Chapter 8
Serena
Standing in front of my bedroom mirror, I smooth down the emerald green dress I chose for tonight's Halloween Ball. When Colt asked me to be his date a week ago, I may have squealed a little too loudly, causing him to grin that crooked smile that makes my knees weak.
I'm nervous in a way I haven't been in years. This is our first proper date, and I want everything to be perfect. We've been stealing kisses and holding hands since the harvest festival, but tonight feels different. More official somehow.
The sound of gravel crunching on my driveway makes my heart skip.
Through my window, I see Colt climbing out of his truck, and my breath catches.
He's wearing a black button-down shirt that stretches perfectly across his broad shoulders and dark jeans that hug his legs just right.
And naturally he's sporting dressy cowboy boots.
When I open the door, his eyes travel slowly from my face down to my toes and back up again, making heat pool low in my belly.
"You look incredible," he says, his voice rough.
"You clean up pretty well yourself, cowboy," I say, reaching up to straighten his collar just because I want an excuse to touch him.
Easy conversation and stolen glances fill the drive to the community center. Colt's hand finds mine on the seat between us, and I marvel at how natural this feels despite the butterflies dancing in my stomach.
Inside, the decorations are even more impressive than I expected.
The Chamber of Commerce really went all out this year, turning the community center into something that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale.
Orange and black streamers hang from the ceiling, carved pumpkins glow on every table, and a live band plays on a small stage at the front of the room.
Couples already crowd the dance floor and sway to the music.
We find seats at a table near the back, and Colt pulls out my chair like a perfect gentleman. The dinner is surprisingly good for a community event, though I'm too distracted by the way my date's knee keeps brushing against mine under the table to pay much attention to the food.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the MC announces from the stage after dinner, "I'd like to introduce our new Agricultural Business Development Coordinator, Alexandra Powell."
A tall, polished woman in an expensive-looking black dress takes the microphone. She has the kind of confidence that comes from years of corporate presentations, and her smile is perfectly practiced.
"We should probably remember her name," I whisper to Colt.
"Definitely. She'll probably be important for both our businesses," he agrees, though his attention seems more focused on the way my dress has shifted to show a bit more thigh.
After Alexandra's brief speech about supporting local agriculture, the band starts up again.
I watch as she's approached by a man who has to be close to seven feet tall, wearing an elaborate mask that makes him look even more imposing.
Despite his size, he moves with surprising grace when he leads her onto the dance floor.
"That's quite a sight," Colt says, following my gaze.
"I can't imagine dancing with someone that size."
"Good thing I'm just the right height for you then," he says, standing and offering me his hand. "Dance with me?"
I let him lead me onto the dance floor, and when his arms come around me, everything else fades away.
We move together like we've been dance partners for years, and I can feel the solid warmth of his chest against mine through his shirt.
When he spins me out and pulls me back in, I laugh with pure joy.
"Having fun?" he asks, his breath warm against my ear.
"The best," I say, meaning it completely.
When the evening winds down, couples start filtering out to their cars. Colt helps me with my jacket, his fingers brushing the back of my neck and sending shivers down my spine. Holding hands, we head out to his truck.
"Can I walk you to your door?" he asks when we reach my house.
"You can do more than that," I say, surprised by my boldness. "Would you like to come in? Tuck me in?"
His eyes darken. "I'd like that very much."
Inside, I flip on the gas fireplace and pour us each a glass of wine. We settle on my couch, close enough that our thighs touch, and talk about everything and nothing. The wine and his proximity make me feel warm and liquid.
"I should probably shower before bed," I say eventually, though the last thing I want is to leave his side. "I always do. Don't worry about it though; you don't have to wait."
"Nah, I'll wait," he says simply. "I don't have far to go to get home."
The promise in his voice makes my pulse race as I head toward my bathroom.
With my hair freshly blown dry, I stand in front of Colt wearing just my nightie. His blue eyes heat with hunger when he pulls back my blanket, gesturing for me to lie down. After I do, my boyfriend covers me, tucking me in.
Leaning down to kiss me, Colt murmurs against my lips, "Just one more thing."
His mouth opens, exploring my own with his tongue while his hand slides under the covers, finding my naked pussy ready for his touch.
Colt slips a couple of fingers into me, pumping me while rolling his thumb on my clit.
I writhe under his touch, moaning his name until he growls and pushes his face under the covers.
The cowboy's mouth finds my breast, covered in my silk nightie, and his mouth clamps on, soaking through the fabric.
While he sucks my nipple into his mouth, Colt's fingerfucking speeds up until I can't hold on any longer.
Coming, my legs buck out wildly as I yell with my pleasure, my body trembling under the covers.
My cowboy date stands, smiling down at me, and fixes my covers.
"Goodnight, beautiful," he whispers before giving me one last kiss and heading out the door.