Bound by Love Read online

  Table of Contents

  Bound by Love

  Blurb

  Copyright Acknowledgement

  Trademarks Acknowledgment

  Dedication

  Glossary

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  About the Author

  MLR Press

  Bound by Love

  T.A. Chase

  www.mlrpress.com

  Blurb

  Tyler Newsome is heading home to the Lazy N, tired of the rodeo and tired of always being his charismatic twin’s shadow. It’s time he gets a life of his own—and maybe the man he’s always dreamed of, too.

  Ren Alston’s attracted to Tyler, but never made a move because of his own mental and emotional baggage. But after years spent taming his demons and gaining control in every aspect of his life, Ren sees the younger man’s return as a sign of good things to come.

  But first, they have to deal with Tyler’s twin, past indiscretions and Ren’s brothers. Will these cowboys manage to build a strong foundation of trust and love? Or will their problems be too much for them?

  Copyright Acknowledgement

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright 2018 by T.A. Chase

  All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

  Published by

  MLR Press, LLC

  3052 Gaines Waterport Rd.

  Albion, NY 14411

  Visit ManLoveRomance Press, LLC on the Internet:

  www.mlrpress.com

  Cover Art by Winterheart Design

  Editing by Kris Jacen

  eBook format

  Second Edition Issued 2018

  This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher.

  Trademarks Acknowledgment

  The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  F-150: The Ford Motor Company

  Stetson: John B Stetson Company

  Western Union: Western Union Holdings, Inc.

  Dedication

  To all my readers for encouraging me with each new story. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful editor. Thank you.

  Glossary

  Dun: The dun gene is a dilution gene that affects both red and black pigments in the coat color of a horse. The dun gene has the ability to affect the appearance of all black, bay, or chestnut (“red”)-based horses to some degree by lightening the base body coat and suppressing the underlying base color to the mane, tail, legs and “primitive markings”.

  Grulla: (also black dun, blue dun or lobo dun) a color of horses in the dun family, characterized by smoky or mouse-colored hairs on the body, often with shoulder and dorsal stripes and black barring on the lower legs. A grulla horse is a dun with a black base.

  Piggin’ string: small ropes calf ropers use to tie the feet of the calves they rope in the arena.

  Chapter One

  “Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

  Tyler turned to see JT glaring at him. Tyler climbed out of the trailer, patting Gonzo on the hip as he went by.

  “I’m going home, JT.” He closed the back end and made his way to the cab.

  “You’re fucking kidding me, aren’t you? You can’t quit on me.”

  JT grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. Tyler stared into hazel eyes and a face he knew as well as his own. Anger gleamed in those eyes.

  “I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m going home to help Dad with the ranch.” Tyler met his twin’s gaze.

  “So you’re the good son. Going home to bury yourself at that God-forsaken ranch. What happened to all that talk about getting away from that podunk town?” JT’s chin jutted out.

  “It has nothing to do with being a good son. Dad doesn’t care about that stuff.” He tugged off his hat and shoved his fingers through his hair. “I’m tired. I’m not as good as you. It’s time for me to admit that and let some other kid get his chance. Besides, you don’t need me.”

  JT shrugged. “True.”

  His tone was casual, but it didn’t hide JT’s nervousness. Tyler knew his brother wasn’t sure how he’d handle dealing with situations on his own. Tyler usually dealt with the entry fees, the horses and bills while JT took the praise.

  “Why are you taking Gonzo?”

  “You hate that horse and he’d never work for you. I figured you’d be hooking up with that blond calf roper or maybe Slim Anderson. Bitsy can ride with his horse.” Tyler settled his hat back on and held out a hand. “I’ll see you when you come home at the end of the season.”

  “I know why you’re really going back home, Tyler.”

  JT’s smug comment made Tyler want to punch the man.

  “If you hook up with him, you’re always going to wonder if he’s fucking you because you look like me.”

  “Bastard.”

  “Not even close. We both know who our daddy is since we look just like him. Go running back home. You were just coasting on my coattails anyway.” JT spit on the ground next to Tyler’s feet.

  Tyler climbed into the cab, ignoring JT. He should have known his brother wouldn’t accept his leaving gracefully. He flung his hat upside down on the backseat and sighed. The decision to quit the rodeo hadn’t been easy, but after another conversation with Dad, he’d realized his heart was back at the Lazy N.

  After starting the truck, he eased out of the fairgrounds. Glancing in the rearview mirror, he saw JT standing right where he’d left him. There was a slump to his brother’s shoulders Tyler hadn’t seen before. Had he hurt him with his decision? Yet Tyler couldn’t see any other way for him to be happy. Life on the road wasn’t for him. He’d make it home in fourteen hours with a few stops along the way. He dialed his father’s cell phone.

  “Newsome.”

  “Hey, Dad.”

  “Ty. You coming home?”

  His father’s gruff voice made him smile.

  “Just left the fairgrounds.” He accelerated onto the highway. “I should be home late tonight.”

  “Good. I’ll leave the lights on.” A pause. “How’d JT take it?”

  “He’s pissed. Probably would have loved to punch me, but I didn’t give him a chance to do it.” He grimaced.

  “I’ll be expecting a call from him.” Dad sighed. “He’ll get over it, son. You’ve always been there for him. You gave up a lot to make JT happy, but it’s time for you to find what makes you happy.”

  “What if what makes me happy is something you might not like?”

  Shit. He’d never felt the urge to mention it to his father that he was gay before this. So why now? Cutting the ties with JT must have made him worried about losing his dad as well.

  “Ty, you’re my son. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, will ever change that fact.” Dad’s voice was strong and sure.

  The words and tone warmed Tyler. Dad just might mean it. “I have something to talk to you about when I get home.”
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  “That’s fine. Drive careful and I’ll see you when you get here.”

  Hanging up, he set the phone in the cup holder. He set the cruise and settled back, happy to be heading home.

  § § § §

  Ren watched Newsome tuck his phone back in his shirt pocket. “Tyler coming home for good?”

  Newsome grinned. “Yeah. He lasted longer than I thought he would. Ty’s a homebody. His heart is happiest at the ranch.”

  Ren kneed his horse to herd the cattle toward the holding pen. It was head count time at the Lazy N and Ren had come to help the man out.

  “Really? Seemed like neither he nor JT could wait to get the hell out of here when they turned eighteen.”

  Newsome grunted as his horse took off after a bolting steer. When he forced it back in the herd, the older man glanced over at him.

  “JT couldn’t wait to leave. Ty went with him because that’s what JT expected. JT’s the leader and Ty follows, simply because it’s easier.” Newsome frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. “I might have encouraged that.”

  Ren turned his mount to the side as the herd filed into the pen. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the saddle horn and letting Solace relax. “Encouraged?”

  The older Newsome rarely talked about his boys. Of course, the man rarely talked about anything. Ren hoped they wouldn’t get interrupted.

  “JT is the wild one. Crazy and irresponsible. I’ve always relied on Ty to keep him out of trouble. When JT headed out on the circuit, it was assumed Ty would go with him.” Newsome checked his watch. “Quitting time. We’ll bring that last bunch in tomorrow.” He swung down from his saddle. “You staying tonight?”

  “If it’s all right with you. Isaiah will check the horses for me.”

  Ren dismounted and loosened the girth on Solace’s saddle. The grulla mare heaved a sigh like she was happy to be done working. He took the reins to Newsome’s grey and watched as his temporary boss walked away. No more conversation. Which was just as well. Ren needed to be alone. It was going to take a while to wrap his mind around the fact that Tyler Newsome was coming home to stay.

  “Come on, you two. Let’s get you settled.”

  Ren led the horses to the barn.

  § § § §

  Ren let the shadows hide him as Tyler’s black crew cab F-150 braked to a halt in front of the barn. He didn’t say anything, wanting to check Tyler out without him knowing.

  Tyler stepped from the truck, setting a black Stetson on his caramel curls. It was strange how different JT and Tyler were, even though they were supposed to be identical twins.

  Tyler kept his hair long enough for curls while JT cut his almost military short. JT moved with frenetic energy and talked like he was strung out on caffeine or speed. Tyler glided like a big cat and never talked much, but that might be because JT seemed to talk enough for both of them. There was a steadiness about Tyler. It made a person trust him and his word.

  “Can I help you get Gonzo settled for the night?” He moved from the side of the barn into the light.

  Tyler didn’t react. The man probably knew he was there all along. “Sure. If you could grab the black blanket out of the storage area in the trailer, I’ll unload Gonzo.”

  Ren dug out the horse blanket while Tyler opened the trailer. He followed the pair into the barn and waited until Gonzo was clipped into the cross-ties before approaching them.

  “I’ll help you.”

  The younger man grunted and gestured toward the tack box in front of the empty stall. The red blanket covering the gelding was swept away and Ren gave a soft whistle.

  “I knew he was going to be a good-looking horse when I sold him to your dad. You’ve taken great care of him.”

  He walked around, studying the quarter horse. Ren raised quarter horses. His Montana ranch was known nationally as breeding some of the finest black dun—or grulla—quarter horses, the rarest coloring of dun.

  Gonzo’s coat was almost grey. His black dorsal stripe ran along his back down into his tail. The lower part of his legs were black, fading up into the gorgeous grey coat. Large black eyes stared back at him and he saw the intelligence shining in them. It was Gonzo’s intelligence and aggressiveness that led to the decision to geld the horse.

  “He still hate JT?” Ren pulled out a curry comb and started brushing Gonzo’s left side.

  “Goes after him as often as he can. Gonzo’s better than Bitsy, but since there’s no way Gonzo will work for JT, I decided to bring him home.” Tyler didn’t look at him.

  “Bitsy is more forgiving and less likely to make JT pay for his stupidity.” Ren finished his side. “Why do you put a different blanket on him?”

  “Lets him know he’s in for the night.” Tyler shrugged, a slight blush on his cheeks. “Something I started when we got him.”

  “Nice.” He stood aside as Tyler put Gonzo in his stall. “Need anything else?”

  “No. I’ll clean the trailer when I get up.”

  He fought the urge to hug Tyler. He could tell exhaustion dogged the other man’s steps. Also, a hint of sadness showed in the hunch of Tyler’s shoulders. “I’ll see you later on then.”

  “You staying?” Tyler grabbed a bag from the cab and finally looked at Ren.

  “Yes. Makes it easier on Solace when I don’t have to trailer her every day. Your dad’s giving me ten steers to take home for training the horses.” Ren leaned against the barn door.

  Tyler nodded. “I better get inside before I fall asleep out here.”

  “Sleep well, Tyler. See you in the morning.” Ren moved toward the bunkhouse. He heard the front door of the main house open and close.

  Things were going to get interesting. He wouldn’t be able to keep his interest hidden for long. Maybe it was a sign that the one man he couldn’t forget had come back to stay this time.

  Chapter Two

  Tyler climbed out of bed the next afternoon. He stretched and felt his back crack. Ever since he’d screwed it up last year, he ached in the mornings until he’d been moving around for a while.

  Men shouting over the bellowing of cattle caught his attention. Going to the window, he peeked around the curtain and chuckled. It was like he was a kid again, spying on the cowboys working for his dad.

  There was only one man in particular he wanted to watch and he spotted him through the dust. Ren Altson sat on his grulla mare like he was a part of her. Tyler had been attracted to the tall horse breeder since he’d realized he was gay.

  Ren’s skin was tanned dark brown from hours spent in the Montana sun. His dark chocolate brown hair was cut short on the sides and back, but was long enough on the top for Tyler’s fingers to itch to run through. Broad shoulders tapered down to a narrow waist. A firm ass drew Tyler’s attention every time the man walked past him.

  Working with horses ensured Altson’s personality was quiet and steady. Ren’s ability to handle any situation instilled a rock solid confidence in the man. Ren knew who he was and where he belonged in the world. His commanding air turned Tyler on more than the man’s good looks.

  Ren shot a look at Tyler’s window like he knew Tyler was checking him out. Dropping the curtain, Tyler sat on the edge of his bed. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and cradling his face in his hands.

  None of Ren’s actions had ever given Tyler the idea the older man might be gay. Two years ago, in a moment of weakness, he’d admitted to JT his attraction to Alston. It had been a month later, while resting up and helping out at home, when JT smugly informed Tyler that he had been seeing Ren and fucking him for about two weeks. Tyler had been excited to find out Ren was gay, but his heart broke because his brother and the man he had a crush on were an item.

  It took him a while to realize JT went after Ren merely because Tyler liked him. Tyler never considered he might have a shot. What man in his right mind would want him after having JT?

  A knock on his door startled him out of his depressing thoughts.

  “Yeah?”<
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  “You want some lunch?” His dad’s voice came through the door.

  “Yes, sir. I’ll be right down.”

  “Okay.”

  He sat, listening to his dad’s footsteps fade away. Standing, Tyler grabbed his jeans off the floor before digging out a T-shirt and underwear. He headed for the bathroom. One decision was made as he waited for the shower to heat up. He wasn’t going to think about the past. He’d take each day as it came and if he managed to get lucky, so be it. It was time to quit allowing JT to run his life.

  Fifteen minutes later, he walked in the kitchen and stopped. Ren sat at the table with Tyler’s dad, a plate of sandwiches between them.

  “Didn’t know what you wanted to drink.” Dad waved to the coffee pot.

  “Can’t drink coffee anymore.” He grimaced. It’d taken him several months to wean himself off the caffeine. “Doctor said it’s messing up my stomach.”

  He went to the refrigerator and pulled out a pitcher of lemonade, feeling the weight of Ren’s stare. He poured some and sat down. Only then did he gather his courage and meet Ren’s gaze. Ren’s dark eyes studied him. A flash of emotion shone in them and disappeared before Tyler could give it a name.

  “Hey.” Ren nodded.

  “Thanks for helping out when I got in this morning.” He grabbed a sandwich.

  Dad frowned. “What were you doing up so late?”

  “Haven’t slept well since I got out of the Army.” Ren didn’t sound interested in explaining. Tyler had forgotten Ren served in the military.

  “He helped bed Gonzo down. How’s the head count coming?” he asked, drawing his father’s attention away from Ren.

  “Faster than last year.” His dad looked at him. “You gonna been able to help out today or do you want to rest up some more?”