Catlin's Appaloosa(12)

Chapter Five


Shit! I botched that up. Yeah, hearing Gallo say he was that old had thrown him, and Catlin’s first inclination was the guy was still confused from his head injury. Then he’d seen the hurt in Gallo’s eyes, followed by fear. It had speared Catlin through to his core. He didn’t want his lover to slip away, and now that Gallo had his bike back, it was a very real possibility.

Catlin hurried after Gallo. He was surprised to find his lover talking animatedly about his bike with Rich and Katelyn. His friend had jumped at the chance to drive the Harley, and his wife had followed him in their pick-up. Now Rich and Gallo were discussing the pros and cons of different motorcycles.

Needing to know just how upset Gallo was with him and willing to take a chance, Catlin walked up behind him and slipped an arm around his waist. He settled his chin on Gallo’s shoulder and looked at the bike.“It’s a beautiful bike, baby. You gonna take me for a ride on it?” he asked softly.

When Catlin had initially drawn close to the shifter, Gallo had stiffened. When he whispered into his ear, Gallo began to relax.

Gallo turned his head and looked at him. “You’d really want me to take you for a ride?” He seemed genuinely surprised.

“ Yeah, Gallo, I’d love to wrap my arms around you and hold you close as you carry us down the highway on your bike.”

“Okay,” Gallo whispered. Catlin watched Rich ’s brows lift, and realized this was quite a public display of affection for him, especially since he was out on his driveway for all the world to see. Katelyn, on the other hand, grinned, saying,“I didn’t know you were dating someone again, Catlin. You look so cute together! How’d you meet?”

“ I met him on a case,” he answered simply,“and couldn’t resist his sweet charms.” He grinned and winked, then pecked a kiss to Gallo’s temple.

Before his friends could ask for more information, the roar of several motorcycle engines powering up the street drowned out the possibility of conversation. To his surprise, four bikes came to a stop at the foot of his driveway.

When the biggest of the bunch pulled his helmet off and pinned a cold, dark-brown eyed stare at him and Gallo, he had to fight back a shiver from working down his spine. Gallo had no such problem. Suddenly, Catlin found his arms empty as Gallo shouted excitedly and raced toward the man. To his shock, the big biker grinned, opened his arms, and caught his lover. Gallo wrapped his arms and legs around the guy, who laughed and hugged him tightly before pecking a kiss on his forehead and gently setting him down.“It’s good to see you, too, little bit,” the biker said, chuckling.

“ Who’s that?” Rich asked curiously.

“I have no idea, but I intend to find out,” he replied through clenched teeth. Seeing his lover in another man’s arms sent unexpected waves of jealousy through him. For the first time in his career, he actually felt the urge to use his badge for something other than police business, like tossing this guy in jail on a trumped up charge just to keep him away from Gallo.

Evidently, his glare wasn’t lost on the big man. The guy smirked, but at least he gently pushed Gallo away from him and toward Catlin. “Introduce me to your friend, little bit.”

Catlin quickly schooled his features, not wanting his skittish lover to feel threatened by him in any way. He crossed to Gallo’s side and took his hand, earning a smile from the horse shifter. That eased his frustration almost as much as the fact that Gallo let him pull him close and tuck him against his side.

“This is Detective Catlin Hill. Catlin, this is my friend Kontra. He…” Emotions too quick for Catlin to follow flickered across his face, before he tried again. “He helped me when I really needed it.”

Catlin realized there was a hell of a story behind that statement. He let his ire flow out of him with a slow exhale as he pasted an understanding expression on his face. “I’m glad you had someone.” Keeping his features carefully neutral, Catlin said to Kontra,“Won’t you and your friends come in?”

Kontra nodded,“That’d be great.” His gaze strayed toward Rich and Katelyn, who immediately made their excuses and nice to meet yous before climbing into the truck at the end of the driveway and leaving.

The hairs on the back of Catlin’s neck stood on end as he led the way into his house, his arm still securely around Gallo’s waist.“Can I get anyone coffee or a beer?”

“A beer sounds good,” Kontra answered.

“Sure, make yourself comfortable,” he said.“I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll help,” Gallo immediately offered.