Free Cattle Valley Mistletoe CV2 by Carol Lynne

my life.”
    Hal watched as Casey’s bright eyes clouded. “Let’s not dream anymore until we talk. We both know the things we need to work through aren’t minor, and if I’m going to have my heart broken…” Casey didn’t finish the sentence.
    “Fuck it,” Hal said putting the truck in gear. “I’ll park the truck in the garage.” He gave Casey another kiss before moving him back to the seat beside him. “The last thing I wanted was to get you upset again. I’m done working for the day. Right now and always, you’re more important.”
    Hal hit the garage remote and pulled in. Lifting Casey out of the truck, he carried him into the kitchen. “Why don’t you go put some sweats on while I make us some hot chocolate and build a fire? I won’t leave the house until we get things settled between us.”
    Casey stood looking at him for several moments. “Are you mad at me?” Hal realised his voice had gone brusque. He ran a hand over his face and shook his head.
    “No, baby, I’m mad at myself. Instead of just talking to you about my hang-ups, I’ve made you feel insecure. It’s me who’s insecure. I’m afraid once you know everything you’ll change your mind about loving me.”
    Taking two steps Casey wrapped his arms around Hal. “Whether or not we can work out our relationship has nothing to do with me loving you. I’ll always love you, Halden.” Letting out a breath, Hal hugged Casey as tight as he dared. Smacking that cute ass, he kissed Casey’s forehead. “Go get changed and I’ll be there in a minute.” 50

    Slipping on a pair of well-worn dark grey sweats, Casey sat on the bed. He knew he needed to prepare himself for this conversation, but he didn’t know how to start. He’d felt the tension in Hal’s body earlier when he’d asked about Hal’s family. Something told Casey Hal’s problem with God revolved around the death of his mother.
    Deciding to go without a shirt, Casey pulled the blanket off the end of the bed and carried it to the living room. Two cups of instant cocoa sat on the coffee table as Hal worked to get a fire going.
    Taking the time to appreciate the view of Hal’s butt in a black pair of boxer-briefs, Casey smiled. “I like your comfy clothes more than mine,” he said, coming further into the room.
    Hal looked over his shoulder and grinned. “Feel free to take off whatever you want. No need to stand on ceremony on my account.” Putting the fire-grate in place, Hal stood and turned toward him. “Grab those pillows off the couch and come over here.” Tossing the pillows onto the floor, Casey pushed his sweats down and off. Wearing nothing but a smile, Casey carried the blanket in front of him. “I thought we might get cold.”
    Hal’s gaze was riveted to Casey’s crotch. “I’m heating up just fine,” Hal said, pushing his underwear down his thighs.
    Casey was the first to stretch out on the rug. He held the blanket up. “Will you cover me up?”
    Grinning, Hal squatted, straddling Casey’s feet. “I’ll cover you.” He kissed his way up Casey’s legs, stopping for a quick taste of Casey’s awakening cock. By the time Hal reached his mouth, Casey was hard and wanting.
    Wrapping his legs around Hal’s torso, he pulled the bigger man down for a kiss. The warm depths of Hal’s chocolate flavoured mouth had Casey panting in no time. “Love you,” he whispered, breaking the kiss.
    Casey threaded his fingers through Hal’s hair, knowing it was time to get this over with.
    “Would you like me to start?”
    Hal shook his head and moved to lie beside Casey. Resting his head on Hal’s chest, Casey waited. After a few long moments, Hal began. “My mom got pregnant when she was nineteen. She’d left home with a guy—I assume he was my father—right after graduation. When she became pregnant, dear old dad took off. She turned to the church and they took her in, supported her. After I was born, they helped her find a little room in a boarding house.