Chapter 12
Colt
We barely make it inside my house before the clothes start flying off.
One boot by the front door. Two of hers at the edge of the foyer, right next to my other one. I fling my shirt somewhere near the couch while her button-down is carelessly strewn on the hallway floor leading to my bedroom.
Our hands are all over each other, the farm stretching out beyond the window as far as the eye can see. “I’m falling for you, cupcake.”
She stops mid-kiss, looking at me. “I’m falling for you too, Colt.”
I flip on the light and take both of her hands in mine as we stand partially clothed in my bedroom.
“I didn’t want anything serious when I came back to Stoneridge.
Leaving the rodeo circuit was hard, and I had so much on my plate.
Still do.” The lamplight hits the framed rodeo photos on my dresser, reminders of a lifestyle I no longer need.
“I didn’t think I had room for anyone, but the universe made room for you in my world when I couldn’t see it for myself. ”
The soft light turns her skin a golden color, tightening my chest.
I cup her cheek, needing her to really hear me.
“The second you fell in my arms, I experienced something that’s never happened in my life, the need to be around you every damn moment.
I love that you are independent, that you care for my sister like she’s blood, that you love Brooke so much you would bid serious money on the guy she loves just so someone else can’t date him.
The way you are with your niece and nephew…
your tolerance with Liz when she didn’t give it in return is admirable and rare.
I don’t know where you’re at with us, Cupcake, but I need to know before we do anything else. ”
She tucks her bottom lip between her teeth, her blue eyes flashing. “Are you implying you won’t sleep with me unless I have feelings for you?”
“I’m all in, Hallie. This isn’t just a hookup for me.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I’m falling for you, too, then.
” Her fingers slide up my chest, slow and sure, stopping to brush a scar from the time my rope whipped back and caught my shoulder.
“And it’s not because I had a crush on you in high school, or because I’m trying to make sure Liz doesn’t win.
It’s because you love with your whole heart.
You’re not afraid to hold friends accountable.
You have a way with people and animals that makes my toes curl, and the way you called everybody out tonight?
” She reaches up and kisses my Adam’s apple, her hands rubbing over my pectoral muscles. “It’s sexy as hell.”
With a growl, I back her onto the bed, taking her down with me as we fall into the best damn kiss of my life.
Her lips move against mine with an urgent desperation that matches the hunger clawing at my ribs.
Our mouths part, her tongue seeking me, our bodies molding together like we’re made to fit.
Her hands grip my torso, both of us holding tight.
We kiss for a long time—slow, deep, consuming. My hand slides down, slipping beneath her jeans to grab a handful of her perfect ass.
“A thong, cupcake? You’re killing me.”
“Want to see it?” she murmurs against my mouth, her pelvis pressing into my hard length. She’s wet and needy, and the way she moves damn near undoes me.
I strip her bra and jeans off, leaving her in nothing but panties. I chuckle at the candy canes scattered across the black fabric.
“Flip over, gorgeous. I need to see that sweet ass.”
A wave of goosebumps erupts along her skin as she turn on all fours. My hands squeeze the soft skin, her body arching into me as my thumbs trace the lace edging along her hips.
“That pretty red bow is just for me, isn’t it?”
“These may be new,” she says, breathless.
“Did you think of me when you bought them?” I bend down and kiss the red bow at the base of the triangle.
“Mhmm.”
Fuck. I trail kisses up her spine then pull her up so we’re both on our knees, her back to my chest, my mouth grazing her ear. My hands slide up.
“I love your tits, Hallie. They’re so fucking perfect.”
I cup them, squeezing gently, and her shudder rocks through both of us.
“I need you inside me right now, Colt.”
My thumbs stroke beneath her breasts, slow and teasing.
“Oh no, you don’t. We’re not rushing this, sweetheart. I’m gonna take my time with you.”
I press my erection against her, and the soft sound she makes nearly breaks my control.
The room smells of cedar, clean sheets, and her, wrapping around me like warmth and wanting. She turns, takes my face in her hands, and kisses me with a kind of love that hits deep in my chest. It’s fast. It’s real.
She searches my eyes. “Colt, are you in this for real?”
I brush a thumb over her cheekbone. “I don’t do things halfway. You’re it for me. I want the whole damn thing with you.”
In one quick move that I perfected in the arena, I catch her behind the knees and fling her onto her back.
“What are you doing?” she gasps, laughing.
“I’m gonna get acquainted with your pussy and those strawberry curls of yours.”
“What makes you think—”
She doesn’t finish. I already have her thong off and my face between her thighs. I was right. I kiss her softly, then flatten my tongue over her clit. Her body jolts.
“Oh, you like that, do you?” I murmur, settling into a steady rhythm she quickly falls apart under.
Her hands reach back for the pillow, gripping it tight as I work her until she’s trembling, right on the edge.
Just as she’s about to break, I grab a condom, tear it open, and roll it on.
“Now, Cupcake.”
I watch her eyes widen as I slowly slide into her. She’s hot, tight, perfect, and I have to grit my teeth not to lose it right then.
I lift her ankles and rest them over my shoulders, my hands gripping her hips as I drive into her. Her back arches beautifully, her breasts lifting into my palms. I circle her nipples with my thumbs, whispering every filthy promise I’ve ever wanted to make.
She clenches around me, whimpering my name. I match her thrust for thrust, heat coiling, pressure building until we break together. Her nails carve into my back as stars explode behind her eyes, and the force of it rips a groan straight from my chest.
I lower myself on top of her, our foreheads touching as the final waves ebb into a warm glow spreading through my whole body. Her fingers trace patterns on my back, slow and tender, grounding me like nothing else ever has.
I pull the blanket over us, tucking her into me like something precious, because she damn well is, when her watch buzzes.
She checks it and groans. “Brooke. She says, and I quote, ‘Your porch light isn’t on. Remember to lock the chastity belt.’”
I laugh, pulling her closer. “Tell her to tell Gentry that if he hurts my baby sister, I’ll kill him and to never text you during sex again.”
“I’m leaving that last part out.” Hitting send, she takes her watch off and sets it on my bedside table.
I hold her tight, her breathing warm against my chest, excited about our future, excited about our now.
Exactly where we’re meant to be.