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

Relief flowed through Joe, and his mouth quirked. He couldn’t imagine his life without Ed in it. Hell, he didn’t wantto even think about it. He took Ed’s hand. “Yeah, Ed. Uh, well, yeah.” Still, what was his point?


“You know all this just fell in my lap, right? I didn’t do anything to earnit. And we’re both putting all of our effort into making it work. So here’s the thing…” Ed squeezed Joe’s fingers while his free hand fluttered. “It just isn’t fair for you to shoulder the responsibilities and workload of a full partner in this business but have none of the benefits. You should legally own half of this farm, and when I signed the papers, I told the lawyer to add your name to everything, too.” Ed paused, then rushed on. “Jesus, Joe. I couldn’t begin to do this without you.”


Chapter 20