Ends of the Earth: Gay Romance Page 6

  “Oh.” Jason’s head spun. Ben was gay or bi or whatever. When he’d winked at Jason when they were rafting… Had Ben been hitting on him? Breath caught in his throat as they rounded a corner, a glacial lake sparkling far below, Jason definitely wanted the answer to be yes. What did that mean?

  “Is that a problem? That I’m gay?” Ben’s voice had gone as sharp-edged as his brittle smile.

  “What? No, no. Of course not.” Jason shook his head.

  “There’s nothing wrong with gay people,” Maggie said. “Mrs. Wexler’s gay. She was my teacher last year. She’s awesome. She let me bring in a little piece of dolomite I dug up in the woods for show and tell.”

  “It’s not a problem at all,” Jason added. “I was just… I—” He broke off, swallowing hard as Ben gazed at him over Maggie’s head, the traffic at a standstill as they approached the next lookout.

  Those blue eyes bore into him. “You…?”

  “Um… Uh, I…”

  I want to know if you’ve been hitting on me and if anything might actually happen. Do I want something to actually happen?

  Fire scorched his veins at the thought of it—kissing and touching Ben for real. No theoreticals, no idle interest he could brush off and explain away. His heart tripped. What was he thinking? This vacation was for Maggie, and she was sitting between them, and he was wondering how Ben’s lips would feel. He’d been celibate for years and had honestly never given it a lot of thought. There had been too much else to worry about.

  But now his imagination worked overtime. He cleared his throat, pressing his sweaty palms to his thighs. “Just that I’m sorry to hear about your ex. You’re so great with Maggie that I figured you must have kids.”

  Ben turned his attention back to the road as they crawled along. “Thanks. But I couldn’t compete with Tyson Lockwood, so.” He grimaced. “That’s not really fair—Brad and I broke up for more reasons than Tyson.”

  “Your ex is the guy who married Tyson Lockwood?” Jason asked. “Huh. I saw something about it on Buzzfeed.”

  Maggie huffed. “Tyson Lockwood’s a terrible actor. Dad, remember how bad that movie about the volcano was? Not to mention completely scientifically inaccurate.”

  “God, that really was awful,” he agreed. Just act normal. Stop thinking about Ben’s lips. Or his arms. Or his hairy chest. Just stop thinking completely.

  Ben chuckled. “Thanks, guys.”

  Jason blurted, “Are you going to adopt with anyone else?” He laughed nervously. “I mean, you probably have a new boyfriend, so maybe you guys could?”

  Ben met Jason’s gaze steadily. “Nope, no boyfriend. But I’m open to new possibilities.”

  “Great! That’s good.” Jason’s heart thumped, his voice too high. “Wow, look at that view! You can see for so many miles. Maggie, look!”

  “Obviously I’m looking, Dad. What’s up with you?”

  “Nothing! I’m just excited by the view. That’s why we came up here, right? Amazing view.” Oh my God, stop talking.

  “Indeed it is.” Ben edged into the back of the lookout parking area. “Maggie, I’ve got a great story about that lake. Want to hear it?”

  Jason followed them out of the truck, grateful for the change of subject. But he could still feel the imprint of Ben’s steady gaze, the low rumble of his voice echoing.

  New possibilities.

  Jason was walking through quicksand, and it was closing in, pulling him deeper and deeper. He breathed shallowly, not sure if he was afraid or all too eager.

  “Do you think they found that fisherman?” Maggie asked from the back seat.

  “I don’t know, sweetie. I hope so.” Jason flicked on the windshield wipers as he turned onto another dirt road that allegedly led to a remote trail Ben had recommended. They’d already been driving more than an hour from the campground, heading deeper and deeper into the middle of nowhere. They hadn’t even passed another vehicle in ages.

  “Do you think Ben will be able to come with us?” She toyed with the fraying lining of her red poncho, tearing off a strip.

  “Honey, don’t do that. That coat has to last you until winter.”

  He certainly hoped Ben could meet them. Being alone this far into the woods put him on edge. Ben had assured him the view was worth it and there was no danger as long as they took the usual precautions. Jason had told the campers in the next site where they were going, just in case they got lost. Still, he’d feel a million times safer if Ben came with them.

  “I really want Ben to come,” Maggie whined.

  You and me both. “He said he would meet us this afternoon if he could. We’re lucky he spent almost his whole day off with us yesterday.” Jason had been working up the nerve to invite Ben to the campsite for dinner when Ben had been called away to join a search party for a fisherman who was hours overdue.

  “But he said he had to do a trail inspection anyway, so he should come with us.”

  Jason drove into the middle of the narrow road to avoid a pothole. “I’m sure he will if he can.”

  “You like Ben, don’t you?”

  His laugh sounded slightly hysterical. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

  “I dunno.” Maggie flipped the back seat heating vent open and closed, open and closed. “You were acting funny.”

  “No I wasn’t. Stop that.” He reached back and nudged her hand away from the vent.

  “Anyone who doesn’t like Ben is a dummy. Like his old boyfriend.”

  “Maggie, we don’t call people names.” The rain blurred the windshield, and he twisted the wipers up to the highest level.

  “Come on, Dad. That guy is stupid. Ben would be the best boyfriend.”

  The brisk, rhythmic thumping of the wipers echoed his heartbeat. “I still don’t want you calling people names. And I said stop doing that.”

  Maggie left the vent alone, crossing her arms over her chest. “Can I sit up front? I hate it back here.”

  “No. You know you’re not allowed to sit in the front until you’re twelve. The airbag could really hurt you if we got into an accident.”

  “You’re careful. We won’t.”

  He bit back a huff. Was it going to be one of those days when she argued with everything? “Someone else could cause an accident as you are well aware. Enough.”

  She sulkily asked, “Did you try to call him? He gave you his number, didn’t he?”

  “Yes, but there’s no service in this area. You know that. We’ll just have to wait and see if he meets us.” Please meet us.

  Being alone in the wilderness was definitely outside Jason’s comfort zone. He thought of home—the lumpy futon and toilet handle that had to be jiggled, the small kitchen with neat shelves and labeled containers. Home, where everything was familiar and safe.

  Where he didn’t have all these new and confusing feelings for a man he’d just met.

  After a stretch of silence, Maggie sighed wistfully, her mood apparently morphing, thank God. “Daddy? Can we live in the mountains one day?”

  “Maybe one day, Mags.” He glanced back and smiled before adjusting the wiper blades to a slower rhythm now that the rain was easing. They thumped from side to side with a gentle squeak across the glass.

  If Ben had stayed for dinner, what would have happened last night?

  Jason gripped the wheel as half-formed images cartwheeled through his mind. Ben’s eyes up close, big hands on Jason, arms wrapping around him, bodies rubbing and lips meeting…

  He gave his head a mental shake. Talk about being outside his comfort zone. He needed to focus on Maggie. This was her trip. It wasn’t about him and his…crush, or whatever it was.

  He followed the signs to a small, empty lot at the trailhead. Putting the car in park, he peered around uneasily. “Maggie, it’s pretty deserted up here. I think we should go hiking on one of the more popular trails.”

  “But Ben said this one has an amazing lookout. Besides, he’ll be with us.”

  “He might be with us. If
he can’t make it—”

  “Less people means more nature!”

  “More nature? We’re in Montana. It’s pretty much all nature.”

  “Dad, you promised.” She stared at him with big, sad eyes.

  It’s true, he had promised that morning they would do the hike, rain or shine, but he hadn’t realized just how isolated it would be. At least the rain was only a drizzle for the moment. It was mid-afternoon, but the sun didn’t set until after nine p.m., and hopefully the skies would clear soon.

  The hum of an engine approached, and Jason’s belly flip-flopped as a familiar pickup truck drove into the small lot.

  “He’s here! See, I told you!” Maggie clapped.

  With a rush of giddiness, Jason tried not to grin like a fool. He shouldn’t indulge himself in pointless fantasies, but there was no harm in enjoying Ben’s company. He cleared his throat. “Okay, honey. Let’s do this thing.” He held up his palm.

  She high fived him before hopping out of the car, Jason shouldering his backpack with water, snacks, bear spray, and his sketchbook. Peering around at the dense forest, he shoved the spray canister into his jacket pocket.

  “Ben!” Maggie raced toward him, skidding to a stop by his feet.

  “Hey there, kiddo.” Ben smiled widely. “Fancy meeting you here.” He pushed up the brim of his hat. Beneath his open dark green jacket, the top few buttons of his uniform shirt were unbuttoned, exposing a vee of tanned skin with scattered dark hair.

  Pulse galloping, Jason tried to greet him, but couldn’t get a word in over Maggie’s breathless questions.

  “Did you find the fisherman?”

  “We did. His boat had been damaged on rocks and sank, but he made it to shore. Cold and shaken, but he’ll be just fine.”

  “How far did he swim? Was he hungry?”

  “About a mile, and he sure was.”

  Jason cut in before Maggie could ask another question. “Glad you could make it. You’re sure we’re not taking you away from work?”

  Ben smiled at him, and a shiver tripped down Jason’s spine. “This is work. Trail maintenance is ongoing. Making sure the path isn’t overgrown, no trees down, that kind of thing.”

  “You’re so lucky you get to hike for money!” Maggie said.

  “I sure am.” Ben hoisted a small pack onto his back. His green pants were tucked into his leather boots. The cuffs of Jason’s cargo pants were soaked already after stepping into a puddle getting out of the car, and he wished his hiking shoes were taller.

  He said, “Maggie, roll up your khakis so they don’t get too wet.”

  She bent and rolled her pants over her ankles, then popped back up and exclaimed, “Can we go to the lookout now?”

  “You bet. It’s about an hour away.” Ben motioned Maggie ahead of them, and she skipped off excitedly, warbling the campfire song about barges, which was apparently her new favorite.

  She darted back every few minutes with questions for Ben, and the time passed quickly. Before Jason knew it, they’d reached the lookout, and he had to admit it was another stunning view, even with mist hanging over the trees. Snow-capped peaks met the clouds, and it was like they were the only people left in the world.

  Maggie clasped her hands joyfully, staring in awe. “It’s so quiet. I love it.”

  Jason pressed a kiss to her damp hair. “Me too, baby.” It had been worth every penny he’d saved to give her this gift.

  “Can we go farther? Is there another lookout?”

  Ben said, “There is. Another hour or so.”

  Before Jason could open his mouth, Maggie jumped in. “Yes. I’ll totally be able to walk back, and no, it won’t be too late for dinner. We have lots of snacks.”

  Ben chuckled with a flash of white teeth. “She’s got your number, huh?”

  Jason had to laugh. “She sure does. Okay, we’ll go to the next lookout, but then we’re turning back.” He’d probably have to piggyback her later, but he couldn’t say no.

  Maggie bounced. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She darted off, full of energy as always.

  “Not too fast,” Jason called after her. “Stay in sight!”

  As they walked on, it was peaceful under the shelter of the trees, the sodden, earthy-smelling leaves on the ground muffling their footsteps. Drizzle pattered on the glossy leaves and dripped onto Jason’s head, but he didn’t mind that he’d forgotten his cap in the car. He kept his hood down, watching Ben from the corner of his eye.

  Ben moved through the woods with smooth grace, clearly at home among the oaks and pines, his steps even and sure, long legs striding confidently. Beneath the brim of his hat, faint stubble shadowed his strong jaw, and—

  Jason’s breath caught, body seizing as he tripped over a root, barely getting his palms out in time to break his fall as he thudded onto the wet earth.

  Oh my God, I am such a loser!

  He popped back up as Ben took hold of his arm, helping him to his feet, face creased in concern. “You okay?”

  Laughing awkwardly, cheeks on fire, he brushed leaves and twigs and dirt from his jacket and pants. “I’m fine!” The sympathy in Ben’s expression made the sticky flood of embarrassment worse, and Jason turned away. Maggie had rounded the corner and he could only see flashes of her red poncho through the trees, her latest song fading on the breeze. He called, “Maggie, wait up!”

  Ben was still holding Jason’s upper arm with a steady grip that sent Jason’s pulse skittering. “Are you sure you’re okay? You didn’t twist an ankle?”

  He circled the right and then his left ankle. “I think I’m fine. Just incredibly clumsy.” He met Ben’s warm gaze again. “Lame city slicker.”

  With a low laugh, Ben said, “I’ll tell you a little secret.”

  “Uh-huh?” Jason swayed closer, sparks igniting on his damp skin, throat gone dry.

  “One time I took a header right in front—”

  A ragged scream tore through the air. Maggie.

  Adrenaline ricocheting, Jason raced around the bend, expecting to see a grizzly, his worst nightmare come true. His heart pounded, sick fear strangling his spine as he blinked at the scene in front of him.

  No bear. A man.

  About twenty feet away down the trail, Maggie stood frozen, a big, scraggly man behind clutching her shoulder. He held a pistol in his other hand, pressed against Maggie’s temple.

  “Get away from my daughter.” Jason barely recognized his own hoarse voice.

  The man smiled. Smiled. “Now, now. Let’s all relax. I was just minding my own business, and your little gal here came across my path.”

  Jason’s ears buzzed with rushing blood. “Then let go of her, and we’ll get out of your way.”

  The man smiled crookedly as if he didn’t have a care in the world. As if he wasn’t holding a gun to Jason’s little girl. Why did he have a gun? “Now I want to make sure you and Ranger Bob coming up behind won’t do anything stupid.”

  “Let her go,” Ben commanded, appearing in Jason’s peripheral vision to the left.

  Jason pleaded. “We won’t tell anyone, I swear. Just let her go.” Cold sweat sprang out on his skin, prickling the back of his neck.

  “Daddy.” Maggie whimpered. The barrel of the pistol dug into her pale skin.

  Jason held out his hands. “Please. Please don’t hurt her.”

  “Brown, let her go.” Ben’s voice was steely. “You know she’ll only slow you down.”

  This Brown person Ben somehow seemed to know cocked his weapon. The click of the metal was much louder than it sounded on TV. “Thing is, I heard her coming—what a sweet little voice she has. And I realized she’s just the guardian angel I need.”

  “What?” Jason sputtered, his lungs struggling. Wake up! This can’t be real!

  “Well, those so-called lawmen after me aren’t too interested in taking me into custody. I heard it with my own ears—shoot to kill. Had to hole up in a cave while those fuckers looked for me over to the east.” He cackled. �
��Assholes went right by me, but it cost me a lot of time. I think it’s best I take the girl with me now that the good Lord’s put her in my path. Could use some insurance, and I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.”

  A scream tore at Jason’s throat, and his voice cracked when he managed to choke it down and speak. “Just let her go, please. I’m begging you.” He was ready to drop to his trembling knees if that’s what it took. Maggie cried, and he ached to have her in his arms again.

  But Brown yanked Maggie closer to him. “I do have to be going now, and I’m afraid the little lady’s taking a trip. The po-lice ain’t gonna shoot in her vicinity.”

  “No!” Bile rose in Jason’s throat, terror clawing him open from the inside, stripping him bare and useless. Can’t be happening. Not real. Please let me wake up.

  Ben gritted out, “Leave her alone, you fucking bastard.”

  The man’s nostrils flared, the tendons in his thick neck standing out. “I’m trying to be reasonable here. I could kill you both right now, so stop with the name-calling.”

  “No, please!” Maggie whimpered. “Don’t.”

  “As long as no one does anything stupid, they’ll be just fine, and so will you, honeypie.” He backed up. “I don’t have no quarrel with a little girl.”

  Jason’s heart was going to explode through his chest. “We won’t tell anyone, I swear!”

  “I wish I could believe that. But my momma didn’t raise no fool.”

  “Take me instead,” Jason begged. “I won’t give you any trouble. Take me. Please.”

  “Daddy!” Maggie struggled in the man’s grip, and he put his forearm across her throat, pressing hard.

  “Now, now. Daddy, you tell her to mind me. Or you ain’t never gonna see her again. I hate to make this unpleasant.”

  “What are you going to do with her? Where are you taking her?” Jason choked down another scream. He was flying apart, knives in his gut and fishhooks tearing his skin. “Don’t you touch her. If you hurt her, I swear to God…”

  Brown’s spine went rigid, his chin lifting. “What kind of man do you think I am? I don’t interfere with little girls.” He spat on the ground. “I helped give that pervert over in Lupfer a good beatdown before the fucking useless cops came. That sick son of a bitch was lucky. That shit ain’t right, messing with kids. I’ll forgive the ugly accusation since I know you’re a little out of sorts right now. But watch your mouth, boy. In fact, I think you owe me an apology.”