Catlin's Appaloosa(9)
“Do you think I’m a freak?”
“Absolutely not,” he immediately answered, surprising even himself with the intensity of the feeling behind his words.“You’re perfect just the way you are.”
“You think so?”
“Absolutely,” Catlin assured.“You’re sexy as fuck, Gallo, with your toned, muscular body, high cheekbones and striking blue eyes. I love the way you fit in my arms. I love the way you take my cock. I love the way you look to me for direction, but will still come to my aid if you think I need it. I just hope you won’t come to dislike me once you learn all my quirks,” he teased.
That had a small smile curving Gallo’s lips, and the guy finally settled down enough to take a sip of hot chocolate. He hummed happily and took a much larger swallow. “This is wonderful. Thank you,” he whispered.
“Good. I’m afraid I’m not much of a cook, but you need to eat. I hope you like grilled cheese.”
Gallo took the plate, surprise etched on his features. “You cooked for me?”
Catlin eyed the man, again wondering just what had happened to him in the past to make him doubt that another would be willing to do something so simple for him.“Yes, baby, I cooked for you. Eat up while I talk to Brock. If you get done before I come back, the bathroom is through that door. There are a couple new toothbrushes in the second drawer. Clean up and get some rest.”
“Okay,” Gallo whispered, but a smile played across his lips.“Thank you,” he called softly.
Catlin paused in the doorway and smiled back at him.“You’re welcome, Gallo.”
He walked out to the front room and gratefully took the beer Brock handed him.“Let me guess. You’re sleeping on my couch?” he asked.
“Thanks!” Brock said with a grin.
Catlin shook his head as they moved the conversation to the living room.“Your case just got a hell of a lot more interesting,” he said and grimaced.
“Yeah, so did your life,” Brock quipped back.
The sound of the shower running caught Catlin’s attention. The thought of a wet, naked Gallo had his pulse picking up and a grin splitting his lips.“Yeah, yeah it did.” Even considering the strange circumstances, Catlin couldn’t find it in him to be sorry about that.
Chapter Four
Gallo walked slowly through the house, admiring the Native American décor. He stared at the different size dream catchers, Anasazi artifacts, and pueblo pieces. Gallo wondered what Catlin saw in those items. Did they mean something to the man? He’d seen the small barn out back and the two bay horses grazing in an attached paddock, and he wondered if Catlin had Native American blood somewhere in his past. With his light brown hair and pale brown eyes, he supposed it was possible.
He hadn ’t noticed any of the truly spectacular pieces when he’d been carried through the door yesterday, because he’d been too busy trying to get the other man to fuck him. His cock jerked in his borrowed sweats at the memory. He forced those thoughts away, since the object of his obsession wasn’t there.
The detective had woken Gallo at seven, letting him know he’d have to leave for the morning to talk to his boss, but he’d be back around noon for lunch. That brought another idea to mind. Catlin had made him a late supper last night, so maybe he should make lunch for him. Gallo nibbled his lip. Would Catlin mind if I used his kitchen? What should I make?
He started opening and closing cupboards, learning what was available, wondering what he could make. Without thinking, he picked up the phone and dialed a number.
“ This is Brad.”
Gallo froze. Shit! Who is Brad?
“Hello?”
“Hi,” he finally whispered.
“Gallo? Is that you?”
“Yes.”
“Where are you? What happened? We’ve all been
worried sick!” They had been? Who are they? Gallo took a deep breath.“I don’t know. I don’t remember. Who— Shit! Who are you?” he finally blurted out.
That got a pause, then, “Gallo, you called me but you don’t remember me?”
“I have amnesia,” he admitted.
“Okay.”
For some reason, Gallo could actually hear the other guy take a deep breath and let it out.
“What were you doing that made you think to call me?”
“I was trying to decide what to make Catlin for lunch,” he answered immediately. That, at least, he knew.
“Who’s Catlin?” Brad asked.
“Detective Catlin Hill,” Gallo said. “I’m staying with him while I figure out what’s going on.”
“Okay. Is he taking good care of you?” Brad asked, clearly worried.