Jay

By Xondra Day

Jay Harnett's predictable world is knocked upside down when he encounters the new school teacher, Will, in town. As their unlikely friendship blossoms, it turns to lust, love, and a whole lot more, surprising them both.

But when Will's old flame suddenly leaps into the picture a decision must be made that will change all those involved.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Sep 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9780857157164

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A Total-E-Bound Publication

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Jay

ISBN # 978-0-85715-716-4

©Copyright Xondra Day 2011

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright October 2011

Edited by Lisa Cox

Total-E-Bound Publishing

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 Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing.  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 2011 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-burning and a sexometer of 2.

The Men of Buckshot Ranch

JAY

Xondra Day

Dedication

This one is for fans of the genre. Without you, it wouldn’t be possible.

I’d also like to acknowledge my editor, Lisa Cox. Thanks for guiding me through the process.

And of course, Adam. My love, my constant. Thank you for correcting me when it’s needed. Lova ya.

Chapter One

Montana, 1886

Jay Harnett always preferred to rise early with the morning sun, opting not to stay in bed like the rest of the crew at Buckshot Ranch. He stretched and yawned, looking forward to the start of a new day.

He was careful not to rouse anyone else around him in the bunkhouse. They had an hour before they had to be up, and most men relished every minute of rest that was bestowed upon them.

Hush, he muttered, his voice just a whisper to the mixed border collie standing beside him. Hank looked up at him, wagging his tail in a hearty response. Jay reached down to smooth the dog’s head. He motioned with his head to the door. Outside.

On the veranda, he stopped, taking a moment to adjust his suspenders, then with hat firm in hand, he made his way to the mess hall, looking forward to a hot cup of black coffee with Hank following close behind.

Morning, Tuck, he said to the cook, with an added nod once inside. Looks like it’s going to be another nice one.

Seems to be. The sun is hardly up and already it’s sweltering in that dang kitchen. And as usual, there isn’t a breeze to be found.

Jay grinned and accepted a cup of coffee from Tuck. It was their usual morning exchange, a routine that offered him a sense of both security and comfort. It’ll be cool soon enough, give or take a few months, once autumn rolls around.

Tuck nodded. True enough, but that is of little use to me right now. How goes things in the upper pasture? Have you completed the fencing yet?

Just about. Another week and it should be finished. The terrain is rough as hell. But a least we will be able to sleep at night knowing that part of the ranch is secure, especially with the recent theft of cattle all over. Lately, Buckshot ranch, along with a few others nearby, had become the target of thieving bandits who had chosen to strike at night under the cover of darkness.

The world’s gone crazy. Tuck shook his head in disgust. First the cattle, and now The Mercantile in town. It’s never-ending.

The Mercantile?

Yes, sir. It was broken into two nights back. They suffered no big loss, just some money and a few things stolen. Still, who would have thought it in this area?

I wish I could say the same for the ranch. We have had to put a few men on each night to stand guard. It’s a sad day indeed when a man would steal what belongs to another man.

It’s a sign of the times. Our town has become just like every other place. Perhaps the law will step up and do their duty. One can always hope.

Jay snickered at the thought. "You mean Travers and his band of cronies? I doubt it. They’re probably in on all