Chapter 9
Colt
The weekend before Thanksgiving has arrived faster than I expected, and with it comes the reality that Serena will fly out to Florida to spend the holiday with her cousin Nova.
We've been inseparable since Halloween night, and the thought of her being gone for even a few days makes my chest tight with longing.
I've made reservations at Corvid Valley Steakhouse for tonight.
Standing in front of my bathroom mirror, I adjust my tie for the third time.
I haven't been this nervous about a date since high school, but everything with Serena feels more significant now.
More real. The black suit I'm wearing is the same one I wore to my cousin's wedding last year, and I hope it's nice enough for what I have planned.
When I pull into her driveway, I sit in my truck for a moment, trying to calm the rapid beating of my heart. Through her kitchen window, I can see her moving around, and my stomach flips.
Serena opens the door before I can knock, and I forget how to breathe. She's wearing a cobalt blue dress that hugs every curve I know by heart, and her auburn hair falls in soft waves over her shoulders. The necklace at her throat catches the porch light, and I want to trace it with my fingers.
Hell, with my lips.
"You look..." I start, then shake my head. "There aren't words."
"There better be words, cowboy," she says with that smile that makes me weak. "I spent an hour getting ready."
"Worth every minute," I say, offering her my arm. "Ready for dinner?"
Comfortable conversation about her upcoming trip fills the drive to the steakhouse. She's excited to see Nova. But I catch her stealing glances at me, and I wonder if she's feeling the same reluctance about leaving that I'm feeling about watching her go.
Corvid Valley Steakhouse has transformed itself for the holiday season.
Warm amber lighting casts everything in a golden glow, and autumn flowers grace the tables.
The hostess seats us at a corner table with a view of the lake and valley through tall windows, and I can see the lights from other farms scattered across the landscape like fallen stars.
"This is beautiful," Serena says, looking around with genuine appreciation. "I've heard so much about this place but never been here."
"The chef sources a lot of ingredients locally."
We order wine and lose ourselves in conversation that flows as easily as it always does.
She tells me about the custom tea blend she's working on for one of her regular customers, and I find myself fascinated by the way her eyes light up when she talks about her craft.
Everything about her draws me in deeper.
When our entrees arrive, I realize I've barely noticed the food. I'm too focused on watching her laugh as she tells me another story from her childhood.
"Dance with me," I say suddenly when the small band in the corner plays something slow and romantic.
"Right now?" she asks, looking around at the other diners.
"Right now," I say, standing and offering her my hand.
Serena lets me lead her to the small dance floor in front of the band, and when I pull her into my arms, the rest of the restaurant fades away. We move together as if we were made for this, her body fitting perfectly against mine.
"I'm going to miss you," I say against her hair, breathing in that vanilla and earth scent that's become my favorite thing in the world.
"It's only a few days," she says, but her voice is soft, uncertain.
"Serena," I start, then stop. The words are right there, pressing against my chest, demanding to be said. "I need to tell you something."
She pulls back to look at me, her brown eyes searching mine. "What is it?"
"I love you," I say, the words coming out in a rush.
"Gah, I know it's fast, and maybe it's crazy, but I love you.
I love your laugh and your kindness and the way you make everything better just by being there.
I love how you care about people, how you make teas that heal them and make them feel better.
And I love that you see magic in everything, even in a grumpy cowboy who was too stubborn to see what was right in front of him. "
My curvy date's eyes fill with tears, and for a terrifying moment, I think I've said too much, too soon.
"I love you too," Serena whispers, and my world tilts on its axis.
"And I've been falling for you since that night in your storage room.
I love your strength and your loyalty and the way you defend people you care about.
I love how hard you work and how much you care about your farm, about this community. Dammit, I love you, Colt."
I kiss her right there on the dance floor, not caring who sees us. Not caring about anything except the woman in my arms, who just changed my entire life with three simple words.
After flipping on the fire in her living room, Serena turns to me and begins stripping before my eyes. My cock is hard as soon as her curve-hugging dress falls to the floor and I tear off my clothes as well. Soon, we stand before each other, the firelight dancing off our pale skin.
My girlfriend takes my hand, leading me to the couch, and straddles me when I sit down.
Her lips slide along my shaft, feeling wet and warm.
When Serena helps me enter her, we both release satisfied sighs as I stretch and fill her with every inch.
Taking her heavy breasts in my hands, I travel between each pink nipple, flicking my tongue and relishing the small mews she releases because of the contact.
The curvy witch wraps her arms around me, pressing my face to her ample chest, with her bounces on my cock speeding up.
"Fuck, you feel so good," she rasps out while riding me.
Grabbing her round ass, I help her slam down on me harder.
We both moan out with every thrust until I feel her climax on top of me, with her pussy rhythmically squeezing my thickness as she comes.
The sensation is too much for me to bear, and I explode, my orgasm washing down upon me like an earthquake.
Serena collapses onto me, her breath ragged. Our hearts race against each other while we recover. Rolling off of me, she flops her legs across my lap, giving me a sexy grin.
"Want some wine?"