TMOBR1 Jay by Xondra Day Page A

sometimes, but there was something about his boss he liked. The man was hard-nosed and always by the book in every aspect of his life. He treated his men fair, but didn’t stand for any bullshit among them.
    He was glad to work at Buckshot. He considered himself fortunate and planned on staying there as long as Cal would put up with him. For the first time in his life, after years of drifting from place to place, he felt like he’d finally come home.
     
    Since the age of sixteen he’d made his own way in the world—that was after his father kicked him out when he found him with his best friend at the time one day.
    Rhett had been his best friend since forever, and things just happened that fateful evening in the barn. They hadn’t thought about anyone finding them. His father had been completely and utterly mortified. Rhett had dressed and taken off before the words had come, words Jay would never forget.
    “You disgust me. I can’t even look at you. And to think what you two have been up too all along, right under our very noses.”
    He’d watched as his father had averted his eyes away from his naked form.
    “Put some clothes on. I want you out of here tonight. I can’t have the likes of you living under my roof. Collect your things and go. I don’t ever want to see you again.”
    His mother had protested as he’d packed his few things, his father standing by to make sure he didn’t snitch anything he shouldn’t.
    “You can’t leave,” she’d pleaded, wringing her hands. “Where will you go? You have no money.” She turned to his father. “You can’t turn him out… It isn’t the right thing to do.”
    That first night, he’d walked until he thought the bottoms of his feet would fall off. They had burned with every step, and after two hours of walking in darkness, he’d decided it was time to make camp. Not that he got much rest, but his body had been telling him it was time to stop.
    The next morning, he’d woken racked with aches and pains. Every muscle and joint had suffered from sleeping on the hard ground. He’d jumped a train in Westmount, putting distance between himself and the past, well-needed distance that in a roundabout way had soothed him.
    “Where you headed?” asked Mark, one of the newer guys to Buckshot. His voice jarred Jay from his thoughts, tearing him back into reality.
    “Well, hello there. It’s mighty early for you to be up.” Jay smirked and punched Mark in the arm.
    “You’re a real kidder.” Mark shoved him back and grinned.
    “To answer your question, I’m heading into town for Cal. He asked me to pick up a few things. I could use some help, if you’re free.”
    “I’m on watch duty tonight, so I’m free. I’d be glad to help.”
    Jay nodded. “Then let’s get the buckboard hitched up and head on out.”
     
    * * * *
     
    “Grey’s order is right over there, piled in the back of the yard. I don’t think you’re going to have room for it. The back of the buckboard looks mighty small. I could have it delivered in two hours, if that’s okay? Otherwise, you boys are going to have to make two trips.”
    “I can’t see that being a problem, Mr Cluett ,” said Jay. Making two trips didn’t appeal to him.
    The older man nodded, scratching at his right temple. “Great. Tell Grey I would have had it delivered sooner if I had known.”
    “Will do.”
    Their next stop was The Mercantile and once the supplies were loaded into the back of the buckboard, they headed back on the road leading them out of town towards Buckshot.
    With every bump in the dirt road, and there were many, Jay felt Mark’s thigh rub against his own.
    He fought to keep his eyes and thoughts on the road unwinding ahead of them. But the fact was, like any man, he had needs, even if they did stray from the norm for most people in their convictions.
    “Man, it’s hot.” Mark leant back against the seat. Jay glanced to the side just in time to see him undo the first four buttons on