Chapter Text
Autumn 1868
Tyler Seguin tapped his knee nervously. He'd been on a train for a week, heading west. Gold had been found in the British Columbia colony, and Tyler's father, Paul, was eager to claim his stake in the new wealth. Normally, Tyler's father would send paid men to prospect, but this wasn't the case this time. Tyler was different, not what Paul expected in his growing son. He was barely passing his classes, losing interest and not applying himself.
Tyler lurched in his seat as the train groaned and hissed to a stop. He'd probably packed too many things, but he didn't know what to expect. He'd been reading books during his long trip, but reading about something and actually doing it was very different. He didn't know anyone out West. Tyler only knew that it was full of thick forests and mountains and bears. And now another gold rush. It'd only been a couple of years since the first craze. Tyler just didn't understand why his father was so keen to get involved now.
The train whistled at the station. Tyler peered out of his private compartment (a godsend for this terribly long trip) and watched as a rush of bodies tried to exit at once. He waited until he saw a clearing and grabbed the bags he had with him. He'd have to collect the rest once he got off the train.
The first thing Tyler noticed was the mud. It seemed like the streets were just mud paths, flattened down by horses and boots. It was loud. People were shouting at each other as they bustled about. It was a lot to take in. Tyler was sore, fatigued, and hungry. He wanted a hot meal and a cold drink. Tyler went to retrieve his heavy bags from the train attendant and quickly realized that he had no way to transport them to his next destination. He knew he stood out in his clean, expensive clothes. Tyler had a feeling he'd be ignored.
Just as he was motivating himself to hire some random person for assistance, he was approached by a slightly shorter, slender ginger man.
"What do we have here? You look a bit lost there." The ginger had a wide smile. He was missing a tooth and looked a bit like a shark, but Tyler was just thankful someone was acknowledging him.
"Uh, yeah. I need to find a place to get something to eat," Tyler responded. "Do you think you could point me out in the right direction?"
"Of course. See, down the road? There is a saloon that always has room to rent. Why don't I help you out? You head on over. I'll have my friends help with all your baggage."
Tyler's shoulders sagged in relief. He could carry his smaller bag with him without any problem. That had all his money, notebooks, and a few articles of clothing. His larger bags had the rest of his clothes and two spare pairs of boots. "Thank you, Mr--?"
"Just call me Giroux. I'll meet you down at the saloon, yeah?" Giroux winked and smiled that gappy grin again.
They shook hands, and Tyler headed off towards the direction of the saloon, looking forward to sitting stationary for a moment. He heard the loud piano music long before he saw the saloon. It was bursting with noise; there was a small crowd around a table of men playing poker There was a small table free in the back, and Tyler could ignore the shouting. It was better than the monotonous clicking of the train.
Tyler sat down and waited for someone to come and take his order. He really didn't know how things worked out in the West, but he was tired and hungry. Hopefully Mr. Giroux would be able to see him behind the poker players.
A slightly dressed, young, blonde woman walked to Tyler’s table and batted her lashes at him. She smiled and languorously swayed her hips from side as she approached Tyler. She wore a tight red corset, a garter belt, and a long skirt open in the front to show her shapely legs clad in stockings.
“Hey, there, pretty boy,” purred the young woman as she bent over the table Tyler was sitting at and looked at him with hungry eyes.
“Oh, good afternoon, miss,” Tyler replied politely. He couldn’t help thinking that the young lady was attractive. The girls Tyler knew would never dress so provocatively. He was surprised by the forward attitude of the people around him. It was noisy in the saloon; everyone talked so loudly and laughed grotesquely. This place was far from the balls Tyler was invited to back in Toronto, where fine ladies would dress in silks and talk in low voices.
“You need a room, handsome? Or you just want a quick one with me?” the blonde asked, licking her bright red lips seductively. Tyler found himself blushing a little at such an outrageous thought.
“Oh, no, miss. I assure you, I am just in need of refreshment, a meal, and a place to sleep,” Tyler said in his deep voice, keeping the calm and restraint of a proper gentleman.
“Ah, but you sure you don’t want to fuck me?” The girl asked teasingly.
Tyler huffed, clearly insulted by such a proposal. No young lady had ever spoken to him so bluntly before.
“I beg your pardon, miss, but I am not interested in such things!” Tyler took off his maroon derby hat and raked a hand through his light brown curls, his brows knitting in confusion and his mouth dropping in shock.
The girl only laughed and moved even closer to Tyler, her face only inches from his and devouring him with her eyes.
“I’d let you do anything you want to me, pretty boy,” she said seductively, her sparkling blue eyes locking with Tyler’s bright, brown eyes.
Suddenly, the wooden doors of the saloon banged abruptly open, and Mr. Giroux strode up to the bar. He was accompanied by two burly guys with leather jackets and coarse cowboy britches.
Tyler turned himself away from the girl and stood up from his chair. The ginger haired man clearly didn’t have Tyler’s baggage with him. He was laughing with his two friends and asking the bartender for a strong shot of whiskey. Tyler gathered his courage and headed towards the counter. He could not believe the audacity of Mr. Giroux! He had a sinking feeling that his bags were not just waiting outside for him.
"Excuse me, Mr. Giroux, but I believe you have my bags." The laughter ceased between all three men. Giroux raised an eyebrow, but went back to taking his shot as if Tyler hadn't spoken.
Tyler was not in the mood for this! After being stuck on a long train ride, the last thing he needed was to search a town he didn't know for the rest of his belongings. He noticed that Giroux had one of his expensive silk handkerchiefs stuffed in the dirty breast pocket of his shirt.
"Are you suddenly deaf? I'm talking to you!" Tyler stood up straight, drawing himself to full height. "Listen to me, you no-good ginger rat!"
Giroux put down his shot glass and turned his attention to Tyler. His cronies all did the same, and Tyler realized how outnumbered he really was. Except for Giroux, both men were taller than him and burly, like they'd been working with their hands all their lives. "What did you just call me, pretty boy?"
"Listen, I don't want trouble. I just want my belongings and I'll be out of your way," Tyler promised, not looking for a fight his first time in town. He wished he was back at his table with the propositioning young woman.
"I think you best be sitting back in your little corner. You don't know who I am. I haven't seen your face before." Giroux suddenly reached out and grabbed Tyler by the collar of his shirt, pulling him close to his face. "Now sit your ass back down. I happened to find a few expensive bags full of fancy clothes and new boots. The boys here will enjoy trying them on."
"Giroux!"
Tyler was quickly released and watched as a big man, tall and muscular, sauntered up to them. His boots clanked heavily with each step. The man wore a long leather coat and a cowboy hat pulled low over his eyes. Tyler could only make out a few facial features, but Giroux seemed to recognize him instantly.
"Leave that guy alone, Giroux."
"And why should I, Benny boy? He's starting trouble with me! He needs to learn his fucking place!"
"Save it, Giroux. We've seen people like him before. He'll be gone tomorrow once he sees what it's like here. City folk never last."
Tyler wanted to speak up, but he suddenly felt Benny's big hand on his arm, giving it a bit of a warning squeeze. It sent a jolt down Tyler's spine. He managed to bite back a gasp that threatened to escape.
There was a slight pause before Giroux spoke again. "Fine, just get him outta my sight! Don't you have some horses to tend to?"
Tyler was pulled to the back of the saloon where a table was free. Tyler didn't know if Giroux would keep his word to stay away. It was unlikely. Giroux was probably waiting until he left to follow him outside and jump him.
"This is my table," Tyler said dumbly, mind still reeling from the conversation between Giroux and Benny. "I mean, thank you." He sat down and realised how badly his legs were shaking. "My name's Tyler Seguin, by the way."
Benny reached over the table to shake Tyler's hand. "Jamie Benn. Nice to meet you, Tyler. I just wish it was in better circumstances. What in tarnation were you thinking? Giroux is one of the biggest trouble makers out here!" Jamie really only planned on heading to the saloon to see if he could find his brother. Instead he found Giroux and his boorish friends harassing someone who was in obvious need of help. Giroux had a notorious reputation and people rarely stood up to him. Except this new comer.
"He stole my belongings! I don't care who he is!" Tyler spat out. "Now I'm stuck here with one bag, no place to stay, and I still haven't had anything to eat yet."
"I think it was pretty courageous sticking up for yourself," Jamie praised. He smiled at Tyler. "Giroux gives everyone trouble. Why don't you come back and stay with me on my ranch? You won’t have to deal with the likes of Giroux and his idiot followers."
Tyler was a little hesitant. He'd already trusted a stranger, and it hadn’t ended well for him. But there was something gentle about Jamie's face. Something more trustworthy than Giroux's missing tooth. His only option was staying at the saloon, which looked like Giroux's second home.
"You seem like an okay guy. I'll come with you," Tyler gave in, biting his bottom lip. "So you live on a ranch? Do you have horses? Cows?"
Jamie let out a throaty chuckle that warmed Tyler up. "Yes and yes and yes. I promise you'll be safe with me. Give me your bag. Have you ridden a horse before, Tyler? I only live a few miles away. I have a place for you to sleep and I'll cook some steaks for us. Beats the slop they serve here, anyway. I only came in town to check on my brother."
“I have ridden a horse before, but we should search for your brother,” Tyler said. There was something about Jamie that really pleased Tyler. It probably was these immense, warm brown eyes.
“Nah, he’ll come back eventually. You’re hungry, and we should go back to my place,” Jamie answered with a smile. “Jordie knows what he’s doing.”
Tyler stood up, and so did Jamie. He was so tall and imposing… Wide in the shoulders with long legs. Tyler could see how the fabric of Jamie's pants stretched against his strong thighs. The cowboy was only slightly taller than Tyler, but there was an aura of confident power surrounding him.
Jamie smiled brightly and said: “Let’s get moving before sundown.”
Both men made their way out of the saloon, and Tyler noticed Giroux looking at him with a smirk on his lips. Tyler ignored him and followed Jamie out. Jamie was carrying his bag, and Tyler felt he was finally treated like a true gentleman since his arrival.
It was hot outside, but the sun was less strong at this advanced hour of the afternoon. Tyler couldn’t help staring at Jamie’s powerful back. Tyler wondered what Jamie looked like without his black cowboy hat. He deeply desired to learn more about Jamie. Tyler accidentally walked into a mud hole and stained his fancy white and black boots. He muttered under his breath but didn't complain. Tyler followed Jamie to the side of the building where there was a place to tie horses to wooden poles.
“Unfortunately for you, Tyler, I only have one horse,” Jamie said with a little smile playing at the corner of his full, red lips.
“What is that supposed to mean, Mr. Benn?” Tyler frowned in confusion. His button nose was wrinkled and his brows were knitted together.
“You know damn well what it means, Tyler! And please, call me Jamie. No need for formalities,” Jamie said in his sweet voice.
Tyler laughed, his eyes crinkling, as he understood what was to come. He’d have to mount the horse behind Jamie.
“I-I am not…” Tyler protested weakly but Jamie was already smiling warmly at him with eyes filled with mirth. He tugged Tyler closer with a warm hand against the soft fabric of the young man’s beige dress coat.
“C’mon, it’s the only way you’ll get your steak.” Jamie laughed as Tyler pouted and admitted his defeat.
“Fine, fine! I give up,” Tyler said with his hands held in front of him. He could feel hunger gnawing at his stomach, and the idea of a steak had his mouth watering.
Jamie untied his horse and smoothly mounted the animal. He definitely was at ease as he sat on the saddle, his powerful thighs on each side of the horse’s flanks. The cowboy extended his big, wide hand for Tyler to grasp and hoist him up.
Tyler felt a blush creep on his cheeks as his dexterous, narrower hand grasped Jamie’s hand and he got his boot on the stirrup to mount the horse.
"This here is Lindy. He's a fine ol' stallion. He's been with my family for a long time. It won't be a rough ride. I swear."
Tyler awkwardly mounted the horse and looped his arms around Jamie's waist. The man was firm and muscular. Tyler had never been that close to another man before. He couldn't help but let out a giggle. "This has been one crazy day!"
Jamie gently tugged on the reins, and Lindy started off in an easy trot. "You're lucky I found you," Jamie teased. "Giroux would be waiting for you to leave. Julie tipped me off. She was your waitress and knew right away you were from out of town. I hope she didn't give you a hard time. She's a nice woman. She doesn't put up with Giroux's nonsense."
Tyler made a mental note to give Julie a big tip if he went back to the saloon. "Yeah, I am lucky." He subconsciously tightened his arms around Jamie. "I can't believe I fell for Mr. Giroux's trap."
"Well, I'll tell you one thing. He ain't no mister. He'd be able to charm the pants right off of you if he said the right thing! You're safe with me. Don't worry. I am curious though. What brings you out here? You look and sound like you belong in some fancy university, not stepping in mud and hanging around saloons."
Tyler felt his cheeks heat up. Was it that obvious he didn't belong? "Those fancy universities are boring. Father sent me out here to find gold. It's more of a form of punishment. I don't even have all the tools I need. I think he just wanted to send me away."
Jamie turned his head to catch Tyler's eyes for a brief moment. "I hate to speak out of place, but that's not right. It's dangerous out here. You could be killed. I suppose you don't even have a gun or any means of defending yourself, now do you?” Jamie paused and heard Tyler’s hum before continuing: “Didn't think so. It would be safer for you to go out looking for gold with someone… My brother, Jordie, sometimes goes out to the mines and streams. I'm sure he can help you out if you want."
Tyler scowled. "I really don't have much of a choice. Father gave me limited funds. I should be okay for awhile, but he says I have to earn my way back home. He'd like to see a big profit made, too."
"Well, don't worry about your room and board. You can stay with me for however long you'd like," Jamie offered. "You may change your mind. My place isn't fancy, but it's home. It's just me and my brother here now. Jordie's always out and about as soon as he's done with his chores."
"I can help! I haven't been on a ranch before, but I can help you out. Just tell me what to do. I don't want to be a burden." Tyler wanted to repay Jamie for his kindness. So far, he and Julie had been the only decent souls in this god forsaken town.
Jamie let out a deep chuckle that vibrated through Tyler's whole body. "We'll see about that, if you're willing to learn, I'm willing to teach. I can always use an extra hand around."
Tyler was thankful that Jamie wasn't looking at him anymore. Not even a full day in town, and Tyler already had a rotten mind. He knew that if he said anything out of line, Jamie wouldn't be so welcoming. He had always been taught that it was a sin to even touch himself. What he was feeling towards Jamie already would certainly send him down the path to hell.
"I won't let you down. You've been such a great help to me. I'm so tired from all the traveling, and I had high hopes that I would be able to rent a room at the saloon and sleep," Tyler said, trying to distract his mind from wandering.
"We're almost home. I'll show you to your room, and you can get washed up. I'll fill the basin up with fresh water. Food shouldn't take that long, either. There's some leftover pie Julie baked if you want something sweet afterwards, too."
Tyler was so hungry that he'd even eat Lindy if the horse was offered! Hell, he could even eat a whole pig! "Thank you, Jamie." He hoped that they could talk more over dinner. He still didn't know much more about the mysterious rancher who rescued him.
"We'll see how much you thank me when I put you to work!" Jamie let out another big laugh that Tyler loved so much. Perhaps it wouldn't be as difficult as he thought.
The trip to Jamie's ranch didn't take much longer. Time had flown by while they were talking. It wasn't quite the prairie Tyler had imagined a ranch to be on. Trees had been cleared around Jamie's property, and there was a huge house and barn. Tyler could see mountains in the distance. It was such a beautiful sight. He could hear cows mooing. It was almost surreal. They passed through the front fence and slowly trotted to the barn.
"Home sweet home. Hop off, Tyler. You're closer to the ground than you think." Jamie's sweet, tender voice, so different than how he had spoken to Giroux, pulled Tyler out of his thoughts.
Tyler managed to get off the horse in one piece. He still felt a little wobbly, but Jamie was there with a steadying hand to assist. Tyler hadn’t even seen him get off the horse!
"This place is incredible. I'm serious. It kind of smells, but you get used to that, right?"
Jamie grinned. "Indeed you do. Let me put Lindy up, and I'll show you the house."
Soon enough, Jamie was leading the way towards the house. It was a lot more comforting than the saloon and not as stuffy as Tyler's house back in Ontario. Jamie gave him a quick tour and dropped Tyler's bag in a guest bedroom.
"Jordie's room is across from yours and mine is down the hall," Jamie explained.
It was a simple room, but it had a decent sized bed and that was all that Tyler cared about now. There was a small dresser that would hold what meager belongings he had now. A basin and pitcher sat upon the dresser.
"I'll come back with water for you. You might want to change into something more comfortable," Jamie commented, eyeing the young man up and down. He certainly approved of Tyler's attire, but it wasn't feasible on a ranch. He left Tyler to his thoughts and went to fill up the pitcher. Jamie knew he would be in trouble soon. It was hard to take his eyes off of Tyler.
"Just come to the kitchen when you're done," Jamie instructed, wanting to give Tyler space.
He had fresh meat that he'd butchered before he went into town and put it in the cast iron skillet to cook on his wood burning stove. He put some potatoes near the fire to bake, guessing how hungry Tyler was.
Jamie then went outside to fetch some water from the well. He couldn’t stop thinking about Tyler - his gorgeous face, his barely stubbled chin, his brown curls, and most of all his eyes that possessed a spark of playfulness anytime he glanced at Jamie.
In the meantime, Tyler was removing his many layers of clothing. He was so tired that he threw everything carelessly on the bed; his father wasn’t there to reprimand him. He was far from home, but at least he was free. Tyler removed his beige jacket and let it fall on the floor. He unbuttoned his maroon waistcoat and threw it on the bed. Tyler loosened his cream silk cravat and also sent it flying with his waistcoat. Next piece of clothing to be shed was his white shirt which he unbuttoned hastily.
Tyler was now naked from waist up, his sculpted physique on full display. He was lean and perfectly muscled, soft skin enveloping his chiseled muscles. He had an arch in his back, a narrow waist and a round, firm behind. Above the curve of his ass, Tyler had a little dimple that emphasized the heft of his cheeks. His britches were sinfully low on his hips, and he was acting all innocent.
Tyler could never have known that Jamie was standing just outside the slightly opened door.
Jamie couldn’t take his eyes off the expanse of Tyler’s sculpted back. There were a few beauty marks on the skin, and Jamie only desired one thing at this moment - to kiss all over them. Jamie felt himself harden just at the thought and had to repress the urge to moan. He would never have expected Tyler to have such a divine body. He had never seen anything quite like this before. Jamie's body was muscular and athletic, the product of the hard manual labor he was subject to everyday. He was naturally built like a stallion. But his physique wasn’t as refined as the finely honed muscles of Tyler's body.
Jamie felt his cock push insistently on the front of his britches. He was already starting to fantasize about what the front of Tyler’s body looked like. Jamie imagined Tyler’s cheeky smile and the mischief in his eyes as he would look right back at him, knowing full well the effect he had on him. Jamie had to take care of himself before things turned out of hand. Without thinking further on it, he set the bucket on the floor with a fairly loud sound that startled Tyler.
When Tyler turned around, Jamie was gone, but he could see the bucket through the slightly ajar door. He frowned and went to retrieve the bucket. As he approached the door, however, he heard another door down the corridor closing with a creaking sound. Tyler was very curious; he cautiously pushed the door further open and walked down the corridor to what he thought was the door leading to Jamie’s room. The closer he approached, the more Tyler could make out the sounds coming from the room.
In his bedroom, Jamie had his back pressed against the wooden wall next to the door with his britches shoved down his long legs. He was breathing heavily and had a loose grip around his impressive cock. He moaned low in his throat, the sound feral and lusty. Jamie gave himself a long, decadent stroke…only thinking about Tyler and that sinful body of his. He twisted his hand at the flared head of his cock, a little “ah” of pleasure escaping his lips. Precum dribbled from his slit as he pumped his hand.
With one big hand wrapped around his cock, Jamie shivered as he accelerated the pace. In his mind’s eye, he could see Tyler’s pale, naked body laid all for him to use and ravage on the hay of the barn. Tyler had that playful, little smirk on his lips and that high blush on his cheeks. So pink and innocent yet so naughty and knowing. Jamie could see him so clearly that he couldn’t repress a deep growl.
Jamie cradled his heavy balls as the Tyler of his fantasies squirmed and begged him for his cock. “Yes, Mr. Benn! Take me,” Tyler pleaded. His curls lay in disarray on his forehead. He looked utterly debauched, panting with that little button nose high in the air, the long column of his throat barred, and his back arched off the floor of the barn.
“Make you feel so good,” Jamie whispered as he tugged on his shaft, precum now streaming continuously from his cockhead. He was so close to cumming with only the naked image of the young gentleman from Ontario flashing through his mind.
Outside Jamie’s room, Tyler was standing at the door with a flushed face. He was ridiculously turned on, and he bit his full bottom lip as he struggled against the urge to touch himself. It was so, so wrong yet the other young man, that cowboy Tyler had met hours ago, was doing just what he’d been taught his whole life never to do. Tyler wondered who made Jamie act so obscenely. He crept closer to the door, desperate to hear more of the sounds Jamie was making.
Tyler’s pants were awfully tight. He could hear soft words and moans and could just see Jamie's big, plush lips forming words. He pressed a little closer and to his horror, the door swung open.
Jamie was concentrating on the smooth skin of Tyler's back. He squeezed his hand around his cock and bucked his hips, fucking into the tight ring of his fingers. He let out a low groan and suddenly...
The door creaked open, and Jamie's eyes widened as he saw Tyler with a pink blush spread all the way down to his chest. The front of his britches was tented, and Jamie just couldn't help it. He came hard, hips jerking, and semen dripped down his fingers. The humiliation he felt was worth seeing the curious desire in Tyler's eyes.
Tyler turned and ran back to his room. He shut the door and fell against it, heart beating rapidly in his chest. He had never seen a man reach completion like that. Tyler felt stupidly jealous of Jamie's hands. He wished he could be the one to touch Jamie like that.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid," Tyler muttered to himself as he knocked his head against the door. Just the thought of his father's cold disapproval made his own aching desire melt into nothingness. He would be disowned. He would blacken his family’s name if anyone knew what he wanted.
Tyler didn't know how long he waited. He heard Jamie leave his room and walk towards the kitchen. Figuring it was safe, Tyler opened the door and grabbed the water and filled his pitcher. He'd just act like nothing happened. Good enough, right? He took his time washing up and changed into a loose-fitting shirt, the collar much too large for his frame, exposing part of a collarbone.
It was time to face the music. Tyler slowly made his way to the kitchen where Jamie was preparing their supper. It looked and smelled delicious. Tyler's stomach let out a loud growl, and he blushed.
"Well, someone's hungry." Jamie's cheeks were still pink, but he seemed to take the unspoken cue of forgetting what Tyler had witnessed.
"Starving," Tyler admitted, licking his lips. "I haven't had a proper meal in ages."
"Good. Steak and potatoes. I don't know how 'proper' it is, but it'll be filling. I have some tea or some whiskey if you'd like."
There was an air of awkwardness, but if Jamie was willing to keep things quiet, so was Tyler. After all, he'd been the one invading Jamie's privacy.
"Tea would be lovely."
"I might even have some sugar I can give you, too." Sugar was a prized possession, but Jamie was willing to sweeten Tyler's cup if he wanted. "Sit down at the table in the den. I'll bring you the food."
Jamie was still feeling dizzy from the force of his orgasm, and he was ashamed of what had happened. He didn't want Tyler to think he was a brute without any control over his sexual desires.
Tyler was sitting at a wooden table next to a large window. The window panes were a little dirty, but the view was still gorgeous. The sun was slowly making its way down to the horizon, a soft orange light bathing the room. The sunset warmed Tyler’s heart, and he gazed with dreamy eyes at the green hills and wildflowers swaying in the wind.
He didn’t hear Jamie come in, lost in his thoughts of what he had seen. The image of Jamie's big hand tugging on his cock, jutting from a nest of jet black hair, overwhelmed Tyler’s mind. He had never seen a cock quite as impressive in any of the medicine textbooks back at the university. It reminded Tyler more of a stallion’s cock than anything else. Tyler felt ashamed, cheeks burning, as something other than hunger, more like molten fire, twisted deep inside of Tyler’s stomach.
Jamie placed the plates on the table, sat down, and smiled shyly at Tyler.
Tyler was stirred out of his indecent thoughts and blushed all the harder when he met Jamie’s warm eyes. “I’m so sorry,” He said in a low voice. Tyler took his fork and knife and lowered his eyes on his plate. “I’m so indecent. I should never have intruded your privacy. It’s...it’s improper, and I’m just so...”
Jamie gently cut Tyler off, reaching across the table to grasp Tyler’s forearm. “No, please, don’t be, Tyler. It’s all my fault… I, uh, never should have done that,” Jamie managed to say with a high blush of his own on his pale cheeks.
“That’s fine, Jamie. I was just a little surprised, that’s all,” Tyler whispered. “I hope you aren’t angry at me.”
“Look at me, Tyler,” Jamie commanded gently. Tyler's gaze connected with Jamie’s.
This time, Tyler took his time to look at Jamie’s face properly. The short strands of his dark brown hair were gathered to the side, and his beautiful red lips were a little shiny with spit. He had a fairly short nose, but it fit perfectly with his manly yet young face. However, what Tyler loved the most about Jamie’s face were his large, doe shaped eyes; Tyler lost himself in their depths. His heartbeat picked up speed, and he felt the tip of his ears turn red. It was just so wrong. How could he be so shameless? God forbade men to lust for one another. It was a terrible sin, and yet, Tyler felt himself burn for the cowboy, longing singing underneath his skin.
Jamie was also looking at Tyler intensely, his eyes catching on the young man’s long neck and part of his collarbone jutting from under the hem of his shirt. He was so desirable with his pale brown curls across his forehead and his creamy skin. Jamie just wanted to suck on his plump lower lip and tell him everything was alright with more than his words. The actraction he felt for Tyler was strong and more powerful than anything he had ever felt for anyone before.
“It’s ok, Tyler. I’m not angry at you,” Jamie said in that sweet voice of his. “Now, let’s eat,” he concluded with a soft smile.
Tyler’s face brightened despite the contradicting emotions that waged war in his head. Jamie had a way to put him at ease; he had only met him hours ago, but out here, in this wild country, the need to count on someone created bonds in so short of a time. Tyler smiled back at Jamie before directing his attention to the plate of food his new friend had so kindly prepared for him.
Tyler had the feeling that there was so much more than gold to be discovered out west. Perhaps, it was here that he would find his way.