Cowboys Down by Barbara Elsborg Read Free Book Online

and laughed quietly, though the smile didn’t make it all the way to his eyes.
    “He’s been around for as long as I can remember.”
    As Jasper stroked the horse’s shoulder, Calum moved away. The petting turned into a firm scratch and Zander dropped his head so Jasper would keep doing it. Calum’s gaze was glued to Jasper’s hand and his mind returned to an earlier train of thought. What would it feel like being stroked by Jasper? Soft fingers sliding into his pants, wrapping— Oh fuck. There was a distinct lack of room in his jeans and Calum swallowed his groan. I’m jealous of a horse?
    “Those long brown eyelashes don’t have me fooled.” Jasper ran his hand along Zander’s flank. “We both know if I do something you don’t like, I’m going to be eating dirt.”
    Zander bobbed his head.
    Jasper turned to Calum, and sighed. “Did he just agree?”
    Calum chuckled. The chances of Zander mustering enough energy to throw anyone off were zero. He’d pretty much put up with anything except overuse of spurs. He was a good boy, unlike Calum. “Keep stroking him. Let him get used to the sound of your voice and your scent.” He moved up behind Jasper, his heart jumping.
    “Good lad,” Jasper whispered and scratched between the horse’s ears.
    Zander swung his head round hard and knocked Jasper into Calum. Calum couldn’t help himself. As he caught hold of Jasper, he breathed in. Soap, coconut shampoo, musk. Fuck it. Calum jerked away.
    “Sorry,” Jasper said.
    “Oh yeah, and don’t mess with his ears.”
    Funny how he hadn’t thought to mention that. Jasper turned and gave Calum a look that said he knew exactly why he hadn’t mentioned it. Calum’s cock continued to grow. He couldn’t tear his gaze from Jasper as he petted Zander. Want him, want him, want him. Except someone like Jasper could probably have any guy at all. And it won’t be a guy like me.
    “So, Zander, are you going to play nice?” Jasper whispered as he stroked the horse’s neck. “Not going to bolt for a fence the moment I sit on your back and try to launch me into the next paddock?”
    The horse whickered.
    “Sorry my hands are clammy, only I’m kind of nervous.”
    “Someone you know have an accident?” The question escaped before Calum could stop it.
    “My brother.”
    Jasper continued to scratch Zander, his face turned away from Calum. He didn’t say anything else, but Calum couldn’t leave it there.
    “Bad?” he asked.
    Jasper turned to look at him. “Ben died.”
    Why didn’t I leave it? Me and my big fucking mouth. “Oh Christ. I’m sorry.” Shut the fuck up. “How long ago?” Quiet! Now!
    “Five years.”
    Calum took a deep breath. “I figure you’re allowed to be nervous. You want me to go grab that helmet?”
    “No. I’m guessing I’ve got the horse you use for beginners. He’s not going to buck or kick or move faster than a snail, are you, sunshine? It’s just that the other half of my brain is telling me he’s been waiting for an idiot like me so he can show his hidden demon side.”
    Jasper took a roll of mints from his pocket and Zander almost knocked them out of his hand in his desperation to snaffle one. The white mint on Jasper’s palm disappeared and Zander whinnied.
    “You’re welcome,” Jasper said.
    Calum laughed. “You just made a friend for life.”
    Jasper stared straight at Calum and offered him the roll. The grin on Jasper’s face didn’t last long, but it was deadly. Calum took a mint and smiled. Jasper popped one in his own mouth. After he put the mints back, Zander tried to get his head in Jasper’s pocket.
    “No more until you’ve let me get on your back,” Jasper said. “I’ve done enough sweet-talking. You’ll be wanting flowers and chocolates next.”
    Zander’s ears twitched, but Jasper stepped away from the horse not toward him. The set of his jaw told Calum that for all his chatter, Jasper was on the point of walking away.
    “Zander won’t throw