Chapter 1: Introduction
The sun dipped low, casting a warm, honeyed glow over Dallas's ranch. The golden light caressed the dust motes dancing in the air, as if nature herself was putting on a show just for him. Kendall watched from the shadows, his eyes narrowed to slits, jaw clenched so tight it ached. Every fucking thing about this place was perfect—from the whitewashed fence that encircled the property to the rustic barn that housed Dallas's prize-winning horses. Even the goddamn cows seemed content, munching on grass as they wandered lazily across the pasture. It wasn't fair that just seeing content cows could make him this jealous.
Kendall's gaze landed on Dallas, who was leaning against the fence, laughing at something one of the ranch hands had said. The fucker was always laughing, always smiling. Always the center of attention. It should've been me, Kendall thought bitterly. I'm the one who's smart, who's got a fucking future. Dallas is just... lucky.
Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, a smile on his face, and a dick that seemed to magically attract every pussy within a twenty-mile radius.
Kendall stepped out of the shadows, his boots crunching on the gravel path leading up to the house. Dallas looked up, his smile widening when he saw Kendall. "Hey, man! What brings you out here?" he called out, pushing off from the fence and striding towards him.
They had been childhood friends, it's how they knew each other. Kendall's parents had guilted him into getting into college and getting a real job instead of playing cowboy with the weird kid.
But Dallas, well, Dallas had always known what he wanted. His family had money, sure, but Dallas didn't give a shit about college or city life. He wanted to work the land, raise animals, fuck hot cowgirls under the starlit sky. And now he was living the dream, while Kendall was stuck in a shitty apartment, staring at spreadsheets all day. Fucking into his hand as a nightcap.
"I needed some fresh air," Kendall muttered, stopping a few feet away from Dallas. He couldn't stand to be too close to him, not with the way his stomach churned with jealousy.
Dallas, oblivious to Kendall's turmoil, clapped him on the back, his large hand splayed wide on Kendall's shoulder. "Well, you've come to the right place, buddy. This air ain't just fresh, it's fucking invigorating!" He took a deep breath, his chest expanding, and let out a hearty laugh. "Come on, let's go have a beer. You look like you could use one," Dallas said, steering Kendall towards the house. Kendall let himself be led, his mind racing.
NO, he was NOT there to remissness about their childhood fantasies. He ducked from Dallas' leading hand on his back.
"Nah, man, I'm good. I actually came by to... see something," Kendall said, his voice trailing off as he glanced towards the barn. Dallas followed his gaze, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"See something? Kendall, what the hell are you talking about?" Dallas asked, his hands finding their way to his hips, accentuating the muscles that flexed beneath his worn jeans.
Kendall took a deep breath, His impulse to come here was strong but he still didn't know why.
Dallas may not have had a college degree but he was far from stupid. He was very smart about people. Smarter than Kendall gave him credit for. They'd been boys playing cowboys when they were young. It was a time when Kendall had been happy.
"Wanna see the barn? I remember you liked sneaking out to the abandoned one when we were kids." Dallas offered with a soft glint in his eye.
Kendall blushed from Dallas' kind smile.
The memories of their childhood hit him like a punch to the gut. Dallas had always been kind, even when Kendall was mean. Dallas always found a way to bring him back from the darkness. At least temporarily.
"Yeah, sure," Kendall replied, trying to keep his voice steady. He followed Dallas into the barn, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The scent of hay and animals filled his nostrils, grounding him in the present. Dallas flipped on the lights, revealing the neat rows of stalls and the tack room at the far end.
Kendall's eyes scanned the space, landing on a familiar-looking saddle sitting on a stand by the door. It was old, worn, and covered in dust, but there was no mistaking it. It was the saddle they'd used to play cowboys as kids. Dallas noticed where Kendall's gaze had lingered and a soft smile played on his lips.
"Still got it," he said, walking over to the saddle and running a hand over the leather. "I can't believe you remember it."
Kendall swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.
He hadn't come here to reminisce about their childhood, but seeing the saddle brought back a flood of memories he'd long forgotten. Memories of laughter, of freedom, of Dallas, always Dallas, smiling at him, encouraging him, accepting him. It made the jealousy churning in his gut feel like a betrayal.
"What's wrong, Kendall?" Dallas asked, his hand still resting on the saddle, his brow furrowed in concern. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Kendall shook his head and began to back out of the barn. "I shouldn't have come here, it was a mistake. I gotta go," Kendall muttered, turning on his heel and heading for the door.
Dallas's stepped towards him, but didn't chase. But he did yell after him. "Kendall!" Dallas called out, his voice echoing in the vast expanse of the barn. "You can always come back!"