Vaughn had thought entirely too much about Bryant and their exchange the night before. In fact, he’d been consumed by his missteps. Especially while he’d carefully watched Bryant and his cousins at Jake’s services that afternoon. Their heavy hearts had been obvious despite their best attempts to remember all the good times they’d shared with the man they’d obviously cared deeply for.

Bryant didn’t need Vaughn making his life more difficult.

Vaughn had screwed up. Again.

Since he couldn’t think of anything else anyway, he figured he might as well come over and try to make up for it. Otherwise regret would eat him up like the mosquitos that came out in the summer. A bite here, a bite there, until he couldn’t stand to live in his skin anymore.

So he’d decided to hang around Compass Ranch and offer his support in the hopes he could start to make things right between them. If Bryant told him to get the hell away, he’d do that, too.

He spread his legs and prepared to camp out as long as necessary to catch Bryant leaving his family gathering, which had followed Jake’s funeral. During the ceremony, one filled with touching stories and even some laughter, Vaughn had studied Bryant to distract himself from his own sorrow. Therefore, he had noticed each of the thirty-seven times the guy flicked his gaze in Vaughn’s direction, not-so-covertly checking him out.

Lying in wait now, he felt a little like a creeper but more like someone determined to do what he knew was best for them both. Even if Bryant didn’t yet agree.

He’d probably been standing there for over an hour when he saw Bryant’s cousin, James, and the pretty girl, Ivy, from James’s smoke jumping base who’d accompanied him. Though he’d introduced her as his friend, Vaughn wasn’t blind. Those two were going to be as solid as any of the rest of the Compass clan. That was one thing about them. They mated for life. He couldn’t think of a single Compton who hadn’t stuck by their woman, or man, or men, once they’d fallen in love.

Would Bryant be that faithful to the man he finally gave his heart to?

Vaughn hoped so. That was another quality that was in short supply in his circle of hookups. Here today, gone tomorrow. Nothing more than the current moment was expected.

Vaughn wanted someone he could count on. The kind of guy he could talk to about his day and life in general. Something beyond how he liked to be fucked or what kind of ink he wanted next.

Where he’d struggled to get excited about tattooing another barbed wire armband on random cowboys, Bryant inspired lots of design ideas. To pass the time, Vaughn imagined what he might draw on that creamy skin, which would make an incredible canvas. He’d shape the lines around the contours of Bryant’s smoking hot body.

As far as he knew, Bryant didn’t have any tattoos. Vaughn was more than willing to do a personal check to confirm his suspicions. Lost in thoughts of inspecting every inch of Bryant, preferably with his mouth and tongue, he didn’t realize the door had opened quietly until the porch steps creaked as someone descended.

“What are you doing here?” Bryant asked, tipping his head slightly to one side as he approached Vaughn and his truck.

“You’re the whiz kid. What do you think?” Vaughn smiled, hopeful that Bryant would take his response as the compliment it was. He’d been called a lot of things in his life—sexy, hardworking, and one hell of a fuck—but a brainiac wasn’t one of them. Bryant was legendary around the ranch and the town in general. Hell, he’d gotten a perfect score on his SATs and started taking college-level classes when he was still a junior in high school.

How was Vaughn supposed to talk with someone like that? Probably he’d be dull to Bryant. Maybe he’d wasted his time. Confused them both. Made an awkward situation unbearable.

When Bryant smiled in return, all his doubts vanished. “I’m guessing you’re not delivering ice cream or coming to shovel shit like you used to.”

“Do you want ice cream?” Good to know Bryant had a sweet tooth. That info could come in handy sometime. “Would that make you less pissed at me for being such a dumbass last night?”

“You know, I haven’t had King Cone in years. Is the stand open yet?” Bryant stood straighter and walked faster at the mention of a double scoop. Vaughn tried desperately not to think of what they could do in bed with some chocolate syrup and whipped cream after polishing off dessert.

Fortunately, he knew the answer to Bryant’s question. “Yup. I stopped there just the other night for a milkshake on my way into the shop. Can I take you out for some?”

“As in a date?” Bryant wondered.

“Yeah, sure. If that’s what you want to call it.” He shrugged. “Mostly I just want to catch up. Find out what your life has been like since I knew you before. And maybe try to convince you that I’m not the asshole you think I am.”

“I don’t—”

“Hey, I didn’t give you a lot of reason to believe otherwise last night. I’m sorry about that. I guess I underestimated how what happened back then still affects you now. And once I figured it out, I felt pretty shitty about my part in it. I know ice cream doesn’t count for much…”

“A lot of problems could be solved with ice cream.” Bryant flashed his dimples as he climbed into the cab. “Get in, Vaughn. I’m hungry.”

“Me too,” he murmured under his breath as he jogged around the hood and boosted himself into the passenger seat of Bryant’s truck. Both of them understood there was no way Bryant had left his aunt’s house anything less than stuffed, but he was giving Vaughn this shot anyway.

Maybe he wanted to rewrite history as badly as Vaughn did.

He could hope.

They rode without saying anything for a while, long enough that Vaughn wondered if they’d ever speak or if Bryant would just keep driving until he reached the ice cream stand, bought himself a treat, then went back home. As if Vaughn was some phantom hitching a ride.

Eventually, he couldn’t stand it anymore. “Are you still pissed about last night?”

“Nah. I’m not the kind of person to stay angry. I guess I’m just…wrung out. Overwhelmed and exhausted.” Bryant sighed.

Vaughn covered Bryant’s free hand, which rested on his thigh, and squeezed. “If this is too much, turn around. That’s fine.”

“Oh no, I’m getting some damn ice cream. You put that idea in my head—now it sounds really good.” He glanced over with a wicked grin that reminded Vaughn of the boy he used to be. “Besides, I feel like torturing you by making you watch me lick it.”

Vaughn groaned. Maybe he should have thought harder about his plan.

When Bryant laughed, he figured the torture would be worth it.

They rolled up to the stand and placed their orders. When Becky Sue told them how much it would be, Vaughn whipped out his wallet. He ordinarily wasn’t a super traditional guy, but he wanted Bryant to realize he’d made something of himself. Okay, so most anyone could afford a couple of ice cream cones, but truth was, there’d been a time when Vaughn wasn’t one of them.

“You didn’t have to do that. But…thanks.” Bryant smiled and gave his ice cream a long lick from the cone to the tip. Vaughn’s cock noticed, and approved. Damn.

Bryant laughed again as he sauntered to a picnic table nearby and straddled the bench. Vaughn took a seat just past Bryant’s knees, with his back resting against the table.

After a few minutes of dedicated eating, complete with incredible soft hums from Bryant—which Vaughn could easily repurpose in his imagination as sounds he’d make when they were fooling around—Bryant asked, “Where are your tattoos?”

Vaughn glanced down at his bare arms and braced himself for Bryant’s mockery. He clenched his jaw, then spat, “Don’t have any.”

“Isn’t it weird for a tattoo artist not to have any tattoos?” Bryant wondered without laughing.

“Probably.” Vaughn forced himself to relax, took a bite from his cone, and then tried to explain. “Every day I do cover-ups and draw dumb shit people will regret eventually. I’m going to get tattooed someday. I’m just waiting for the right thing. The absolute perfect thing. Until then…I can wait.”

“I respect that,” Bryant said when most people would have shaken their head or called him some kind of hypocrite. Hell, plenty of guys had before. “When you’re looking for a forever thing, it’s better to be sure.”

Vaughn wondered what Bryant was waiting for. As far as he knew, the guy had never had a serious boyfriend. Maybe that was what he meant. It wasn’t worth the hassle of bringing someone home and introducing them to the millions of Comptons swarming Compass Ranch until it was the perfect somebody.

If they hooked up, would Bryant keep it a secret, too?

Somehow that didn’t sit right with Vaughn. He wanted everyone to know he’d staked a claim.

Something in his expression must have tipped Bryant off to his thoughts. “Settle down, Vaughn. I wasn’t referring to you. I was talking about myself. Anyway, never mind.” He flashed a lopsided smile. “You remind me a lot of your dad. Direct, kinder than you think under a tough exterior, a badass artist, a little moody, you know?”

At least he’d included the art thing. It was the one trait Vaughn was grateful he’d inherited from Snake.

“The truth is, you knew my dad better than I did.” Vaughn shrugged one shoulder. Still, it touched something deep inside him to know Bryant thought so. “I never had that tight bond, like you do, with your family. My mom does the best she can, but she’s not like yours. Her focus was never me. She worked a lot of nights, and partied hard, even after having me by mistake with a cowboy just passing through for the rodeo. She told me not to worry because she’d gotten her tubes tied after that little surprise. It took her a few years to track Snake down, and by then he was already older. He always provided for me, or thought he did, but my mom used a lot of that cash on getting her nails done, or making her hair bigger, always in the hopes of snagging some rich guy. As if there were billionaires pouring through the doors of the shithole bar where she waited tables.

“It was probably around the time that Jake found Viho that my dad started bringing me up here for the summers. At first, it was awkward as shit. I was a punk and didn’t handle it well. I was used to essentially being on my own and he had a hell of a lot of rules. Then, just about the time we’d sort through all that each summer, I had to go back. When I came up here for good, at the end, Snake made a real effort. But it was too late. It was impossible for me to get attached knowing I was only going to lose him. The last thing he said to me was that I was his biggest regret.”

Vaughn figured his relationship with his dad, and putting Bryant in a situation where he got hurt, had to top his own list. So that seemed fair enough. At least he had a chance to make amends to one of the important people he’d disappointed now.

“I’m sure he meant not bringing you to Compass Ranch to live sooner was a mistake.” Bryant didn’t hesitate on that one.

“I think so too, now. Jake helped me see that was probably true. But I guess we’ll never know for sure. He fell into unconsciousness soon after and never woke up.” Vaughn scrubbed his hands over his face. “Shit. Not sure why I’m telling you all that. I guess Jake…it’s bringing those memories to the surface.”

Bryant scooted closer and put his hand on Vaughn’s knee. “I’m sorry, that sucks. I can’t imagine growing up without my family. They’re loud, and overwhelming sometimes, but I always knew they were there for me. That they love me unconditionally.”

“Then why didn’t you tell your cousins about what happened in the barn that summer?” Vaughn asked before he could think better of it.

Bryant choked on the last bite of his ice cream cone. He took longer than necessary to wipe his mouth on a tissue-thin napkin, then said, “How do you know I didn’t?”

“Because they never would have let you keep blaming yourself like you do. You’d have dealt with it better and moved on by now, I’m guessing.”

Bryant didn’t bother to deny it. He looked down at his boots. “I don’t know. It’s weird being the only gay guy in the bunch. They don’t get some things. They try. They’re accepting of me. It’s just not part of their experience, you know? And they’ve certainly never been overpowered by one of their dates. I guess I didn’t think they’d really understand.”

“And you were ashamed.” Vaughn tried not to get angry. It took every ounce of his self-control not to ball his fists or shout at the injustice of it all. He didn’t want Bryant to misinterpret his emotions.

“Of course.” Bryant looked around to see if anyone was listening. They weren’t. No one gave a shit about what two random dudes were saying. If anything, there were several women eying them up hopefully. Sorry, ladies. “Can we talk about something else?”

Vaughn was sure now that Bryant still needed help dealing with what had happened.

He wasn’t positive he was equipped to handle it, but he planned to try.

It was the least he could do to make up for his part in the situation.

“Sure. Are you staying out at Sterling’s place?” Vaughn wondered. Would his sister notice if Bryant didn’t go back to the cottage behind the beautiful house she and Viho had built for their family? And if she did, would she care?

Vaughn had gotten to know her pretty well, since their shops were so close. She’d bring him coffee in the afternoons when she was winding down and he was gearing up for the busy evening shift. He’d even done a few tats on her—her kids’ names. Pretty, understated. They’d stand the test of time because they meant something. Exactly the sort of thing that would make him go under the gun.

He kind of thought Sterling would give him the thumbs-up. Then again, she was fiercely protective of her baby brother. Just like every other Compton. They looked out for their own. It was probably for the best that Bryant had never told his father—or hell, his uncle Silas—about what had happened. They’d probably have done something violent and gotten themselves in trouble.

“Yeah. Yeah, I am.” Bryant sighed. “I guess I should be heading back there before she gets worried. Besides, I’m pretty wrecked after today.”

It wasn’t a super-long ride out to Compass Ranch from town, but there were plenty of wild animals that liked to jump into the road and sharp turns could catch him off guard in the dark. Especially if he wasn’t used to the trip at night, having been away so much of the past six years.

“You know, my place is on the way if you’re not up for the drive.” Vaughn tried to remain casual, though everything inside him wanted to pick Bryant up, put him over his shoulder, and cart him off right then and there. That probably wouldn’t go well since Bryant was actually broader and taller than him and had learned how to scrap with the rest of the Compass Boys, who were no pushovers.

Just because Bryant was less of a hothead than James and less rowdy than Doug or Austin didn’t mean he wasn’t capable of protecting himself. Vaughn had been shocked, and turned on, the first time he’d seen Bryant after he’d moved away. He’d clearly made physical fitness a priority despite the time he spent with his nose in a book.

Vaughn wondered if it was precisely so that Bryant could fight back hard if he ever had to again.

“Where do you live?” Bryant asked, cutting off Vaughn’s train of thought.

“Above my shop. I built an apartment there. It’s not huge or fancy or anything, but it suits my needs.”

“Short commute, too. Can’t beat that.” Bryant should know—him and all his family lived on the ranch they worked. Although the damn thing was big enough that it could take a while to get from one section to another, especially if going on horseback, which they sometimes did.

“Yeah.” Vaughn nodded. “I don’t get to ride my horse to work, but I sometimes slide down the bannister when no one’s looking.”

Bryant chuckled. “Well, since we’re so close, want me to drop you off? You could catch a ride out with Sterling to pick up your truck tomorrow. Or I could have one of the hands drive it back to you.”

Vaughn cleared his throat and took his time wiping the last of the ice cream from his face with the shitty napkin. His chance was slipping away. He could feel it. And the last thing he wanted was for Bryant to rebuild the wall between them. “Or…you could stay over and we could ride out to Compass Ranch together in the morning so I could pick up my truck.”

“Uh…” Bryant looked around, as if searching for a graceful exit where there was none.

With any other guy, Vaughn would know how to handle the situation. He’d picked up plenty of men. Enough to have it down to a science. With Bryant, he had to be careful. Thoughtful. The kind of guy worthy of having him, if only for a night.

“Look, Bryant, while I’d like nothing more than to pull some alpha bullshit, grab your keys and tell you I’m not taking no for an answer….” Vaughn shook his head. “That’s not how I roll. And I don’t think that’s what you need. I want you to come home with me. But if you’re not ready—”

Bryant growled like he’d rip Vaughn’s throat out if he said that again.

“It’s not a bad thing!” Vaughn put his hands up. “No worries if you’re not. I’ll ask you again tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day. Feel free to tell me no as many times as you like. You won’t hurt my feelings or keep me from trying again. Unless you tell me you don’t want me to do that either. But I hope you won’t.”

Bryant chugged a bottle of water he’d bought as if his mouth had gotten parched at the thought of tearing up his sheets. “I don’t know what I want, Vaughn. That’s the honest truth. There are so many things running through my mind right now, I can’t process them all.”

“I get that.” How many times had Vaughn waffled between heartache and lust in the past day? It was a weird combination. “You don’t have to decide right now. Just come with me. We’ll talk, hang out, chill, and if something more comes of it, fine. If not, at least neither of us will have to be alone tonight.”

Bryant blinked as he considered. “You really won’t be disappointed if all I want to do is crash on your couch later? I’m not trying to lead you on. I need to be really clear about that, okay? Tell me you understand.”

Lead him on? Why did that sound like bullshit leftover from years ago? Was Bryant still struggling with what his abuser had claimed that day? How he’d tried victim-blaming in an effort to keep from being slaughtered by a herd of loyal cowboys? Could Bryant still believe even a shred of what that loser had said was true?

Vaughn narrowed his eyes, concentrated on keeping his fingers loose and unfisted, then said, “I understand. Perfectly.”

“Okay.” Bryant nodded.

“Okay?”

“Did you really think I would turn you down?” He smiled shyly, making every one of Vaughn’s primal instincts roar to life. “It killed me to do it last night. I’ve wanted this for years.”

“Me too.” Vaughn groaned. “Why the hell did you have to pick a college so far away?”

“I guess you were right that day. I wasn’t ready. More so after… So I put myself out of range.” He shrugged.

Vaughn squeezed Bryant’s knee. “Do you know that you’re safe with me?”

“Yeah.” He paused. “I guess I’m just wondering…why would you bother? I’m a pain in the ass. Complicated. Surely you’ve had a bunch of boyfriends since then. You could choose anyone. Why me?”

Vaughn figured the least he could do was be as honest as Bryant was being, even if it made him a little uncomfortable to admit it. “Plenty of sex, sure. Boyfriends, no. Not really.”

“Oh. Is that what you’re looking for now? Otherwise, it makes even less sense. Why would you pick me to sleep with when there are lots of other men in this town who know what to do with a man like you and would jump at the chance?” Bryant cleared his throat when he referred to fucking around, making Vaughn realize that he still didn’t have much experience. Damn, wasn’t that what college was for? That’s what it looked like on TV, anyway.

It figured Bryant was the one guy who went all study and no play. The urge to help him unwind grew until it was as big of a motivator as Vaughn’s rock-solid cock.

“I’ve always found you attractive on the outside.” Vaughn trailed his knuckles over Bryant’s cheek then down his jaw. “Now that I’m getting to know you, you’re only getting hotter to me.”

“Same goes.” Bryant stood up and shocked Vaughn by holding out his hand. Not just to help him up, as he first suspected when he placed his palm in Bryant’s. No, he didn’t let go even after Vaughn was standing beside him. Instead, he led Vaughn to his truck and opened the door for him.

That was a first for Vaughn. And he’d be lying if he said he didn’t get off on it. “I like that you’re different from the other guys I’ve been with. You’re special, Bryant. Don’t ever let someone make you doubt that.”

Though he didn’t say anything, Bryant turned to him with a smile that transformed him from smoldering to irresistibly sexy. Vaughn had finally said the right thing.

They couldn’t make it to his place fast enough.