23. Paige
Cowboy Take Me Away - Dixie Chicks
C ade and I spend most of the next morning cuddling, savoring whatever time we have left together before the real world inevitably comes knocking. I lay on my back, watching our fingers dance along each other in a soft caress. Sensing Cade’s stare from the other side of the bed, I turn my head and meet his eyes, finding an abundance of affection, my heart swelling in my chest.
I stare back at the man who has quickly become my everything, hoping my eyes reflect the sense of peace and the love I found with him. I’m uncertain of a lot of things right now, but I know I’m not ready to say goodbye.
“Cade,” I breathe, my thumb gently caressing the back of his hand. “I’m not ready to let you go, but I know you can’t stay.”
“I know. I don’t want to let you go either, Paige. I wish we could stay like this forever. ”
I steady myself, determination coursing through my veins. “Is there room for a passenger princess in the rental?”
“Paige… what are you saying?”
“I’m saying I want to go home with you, Cowboy.”
“Are you serious? There’s nothing that would make me happier.” The smile I love so much lights up his entire face as he pulls me to his chest, wrapping me in a cocoon of warmth and contentment. “I can’t fucking wait.”
We still have 1 more day in Niagara Falls, so we reluctantly peel ourselves out of bed to grab some lunch an hour later. After much debate, we agree that we can’t possibly leave without trying a New York-style pizza, so we stop at a little hole in the wall restaurant called Mario’s where we find a spot on the patio to split a pepperoni pizza and watch the tourists amble about. I pull out my camera to snap some photos of the scenery, and of the gorgeous man sitting beside me. I’m determined to document as much of this trip as I can. When I’m not paying attention, Cade snatches the camera off the table, snapping photos of me, in turn.
“Stop it!”
“Never. You’re too beautiful to hide behind the camera.”
An older couple walking hand in hand in our direction stops at the side of our table. I would guess that they’re in their 40’s or 50’s, but they’re holding onto each other like they’re in high school and it’s their first date.
“Sorry to intrude. You look so in love, I wanted to offer to take a photo of you together,” she says.
“That would be amazing. Thank you!”
“No problem at all, hun. If you could just tell me what button to push.”
After making sure the settings are right, I show her how she can just tap on my face on the touch screen to focus and take the photo. I return to my spot at the table and lean over towards Cade, placing my hand on his thigh. She snaps a couple of photos before we turn and look at each other. He cups my cheek and brings his lips to my forehead when she snaps one more. I already know that one is going to be my favorite.
“Young love,” she says wistfully, as she hands me back the camera. “Hang onto it with everything you have. It’s fragile but worth it.”
We don’t argue with her assessment as the weight of her declaration settles over us.
“Thank you,” Cade says. “It was nice meeting you.”
We spend the rest of our day meandering around Niagara falls, ducking into various shops and taking one last look at the falls before we return to the hotel.
Cade
We hit the road at the ass crack of dawn, stopping to grab some coffee and a couple of breakfast sandwiches before we set out on the 12 hour drive back to Oak Ridge. I keep stealing glances over at Paige as she reads something on her Kindle; her cheeks are flushed and I'm curious to know what has her flustered. Her curly hair is effortlessly thrown into a bun on her head, tight leggings hugging the dips of her ass and thighs, and my girl chose to wear my hoodie. She is a fucking dream come true. I still can’t believe she asked to come back to Oak Ridge with me. This was never a part of the plan but fuck if I’m not thrilled.
My only uncertainty centers around the knowledge that I will eventually have to take her to meet my mom. When she found out about our engagement, she was less than thrilled. As the only boy in the family, my mom tends to dote on me and simultaneously suffocate me in certain aspects of my life. Everything happened too suddenly for her liking and, while I understand that this looks a little suspicious from certain points of view, I have no doubts abo ut our relationship. She’ll just have to get used to Paige being in my life — there is no other option. The rest of my family is mostly supportive. Jemma is thrilled to have someone to talk to about her upcoming wedding in June.
I lift my hand and rest it on Paige’s thigh as I pull onto the next exit towards Kentucky. Paige places her hand on top of mine and gives me a soft smile before returning to her book. Her scent is permeating the air around us and it’s taking everything in me not to pull over and fuck her in the back seat.
“Easy, Cowboy. I can see the wheels turning in that big ol’ brain of yours. Don’t be getting any ideas, we won’t both fit in the backseat of this tiny ass car so you’re going to have to keep it together.”
It’s insane how well she can read me already. “Tell me what you’re reading about.”
A blush creeps up her chest. “It’s a romance book”
“Hmm, why don’t you read some of it out loud?”
“Wh-what?”
“Read it out loud, Paige.” My tone is commanding. She looks down at the bulge in my jeans and her eyes go wide. “Go on, baby.”
She brings her focus back to the kindle in her hands and picks up where she left off.
“‘Fuck, baby, you’re already soaked,” he says, as he strokes a finger through her slit. ‘I’m going to fucking devour you, Ava. Sit on my fucking face.’”
Holy. Fuck.
I knew it was something spicy judging purely by the flush on her cheeks, but I was not adequately prepared to hear those words coming out of her mouth.
“She straddles my head, her hands clinging to the headboard as I snake my arms under her thighs and pull her wet pussy down to my mouth, sucking on h er clit as her moans fill the silence.”
My cock is straining behind my shorts as she reads her filthy little romance book. Keeping my eyes fixed on the road, I reach across the console to the waistband of her leggings, dipping lower to slip my hand beneath her panties.
“You’re soaked, baby,” I say, desire evident in my voice. “Is this book turning you on, or me?”
I push 2 fingers into her wet heat, stroking lightly.
“Both,” she says, breathlessly.
I pull my hand free and bring my fingers to my mouth, tasting her sweetness. Quickly pulling onto a gravel road, I find a small alcove hidden amongst some trees.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m going to fuck you, Paige.”
Giving her no time to argue, I round the car, helping her out of the passenger seat then ripping the back door open, placing her on her knees, ass hanging slightly out the door.
“This is going to be fast and hard,” I warn. I’m already so fucking worked up it’s a damn miracle I didn’t come in my pants while she read her smutty little book.
I lower my zipper and free my hard erection before tugging down her leggings just enough to have access to her dripping wet cunt.
“Play with your clit, I want you ready to come with me, baby.”
She complies as I thrust forward, filling her to the hilt. She moans and begins stroking herself at a frenzied pace. I slam into her over and over, feeling my orgasm building. Wrapping a fist around her hair, I arch her back into me, crashing my lips down to hers stifling our moans and minutes later we both fall over the edge at the same time, screaming out our simultaneous release.
“Fuck. That was incredible. I think I’m addicted to this pussy.” A shiver racks her body at my words. I will never tire of seeing how I affect her.
We quickly clean up with some wet wipes she keeps in her purse and pull back onto the road. Instead of returning to her kindle, she switches on the radio, filling the car with music as she softly hums along.
Hours later when the sun has set and the glow of the streetlights are the only thing guiding our way back home, I glance over at my girl curled up with a pillow resting between her head and the window and wonder what I ever did to get this lucky. Her soft snores echo through the car, though I’ll never tell her that, and I reach out to swipe a stray curl off her forehead.
“Hey Sunshine,” I hate to wake her but we’re only a mile away from my cabin and I don’t want her to miss the scenery as we pull into town. She lifts her head and stretches out her arms before glancing out the window at main street. The town is lit by string lights cascading between buildings, creating a canopy of light above us. I point out Rosie’s and tell her about its history as gossip central. As we’re passing The Ridge, I see Miles and Dean standing under the awning as they flag me down, urging me to pull over. “Do you mind if we stop and say hi to the guys real quick?”
“Ugh, I probably look like a hot mess,” she grumbles in response.
“You look beautiful. They’re going to love you.”
She rolls her eyes in disbelief, then mutters what sounds like “fine” as I pull into my usual parking spot. She checks her makeup in the visor and releases her curls to cascade around her face. I round her side of the car and hold out a hand to help her step out. She quickly tosse s my hoodie back into the passenger seat so she’s standing in nothing but her tight as fuck leggings and a black tank. “Baby, you’re going to freeze.”
“Give me a second,” she chides as she pops the trunk and grabs one of her ultra soft sweaters from her suitcase. “You just had to stop and see your friends leaving me no choice but to improvise, so I don’t look like a fucking troll the first time I meet them.”
“You’re always perfect, Sunshine, and they already love you.”
Once she's done primping, I lead her over to the patio where the guys have snagged a high top table. Last time I spoke to them in our group chat, I failed to mention that I was bringing Paige home with me, so I smirk at my friends when shock overtakes their expressions, when they take in my approach and the girl that’s currently clinging to my biceps.
“Well holy shit, this is a surprise.” Miles is the first to reach out and plant a kiss on her cheek, making her blush.
“Watch it, Miles. I wouldn’t want to have to rearrange your face.” I’m only kind of joking.
“Ignore him,” Dean scoffs. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, sunshine .” He pulls her into a quick side hug.
“Same. I’ve heard so much about you guys.”
“All good things, I hope,” he responds, giving me a dubious look.
“Maybe. Except for that story about the time you got wasted and streaked down main street holding a football over your junk.” That never happened, but I love that she’s already shooting the shit with my boys. He laughs at her quip and slaps a hand on my shoulder nodding as a sign of his approval.
“Do you guys have to get back to the cabin or can you hang for a bit?” Dean asks.
“What do you think, Sunshine? You up for a beer or 2, and maybe some karaoke?”
“S ure. Can we go inside? It’s a bit chilly out here.”
“Of course. Lead the way, Sweetheart,” Miles says. I slap him upside the head for using an endearment with my girl, but I’m secretly thrilled that they're already bringing her into the fold.
I look towards Dean, who’s holding the door open for my girl. “Is Cara with you?”
“She’s meeting me here later. She had to run home after her shift.”
I catch up in 2 strides and take Paige’s hand in mine, flagging Liam down as we step over to the bar. “Hey man, this is my girl, Paige. We’ll take two of whatever light beer is on tap and you can open a tab and put whatever Dean and Miles are having on there, too.” He nods, giving Paige a subtle smile before getting to work on our drinks.
It’s still early in the night and things are about to ramp up when karaoke kicks off in a few minutes, so I lead her over to claim a small table near the stage. The scent of stale beer lingers in the air as patrons clamber to find tables. This isn’t exactly the way I wanted to introduce her to Oak Ridge, but it’s a part of our life here and she’s getting a front-row seat.
“You know, I don't think I’ve heard you sing yet.” We listened to music on the drive back from Niagara Falls, but she spent most of her time reading. She flushes at my observation and I narrow my eyes at her; I have a sneaking suspicion that she’s been holding out on me.
“Will you sing with me, Cowboy?”
“Hell yeah, I will. Pick out a song and I’ll put it in for us.”
A few minutes later, the crowd has gathered around the small stage and the DJ announces the first performance. A tall, broad-shouldered man with long dark hair named Jim approaches the stage as the opening bars to “Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks” reverberate through the bar. The crowd favorite has everyone hootin’ and hollerin’ and before we know it, Paige and I are called o n stage. As the song begins to play, I can almost see the nerves radiating from her body. I clasp her hand in mine and give it a reassuring squeeze, hoping to ease her racing heart.
The lyrics to the song flash on the screen and Paige sings the opening lines, her voice coming out a bit shaky at the beginning, but she steadies herself as the song goes on. She sings with such emotion and sincerity, immediately capturing the room’s rapt attention. Paige’s eyes don’t leave mine, and I’m captivated watching her get lost in the song. She turns to me, the microphone in one hand between us, the other resting on my chest, our fingers still entwined. Lost in the soothing tone of her voice, I almost miss my queue to join in.
As Paige and I sing about regret and distance between two lovers, the audience is enraptured, the usual bar chatter fading into the background. The rest of the world disappears as I only have eyes for the incredible woman in my embrace. By the time the song finishes, the bar erupts in a boisterous applause. Something unspoken passes between us as I lead her back to our table.
“You were amazing, baby,” I whisper in her ear, using the endearment that I usually reserve for bedroom activities. “You've been holding out on me.” I smile at her tenderly as I watch the blush creep into her cheeks. I kiss her temple and take my seat beside her.
“You weren’t so bad yourself, Cowboy.”
Miles and Dean join us at our table, telling Paige how fantastic she is and ignoring me entirely. I can’t really blame them. I’m smitten, too.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Cara and Jen approach our table. A sense of dread fills my body and I glance towards the impending spectacle. I can’t blame Cara for the actions of her friends, but Jen is nothing but trouble. Dean stands to give Cara a quick kiss as Jen scans the table, her narrowed gaze briefly stopping on Paige. I can’t help but reach out and clasp a hand on her thigh as protectiveness surges through my body. I can only imagine the thoughts going through Jen’s mind right now and judging by our last interaction, I’m not going to like what comes next.
“Slumming it with a fat chick, Cade?” she sneers.
I rise out of my chair to defend my girl, but before I can say a word, Paige is at my side, pressing her palm against my chest to stop me from speaking. Wrapping a protective arm around her waist, I pull her flush against my side, then watch in awe as she rounds on Jen, “First of all, what you said was incredibly rude and uncalled for. I don’t know what kind of person spews shit like that about someone they don’t even know, but it says a lot more about you than it does about me.”
The table goes deadly silent as my girl gives Jen a piece of her mind. Paige’s voice remains strong and unwavering, a stark contrast to the last time she was in a similar position. I stand beside her in a show of support as she continues.
“I’m proud of who I am. I don’t need validation from someone like you, who feels the need to tear others down so she can feel better about herself. I know all about your little blind date, and I can see the jealousy seeping out of your pores.” Her words are laced with venom, landing blow after stinging blow. “It’s ironic considering it was my text message to my friend that you saw on the table that night. You had your chance, and you fucked up by jumping to conclusions. In fact, I should be thanking you . It if weren’t for your total lack of character, I wouldn’t be here right now.”
She lets the last words hang in the air as she places her left hand, adorned with the gorgeous engagement ring, on my chest, then tilts her head for a kiss. I take her queue and bring my lips down to meet hers in a public display of affection, all but declaring in front of the whole town that she’s mine and I’m hers. Nothing goes unnoticed in Oak Ridge.
Jen ’s smirk falters, her confidence wavering in the face of Paige’s accusations. Her eyes narrow as she spots the ring on Paige’s finger. She mumbles something to Cara before stalking away, her malicious exterior crumbling as she goes.
“I’m so sorry about that,” Cara says, looking uncomfortable. “I won’t even try to make excuses for her. You didn’t deserve that.”
“It’s fine. It’s nothing I haven’t dealt with before, and it's certainly not your fault,” Paige replies then smiles at Cara, signaling that she doesn’t hold her friend’s actions against her. “I’m Paige, by the way. Cade’s fiancée.”
“It’s so nice to finally meet you. Dean spilled the beans earlier this week, but I had no idea you would be in town. We should all go to Rosie’s in the morning for brunch. I’m sure the entire town will have heard about this by morning, so why not really give them something to talk about?”
They’re still talking, but my mind is frozen on the moment Paige introduced herself as my fiancée for the first time. Mine.
“Hell yeah,” Miles chimes in.
“You’re only in it for the pancakes, dipshit.” I say, zoning back into the conversation. I love giving him shit, but it’s the truth. I’ve never seen anyone devour a stack of pancakes like Miles does.
Dean takes Cara by the hand and leads her onto the dance floor. Our plans for tomorrow secured, I gaze at my strong, beautiful woman, a rush of pride filling my chest, and do the one thing I’ve been dying to do since we stepped into the bar tonight, “dance with me.”