The Farmer & Dale Ch. 05

Dales eyes shone with pleasure and pride. He returned Rick's kiss, "You're welcome."

He crawled off Rick and off the bed. "I think it's time for a shower." Walking into the bathroom he casually threw over his shoulder. "That was one hot piece of virgin tail."

Rick lay on the bed chuckling. He decided to allow his lover this bit of impertinence. It was well worth it.

* * *

Dale sat at his desk, lost in his work. His fingers moved over the keyboard, his thoughts materializing on the screen with each key stroke. He muttered a small grumble of annoyance when the phone rang.

Rick, he knew, was outside in the garden. He could hear the steady drone of the tiller. No chance of passing the phone answering chore to him. He hesitated a moment and thought of letting the machine pick it up, then relented.

He picked up the handset, "Hello?"

There was a brief silence then a woman's voice questioned, "Dale?"

"Yes, this is Dale." he replied, puzzled. He didn't recognize the voice.

"This is Irene Hunter, Rick's mother. May I speak to Rick?"

Dale froze with surprise, "Mrs. Hunter. Yes, of course; Rick's outside. Please hold on; I'll take the phone out to him."

Dale hurriedly rose and strode for the front door. Quickly crossing the porch and down the steps, he trotted out to the garden plot that lay on the other side of the gravel driveway. He cursed silently, wincing as the rocks bit into the bare soles of his feet.

Rick was using the small tiller to weed carefully between the rows of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. His tee shirt was plastered to the middle of his back with sweat. Dale smiled with pleasure at the sight of those smooth, firm muscles flexing under the damp fabric. As usual his fingers itched to touch, knowing he'd find the skin warm and smooth.

Keeping to the edge of the garden, he pulled even with Rick, waving to get his attention. Rick shut the tiller down and with a smile made his way to Dale. Dale could see the impish light in Rick's eyes and forestalled any play by holding up the phone.

"Your mother." he mouth silently.

Rick's eyes widened his brows rising. He gave Dale a questioning look as he took the phone. Dale shrugged and shook his head, having nothing to tell Rick about the reason for her call.

"Mom?" Rick questioned, speaking into the phone. He listened for a moment then replied, "All right, I'll be down in about twenty minutes." He listened again, "That's ok, I'll see you in a bit."

He disconnected and looked at Dale, his expression somewhat worried, "Mom wants to see me."

"Well, that's a good thing. Right?" Dale questioned.

Rick headed for the house, "I hope so," he replied sincerely.

Dale followed and drew even with him, slipping an arm around his waist, "I'm sure it'll be ok. She wouldn't ask you over just so she could wallop you again," he teased.

"Guess you're right." Rick agreed, "Babe, I'm dirty and I smell. You're gonna need a shower too if you don't turn me loose."

"I don't mind," Dale admitted, "I like the way you smell."

"Stinky?" Rick chuckled.

"That's pure man smell." Dale told him, "Musky-hot and spicy, mmm."

Rick grinned, pulling Dale close as they stopped in front of the porch. "You've gotten to be a real horndog, lover," he leaned in, nibbling at Dale's lower lip, "ever since you took my cherry."

Dale smiled against Rick's teasing lips, "Where you're concerned, angel, I've always been a horndog."

He slanted his lips over Rick's finding that familiar and perfect fit. Rick moaned and Dale took advantage of the offer, sliding his tongue into Rick's mouth. Their tongues tangled and explored, Rick's following Dale's home, where Dale held it captive, suckling lightly. Rick broke the kiss, stepping back.

Breathing hard, he looked down at the bulge that strained against his buttons, "Damn, now I gotta take a cold shower!"

Dale stepped forward, closing the gap between them, "I could be persuaded to take of this for you." he offered, his hand stroking Rick's swollen cock behind the imprisoning denim, tracing it with a slow sultry motion.

"Don't take this the wrong way, babe," Rick said stepping out of reach, "but I don't think that would be a very good idea right now. It's going to be hard enough to talk to my mother as it is without blushing like a schoolboy cause I can't help thinking about how my lover just got me off."

Dale grinned and chuckled, "Guess it's the cold shower then."

"Yeah, I know."

Rick's petulant expression brought another spate of laughter from Dale. He followed as Rick morosely made his way upstairs, determined to face his fate.

* * *

An hour later, Dale was pacing the floor. Rick had been gone for 45 minutes and Dale couldn't help but worry. He remembered the last time Rick had faced his mother. How he had returned home with a red and swollen cheek from the blow she'd dealt him. His mouth tightened at the memory.

Still, he thought to himself, Gerald had said that Rick's mother had been immediately sorry for her action. An action that was explained by incidents out of the past. Dale could, in a way, understand and even forgive Mrs. Hunter. But still he worried.

When the phone rang he jumped, his heart pounding. Carefully he picked up the handset and breathed a sigh of relief at the sound of Rick's voice.

"Dale. Mom wants to meet you. Would you come down, please?"

Dales eyes went round as panic set in, "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, babe, it's ok. I promise."

"Maybe I should wear that old football helmet that's up in the attic." Dale quipped.

"Dale." Rick's admonishment was clearly heard in that one word.

Dale grimaced, "Ok, I'm sorry. I'll be down in a few minutes."

Dale hung up and immediately cursed. This meeting of the in-laws would be a nerve wracking business at best. With their history, he felt he was in for a very uncomfortable time. He decided against changing his clothes. Jeans and a polo shirt were respectable enough. Slipping on his shoes, he decided to hoof it to the Hunters. Any delay would be welcome.

Arriving at the Hunter's he found Rick waiting for him on the front porch. Rick pulled him in for a hug and Dale stiffened in his arms.

"Relax. I told you, it's ok." Rick murmured in his ear before taking the lobe in his mouth for a quick nibble.

"Damn, Rick, not now!" Dale whispered urgently, trying to extricate himself from Rick's embrace.

Rick grinned and relented. He ushered Dale into the house. By-passing the living room, he took the lead and pulled Dale into the kitchen.

Dale was confronted by the sight of Gerald, who gave him a wink, sitting at the kitchen table. Dale's mother was at the sink and turned when they entered. Dale was struck by her beauty. For a woman in her 50's she was very well preserved. Her dark hair shone and had very little gray. Her blue eyes were bright and Dale could swear he felt the welcome in them. He was sure when she came forward and took his hand.

"Dale, I'm so happy to meet you. Please sit. Would you like some coffee? Or we have tea, soda, juice, you name it."

"Coffee will be fine, Mrs. Hunter." he told her, then mentally winced, hoping she wouldn't deliver it into his lap.

The coffee appeared before him, on the table and in a cup and Dale winced again at the unfairness of his thought. His gaze met Rick's. Rick seemed to understand and shook his head slightly, before giving him a smile.

Mrs. Hunter sat and said to Dale, "I insist you call me Irene. What is they always say? Something to the effect that Mrs. Whoever is my mother-in-law?"

Gerald and Rick chuckled. Dale couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Irene."

"You're welcome. Now Dale, let's get right to the heart of the matter."

Dale gave Rick a look of panic, but found no help in that direction. Gerald was equally noncommital. Dale was on his own.

"I was wrong."

"I beg your pardon, ma'am?" Dale was astonished.

"Now don't go ma'aming me or we're not going to get along at all well." Irene teased.

"Sorry, Irene, please continue." Dale replied.

She looked at Rick, "I like him, he's very polite. You could learn a thing or two here, son."

"Mom," Rick whined, drawing out the word and giving it his best imitation from his behavior of years ago.

Gerald snorted and it was Dale's turn to chuckle.

Irene sighed, "The things I put up with. Now Dale, seriously. I've apologized to Rick for... well, let's just say it, for hitting him. I'm not going to beat around the bush here. I was shocked when Rick told us about you. My reaction was prompted by things that Gerald has explained to you. I'm sure you understand my reaction, bad as it was."

Dale nodded but kept silent.

"I want you to know that I'm sorry for the way I acted. I'm fully prepared and actually pleased to welcome you to the family. I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive our rocky beginning." She held her hand out to Dale. "Friends?" she questioned hopefully.

Dale took her hand and gave her a sweet, open smile, "Friends." he agreed.

Irene breathed a sigh of relief, "Good. Rick tells me you're a writer and he's following in your footsteps. I think it's wonderful. Farming is a good living for some, but I'd like to see one of my boys make it in some other field. No pun intended."

Everyone laughed, the laughter easing away the last of the tension. After that, they had a good visit, Irene making them promise to come for supper the next evening.

Rick and Dale walked hand in hand back home. Dale was silent during the walk. When they entered the kitchen he sat at the table and looked at Rick.

"I like your mom. I was prepared not to, but I couldn't help it."

Rick sat opposite him and reached for Dale's hand, rubbing his fingers lightly over Dale's knuckles, "I'm glad you like her. Thank you for giving her a chance, Dale. She really is a good woman. She's been the most kind and loving person my whole life. Our house was always filled with love and laughter. I'm not saying there was never any discord. When people live in close proximity that's to be expected, especially between brothers and sisters and children and parents. But what I mean is, it could have been a hell of a lot worse."

Dale nodded, "I understand, believe me I do. It's good to know there's someone who'll keep you in line," he teased.

"Ass." Rick squeezed his hand fondly.

Dale smiled, then sobered, "Have you decided whether or not to tell your dad about Steven?"

Rick shook is head, "I'm just not sure. I want to. I know Dad would be glad to know that Steven is happy. But every time I start to say something I feel like..."

"You're betraying your mother?" Dale filled in.

"Yeah." Rick admitted.

Dale rose and walked around the table. Wrapping his arms around Rick's shoulders, he kissed the top of his head. "Let's not worry about it now. Come on. You promised to show me that new chapter you wrote."

Rick took Dale's outstretched hand and followed him to the study.

"After you show me what you've got. I'll show you what I've got. How bout it stud?" Dale wiggled his eyebrows.

Rick chuckled and releasing Dale's hand, used both of his to squeeze Dale's firm, flexing cheeks, "I know what you've got, babe, but I'll be charitable and let you show me again."

"Gee thanks."

Rick laughed at Dale's sarcastic tone and followed him into the study.

To be continued...