How To Kiss a Cowboy

Breakfast, Socks and a Jolt.

Niall thought he'd hit just the right tone to keep Liam from thinking he was one of those men who would follow him around and make Doe eyes at him, but for a minute Niall thought he offended him. There was something fake in his smile, and Liam's eyes held shadows he'd never noticed before.

Maybe Niall wasn't supposed to talk about how casual their casual sex was.

But when Liam joined him on the bed and looked down at him, Niall decided everything was okay.

The rest of the night was everything Niall dreamed of, with Liam taking him up to the heavens twice more before they were done.

Everything felt right. Everything but the knowledge that crept into his mind whenever he let himself think. This is just for tonight. Just for now.

But Niall didn't mind- or at least, that's what he told himself. He'd remember this night forever- treasure it and run it through his mind like a home movie whenever he felt blue. It would be his own private porn stash.

The thought made him giggle.

"What's so funny?" Liam asked.

What if he told Liam?

"Nothing." Niall replied.

When it was over , the two of them lay side by side, glistening with sweat, smiling at the ceiling like a couple of fools. Which was probably what they were, but he wasn't about to admit that.

--

Niall woke the next morning with a smile on his face. Last night might not have meant anything to Liam, but it had been a rare gift for him. Once, just once, he'd wanted to have a man he really desired. A man who made him feel hot and loose and sexy.

Liam must have known what it had meant to him, because he was kind as could be. He'd made love almost as if he cared.

Not made love. Had sex. Niall needed to remember that was all they'd done.

Still, he'd made Niall feel almost beautiful. No wonder everyone loved him.

Niall was left wondering where Dooley had gone. Normally the pup was curled up by his side, but he must have gotten up early. Niall hoped he hadn't pooped on the floor. Up till now, pooping outside was the one thing the dog did right.

He turned over, ready to step out of bed, and got the shock of his life.

There he was, Liam Payne, sleeping like some kind of Wild West Angel, with Niall's hairy little yapper dog clasped in his arms

Niall had never noticed what long lashes Liam had. And he'd never seen his face relaxed like this. The tough guy was gone, and he could almost see what he must have looked like as a child. Niall's heart, which he's hardened in anticipation of waking alone, softened at the sight. He was kidding himself if he said he wasn't crazy about Liam. He had been for a long time.

But a lot of other guys felt the same way, and it wasn't like Niall could compete in that arena. Horses he could handle, but love? Not a chance. Winning took practice, and he had no idea what the hell he was doing when it came to relationship-or anything that pertained to humans, for that matter.

Liam stirred in his sleep and turned over, clutching Dooley tighter. He had better enjoy the view while it lasted, because the dog would leap up any moment, yapping out his morning demands for walkies, break-fast, playtime, NOW!

But Dooley only lifted his head and looked at him-or at least, he thought he was looking at him; you never could tell with all that hair-then settled down with a deep, satisfied sigh. Apparently he liked sleeping with Liam almost as much as Niall did.