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Broken Road 17-18
Title: Broken Road
Author: Chaps1870
Warnings: Slash
Pairings: Jarrod/Adam
Rating: FRAO
Summary: Two old friends discover they share more than just a simple friendship
Disclaimer: This story is for entertainment only and not intended to infringe on the holders of rights of The Big Valley or Bonanza.
Chapter 17
The next day Adam could no longer slack off on his duties and Jarrod joined him for the day as the two men helped out with the branding. Ben was duly impressed with Jarrod abilities and made a point of telling him so. Jarrod shrugged off the compliment but inwardly he thought how much differently he was regarded by strangers as opposed to his family. Whenever he’d helped out on the ranch or even suggested it, he was always made to feel less worthy and over time he’d only helped when it was absolutely necessary. Adam and his family did wonders for Jarrod’s morale and he found himself not only looking forward to the work but enjoying it as well.
Ben watched Jarrod work, amazed by the lawyer’s stamina and knowledge with cattle. He’d obviously spent time on a ranch and his respect for the man went up a notch. Jarrod had tried hard to hide his hand, but Ben had seen it and after a brief moment of concern, Jarrod assured him it wouldn’t slow him down. Awkward at first, Jarrod figured out how to work around it and didn’t let it limit his work. It wasn’t beneath him to dirty his hands and he never complained the whole day despite the backbreaking work. By late afternoon, they were all tired and Ben felt a little guilty for working Adam’s friend so hard when he was supposed to be on a ‘vacation’ from work.
He called out to Adam as he and Jarrod released the latest calf, “Adam, why don’t you and Jarrod go back to the house and tell HopSing we’ll be in soon. You can get a head start on cleaning up and we won’t all be clamoring for a bath all at once.”
Straightening up with a hand on his sore lower back, Jarrod removed his hat and wiped his sweaty brow. Adam was proud of Jarrod and the work he’d put in, but he wasn’t used to the work and was going to pay the price later. Thankful for his father’s intervention, he smiled at Jarrod, “Come on, let’s get out of here before he changes his mind.”
Jarrod needed no urging and they took their leave. By the time they got home, Jarrod’s muscles had begun to stiffen up and dismounting brought an unexpected grunt of pain. Adam looked over the saddle at Jarrod and smiled, “Little sore?”
“You could say that,” sneered Jarrod. “I knew I took up law for a reason.” He walked his horse to the barn alongside Adam and moving took away some of the soreness that had started.
“You held up pretty good today,” said Adam proudly as they headed for the bathhouse off the kitchen.
“Well I did grow up on a ranch. I’m not as inept as some would believe.”
Detecting the subtle bitterness in Jarrod’s tone, Adam tried to deflect his anger, “I know you’re not and my father was certainly impressed. That isn’t an easy task to accomplish.”
Rubbing the soreness in his arm, Jarrod had to smile, “I wonder if he’ll be so impressed tomorrow when I can’t move.”
As they entered the steamy room, Adam nodded at Hop Sing’s readiness. “A hot bath will do wonders. Go ahead and go first and I’ll bring you some fresh clothes.” When he returned a short time later, Jarrod was lying back in the tub with water up to his chin and his eyes closed. Sitting on the edge of the big tub, Adam silently admired his lover. With his hair wet and uncombed, Jarrod looked more youthful and he resisted the urge to reach out and touch the strands that clung to his forehead. Adam wondered if Jarrod wasn’t sleeping and his suspicions were confirmed when he started to slip beneath the water. With lightening speed, Adam’s arm darted out and pulled a sputtering Jarrod back out of the water.
With a deep breath, Jarrod looked at him sheepishly, “Must have fallen asleep.”
“Must have. You’d better get out before you drown.”
When Adam didn’t move away, Jarrod raised an eyebrow, “You going to watch me or what?”
“I plan to watch,” said Adam, his dimpled grin smiling deviously. Holding up his hands, he added, “I promise not to touch.” As Jarrod stepped out of the tub water dripped off his long lean form and it was Adam’s undoing, “Oh the hell with that!” Before Jarrod could react, Adam’s long arms were wrapped around him and his hands had a tight grip on his naked ass. Burying his head in Jarrod’s neck, Adam sighed, “You feel so good.”
Adam’s fingers slipped into his wet crevasse and Jarrod pushed himself into his embrace hard and demanding as they lightly caressed his sensitive opening. Taking it as an invitation for more, Adam bent him over the tub and kneeling behind him, reached up and slowly inserted a finger into Jarrod’s tight pucker. Breathing hard, Jarrod jerked when Adam found his tiny gland and began playing his finger back and forth across it. His arousal was growing painfully hard rather quickly and he moaned his need, “Now, Adam...can’t wait.”
Grabbing Jarrod’s distended and aching flesh, Adam pushed his finger in and out of a few times as he stroked his pulsing length in his hand. When he felt the familiar constriction around his finger, he knew that Jarrod’s release was imminent and within seconds his hand was coated and Jarrod was barely holding himself up as he spasmed over and over in ecstasy. Adam removed his finger and Jarrod slumped to the floor on his knees trying to catch his breath.
Breathless, Jarrod tried to speak, “Oh god, that was incredible.” Adam was already on his feet, and was quickly removing his boots and pants, his own flesh needy for attention. Grabbing his erection, he let his head fall back as he stroked himself.
Looking up, Jarrod asked hoarsely, “How much time do we have?”
Adam shook his head, “Not much.”
“Let me help,” insisted Jarrod, as he moved himself closer to Adam and let his mouth take the place of his hand. Adam sucked in a sharp breath as Jarrod’s warm mouth enclosed his hot flesh and he fought the urge to slam forward, instead letting Jarrod set his own pace. His world narrowed to the tingling at the base of his shaft when Jarrod suddenly took his entire length into the back of his throat. Adam looked down and couldn’t stop the panting as Jarrod buried his nose in his coarse hair and swallowed his length over and over.
Frantic with need and desperate for release, watching and feeling Jarrod take him all was too much, “Oh god, Jarrod... you gotta...stop... I’m gonna scream!! Please... not here!!!”
Jarrod eased off and swallowed convulsively as Adam came hard in his mouth. He glanced upward to see Adam biting down hard to stop from crying out and he sucked every drop from his pulsing shaft until it was soft in his mouth. Adam sat back on the edge of the tub trembling from the aftermath and whispered breathlessly, “Where the hell... did you... learn that?”
Grinning with satisfaction, Jarrod stood up and leaned in to kiss Adam as he sighed contently, “Did you like that?”
Adam’s head dropped to his chest and he shook it weakly, “I thought I was gonna die for a minute there.”
Chuckling as he got dressed, Jarrod teased Adam, “Hmmm... I guess you’ll have to come up with some place where no one can hear you scream if you want the full affect then.”
Adam looked up sharply and shivered uncontrollably at the thought. Very seldom did his wit leave him speechless but he was unable to think of anything to say, his thoughts drifting helplessly to the sensations of being buried in Jarrod’s throat. He sat with his mouth still hanging open as Jarrod finished dressing, leaving him to his bath.
Fifteen minutes later he joined Jarrod in the living room. Leaning over the chair Jarrod was sitting in, he dropped his hand to his shoulder and whispered, “I thought we’d go riding to a nice secluded spot on the ranch tomorrow.” Jarrod blushed deep red, but was saved from answering when Adam’s father and brother came through the front door. Adam stood behind Jarrod’s chair and greeted his family, “Did you finish up?”
The three men removed their chaps, hats and gun belts and Ben was about to answer when Joe nudged Hoss in the ribs and said impishly, “I’ll race ya to see who gets the first bath.” Hoss just missed grabbing his brother, but Joe was too quick.
Hoss kicked at the floor, “Dad burnit Pa, he always gets the first bath.”
Ben smiled at his middle son, “It looks to me like he didn’t get the first one tonight. Your brother and Jarrod are looking like they’ve already gotten cleaned up to me.”
Heading toward the stairs, Hoss mumbled, “He better be done by the time I’m back down here or I’m draggin’ him outta there whether he’s done or not. I’m starving and I ain’t waitin’ on supper cause he’s soakin’.”
“Please bring me some clothes would you Hoss and maybe I can speed Little Joe up for you.”
Hoss climbed the stairs, “Sure Pa.”
Within the hour the four men were enjoying another of HopSing’s meals and conversing little as they ate. A full day’s work made eating more important than talking and it was only when they started on dessert that the conversation improved.
“I thank you for your help today Jarrod, although I do feel guilty having you work when you should be resting.”
Jarrod shook his head, “I enjoyed it. I don’t get out of the office near enough any more.”
“Well you handled yourself very well today.”
“For a lawyer?” grinned Jarrod.
Ben laughed, “Well you obviously haven’t been a lawyer all your life. You are too much at ease with the working end of a ranch.”
“My family owns a ranch, Mr. Cartwright. I grew up doing it all.”
Looking at Jarrod curiously, Ben asked, “You wouldn’t by chance be related to the Stockton Barkley’s would you?”
Jarrod’s tone was polite, but the lightheartedness of earlier was clearly gone, “Yes Sir, that’s my family.”
Hoss whistled through his teeth, “That’s the biggest spread in California. No wonder you was so good out there today.”
Decidedly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken, Jarrod tried to change the subject, but was stopped short by more curious questions from Adam’s brothers. When Joe asked why he came all the way to Virginia City to rest instead of going home, Jarrod paled. The silence was deafening and Jarrod finally excused himself and made his escape outside.
Adam watched him leave and shook his head sadly. Joe looked at his older brother grief stricken, “I’m sorry Adam. What did I say wrong?”
“It’s just a sore subject. His family isn’t speaking to him right now.”
Ben was shocked by Adam’s revelation and suddenly understood Jarrod’s reluctance to speak about his family’s business. “I always heard they were a real close knit group. It’s one of the reasons they are so successful.”
Adam pushed out his chair, and wiping his mouth, set his napkin on the table with a sigh, “They were. That’s what makes it so much harder for him. If you’ll excuse me, Pa I’ll go see what I can do.”
“Of course.” Ben waved him off, but his thoughts remained on the awkwardness they’d caused. No wonder Jarrod was looking so thin and tired if he was dealing not only with his work but also the lack of family support. The father in him sympathized with the young man he’d already grown fond of. Maybe they could take him under their wing and if nothing else could provide some of the support he been missing.
Chapter 18
It was three more days before Adam and Jarrod were able to sneak away for the day without feeling guilty. Ben’s conscience about working Adam so hard when he had a guest finally got the best of him and he suggested Adam take a couple days and show Jarrod around the ranch. The two men were up at the crack of dawn and after two hours of riding, Adam led them to a thick grove of trees that sat on a high bluff overlooking a small valley. Deep in the woods, partially buried in a small hillside was a cabin. The front of the cabin was the only exposed side and it was so carefully hidden with overgrown brush that if Adam hadn’t pointed it out, Jarrod would have missed it.
Jarrod looked at Adam curiously, “Did you build this?”
“Yeah, several years ago right out of college. Pa wasn’t being too accepting of anything I wanted to do for the ranch and I built this place to get away from time to time. Lets stake out the horses and I’ll show you the place.”
Entering the small cabin, Jarrod was impressed by its spaciousness, once inside. It was a single room, carved into the hillside and laboriously lined with logs. It went back almost 15 feet and was about 10 feet wide. A stone fireplace and hearth lined the back wall and nearby was a mound of furs that served as a bed. In the opposite corner was a small desk and chair, and the shelf next to it was full of books and rolled papers, obviously some of Adam’s drawings. Closer to the door was a table and bench with another set of shelves that held kitchen and pantry items. Not only was the cabin roomy and neat, Adam had taken the time to put in a dovetailed floor, keeping the occupant away from the cold ground.
Jarrod whistled, “I’m impressed. How long did it take you?”
Adam shrugged, “Couple years, off and on. It wasn’t always easy to get the time I wanted to work on it.” Taking his saddlebags off his shoulder, Adam set them on the table while Jarrod did the same. Adam went to start a small fire to take the chill off the room while Jarrod unpacked HopSing’s offerings for the day. Pulling out a tin buried at the bottom of his bag, Jarrod read the label. His eyes widened as his face reddened and he quickly stuffed it in his pocket. Nearing the fireplace he noticed the hooks on the wall and rid himself of his jacket, hat and gun belt. Standing up, Adam shucked his own and handed them to Jarrod before finishing with the fire. Stoking it one last time, he turned to join Jarrod and found him lazily stretched out on the furs with his boots already off.
“You look comfortable,” said Adam.
Patting the space beside him, Jarrod smiled warmly. Adam began to unbutton his shirt when Jarrod got to his knees in front of him and looked up. “Let me.” Dropping his hands, Adam watched Jarrod. Sitting back on his haunches, Jarrod ran his hands over Adam’s long, muscular thighs and sighed at the hard strength beneath his fingers. Moving upward, he let his thumbs brush the cloth-covered sac between his legs and heard Adam hiss in response. He moved higher into the hollow of his hips and smiled when Adam flinched under his touch. His hands continued to caress up and down Adam’s legs, teasing but never giving him the contact he desired, watching Adam’s arousal become increasing larger.
Adam reached down to adjust his confined flesh, but Jarrod’s hands stopped him, “Please.” Instead, Jarrod lifted up and let his tongue taste the growing wet spot on Adam’s pants. Opening his mouth, he used his teeth the tease the outline of Adam’s arousal until he was trembling with need. His head thrown back in the throes of pleasure, Adam moaned out loud when Jarrod freed his straining flesh and it sprang forward, purple and pulsing with need. As Jarrod used his tongue to tease the sensitive underside of Adam’s crown, his hands removed his pants allowing him full access. His own flesh grew hard and he wondered if it was the newness of their relationship or if it would always feel this good giving his lover pleasure. Nothing in his experience compared to the feelings he had for this man. Every part of him wanted to touch and caress the hard, sinewy muscles of Adam’s body, to become a part of him. So caught up in his thoughts and the steely length in his mouth, Jarrod didn’t realize that Adam was trembling beneath his hands until Adam began to sway above him. Grabbing Jarrod’s shoulders for support, Adam rasped, “I’m gonna fall...if you don’t stop!”
Pulling his mouth away, Jarrod let Adam move and helped him lie down beside him. Before Adam could even regain some composure, Jarrod engulfed him once more in the moist warmth of his mouth. As he took in more and more of the thick length, Jarrod had to place a firm hand on Adam’s hip to keep him from thrusting. This was still new enough that he fought the gag reflex and still unable handle the thrusting. Inhaling sharply when he felt himself start to gag, his throat suddenly opened and Adam’s hardness slipped deep into his throat. Adam cried out, and he gripped the fur beneath his fingers, “OH GOD!!!”
Jarrod worked Adam in and out of his throat, his tongue sucking at the underside of Adam’s flesh with every motion. Adam lay on the furs thrashing his head back and forth as the sensations overtook all else. Whenever his balls began to tighten, Jarrod would back off, leaving Adam desperate for completion. Jarrod was in need of a deep breath and pulling away he sucked in some air. Adam sat straight up, his breathing fast and shallow as he begged shamelessly, “Don’t stop!!! OH God Jarrod! Please!”
Pushing on his chest, Jarrod whispered, “Shh...Lay back.”
Adam lay shivering with need and watched as Jarrod swallowed his erection again and again, his nose tickling the hairs above his shaft. Never had he had anyone take all his length and it was incredibly erotic to see Jarrod take it all. His body needed release and he fought against the urge to pump himself into Jarrod’s mouth. Clenching his hands into tight fists, his body strained and tensed with his impending release. He wanted it to go longer, but when Jarrod suddenly inserted a finger into his tight hole, Adam screamed. His body betrayed him and as his balls pulled up tight to his shaft he was assaulted by the blinding light and sensations that literally ripped through him. He took a final gasp of air as he felt himself erupt over and over deep in Jarrod’s throat. The pleasure so intense that he arched upward, wanting deeper but gaining no advantage as his seed spewed forth and he felt helpless as the mind-shattering climax seemed to go on forever. He needed to breath, but in that moment it didn’t seem all that important. He continued to spasm as Jarrod sucked every drop from his softening flesh. Sweating heavily and breathing in harsh gasps, he trembled uncontrollably with every little aftershock.
Jarrod slid up beside him and draped himself over Adam’s spent form. His voice was husky with desire as he said tenderly, “I need to be inside you. I want to be a part of you.”
Alarmed at first, Adam looked into the dark blue depths of desire staring at him and was mesmerized by the intensity he saw there. There was such emotion and sincerity in not only Jarrod’s words but also his look and Adam could only nod. Expecting Jarrod to see to his own needs he was surprised when he began another slow seduction. He kissed him with tenderness and his hands made slow and purposeful caresses up and down his torso, stopping to play with his hard buds until Adam was breathless.
Jarrod removed his own clothes but never hurried as he continued his worship of Adam’s flesh. As Jarrod inserted one finger after another, Adam was startled to his hear his own voice begging for more. Thoroughly coating his hard and aching shaft, Jarrod added more of the cream Hop Sing sent, over Adam’s tight tunnel. After his own experience, he was determined to make it less painful for Adam. He was even thicker than Adam and he was careful to stretch him fully before he slipped behind him and pushed past the ring of muscle.
Adam tensed under him and Jarrod rubbed his back, trying to ease the pain as he said gently, “Remember to relax.” His voice was strained as he spoke, the muscles in Adam’s ass were holding him so firmly that he had no choice but to remain still. He was afraid he would be denied this pleasure when suddenly he felt the constriction go away and he slipped in deeper. Stopping, he looked up to see if Adam was in any pain and he felt Adam lift up and push himself onto his throbbing length. Assured that he could move, he eased himself deeper and deeper into the hot tunnel until he could go no further. Leaning over Adam’s back he wrapped his arm around his waist as he breathed in his ear, “Are you alright?”
Nodding, Adam sighed between shallow breaths, “Feels so full.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
Adam shook his head, “NO! Oh Jarrod. All I can think of his how deep you’re buried in me. I need you to move!”
Lifting up, Jarrod rubbed Adam’s back, “Roll to your side.” With some maneuvering, Adam was lying on his side and Jarrod had his thigh pushed up and in a firm grip, using it for leverage to push in and out of his overstretched hole. Every thrust was long and slow and each time Jarrod’s thickness brushed his prostate, Adam wanted more.
Leaning over Adam, Jarrod kissed him and sighed, “I’ve wanted this for so long. I want it to last.” His hips pumped into Adam, his breathing increasing and yet his voice was still remarkably controlled as he spoke, “I love you, Adam. I’ve been so selfish the last year, denying what we have.” His head dropped to Adam’s forehead and Adam could see Jarrod needed to say more but was hesitating.
Adam’s hand reached out and his fingers sifted through Jarrod’s dark hair as he asked worriedly, “What is it?”
“I sent you a letter.”
“When?”
“Just before I left. At the time I hadn’t planned on coming. I wrote it thinking I would wait for an answer from you.” Jarrod buried himself deep in Adam and pushed hard as he smile warmly, “I couldn’t wait.”
Adam moaned with pleasure and spoke in a strangled whisper, “And?”
Jarrod shook his head, embarrassed, “It’s just that I had so much to say and thinking back now and what I wrote I know it was probably more than I should have written. It seems corny in hindsight, but even having said that, it still says more than I could ever tell you.” Looking Adam in the eye, he added, “Just promise me you won’t laugh when you get it.”
“I won’t laugh,” said Adam, softly, his fingers trailing Jarrod’s cheek as he spoke. Leaning into his touch, Jarrod’s thrusting increased but it was still torturously slow for Adam. As he reached to stroke himself, Jarrod asked softly, “Wait for me.” Removing his hand, Adam nodded and Jarrod pumped faster and harder with each stroke. Adam was painfully hard with need and he fought his own desires for Jarrod. It seemed to go on forever and he closed his eyes tight, feeling the fire spread from that sensitive spot inside his ass to his balls each time Jarrod’s slammed against it. They moved in a perfect rhythm, their sweat coating them both as they pushed closer to completion. As Jarrod felt the burn begin, he grabbed Adam’s pulsing shaft and used the weeping precum to lubricate his motions as he stroked him to match his own thrusting. Stiffening under his touch, Adam cried out, “Now Jarrod...I can’t... stop!”
The tightness surrounding his engorged heat sent Jarrod over the edge and he shot his seed into Adam’s depths. They shuddered with release and Jarrod held Adam tight as he pumped his hips forward for every last drop, his essence finally deposited inside Adam. They fed off each other’s emotions and only when their flesh grew soft did they succumb to exhaustion. Jarrod slumped into Adam’s side and when he spoke, it was with a slight waver in his voice, “I never thought it was possible to share that kind of intimacy. Being in you... I needed to be a part of you Adam.”
“I know. I felt the same way. It’s a closeness I didn’t think would be possible, but for me at least it was so much more than anything I’ve ever done. I don’t know, maybe because of the amount of trust that is required it seems more...intimate.”
Jarrod’s fingers splayed over Adam’s chest and he draped his leg over his thigh, “I just know that I needed to prove to myself and to you I suppose, that it wasn’t just sex. When I’m inside you, I want to stay that way forever.” His voice drifted off as tiredness crept up on him, “Be that close to you.”
Pulling a blanket over both of them, Adam wrapped his arm tighter around Jarrod and they both gave into their exhaustion and slept.
It was the first time since reconciling that they could really enjoy themselves. After spending the morning in bed, they ventured out and did some fishing then Adam showed Jarrod some of the surrounding area. They cooked the fish for supper and lounged by the fire in a warm embrace just talking. The evening was comfortable and they shared each other before drifting off to sleep. The next morning they woke early and after another brief session of loving they started for the ranch, more comfortable with each other than when they’d left. Ben greeted them in the yard, “Well, how was the tour?”
Jarrod dismounted as he spoke, “You have a wonderful place here Mr. Cartwright. The views are spectacular.”
Ben puffed up proudly, “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Turning to Adam, he added, “A letter came for you. It’s on my desk.”
“Thanks Pa. I’ll get it, when I’m done here,” said Adam. Ben turned and returned to the house, smiling as he went. He was glad to see another letter come for his son. He suspected a woman friend but the letters had suddenly stopped a couple months ago and that was about the time Adam had turned so sullen. Maybe the letter meant something good for Adam. Jarrod coming had improved Adam’s mood dramatically but he was afraid that when his friend left he would return to his quiet ways again.
Taking the reins, Jarrod nudged him, “Go ahead. I’ll do this.”
Adam was anxious to see what Jarrod had written and he smiled, “I’ll be right back.”
Ben watched from inside the house as Adam retrieved the letter and took it outside to read. Sitting on the side porch, Adam fumbled with the envelope and pulling Jarrod’s letter out, began reading. Leaning forward on his knees, he found his eyes misting over at the emotion the words conveyed. He looked up sheepishly as Jarrod sat beside him and continued to read. He tried blinking back his tears but they slipped down his cheek. Seeing them, Jarrod leaned closer and clasped the back of Adam’s neck, a casual gesture of support. Adam gave him a sideways glance and small nod, unable to speak at the moment. They sat that way for several minutes until Adam took a deep breath and letting it out slowly, wiped away the dampness on his face, wishing for some privacy again. Straightening up he patted Jarrod’s leg and uttered a soft thank you. Jarrod smiled and whispered something to Adam. Ben couldn’t hear any of the words the two men spoke to each other, but that Jarrod was there for Adam was obvious.
Even more surprising was when Jarrod suddenly slapped Adam with his hat and took off running. Adam bolted from his seat and chased him. Jarrod was taunting him at every opportunity and the two ran circles around the yard until Adam finally managed to tackle him. The two went down in a heap and Adam, gaining the advantage, used his weight to pin Jarrod to the ground. Jarrod was laughing until Adam reached down and twisted a couple chest hairs. Ben watched Jarrod squirm then winced when the young man reached his pinned arm under Adam and grabbed for some leverage of his own. Ben laughed out loud when Adam launched himself away from Jarrod and landed on his behind. Jarrod sat up and grinning from ear to ear, stood up, offering Adam a hand up. When Adam took the help Ben turned back to his own work, content that there were no hard feelings between them. He had to admit that he was fond of Adam’s friend. Watching them wrestle like children was a sight to see and Ben was still smiling as he shook his head and went to work on the figures in front of him.
Author: Chaps1870
Warnings: Slash
Pairings: Jarrod/Adam
Rating: FRAO
Summary: Two old friends discover they share more than just a simple friendship
Disclaimer: This story is for entertainment only and not intended to infringe on the holders of rights of The Big Valley or Bonanza.
Chapter 17
The next day Adam could no longer slack off on his duties and Jarrod joined him for the day as the two men helped out with the branding. Ben was duly impressed with Jarrod abilities and made a point of telling him so. Jarrod shrugged off the compliment but inwardly he thought how much differently he was regarded by strangers as opposed to his family. Whenever he’d helped out on the ranch or even suggested it, he was always made to feel less worthy and over time he’d only helped when it was absolutely necessary. Adam and his family did wonders for Jarrod’s morale and he found himself not only looking forward to the work but enjoying it as well.
Ben watched Jarrod work, amazed by the lawyer’s stamina and knowledge with cattle. He’d obviously spent time on a ranch and his respect for the man went up a notch. Jarrod had tried hard to hide his hand, but Ben had seen it and after a brief moment of concern, Jarrod assured him it wouldn’t slow him down. Awkward at first, Jarrod figured out how to work around it and didn’t let it limit his work. It wasn’t beneath him to dirty his hands and he never complained the whole day despite the backbreaking work. By late afternoon, they were all tired and Ben felt a little guilty for working Adam’s friend so hard when he was supposed to be on a ‘vacation’ from work.
He called out to Adam as he and Jarrod released the latest calf, “Adam, why don’t you and Jarrod go back to the house and tell HopSing we’ll be in soon. You can get a head start on cleaning up and we won’t all be clamoring for a bath all at once.”
Straightening up with a hand on his sore lower back, Jarrod removed his hat and wiped his sweaty brow. Adam was proud of Jarrod and the work he’d put in, but he wasn’t used to the work and was going to pay the price later. Thankful for his father’s intervention, he smiled at Jarrod, “Come on, let’s get out of here before he changes his mind.”
Jarrod needed no urging and they took their leave. By the time they got home, Jarrod’s muscles had begun to stiffen up and dismounting brought an unexpected grunt of pain. Adam looked over the saddle at Jarrod and smiled, “Little sore?”
“You could say that,” sneered Jarrod. “I knew I took up law for a reason.” He walked his horse to the barn alongside Adam and moving took away some of the soreness that had started.
“You held up pretty good today,” said Adam proudly as they headed for the bathhouse off the kitchen.
“Well I did grow up on a ranch. I’m not as inept as some would believe.”
Detecting the subtle bitterness in Jarrod’s tone, Adam tried to deflect his anger, “I know you’re not and my father was certainly impressed. That isn’t an easy task to accomplish.”
Rubbing the soreness in his arm, Jarrod had to smile, “I wonder if he’ll be so impressed tomorrow when I can’t move.”
As they entered the steamy room, Adam nodded at Hop Sing’s readiness. “A hot bath will do wonders. Go ahead and go first and I’ll bring you some fresh clothes.” When he returned a short time later, Jarrod was lying back in the tub with water up to his chin and his eyes closed. Sitting on the edge of the big tub, Adam silently admired his lover. With his hair wet and uncombed, Jarrod looked more youthful and he resisted the urge to reach out and touch the strands that clung to his forehead. Adam wondered if Jarrod wasn’t sleeping and his suspicions were confirmed when he started to slip beneath the water. With lightening speed, Adam’s arm darted out and pulled a sputtering Jarrod back out of the water.
With a deep breath, Jarrod looked at him sheepishly, “Must have fallen asleep.”
“Must have. You’d better get out before you drown.”
When Adam didn’t move away, Jarrod raised an eyebrow, “You going to watch me or what?”
“I plan to watch,” said Adam, his dimpled grin smiling deviously. Holding up his hands, he added, “I promise not to touch.” As Jarrod stepped out of the tub water dripped off his long lean form and it was Adam’s undoing, “Oh the hell with that!” Before Jarrod could react, Adam’s long arms were wrapped around him and his hands had a tight grip on his naked ass. Burying his head in Jarrod’s neck, Adam sighed, “You feel so good.”
Adam’s fingers slipped into his wet crevasse and Jarrod pushed himself into his embrace hard and demanding as they lightly caressed his sensitive opening. Taking it as an invitation for more, Adam bent him over the tub and kneeling behind him, reached up and slowly inserted a finger into Jarrod’s tight pucker. Breathing hard, Jarrod jerked when Adam found his tiny gland and began playing his finger back and forth across it. His arousal was growing painfully hard rather quickly and he moaned his need, “Now, Adam...can’t wait.”
Grabbing Jarrod’s distended and aching flesh, Adam pushed his finger in and out of a few times as he stroked his pulsing length in his hand. When he felt the familiar constriction around his finger, he knew that Jarrod’s release was imminent and within seconds his hand was coated and Jarrod was barely holding himself up as he spasmed over and over in ecstasy. Adam removed his finger and Jarrod slumped to the floor on his knees trying to catch his breath.
Breathless, Jarrod tried to speak, “Oh god, that was incredible.” Adam was already on his feet, and was quickly removing his boots and pants, his own flesh needy for attention. Grabbing his erection, he let his head fall back as he stroked himself.
Looking up, Jarrod asked hoarsely, “How much time do we have?”
Adam shook his head, “Not much.”
“Let me help,” insisted Jarrod, as he moved himself closer to Adam and let his mouth take the place of his hand. Adam sucked in a sharp breath as Jarrod’s warm mouth enclosed his hot flesh and he fought the urge to slam forward, instead letting Jarrod set his own pace. His world narrowed to the tingling at the base of his shaft when Jarrod suddenly took his entire length into the back of his throat. Adam looked down and couldn’t stop the panting as Jarrod buried his nose in his coarse hair and swallowed his length over and over.
Frantic with need and desperate for release, watching and feeling Jarrod take him all was too much, “Oh god, Jarrod... you gotta...stop... I’m gonna scream!! Please... not here!!!”
Jarrod eased off and swallowed convulsively as Adam came hard in his mouth. He glanced upward to see Adam biting down hard to stop from crying out and he sucked every drop from his pulsing shaft until it was soft in his mouth. Adam sat back on the edge of the tub trembling from the aftermath and whispered breathlessly, “Where the hell... did you... learn that?”
Grinning with satisfaction, Jarrod stood up and leaned in to kiss Adam as he sighed contently, “Did you like that?”
Adam’s head dropped to his chest and he shook it weakly, “I thought I was gonna die for a minute there.”
Chuckling as he got dressed, Jarrod teased Adam, “Hmmm... I guess you’ll have to come up with some place where no one can hear you scream if you want the full affect then.”
Adam looked up sharply and shivered uncontrollably at the thought. Very seldom did his wit leave him speechless but he was unable to think of anything to say, his thoughts drifting helplessly to the sensations of being buried in Jarrod’s throat. He sat with his mouth still hanging open as Jarrod finished dressing, leaving him to his bath.
Fifteen minutes later he joined Jarrod in the living room. Leaning over the chair Jarrod was sitting in, he dropped his hand to his shoulder and whispered, “I thought we’d go riding to a nice secluded spot on the ranch tomorrow.” Jarrod blushed deep red, but was saved from answering when Adam’s father and brother came through the front door. Adam stood behind Jarrod’s chair and greeted his family, “Did you finish up?”
The three men removed their chaps, hats and gun belts and Ben was about to answer when Joe nudged Hoss in the ribs and said impishly, “I’ll race ya to see who gets the first bath.” Hoss just missed grabbing his brother, but Joe was too quick.
Hoss kicked at the floor, “Dad burnit Pa, he always gets the first bath.”
Ben smiled at his middle son, “It looks to me like he didn’t get the first one tonight. Your brother and Jarrod are looking like they’ve already gotten cleaned up to me.”
Heading toward the stairs, Hoss mumbled, “He better be done by the time I’m back down here or I’m draggin’ him outta there whether he’s done or not. I’m starving and I ain’t waitin’ on supper cause he’s soakin’.”
“Please bring me some clothes would you Hoss and maybe I can speed Little Joe up for you.”
Hoss climbed the stairs, “Sure Pa.”
Within the hour the four men were enjoying another of HopSing’s meals and conversing little as they ate. A full day’s work made eating more important than talking and it was only when they started on dessert that the conversation improved.
“I thank you for your help today Jarrod, although I do feel guilty having you work when you should be resting.”
Jarrod shook his head, “I enjoyed it. I don’t get out of the office near enough any more.”
“Well you handled yourself very well today.”
“For a lawyer?” grinned Jarrod.
Ben laughed, “Well you obviously haven’t been a lawyer all your life. You are too much at ease with the working end of a ranch.”
“My family owns a ranch, Mr. Cartwright. I grew up doing it all.”
Looking at Jarrod curiously, Ben asked, “You wouldn’t by chance be related to the Stockton Barkley’s would you?”
Jarrod’s tone was polite, but the lightheartedness of earlier was clearly gone, “Yes Sir, that’s my family.”
Hoss whistled through his teeth, “That’s the biggest spread in California. No wonder you was so good out there today.”
Decidedly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken, Jarrod tried to change the subject, but was stopped short by more curious questions from Adam’s brothers. When Joe asked why he came all the way to Virginia City to rest instead of going home, Jarrod paled. The silence was deafening and Jarrod finally excused himself and made his escape outside.
Adam watched him leave and shook his head sadly. Joe looked at his older brother grief stricken, “I’m sorry Adam. What did I say wrong?”
“It’s just a sore subject. His family isn’t speaking to him right now.”
Ben was shocked by Adam’s revelation and suddenly understood Jarrod’s reluctance to speak about his family’s business. “I always heard they were a real close knit group. It’s one of the reasons they are so successful.”
Adam pushed out his chair, and wiping his mouth, set his napkin on the table with a sigh, “They were. That’s what makes it so much harder for him. If you’ll excuse me, Pa I’ll go see what I can do.”
“Of course.” Ben waved him off, but his thoughts remained on the awkwardness they’d caused. No wonder Jarrod was looking so thin and tired if he was dealing not only with his work but also the lack of family support. The father in him sympathized with the young man he’d already grown fond of. Maybe they could take him under their wing and if nothing else could provide some of the support he been missing.
Chapter 18
It was three more days before Adam and Jarrod were able to sneak away for the day without feeling guilty. Ben’s conscience about working Adam so hard when he had a guest finally got the best of him and he suggested Adam take a couple days and show Jarrod around the ranch. The two men were up at the crack of dawn and after two hours of riding, Adam led them to a thick grove of trees that sat on a high bluff overlooking a small valley. Deep in the woods, partially buried in a small hillside was a cabin. The front of the cabin was the only exposed side and it was so carefully hidden with overgrown brush that if Adam hadn’t pointed it out, Jarrod would have missed it.
Jarrod looked at Adam curiously, “Did you build this?”
“Yeah, several years ago right out of college. Pa wasn’t being too accepting of anything I wanted to do for the ranch and I built this place to get away from time to time. Lets stake out the horses and I’ll show you the place.”
Entering the small cabin, Jarrod was impressed by its spaciousness, once inside. It was a single room, carved into the hillside and laboriously lined with logs. It went back almost 15 feet and was about 10 feet wide. A stone fireplace and hearth lined the back wall and nearby was a mound of furs that served as a bed. In the opposite corner was a small desk and chair, and the shelf next to it was full of books and rolled papers, obviously some of Adam’s drawings. Closer to the door was a table and bench with another set of shelves that held kitchen and pantry items. Not only was the cabin roomy and neat, Adam had taken the time to put in a dovetailed floor, keeping the occupant away from the cold ground.
Jarrod whistled, “I’m impressed. How long did it take you?”
Adam shrugged, “Couple years, off and on. It wasn’t always easy to get the time I wanted to work on it.” Taking his saddlebags off his shoulder, Adam set them on the table while Jarrod did the same. Adam went to start a small fire to take the chill off the room while Jarrod unpacked HopSing’s offerings for the day. Pulling out a tin buried at the bottom of his bag, Jarrod read the label. His eyes widened as his face reddened and he quickly stuffed it in his pocket. Nearing the fireplace he noticed the hooks on the wall and rid himself of his jacket, hat and gun belt. Standing up, Adam shucked his own and handed them to Jarrod before finishing with the fire. Stoking it one last time, he turned to join Jarrod and found him lazily stretched out on the furs with his boots already off.
“You look comfortable,” said Adam.
Patting the space beside him, Jarrod smiled warmly. Adam began to unbutton his shirt when Jarrod got to his knees in front of him and looked up. “Let me.” Dropping his hands, Adam watched Jarrod. Sitting back on his haunches, Jarrod ran his hands over Adam’s long, muscular thighs and sighed at the hard strength beneath his fingers. Moving upward, he let his thumbs brush the cloth-covered sac between his legs and heard Adam hiss in response. He moved higher into the hollow of his hips and smiled when Adam flinched under his touch. His hands continued to caress up and down Adam’s legs, teasing but never giving him the contact he desired, watching Adam’s arousal become increasing larger.
Adam reached down to adjust his confined flesh, but Jarrod’s hands stopped him, “Please.” Instead, Jarrod lifted up and let his tongue taste the growing wet spot on Adam’s pants. Opening his mouth, he used his teeth the tease the outline of Adam’s arousal until he was trembling with need. His head thrown back in the throes of pleasure, Adam moaned out loud when Jarrod freed his straining flesh and it sprang forward, purple and pulsing with need. As Jarrod used his tongue to tease the sensitive underside of Adam’s crown, his hands removed his pants allowing him full access. His own flesh grew hard and he wondered if it was the newness of their relationship or if it would always feel this good giving his lover pleasure. Nothing in his experience compared to the feelings he had for this man. Every part of him wanted to touch and caress the hard, sinewy muscles of Adam’s body, to become a part of him. So caught up in his thoughts and the steely length in his mouth, Jarrod didn’t realize that Adam was trembling beneath his hands until Adam began to sway above him. Grabbing Jarrod’s shoulders for support, Adam rasped, “I’m gonna fall...if you don’t stop!”
Pulling his mouth away, Jarrod let Adam move and helped him lie down beside him. Before Adam could even regain some composure, Jarrod engulfed him once more in the moist warmth of his mouth. As he took in more and more of the thick length, Jarrod had to place a firm hand on Adam’s hip to keep him from thrusting. This was still new enough that he fought the gag reflex and still unable handle the thrusting. Inhaling sharply when he felt himself start to gag, his throat suddenly opened and Adam’s hardness slipped deep into his throat. Adam cried out, and he gripped the fur beneath his fingers, “OH GOD!!!”
Jarrod worked Adam in and out of his throat, his tongue sucking at the underside of Adam’s flesh with every motion. Adam lay on the furs thrashing his head back and forth as the sensations overtook all else. Whenever his balls began to tighten, Jarrod would back off, leaving Adam desperate for completion. Jarrod was in need of a deep breath and pulling away he sucked in some air. Adam sat straight up, his breathing fast and shallow as he begged shamelessly, “Don’t stop!!! OH God Jarrod! Please!”
Pushing on his chest, Jarrod whispered, “Shh...Lay back.”
Adam lay shivering with need and watched as Jarrod swallowed his erection again and again, his nose tickling the hairs above his shaft. Never had he had anyone take all his length and it was incredibly erotic to see Jarrod take it all. His body needed release and he fought against the urge to pump himself into Jarrod’s mouth. Clenching his hands into tight fists, his body strained and tensed with his impending release. He wanted it to go longer, but when Jarrod suddenly inserted a finger into his tight hole, Adam screamed. His body betrayed him and as his balls pulled up tight to his shaft he was assaulted by the blinding light and sensations that literally ripped through him. He took a final gasp of air as he felt himself erupt over and over deep in Jarrod’s throat. The pleasure so intense that he arched upward, wanting deeper but gaining no advantage as his seed spewed forth and he felt helpless as the mind-shattering climax seemed to go on forever. He needed to breath, but in that moment it didn’t seem all that important. He continued to spasm as Jarrod sucked every drop from his softening flesh. Sweating heavily and breathing in harsh gasps, he trembled uncontrollably with every little aftershock.
Jarrod slid up beside him and draped himself over Adam’s spent form. His voice was husky with desire as he said tenderly, “I need to be inside you. I want to be a part of you.”
Alarmed at first, Adam looked into the dark blue depths of desire staring at him and was mesmerized by the intensity he saw there. There was such emotion and sincerity in not only Jarrod’s words but also his look and Adam could only nod. Expecting Jarrod to see to his own needs he was surprised when he began another slow seduction. He kissed him with tenderness and his hands made slow and purposeful caresses up and down his torso, stopping to play with his hard buds until Adam was breathless.
Jarrod removed his own clothes but never hurried as he continued his worship of Adam’s flesh. As Jarrod inserted one finger after another, Adam was startled to his hear his own voice begging for more. Thoroughly coating his hard and aching shaft, Jarrod added more of the cream Hop Sing sent, over Adam’s tight tunnel. After his own experience, he was determined to make it less painful for Adam. He was even thicker than Adam and he was careful to stretch him fully before he slipped behind him and pushed past the ring of muscle.
Adam tensed under him and Jarrod rubbed his back, trying to ease the pain as he said gently, “Remember to relax.” His voice was strained as he spoke, the muscles in Adam’s ass were holding him so firmly that he had no choice but to remain still. He was afraid he would be denied this pleasure when suddenly he felt the constriction go away and he slipped in deeper. Stopping, he looked up to see if Adam was in any pain and he felt Adam lift up and push himself onto his throbbing length. Assured that he could move, he eased himself deeper and deeper into the hot tunnel until he could go no further. Leaning over Adam’s back he wrapped his arm around his waist as he breathed in his ear, “Are you alright?”
Nodding, Adam sighed between shallow breaths, “Feels so full.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
Adam shook his head, “NO! Oh Jarrod. All I can think of his how deep you’re buried in me. I need you to move!”
Lifting up, Jarrod rubbed Adam’s back, “Roll to your side.” With some maneuvering, Adam was lying on his side and Jarrod had his thigh pushed up and in a firm grip, using it for leverage to push in and out of his overstretched hole. Every thrust was long and slow and each time Jarrod’s thickness brushed his prostate, Adam wanted more.
Leaning over Adam, Jarrod kissed him and sighed, “I’ve wanted this for so long. I want it to last.” His hips pumped into Adam, his breathing increasing and yet his voice was still remarkably controlled as he spoke, “I love you, Adam. I’ve been so selfish the last year, denying what we have.” His head dropped to Adam’s forehead and Adam could see Jarrod needed to say more but was hesitating.
Adam’s hand reached out and his fingers sifted through Jarrod’s dark hair as he asked worriedly, “What is it?”
“I sent you a letter.”
“When?”
“Just before I left. At the time I hadn’t planned on coming. I wrote it thinking I would wait for an answer from you.” Jarrod buried himself deep in Adam and pushed hard as he smile warmly, “I couldn’t wait.”
Adam moaned with pleasure and spoke in a strangled whisper, “And?”
Jarrod shook his head, embarrassed, “It’s just that I had so much to say and thinking back now and what I wrote I know it was probably more than I should have written. It seems corny in hindsight, but even having said that, it still says more than I could ever tell you.” Looking Adam in the eye, he added, “Just promise me you won’t laugh when you get it.”
“I won’t laugh,” said Adam, softly, his fingers trailing Jarrod’s cheek as he spoke. Leaning into his touch, Jarrod’s thrusting increased but it was still torturously slow for Adam. As he reached to stroke himself, Jarrod asked softly, “Wait for me.” Removing his hand, Adam nodded and Jarrod pumped faster and harder with each stroke. Adam was painfully hard with need and he fought his own desires for Jarrod. It seemed to go on forever and he closed his eyes tight, feeling the fire spread from that sensitive spot inside his ass to his balls each time Jarrod’s slammed against it. They moved in a perfect rhythm, their sweat coating them both as they pushed closer to completion. As Jarrod felt the burn begin, he grabbed Adam’s pulsing shaft and used the weeping precum to lubricate his motions as he stroked him to match his own thrusting. Stiffening under his touch, Adam cried out, “Now Jarrod...I can’t... stop!”
The tightness surrounding his engorged heat sent Jarrod over the edge and he shot his seed into Adam’s depths. They shuddered with release and Jarrod held Adam tight as he pumped his hips forward for every last drop, his essence finally deposited inside Adam. They fed off each other’s emotions and only when their flesh grew soft did they succumb to exhaustion. Jarrod slumped into Adam’s side and when he spoke, it was with a slight waver in his voice, “I never thought it was possible to share that kind of intimacy. Being in you... I needed to be a part of you Adam.”
“I know. I felt the same way. It’s a closeness I didn’t think would be possible, but for me at least it was so much more than anything I’ve ever done. I don’t know, maybe because of the amount of trust that is required it seems more...intimate.”
Jarrod’s fingers splayed over Adam’s chest and he draped his leg over his thigh, “I just know that I needed to prove to myself and to you I suppose, that it wasn’t just sex. When I’m inside you, I want to stay that way forever.” His voice drifted off as tiredness crept up on him, “Be that close to you.”
Pulling a blanket over both of them, Adam wrapped his arm tighter around Jarrod and they both gave into their exhaustion and slept.
It was the first time since reconciling that they could really enjoy themselves. After spending the morning in bed, they ventured out and did some fishing then Adam showed Jarrod some of the surrounding area. They cooked the fish for supper and lounged by the fire in a warm embrace just talking. The evening was comfortable and they shared each other before drifting off to sleep. The next morning they woke early and after another brief session of loving they started for the ranch, more comfortable with each other than when they’d left. Ben greeted them in the yard, “Well, how was the tour?”
Jarrod dismounted as he spoke, “You have a wonderful place here Mr. Cartwright. The views are spectacular.”
Ben puffed up proudly, “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Turning to Adam, he added, “A letter came for you. It’s on my desk.”
“Thanks Pa. I’ll get it, when I’m done here,” said Adam. Ben turned and returned to the house, smiling as he went. He was glad to see another letter come for his son. He suspected a woman friend but the letters had suddenly stopped a couple months ago and that was about the time Adam had turned so sullen. Maybe the letter meant something good for Adam. Jarrod coming had improved Adam’s mood dramatically but he was afraid that when his friend left he would return to his quiet ways again.
Taking the reins, Jarrod nudged him, “Go ahead. I’ll do this.”
Adam was anxious to see what Jarrod had written and he smiled, “I’ll be right back.”
Ben watched from inside the house as Adam retrieved the letter and took it outside to read. Sitting on the side porch, Adam fumbled with the envelope and pulling Jarrod’s letter out, began reading. Leaning forward on his knees, he found his eyes misting over at the emotion the words conveyed. He looked up sheepishly as Jarrod sat beside him and continued to read. He tried blinking back his tears but they slipped down his cheek. Seeing them, Jarrod leaned closer and clasped the back of Adam’s neck, a casual gesture of support. Adam gave him a sideways glance and small nod, unable to speak at the moment. They sat that way for several minutes until Adam took a deep breath and letting it out slowly, wiped away the dampness on his face, wishing for some privacy again. Straightening up he patted Jarrod’s leg and uttered a soft thank you. Jarrod smiled and whispered something to Adam. Ben couldn’t hear any of the words the two men spoke to each other, but that Jarrod was there for Adam was obvious.
Even more surprising was when Jarrod suddenly slapped Adam with his hat and took off running. Adam bolted from his seat and chased him. Jarrod was taunting him at every opportunity and the two ran circles around the yard until Adam finally managed to tackle him. The two went down in a heap and Adam, gaining the advantage, used his weight to pin Jarrod to the ground. Jarrod was laughing until Adam reached down and twisted a couple chest hairs. Ben watched Jarrod squirm then winced when the young man reached his pinned arm under Adam and grabbed for some leverage of his own. Ben laughed out loud when Adam launched himself away from Jarrod and landed on his behind. Jarrod sat up and grinning from ear to ear, stood up, offering Adam a hand up. When Adam took the help Ben turned back to his own work, content that there were no hard feelings between them. He had to admit that he was fond of Adam’s friend. Watching them wrestle like children was a sight to see and Ben was still smiling as he shook his head and went to work on the figures in front of him.