John continued, “You have the thickest, blackest hair I’ve ever seen. It’s so glossy, it reminds me of my horse’s coat after I brush her. I want to tangle my fingers in it and tug. When I look at your broad shoulders and muscular arms, all I can think is how good it would feel to have your weight on top of me. I’ve been imagining it ever since we both hit puberty. I never thought anything of it before, but all the dalliances I’ve had in the past have been with tall, fit boys with black hair. As I watch you work, I realize I’ve been fucking Wesley substitutes for years.”

A choked sound pushed its way past Zack’s lips. “Fuck, John,” he gasped. He cleared his throat and got back into character. “I finish raking the straw out of your horse’s stall and turn around to get a broom. When I do, I realize you’ve moved closer. I nearly jump out of my skin. We’ve never been alone in a room together. My heart starts to beat faster, but I blame it on being startled.” Zack took a breath and then asked, “Sir, was there something you needed?”

John didn’t answer at first, and Zack got the feeling that he was sizing him up. Then he asked, “Wesley, what do you like best about your job?”

Zack had an idea where John was going with this, but he let him take the lead. “Sir, I’m not sure what you mean.”

“I’m just curious, I suppose.” John’s voice deepened into a seductive baritone. It made Zack imagine that he was slowly stalking forward, encroaching on his personal space. “I sometimes wonder if you really enjoy your work. After all, it’s your job to make sure my every need is taken care of. It must get exhausting.”

“But I enjoy it, sir,” Zack blurted. “I mean, your parents are good to my family, and . . . I love the horses.”

“Do you? Even though you seldom get to ride them?”

Zack hesitated and then softly said, “Watching is enough for me.”

John sucked in a breath, and Zack knew he’d said the right thing. “Do you watch anyone in particular?”

“I watch you, sir,” Zack admitted. “You’re a better rider than your school friends.”

“Is that the only reason?” John sounded amused. “Because I’ve been watching you too, Wesley, only I’m starting to feel as though watching isn’t enough.”

Raw desire pulsed between Zack’s legs, and he inhaled sharply. The atmosphere was electric, like static prickling his skin. He loved this moment: the brushing of lips before the kiss, the taut anticipation right before the tension finally snapped. He used to think it was even better than the sex that followed, but right now he had a feeling John was about to change his mind.