Cattle Valley 26 - Shadow Soldier Read Online Free PDF

a movie?” Deacon turned the light off over the saw and covered the machine with a drop cloth. “You like pork chops?”
    The mention of food set Aaron’s stomach into a frenzy. A loud growl sounded, prompting a chuckle out of him. “Excuse me. I guess I’m hungrier than I thought.”
Deacon led Aaron out of the shop. When they reached the stairs to his apartment, he motioned for Aaron to precede him. “I’m sorry, but it takes me a while. The sight of this old fool trying to navigate something as simple as a staircase isn’t a vision I want stuck in your head.”
Aaron started up the steps, giving Deacon his pride. “You’ve never asked me to apologise for the baggage I carry, so please don’t do it for yours.” He reached the top landing. “Should I go in or wait for you?”
The tapping of Deacon’s cane grew louder as he neared the top. “Go on in. I’m right behind you.”
Aaron opened the door and went inside. The apartment was surprisingly cold to the eye. He’d imagined a space filled with Deacon’s creations and warmed by the love that went into each piece. Instead, it held no personal touches. He turned when the door shut. “It’s bigger than I imagined.”
“Big enough.” Deacon put a hand to the small of Aaron’s back. “Would you keep me company in the kitchen?”
Aaron turned away from the sterile living room. “Only if you’ll let me help.”
“Of course.” Deacon kissed Aaron’s temple. “It’s been a long time since I’ve worked side by side with someone over a meal.”
“How long?” Aaron followed Deacon. Like the living room, the kitchen was utilitarian with no personal touches added.
“A little over five years.” Deacon opened the refrigerator and removed a package of pork chops. After retrieving a cast iron grill from the cupboard, he leaned on the counter. “I haven’t let anyone close to me since I lost my partner, Bobby, in the car wreck that fucked up my leg.”
“I’m sorry.” Aaron had assumed Deacon’s leg had been injured in the military.
Deacon shrugged and lit the gas stove under the grill. “I try not to think about it.” He unwrapped the chops and seasoned them with salt and pepper. “Would you mind fixing the salad?”
“Not at all.” There were several questions on the tip of Aaron’s tongue, but he didn’t know if Deacon would answer them or push him away in response. “Is that why your home is so bare of pictures and stuff?”
Deacon paused in the act of checking the flame. “This isn’t a home, it’s an apartment, somewhere to sleep and eat. My home died with Bobby.”
Aaron waited for Deacon to turn away from the stove before touching his hand. “Did you make my new bed for you and Bobby?” He knew the answer could very well change the way he felt about his new purchase.
Deacon turned and put his hands on Aaron’s hips. “No. I built that headboard hoping I’d be able to sleep through the night if I got rid of everything that reminded me of Bobby.”
“But you decided to stay in the apartment, knowing you couldn’t use it. Does that mean you still don’t sleep at night?” Aaron held his breath. He understood what it was like to have ghosts run your life, but Aaron’s didn’t include men he was in love with. He wondered if he was getting his hopes up for something impossible for Deacon to give.
“No, I don’t really sleep much, but then I haven’t in probably thirty years.” Deacon set his cane aside. He leaned his hip against the counter and slid his arms around Aaron. “I’ll never forget Bobby, but it’s time to go on with my life.”
“I don’t really sleep either, so maybe we can not sleep together sometime.” Aaron embraced Deacon in return. He rested his cheek against Deacon’s chest and closed his eyes. “Being close to you makes me feel good.”
Deacon tilted Aaron’s chin up and leant down for a kiss. “Let’s get dinner out of the way so we can spend the rest of the evening feeling good.”
Aaron