Chapter 4: Settling In
Series: Lessons in Love
Altnernate Universe Into The Fold
A couple of days later Ezra frowned as he surveyed the cluttered office. Papers and magazines were scattered all about. If not for the legs, Ezra would be hard pressed to even find the desk it was so cluttered. He looked at the computer and then Josiah and said, "I was under the impression that dinosaurs were extinct."
"I know it's old and as soon as we can afford to we'll buy a new one," Josiah told him.
"I have my laptop in the car and can use it for the time being," Ezra said. "Do you have a system going here?" he asked with a sweep of his hand. Josiah just shook his head no.
"Neither of us could figure out Dad's system," he told him with a frown. "So I started one, then Chris, then Buck. And now it's back on me."
Ezra couldn't help, but laugh, "Well, that's your problem. There are to many irons in the fire." He went on to explain. "You need one person to do it the same way every time. If you have three different people doing three different things then something's bond to get lost or forgotten."
"Okay, so what do we do now?" Josiah asked.
"We start from scratch."
They quickly got started. By the time the others showed for lunch the two of them had gone through most of the files. Josiah watched Ezra work and was very impressed, but then again he'd always had been where the younger man was concerned. Ezra could add, subtract, and even multiply most numbers in his head.
"I'll be right back, Ezra," Josiah told him. "I'll gonna go get us some lunch." Ezra didn't say a word just waved his hand. Josiah was grinning as he walked into the kitchen.
"What are you grinning about?" Buck asked as he washed his hands in the kitchen sink.
"Ezra. That boy clearly missed his calling," Josiah said. "Don't get me wrong 'cause Ezra was a damned fine agent. But he's a math wiz. Hell, what takes us a machine to do, Ezra can do in his head. He's even found a few mistakes and says he doesn't think that we are in as bad a shape as we thought."
"Really?" JD was impressed. "What did he say about the computer?"
"Only that he thought dinosaurs were extinct."
"Ha, I told ya so," the younger man boasted.
Vin asked the most important question, "Is he joining us?"
"No. He's buried in those books right now. I'm gonna bring him a sandwich later," Josiah explained. He grinned as he watched Vin slip from the room.
~/~/~
Vin walked down the hall to the study and pushed the door open and stepped right in. "Hey Ezra aren't you going to join us for some lunch?" he asked.
Ezra's head came up and he blinked his eyes at Vin. "No, Mr. Tanner. I wish to finish what I'm doing first."
"You look tired, maybe you should take a break. Besides, you know what they say about all work and no play . . ."
"I'll get through with my work all the sooner," he told him with a shrug of his shoulders.
Vin grinned and shook his head. Walking around he came to stand behind Ezra's chair and he grabbed it then spun it and him around. "Come have lunch with us Ezra," he said as he placed his hands on the arms of the chair and leaned closer getting right in his face. "You really do look tired Ez," Vin paused at the look Ezra gave him. "What?"
"What did you call me?"
"Ez. Why? Don't you like it? We all have nicknames round here," he told him. "Chris is Cowboy. Buck's real name is Randall. Nate or Doc for Nathan. Course, JD's Kid. And Josiah's Big Guy," Vin explained with a smile.
"And you?"
"My real name's Vincent"
"What if I don't want to be called . . . Ez."
"Well do ya want me to call ya? Green eyes," he teased.
"I wish to be called Ezra. After all, it is my name."
Vin shook his head and laughed. "You are one stubborn cuss aren't you," he stated. "So are going to join us for lunch or not?"
"Not."
"Fine," he said and straightened up then walked out only to return a little while later with two plates piled high with sandwiches. "If you won't eat with me. Then I'll come and eat with you," Vin told him and placed one of the plates down directly in front of him. "Now eat."
Ezra looked at him for a moment and then finally gave in and picked up a sandwich.
Vin watched him and wondered if that old saying was true about the way to a man's heart was through his stomach. Woah, he suddenly thought. I'm not interested in his heart. Only his body, he reminded himself. Ezra didn't look to be any more ready for a commitment than he did. Vin wanted to have fun, but did have to admit that since meeting Ezra that the usual fun didn't appeal to him anymore. Most of the time Vin found his thoughts were occupied by a certain green-eyed Southerner.
Over the next week Vin watched Ezra like a hawk and the more he was pushed away the more determined he became. And even though he hadn't even really touched Ezra other than to shake his hand, the green eyed southern gentleman had gotten in his blood and Vin found himself making all kinds of excuses to spend time with him. They now ate lunch together in the study every day. Ezra was weary and gun shy so he didn't give an inch. But Vin knew that Ezra was attracted to him. Ezra's poker face would slip every once in a while and Vin would get a glimpse of the desire hiding just under the surface just waiting for the right word or move to be released.
That release came when Vin least expected it. He was using in a kitchen chair for a ladder as he tried to get something from the top shelf. Just as he booted feet began to slip, he felt someone grab his legs to steady him. The touch made Vin jumped in surprise sending him and the chair flying backwards. It was only the quick reflexes of his hero that saved him from being seriously hurt. Vin vaguely heard someone wince as the chair collided with a body part, all he was aware of was that someone had managed to catch him. Looking down he gasped as he saw that his rescuer was . . . Ezra.
One minute Vin felt himself being clutched tightly in Ezra's arms and the next thing he knew they both hit the floor with a thud. Feeling something strong and unyielding beneath him Vin opened his eyes and suddenly felt breathless as he found himself staring into Ezra's eyes that for once were unguarded. He watched in fascination as those green eyes grew darker with desire. With a delighted grin on his face Vin reached out to touch Ezra only to have his hand captured. Not so easily discouraged Vin lowered his head intending to kiss him, but Ezra turned his head away so he had to content himself with kissing his way across Ezra's strong jaw then nibbling on his ear lobe.
Ezra gasped and Vin decided that there was no greater sound in the world than hearing Ezra gasping in pleasure. Pleasure he caused. Wanting so much to taste him the Texan twisted around so that he was now straddling Ezra's lap and pressed their groins close together. Running his free hand through that soft chestnut hair Vin grabbed a hand full and gently yet firmly pulled Ezra's head back so that he would not be denied again. Seeing those lips open he swooped down and claimed them.
~/~/~
Ezra tried to resist him but could no longer resist the lure of those lips. Lips that had been haunting him since his arrival. He boldly met Vin questing tongue with his on. Releasing the captured hand Ezra ran his hands up Vin's strong back then down to cup his ass with both hands. Placing one hand on the small of Vin's back and the other at his neck Ezra rose to his knees then eased them both to the floor then settled himself between those muscular thighs.
The Southerner ran his hands all over the body beneath him. His fingers were inching to touch flesh so he quickly began unbuttoning Vin's shirt. Ezra shuddered as he felt Vin's hands touch his naked back. Running his hands inside Vin's shirt Ezra delighted at the moan that came from the man beneath him. From the first moment he'd seen this long haired man Ezra had been attracted to him. And had enjoyed all the attention he'd received from him as well. Ezra wanted so badly to lose himself in Vin. He wanted to hold him. To kiss him. To put his mark on him for all the world to see. But most of all he wanted to lov . . .
NO! His mind screamed and he jerked away from both the word and Vin. Shaking his head Ezra said, "No. No. I . . . I can't do this." Getting to his feet, he backed away from the only man that had been able to get past his defenses in years. Paying no mind to what his was doing Ezra whirled around then swore as he banged into the wall. Cursing under his breath, he all but ran from the room.
~/~/~
"Ezra wait!" Vin shouted as he got to his feet and made to follow him only to stop as Chris called his name as he stepped into the kitchen. What happened? he asked himself, one minute he was in heaven and the next his future mate was gone. Actually he was still in heaven, he reasoned with himself, because now he knew Ezra wanted him as well. His skin still tingled from the contact.
"Vin? What's going on?" Chris asked. "Did Ezra do something to you?"
"No," Vin told him with a twinge of disappointment coloring his voice. He felt his face heat up as he glanced down and saw that his shirt was hanging up. Darting a glance at Chris, Vin could see the questions in his eyes, but refused to answer any of them.
Vin figured that Ezra would avoid him like the plague, but to his surprise didn't. Sure Ezra was still distant, but no more than usual. He was beginning to think that maybe just maybe he was starting to get to him.
~/~/~
A couple of days later Ezra came to a stop as he walked into to the kitchen and saw all six men waiting for him. Now what? he asked himself. He absolutely refused to look at the sexy Texan. "Morning gentlemen," he said in greeting.
"Do you ride?" Chris asked.
"Why?"
"Do you have to question everything?" Chris snapped. "No," he said when Ezra was about to answer him, "just answer the question. Do you ride?"
"It's been awhile, but yes I do," Ezra replied.
"Good. Because your coming with us," was all the blonde man said.
"Where?"
"There you go questioning things again," Chris told him. "We're all taking the day off. Including you," he explained. "We're going fishing."
"Fishing?" Ezra repeated with a grimace on his handsome face. "I do not believe that's in my job description."
"Doesn't matter. You're coming anyway," Chris told him then began walked out the kitchen and toward the barn where Ezra could see seven horses already saddled and waiting.
The Southerner sighed and as he walked out the door Ezra jumped as he felt someone grab his ass. Turning he shot Vin a dirty look, who in turn puckered his lips in response, as if he was blowing him a kiss. Ezra ignored him and continued on his way.
"Here ya go Ezra," Buck said handing him the reins to a pretty chestnut colored horse. "We didn't know if you could ride or not so we saddled you a real gentle mount to ride. Her name's Fortune."
"Thank you," Ezra replied then swung up in the saddle. Fortune had an awful lot of energy for such a 'gentle mount' he thought. To his delight Ezra soon had the horse well under control.
They rode for about half an hour before coming to a pond sparsely surround by trees. A perfect spot for fishing or just relaxing. Dismounting he ground tied his horse and then removed her saddle.
"Hey Ezra do ya fish?" JD asked.
"Not if I can get out of it."
"You do know how to fish don't ya?" Buck wanted to know.
"Yes."
"Prove it," the mustached man teased.
Ezra felt his temper flash at those words. How many time had heard them? Too damned many. "I don't have to prove myself to anyone. You included," he said in a hard voice.
"Leave 'im alone, Buck," Vin warned. "If he don't want to fish then he don't have too. He can just sit here and relax."
"Fine. Whatever," Buck replied then walked off.
Ezra watched as they each separated and then he found himself a nice comfortable spot in the shade. He could have easily fallen asleep except he saw Vin remove his shirt and he couldn't help, but look at those broad shoulders and smooth back. Lowering his gaze Ezra took in the narrowed waist and hips, then those long lean legs. Looking at the man's ass had him swallowing hard and Ezra swore under his breath, I am in so much trouble. That one taste was not enough.
Hearing a splashing sound Ezra looked up and smiled as he saw that JD had caught one. Looking once more at Vin he shook his head as he watched him try to bait his hook. Getting to his feet Ezra walked up behind him and placed his hand over Vin's.
"I thought you said you could fish?" Ezra asked.
"I can. I just don't like . . . baiting the hook," Vin told him with a grimace. "Worms are nasty. I mean just look at them," he said as Ezra took one out of the old coffee can. "A person can't tell their heads from their tails." Vin shuddered as the worm wiggled in the palm of Ezra's hand.
"I find that very hard to believe," he countered as he quickly removed the mutilated worm.
"It's true," Vin replied. "You tell me which end is the head and which is the tail."
Ezra burst out laughing and with a big smile on his face said, "No! I wasn't talking about the worm. I was talking about you."
"What about me?" the Texan whispered and stepped closer.
Looking up he found his eyes captured. "I believe, you can do anything you put your mind to."
Vin gave him a slow sexy grin. "Thank you. Do you want to know what I have a mind ta do right now?" he asked and dropped his gaze to Ezra's lips.
Ezra shook his head no.
"To bad 'cause I'm gonna tell you anyway," he said as he stepped closer until their legs brushed. Leaning closer Vin pressed his forehead to Ezra's and said, "I want to kiss you, Ezra. That one taste we shared in the kitchen was just enough to whet my appetite. In fact, if we were alone . . . I'd strip you and taste every luscious inch of you."
The Southerner wanted to say something, but didn't have a clue as to what.
"You should wear jeans more often. Seeing your ass in those jeans makes me want to take a bite of it," he told him and grabbed his hips. "God, Ezra I want to kiss you so badly," Vin said in a breathless tone.
Ezra watched as Vin lowered his head and he felt their breath mingle as his lips parted of their own accord. And once again rallied his defenses and pushed Vin back just a little. Which was his first mistake because he hands touched his bare chest. The second mistake was keeping them there thus allowing Vin to place his on top effectively trapping him. With a last ditched effort Ezra tore his hands away and finished baiting Vin's hook then turned and walked away.
He sat on the ground a few feet behind Vin and took several deep breaths trying to calm down. Ezra glanced around at his surroundings and decided it was a pretty spot. Nice and quiet. He liked it. Looking up he found himself grinning as Buck and JD teased each other. Ezra jumped then swore as he felt a burning pain tear through his right shoulder. Turning his head he saw that a hook was imbedded there. Ezra reached for it just as someone gave it a tug causing him to cry out.
~/~/~
Vin heard Ezra holler and dropped his rod then hurried over to him. "Ezra? You okay?" he asked as he knelt down beside him. Vin swore as he saw that it was his hook in Ezra's shoulder and the blood that was quickly soaking through his shirt. "NATHAN!" he screamed bringing all his brothers running.
"What happened?" Nathan asked as dropped to the ground.
"Looks like Vin hooked himself and real big one," Buck teased.
"Shut up Buck. This ain't funny," Vin snapped. Pulling his knife he cut the line then reached down and began to unbutton the crisp white shirt Ezra wore.
"What are you doing?" Ezra asked him.
"Gotta remover your shirt so Nathan can get the hook out," he explained and tried not to think about the warm flesh that his fingers brushed against. "I'm sorry, Ezra."
"Are your shots up to date?" Nathan asked.
"Yes."
"Good. Lucky for you I bring my medical kit everywhere I go," the EMT told him. "Now this may sting a bit, so brace yourself."
"Here Ezra hold my hand," Vin said as he took his hands. He had to tighten his hold as Ezra tried to pull away from him.
"I don't need anyone holding my hand," Ezra snapped.
"Tough. 'Cause I'm holding them anyway," Vin snapped right back. Then let his eyes roam over the well-built chest before him. Damn, he silently swore, this man should never be allowed to wear a shirt. Vin frowned as he looked at the scars. Ezra had a small circular type scar on the upper right part of his chest. A long narrow one across his lower right abdomen. But the one that scared him the most was the jagged one just over his heart. Feeling a persistent tug at his hand had Vin looking up. "What?" he asked.
"Mr. Jackson is through. You can release me now," Ezra told him.
"Release you?" Vin repeated then did just that. "I'll let your hands go, but I'll never release you," he whispered so only Ezra heard him to which the Southerner blushed.
"Let's leave your shirt off at least for a little while just to make sure the bleeding has stopped," Nathan told him.
"Hey Ezra can I ask you something?" JD wanted to know.
"You may ask my anything you wish," he told him.
"Where'd you get all those scars from?"
Ezra was quiet for so long that they thought he wouldn't answer, but then he said, "I either shot or stabbed."
"During a bust?" JD asked.
"I was a Federal Agent, remember. It kinda goes with the territory."
Josiah got to his feet and said, "Well this isn't going to catch us fish for supper. So let's get back to it."
Continues in Mistakes