“In other words, stop asking so many nosy questions, Chief?”
“You can ask them as long as you don’t mind me not answering them,” I said.
“Touché.”
We rode a few more minutes in companionable silence until he pulled his SUV onto Doc and Grandpa’s ranch.
“I’m really glad you came tonight, Otto. You didn’t hesitate to pick up and do what needed doing. That’s exactly the kind of guy we need on our crew. Look forward to you starting as soon as possible.”
“Thanks. And in answer to your earlier question, yes. I did call my station chief. He said since I was injured, I didn’t need to serve out my notice. I don’t need to go back other than to pack up my stuff from my apartment, and even that is pretty negligible.”
“Great news. Well, just let me know when you feel up to it and we’ll get you on the schedule.”
After bidding him a good night, I made my way around back to the bunkhouse so as not to disturb Doc and Grandpa. I found a room with a freshly made bed in it and unloaded my pockets onto the tiny dresser before stripping for a hot shower. I let the soapy water wash away the smell of metal and blood that seemed like it was stamped on my skin, and I tried not to think about what a long road ahead some of those kids would have recovering from their ordeal. I was sure part of Walker’s duties involved having the driver tested for substance abuse.
After finishing up, I dried off and slid between the sheets naked since what little clean clothes I had were in the guest room in the house. It didn’t take long for sleep to find me and suck me under, but my dreams were scrambled and dark. It was a very normal side effect of responding to a particularly grisly scene, but it woke me up with a sudden gasp. Once I caught my breath, I lay awake, tracing the first hints of sunrise across the ceiling. The bunkhouse was quiet with the exception of a few creaks of wood here and there, and even the animals were still asleep outside including the asshole ranch rooster we all called Pita.
Just as I was finally drifting off again, I heard a door open in the bunkhouse. I assumed it was Doc or Grandpa coming to check on me. When the door to my room opened, however, it was Walker. He looked rode hard and put away wet; his short blond hair stuck out all over the place as though he’d been running hands through it.
I didn’t say a word, just held the covers open for him in invitation.
His face looked sad in addition to exhausted, and all I wanted to do was pull him into my arms and let him heal himself through sleep.
“I need to shower first,” he murmured in a hoarse voice, putting his gun belt on the small dresser. “I’ve gotta get the hospital stink off me.”
I got up and moved toward him, reaching out to help him remove his uniform without taking my eyes off his face. His eyes were wide and searching and the tiny lines next to them betrayed his continued worry about any number of things.
“Let me take care of you,” I whispered.
He dropped his forehead on my bare shoulder while I finished undoing the buttons of his shirt. I pulled it off his shoulders, revealing the Kevlar vest underneath. I was familiar with the soft armor, so I quickly undid the straps and removed it, all while trying to disturb Walker the least. I felt warm lips on the skin of my neck, and I couldn’t help but get hard in response. I knew my reaction was hardly a secret since I was buck naked, but I hoped he didn’t take it as any kind of pressure to do anything with me. I seriously only wanted him to get cleaned up and tucked into bed so he could rest.
“Come on. Let’s move into the bathroom so I can get the water warmed up,” I said, reaching for his hand to lead him the short distance.
Once I had the spray going, I squatted down to remove his shoes and socks. All that was left then were his pants and underwear. I thumbed open the button and pulled down the zipper before sliding my hands into the back of his pants and caressing down his ass and legs to get the uniform trousers off. Walker made a small noise of desire in his throat, and when I stood back up, I rubbed my face against his tented boxer briefs. He sucked in a breath.
God, he smelled good. Musky and sweaty and mine.
His hands came up to rest on my shoulders, and his eyes became deep pools of need. “Wilde Man,” he murmured. “Will you…?”