Love Means No Shame - Andrew Grey

decided to leave? This was his year away from the community.
    But, what if he decided to go back? Geoff couldn’t suppress the shudder of fear that ran through him.

    Eli must have noticed. “What’s wrong?” Geoff pushed back the fear, not wanting to discuss this right now. “Nothing.” He just couldn’t bring himself to voice the fear—
    what if saying it made it come true? So he pushed it aside and kissed Eli again before continuing on their way. He rode quietly, deep in his own thoughts. This is dumb. He’s right here, and I’m worrying about what might happen instead of enjoying what I have. The fear subsided, and he turned to smile at Eli. He hoped they’d be together for a long time, but he’d accept what Eli was willing to give.
    They arrived at the south pasture, and everything looked pretty good. The steers were a little low on feed but had enough for the rest of the day. He made a note to be sure to have the guys bring more out before evening.
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    To his surprise, Geoff was feeling tired, so they headed back to the farm. In the barn, Eli shooed Geoff into the house to rest. “I’ll take care of the horses; you lie down for a while.”

    “Thanks.” There was no one around, so he gave Eli a quick kiss and then headed to the house. Geoff had just gotten comfortable on the sofa when the phone rang. He answered, expecting it to be a telemarketer.
    “Geoff, it’s Raine.”
“Raine, it’s good to hear from you. How’ve you been?” He hadn’t talked to his friend in a few weeks.
    “Doing well. Just trying to plan a vacation, and I was wondering if your offer to visit was still good? I thought I’d come in a few weeks if that was okay.” Geoff pulled out his calendar to make sure there wasn’t something special going on.
    “Should be great. I’ll put you on the farm calendar.”
“You mean like birthin’ time? Or milkin’ time?” Raine mimicked one of the Clampetts. When he got here Raine was so dead.
    “No, smartass. Like 'Geoff will be away from the farm for a few days to show his friend around' time. But I could make it stall cleanin’ time or manure spreadin’ time.” He hoped Eli would go with them. He’d have to check with Len to make sure they could do without both of them for a few days, but there shouldn’t be a problem.
    “You wouldn’t,” Raine said.
“Then be nice.”
“That’s asking a hell of a lot.”
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    “I know it is, especially for you, but we’ll show you a good time, I promise.” Geoff was really excited about Raine coming to visit. He honestly had doubted that the man ever would.
    “I know you will, and I’ll call you in a few days with the exact dates once they’re approved.”
“Good.” Geoff stifled a yawn.
“The early mornings getting to you?”
    “No. Caught a cold that turned into pneumonia, and I’m still feeling a little tired sometimes. It’s nothing to worry about. When you get here, I’ll tell you all about it.” Geoff reclined on the sofa, getting comfortable.

    “Okay, if you say so.” Raine sounded skeptical.
    “I’m fine, really. Drill sergeant Eli keeps a close eye on me, making sure I don’t overdo it.” Geoff yawned again. “Call me when you have your schedule, and I’ll start making plans.” The line went quiet, and Geoff hung up the phone, lying back and closing his eyes. He expected to rest for a few minutes but woke when his lips were kissed gently.
    “It’s time for lunch.”

    Geoff opened his eyes, and Eli kissed him again. Slowly, he got up and followed Eli into the kitchen. Len put plates on the table for him and Joey, who’d just come through the back door.
    “Hi, Geoff.” He smiled brightly.
“Hey, Joey. Lesson today?”
“Yeah, Len is going to show me how to jump. Just small ones to help my seat.”
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Geoff started eating as Eli and Len joined them at the table. “I wanted to ask you if you’d be interested in a business proposition.” “Me?” Joey looked surprised.
    “Yes, you. The farm used to raise a steer that we’d enter in the county fair. We won some ribbons over the years, and I’d like to start doing that again, and I thought you might like to help. I was thinking that you and Len could pick out two young steers from the herd and bring them into the barn. You’d be in responsible for feeding, watering, and cleaning up after them. At next year’s fair, you and the farm would enter them. Then they’d be auctioned, and