Cultivating Love Read online

  Cultivating Love

  By Addison Albright

  Published by JMS Books LLC

  Visit jms-books.com for more information.

  Copyright 2017 Addison Albright

  ISBN 9781634864022

  Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com

  Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.

  All rights reserved.

  WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

  No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

  This book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It may contain sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which might be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Published in the United States of America.

  * * * *

  Cultivating Love

  By Addison Albright

  Chapter 1: Dead?

  Chapter 2: Mayfield

  Chapter 3: Separation

  Chapter 4: Preparation

  Chapter 5: Visitors

  Chapter 6: Taking Turns

  Chapter 7: Hay Day Surprises

  Chapter 8: Festival!

  Chapter 9: Home Again

  Chapter 10: Sticks and Stones

  Chapter 11: Feelings

  Chapter 12: Reckoning

  Chapter 13: Home Again

  Epilogue

  Chapter 1: Dead?

  The thwack of the screen door slamming shut echoed through the strangely quiet house. Joe knew Ed was home; his car was in the drive, but where was the usual classic rock or bluegrass spilling from the open door?

  “Ed?” A chair squeaked on the linoleum in the kitchen, and Joe walked through the front room toward the back of the house.

  Ed peered up, a blank look on his face, when Joe entered the room. Papers were strewn across the old Formica-topped table where Ed sat. He still wore his mechanic’s coveralls and hadn’t showered yet. Another bad sign.

  Joe put the bag of groceries on the counter. “What’s wrong?”

  Ed took a deep breath and peered into Joe’s eyes. “My father’s dead.”

  Joe cocked his head. “Yeah, I know. He died…what? Before you were born, right? Twenty-five years ago?” He looked pointedly at the papers strewn about the table. “What’s this all about?”

  “No, you don’t know. I didn’t know.” Ed suspended a shaky hand over the documents. “According to this, he just died, as in less than two weeks ago.”

  “Whoa.”

  “I spent my whole life thinking he was dead.” Ed ran fingers through his thick, dark, wavy hair. “That’s…that’s what my mother said, anyway. I don’t know what to think anymore.”

  Joe swallowed. What could he say? “Wow.” Not very helpful, but Ed had no living relatives to ask about any of this. Or did he? Who the hell knew?

  “Yeah.” Ed gathered together the scattered paperwork. “Some lawyer from Mayfield, Nebraska, had this stuff delivered this afternoon. Apparently, my father was alive and well until a motorcycle accident killed him instantly twelve days ago.” Ed looked up again. “He left everything he had to me.”

  “You’re kidding.” Joe plopped onto a kitchen chair.

  “Why didn’t he contact me? I mean…ever? Not when I was a kid, not even when Mom died. I was only seventeen. I could have used a little help. And if Mom was keeping him from me, then why didn’t I hear from him in the eight years since she died?”

  None of it made any sense. “And why weren’t you notified sooner? If you’re next of kin, wouldn’t you have to handle the…well…the funeral arrangements and such?”

  Ed shrugged. “Maybe he didn’t go around telling people he had a son out there somewhere. Maybe he left some kind of instructions of his own for that stuff.”

  “Maybe. Would’ve been nice if you’d had the chance to at least attend his funeral.” Joe sighed and nodded to the piles on the table. “So, this paperwork…it’s about whatever he left you?”

  Ed looked steadily at Joe before continuing. “He left me a farm outside of Mayfield. A section, six hundred forty acres. Apparently, the inheritance includes a bank account, a farmhouse, and everything in it. Outbuildings, equipment, livestock. He even had a life insurance policy listing me as the beneficiary so taxes and running capital shouldn’t be a problem.”

  Joe’s jaw dropped. A farm? And Ed was considering keeping it? “So, what does that mean? What about the life we’ve built here?”

  Ed raised his brows and continued to stare pointedly into Joe’s eyes. “You know I don’t know anything about farming.”

  Joe held his breath. That was true. Ed was an auto mechanic, not a farmer. He’d certainly need help—at least at first. “But I do. You would know all about how to keep the equipment running, and you have a good head for business.” Joe affected a grin and resorted to humor. “And you’re strong and take direction very well.”

  Ed laughed. “In your dreams, bottom-boy.”

  Joe sagged against the back of his chair, and the tension drained from his shoulders as Ed grinned and winked. It was a good sign that Ed’s sense of humor remained intact. But still, what the hell did all this mean?

  Ed’s smile drooped again. “It is your dream, though, isn’t it?”

  Hell, yes, but the dream had evolved to include Ed. He’d much rather continue as a farmhand for hire, coming home to Ed each night, than face life under any circumstances without Ed. “I gave up on that dream long ago.”

  “I wouldn’t mind being my own boss. And giving up hope of it happening doesn’t keep you from wanting it. It’s still your dream.”

  Joe took a deep breath. “You always wanted to go to college. You’re so smart. With this, we could afford for you to quit work and go to college full-time.”

  “But my goals for that college degree have changed. I don’t think I’d like that anymore. Work in an office, wear a suit, schmooze with other suits. I’ve been an auto mechanic for six years, and you know what? I kinda like working with my hands.”

  “You need to think long and hard about this. If this isn’t something you can see yourself doing, then sell the place. I don’t want you to do this only for me.” There was nothing like laying it all on the line, but he needed to know what Ed was thinking.

  Ed’s face was unreadable, but with his steel blue eyes, he looked directly into Joe’s soul as he spoke. “I’ve been thinking about it for the past couple hours. Like you said, I have a good head for business and can learn the business side of running a farm. I can also be in charge of keeping the equipment in good running order.” He paused and grinned. “And yes, I know those things won’t take up that much time, so I would be your very willing apprentice. I would actually like doing this.”

  Joe blew out a shaky breath. “You would?”

  “Yes. We’d be our own bosses, make our own decisions. You were raised on a farm, so you’d have to be the one in charge of the day-to-day operations. I don’t know anything about that yet.”

  “I do.” Joe grinned. “Let’s do it. Let’s look at it, anyway. See what kind of shape it’s in.”

  Ed’s smile echoed the relief in his eyes
. “Yeah. Let’s do it.” He paused a moment before sobering. “We’re solid, right? I mean—shit—we don’t talk about this stuff, but…well…you know. This isn’t something I can commit to without knowing you’re with me for the long haul, or at least that you intend to be.”

  Hell, Joe was totally devoted to Ed. His thoughts spun at the realization, but the sudden lightness in his heart as it became apparent Ed definitely wanted him to move to Mayfield, too, attested to it. “Yeah, Ed, we’re solid.”

  Ed cleared his throat and relaxed. “Okay, then.”

  “Oh, shit.” Joe sat up in his chair. “You say it’s been almost two weeks? Is the place abandoned right now? Surely they’ve got someone taking care of the livestock?”

  Ed nodded. “According to this, a friend of my dad’s is going over every day to take care of the animals, but I need to make permanent arrangements ASAP.”

  “Yeah? Maybe he’ll have some answers about why your dad never contacted you.”

  “Maybe. I’d like to learn a little about my father. I don’t understand why he’d so completely abandon me, but then turn around and leave me everything he owned. It doesn’t make sense.”

  No, it didn’t, and Joe didn’t want to speculate. He stood up. “I’m going to put these groceries away and hop in the shower.”

  “’Kay. I’m gonna call the lawyer and make arrangements to go check the place out tomorrow. We need to make some quick decisions. I don’t know much, but I know we can’t just let a farm sit like that.”

  “Do you want me to come with you?”

  “God, yes. Between the two of us, you’re the only one who’ll be able to tell if it’s viable or not.”

  Joe smiled. Why did it make him feel so good to know Ed needed him? “I’m scheduled to join a team baling tomorrow over in Hillsboro. I’ll make a call to let him know I won’t be making it.”

  Ed nodded. “Thank you.” He gathered up the papers, pulled his cell phone out of his pocket, and dialed.

  * * * *

  Ed ended the call and set down his phone. He tapped his pencil on the table and swallowed as he reread his notes. It was all arranged. He would meet the lawyer in Mayfield early tomorrow morning, sign a bunch of papers, and get the keys. After that, he and Joe would be pretty much on their own to figure it all out. Keep it, sell it, the lawyer didn’t care; it would be out of his hands.

  He smiled. Apparently, his earlier worries had all been for nothing. Joe was willing to give up city life—such as it was in Omaha—with all its inherent activities, to move to the boonies with him. That had to mean something, didn’t it?

  He’d spent too much time simply staring at the lawyer’s cover letter, trembling with a fear he couldn’t quite place, until it had hit him like a runaway freight train. It wouldn’t have been such a big deal to sell the farm and invest the money. Or he could have hired some help while learning the ropes. But the idea of losing Joe had panicked him. He’d never spent time thinking about it before—had taken Joe for granted—but he’d do or give up anything to stay with the man.

  The water turned off in the shower. He stood and walked toward the bedroom to strip for his own shower. He kicked off his work shoes and peeled off his greasy coveralls, then ambled into the bathroom.

  Joe had already dried off and was combing his short summer-blond hair. Ed’s breath caught in his throat as he watched the flex of Joe’s back muscles. Back, ass, hamstrings, arms—hell—all of him. The potent effect of Joe’s nakedness on his libido never ceased to amaze him.

  Ed picked up the nail brush and casually turned on the water at the sink. “Don’t bother getting dressed.”

  Joe hooted. His hazel eyes gleamed at Ed in the mirror. “Not a problem. It’s my turn, by the way.”

  “Is not.” Ed loaded the brush with grease-removing hand soap and started scrubbing. He yelped when Joe slapped his ass, and attempted a scowl—though it better resembled a leer—at Joe’s self-assured grin reflecting back at him.

  “Is too.”

  “You have to fix dinner then.” Ed’s stab at a hardline mien wasn’t any more successful than his glower.

  Joe snickered again, turning away. “Whatever” came from over his shoulder as he walked toward their bedroom.

  Ed smiled as he finished scrubbing his nails. He hurried through his shower and dried off to the beat of the Rolling Stones reverberating from the living room.

  Joe looked up and grinned when Ed walked into the bedroom. As promised, Joe was still buck naked and lay across the bed with a book. He got up as Ed approached. “I put some potatoes in the oven to bake. I’ll throw some steaks on the grill—after.”

  “Cool. I like a domesticated man.”

  Joe’s laughter was full and robust—rather like his dick. Ed stared, swallowed, and licked his lips.

  Circling around to Ed’s back, Joe put muscular arms around him and nibbled behind his ear. Ed’s hands covered Joe’s, and he leaned back his head, resting it on Joe’s shoulder. The touch of Joe’s mouth, licking and nipping along his neck, sent shivers down his spine, melting him. Joe caressed his abs and chest in slow, teasing circles, leaving his cock aching to be touched. His reaction didn’t go unnoticed. Joe spoke softly into his ear. “Assume the position.”

  Ed grimaced as his traitorous cock jumped at the cheesy words. He didn’t want to give Joe the satisfaction of knowing what that did to him.

  He turned in Joe’s arms, and their mouths and bodies crashed together. There was nothing soft or gentle about their embrace, all hard bodies and stiff dicks pressed together, grinding. Tongues seeking, finding, then seeking more.

  Joe broke the kiss, his breath ragged. “Jesus, Ed. Now. I need you now.”

  Ed’s skin tingled where Joe’s fingertips trailed down his arm. He climbed quickly onto the bed, then looked over his shoulder. “Lots of lube.”

  Joe already had the bottle out of the drawer. “I know, I know.” He slathered his dick in the stuff and pushed more into Ed with first one, then two fingers. Ed grimaced at the sudden stretch.

  Joe rubbed Ed’s tense shoulders with one hand while prepping him with the other. A soft moan escaped as Ed relaxed into the massage.

  “Ready?”

  “Yeah. Shit, get it over with.”

  Joe snorted while his hands moved to Ed’s hips. “Like you aren’t going to come with my dick up your ass.”

  Ed closed his eyes, forcing himself to loosen up. Joe slowly pressed in, breaching the tight muscle ring. Ed groaned. “Fuck.”

  “Patience.”

  Ed ignored the quip and bore down until Joe’s pelvis pressed flush against his backside.

  Joe moaned. “Fuck, yes. Damn, you feel so good, Ed.”

  The sensation of fullness was incredible. Joe kneaded his hips, and the heat of Joe’s hands spread soothingly through his body. Ed peered over his shoulder. Joe had his eyes closed with his head dropped back. After a moment, Joe brought his head up and winked when he caught Ed’s gaze, adding a saucy grin.

  Rolling his eyes, Ed turned to the front. Joe tightened his hold on Ed’s hips, pulled back, and established a rhythm. With each thrust, Joe flexed his grip, and a fresh image of their future flashed through Ed’s mind. Joe climbing onto a tractor. Joe tossing a hay bale, or standing in the sun, lifting his hat and using his forearm to wipe the sweat of his labors from his brow. A delicious shudder rippled through Ed’s torso. Joe standing beside Ed, wearing a huge grin as he looked out over a field of…whatever.

  Ed caught his breath when Joe adjusted his angle. His body quaked, and he dropped his head. His cock ached to be touched, but he resisted the urge. Joe’s grunts as he pounded into him excited him further, until he ached so acutely he couldn’t bear it and started babbling. “Oh, God, Joe, please. Please Joe, please.”

  One of Joe’s hands slid forward, grabbing. Ed instantly reacted to Joe’s tight grip. Overpowering sensations soared through him before converging on his cock. “Fuck!” He spilled his load onto Joe’s hand.

&n
bsp; Ed jerked, and his ass tightened around Joe. He felt every inch of the shaft as Joe thrust into him one final time. His lover’s grunt turned into a groan, and the rock-hard length pulsed, spilling into him.

  Joe leaned across his back and his other hand pulled Ed tighter against his chest. Ed closed his eyes and relished the closeness. Caring was evident in the way Joe held him—with fingers swaying gently back and forth. Did Joe have any idea what that did to him? His previous lovers had never conveyed anything deeper than an appreciation for a good lay, and he’d never felt anything deeper toward them, either. Yeah, he and Joe were solid.

  They rolled heavily to their sides, and Joe slipped out, pulling Ed tighter against him. It was a nice moment, but Ed knew it wouldn’t last long. It never did. The “rules” of their relationship didn’t allow for sentimentality, particularly afterglow schmaltziness. Sometimes Ed wanted just a little more, though.

  He turned in Joe’s arms and started a heartfelt kiss. Joe responded enthusiastically, as always, as long as Ed initiated the moment. They lay together noisily kissing, tongues exploring until Ed pulled away with a deep, satisfied sigh.

  He stretched, languidly. “Let’s clean up and get dressed so you can get those steaks on. I’m hungry.”

  Joe smiled and gave his ass a squeeze before rolling away. “Yeah, me, too.”

  * * * *

  Joe turned the steaks on their little backyard grill. He inhaled deeply, taking in the delicious aroma of charcoal mixed with sizzling beef. His stomach growled as he stepped inside to finish the dinner preparations.

  “Ed! Dinner’s about ready,” he called through the house.

  “Smells great.” Ed came into the kitchen and opened up a readymade vegetable tray. “That lawyer is expecting me at eight in the morning, so it’ll be an early start. Mayfield is—what—three hours away?”

  Joe laughed. “Farmer’s hours. Get used to it.”

  “You do seasonal farm work now, and you don’t usually leave that early.”

  “It’s not too far off, though. You can expect our workday to start around five-thirty or six in general. That’s about the same as what I’m doing now.”