A man of few words, Joe is a hard-working farmhand who likes his simple, uncomplicated life. Ed is satisfied with his existence as an auto mechanic, but thrilled when an unexpected development in his life allows him to help Joe realize a dream.<br><br>It forces them, however, to reevaluate the casual, undefined nature of their relationship. They’re too macho to speak of love, and neither would acknowledge he doesn’t really mind when it’s his turn to bottom. When life throws them a curve ball, and the rules of their game get old, Ed tries to take every aspect of their relationship up a notch. Can Joe adapt to the open sentimentality Ed’s injecting into their relationship, let alone the new spice in their bedroom activities?<br><br>NOTE: This is a previously published story that has been rewritten, expanded, and re-edited.

Cultivating Love

For all the fuss Joe made, he always came pretty hard himself when it was Ed’s turn topping. Ed kept the mood light as he wiped the spunk from his hand and abs. “Whatever.”


Joe returned the cloth to the bathroom while Ed got dressed, then Joe pulled him in for another quick kiss before they went outside to unload. “I missed you. Welcome home.” He grinned crookedly, but looked Ed right in the eye.


Ed’s smiled. “I missed you, too. Come on, let’s get unloaded.”


“Look at you, all housewifey with pot roast in a Crock-Pot.”


Joe snorted. He was too wiped out to think of a decent comeback, or even to care. In fact, after getting everything hauled into the house and sorted into the correct rooms, then taking care of the animals, he was downright glad he’d thought of the latter. He was hungry as a horse but with no gumption left for cooking.


“It looks and smells pretty good, doesn’t it?” he crowed.


“You know, it does.” Ed sounded rather awed. They loaded their plates and sat.


Chapter 12