Earth and Sky

completely alone.”

    “So how did you meet Calley?” Hunter asked a little tentatively, feeling they were on a roll but still worried about asking the wrong questions. Grant smiled, though, which made Hunter worry a little less.

    “For about three years I drove a delivery truck, and I delivered fruit and produce to her shop. One day I was complaining that I wanted to go back to working on a ranch like I had when I first moved away from the city, and she suggested I go talk to Gable, since he needed help around his place.”

    “You’ve really worked all kinds of jobs, haven’t you?”

    “I suppose,” Grant answered. “Guess I get bored easily. Love working on a ranch, though. No boredom there. So much to do, and there’s rarely a day that pans out like the previous one.”

    “You’re very good with the woodwork and brilliant with the horses. That certainly makes you an asset,” Hunter agreed. He was happy they could talk about real life in a relaxed way now. He’d learned quite a bit about his lover, and although he was sure Grant hadn’t given up all his secrets yet, he did feel more relaxed. Leaning a little closer, Hunter waited for Grant to turn his head so he could kiss him. They lingered, kissing softly, both of them reluctant to deepen the kiss or pull away. It felt very intimate and loving.

    “It’s dark,” Grant stated, leaning forward to wipe the steamy windows.

    “Guess we better think about going home.”

    “Home?” Grant asked, sounding surprised.

    “Well, our room for now. We’ll have to go home to the ranch tomorrow, but tonight I want you all to myself for a while.”

    Grant smiled and pulled Hunter closer.

    Suddenly a quick rap on the side window made them both jump. Hunter scooted back to his side of the bench, and Grant straightened his shirt before rolling the window down.

    “Officer.” Hunter nodded at the policeman standing outside in his rain gear.

    “No loitering, sir. I should write you a ticket, since it’s clearly posted.”

    Grant opened the door and stepped outside, spooking the cop enough to make him draw his weapon. “You’re not supposed to get out of the car!”

    Grant raised his arms and walked away from the man. “Easy, I just wanted to talk to you. I didn’t mean to make it worse.”

    “Turn around and place your hands on the roof of the car,” the anxious cop ordered.

    Grant complied and spread his legs for good measure. Although it was a tense situation, Hunter couldn’t help smiling. Seeing Grant stand there, leaning against the truck, reminded him of what Grant looked like before he’d fucked him that afternoon. It made Hunter’s jeans grow tight. He looked at the cop and decided the man didn’t see the humor, which was just as well. It wouldn’t do to get caught necking in a public place.

    “Listen, man,” Grant said in a surprisingly calm voice. “That guy behind the wheel is my boss. We drove out here to talk, and I think he might tell me I’m fired, so humor me and don’t give him a ticket. I was trying to persuade him to keep me on the payroll, and if you give us a ticket, I’m sure to be out of a job. So, please, cut us some slack?”

    The cop seemed to think about it. For a brief moment he looked at Hunter and then back at Grant. “Okay, fair enough. But I’m going to have to ask you to leave right now.”

    Grant stretched his back as he stood up and saluted the man. “I’m in your debt. Thanks, man.” He gingerly stepped into the truck cabin as Hunter started the engine. “Let’s get out of here,” he murmured at Hunter.

    While they were driving out of the parking lot, they were already laughing.

    “Please, sir, he’s going to fire my ass if you give us a ticket, sir,” Hunter mocked Grant’s voice.

    Grant punched him in the ribs. “I had to say something. I couldn’t tell him we’d steamed up the windows because my boyfriend is so hot we couldn’t keep our hands off each other.”

    “Boyfriend?” Hunter repeated, still laughing.

    “Do you prefer ‘lover’?”

    Hunter snorted. “I’d be happier if you didn’t call me anything. At least not when you’re trying to seduce a cop out of giving us a ticket.”

    Grant leaned closer so he could whisper into Hunter’s ear. “And what shall I call you when we’re alone?”

    Hunter smiled coyly. “I kinda like it when you call me Cowboy.”

    Grant smiled as he put his hand over Hunter’s groin and squeezed it.

    “Will you fuck