The Quality of Mercy by Ari McKay

Author:Ari McKay [McKay, Ari]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance
ISBN: 978-1-64080-085-4
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2018-01-02T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

CARLOS EXITED Carmencita’s stall, satisfied the mare was doing well during her pregnancy. He had a vested interest in keeping a close eye on her, not only because he was in charge of breeding the horses but also because Corazon was the foal’s sire. He’d been asked to let Corazon serve as a stud many times, but he rarely agreed. There had been a few times when the offered stud fee was too high to resist, but he’d never gotten to see the resulting foal. Carmencita’s foal would be the first of Corazon’s offspring he’d both see and help raise, and he was eager to find out how good the mix would be. He was hoping the foal would be solid black, like Corazon.

The stables were empty except for one other cowboy, and when Carlos saw it was Caleb, he tried not to grimace. He was finding it harder to pretend he didn’t notice Caleb’s interest, but he didn’t want to acknowledge it, in hopes Caleb would give up and set his sights on someone else.

Unfortunately, he seemed to be out of luck, because Caleb grinned at him, his blue eyes sliding down Carlos’s body in a frankly appraising look. Caleb sauntered over and stopped in front of Carlos, cocking his head to one side.

“So how’s the big stud doing today?” he drawled.

Carlos mustered a polite smile and pretended Caleb was referring only to Corazon. “He is well, and so are the mares. I believe we will have several healthy foals to add to Bent Oak’s stables.”

Caleb stepped closer and brushed Carlos’s shoulder, letting his hand linger. “You’re a little mussed. Working with horses can get awful sweaty and messy, can’t it?”

“So can any job on a ranch,” Carlos replied, keeping his tone brisk. Caleb was a handsome young man, but he wasn’t who Carlos wanted, and Caleb’s touch didn’t excite him.

“True enough.” Caleb didn’t seem at all daunted by Carlos’s manner. He seemed accustomed to getting what—and who—he wanted. Caleb’s hands went to the buttons of his own plaid shirt, and he unfastened one, then another, in a way calculated to keep Carlos’s attention. “I get pretty hot myself, doing chores.”

Carlos gaped at him, at a loss for words. He didn’t want to admit he knew what Caleb was doing, and bolting out of the stables would be too rude, so he wasn’t sure how to respond.

“Carlos!”

Over Caleb’s shoulder, Carlos saw Gil enter the stables and wave to him, and Carlos almost sagged with relief.

“Good afternoon, Caleb.” Gil greeted the young man politely as he approached before turning his attention to Carlos. “Are you busy?”

“I was checking the mares, but I am finished now. Is there something you need?” Carlos asked hopefully.

“As a matter of fact, there is.” Gil gave Caleb an apologetic look. “Forgive me for interrupting, but I need to speak with Carlos.”

“Sure, Mr. Porter.” Caleb gave Carlos a warm glance. “I’ll see you later,” he said, and then he sauntered out of the stables.

“What did

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