Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76693 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76693 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
No one wanted to deal with the harassment or the distasteful “joking” that really weren’t jokes. The statement, “I was only kidding,” was only a lame excuse for bigotry.
No matter what, it wasn’t like his true sexuality needed to be revealed immediately. He could keep that to himself until he ran across the right man to hook up with. Then, if needed, he could mention it to Cam and hope for the best.
However, Cam worked at an LGBTQ+-friendly resort, and by now, Nolan figured that nothing should shock the retired trooper.
Nolan had always been secretly drawn to the man, but the fellow trooper never gave any indication the attraction had been mutual. To avoid unnecessary drama, he kept his interest under wraps and was simply happy to have their solid friendship. He’d rather have Cam as a friend than not have him in his life at all.
After parking in front of cabin number four, he got out and reached for the sky to stretch his stiff muscles. The drive north took longer than he would’ve liked, but it had been worth it since he was finally going to see Cam again.
Inhaling the fresh air and feeling the warm sunshine on his face, he turned in a circle to take in what he could see from where he stood.
“I hope you don’t mind sleeping on the pull-out couch. The bunkhouse is full and so are the employee cabins. Even better, the couch is free, so you won’t have to pay out of your ass to stay in a room at the lodge,” a deep voice said from behind him.
He turned with a huge smile on his face to find Cam wearing the same as he walked up. He was dressed in a Double D Ranch branded polo shirt that hugged his muscular torso, and khaki pants that emphasized his thick thighs.
Nolan shrugged. “It’s only five nights. I’m sure I’ll survive sleeping on a pull-out bed.” He hoped his back would, too.
When they clasped hands, Nolan was yanked into a bear hug. “Man, I’ve missed you,” Cam grumbled.
Nolan was surprised how long Cam held him close before releasing him. Luckily, not long enough for him to spring a hard-on due to the contact with a man he desired. “Same, brother. It’s good to see a familiar face but not in that familiar uniform.”
Cam plucked at his own shirt. “It’s nice to be able to wear cotton and not that polyester, ball-sweating bullshit.”
Nolan chuckled. “Agreed.” He turned to check out the cabin. “So this is it, huh? Your new digs?”
“Yeah. It’s small but suits my needs. And like I told you on the phone, everything is covered here. The owners are generous with their employees. They want us to be more like family.”
“Most employers who say that are full of shit.”
“I expected that here, too, but they truly look out for us.”
“And in turn, you all look out for them,” Nolan assumed.
“Of course. Them and the business. Especially me as head of security.”
That made sense.
“Let’s get your car unloaded, then if you’re hungry, I can take you up to the lodge for a late lunch or early dinner. The food here is the best. Danica doesn’t skimp on anything.”
Nolan was surprised his stomach didn’t growl after hearing that. He’d only snacked on a protein bar during the long trip. “I saw the chicken coop.”
“Fresh eggs every morning. Plus, all the meat comes from local farms or the butcher in town. Veggies, too. Everything is top notch here.”
“I saw the room rates. They were a bit salty.” Way too rich for his blood. Especially since he retired early and wouldn’t get his full pension. He would have to live on a budget. That reduced monthly payment was one reason he needed to supplement it with another job.
“The quality of the food is one reason why, but everything is included here. All the activities, the booze, everything. Whatever a guest wants, the owners try their best to accommodate them.”
“Can’t ask for more than that. I’m assuming most guests leave here happy.”
Cam’s deep chuckle made Nolan’s cock twitch in his jeans. “They leave happy in more ways than one. That’s why the resort gets so many returning guests. Hell, from what I’ve heard, some book their next stay before they even check out.”
“Sounds like the Lyons siblings are doing something right.”
“They are. And it’s a refreshing change from where we both previously worked.”
“All that bureaucratic bullshit and red-tape.” Nolan murmured, “But that wasn’t the only shit we put up with.”
“True.” Cam slapped him on the back. “But now neither of us have to deal with that anymore. We’re free to do as we please with who we please.”
That last statement caught Nolan’s attention. Was Cam keeping a secret from him as well?
Cam quickly added, “As long as it’s legal, of course.”