The Hollow Hills - 10. Chapter 10

Galen

Ethan pulled up in front of the barn and shut off the ignition. “This place is incredible, Galen. Did you know it’s on the list of historic places in Windham County?”

I shook my head. “No. Josh and Alannah have never mentioned it.”

“It was built in the 1700s. So was the original farmhouse. It burned down in the mid-1800s and was rebuilt shortly after.”

“Wow. You really know a lot about this place.”

We exited the truck. “I’ve always been into historic architecture. Jody and I specialize in renovating historic buildings.”

“Yeah, he mentioned that. That’s really cool, Ethan.”

Ethan smiled at me as we entered the barn. I was a bit nervous about bringing Ethan there, but figured I was overreacting. Caroline was helping a young rider tack up her horse.

“Hi, Galen. Congrats on Buck. You were so upset about him leaving it was so hard not to say anything! I wish I could have seen the look on your face when they gave him to you.”

I laughed. “I was pretty shocked.”

“Josh and Alannah aren’t here. Josh is out with Roger, and Alannah went to look at a new horse.”

“Ok.” I was relieved that I wasn’t going to have to introduce Ethan to Josh, but felt a pang when I heard Roger’s name. I guess Liam was right; no one really did talk about him. “Caroline, this is Ethan.”

She smiled. “Nice to meet you. I’m heading outside to teach. Just let me know if you need anything.”

“Ok. We’re just here to visit Buck for a few minutes, then we’re heading out.”

“Have a great time!”

“Thanks.”

Buck nickered as I approached his stall. I broke off a chunk of carrot and fed it to him. I rubbed his face and neck as he chewed the piece of carrot. I broke off another piece and handed it to Ethan. He was looking at me with an amused expression.

“What?”

“Nothing. It’s just that I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look so happy.”

I smiled. “Buck’s an amazing horse.”

“I really want to kiss you right now.”

I chuckled and stepped closer to him. He leaned forward, and just as he was about to kiss me, Buck shoved us both with his head.

I laughed. “He wants his carrot. Hold your hand flat with your fingers together and let him take it off your palm.”

Ethan did as I instructed and laughed when Buck gobbled up the carrot piece, slobbering all over his hand. “Eeew!”

I handed him a tissue. “They’re not the most delicate creatures.”

Ethan wiped his hand. “I can see that. He’s great, Galen. What an amazing gift.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty lucky to have such great friends.”

I gave Buck a final pat and we headed back to the truck and on to our date. We went to a sculpture park and spent the day walking around, discussing the artwork and anything else that came to mind. In the late afternoon we stopped by a pond that contained sculptures of fish along with real fish. We sat on the bank, side by side.

“I was disappointed that you didn’t want to spend your birthday with me, but I had a great time today, Galen. Thank you.”

“I’m sorry, Ethan. I would have liked to spend the day with you yesterday, but I couldn’t cancel my plans.”

“I understand. Really, I do. I mean, this is only our third date.” He looked at me meaningfully.

Third date. I knew what that meant, and as much I liked Ethan I wasn’t sure I was ready to take our relationship to the next level.

I smiled. “Are you hungry? There’s a great diner not too far from here. We could grab dinner.”

Ethan nodded. “I’m starving. Dinner sounds great.”

I moved to stand up, but Ethan grabbed my arm, preventing me. I looked at him quizzically.

“Can I have that kiss now?”

“Sure.”

He placed his hand behind my head and drew me close. He kissed me tentatively, then deepened the kiss as I responded. His lips were soft and faintly salty from the sweat he worked up walking around the park. He tasted good. I pulled away and stood, holding out my hand. “C’mon. Let’s get some dinner.”

He nodded and didn’t let go of my hand as we walked to his truck.

Dinner was pleasant. The food was good, and I really enjoyed Ethan’s company. He gave me my birthday present – a compilation of cheesy Hallmark romance movies. He turned bright red as I opened them, but I was thrilled. Jody had told him how much I like those movies.

Ethan drew me into an embrace almost immediately after pulling up in front of my apartment. He kissed me firmly, pulling me close and flicking his tongue along my bottom lip. I opened up for him and we made out for several minutes until Ethan pulled back, resting his forehead against mine. We were both breathing heavy.

His bright blue eyes looked into my green ones, and he panted, “Invite me in.”

I smiled and pecked him on the lips. “I have to work early tomorrow, Ethan. I have an important meeting.”

I felt horrible when I saw the look of disappointment on his face. I ran my hand along his cheek and kissed him again. “Let’s plan on going out again next Sunday. It’s about time I planned one of our dates.”

He smiled and nodded. “Ok.”

I kissed him again before exiting his truck. Once I was inside the building, I pulled out my cell phone and scrolled to Jody’s number.

“Hey, babe.”

“Hey, Jo.”

“What’s up? How’d your date go?” He chuckled and I could imagine the leer that was on his face. “Third date, babe. Why are you calling me? Is Ethan asleep?”

“I just got home. Ethan’s not here.” I trotted up the stairs and opened the door to my apartment. Tigger wove around my legs, meowing loudly. I bent down and scooped him up, petting him as he head-butted my chin.

“Why the hell not? Don’t tell me you guys had a fight.”

“What? Of course not. I have a busy day tomorrow.”

“Uh-huh. A busy day never stopped you from getting laid before.”

“Ass. What’s wrong with wanting to take it slow?”

“I suppose it depends on why you want to take it slow.”

I thought about that as I walked down the hallway to my bedroom and set Tigger down before flopping on the bed. Tigger curled up on my chest, purring.

“Earth to Galen?”

“I’m here. I don’t really know, Jo. I just don’t feel ready to jump into bed with him.”

“You like him, don’t you?”

“Yeah. I do. He’s a lot of fun.”

“But…”

I exhaled slowly. “I don’t feel sparks. I mean, I really like him. He’s a great guy. Cute, funny, sweet. I like being with him, and I like it when he kisses me and holds my hand. But I don’t feel sparks when I kiss him.”

Jody snorted. “You’ve been watching too many of those damn cheesy movies. Real life isn’t like that, Galen. You’re not going to feel sparks with everybody. I think you need to relax and just enjoy yourself.”

“You’re right.” I paused. “Jamie said some pretty horrible things to me before we broke up.”

“Don’t listen to a word that asshole said. None of it’s true.”

“How do you know? You don’t even know what he said.”

“Then enlighten me.”

“He said that he wouldn’t have had to fuck all those other guys if I wasn’t so boring in bed.” I grimaced. It still really hurt when I thought about Jamie’s betrayal and the cruel words he said to me.

“Jesus, Galen. You don’t really believe that, do you?”

I didn’t respond. I didn’t know what to believe. Jamie was the only guy I’d ever slept with.

Jody sighed. “Galen, you can’t believe a word that prick said. He was just trying to hurt you.”

“Well it worked. It still hurts like hell.”

“No doubt. You guys were together a long time. You’re not going to get over it in one night. You’ve gotta relax and trust Ethan, though. He’s a great guy. I gotta go, babe. I’m getting some tonight even if you aren’t.”

“Jerk.”

“What makes you so sure you’re going to get some?” I heard Sally say in the background.

I laughed. “Busted! You better go placate your wife.”

“Damn. Later, babe.”

“Yeah, later.”

I disconnected the call. Jody always knew how to make me feel better.

*****

I had my first lesson as Buck’s owner the following Saturday. I had driven out to the farm every day to groom him and just spend time with him. Josh had me try out a couple of different saddles, and I chose one to purchase. He gave me a list of other items I should purchase as well. Josh had me make chicken for dinner again. I was starting to feel more confident in my ability to cook protein. At least when Josh was around.

Sunday was my fourth date with Ethan. He had planned our first three dates, so this time it was my turn. Betsey had arrived midweek, so I drove her over to Ethan’s house. Ethan lived in a small, two-story cape set back from a well-maintained yard. I parked in front of his house and knocked on the door. Ethan opened the door, and I stood gaping at him.

“Sorry…I’m running late. Come on in. I’ll just be a minute.” He moved away from the door to allow me entrance.

I stepped inside. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

“Are you ok?”

I gulped and nodded. “Damn, Ethan…”

He stood in front of me wearing only a towel loosely wrapped around his hips. His hair was wet and it was obvious he had just gotten out of the shower. Ethan typically wore loose-fitting clothes that hid the treasure that was his body. He was freaking hot. I was stunned. I stepped up to him, putting my hand behind his neck and drew him close for a kiss. He moved both his hands to my shoulders and deepened the kiss. I grazed my hands down his back, feeling the muscles hardened by his construction work. He didn’t have the sculpted body of a gym rat, but rather one that was honed by years of manual labor. He was stunning.

He moaned at my touch, and I explored his body with my hands as I explored his mouth with my tongue. I dropped my hands to his hips, dipping below the towel and feeling his ass flex beneath my hands.

“Galen…” he panted.

I grinned as I undid the towel, letting it fall to the floor. He was erect and dripping, clearly as turned on as I was. I took him in my hand and he gripped my shoulders tightly in order to stop himself from falling.

“Oh my God…”

I jacked him a few times before kneeling in front of him. I took him in my mouth in one motion, eliciting a loud groan. I wrapped my arms around his hips, pulling him close, letting my hands drop to his fabulous ass. I pumped my mouth, swirling my tongue and applying deep suction. From the noises Ethan was making, I didn’t think he was going to last long.

“Galen…I’m gonna…”

He exploded in my mouth with a long moan, and I swallowed every drop. I stood up, and he leaned against me for support. I kissed him, sharing his taste.

“Oh my God…that was amazing!”

I smiled. “I need to take you shopping. You shouldn’t hide yourself under those baggy clothes. You’re freaking hot, Ethan.”

He smiled. “Thanks.” He moved his hands to the front of my jeans and started to unbutton them. I reached down and took his hands in mine.

“We need to get going, or we’ll be late.”

“So, let’s be late. I want to make you feel as good as you made me feel.”

I kissed him. “There’s plenty of time for that. Go get dressed.”

He nodded and reluctantly headed to his bedroom to get changed. I watched his ass until he disappeared into his room. I smiled, thinking about what had just happened. I was glad I had that talk with Jody. It felt great having a man in my mouth again.

It only took Ethan a couple of minutes to dress. “Do you want me to drive?”

I shook my head. “Nope. I’m driving this time.” We walked outside, and Ethan made a strangled noise in his throat.

“Oh. My. God. There’s a Ferrari parked in front of my house!” He walked up to Betsey and ran his hands lovingly over her as he walked around the red car. “Who the hell has a car like this in this neighborhood?”

“Careful. The owner might not like you drooling all over his car.”

He stood up, chagrined, and looked around. I looked at him amusedly.

“I changed my mind. You can drive.”

He looked longingly at Betsey and headed for his truck.

“Lucky for you the owner doesn’t care if you drool on his car.” I held up the keys and pressed the key fob. Betsey’s lights blinked, and she chirped as the locks disengaged.

Ethan looked at me incredulously as I tossed him the keys and slid into the passenger seat. He opened the driver’s side door and stared at me. “This is your car?”

I nodded. “Yup. Get in. You can drive.”

He was shaking as he sat down. “You really trust me to drive a Ferrari?”

I smiled reassuringly. “You’ll be fine, Ethan.”

“This is a bit of an upgrade from your Kia.”

“Oh, I still have the Kia. Betsey just arrived from Texas. I didn’t want her shipped during the winter. I’ve had her for two years.”

“Wow.”

I showed Ethan how to operate Betsey, and we headed to our destination. Ethan looked at me quizzically when we arrived. “You had me drive a Ferrari to a bowling alley?”

I laughed. “Yeah, a bit of a strange dichotomy, huh? Jody told me you liked to bowl.”

“Do you like bowling?”

I shrugged. “I haven’t been bowling since I was a kid, but the mini-golf was fun, so I figured this would be, too.”

Ethan grabbed me and kissed me. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

“Yup.” I smirked.

There was one thing I hadn’t taken into consideration when I reserved the lane – bowling shoes. Those hideous dregs of the shoe kingdom that weren’t fit to be seen anywhere other than dingy bowling alleys, and even then…

“I’m not wearing those.”

“You have to if you want to bowl. They don’t make any exceptions.”

The people in line behind me looked annoyed. I frowned. “Fine.” I took off my Prada loafers and handed them to the attendant. He raised his eyebrows.

“Are you sure you’re in the right place?” he asked.

“Just give me the damn shoes.” I held them in front of me distastefully as Ethan led me to the lane assigned to us. He was giggling the whole way.

“They’re just shoes, Galen. Everyone wears them here, so you’re not the only one.” He held up the monstrosities he had been given.

I grimaced. “Remember this. You owe me one.”

He smirked and looked down before meeting my eyes. “Actually, I think I owe you two.”

I laughed. “You’re right. You do owe me two.”

Bowling was fun, once I got over the ordeal of wearing those hideous shoes. Ethan was a good bowler and gave me instructions so I didn’t end up rolling all the balls into the gutter. We bowled three games and he beat me each time. I had a lot of fun, though. I took him to a nice restaurant for dinner afterward and then he drove Betsey back to his house. He pulled into his driveway, parking behind his truck. We exited the car, and I embraced him, enjoying the soft scent of the cologne he wore.

“Would you like to come in?”

I nodded. “Sure.”

Ethan grinned and grabbed my hand, practically dragging me inside his house.

I didn’t spend the night, but we did spend several wonderful hours exploring each other’s bodies. We didn’t make love, but when I left we were both completely satisfied. For the first time in a long time I felt content. It was the beginning of what I call my “idyllic period”. My relationships with Ethan and Josh were going well, I had Liam and Jody’s friendship, and I now had two pets – Tigger and Buck. I only wish that period could have continued.