Read Online Easton [Belt Buckle Ranch 4] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) by Olivia Black - Free Book Online Page A

to Trent all day, but he didn’t have the right words. Building up his courage, Easton swallowed his fear as he wiped his hands down the front of his jeans. Trent was leaning against the side of the barn, waiting for him. The look in his eyes told Easton that the man had a plan, but Easton knew if he submitted, he’d follow Trent’s orders and go home without ever saying what was on his mind.
    “So,” Easton started. He wasn’t really sure what to say or where to begin, but he was aware that their time together was most likely over. Tomorrow, Trent’s work crew would be back at the Twin Acres Ranch and Easton would no longer be needed. “I know your employees are coming back tomorrow, but I was thinking—”
    “I’ve been thinking, too,” Trent cut him off, pushing himself up off the side of the barn.
    His casual stance became rigid and Easton swallowed hard. He held his breath as he waited for Trent to finish his thought. Was this the end, because it sure as hell felt like it? The look on the Trent’s face said it all and Easton’s heart dropped.
    “You’re a sweet kid, Easton, but I’m not looking for a relationship.”
    Easton blinked several times, as he processed Trent’s words. “Oh…right…yeah…of course.” He stumbled over the words, hoping he didn’t sound as heartbroken as he suddenly felt.
    “I’m sorry if—” he started and this time Easton cut him off with a wave of his hand.
    He didn’t want to hear any damn excuses. He was a convenient fuck, an easy target willing to do whatever Trent ordered. He wasn’t upset with Trent. The older man didn’t make any promises. He was more upset with his own tender heart. He’d allowed himself to dream and wish for more.
    “No, no, you’re right. I just thought since we were good together that we could continue, but I think you’re right. We should probably just end things now.” The words came out of his mouth, but Easton was surprised he was able to speak without breaking down. Standing ramrod straight, he kept his emotions in check, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to hold the tears back for much longer. The backs of his eyes were burning. “I should probably be heading back now. It’s almost dinner time and I don’t want to miss out on Mrs. Hunt’s brisket.”
    Walking past Trent, Easton went straight to the old pickup truck. He heard Trent coming after him, but Easton refused to stop. In fact, he moved faster, needing to get away. He didn’t want Trent to see him cry.
    “Easton!” Trent shouted, but Easton refused to stop. “Easton! Wait!”
    Jumping inside the cab, he started the engine and hit the gas pedal. Dirt and small pebbles kicked up as he spun the vehicle around and headed back toward the safety of the Belt Buckle Ranch. I just need to get home.
    He kept his head down until he was sure the man couldn’t see his face. When Trent and the Twin Acres Ranch was in his rearview mirror, a loud sob broke free from his lips. Easton held tight to the steering wheel as tears dripped down his cheeks. Once he let go of the small thread of strength he possessed, he cried.
    Shaking and caught up in a storm of grief, Easton’s vision blurred, but he didn’t want to pull over. He wanted to put distance between himself and the man he loved.
     
    * * * *
     
    Oliver was helping Wyatt work in the pasture for most of the afternoon, but it was quitting time. Stretching his arms in the air, he groaned as his back cracked. He was dead tired and ready to head back to the ranch. Food and a nice, comfortable bed were the first two things on his list.
    “You ready?” Wyatt asked.
    “Hell yeah.”
    Oliver climbed onto the back of his horse, Daisy. He lifted his body from the saddle and adjusted his jeans. Squinting his eyes, Oliver lifted a hand and blocked the setting sun as a dust cloud approached. As the cloud grew closer, he realized it was one of the ranch trucks driving wildly. He didn’t know what the hell was going on, but he had a