He didn’t take anything with him but his phone and wallet because again, for all he knew, it might not go anywhere. He stopped by Small Town Bean, got an iced coffee, then drove to Covington Supply Co and sat in his car and drank it.
Roe usually left around five, so Holden went into the store at four forty-five. It was busy, which didn’t surprise him. Roe had made a name for himself in Briar County. He was well liked, so Holden had no doubt that some people were willing to drive farther to get things at Covington Supply because of the service.
“How’s your son doing?” Holden heard in a familiar voice one aisle over. He went that direction, keeping his distance so as not to be seen. Roe was talking to a woman who looked to be in her sixties.
“Not too good. With the divorce and then the cancer scare with me…”
“We’ll have to see what we can do to cheer him up. I know his wife leaving was hard on him. Roger’s a nice man.”
The woman grinned at Roe. “Yes, he is.”
“How about you? How are the treatments going?”
The woman talked to him for a moment, and Roe listened, never making her feel rushed or looking impatient. At one point, Roe asked, “Is there anything I can do to help? Me and Wyatt can come help with the land. Sean Young is staying on our property too—good kid. I can bring the boys up, and we can do whatever you need. I’d have to talk to Holden and Marilee, but I know they won’t mind.”
Holden didn’t know what it was about hearing Roe say those words, but it made his chest get tight. All of it—Roe offering to help, including Sean in ways his nephew needed. He rubbed a hand over his heart, like he could work out the fullness there.
“You’re such a good boy.” The woman squeezed Roe’s arm. Hell, she was only twenty or so years older than Roe, so it was funny she’d call him a boy. “You know…my daughter is single…”
“Yes, I know, but I’m gay, remember?”
He loved that about Roe, that he put his truth out there, even in a small town like this, and let the chips fall where they may. Holden couldn’t help wondering if Roe knew how fucking brave he was.
When she said, “Well, my son is single now too,” Holden couldn’t hold back the chuckle.
Roe looked up, their eyes snagging, and Roe winked before returning his attention to the woman. “Yeah, but I don’t think Roger is interested in men, so not sure how that would work out.”
“It was worth a try.” She glanced over at Holden, then patted Roe’s hand. “I’ll let you get with your gentleman here. I think he’s waiting for you.”
“You have a good day, and I was serious about the help. You let me know what you need. Maybe I’ll just stop by and see you one day.”
Holden waited until she walked away to move closer to Roe.
“What are you doing here?” Roe asked.
“Just what she said. Waiting for you.” Holden looked around to make sure they were alone. “If you don’t have plans, I was thinking since there’s always someone at the house, you could take me somewhere else so I can get on my knees for you like I promised. I’m a man of my word, after all.”
Roe growled low and deep, making Holden’s cock begin to swell. “Glad to hear you’re not gonna break your vow. I expect it to be as good as you said it would be.”
“Of course.”
Roe nodded. “Then I guess I can figure something out.”
“You guess, huh? I wouldn’t want to put you out.”
Roe surprised him by slipping a finger through Holden’s belt loop and tugging him closer. “I’m not lettin’ you off that easily. You know I’ve wanted you from the second I laid eyes on you, right?”
And there it went. Holden’s dick swelled. But even more than that, he felt…special, for some reason. Like this man, who was pure to the bone, saw something in him. It twisted Holden up. “Yeah…me too. Was confusing because of Vince.” Whom Holden would’ve never hurt. He cared about Vince too much, and as long as they’d been together, he’d never been drawn to another man the way he’d been to Roe.
Roe pulled his keys out of his pocket and handed them over. “I’ll meet you at my truck in a minute. We can come back for your car.”
Holden nodded, turned, and headed for the door. He found Roe’s black Chevy and leaned against it, and in less than five minutes, Roe appeared.
“You coulda got in.”
“I know.” Holden tossed him the keys and climbed into the passenger seat. “Where are you taking me?”
“Someplace private but outdoors. We’re gonna stop and get some food first, though. Do you need to be home by a certain time for anything?”