Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 09:11:53 EDT
From: Tulsadriller7@aol.com
Subject: Tales from the Ranch, Chapter 4/?

Disclaimer:  The following story is a work of fiction.  If you
are offended by descriptions of homosexual acts or man/man
relations, please exit this page.

TALES FROM THE RANCH
Copyrightc 2002 by Tulsa Driller 7.  All rights reserved.

This is a story of men who have two common interests.  You will
see that they love the land where they live and work, but it is
also the story of young men who love other men and their coming
of age in a culture of prejudice and misunderstanding.  It is a
story, which deals with difficult and often disturbing issues
but, nonetheless, issues which must be confronted in today's
world.

This is a work of fiction and in no way draws on the lives of any
specific person or persons.  Any similarity to actual persons or
events is entirely coincidental.  This work is copyrightedc by
the author and may not be reproduced in any form without the
specific written permission of the author.  It is assigned to the
Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission agreement but
it may not be copied or archived on any other site without the
written permission of the author.

PLEASE:  In a perfect world AIDS doesn't exist.  My characters
have unprotected sex.  I hope you use proper precautions because
I'd like you to be around the read the last chapter of this
story.

Tales from the Ranch
Chapter 4:  A long day
     Jason made his way to the house thinking about Dale.
Confusing thoughts raced through his mind.  He thought about
seeing Dale without his shirt, then the feel of Dale's hairy
chest and stomach, him touching them while Dale did sit-ups; then
later when he was climbing the rope and Dale had rubbed against
his back.  How his small cock had gotten hard when it happened.
     Then the thoughts of their conversation came back.  The
words that Larry and Jerry had said in the classroom and on the
bus.  What was that all about?  Dale's only concern was that
those boys were insecure and trying to make everyone else feel
that way, too.
     What about the fact that he and Kevin slept together, curled
around each other?  Was he gay, or queer or homosexual; whatever
they called it?  Was Kevin?  The boys were pretty tight with each
other and while they each had their own interests, they were
likely to be with each other most of the time.  They did their
homework together, they did their farm chores together, they ate
together, and they slept together.  They were brothers, for
Pete's sake.  Brothers were supposed to be there for each other.
     Were other brothers as close as he and Kev?  He didn't know.
He'd have to ask some of his friends.  His Dad was an only child;
he wouldn't know what it was like.  Dale didn't have any bothers
or sisters; how could he know what Jason was feeling?
     As he got to the garage, his mother was just getting out of
her gold Buick.
     "Hi honey," she said.  "How was the first day of school?"
     Jason was excited to see his mother and ran up to her as she
bent for a kiss on the cheek and hugged him to her.  "Great mom,
I have Mr. Bryant for Texas History and I think it's going to be
fun.  And, Mr. Thompson for gym class.  We're gonna have a
test... well I guess you can't call it a test... he's gonna check
our strength so he can see how well we do the rest of the year."
Jason was on a roll.  "And Kev and I got Dale to show us about
how to do sit-ups, pushups and climb a rope.  We have to do all
that in gym tomorrow."
     Christine smiled and said, "Well I'm glad you have two
classes you like.  What about the others?"
     "Well, Miss Moore is our homeroom teacher and we have
different subjects in there everyday.  Mrs. Parke is our math
teacher and she said we're going to start long division tomorrow.
Then Mrs. Cunningham teaches English and everybody has to read a
book and write a report.  That's kind of like a test about the
book.  It's the same book for everybody.  I guess that makes it
easier for her to grade us."
     "That's great, Jason," what about your other classes?"
     "There's just science.  Mr. Vance teaches that class and
we're gonna learn all about animals, and bugs... and... all sorts
of neat things."
     "Knowing you, I'm sure you'll like the bugs and neat
things."
     "Yeah, mom, the bugs oughta freak the girls out... and maybe
some of the shy guys who live in town.  Maybe I can trap some
bugs to take to school and show them."
     "Jason, I'm sure you have a great advantage over the kids
who live in town.  You are exposed to just about everything out
here... but don't bring any bugs in the house if you want Mrs.
Wood to keep baking cookies for you.  Okay?"
     "Yeah, mom.  She had fresh chocolate chip cookies for us
this evening.  We haven't had those for a long time.  They're
Kevin's favorite."
     "I think you and Kevin have so many favorites that anything
she baked would be okay with the both of you.  Right?"
     "Right!!"
     "Now I have some sacks and packages in the trunk I'd like
some help with," she said as she opened the lid.  "I think
between the two of us we can make it in one trip.  They aren't
heavy, just bulky," she said as she started handing Jason the
bags.  "You can carry the stuff from Macy's and I'll bring the
things from the grocery because those two sacks are heavier."
     Chris shut the trunk and the two headed toward the house.
As they went in the kitchen door, Mrs. Wood was taking a cake out
of the oven.  "Hello Bertha," Chris said.  "Here are a few
grocery items.  I know you won't go to the store for a couple of
days, but I thought we needed a few things now."
     Bertha Wood was about 52 years old and had worked for the
Williamson family for almost 35 years, before Marty was born, and
had been the cook, cleaning lady, nanny and nurse for the whole
family at one time or another.  She was a cheerful person and an
excellent cook.  Chris liked to cook and Mrs. Wood had taken her
under her wing after Chris and Marty were married.  In no time
Chris became skilled in the kitchen, but with all the family
activities limited her cooking to Bertha's days off and special
treats for holidays and parties.
     Bertha set the cake on a cooling rack and turned to Chris
and Jason.  "Thank you so much.  I noticed the list was missing
so assumed you had taken it."
     "Glad to help out.  I got a few things that weren't on it
because I want to make something special for Sunday evening."
     Jason was excited.  "What, mom?"
     "Never you mind.  If I tell you it won't be a surprise, will
it?"
     "Guess not."
     Bertha spoke up.  "Marty called about 15 minutes ago and he
expects to be here about ten minutes from now.  Jason, did you
get your chores done?  Guess you wouldn't be in the house if you
hadn't, would you?  I need for you to get me a gallon of milk and
a quart of cream.  Oh, and a dozen eggs, big ones.  The
containers are on the counter in the pantry."
     Jason got the containers and headed back out to the barn
where the milk cans were.
     "He and Kevin are so responsible.  Don't know how you lucked
out, but you and Marty already know that."
     Christine and Bertha talked about activities coming up the
rest of the week, who was likely to be gone for which meals and
an upcoming reception next Sunday afternoon for the altar guild.
     "Oh Bertha, did Marty tell you he's having a meeting
tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock?  I think there will be a total of
five men.  If you could have some coffee and rolls or coffee
cake, I'm sure they would appreciate it.  Nothing fancy."
     "Yes, he told me about it when he called awhile ago.  I'll
be sure to have something, maybe some big cinnamon rolls?"
     "Sounds like you and he have it covered.  I appreciate you
looking after them and I know Marty does, also."
     About the time they finished their conversation, Jason came
back in and Chris reminded him that Marty should be home in a few
minutes.  "Tell Kevin that we're eating in the dining room
tonight, and you boys should be ready to sit down in about a half
hour."
     "Okay, Mom, we'll be ready," as he went up the backstairs.
     Chris told Mrs. Wood that she was going to freshen up and
change clothes.  She got an ice bucket out of the pantry, filled
it with ice and headed up the stairs, too.
     * * * * *
     Kevin was hanging up the telephone when Jason entered their
room.  "Jack and I are going to work on our scout stuff tomorrow
after school.  I need to tell mom so she or dad can pick me up
there."
     Jason replied, "Shouldn't be any problem, but remember to
tell her tonight.  You know these things have to be planned ahead
of time.  Mom said to remind you that we're going to eat in the
dining room tonight and to be ready to sit down at 6:30.  Dad
will be here in a few."
     The family always ate in the dining room if all four of them
were home; otherwise they ate at the table in the kitchen.  The
boys knew that they were expected to wear chinos and sport shirts
in the dining room.  If they had company and the boys were to eat
with the adults, they were to wear good slacks, dress shirts and
ties.  If they ate in the kitchen they could wear their Levis and
clean shirts or their school clothes.
     Mrs. Wood did not sit with the family at the dining table
but if they ate in the kitchen, she would usually join the
family.
     * * * * *
     Marty parked his Oldsmobile in the garage next to his wife's
car and pushed the button to close the doors as he exited the
building.  He walked in the kitchen and greeted Mrs. Wood.
"Evening Bertha.  Something smells wonderful and I'm hungry."
     "I like cooking for this family.  No finicky eaters in this
group."
     "Bertha, you know how to make food taste good.  I don't
think you've ever fixed anything I didn't like... oh, maybe
parsnips... but you only fixed them once! He laughed."
     "Learned my lesson really quickly.  Your father likes them
and that's why they were served at that meal."
     Marty replied, "It wouldn't have been so bad if I'd known
what they were, but you mashed them and I took a big helping,
thinking they were mashed potatoes.  You should have warned me."
     "It won't happen again.  I wish I'd been in the room to see
your face when you took a bite.  Your father certainly laughed
about that for a long time."
     Marty headed up the backstairs, laughing.
     He walked in their bedroom suite as Chris was coming out of
the shower, holding a towel in front of her.  His eyes lit up and
he gave an appreciative whistle.  "Wow, what a nice welcome home
you make."
     "Hi, I'm glad to see you, too," Chris laughed.
     Marty gathered Chris in his arms and gave her a passionate
kiss.  "Umm... you smell good, too bad we only have about 20
minutes to dinner time."
     "Yes, it is, but bedtime will be in another four hours and
we'll both have something to think about that whole time," she
said as she initiated the next kiss.
     "It's going to seem like a long evening," he laughed, "but
it's always more than worth the wait."
     Chris said, "If you want to shower before you change clothes
for dinner, I'll mix drinks.  Scotch?"
     "That will be great.  Do we have any lemons in the bar
fridge?  If so, put a slice of lemon in with the soda.  What are
you having?"
     "I'd thought about gin and tonic, but scotch like yours
sounds better tonight."
     By this time Marty had his shirt and slacks off and was
standing behind Chris in just his boxer shorts.  "I don't think I
need to shower, didn't do anything to make me sweat today."  His
arms went around his wife and he nuzzled the back of her neck.
     Chris said, "Are you trying to make me cut my finger off
with the bar knife?  I'd hate to have to tell my friends the
truth... that my horny husband diverted my attention when I had a
sharp knife in my hand."
     "Hmmm... makes me look bad... kinda like an axe-murderer...
or a horny bastard... do you think they'll believe you?" he
giggled.
     Chris turned around, handing Marty a Waterford double old-
fashioned glass full of scotch and soda.  She ran her hand across
both furry pecs as she leaned up and kissed his lips.  "Cheers,
you horny bastard, you," she giggled back.
     By this time Marty's uncut dick was sticking out the fly of
his boxers.  They locked lips again and as they pulled apart
Marty said, "You really know how to get Mr. Happy's attention.
As I said, it's going to be a long evening."
     They walked to the dresser, Marty pulling out clean boxers
and Chris pulling out a bra and panties.  Marty disappeared into
the bathroom and Chris put on her underwear, went to the walk-in
closet, pulling a dress off a hanger and picked up a pair of
shoes.  While in there, she went to Marty's side of the room and
pulled her favorite shirt and a pair of slacks for him.  She
walked back to the bedroom and laid Marty's clothes on the bed.
She quickly dressed and sat down on the love seat, picking up a
magazine to look at while waiting for Marty to come out of the
bathroom.
     Marty, in the meantime, brushed his teeth decided that he
didn't really need to shave, but sponged his armpits, chest and
crotch areas, then dried himself and put on fresh deodorant and
cologne.
     He pulled his clean boxers on and walked back out in the
bedroom, spotting his clothes on the bed.  "Hon, what would I do
without you?  You always get me the nicest clothes.  This is one
of my favorite shirts.  Feels like silk."
     "That's one of my favorites, too.  Fits your body like a
glove and shows off your wonderful, tight muscles.
     "You have good taste in clothes."
     Chris replied, "... and men.  I've got three wonderful
ones."
     As Marty pulled his clothes on, they chatted about the day
and activities coming up during the week for each of them.
     "What consideration have you given for the bunkhouses you're
going to have built? Chris asked.
     "My first thought was something pretty utilitarian, a bunk-
room and large bath area.  Maybe a small kitchen with room for a
table and a microwave so they could warm up food."
     Chris started to say something when Marty continued.  "Then
I got to thinking that was worse than living in a big dorm.  I
told Craig Bastian that we should go for rooms large enough for
two beds, a bath with a shower and a closet.  Then a kitchen with
a cook-top, refrigerator and room for a table and chairs.  What
do you think?"
     "Sounds pretty nice to me.  Do you think the crew will
appreciate it?
     "All you have to do is go over to the Diamond-R and see the
dismal place they have for their men.  I'd bet that the county
jail is more comfortable."
     Chris replied, "I'm sure you are right about that.  They
don't offer their men anything and begrudge them for what little
they do get."
     "We have a pretty good crew.  They are loyal and they
generally stay a long time.  I look at a nice place for them to
stay as an investment, but want to make it clear that since they
don't have to pay rent anymore; it should be considered a raise
lasting for a couple of years until we consider another one."
     "I can't think they should complain about that.  I know
several of them live at the old Starlight.  I'm told it's clean,
but certainly sub-standard," said Chris.
     "I asked Mort and Dale to join Craig and myself and then Roy
Evans will be here, too, since he has to build it.  I figure we
can come up with a basic plan tomorrow morning, Craig can sketch
out plans for Roy and they can go to it."
     "Where are you planning to build?"
     "I think the other side of the grove of trees beyond the
barn.  It's out of sight of the two houses and still convenient
to the barns, implement storage and corral.  There's already a
path going out that direction.  We can move a fence and lay some
blacktop, if necessary."
     Chris stood up and went to Marty's chair, leaned over as she
squeezed his shoulders and said, "You are not only a horny, good-
looking guy, but considerate, too."  She kissed him on the cheek.
Finish your drink and let's head downstairs; it's about time to
eat."
     * * * * *
     Jason pulled his clothes off and told his brother he was
going to rinse off in the shower.  As he started the water, Kevin
joined him and pulled the shower door shut.
     Jason soaped himself up and handed the bar to Kevin, who
asked, "Did you say you had to take a shower at school after
gym?"
     "Yes, Mr. Thompson told us we had to... no exceptions."
     "You're gonna have to get naked with a bunch of boys?  Cool!
     "What do you mean, 'cool'?"
     "I've never seen anybody naked all the way before except
you.  I wish I could be in gym class."
     "You will be in a couple of years."
     Jason took the soap from Kev and pulled his foreskin back to
clean under it then handed the soap back to Kevin.  "Be sure to
clean your cock so it doesn't get sore."
     Kevin took the soap, pulled the foreskin back on his little
prick and cleaned it.  They turned to rinse at the same time.
Kev said, "I think your cock is starting to grow.  Do you have
any hair down there, yet?"
     "I don't think so, how do you know about that?"
     "When Jack and I were working on our scout stuff last week
he said his brother, Jimmy's cock had started to grow and he had
hair growing around it.  Do you think that will happen to us?"
     "Jimmy is in the 6th grade and in my gym class, maybe I'll
have a chance to find out tomorrow.  Dad and Dale have lots of
hair on their chest, I'll bet they have hair down there, too.  I
think it happens to all men and Dale says women grow hair, too,
but I don't know where."  As he made that last statement he
realized that he had almost revealed his discussion with Dale a
little earlier.
     "Hurry up and get dry and dressed.  We've only got 15
minutes until we eat."  With that he hung up his washcloth,
turned to Kevin and said, "Are you ready for me to turn off the
water?"
     "Sure, I was just waiting for you, anyway."
     Jason turned off the shower and opened the door.  There were
two clean bath towels on the rack next to the shower.  He grabbed
them and handed one to Kevin.  They dried in silence, and then
Jason followed Kevin out to their bedroom where they both grabbed
clean underwear and socks.  As they started to get dressed,
Jason's thoughts turned back to Dale and what had happened a
little earlier; Dale showing them how to workout and then his
talk about the Riley twins on the bus and Dale answering his
questions.
     Kevin headed to their closet, pulling some chinos off their
hanger and grabbing a pullover.  "Do you want me to bring you
some clothes, too?"
     "No, I'll get what I need.  I'm ready to get them now."
     Jason got to the closet door as Kev was coming out.  Both
were wearing boxer shorts.  They had discovered that it was more
comfortable to wear jockey shorts under their tighter Levis, but
that boxer shorts were cooler under dressier, looser pants.
     As they pulled on their outer clothes, Jason asked Kev what
he wanted to do after dinner was over.  Kevin told him, "I'd like
some help putting my new model airplane together."
     "How much have you got done?"
     "Just painting some of the parts and putting the decals on a
few pieces before it's glued together.  Some of them can't be put
on until it's put together because they cover two parts."
     "Not a prob..."
     "Don't you have a new model to put together, too?"
     "Yeah, but I'd rather help you with yours tonight."
     "Okay.  I'm starved.  Let's go eat!!"
     Jason slipped on his black loafers and put the shoehorn back
on his dresser.  "I'm ready, bro.  Let's do it!"
     Sandy was sitting by the door, wagging her tail expectantly.
They stepped out their door just as their parents were coming
down the hall and joined them on the main staircase to the first
floor.
     "My, I'm really lucky.  I get to eat with three handsome men
tonight," Chris said.
     * * * * *
     Dinner was unhurried, as nobody had to go anywhere that
evening.  Marty and Chris asked the boys about their first day of
school and each took turns telling of their day; what classes
they were in and who their teachers were.  When Jason mentioned
that he had Mrs. Cunningham for his English teacher, Marty said,
"Amanda Cunningham?"
     "Jason said, "I think that I heard somebody call her
'Mandy'."
     Marty said, "I can't believe she's still teaching.  We
though she was ancient when I was in high school.  She taught
sophomore English Literature when I was in high school.  She has
to be at least..." he did some mental calculation.  "...I'll bet
she's at least 60 years old.  We thought she was that old when we
had her for a teacher," he laughed.
     Jason teased his father.  "Wow!  I'll have to ask her if she
remembers you."
     Marty laughed again, "And I can assure you she thought I was
wild.  We had been busy here at the ranch and I didn't have time
to go get a haircut.  She made me go to the office because the
dress code said that my hair couldn't touch my shirt collar.  It
just barely did, but in her book I was a young thug.  Your
grandmother was not happy when she had to drop everything to pick
me up from the principal's office and take me downtown to get a
haircut.  Miss Cunningham is probably still on Mom's list of
people who cause trouble for no reason other than to feel
superior about themselves."
     By this time all were laughing.  Kevin asked, "What's a
dress code?"
     Jason said, "Yeah, I don't think we have one now."
     Marty thought for a minute, then said, "I think that was
pretty well dropped by the time I graduated from high school.  By
that time some of the boys had hair that was longer than some of
the girls.  It was just ignored except by a few people like Miss
Cunningham."
     Chris said, "There are still some rules here in
Williamsport.  The boys can't wear tank tops or cut-offs and the
girls can't wear tube tops, cut-offs or skirts that are shorter
than the top of the kneecap."
     Marty said, "When I started school, the boys couldn't wear t-
shirts, they had to button up.  Polo's were okay, but all shirts
had to be tucked in to their pants.  Levi's were okay, but you
had to wear a belt.  Shoes had to be either cowboy boots or dress
shoes and hair had to be short enough it didn't touch the ears or
shirt collar.
     "I think the girls probably had it as bad.  If I remember,
skirts had to cover the knees, but most girls wore long skirts
with can-can's under them.  Some of them could barely get through
the doors, it seemed.  They had to wear blouses that buttoned up
and if you wore a sweater, it had to be over a blouse.  They had
to wear either flat dress shoes or canvas sneakers."
     Jason spoke up.  "Mom, did you have to do that?"
     Chris laughed and said, "It wasn't quite as bad.  I went to
public school until the sixth grade, then to St. Ann's and high
school at St. Margaret's.  The Dallas schools were a little more
liberal, however the two church schools had uniforms and most of
us hated those.  Especially in high school when the girls were
expected to wear ties like the boys over at St. Timothy's."
     Kevin spoke up.  "Guess we've got it pretty good, don't we?"
     "I'd say so," both Marty and Chris nodded in agreement.
     "Jason, I think we're through eating.  You and Kevin take
the plates out to the kitchen and tell Bertha that we're ready
for dessert."
     Kevin, getting out of his chair, said, "Oh boy, I saw a
chocolate cake going in the oven earlier."
     Plates disappeared to the kitchen and Mrs. Wood carried in a
chocolate cake, followed by the boys.
     After dinner was over, Marty asked the boys, "Any homework
tonight?"
     The boys replied, almost in unison, "No."
     Jason said, "But I'll bet that we get hit with it tomorrow.
I know we're going to have to read a book in English class."
     Chris said, "You understand that if you have problems with
your homework that you are to ask us?  Your dad and I want you to
be on the honor roll."
     Marty agreed.  "I think the boys know that.  We'll get the
problems worked one way or another."
     Everyone got up from the table at the same time, the boys
clearing the dirty dishes and taking them to the kitchen for Mrs.
Wood to wash.
     Marty and Chris told the boys goodnight and reminded them
that they were to be in bed by 10 o'clock.  The boys hugged both
their parents and gave them a kiss on the cheek, saying,
"Goodnight, we'll see you in the morning."
     They headed up to their room to work on Kevin's model
airplane and watch television or maybe play games.
     Marty and Chris headed to their rooms, Marty sitting down at
his desk to look at the mail, pay some personal bills and read a
couple of new farm magazines about cattle breeds.
     Chris settled in her easy chair and turned on the TV.  "If
the sound is too loud, let me know, hon."
     "Will do.  You know me.  When I get interested in something
I seem to shut out the TV."
     * * * * *
     By 9:45 they had most of Kevin's airplane glued together and
were ready to go to bed.  They went to their bathroom, brushed
their teeth and peed.  Jason had already pulled his shoes off and
as he took his pants off he looked at them, wondering if they
were okay to wear the next evening.  He decided they were and
hung them on a hanger.
     Kevin stripped except for his boxers and put his clothes in
the hamper to be washed.  Jason did the same, putting the rest of
his clothes on top of Kevin's.
     Kevin went back to their lounge area, turning off two table
lamps and their stereo.  When he went back in the other room,
Jason had turned his bed down and was waiting for Kevin to crawl
in.  As he did so, Jason followed then pulled up the covers and
leaned over to turn off the bedside lamp.  Before doing so he
pulled the button for the alarm.
     He settled in the bed and Jason moved next to him.  They
usually slept spooned with Kevin in front of Jason, but as Kev
moved back, he turned so they were on their sides facing each
other.
     Kevin put his arms around Jason's neck, pulling himself
closer and said, "Night, Jase.  Thanks for standing up for me
today.  Terry and Jack were proud of you, too."
     "Bro, I love you and won't let anybody pick on you.  We're
here for each other and I need you to watch out for me, just like
I do for you.  Okay?"
     "Okay."  Then Kevin did something he hadn't done for a long
time.  He kissed Jason on the lips.
     Jason was a little surprised, but returned the kiss.
"Thanks, bro.  Goodnight."
     "Night," replied Kevin.
     Kevin didn't move away, continuing to hold himself next to
Jason, their heads on each other's shoulders, but the rest of
their bodies meshing.  Although Jason was just barely starting
puberty, he wasn't that much taller than Kevin so they were a
good fit with each other.
     As they were lying there, bare chests touching, Jason
thought about Dale again; touching him and feeling his hairy
chest.  As he though about what had happened, he felt a twitch in
his penis again.  He realized that it was starting to get hard
and his cock was caught in the leg of his boxers since Kevin was
so close.  It was starting to get uncomfortable.  He moved back
slightly and reached with his right hand to maneuver his cock to
a better position.
     Kevin asked, "What's wrong?"
     "I don't know except that my cock is getting hard and got
caught in my boxers."
     Kevin reached down with his hand and felt it, too.  "It sure
is and it's bigger than it used to be... at least it feels that
way."
     He realized that his little cock was starting to get hard,
too.  Hey, Jase?  I think I have the same problem."
     Jason put his right hand back down and felt Kevin.  "You
sure do."
     Kevin said, "I wonder what caused it to get hard?"
     "Probably 'cause mine did.  Remember, we do everything
together," he giggled.
     "Jase, when Jerry said 'bout me sucking your cock before I
could go to sleep...?"
     "Yeah," wondering where this was going.
     "Do guys really do that?" he asked hesitantly.
     "I asked Dale about the things Larry and Jerry said because
I was confused about it.  He gave me some answers that helped,
but I think I've got a lot more questions.  I asked him about
sucking cock and he told me something about that.  He said
sometimes men do that to other men when they love each other."
     "We love each other... don't we?"
     "Yes, we do.  At least I love you..."
     "And I love you, too."
     They lay there in silence for a little while.  Jason's cock
gave another twitch and stayed hard.
     "Jase...?"
     "Yeah?"
     "I wonder what it feels like?"
     "I dunno..."
     "A penis looks a lot like a cow's teat... and we've seen
Star's calves suck on them."
     "Yeah, but they do that to get milk to drink.  Remember,
when she's just had a calf, we're not supposed to take too much
milk from her... so her calf will have plenty of milk.
     "Yes, but it's not the same thing.  We pee out of our
penises... they don't give milk..."  Jason thought a little bit.
"That book Mom and Dad gave us about "growing up" said something
about sperm... the stuff that helps make babies... comes out of
our penis, too."
     "Then girls must suck guys penises to get babies."
     "No.  The book said something about the girls making eggs in
their bellies and the guy plants his sperm there, too.  If the
sperm finds the egg, it makes a baby."
     "I don't understand."
     "Tomorrow, we'll find the book and read it again.  I don't
remember exactly how it happens."
     Meanwhile, both their little penises were still hard.
     "Jase...?"
     "Yeah?"
     "Can I try it... to see what it feels like?"
     "Uhnn..."
     "You said that Dale told you about men that loved other
men."
     "Well... I don't know.
     Jason was thinking about this and his cock must have been,
too, because it gave two more twitches.
     Kevin moved his hand back to Jason's cock and rubbed it up
and down.  He reached through the fly on Jason's boxers, took
hold of his cock and moved the foreskin up and down, covering and
uncovering the head.
     Jason's cock gave another twitch.  "Uhmnn... that feels
good."
     He reached back down between them and did the same for
Kevin, pulling his little cock out of his boxers.
     Both were enjoying the feeling of the other rubbing him,
their foreskins sliding up and down.
     Kevin said, "Let's take our boxers off.  It'll be easier to
do this."
     They separated and wiggled out of their boxer shorts,
discarding them on the floor.
     As they moved back together, Jason, without thinking kissed
Kevin on the lips.  Where he got the idea to do it, he didn't
know... just natural instinct... he licked his lower lip.  Kevin
giggled and did the same thing to Jason.  It was like an electric
shock!
     He pulled away.  "WOW!" they both said.  Without saying
anything, they continued, licking around each other's lips.
     Then one of their tongues touched the other's tongue.  More
shocks and it seemed like the shocks ended up in Jason's cock.
Kevin was having somewhat the same experience, but the effect was
greater for Jason.  Both boys were rubbing the other's cock and
it felt wonderful.
     Kevin wanted to do more and started to pull away, although
they were still kissing each other.  It was about to move to a
new plateau because suddenly they were into a full-blown French
kiss, tongues in each other's mouths.
     Jason and Kevin were feeling sensations that they couldn't
possibly have known could exist.  If this was part of two men
loving each other, then they wanted to try more of it.
     Kevin moved away from Jason, and then crawled down to where
his head was at crotch level.  Tentatively, he stuck his tongue
out and touched the tip of his foreskin.  He was surprised, there
wasn't any taste.  He licked down the side and back up the
bottom.  Maybe a little taste, but mostly like soap tasted.
Well, what about sucking?  Intending to kind of suck on the tip
of the foreskin, he carefully put his lips around the very tip.
As he did, without meaning to, his tongue touched the head of
Jason's cock.
     LIGHTS FLASHED in Jason's head.  There was an involuntary
gasp and his hips bucked, driving his cock halfway into Kevin's
mouth.
     Kevin wasn't prepared for that to happen, but his mouth
opened to accommodate Jason's cock.  Since the foreskin covered
the head and wasn't wet with saliva, it remained on Kevin's lips
but slid back exposing the cockhead as it went into Kevin's
mouth.
     Kevin's first reaction was to pull back, but realized what
had happened and rolled his tongue around Jason's glans.
     By this time, Jason was having a major short in his system,
rolling around on the bed and starting to sweat.  He managed to
gurgle out, "Kev... stop... oh... don't... it feels too good!
Uhmnn..."
     His cock was twitching like crazy and it felt soo good.
Without knowing what was happening, he was having his first
orgasm, a dry one of course.
     Kevin kept his mouth where it was, not moving.  Jason was
hanging on to his head and thrashing around on the bed, but Kevin
stayed with him.
     Finally, the feeling subsided and Jason started to calm
down.  As he did so, Kevin pulled off his cock.  Jason was still
gasping for breath.
     "Kev... that was the greatest feeling I've ever had.  You
made me feel so good.  If this is what men loving other men is
all about. I want to do it to you."
     Kevin, obviously pleased that he had made his brother feel
so good was ready for the same experience.
     Jason calmed down enough that he told Kevin.  "Lay down and
let me try this on you."  Kevin was ecstatic.  He was about to
find out what this was all about.
     He crawled up to where his head was on the pillow and lay on
his back.
     Since Jason had experienced this from being on the receiving
end and he loved his brother so deeply, there was no hesitation
on his part.
     He moved into position, stuck out his tongue and licked all
around the tip, then down the backside to the bottom where his
little nut sack was.
     Kevin was enjoying this and groaned.
     Jason, a little braver, stuck his tongue inside the foreskin
and licked around the glans.  Kevin groaned... a lot louder.
     Although his parents were way down the hall with two doors
between them, Jason raised his head and cautioned, "Shhh.  We
don't want Dad and Mom to hear us."
     "Okay, but it feels sooo good!"
     "I know, remember, you did this to me."
     Jason was surprised that there was almost no taste, other
than the clean taste of soap.  He attacked again, opening his
mouth and painting Kev's little cock with saliva, then closing
his mouth and moving it up and down on Kevin's cock, pushing the
foreskin back and forth so the head of his cock was alternately
covered and uncovered.
     It didn't take long for Jason to cause Kevin to come close
to orgasm.  Pretty quickly the feeling got to be almost more than
he could take and he experienced the same exquisite feeling and
with flashes of light, too.
     "Oh... Uhmnn... Aaaggh..." as his orgasm hit.  Kevin bucked
his hips as had Jason, who kept the little cock in his mouth.
     Kevin calmed down and felt weak.  Jason let Kevin's cock
slide from his mouth and crawled back up, facing him.  Without
any thought, they started kissing each other again, prolonging
the great feeling each had experienced.
     They wrapped their arms around each other and almost in
unison said, "Night, brother.  I love you."
     Sleep came almost immediately.  They were naked and the
covers were at the end of the bed.  They had dreams of their love
for each other until morning.
     * * * * *
     The next morning Dale woke up at 6:30 a.m. when the alarm
clock went off.  He sat up reaching over to the clock and turned
the alarm off.  Standing, stretching, he made his way to the
kitchen to start a pot of coffee, and then went to the bathroom
to take care of his morning wood.  He pulled back his foreskin
and as his stream started into the toilet bowl he thought, 'Not
quite as good as an orgasm, but darn close.'  He milked out the
last drops and flushed the stool.
     Reaching the sink he pulled his toothbrush out of the
holder, opened the tube of gel and vigorously brushed his teeth.
He thanked his father for his good looks and health.  His teeth
were straight without having to have had braces (they couldn't
have afforded them anyway) and he'd never had a cavity.  He
couldn't say that about his mother or grandparents.  Poor dental
health had meant they all had false teeth.
     He finished brushing, rinsed the brush and picked up a
washcloth and bar of soap to prepare his heavy beard for his
morning shave.  As he looked in the mirror, he wondered what he
would look like with a mustache.  As heavy as his beard was, it
surely shouldn't take long to find out.  He'd started a mustache
when he was a sophomore in high school, but after a week was
called to the principal's office and told that facial hair was
not allowed by the dress code.  He later found out that Miss
Cunningham, the old biddy, had pestered the principal.  He
thought the mustache looked better than the long sideburns many
of the other boys sported.
     As he soaped his face then applied shave cream, he purposely
did not cover his upper lip.  'We'll see how long this takes and
if anybody notices right away.'
     That finished, he turned to the shower stall, pulled the
cheap plastic curtain shut and reached in to start the water,
adjusting the temperature as the water warmed.  He stepped
carefully into the shower to avoid getting water on the floor.
Rinsing his body, he picked up the bottle of shampoo and started
on his hair, working up a good lather, rinsing and applying more
shampoo.  The final rinse, then he picked up the soap bar and
started on his neck, working down to his furry pecs, then his
stomach, groin and butt; working a soapy finger into his asshole
to clean that.  He turned around to rinse off the soap, then took
hold of his flaccid cock, pulling the foreskin back so to get the
head clean.  His cock felt heavy, but he didn't have time to do
anything about that now.  Too much to do before heading out to
the Bar-W.
     He soaped up his pubic area, under the foreskin, around his
ball sack, then legs.  Putting the soap in the dish, he turned
around to rinse again, then took the washcloth and rubbed it over
his tight body.  He squeezed the excess water out of the cloth,
turned the water off, and then mopped the excess water off his
arms, chest and torso.  Opening the shower curtain, he squeezed
the washcloth again and hung it up to dry.  Grabbing a towel, he
quickly dried himself ending with his feet, and then stepped out
of the shower onto the bathmat.  Toweling his hair to get it dry,
his shower was finished.
     Since he kept his thick brown hair short, it usually dried
quickly, but he picked up the hair dryer and brush to help the
process along.  Rubbing some Right-Guard in his armpits and a
little after-shave, he was ready to get dressed.
     Dale walked back to the kitchen, pulling a mug from the
cabinet and pouring a cup of strong black coffee to finish waking
himself up.  He looked at the clock on the wall.  6:47, not bad
time for making coffee, pissing, shaving, a shower and drying
himself.  He made his way back to his bedroom (his grandparents
old room) sitting on the end of the bed to sip his coffee.  'Good
coffee,' he thought.
     As he drank his coffee, he mentally ran through the list of
things that needed to be accomplished that day.  He had to be at
the ranch for an 8 o'clock feed delivery.  No problem; he was
almost always there by 7:30 anyway.  Many mornings he followed
the school bus down the road.  He remembered the 9 o'clock
meeting he was supposed to attend with Mort, the two Williamson
men and an architect and builder.  He knew the builder, Roy
Evans, as he was always the contractor who did whatever building
or remodeling was needed at the ranch.  He and Roy had eyed each
other on several occasions, but neither had ever followed through
because there was usually someone else around.  Maybe, someday...
     What recommendations should he present as to the design of
new living quarters for some of the permanent help?  Dale knew
some of the men at the Diamond-R, but none of them lived on the
property.  The owners didn't do anything for their hands.  Here
at the Bar-W they were provided both health and life insurance,
paid vacation and got a year-end bonus.  Based on those benefits,
living quarters was really a big deal.  That should make it easy
to hire top-notch hands as need be; and it certainly should make
for less turnover in the future.
     According to Mort, there would be four to a house and that
would mean he, Pat and Michael would probably be living together,
assuming they came on as permanent employees.  That should be
interesting... and fun!  If there were going to be four, then he
thought four bedrooms would be nice so they could each have their
privacy.  A kitchen, although he really didn't cook.  A common
room where they could eat and watch TV or visit?  And what about
laundry?  He'd be glad to bring the old washer and dryer that had
belonged to his mother... if there was a place.  Would be nice
not to haul dirty clothes to the Laundromat.  That reminded him'
he had three pair of Levis and some shirts which needed to be
washed.  He guessed he could start the washer and that would be
one less thing to do this evening.
     He got up, stretched and scratched himself, then padded out
to the kitchen for another cup of coffee.  The dirty clothes were
in a basket next to the washing machine. He dropped the three
pair of pants and 5 shirts in the tub, adding soap and pulling
the timer knob.
     He had picked up some sweet rolls at the convenience store
the evening before on the way home and took one out of the sack
to have with his coffee.  He wandered back to the bedroom to get
dressed.
     Then Dale remembered that he needed to talk to Marty about
Jason's questions.  But how to do that?  Jason should be talking
to Marty about sex and the name-calling he had experienced.  But
Jason had come to Dale, hadn't he?  Was it because Dale was
younger than Marty and Jason viewed him as an "older kid" he
could talk to?
     The more he thought about it, the clearer it became that he
needed to tell Marty what was going on.  After all, Marty treated
Dale more like they were brothers than the owner/hired hand
relationship it could have been.  Taking into consideration the
fact that he was going to be provided with a nice place to live,
cinched his decision.  Marty surely couldn't be unhappy that he
was trying to help his sons.
     There was a stack of clean clothes on the dresser that Dale
had folded, but not put away.  He pulled out a pair of boot
socks, jockey shorts (he preferred boxers, but they could bunch
up in the tight Levis and be uncomfortable, especially on
horseback).  Then a clean pair of worn Levis and a polo shirt.
As he was standing in front of the mirror, he got another glimpse
of himself and liked what he saw.  As nearly as he could
remember, he looked like his father, whom he hadn't seen for 11
years... and then for only a few minutes.  He realized he didn't
even have a picture of him.  Oh well...
     Yes, he liked what he saw.  A 24-year old almost virgin who
was probably gay, but he'd never really had a chance to find out.
He was 6'1" and weighed 185.  He had a good head of short, brown
hair, a hairy body and hazel eyes.  His cock was 7-inches, fairly
hefty and uncut, probably because he'd been born at home.  He was
thick in the chest because of hoisting heavy hay bales, tight
muscles and a 31" waist.  What person (he hoped a man) could
resist him?  Well, except for a couple of strange experiences in
school, he hadn't had a chance to find out.
     He sat on the end of the bed, pulling on his socks and
shirt, and then standing to step into his jockey shorts and
Levis.  After buttoning the 501's he pulled a pair of western
boots out to put on.  Dale had three pair of Dan Post cowboy
boots that he wore on the ranch, cleaning them every evening and
rotating them each day so they would dry thoroughly and last
longer.  Today, his favorite pair of brown calfskin were the ones
next in line.
     After pulling the boots on, he picked up a clean
handkerchief and a blue bandanna, putting them in his left back
pocket.  The bandanna might come in handy later to tie around his
neck or forehead to keep sweat from bothering him.  Then his
billfold, change, keys and pocket knife.  He went back to the
kitchen, refilled his coffee cup and started pulling stuff out of
the fridge to make a couple of sandwiches for lunch.
     That accomplished and adding an apple and a piece of pie to
the box he was about ready to leave the house.  He glanced at his
watch.  It was 7:10.  Right on time.  He locked the kitchen door,
walked out to his car, tossed his lunchbox on the seat next to
him, started the car and backed down the driveway.
     As he started down the street, he remembered that he needed
a tank of gas, so made a left turn to Walnut Street then pulled
in the Texaco station 2 blocks down the street.  He got out of
the car and put 12 gallons of gas in the tank.  He walked inside
the station to pay.  His old buddy from school, RJ, was behind
the counter and greeted Dale as he walked through the door.  Dale
finally found out when they graduated from high school that RJ
didn't have a name, just had been named "R J" by his parents.  He
thought that was better than "Billy Bob" or "Junior Pete" like a
couple of other friends.  Dale actually would have preferred to
be called "Joe", but his mother wouldn't hear of it.  She told
him that if she'd known his father was never coming back she
would have given him a different middle name.
     RJ said, "Mornin' Dale, How goes it?"
     "Great, a beautiful day for baling hay."
     "How come the Williamson's are still using that old square
baler?  They must be the only ones in the country still doing
that."
     Dale laughed as he pulled several bills out of the wallet.
"They are a lot more work, but safer to handle.  Remember the
dude over in Carroll County that had one break loose and fall on
him?  Paralyzed him.  He'll never walk again and has to have
someone feed him even.  Besides, handling the square bales and
stacking them keeps me in shape."
     RJ said, "Yeah, guess I hadn't thought of that." Then,
thinking to himself, 'Yeah, you're in shape, all right.  I'd like
to see more of that shape behind your button fly.'
     He handed Dale some change and said, "Have a good day and
don't try to move the whole hayfield today."
     Dale told him, "I've got Pat Burns and Michael Russo to
help.  You'd be surprised at the hay we can bale and stack in a
day's time," as he headed to the door.
     They exchanged "good-byes" as Dale walked out of the
station.
     RJ, like Dale, had never let anyone know of his interest in
other men.  He'd been out to the rest area on the highway; about
12 miles down the road, several times, but was scared to do
anything when approached by other men.  He especially thought
Dale was a real "stud" but was scared to approach him even though
he didn't think Dale ever went out with women.
     Dale got back in his car, started it and dropped it in gear.
He carefully pulled out into traffic and sure enough, even though
he was a little late, there was the school bus waiting at the
third stoplight and Dale was stuck behind it.  After they hit the
city limits, the bus didn't speed up and flashed his lights.
Dale realized that there was no oncoming traffic and pulled
around the bus.  As he got even, he realized that Wade Harris was
driving the bus.  He tooted his horn and Wade waved as Dale moved
on down the road.  'Guess Wade as a new route this year,' Dale
thought as he went past.  'Maybe he should warn Wade about the
Riley twins pestering the other kids,' but then remembered that
everybody in town knew what ornery little snots they were.
Besides, Wade didn't allow rowdiness on his bus.
     Dale covered the six miles to the Bar-W in about 10 minutes
time because he got behind a tractor pulling a 16-bottom plow.
There wasn't enough shoulder for the tractor to pull over to
allow traffic to go past.  Oncoming traffic had to pull way off
the road to let the tractor and plow go past.  Finally he got to
the driveway, made his turn and slowly made his way up the half-
mile drive.  Jason and Kevin were on their way to catch the bus
and were almost to the highway.  Both waved, indicating that they
wanted Dale to stop, which he did.
     Both boys leaned in the passenger door and greeted Dale with
a cheerful "Mornin' Dale."
     "Morning yourselves, guys.  Ready for another day at the
salt mine?" laughing as he greeted them.
     "Yeah," Jason answered.  "Thanks for the help last night.
It should make gym class easier for me today, especially now that
I know how to climb a rope."
     Kevin echoed his thanks and about that time the school bus
came around the curve on the highway.  "We gotta run.  Hope to
see you tonight," Kevin said.
     "Yeah, thanks again, Dale," finished Jason.
     Dale drove on to the house then back to the barn and parked
his car in the shade close to the farm trucks.
     He took his lunch pail, walked to the cooler and slipped it
inside.  He pulled a thermos off the shelf and filled it with ice
water for later in the morning.  He walked to the office and
looked at the big calendar on the wall, knowing that he and his
crew would be mowing, raking and baling hay, even without
looking.  Section 17 was the scheduled field to work today.
Sweet clover hay.  Dale could smell the aroma just thinking about
it, even though the field was 2 miles away from where he was
standing.
     About that time Michael and Pat arrived in Pat's car and
parked in the area where Dale left his car.  They went through
the same routine as Dale, placing their lunches in the cooler and
filling large thermos bottles with ice and water.  Then they
walked into the office.
     Dale turned around, handing them the time sheets for them to
fill out.  "If you wanna get paid, sign here, he laughed."
     Although the guys were expected to work 40 hours a week and
were paid accordingly, the time sheets were for keeping track of
overtime, which would not be paid without a written entry and
initial on the log.
     "Morning, guys," Dale said.  "Have a good evening?"
     Almost in unison, "Yeah". "Great".  Dale wasn't sure which
response each guy made.
     "We're going to be working Section 17 today," pointing to
the map.  Clover hay.  You guys can decide which job you want,
but it needs to be cut and raked, then tomorrow morning we can
start baling with two balers.  I have a young fellow coming out
this morning who wants to work here.  His name is John (he looked
at the pad in his hand) Sterling.  He's from over at Bennington
and went to school at Western last year."
     "Great," replied Pat, with Michael echoing.
     Dale went on, "He's supposed to be here about 8 o'clock so I
can talk to him, but I'm pretty sure he'll work out okay and,
hopefully, can start today.  We've got a lot of work coming up in
the next 2 months and need the extra hand.
     "I had a meeting with Mort last evening before I went home.
The Williamson's are adding about 2,500 acres to the ranch in the
next few weeks.  The cattle crew will be moving at least two
herds of cattle onto the new spread and will be vacating some
land where they've been grazing.
     "So, the bottom part of Section 5 will need to be plowed and
prepared for planting as soon as it's available.  Mort told me to
plant soybeans, but it's too late for that crop.  We'll probably
plant winter wheat now, then soybeans after the harvest next
summer.  Then it can go to sweet clover hay or alfalfa.  I need
to sit down with the cattle and horse crew foremen and find out
what their feed requirements are going to be.
     Pat and Michael nodded their assent and Dale went on.  "You
guys get the two John Deere tractors.  The mower deck and rake
are already hung on them so they should be ready to go.  Whoever
is mowing will probably need to make one complete swath and start
on the second before the other can start raking.  Just plan your
work before you start.  You've done this several times, so I
don't need to help you, do I?"
     Again, almost in unison, "No, sir."
     "Okay, I have to see to the unloading of feed as soon as the
driver gets here, then talk to John and afterward, go to a
planning meeting at 9 o'clock.  After that I need to finish up
the repair on one of the balers because Gary is working on one of
the tractors..  I'll see to it that you are picked up by noon to
come back here for lunch."
     "Got it," Michael said, starting to walk away.
     Pat said, "Thanks, Dale," and followed after Michael.
     As they walked away, Dale thought they had made good
progress learning the ways of the Bar-W since this was the end of
their first summer here.
     * * * * *
     "Do you want to mow, or rake?" Michael asked Pat.
     "I don't care.  I've done both and they are both pretty much
just riding the tractor around and around.  Whichever, you want
me to do."
     Pat was shy and would never challenge anybody about
anything.  Michael thought if they told Pat to go swim across the
river, he'd jump in then ask where he was supposed to end up.
However, he was strong, seldom made mistakes and never
complained.  Although neither knew it, both were candidates to be
made part of the permanent ranch crew... if they wanted the jobs.
     As the two headed off to get their tractors, they picked up
gloves, hats and their thermos bottles.  It was going to be a hot
day and there was no shade on an open tractor.  Tractors on the
Bar-W were purchased for the jobs that needed to be done and that
was one place the crew's comfort wasn't considered.  There were
no air-conditioned tractors on the place.
     * * * * *
     About that time the Co-op feed truck came up the lane and a
blue Honda coupe was right behind it.  Dale didn't know the truck
driver, but the Honda belonged to John Sterling.  He headed to
the truck and told John to wait for him, that he'd be with him in
a few minutes.
     The driver knew Dale and introduced himself as Mark Clarke.
They exchanged pleasantries and Dale started to direct him where
to go.  Mark interrupted politely, "Same place as last time?"
     Dale was surprised and answered, "Yeah.  Need some help?"
     Mark replied, "No, there's not that much and it's all in
fifty-pound sacks.  I can handle it.  The grain can be
transferred by the auger on the bin."
     "Okay, go to it," Dale said.  "Honk the horn when you're
through and I'll come sign the delivery ticket for you."
     "Okay," Mark replied and drove off.
     * * * * *
     John was still sitting in his car when Dale walked back
toward the office.
     "Come on in here and we'll talk," Dale said, introducing
himself.
     John got out of his car, Dale eyeing him and liking what he
saw.  They went in Mort's office, Dale sitting in front of the
desk and motioning for John to sit next to him.   "Thanks for
coming out this morning.  We usually try to get our farm business
accomplished the first thing so we can work without interruptions
the rest of the day.  Let me explain the job to you and if I
decide to hire you... and you want the job... we'll fill out the
paperwork.  Okay?"
     John agreed, saying "Yes, that's fine with me."
     Dale liked John's firm way of talking and could tell he had
a good attitude immediately.
     "Have you had experience around a farm before?"
     "Yes, my parents have 320 acres over by Bennington.  My
oldest brother works with Dad and my other brother helps as he
can.  They really don't need me on a regular basis and Dad
suggested I come over here.  He told me not to go to Diamond-R."
     "Smart fellow, your father."
     "Okay, so you can drive a tractor, can you plow?"
     "Yes, I've handled up to a 12-bottom with no problem."
     "We generally use a 12 here, but just got a new 16 about
three months ago.  Used it for the first time after wheat
harvest.  I don't find much difference between them, but you have
to be careful on turns.  The 16 seems to take up an extra acre,"
he smiled.
     "That shouldn't be a problem."
     "Are you strong?  We handle a lot of hay here and still use
the old square bales.  The owners like to store hay rather than
let it lay in the fields.  We figure it's too dangerous to move
the "shredded wheat" around."
     "Dad uses the square bales, too.  I'm used to it.  I was on
the gymnastics team in high school.  You develop muscles that
most don't know even exist," answered John.
     "We generally work a 40-hour week here, sometimes less but
usually more.  The job pays $9.50 an hour to start with time-and-
a-half for any overtime per day.  You don't have to work 40 hours
to get overtime like most places.  Our hours are generally 8 a.m.
to 5:30, with a half hour for lunch.  A lot of the time in the
summer, we actually try to start at 6 a.m. because of the heat.
Most of the time we will work a 12-hour day, but try not to go
over unless there is a threat of a storm and we need to finish
getting a crop in.  So, if for example you work 20 hours
overtime, you will get $665 for the week.  Of course, Uncle Sam
takes a chunk of that, but that's between you and him," he
laughed.
     "The ranch is divided into three areas.  I'm foreman of the
crops crew and we have separate crews to handle cattle and
horses.  We're in the process of acquiring another 2,500 acres
and getting ready to reorganize our management of employees.  All
changes for the better, I think, for those of you on the crew.
We will be adding more permanent crewmembers, especially in my
area.  If you are looking for a full-time year-around position,
you could be hired if you work out okay... and, if you're
interested."
     "Sounds good to me.  I haven't decided if I want to go back
to school or not.  I got along pretty good at Western, but
decided to lay out a year and see how I get along."
     "Okay.  The busy times here are from March to November.
December, January and February are slack months, but we use that
time to rebuild and repair equipment and build some new things we
think we need.  We've got a good mechanic, but he can't keep up
with everything that needs to be done.
     "The cattle and horse people are busy all year around, but
they don't help us and we don't help them, so you don't need to
worry about being moved unless you decide you'd rather do that."
     "I like cattle and horses, but don't think that's for me,"
said John.
     "Okay, I think you can do the job.  Are you interested?"
     "Yes, the Bar-W has a good reputation and I like to be
outdoors instead of driving a delivery truck or working some
inside job."
     "When can you go to work?"
     "When do you need me?"
     "Could you start either today or tomorrow?"
     "Tomorrow would be better.  I need to look for a place to
stay and get my things from home.  Are there any places to stay
around here?"
     "Two of the other guys who work for me stay at the old
Starlight.  It used to be a motel, but they rent rooms by the
week or month.  It's not fancy, but reasonable and clean.  Check
there.  If not, there are a couple of rooming houses.  Ol' Slim
at the Starlight can direct you if he doesn't have a room.
     Dale stood up and walked to a file cabinet, saying, "Let me
get the employment forms and you can fill them out."  He pulled a
folder that had all the necessary blank forms in it.  Handing the
folder to John, he said, "Here's the forms and a pen.  You can
use this corner of the desk."
     John started on the forms and asked a couple of questions as
he filled them out.  Dale was filling out a timecard and
gathering other things John would need.  "Since you are over 18,
we don't have to have a parent approval form, so give that back
to me.  Maybe someone else will need it."
     It didn't take John very long to fill out an application, W-
4 form and a couple of other employment forms that were needed.
He handed the folder back to Dale.
     Dale glanced at everything and only saw one blank that
hadn't been filled out.  He handed the form back to John, pointed
to the "in case of emergency, notify" blank.  "You need to put
your parents names in there.  You do live with them, don't you?"
     "Yes, I wasn't sure what that meant and thought our doctor's
name was to go there."
     "No we need your parent's names and phone number in case you
get hurt or get sick."
     Dale indicated the interview/hire process was over and John
stood up.
     "Be here by 8 a.m. tomorrow morning and I'll show you about
the time sheets.  We have plenty of thermos bottles here and
there is ice and water in the cooler in the next room.  You can
keep your lunch in there, too.  As far as clothes, we're going to
be handling hay the rest of the week.  I suggest heavy denim
jeans; Levis, and you might want a long-sleeved shirt to keep
from getting scratched by the hay.  Boots - no soft shoes, a hat
or cap and maybe a bandanna to keep your neck from getting
sunburned or to use as a sweatband."
     "Thank you.  I think I'm going to like working for you."
     "Glad to have you with us.  See you tomorrow morning," Dale
said, thinking 'and yeah, I'd like to work ON you.'
     As they said their good-byes, a new silver Grand Prix came
up the driveway and as John drove away, a white pick-up driven by
Ray Evans pulled up in front of the house.
     Dale headed across the expansive lawn to the house.  It was
8:55.  About that time, one of the farm pickups came rolling up
the drive.  Mort got out and the foreman of the cattle crew drove
off.
     About that time Mark, the driver for the Co-op honked the
horn on his truck.   He was driving toward the house and Dale
waited for him so he could sign the feed delivery ticket, taking
a copy for the ranch office.
* * * * *
     Dale had only been in the house once and then, just in the
kitchen.  That was to take some eggs to Mrs. Wood.  She greeted
the men as they went through the kitchen, directing them to the
family room since there was a table where papers could be spread
out.
     Marty greeted each of the men, making introductions where
needed.  Martin, Sr. came in about that time and shook hands with
everyone, clapping them on the shoulder.  It was amazing how much
the Williamson's resembled each other.  You could look at Martin,
Sr. and see Marty about 25 years older.  Marty pointed out the
coffee, juice and hot cinnamon rolls and told them to help
themselves.
     Dale had seen Craig Bastian around Williamsport before, but
never knew who he was.  Craig was about 5'10", maybe weighed 160,
and had blond hair and blue eyes that seemed to look right
through into your soul.  Dale guessed him to be around 26 to 28
years old.  He liked what he saw.  Craig wasn't wearing a wedding
ring, although that didn't mean anything.  Except he was wearing
a nice onyx ring on the third finger of his right hand.
     Marty indicated the men should sit down and opened the
meeting by saying that he and his father were expanding the ranch
and wanted to provide an additional incentive for crew members to
stay in their employ for a longer time.
     "To do this we've decided to provide our permanent, single,
crew members with a bunk-house, but an 'upscale' bunkhouse.  I've
asked Craig Bastian, who has designed some recent building on the
ranch, to come up with a preliminary plan.  But... I want each of
you to suggest things we might have overlooked.  We don't want
this just to be four walls and a few beds."
     Craig stood up and told the fellows, "I've come up with two
preliminary plans.  The first one is what I think Marty just
rejected," he laughed.  "It was for a large room to accommodate
several single beds, a large shower room with toilets and wash
basins, then another room with limited kitchen facilities."
     Marty spoke up, laughing.  "Yes, Craig, I don't know from
personal experience, but I think that is just a step better than
the county jail... and only because there are no bars on the
windows."
     Everybody laughed.
     "We've not trying to design a 'Taj Mahal for Cowboys', but
something where the guys have some privacy and comfort.  We've
never had more than a couple of married fellows working for us,
so we're not trying to provide for a family.  If the guys want to
get married we can add some rental help to their wage and benefit
package instead of providing a place to live, like the single
men."
     Craig looked at Marty, grinning and said, "Well put.  Okay,
moving along... The other plan I've sketched has bedrooms for two
men to share, space for two double beds and chests or dressers, a
bathroom with a tub shower and a closet.  There would be a
"common room", or you could call it a living room, with a small
kitchen in one end.  Don't know how much cooking you fellows
might try, but this has a cook top, refrigerator, microwave,
dishwasher and some counter space.  Another counter divides this
room from the common room and chairs can be pulled up for meals.
Anyone have any comments or questions?"
     Dale was primed, as he'd thought of a suggestion this
morning.  "Yes, first of all I want to say "thanks" to the
Williamson's.  I'm selling my mother's house and was going to be
looking for an apartment.  This is just great for me.  The one
thing I thought about is having a washer and dryer so we don't
have to run into town to have clean clothes.  If you could
provide a washer and dryer hookup, I'd be glad to donate the ones
I have."
     Marty spoke up.  "That's an excellent idea and it doesn't
appear that Craig thought about that.  Craig, these guys get
pretty dirty and I know that sometimes a trip into town won't
work because of the Laundromat being closed... or busy.  Yes, we
need a place for them.  Washers with big tubs and large-capacity
dryers.  Glad you thought of that, Dale, and we won't need you to
provide yours.  It's a minor expense."
     Mort spoke up, asking, "How large are the bedrooms?"
     Craig answered, "11 feet by 22 feet."
     Mort did some quick calculations.  "Not big enough.  With
two double beds there isn't much space left over by the time you
get two chests or dressers in there.  I think they need to be
more like 15 by 30 feet, or somewhere close.  These guys might
want a couple of chairs and a TV in there, too."
     Martin, Sr. agreed.  "Mort's got the right idea.  No use
crowding these guys, they're all big men.  Square footage is
cheap after you build a foundation."
     Marty agreed.  "Why don't we do that size and make it three
bedrooms?  Build it two-stories and put two bedrooms upstairs and
one downstairs.  That keeps the foundation small without
spreading all over.  Do you think you could come up with
something like that, Craig?  Guess you can or you wouldn't be in
business, would you?"
     Craig made some quick sketches and held up a sheet of paper
with lines and some measurements on it.  "How about this?" and
passed the paper to Marty.
     Marty looked at it, passed it to his father and it went on
around so everyone could see it.  "I don't see anything wrong
with it," Marty replied.
     As the paper went around, everyone agreed it was a good
plan.
     While the sketch was going around the room, Craig was
assessing Dale.  He thought, 'here's a real ranch stud.'  He
guessed Dale to be about 24, about six-foot one or two and
probably weighed 180 to 190.  Hard to tell, but it looked like he
was all chest and biceps with a slim waist.  And, oohhh, a furry
chest that he could see behind the unbuttoned polo shirt.  Woof!!
Craig had seen Dale around town, in fact knew that his mother had
died.  He didn't know what had happened to Dale's father, but his
parents must have been divorced.  He remembered Dale was a
freshman when he was a senior in high school.  He remembered that
his business partner, Don, had mentioned he was buying Rita
Richard's old house from her son and was planning to fix it up
for rental property.  That might be an opening to get acquainted
with Dale because he thought he was someone he wanted to know
better.
     The paper was back to Marty.  He looked at Ray and asked,
"How detailed do the drawings need to be?"
     Ray said, "I've never had a full set of plans for anything
I've built out here.  We don't have to get a building permit
since you are out of the city... and practically own your own
country."  Everybody laughed.
     "Mainly what I need are measurements, wall construction,
wiring and plumbing layouts and roof detail.  I can make up a
bill of material pretty easy from those drawings."
     "Okay, Craig how long will it take you to lay all this out
and get Ray some basic plans?"
     Craig had done plenty of work for the Williamson's before as
they owned a number of business properties that were always being
remodeled when tenants moved in and out.  There were also rental
houses and apartments, but they seldom needed any major
renovation.
     "I think I can have what Ray needs by this time next week.
If my partner, Don, can't work this in, I can do it myself.
We've got plenty of work, but no immediate deadlines coming up,
except yours which you wanted two days before we talked about
it," he laughed.
     Everyone in the room laughed again.
     "Okay Ray, let's say you had drawings by next Tuesday, how
long before you could have a bill of material and be ready to
start?"
     Ray took his cap off and scratched his head.  "Keith and
Andy have plenty to do, but we've just hired two framing
carpenters so if we can find some extra help we could be underway
in another week.  I think this will frame up pretty quickly and
there probably won't be a lot of finish detail except for
woodwork.  I suggest you buy ready-built cabinets for the
bathrooms and kitchen.  Craig, you can specify trade items for
me.  That way we know they'll fit.  I'll have to schedule
plumbing and electric people but they do enough work for us that
we seldom have to wait if the give them plenty of notice.
     "If the weather holds, 3 or four days for concrete, then
framing.  We should have it closed in within two weeks, then two
more weeks to put in heating and air-conditioning, wire,
insulate, sheetrock, paint and hang cabinets.
     Dale was thinking, 'My gosh, they don't fool around.'  He
didn't know the extent of the big remodel job on the house
several years before, but knew it was a lot of work and completed
in a very short time.
     Marty stood up.  "Thanks for taking time out of your
schedules.  Craig, I guess the ball is in your court for now.
We'll probably be doing something similar to this for the cattle
and horse crews next spring."
     As they headed out the door, Craig stopped Dale on the
porch.  "Is Don Albrecht buying your house?"
     Dale was surprised.  "Yes, I think that's his name."
     "He's my business partner and I thought I heard him say that
he'd made an offer on it," Craig replied.
     Dale answered, "The realtor told me that he thought we'd get
one right away, but I haven't heard anything since last week."
     Craig thought quickly.  "Could I come look at the place?
Maybe I could give him some ideas about remodeling it for a
rental?"  Craig knew this was a bold-assed lie, because he could
care less what Don ever did with any property he bought to fix
up.  But, this was the only way he could think of to meet Dale
away from other people.  In other words, he needed to move
quickly.
     Dale was thrilled to know that the house might sell quickly.
He was also thankful Craig wanted to come to his house because he
couldn't think of a way to get acquainted with Craig.  Things
seemed to be falling in line for that to happen.
     "Well, I should be home by 6:30 this evening.  I guess
anytime after that would work for me."
     Craig said, "How about getting a bite to eat together
afterward?"
     Dale was ahead of him.  "How about you come to the house and
we can order pizza.  I'll pick up some beer and get stuff to make
a couple of salads?"  He didn't want Craig to get away after he
looked at the house.
     Craig thought, 'Hmmm, this might be easier than I thought.'
"Sure, why don't I furnish the beer, you can do the salads and we
can split the pizza?  Okay?"
     "Sure, what time?"
     "Let's say 7 o'clock, then if you have to be here late this
evening you won't have to rush around," Craig answered.
     "Suits me.  I'll have time to clean up a little."
     Craig thought about Dale being a little sweaty and got a
tingle in his groin.  'Darn, well maybe another time.'
     "Okay, 7 it is.  He's my card if something should happen and
this doesn't work out."
     Dale said, "I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas,"
thinking, 'I don't care what you guys do with the house.'
     They parted company, waving as Craig drove down the
driveway.
     It was going to be a long afternoon... for both of them.
     * * * * *
     There was some paperwork that needed Dale's attention after
the meeting.  There were invoices to be okayed for delivery of
parts, repairs and a new loader.  These would be delivered to the
accounting firm who paid the bills each week.
     He looked at his watch.  11:35.  The morning had passed
quickly.  He walked over to the other barn, climbed in a new
Chevy farm pickup and headed down the road to pick up Pat and
Michael so they could eat lunch.
     As he pulled into the field he saw that they were about
halfway through with the mowing and raking, Pat driving the
tractor with the mower.  Dale drove across the field as Pat
stopped the unit and killed the engine on the tractor.  Within
two minutes Michael pulled up on the other tractor and did the
same.  The guys crawled in the cab with Dale and they started
back to the ranch buildings.
     "Is the equipment running okay?" Dale asked.
     "Yeah, no problem," said Pat.
     "Michael said, "My JD (John Deere) sometimes acts like
there's a little water in the fuel.  Every once in awhile it
hiccups a couple of times and then is fine."
     "Take a new filter with you for the fuel and drain the bowl
ahead of the injector pump.  May have gotten a little water when
they delivered the last tank of fuel," replied Dale.
     They drove in the driveway and up to the main barn where
everybody climbed out of the cab.  Pat and Michael headed to the
restroom, then to the cooler to get their lunches.  Before coming
out, they grabbed a Coke.  Pat hollered at Dale, "Do you want a
soda?"
     Dale said, "I'll get it when I get my lunch, thanks."
     He went to the restroom, took care of his business, and then
washed his hands and face.  After that he went in to get his
lunch pail and a soda for himself.  As he took the can out of the
cooler, he thought about the fact that free sodas were another
way of the Bar-W telling the crew that they were appreciated.  He
was sure that if the guys at Diamond-R even had soft drinks that
they had to pay more than buying them from a machine in town.
     As they ate, the discussion covered a wide-range of
subjects, from recent movies to the up-coming county fair, the
latest CD's, television shows (new season starting soon) and
their cars.
     Dale asked them about their plans for fall, since they had
been hired as summer help.  He was going to sound them out about
staying on as permanent help.
     Michael spoke up and asked, "Are there still plans to hire a
permanent crew for the crops and general maintenance?"
     Dale said, "I'm glad you asked.  We have some changes coming
up in that regard.  Are you interested in staying on?"
     Michael replied, "I'm not going to be able to go back to
school.  My grades are good, but I couldn't get a scholarship for
this year."
     Pat said, "My grades aren't very good.  I do okay, but
school is a lot of work.  I don't know if it's worth it."
     Dale said, "Well, we are ready to take on a permanent crew
and there's going to be a great incentive if you decide to do
so."
     "What?" almost in unison.
     "We had a meeting this morning and they are going to build a
house for the single members of the crew to live in.  It won't be
fancy, but certainly better than the Starlight where you guys now
live.  There's going to be room for 6 guys to live, two to a room
with a bath, and a common room with a kitchen in it."
     "That's quite an incentive.  Do you know how much it's going
to cost to live there?" asked Michael.
     "If you are part of the permanent crew, it's part of the
benefits package, but there might not be a wage raise for several
years."
     Pat spoke up.  "We pay $25 a week where we stay and we
aren't supposed to have any food in the room, except for what we
can buy and eat immediately."
     "Yeah, and I'm beginning to wonder if it's safe to live
there," said Michael.  He thought for a moment.  "We're paying
$1,300 a year to live there.  I hadn't figured out what it cost,
except for a month at a time.  If we pay our rent monthly, we get
a 10% discount.  Big deal!"
     Dale said, "Well, the offer is there.  You are both good
help and if we do take you on as permanent crew members, you'll
get insurance benefits and a 2-week paid vacation, too.
Sometimes, if it's a profitable year, we get a year-end bonus,
but no guarantee on that."
     "I'm ready to sign anything you put in front of me," Pat
said.
     "Count me in.  I love working here and you've just made it
more attractive," added Michael.
     "Okay, we can work on contracts and talk about this again in
a few days.  Just don't tell anyone else about the new living
quarters.  We'll have so many people standing in line that we
won't get any work accomplished," Dale told them.
     "By the way, I hired John Sterling this morning.  He'll be
here at 8 o'clock in the morning.  We ought to be able to make
hay tomorrow."  Then he realized what he'd said, laughed and
added, "No pun intended."
     The other guys laughed.  Pat said, "That wasn't 'punny'" and
Michael said, "Pun intended."  They all laughed.
     As they were finished with lunch the guys went back to the
restroom, then filled their big thermos jugs with ice and water.
Dale went to the loft to get a fuel filter, and then headed to
the pickup to take the guys back to the field to complete their
job.
     Pat and Michael piled in the seat and Dale drove to the
driveway and down the highway to the Section 17 field.  As they
pulled onto the highway, Dale handed Michael the new filter and
asked, "You know what to do, don't you?"
     Michael replied, "Yes, no problem."
     As he let them out, he said, "One of us will be back about
5:30 to remind you to quit for the day."  He laughed and waved as
he drove off.
     * * * * *
     Dale worked on the wire feed for the baler after lunch and
finally got it so the tension worked right and the bales were
bound tightly.  Both balers were ready to go so Pat and Michael
should be able to start that operation in the morning, or as soon
as they were through mowing and raking.  John would be joining
the crew tomorrow morning, so they should get a lot done with two
driving the balers and the other two stacking bales on the
flatbed trailer used to transport the bales for storage.
     By the time he checked John's employment forms, made several
phone calls to order supplies needed for the farm, it was time to
go get Michael and Pat so they could all go home.
     He hopped in the pickup, drove down the road and was pleased
to see that Michael had just mowed the last swath of standing
clover and Pat was within two minutes of the final pass of raking
the hay in a row for the balers to pick up in the morning.
     He got out of the pickup and waited for the guys to pull up
alongside him.
     "You might as well drive the tractors back to the ranch and
we'll be ready to move the balers out in the morning.  I'll
follow behind you with the flasher lights on.  The two fellows on
the tractors started for the highway with Dale following.  There
really wasn't much need for the flashers, the road was level and
the tractors could make 35 mph with no problem.  Never the less,
he was supposed to follow in the pickup.  Ranch rules.
     In a few minutes they were back at the ranch and Dale
checked their time sheets and told them, "Goodnight."
     They exchanged good-byes and Pat and Michael left in Pat's
car.
     Dale was through for the day, too, and was in his car within
5 minutes, headed to town.
     * * * * *
     He remembered that he needed some things to make a tossed
salad to go with the pizza, so stopped at the IGA store a few
blocks from his house to pick up grated cheese, lettuce, a couple
of tomatoes, green pepper, an avocado, green onions and a
cucumber.  As he headed for the checkout, he remembered that he
needed a loaf of bread and some lunchmeat for sandwiches the next
day.
     By the time he got to his house, he was starting to relax
from the day's activities and was getting really excited because
Craig was going to stop at his house and maybe spend the evening.
He hoped so, anyway.
     Dumping the grocery bag on the counter after he entered the
house, he put almost everything in the refrigerator and headed to
the bedroom to get ready for his shower.  He could make the salad
after he was clean, there would be plenty of time for that.
     In the bedroom, he shucked his boots.  They weren't dirty,
so he could get by with just brushing them this evening.  As he
put them on the floor, he moved the other two pair in their
rotation.  The black pair was up to be the next worn.
     Dale popped the buttons on his 501's and dropped them to the
floor after emptying the pockets.  The other clothes followed in
short order and Dale carried them to the laundry basket by the
washing machine and dumped them.  He remembered that there were
clean clothes in the washer and emptied it, pulling the Levis and
other clothes out and filling the dryer.  He turned it on for 45
minutes on low.  He needed to remember to pull the shirts out at
that time, and then give the Levis more time to dry completely.
     He started to grab a beer from the fridge, but decided he'd
wait for Craig to get there.  Thinking about Craig, he felt a
tingle in his groin and a twitch in his cock.
     Adjusting the water, he crawled in the shower and followed
the same routine as that morning and always.  While washing
himself, he thought about Craig again and started to harden.
'Down boy,' he thought.  'Maybe you'll get your chance later.'
     He got out of the shower, dried himself completely, and then
used the hair dryer to tame his still-damp hair.  His hair was
thick enough he didn't need hair spray, but it wouldn't hurt to
make sure.  He used some new deodorant that didn't have any
distinctive smell to it and got the bottle of his favorite
cologne, Paul Sebastian, which he'd bought with a gift
certificate he'd received at Christmas last year.
     Back to the bedroom.  What to wear?  God, he was worse than
a girl getting ready to go on her first date.  Well, maybe he
was.  He'd heard that some gay guys referred to themselves and
others like them as "girls"... and hopefully... this was a first
date.
     Since they were going to eat there, Dale decided on a pair
of white Levi 501's that he'd only worn once before.  Was he
being provocative?  "Hell yes."  He decided to wear boxers, so
pulled a silk pair out, along with black socks... he was going to
wear black loafers.  What about a shirt.  Something sexy?  `Of
course,' he told himself.  He wasn't sure who might seduce whom,
but regardless, he needed something sexy.
     While rummaging through the closet, the thought suddenly hit
him that he should put clean sheets on his bed.  Wearing only his
boxers and socks, he laid the Levis aside and quickly stripped
the bed, taking the bedding to the laundry basket, too.
     Back to the linen closet, pulling out clean sheets, then
thinking about clean towels for the bathroom.  'How did a girl
ever get ready for a date?' he wondered.  He was sure that a guy
didn't need as much preparation... or did they?
     Hanging clean towels in the bathroom, he took the used ones
to the laundry basket.  Check the time:  6:45.  Damn, he hoped
Craig wasn't early.
     It took less than 3 minutes to put clean sheets on the bed
and sack up two pillows.  There were two pillows in white cases
in his chair, so he threw them on the bed, too.
     6:49.  Almost there.  He remembered an off-white v-neck knit
pullover in his dresser drawer.  Perfect.  Get it out, pull it
on.  Should he tuck it in or wear it out?  If he tucked it in he
probably should wear a belt.  No, leave it out, but pull the
bottom up to the belt line, then let it drape over his stomach.
Look in the mirror.  'Perfect, you good-looking stud.'
     Stepping into his loafers and off to the kitchen.  He got
out a wood salad bowl that his mother used to use on the rare
occasions they had company.  Tearing up lettuce, he decided he
had enough with the other ingredients.  He pulled out the green
pepper, onions, tomatoes and cucumber.  Those things should be
cut up and added at the last minute so they didn't get dry or
oxidize.  Put everything in the refrigerator except the avocado.
They turn black when they get cold.
     He was just ready to go in the living room when there was a
fancy tap at the door.  His heart turned a couple of extra beats
and his groin tingled again.  Like a giddy girl, he went to the
door, opening it and there he was, Craig, looking like a preppy
college man.
     He opened the door and Craig walked in, handing Dale a 12
pack of Coors premium.  Good taste in beer, this Craig.
     Dale was grinning ear to ear as Craig handed him the beer,
greeting him with a squeeze around the waist with a "Hi guy, how
are ya this evening?"
     "Hello yourself, I'm great (he thought, 'Now that you're
here'), how are you?"
     "Good, good.  I got a lot done on the plans for your new
house this afternoon.  If you want, they're in the car and we can
look at them later."
     Dale said, "Sure, make yourself comfortable while I put
these in the fridge.  Shall I open one for you?"
     "Of course... long day... I need a tall, cool one."
     Craig's eyes followed Dale as he went into the kitchen.
'Damn,' he thought.  'He looked like a hunk this morning.  These
clothes really made him look like a stud.  Wonder if he picked
out what he's wearing to impress me.  I hope so!'Dale opened the
carton, pulled two bottles out and put the rest on the bottom
shelf next to the salad bowl.  He shut the door, and then took
the caps off the two beer bottles.
     As he walked back in the living room, Dale noticed that
Craig was wearing a pair of chinos and a light blue polo that
seemed to accent his beautiful eyes.  Craig had a good body.  It
was hard to tell for sure this morning when he was wearing a
dress shirt and loose slacks.  This outfit accented his trimmed
body.
     Handing a bottle to Craig, he held his up, saying "Cheers."
     Craig smiled his beautiful smile and replied, "Cheers,"
touching Dale's bottle with his own.
     Craig looked around the room.  The house was in better shape
than he expected and although the decorations were cheap, it was
tastefully done.  "This is a nice place."
     "Thanks, it belonged to my grandparents, then my mother and
now, me."
     Dale hadn't changed much since his mother died, but he did
keep the house spotlessly clean.  A better housekeeper than his
mother, by far, and certainly better than his grandmother who
didn't ever do anything.  She expected Rita to keep it clean.
Rita did the best she could, but it was Dale who kept things
picked up and dusted.  Dale remembered the tons of trash and
magazines he hauled out after his grandparents died.  They must
have never thrown anything away!
     Dale asked, "Would you like to sit down?" thinking that
Craig would take one of the easy chairs and he the other.  Craig
thanked him and sat on the love seat, patting the cushion beside
him.  Dale didn't have any choice, but that was where he wanted
to sit... next to Craig.
     They sat down and both started to ask a question at the same
time.  "Did you..."  "How was..."  They laughed at each other and
themselves.
     Craig took a swig of beer, then without thinking, put his
hand on Dale's thigh.  It was like an electric charge going
through both of them, right to their groins.  Dale didn't pull
away and neither did Craig.  They looked into each other's eyes
and melted into each other.  It just felt so right.  Their lips
were like magnets seeking steel as they leaned toward each other.

To be continued...
* * * * *
Author's Note:  This is my first attempt at gay fiction, and the
only way I can learn whether or not I should continue is from my
readers' feedback.  I would appreciate your comments, criticism,
suggestions, and anything else that you would care to say.  All
Email will be answered.  If you wish to receive e-mail
notification of subsequent posting, please let me know by sending
your request to the e-mail address below.  Contact me at:
tulsadriller7@aol.com

Thanks for the overwhelming response to previous chapters.  I
received positive replies from all over the world.  My special
thanks to RW, whom I've known for many years and value his
suggestions.  Also for the proofreading help of Paul Daventon,
author of  "Turning the Page" found in the "Adult-Friends"
section of Nifty.  Please read it.