Cattle Valley Mistletoe Read online

  A Total-e-bound Publication

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  Cattle Valley Mistletoe

  ISBN # 978-1-906328-63-4

  ©Copyright Carol Lynne 2007

  Cover Art by Anne Cain ©Copyright November 2007

  Edited by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

  Total-e-bound books

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-e-bound eBooks.

  Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-e-bound eBooks. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution

  The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork

  Published in 2007 by Total-e-bound eBooks 1 The Corner, Faldingworth Road

  , Spridlington, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN8 2DE, UK.

  Warning:

  Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning

  Cattle Valley

  CATTLE VALLEY MISTLETOE

  Carol Lynne

  Dedication

  To J.P. Bowie, I’m so glad I’ve gotten the chance to read your work.

  May your future be as wonderful as your books.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Coke: The Coca-Cola Company, Inc.

  Dr. Pepper: Dr. Pepper Company

  Honda: Honda Motors Company, Limited Corporation

  Hot Tamales: Just Born, Incorporated

  Sheetrock: United States Gypsum Company

  Mr. Clean: The Proctor and Gamble Company

  Walking Tall: Hyde Park Films (US)

  Chapter One

  “Kuckleman Construction,” a deep gravely voice answered.

  “Um, yes, hi, I’d like to speak with Halden Kuckleman.”

  “You got him. How can I help you?”

  “Hi, Mr. Kuckleman, this is Reverend Casey Sharp from the Cattle Valley Community Church. I was wondering if you would be willing to come out and give me a bid on completing the church expansion.” Casey adjusted his reading glasses, a nervous habit of his from grade school. He was starting to worry he’d never find anyone to finish the reception hall and at this late date, he was desperate enough to call on Halden Kuckleman.

  “Sorry, I don’t do churches,” Halden said.

  “Yes, well, I heard that, but I’m kinda desperate. The contractor we hired to do the work, quit in the middle of the project, and we’ve promised to have the building ready for the annual Christmas Eve party. I know you’re not a religious man, Mr. Kuckleman, and if you’d be willing to come take a look at the building, I promise not to try and save you.” Casey bit his lip. Shoot, maybe he shouldn’t have said that. Even though it was common knowledge around town that Halden was a tried and true atheist, maybe Casey should have just kept his mouth shut. He was the new guy in town, and making enemies wasn’t his idea of fitting in.

  There was a loud sigh on the other end of the phone. “How much still needs doing?”

  “Well, the basic shell is there, but nothing has been done on the inside. I’m sorry to say, there isn’t any heat yet, but at least you’ll be out of the snow and wind.” Casey looked out his office window at the snow on the ground. It was only mid-November and already, the city had been blanketed with almost two feet of snow. He sure as heck wouldn’t want to work in an unheated building, but then, if a person was used to working outside in weather like this…

  “The heating issue won’t bother me, just the location.” Casey didn’t say a word. Halden seemed to be considering it, and at least he hadn’t hung up on him.

  After a few seconds, Halden continued. “Will you be around this afternoon?”

  Casey pumped his arm in the air in triumph. “Yes, I’ll be here all day.”

  “I could probably swing by after lunch and take a look, no promises, though.”

  “Yes, of course. My house is next door, which is probably where I’ll be. If you could just honk when you pull into the parking lot, I’ll be right out.” Casey closed the phonebook, and put it back on the shelf.

  “See ya then,” Halden said and hung up.

  Casey put the phone back into its cradle and looked around his office. He still had boxes to sort through, and a sermon to practice for Sunday. Scratching his head, he got up and wandered into the kitchen. Maybe a cup of strong coffee would get him going.

  The house still didn’t quite feel like home, but what did he expect? He’d only been in Cattle Valley for two weeks, two very lonely weeks. Despite his chosen vocation, Casey was a man who enjoyed sex, lots of sex. It was the only reason he’d chosen to go to college to get his Master’s degree in religious studies instead of entering a seminary.

  Now with his dream job finally in place, his social life seemed to be paying the price. It wasn’t that folks in town weren’t friendly. They just tended to keep Casey at arms length. He knew it was further fall-out from his predecessor, Reverend Brian Doles, but Casey needed them to understand he wasn’t like that man. He’d never even considered beating up lover. Maybe the town just needed a chance to heal.

  Pouring a cup of java, Casey idly walked through the living room to his bedroom. Although the front room and kitchen had been unpacked, most of his personal belongings still lined the walls in boxes. Casey just didn’t have the heart to dig through memories yet. Leaving his family and moving to Wyoming had been a big step for him. His mom still didn’t understand why he’d needed to go.

  Maybe he’d get back to Kansas City after Easter for a short visit. He already missed his nieces and nephews and he’d just gotten here. Pictures of his close-knit family should have comforted him, but Casey knew they’d only make him more homesick.

  Bypassing the boxes, Casey headed for the small bathroom off the living room. If he was going to meet Halden Kuckleman it was best he didn’t smell like his own cum. Casey and his hand had become best friends since moving to town. Even though he relieved himself several times a day, it never seemed to scratch that itch he just couldn’t reach.

  Setting his cup on the sink, Casey undressed and looked at himself in the mirror. He knew he was a good-looking man. The line of men vying for his attention back home testified to that, but how did the people of Cattle Valley see him? Yeah, he wore small wire-framed glasses most of the time, but he didn’t think they made him look dorky. Maybe the haircut his mother had insisted on was too short. Casey ran his hand over his blond head. He guessed it wasn’t too short, just right actually, given his new vocation. There had to be something about him that didn’t attract men in this town.

  The ringing phone brought his gaze away from the mirror. Looking down, he debated whether or not to answer it. He was as naked as the day he was born, and the house tended to be a bit drafty. Suddenly worrying it might be Halden calling to cancel, Casey sprinted toward the phone, bare cock swinging.

  “Hello,” he panted.

  “Uh, hi, Casey?”

  “Hi, Nate,” Casey smiled. Nate Gils and his partners were his only real friends so far.

  “Did I catch you at a bad time?” Nate
asked.

  “No, I was just getting ready to hop into the shower. I managed to convince Halden Kuckleman to take a look at the building.” Casey sat on the couch, aware passing motorists might be able to see in the window. He knew it wouldn’t look good if they spotted their new reverend walking around in the nude.

  “Well, congratulations,” Nate chuckled. “On getting Hal over, not being naked. I’m sure you’ve been doing that for awhile.”

  “Yeah, I’m a pro at getting naked, though not recently,” Casey laughed. The nicest thing about Nate was he didn’t have to put on airs about who he really was.

  “You’ll be snapped up before you know it. Listen, I was wondering if you’d like to grab some lunch later.”

  Casey brushed his hand over his exposed cock, poor neglected thing. “It would have to be an early lunch. I’m not sure what time Halden is coming other than he said sometime after lunch.”

  “Eleven at Deb’s?” Nate asked.

  “Sounds good. I’ll meet you there.” Casey hung up and walked back to the bathroom. Just then he had a date with hot water, and his hand.

  Spotting Nate, Casey wove his way through the crowded diner. “Hey,” he said, sliding into the booth across from his friend.

  “So,” Casey began, taking off his coat, “how’s the gym coming?”

  Nate shrugged and set down his menu, “Fine, slow. We finally got the lease signed. Rio’s in Houston talking to some guy he knows about buying some equipment.”

  “Oh, so that’s why you asked me to lunch,” Casey teased.

  “I hate it. Every second he’s gone is torture for me.” Nate ran his hands through his hair and looked out the window. “I’ve been here supervising the remodelling and he’s traipsing all over Texas with some friend of his.”

  “How long’s he been gone?”

  “Since yesterday morning.”

  Casey laughed and shook his head. “From listening to you talk, I would’ve guessed he’d been gone a week.”

  “Well it feels like a week,” Nate pouted.

  Stella came over to take their order before they could continue. “I’ll take the chilli and a cinnamon roll.” Casey put his menu back in the little stand and waited for Nate to order.

  “Why do you always get that weird combination?” Nate asked.

  “What, chilli and cinnamon roll? It’s what I grew up on.” Casey shrugged. “It was always my favourite lunch at school. I guess I never really thought about it being strange.”

  “You Kansans are a little freaky with your food. Like you ordering a Coke when what you really mean is a Dr. Pepper, that’s weird, man.”

  Casey scratched his jaw. “That’s what most people say back home instead of pop or soda. Someone asks if you want a Coke and you say yeah, bring me a Dr. Pepper.” Casey thought about it and shook his head. “You’re right. We are a bunch of freaks.”

  They talked about the gym until their food came and they dug in. After a while Casey couldn’t stomach anymore and pushed his plate away. “I swear this is the last time I’m going anywhere in public with you,” Casey said, looking at Nate.

  Nate picked up his napkin and started wiping his mouth. “Why, have I got food all over my face?”

  “No, it’s because darn near every eligible man that’s come in here has tried to make eye contact with you, and they’re completely ignoring me.” Casey took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He was just so frustrated.

  “Hey, don’t sell yourself short, you’re a terrific looking man,” Nate said as he checked out the diner.

  “Okay, if I’m so terrific looking how come they’re all staring at you?”

  Nate shrugged and held up his hands. “I said you were terrific looking, but this,” Nate gestured to himself, “is the total package and then some. Besides, it helps when they know I’m not available. Kinda like forbidden fruit.” Nate couldn’t hold his serious expression any longer and burst out laughing. “I’m just kidding. Give people time, they’ll come around.”

  “I hope so, because celibacy is not my thing.” Casey pulled out his wallet and put money on the table for his share of lunch. “I gotta get going. As hard as it was to talk Halden into showing up, it wouldn’t do for me to be late.”

  “There’s someone you should get to know. That man’s built fine. When the rumours started up about us opening a gym, Hal was the first to call. After taking one look at him, I told him he’d do better as an instructor than a member. He turned me down though. Said he wasn’t much of a people person. Far as I’ve heard, he only has one real friend in town and that’s Gill. Funny thing is, as quiet as Gill is, I didn’t know he had any friends in town. Don’t ask me what the two of them do when they get together, because I’m sure it’s not shootin’ the shit.”

  “You mean you think they’re seeing each other?” Casey asked, putting on his coat.

  Nate shook his head. “Naw, from what I understand, they’re just friends.”

  Casey nodded and shook Nate’s hand before leaving. Climbing into his little Honda, he headed home. By the time he arrived back at his house, he felt worn out. He hated driving in the snow. People around here thought it was nothing. Maybe he needed a four-wheel drive.

  As he was getting out of the car, a huge four-door pickup pulled into the parking lot. From the sign on the side of the black truck, Casey determined it was Halden. With a quick look at his reflection in the window, Casey walked across the yard to the parking lot.

  Casey’s feet faltered when Halden exited his truck. Oh, unfair. This was like waving a steak under a starving man’s nose. Halden had the body-type of every man he’d ever been attracted to. Tall, with wide shoulders, Halden walked toward him. He couldn’t make out Halden’s facial features because of the black cowboy hat riding low on his forehead, but by the way he moved, Casey guessed he was going to be just as yummy close up.

  A few feet from the man, Casey held out his hand. “Mr. Kuckleman?”

  Casey’s hand was taken in a firm grip, almost too firm. “Call me Hal.”

  Trying to return the handshake almost killed Casey. He was definitely not Hal’s equal in regards to strength. Upon closer examination, Hal’s face was indeed yummy. Not typically handsome features, but when you put them all together, the effect was nice.

  “Okay, Hal, I’m Casey.” He released Hal’s hand and gestured to the back of the church. “As you can see, the shell is up, but that’s basically it.”

  As they walked toward the expansion, Hal rubbed the back of his neck. “You mind me asking why the original contractor didn’t finish?”

  Casey opened the side door and led Hal into the big open space. “Nothing exciting. Jeff Hutton started the job but asked out of his contract due to some personal problems.”

  Hal nodded his head and continued to walk around the space. “So, what are we talking here? Is it going to be one big room or divided up?”

  Motioning for Hal to follow him, Casey walked toward the make-shift work bench set along one wall. He unrolled the blueprints for Hal’s inspection. “As you can see, it’s basically the one big room, with the exception of bathrooms over here and a functional kitchen. We’ll have our own church functions here as well as renting it out to other groups or individuals.”

  Hal rolled up the blueprints. “Do you mind if I take these with me? I need to study them before I can tell you how much and if it can be done in time for Christmas Eve. I’ll be honest, the time-frame is going to be the biggest issue. Would you be opposed to having the party if everything’s not completed?”

  With those light blue eyes staring at him, Casey found it hard to even think. “Uh, well, I guess it would depend on just how far from being done it is.”

  “Cosmetics mostly, it’ll take some time to get the wiring done and plumbing finished before we can even start on the insulation and sheetrock.” Hal narrowed his eyes a bit and leaned forward. “I won’t put speed over quality, so if you just want it done and don’t care how, I’m not your man.”

>   Oh yes you are, Casey thought. “I owe it to the parishioners to see the job is done right, so you won’t get any arguments from me.”

  “Fair enough.” Hal started to walk toward the door, but stopped and turned around. “I need to be upfront with you. It looks to be a bad winter for someone in my line of work. I reckon I’ll take on this project, but you need to know it’ll be for the money and to give me something to do over the winter. I’ve no desire to be led into the Promised Land by you or anyone else.”

  “I told you before, I’m looking for a contractor, not another parishioner.” Casey felt a little irritated that Hal thought he’d try to convert him.

  Holding up the blueprints, Hal nodded. “I’ll take a look and get them back to you as soon as possible.”

  “I’d appreciate it,” Casey said, following Hal’s firm ass out the door and into the parking lot.

  Getting in his truck, Hal called out, “By the way, do you already have the materials ordered, or am I going to need to do that?”

  Scratching his head, Casey stepped closer to Hal’s pickup. “We’ve already got most of it stored in my garage. The sheetrock hasn’t been ordered though, or anything as far as paint, trim, stuff like that.”

  “Okay, good to know. I’ll call ya later. It was nice to meet you, Casey.”

  “Same here.” Casey managed a smile. As he stepped back and watched Hal drive off, he wondered if Hal was aloof with everyone or just men of the church.

  Chapter Two

  Stretched out on the sofa, Casey munched on a bowl full of popcorn and Hot Tamales, while watching Walking Tall. He didn’t know whether he was paying more attention to the movie or The Rock’s body, but both seemed to be extremely satisfying.