Free Colorado Hitch by Sara York

Doing the rope slide was frightening, but he wanted to learn how to slip down a rope headfirst without falling to the ground.
    Zander was one level below them and pulled himself up, flipping his legs over the edge before he rolled to sit up. As Davis understood it, there were multiple ways to work his way up the four-story structure to the rope that stretched from the top to a pole about fifty feet away. The whole set up was intimidating, but he would rather be intimidated here on this ranch than out in the field where someone could be shooting at him.
    Roger seemed pleased with their progress. They would have the full course finished by the next afternoon and were planning a cookout to celebrate. He finished nailing in the last board and sat back, staring at what they’d accomplished. Many of the guys started their descent, leaving he and Ryan alone at the top.
    Even though Duff had lied to him, he didn’t want to leave Wild Bluff. This was home, and he had grown closer to the guys. Ryan and he could really build a life on this ranch.
    “Hey, what are you thinking about?” Ryan asked.
    “This place. I love it here. I know we haven’t gone out on any missions, but this is amazing. It’s like the best of the military without all of the bad parts. Maybe when the guys get focused on what needs to be done, it will be worse, but this is nice.”
    Ryan’s smile made it all the way to his eyes before he tugged Davis close and wrapped him in a huge hug. “Thank you.”
    Davis chuckled. “You’re welcome but what are you thanking me for?”
    “Wanting to stay. I love it here. The guys are cool. I’ll go if you want to leave, but I can’t imagine just walking away from this place. This is home now.”
    “It is, isn’t it,” Davis said.
    “Hey, you two, get back to work,” Roger called out.
    “Slave driver,” Davis whispered so the rest of the guys couldn’t hear them.
    Ryan snorted a laugh then dropped to the deck before lowering to the next level. Davis made his way down and began working on another obstacle. By the time the sun had set, they were done with the slide for life and had completed another four obstacles. He felt pride in what they’d accomplished. His muscles were sore, but he’d come by the soreness with honest work. He felt more alive than he had in ages. Dinner was a quiet affair and he was in bed with Ryan not long after they’d finished their meal.
    They woke early, the excitement intensifying each hour as they grew closer to completing the course. Around noon, Roger nailed in the last board on their final obstacle. A cheer went up and backs were slapped. After a fast shower that involved kissing and more, he and Ryan took a nap before the festivities began.
    They sat around the newly built fire pit, dinner settling in their bellies as they sipped on beer and tequila. A chilly wind blew off the mountain, and Billy had brought out jackets and sweatshirts for them all. He had no doubt that this was where he was supposed to be. His gaze settled on Ryan, the firelight catching in his eyes as he laughed at something Marshal had said. Ryan turned to stare at him, heat filled his gaze. Warmth spread through him and he felt lucky to have found this place and these men.
    Ryan stood and held out his hand, tugging Davis to his feet. A few of the guys made raunchy comments and wolf whistles sounded when Ryan pulled him into a kiss. Roger and Grant got up too, grabbing their empty bottles. He picked up his empties, tossing them in the trash before he followed Ryan inside. This little slice of heaven was the perfect place for he and Ryan to get to know each other. Soon, he and Duff would need to have another discussion, but for now, he was at peace with everything he knew to be true.

 
    Chapter Nine
     
    Life at Wild Bluff had been quiet for the last few months. It seemed that many of the political manipulations had disappeared, which led to fewer requests for assistance. Spring turned to summer then