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[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] someone. For years he d run from his past. He d surrounded himself with people who saw him as loveable and trustworthy, all in an effort to prove his dad wrong. It didn t matter how many times he d tried to deny it, his parents opinion of him had shaped how he felt about himself. Bringing his dad home with him might prove to be a mistake, but he needed to hear his father tell him he d been wrong, that Ryan wasn t worthless or unlovable. Sure, he knew Nate and Rio loved him, but what kid doesn t need the love of their parents, even if they weren t biologically related? When Ryan reached the top of the stairs, Nate looped an arm around Ryan s waist. You okay? Not really, Ryan said with honesty. They entered the bedroom and Nate helped Ryan undress. I know I said I wanted to talk, but can we do that tomorrow? Sure. Nate prodded Ryan to climb into bed first, putting Ryan in the middle. Lying on his side, Rio reached for Ryan. Tell us what you need? Ryan rolled to his back and pulled Nate closer. This, he sighed. I don t want to think or talk about anything. I just want you to love me. Ryan felt Nate s hardening cock press against his side, but it was to Nate s credit that he didn t immediately try to initiate sexual contact. Instead, Nate scooted up to rest his cheek against Ryan s. We do, Nate whispered. Always, Rio agreed, resting his arm across Ryan s chest. Ryan sighed, feeling right with his decision. His eyes drifted shut as he fell asleep easily for the first time in weeks. * * * * Showered and ready to tackle the day, Rio entered the kitchen. He was surprised to find Ben seated at the table with a cup of coffee in front of him. Morning. I made coffee. I hope that s okay. I spilled some, but I think I got it cleaned up. www.total-e-bound.com ALONE IN A CROWD Carol Lynne 73 Rio noticed the grounds sprinkled across the floor in front of the coffee maker, but ignored it. Hell, Nate usually did the same thing and he had two good arms. He poured himself a cup and joined Ben. He stared out of the bay window towards the barn and rolling hills. Did you sleep all right? Ben took a sip of his coffee. Not really, but it wasn t the bed s fault. I m sorry if I came off a little rough yesterday. I just worry. I understand. Ben continued to stare out of the window. You have horses? Yeah, we each have one. You ride? Ben shook his head. Never been on a horse in my life. I could teach you if you d like. Rio wasn t sure Ben was physically able to ride, but he couldn t imagine growing old without knowing the joy of riding a horse. The freedom of riding into the hills surrounding their ranch was truly heaven on earth, something he d love to share with Ben. I appreciate that, I do, but most of the time it hurts just sitting upright. I don t think I could sit on a horse. It was a reminder of how sick Ryan s father was. Are you hurting now? Not any more than usual. Rio gestured to the cup of coffee sitting in front of Ben. Do you really think you should be drinking that? Ben chuckled. Why do you think I got up so early? They don t let me have it back home. I ve been dying, literally, for a cup of coffee. Rio started to reach for the cup, but Ben moved it further away. I got what, a month left? Give a man his coffee, he begged. Despite Rio s desire to hate the man who d hurt Ryan so much, Rio couldn t bring himself to torture Ben by taking away his coffee. Fine, keep it. I knew you were a good man the minute I laid eyes on you. You don t have to flatter me. Rio got up and carried the carafe over to fill Ben s cup. It s your pain. Ben cleared his throat. Speaking of, would you do me a favour? Not if it s something that ll hurt Ryan, Rio replied. He didn t mind being nice to Ben, but lines had to be drawn somewhere. I m going to need a doctor here, and Ryan has other things on his mind, so I was wondering if you could help me find one. www.total-e-bound.com ALONE IN A CROWD Carol Lynne 74 Rio sat back down. I don t know any oncologists in Sheridan, but I m sure one of the docs in town can recommend someone. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |