Fortune's Way by Jenna Byrnes

Chapter One
     
     
     
    Wind whipped through Dean Fortune’s clothes as he pointed his Appaloosa mare in the direction of the stables. He’d taken the long ride in an attempt to clear his head. He’d merely succeeded in muddling his thinking even more.
    He patted the horse’s neck. “Let’s go home, Domino.”
    She snorted in response and they headed back. The sun was waning and it’d be gone in another hour. He’d be in his easy chair by then, a stiff whiskey in his hand. Or maybe the whole bottle. He’d have to see what else managed to go wrong between now and then.
    The stables looked dark. He hoped one of the grooms was still there. He’d see to Domino himself if he had to, but in this mood, he’d really rather stomp off to the house and find a bottle.
    At Domino’s stable, he dismounted and led her inside. Not seeing anyone at first glance, he began to remove her tack as he muttered to himself.
    A shadow appeared in front of him and someone lifted the saddle from his hands. “Who pissed in your cornflakes?”
    He turned and scowled at the ranch foreman, Kyle Reese. “That’s a distasteful expression.”
    The tall, muscular man with shaggy blond hair grinned. “About as obnoxious as your mood, I’d guess. What’s got you so up in arms?”
    Dean reached for the horse’s blanket.
    Kyle intervened. “I’ll do this. Just take a step back and relax. Something’s got you all riled up, and I don’t think it’s got anything to do with Miz Domino here. Want to talk about it?”
    Sighing, Dean stepped back as ordered. “I’ll help.” He allowed Kyle to remove Domino’s tack then reached for a towel and rubbed her down, wicking away the sweat. “No, it’s not about the horse. This horse, anyway. It’s the ranch in general. Aw, fuck. I don’t want to talk about it.”
    Kyle placed a hand over his, and they gazed at each other. “Okay, we don’t have to talk. The fucking part sounds interesting, though. Want to do that?”
    A spark of electricity shot from the touch on his hand directly to Dean’s groin. He hadn’t thought about sex tonight. The whole idea of showering and the preparation involved in a romantic evening sounded like way too much work. He wanted to collapse, drink then pass out.
    He smiled at Kyle apologetically. “I’m sweaty and grubby. Can I get a rain check?”
    Kyle cupped Dean’s crotch and squeezed. “Sex with me would get you sweaty again anyway. Don’t worry about it.”
    Dean glanced around nervously. “Is everyone gone?”
    Nodding, Kyle unbuckled Dean’s belt and tugged at the snap of his jeans. “The grooms have all gone home. Jake and his wife are having a date night. They’ve gone into town, and won’t be back for hours.”
    Dean groaned as Kyle allowed one hand to invade his jeans, fingers curling around the new-found erection there. “Well…in that case…” He remembered his priorities before things got too carried away. “We need to take care of Domino first.”
    One last squeeze had his cock at full attention. “I’ve already put fresh food and water in her stall. Grab the brush and we’ll see to her in no time. Then I can see to you .”
    The words had Dean moving double quick. They took care of his horse then Kyle led the mare to her stall.
    Dean watched the sway of the man’s jean-clad tight ass. He suddenly had his second wind, and was thinking of all kinds of things they could do in the empty stable. He glanced around one more time. “You sure we’re alone?”
    Kyle moved toward him, wiping his hands on his thighs. “Positive. But if you’re worried about it, we could take this party inside. My trailer, or…”
    Dean sighed. He knew the housekeeper and cook were both still working in the main house. He’d taken Kyle to the master bedroom late at night, but never at this time of day.
    He was embarrassed to admit that his one room was larger than the whole trailer Kyle lived in as part of his room and board. They’d gone that route