Marcus is grieving -- for the lover he lost and for the life he once had on his farm. The years of sunny days and trail rides have given way to rainy nights and shadowed pastures. It's time to let go, but can Marcus make the hard decision to say goodbye?

Holding the Reins

“…and after high school, I just went straight into the circuits. When Dad died, the money was gone, so Mom couldn’t exactly bitch about me not going to college. It’s worked out,” Philip said. They chatted amiably as they worked—about horses and growing up around them, about Philip’s memorable rides. 


Marcus took a deep breath. “No wife and kids?”


“Not on my agenda.” Philip’s gaze again, direct over Gabby’s broad haunches. “Is it on yours?”


Marcus felt up and down Gabby’s long legs, and pressed one hand to his broad chest. The horse was solid, no doubt. He also noticed how light Philip’s touch was on the animal, his blotchy hands moving smoothly over the horse. By the time they finished brushing off Gabby, the horse was nearly asleep, utterly relaxed.


“He’s really calm,” Marcus commented. At that moment, Gabby dropped from his sheath and his penis dangled inches from the ground.


Chapter 5