“I’m gonna be out of town for a couple of days,” Ethan blurted, unsure how to deliver the news. He prepared for Jared’s response by shoring up his spine and staring back at him, but nothing came.
“Where’re you off to?”
“Houston,” Ethan said promptly. He hadn’t planned on explaining himself, but he couldn’t seem to shut up.
“Going with someone?”
That question would’ve normally pissed Ethan off, hating when people tried to stick their nose in his business, but he found himself replying despite himself. “Yeah. I’m heading down there with Beau.”
Watching for Jared’s reaction, Ethan took a deep breath when his cousin simply nodded his head.
“Anything I can help with while you’re gone?”
“Nah. Nothing pertinent. Brendon’s truck is almost done, but the boy can stand to hitch a ride for a few days. He’s fucking hard on that truck.”
Jared laughed and leaned back in his chair. “I noticed that. When will you be back?”
“Friday or Saturday. I’ll check on things then, but I doubt there’ll be anything pressing.” There never was. They had enough equipment and vehicles to handle one or two being out of commission for a week or so. Ethan wasn’t worried that his absence would hinder progress.
“Cool,” Jared said, glancing down at his phone.
“All right then,” Ethan mumbled, thrusting his hands in his pockets and turning for the door.
“Hey, E?”
“Yeah?” he asked, not turning around.
“You need something, give me a call.”
Ethan swallowed hard, but managed to force out a “sure”.
Jared had been at Moonshiners the night before, which meant he’d seen everything go down. For those who were close to the family, he figured they could put two and two together. He didn’t out and out talk about his sexual preferences, but he knew it was common knowledge who he spent his time with. Considering he’d never had a girlfriend in his life, Ethan wasn’t naïve enough to believe his family didn’t know. He just felt as though the less they knew, the better off they’d be.
Not wanting to think about it anymore, Ethan rushed out the door and back to his truck. Yeah, it was definitely time to get out of a town for a bit.
After a quick shower, Beau grabbed the bag he’d brought back from Ethan’s, dumped its contents and replaced it with clean clothes. He kept his eye on the time, already anxious to get back to Ethan. For some reason, he didn’t want to give him time to change his mind.
The tattoo had been an excuse, something Beau had really never given much thought to, but also something he was excited about. He’d come up with the idea after studying Ethan’s, wondering what had compelled him to put that quote on his back. So, along with being curious for the story behind it, Beau figured this was a way for them to get a little closer. He honestly hadn’t expected that Ethan would’ve gone out of town to get the skin art though.
The idea of going to a city where they could be completely anonymous, no risk of being recognized, had thrilled Beau instantly. Obviously, Ethan hadn’t been opposed to the idea either. Once he gave it some thought, Beau considered it to be a stepping stone. A test of sorts. Just to see exactly how open to this relationship Ethan really was.
Not that there had been any mention of a relationship.
Yet.
Once he was back in his truck, Beau grabbed his cell and called Zane. Figuring he should let someone know where they were headed, he left a voicemail when Zane didn’t pick up. He didn’t give too much information, but he offered just enough so that Zane wouldn’t worry and the rest of the Walker clan wouldn’t end up in a panic when they realized Ethan was gone. Knowing Ethan, he wouldn’t share his whereabouts with his family if he didn’t have to.
Ten short minutes later he was pulling up to Ethan’s house. His nerves shot to astronomical levels as he stared out the front window. This was a monumental step for the two of them. The significance of what they were doing hadn’t affected him until now. They were going out of town. Together.
Alone.
Several days, just the two of them. No interruptions. No assholes like Jimmy or Ricky. Only them.
Forcing his door open, he slid to the ground and headed up the front steps, smiling when Ethan opened the door to greet him, a duffel bag in one hand, his keys in the other.
“Took you long enough,” Ethan teased and Beau’s heart did a somersault. Was the guy actually joking with him?
After Ethan’s outburst that morning, Beau wasn’t sure how hard it would be to get him to smile. It hadn’t taken much apparently. Then again, throw in some intensely satisfying sex, and he could see why Ethan was smiling. He sure as hell was.