Wild Trail (Clean Slate Ranch #1)(85)

Mack’s face scrunched up. “So you thought keeping an audition for a four-month shoot in Georgia a secret was a better idea than being honest with me?”

Okay, it sounds way worse when he says it.

“I only got the audition details on Friday.”

“You’ve had the script for over a week, Wes.” Mack’s tone was more sad than upset, which was super confusing. “You need to trust me with the important things in your life, and a chance like this is huge.”

Wes released the tight grip he’d had on the sheet. “You’re not mad about the audition?”

“I’m frustrated that you didn’t tell me sooner, but why would I be mad? You’re obviously talented, and this producer sought you out. That’s a big fucking deal.”

“But what if I get the part?”

“Then we talk about it again, and we see what we both want. I admit, the idea of you being across the country for four months isn’t exactly appealing, but this is...our relationship is still forming, and I don’t ever want to be the reason you don’t reach for your dreams.”

Wes’s eyes prickled. “Really?”

“Of course.” Mack pulled one of Wes’s hands into his lap and squeezed. “You know, maybe you waiting to tell me was even a good thing. I got to see for myself last night how amazing you are. It’s easy to see why the producer wants you in his movie.”

Wes’s entire body flushed from the compliment. “I don’t want to leave you, either, but this is such a great opportunity. And hell, I might not even get the part and we’re both stressing over nothing.”

Mack’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Wes gripped his hand harder. “What is it?” Wes asked.

“It’s stupid.”

“If it’s something you think or feel, it’s not stupid. Tell me. Please?”

“I guess I had this dumb idea of maybe asking you to work at the ghost town when it opens,” Mack told his lap. “I want to do reenactments and stuff, and since you’re an actor...but you’re way better than a dinky tourist attraction. I see that now.”

Wes’s heart gave a funny little trill. “I think that’s the nicest compliment you’ve ever given me, Mack. I mean it.” He could see himself doing that, play-acting for tourists at Mack’s attraction.

But he could also see himself fighting zombies and getting the guy.

Why did my life have to get so complicated so fast?

“Like I said,” Wes added, “I might not get the part. We don’t have to worry about the future yet. We can enjoy the time we have together now.”

“Yeah.”

“How about a shower? I’m all sticky, and so are you.”

That finally got a genuine smile out of Mack. “Sounds like a plan, boss.”

*

Wes trudged back into the apartment hours later, after walking Mack and Reyes to their truck. He’d wanted every possible moment with Mack, after the amazing morning they’d had. Fooling around in the shower had led to swapping blow jobs. After finally drying and dressing, they’d joined Miles and Reyes for a late breakfast of waffles and bacon. They’d arranged for Quentin and Slater to do the guest pickup, but Reyes still had to be back at the ranch by noon.

Miles was watching TV in the living room when Wes returned. He flopped down next to his roommate and stared at the flat-screen. Some kind of cooking show. Miles said they taught him new techniques or some shit like that. They mostly bored Wes, but Miles had to leave for work soon, so Wes let Miles watch whatever. Wes had the whole rest of the afternoon free.

“For someone who could be heard moaning through the walls,” Miles said, “you look pretty grumpy.”

“I told Mack about the audition.”

“Oh. How did he take it?”

Wes blew a breath upward, fanning his bangs. “He was hurt I didn’t trust him with something so big, but then said he was glad I waited, so he could see me act and realize how good I am. I think he’s rooting for me to get the part, but I’m not sure.”

“It’s natural for him to be conflicted about something like this. You guys have only been dating a few weeks, and being gone for four months would strain any new relationship.”

“What if that’s not it. What if Mack is trying to push me away, and this is his subtle way of doing it?”

“Not a chance.” Miles muted the TV and angled to face him. “I saw the way he watched you onstage last night. Every time he looks at you, it’s obvious how he feels. Mack won’t give up on you unless you give him a reason to.”

“I’m not going to do that. I lo—like Mack too much to sabotage this.”

Miles smirked; he’d noticed the l-word slip.

“Mack told me that he was going to ask me to work at the ghost town, acting in their reenactments,” Wes said. “But then he said it was a stupid idea, because I was so much better. But it was the biggest compliment of my career, Miles. He wanted me to work for him without even an audition. He believes in me that much.”

“Then trust that. If he believes in you, he’ll want you to have your career, not give it up for him. And if you guys are meant to be, you’ll work it out.” Miles’s phone chimed. He glanced at the screen, then put it down with a grimace. “Dallas again. Christ, every time I tell him I need space, he takes it as a sign to bug me more.”