubts about us.”

“I don’t either,” he answered. “Let’s go tell everyone.”

We had just put our horses up. Adam preferred to do it himself rather than let one of the ranch hands do it. “Randy is my horse; I want her to know that she can trust me for everything.”

“That’s really sweet.”

“Do you want Buttercup to be your horse?” Buttercup turned her head to look at Adam.

“She’s a sweet horse. Hasn’t anyone claimed her?”

“No, we have four back-up horses in case one of them isn’t feeling well. She’s one of them.”

“Well, then, Buttercup. What say you be my favorite horse?” She nuzzled me; I led her to her stall and snuck a little sweet feed into her feed bucket.

“I saw that. You’re going to be her favorite, too.”

“Love is in the air,” I shouted.

“Come here and kiss me.”

I ran over to Adam; he pulled me up, and I wrapped my legs around his waist. We kissed, and as he released my legs and I slid them back to the ground, we heard a truck come up the driveway.

We walked out of the barn with a little space between us. Were we fooling anyone? Who knows, but I couldn’t wait until we could walk around holding hands. A man got out of the truck. He looked to be in his late twenties to early thirties. He was in cowboy boots, jeans, a cowboy shirt, and a cowboy hat. He was quite attractive; although, he couldn’t compare to the man walking next to me.

Adam growled, “That’s Nate Wheeler. What the fuck is he doing on our property?” Adam began running toward the house. I followed behind. Nate was on the porch knocking at the door by the time we had reached it. “What the hell are you doing here?” Adam sounded angry.

“I’m here to see your sister, Adam. I’m not here for trouble,” Nate replied.

Sarah opened the door. I noticed that her cheeks turned red. “Nate?”

“I love you, Sarah. I’ve told the old lady off. I told her I didn’t give a fuck about some stupid argument our grandfather’s had about sheep.”

“Uh…” was the only sound Sarah made.

Adam’s eyes were on Sarah; his mouth twisted in anger with his jaw clenched.

I drew close to Adam and whispered, “Adam, this is us. Only it’s your sister and Nate.”

He blinked a few times, and the realization came to him. He took a deep breath; his voice was calm. “Sarah, do you love this man?”

Sarah’s eyes welled up with tears. “Yes.”

“Then say it proudly,” Adam said to her.

“Adam?” She seemed surprised. Adam went to her and pulled her into a hug. When he released her, he walked over to Nate and hugged him.

“I don’t get it, Adam. I’ve been a prick to you for your entire life.”

“Yeah,” Adam responded. “You’ve been a major dick and a real asshole, but you love my sister, and she loves you. So, I forgive you, man. I mean that.”

I saw Nate tear up; then I saw Adam tear up.

Adam looked at his feet. “Hate never gets you anywhere, does it.”

There was silence.

I broke it. “Adam, why don’t we go in the house and allow them time to talk. Nate?”

Nate looked up at me.

“Would you like something to eat? I was about to fix something for us.”

Nate looked over at Sarah.

Sarah answered for him, “I think we’d like that.”

During the meal, Sarah told us that she and Nate had decided to marry. She hoped that her father would allow them to stay at the ranch. Adam reassured her that he would stand with them when they told their father. After, Adam and I went to my bedroom to let the engaged couple have time alone.

As soon as the door closed, Adam started, “I can’t believe this. I finally decide to come out to my father, tell him I’m in love with the most wonderful man in the world, and Sarah has to get herself engaged, to a Wheeler yet.” He rolled his eyes and sat on the bed next to me. “What are you thinking?”

“I think that even if your father is accepting of Nate, it’s going to be emotional for him. I think we should wait to tell him about us. We don’t need him to have a stroke or a heart attack.”

“I love that you care about my dad.”

“Well,” I said matter-of-factly, “he is one hot piece of ass. Maybe even better looking than you.”

“Really?” Adam raised an eyebrow. “Do you want to have a three-way? I’ve always wanted to take turns with my dad fucking a guy. It’d be so hot.”

I just stared at him. He was calling my bluff. I wanted him to be the first to break. He just stared back. The staring contest lasted about thirty seconds before I saw the edge of his mouth curl up.

“You lose.”

“Fuck. I thought I had you that time.”

“A three-way with your dad?”

“Yeah, not going to happen,” he hunched his shoulders as though he were shivering at the thought.

“Just to make sure it never happens, if I ever catch you in a three-way with your dad,” I reached down and grabbed his dick. “I will cut your dick and balls off and feed it to the pigs.”

“We don’t have pigs.”

“I’ll find some.”

With that, Adam rolled over on top of me and kissed me. “You really do love me, don’t you.”

I moved my legs out and around his hips. Our groins pressed together. I could feel his cock stiffen, and mine got hard, too. “I really do love you.” I kissed him. “Have you ever grown a mustache?”

“What? Where did that come from?”

I ran my finger over his upper lip. “I’ve never been kissed by a guy with a mustache. Will you grow one for me?”

He rolled off me. “You are crazy. I thought you liked the way I looked?”

“They’re home!” Sarah’s shout stopped our conversation.

“Let’s go,” said Adam.

I made baked chicken filets for dinner with sugar peas and cornbread. I made a side of Brussel sprouts because I knew how much Adam liked them. Joining us for dinner were David, Sarah, and Nate. The other three boys took off for town after Sarah made her announcement. David actually took it really well. I think he was happier that Sarah found someone than he was unhappy that he was a Wheeler. I was happy because I thought that it bode well for us. We had decided that next Saturday would be our outing party.

Things went pretty smoothly until laundry day.

Laundry day began as did all the other laundry days before. I had the dinner steaks out to thaw. I was making sausage for lunch. Both were in the sink. The breakfast dishes were in the dishwasher. I heard Adam coming downstairs with his second load. I hurried out to meet him at the head of the basement stairs. I grabbed him and kissed him.

He kissed back and his hands moved behind me and pulled me against him. I felt his body against mine. He was all muscle, lean and strong. My cock began to thicken. “Methinks the laundry man may make the poor house cook swoon.”

“Methinks you’re too much of a man to swoon. I bet you can outlast me.”

I kissed him again. “It will be fun finding out.”

I received another kiss before he headed back into the basement.

I checked again on the chicken and the sausage. The sausage was almost completely thawed; the chicken was not; I planned to put the chicken back in the refrigerator during lunch, but I was still concerned about it’s having time to thaw. Adam returned as I was putting the sausage in the refrigerator.

“Playing with your sausage, I see.”

“Just practicing,” I countered.

“Want to go see if practice made perfect?”

I closed the refrigerator door and looked at Adam. About a month ago, I was jobless, homeless, loveless, and feeling hopeless. Now, because of this beautiful man in front of me, I was hopeful and feeling loved. I stepped up to him and whispered into his ear. “Are you wondering if your sausage will fit?” Then I grabbed his ear with my lips. “What about my sausage?”

“Let’s go figure it out. I don’t want to wait any longer. Besides, you’re about to make me lose my load right here.”

I reached down, and he was hard and straining against his shorts. He held my hand as he led me upstairs to his bedroom. It was my first time upstairs. I’d been told the upstairs was out of bounds unless I was asked to come up. My man had just invited me. The bed appeared to be professionally made by an expert craftsman and woodcarver, and the room had only the essentials in it. I pulled him toward the bed and then down on top of me. My cock was hard and rubbed against his hardness. He pulled my legs up and positioned himself between them. The weight of his body on my shoved our dicks together, and as he humped me, even with our clothes still on, I felt immense pleasure.

“I’m getting close, Adam.” It amazed me how just a look from him could get me rock hard, and how his touch and kisses could bring me so close to orgasm.

He stopped and undid my pants; pulling both my pants and my underwear off. I slipped off my shirt and now sat beneath him completely exposed.

“Oh, Andrew. I love your body. Look at it; it’s perfect.”

“Show me yours, Adam.” I reached forward to undo the snap on his shorts. In seconds, he was undressed and lying on top of me again. I wanted him inside me; I needed him inside me. He pushed my knees apart and exposed my hole. His cock slid down into the little valley between my ass cheeks. The head of his dick rubbed against my pucker. He was driving me crazy. He reached under his pillow and pulled out some lube. He was about to squirt some onto his fingers when the bedroom door flew open.

His father stood in the doorway. There was silence. Both of our dicks deflated.

His father’s voice boomed into the bedroom. “Adam, isn’t it enough that you’re fucking Frank? Do you have to fuck the cook, sorry, Andrew, too?”

“Oh, no, his father knows that he’s fucked Frank.

Adam spoke up, “It’s not like that, Dad. Frank was just for fun; it’s been months. I’m in love with Andrew.”

I added, “and I’m in love with Adam.”

“And how long have you been screwing? Or is butt-fucking called screwing?”

“Dad,” Adam was upset that his father wasn’t seeing this for what it really was.

“This is our first time, or at least it was going to be,” I sat up. “We noticed an attraction from the first day. We talked about it, and as we talked, we realized that we love each other.”

David rubbed his head. “Is Sarah the only one who will give me grandchildren?” He shook his head.

“You have three other sons,” Adam was incredulous. “Don’t forget about them.”

“Caleb fucks Frank more than you ever did. He sneaks out almost every night to meet him. And now you. Stop wagging your dick at me. Put your clothes back on and get to work. Fuck each other at night as everybody else does.” He turned and went to his room.

I looked up at Adam. “He never comes back during the day. Why did he have to come back today?”

Adam shook his head. “Well, at least he knows, and he didn’t drop dead. Let’s get dressed and do as he asked. But tonight, after dinner, I’ll help you clean up and get ready for tomorrow. Then I’m spending the night in the cook’s quarters.”

With one leg in my underwear, I kissed him. “I hope the cook doesn’t have other plans.”

He grabbed me around the waist and pulled me close. “I’ll kill anyone who tries to fuck the cook.”

-----

The rest of the day seemed to drag on. I made too much to eat for dinner, and the chocolate cake I baked, because it was David’s favorite, was dry. The frosting was perfect, but the cake itself turned out to be a disaster. I apologized for it.

“Anything else you want to say, Andrew?” David asked me after the apology.

I looked over at Adam. I was afraid to say anything. I saw him shake his head ever so slightly.

David continued. “Well, then let me share the news. I caught Adam and Andrew going at it together upstairs in one of the bedrooms.”

I saw everyone look at each other in disgust. “Was it my room,” asked Daniel.

Adam broke in, “It was my bedroom.” I saw relief on everyone’s face. “And we weren’t going at it. You interrupted before we did anything.”

I heard Benjamin snigger just a little.

“Anyway,” said David, “they tell me they’re in love.”

Congratulations broke out. Even Nathan congratulated me. I’m not sure that’s what David had in mind.

Susan said, “I had a feeling there was something going on between you. At first, it seemed like a great friendship, the kind you get once in your life if you’re lucky. But then, I wondered if it was something more.”

“It’s something more,” I said. “So much more. I am so lucky to have come here.” I started to cry. “I never thought that I would find happiness like this.” Susan began to cry as well. “I have to thank you, Susan, for bringing me here, and the rest of you for your kindness and making me feel welcome.”

“It’s like we have six brothers now,” said Daniel. The other brothers began to nod their heads.

Whatever David had planned, it didn’t seem to work, but he wasn’t finished. With vindictiveness in his voice, he went on, “So, tell me, Caleb, are you going out for a walk after dinner?”

It got completely silent. Everyone looked at Caleb and felt his discomfort.

“Please, don’t,” I said.

David completely ignored my plea. “I understand that you’ve been sticking your dick into Frank every chance you get. So, are you in love with Frank?”

Caleb’s eyes fell to his plate. “No, sir.”

“Is Frank in love with you?”

“No, sir. He just likes to get fucked.”

“So, you two aren’t planning on getting married.”

“That’s right, we’re not.”

“And how long have you been doing this?” Now there was anger in his tone.

“Since I was fifteen.” I could hear the agitation in Caleb’s voice. I just knew this could not end well.

“Fifteen!” shouted David. “What’s a fifteen-year-old doing fucking a man ten years older than he is?”

Caleb’s face was red. “Well, sir.” Caleb’s tone became angry. “When I saw how much fun you were having fucking him, I decided to try it.”

Benjamin and Sarah gasped.

Now it was David’s turn to get red-faced. He got up from the table and stormed out of the room. We could hear his feet as he stomped up the stairs.

“Now he’s going to miss my news,” said Daniel.

“What’s your news, sweetheart?” asked Sarah.

“Well, I think I’m the only Zeller who hasn’t fucked Frank, but I did fuck April, and now I’m going to be a dad.

Caleb piped up, “What do you have to say to that, Benjamin?”

“I only fucked him once, but I’m sure it was because I was drunk and horny.”

-----

Nate and I cleaned up the kitchen after dinner. The boys and Sarah went upstairs to talk to their father. They let him know that his activities with Frank didn’t change their opinion of him, and he realized his reasons for being angry were not valid. They all forgave one another for what had happened in the past. And David was actually very happy that he was about to be a grandfather.

It seemed like forever before Adam joined me in my room. I was seated on the chair reading a mystery novel. He came over and nuzzled my neck. “That was exhausting, but I’m glad everything’s in the open.”

“Me, too. Now I can hold your hand when we go on our walks, and I can look at you without worrying who might notice. Plus Caleb doesn’t need to hide. I am concerned about Benjamin.”

“What about him?”

“Is he in denial or was it just a drunken screw?”

“Well, whatever it is, we’ll be there for him.”

“You,” I touched Adam’s nose, “need to tell him that. Don’t assume he just knows.”

“What do you think I should say?”

“Something like, I know you’re probably embarrassed about what was said the other night. Remember that I love you; you can tell me things, and I won’t judge you. Something like that.”

“Wise beyond your years.”

I laughed. “Let’s clean off the day’s dust. Wanna shower?”

We stood up, and I removed his clothes. He removed mine, and I led him into my shower. The water felt great. Our lips met, and our tongues played. I pulled back and turned him. I scrubbed his back gently, and I followed the lather down into his butt crack. I ran my hand back and forth, making sure to apply pressure as I ran my fingers over his rosebud. It trembled as I touched it. I moved to his front and repeated, and after rinsing the soap away, I kissed his pecs and sucked on his nipples. He remained as still as he could as my lips explored his abs. I went onto my knees and lathered up his crotch and legs. His penis sprang to life as I made sure every fold was cleansed. Then I put his cock in my mouth for the first time. I heard him moan as I moved up and down the shaft. With my lips sealed around his dick, I pulled him more deeply into my mouth. The pointed head of his cock pushed just past the back of my tongue and into my throat. I had enough practice in the past that I was able to control my gag reflex, and his entire penis slid into and out of my mouth in one smooth action. I felt Adam’s body tremble as I took him. Short little moans indicated to me that he was close, and I made sure to keep him behind my lips. His hips moved forward in small thrusts as he shot his seed into me. I swirled it around my tongue. The saltiness surprised me as did its creaminess. I wanted all of it; I wanted all of him, and now I had a part of him permanently inside me.

Adam was breathing heavily as he sat down in front of me on the shower floor. “That was the best ever.”

“I love you, Adam Zeller.”

I could read his face as he became emotional. We had just shared one kind of the ultimate intimacy with one of us physically inside the other, but I knew there was more, much more for us to share. I put my hand next to his cheek, and he kissed the palm of my hand.

“I need to clean you up before the hot water runs out.”

The two of us stood up. Adam lathered me all over. He cleaned my ass crack twice and then got down on his knees when the hot water ran out. We practically fell over each other trying to get out of the shower, and once out, we couldn’t stop laughing. We dried off and hopped into the bed as quickly as possible. We were both shivering and huddled together to warm back up. Adam rolled me on my front and covered the two of us with the blanket. He moved down until he could spread my ass cheeks; he ran his tongue down my ass valley stopping only to put a little spit into my hole.

When he slid his finger in, it was clear he had studied his male anatomy. There was no pain, and he hit my prostate with ease. Was it because he was more skilled or because I loved him so that I was getting more pleasure than I had ever experienced before. When he slipped two fingers into me, there was another increase of pressure but again no pain. I moaned quietly; I didn’t want him to stop. I felt the bed move as he changed position. As he placed the head of his penis against my now relaxed hole, he placed himself over me. The weight of his body pushed me down into the bed as his head penetrated me. I gasped; it felt so good, and when the shaft of his cock entered me, I shivered with a delight I’d never known. He kissed the nape of my neck as he moved in and out. I could feel my own penis pushed and rubbed against the sheets. I could tell that I was leaking precum.

I wanted to watch him fuck me. I wanted to see his face as he made love to me. “Turn me over.” It was not a command; it was a plea. He pushed himself up with his arms, and his cock slipped out. I rolled over and pulled my legs up and around him. I tilted my pelvis up and grabbed his dick. By his reaction, I could tell he was getting sensitive and close. I guided him into me, and his gentle humping began again. I lifted my head up to kiss him, and he licked my chin. The sensation caused me to ejaculate immediately. My cum splattered on both of us. I saw Adam smile, and my eyes welled up with happiness. I smiled back, then I reached up and kissed him. I pushed my tongue into his mouth, and I sensed his body tense up. I felt the pressure change as he came inside me. He pushed himself into me hard, twice. He relaxed and lay upon me. I wrapped my legs around his waist. He kissed and licked my ear. I hugged him and he moved his hands behind my head.

“Is this the part where the guy rolls over and falls asleep?” he whispered as he looked me directly in the eyes.

“No, this is the part where we spoon, because we’ve already forked.”

“Oh, that’s lame,” he replied.

“Shut up and cuddle me.”

“But I want you inside me.”

“I need time to recover. You sent me to places I’ve never been to before.”

“You took me with you on that trip,” he said.

I smiled and kissed him. I felt his shrinking dick pop out of me. “Ooo, that felt nice, too.”

He laughed quietly and rolled beside me. He pulled me to him. I listened to his breathing until I fell asleep.

My clock’s alarm went off at 4:30. It was time for me to get up, shower, and prepare breakfast. I was still next to Adam. His arm was holding me to him, and his hardon was poking me in the ass. I gently moved his hand away, but I realized we were stuck together from the cum of the night before. I didn’t realize how well it could glue our skin together. As I moved forward, he stirred. I didn’t want to wake him yet. I knew he had a hard day ahead working the fence line in a far pasture. I wasn’t looking forward to next week when the boys were headed to the farthest pasture; it involved an overnight stay, possibly two or three depending on the repairs they might need to make. Ah, the life of a rancher’s boyfriend.

I pulled loose. Adam mumbled something and then fell back asleep. He rolled on his back. His pecker stood clear and proud. I resisted the urge to suck it. It had been in my ass the night before, and I wasn’t one of those ass to mouth kind of guys.

Showering quickly and getting dressed quietly, I made my way to the kitchen and started the biscuits. The sausage gravy was pretty quick to make, so I started the biscuits first. I was not a biscuits and gravy man, but everyone else in the house loved them. I had made them previously with a package of sweet Italian sausage, and everyone told me it was a nice addition. I preferred the Italian sausage, but today I was making it with maple sausage.

With the biscuits baking in the oven and the sausage crisping a little on the stove, I set the table. I started to wonder what life would be like if Adam and I had our own house. I wasn’t sure that’s what he wanted. We’d not really talked about it. I knew he’d pointed out a few places that he said he’d love to have a cabin, but he was clear that a cabin that far from the main road would be completely off the grid. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to be a pioneer man.

As it neared six in the morning, the light began streaming into the windows from outside. People began to come downstairs. Nate was already in the kitchen when Sarah and Adam arrived. Nate went over to Sarah and said, “Good morning, darling.” He kissed her briefly and then took his seat.

Adam walked over to me with an evil glint in his eye. I prepared myself. He grabbed me about the waist and gave me a sloppy kiss. “Good morning, you beast. Thanks for last night.”

The other guys giggled a bit. I realized he was showing off for his brothers. I decided to join the game.

“You’re welcome. Let’s work on your stamina so I can thank you one of these mornings.” The boys giggled more loudly.

Sarah looked over at Adam. “Be careful, Adam.”

Adam tried to look innocent. “What?”

“You know what,” she replied.

“Yeah,” said Caleb, “or you’ll be sleeping with your hand again.”

More giggles.

“Children,” I said aloud, “eat your breakfast. I’ve got fried chicken drumsticks for your lunch. Three each.” At that point, David came into the room. “Good morning, David.”

“I need to apologize for last night,” he told me.

“Accepted and done.” I smiled at him. “Enjoy your breakfast.”

The house was empty. Everyone was working either in the barn or out in the fields. I sat in the front room drinking hot tea and gazing out the window. What a beautiful place this was. Still, I wanted to have Adam all to myself. I wondered whether he had ever been on a vacation, and I wondered where he had traveled. He’d need a passport; I made a mental note. Maybe he’d like to go to France. I loved the museums, and I could spend years in the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou. Oh, and the Musée Rodin. I saw a couple taking a picture with the guy mimicking ‘The Thinker,’ and it looked like such fun to share the experience with someone. I finished my tea and went to my room to read until lunchtime. Having the routine down left me with a lot of time to read. I was going to need more books.