The Twisted Oak

Wade had to agree. This was ridiculous. “Can he really do anything?”

Casey glanced at Allyson, who nodded. “Randle can’t file anything with the sheriff, but…Hunter said the man couldfind an attorney and make trouble.”

God, Wade hated that man. He was just as evil as Kenneth Dwyer had been. “Is there anything we can do?”

Casey and Allyson exchanged looks again. “Hunter suggested you make appearances in town together, showing everyone you’re a couple. The more people who believe it, the less chance Milton has to rile up the community and get them on his side. As vile as he is, he’s lived here for years and does have many supporters.”

“He really wants your land, doesn’t he?” Lance asked.

“No surprise. It would almost double his property. Our cattle are highly prized and our soil is in top condition,” Wade explained.

“Guess we’ll need to get to work on Operation Newlywed,” Lance said, a twinkle in his eye.

Casey chuckled. “Sounds like a plan.”

Wade shook his head. Dear God, what had he gotten into? 9

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As Lance readied himself for bed that night, his thoughts were still on Milton Randle. He couldn’t put a finger on it, but something about the man made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. He was more than a casual threat to the Dwyer Ranch. Lance wasn’t sure what, but he knew in his soul Milton would pull something.

It was time to kick Operation Newlywed into high gear. And so what if it meant spending more time with Wade? That wasn’t why he was doing this. It was just an extra fantastic bonus. Yeah, he knew he was bullshitting himself, but he relegated those thoughts to the back of his mind.

He’d taken his shower first this evening and glanced at the bathroom door as he slid under the blankets. Knowing Wade was only a feet away and naked was driving him crazy. Last night, Lance had gone to bed without a shirt, just to see if he could get a reaction from Wade. He was pretty sure he’d caught him staring a few times, but it might have been wishful thinking. It was colder tonight, so he’d chosen to wear a T-shirt this time.

No matter his feelings for Wade, he needed to pull this off. He owed it to his best friend. Casey and he had clicked as children, and no matter their differences as they grew, they were loyal to each other. He’d never felt closer to anyone in his life. He loved him like a brother.

Of course, the emotions he felt for Wade were anything but brotherly. How many years had he imagined that night going differently? What if he’d not been so afraid to admit his feelings? Confess how he felt?

In all the years since then, he’d never met a man who’d made him feel like Wade did. That kiss—that one scorching kiss years ago—outshone any kiss since. Nobody had ever measured up to Wade. At some point, he’d even given up on kissing, avoiding it as much as possible. Why bother when he was always disappointed?

Of course, that prevented him from becoming truly intimate with anyone. He’d tried dating, but it always felt forced to him. He’d never met anyone he wanted to share a bed with. Sleeping over was against his rules. Yet here he was, anxious for Wade to join him in bed. Even knowing the marriage was a sham, his heart raced at hearing the door handle jiggle. You are reading on n​ovelceo.com, the official source.

He lay on his back, his gaze pinned to the door, his breath held, watching for Wade to come out. And when Wade didstep into the room, steam followed him. He wore a pair of red pajama bottoms that hung low on the hips. Lance swallowed hard as his gaze traveled along his broad, muscled chest, covered in swirls of dark hair, still damp from the shower, that met in the center and traveled down his taut belly, disappearing into the pajama pants. Lance couldn’t take his eyes off that waistband even as Wade pulled a shirt over his head.

“Lance?”

His gaze shot up to Wade’s face and he saw a hint of a smile. Crap. He had been caught. “Uh, sorry. Distracted. Lost in thought,” he babbled. “Did you ask something?”

Wade climbed into bed. “No. Was just wondering if you were okay.”

Wade turned off the lamp, blanketing the room in darkness. A sliver of moonlight shone through the blinds near the other side of the room and Lance kept his eyes on Wade as he settled in.

“Do I have something on me?” Wade’s voice sounded gruff.