Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
T he ride to the cabin was a quiet one, only the radio filling the silence.
Kasi suspected Levi, like her, was relishing the closeness.
Once they arrived at the cabin, Levi opened the door of the truck for her, like he always did, and they walked inside hand in hand.
Kasi stood awkwardly, waiting for him to make the first move.
Levi closed the door, then pushed her toward the couch. “Come on. I can see you’ve got some things on your mind that you need to get out.”
Kasi nodded, all too aware that while Levi had swooped in and fixed her family’s problems, she hadn’t done anything to repair what she’d broken.
She dropped down on the couch, turning to face him when he sat next to her, their thighs touching.
“I hurt you yesterday.”
Levi started to shake his head, but she wouldn’t let him lie to her just to spare her feelings. “I know you would never hurt me or my family. I have no good excuse for accusing you of that, for thinking the worst, other than Scottie snuck in when I was down and almost out. I shouldn’t have let him in. I’m so sorry.”
Levi leaned forward and gave her a soft, sweet kiss. “Forgiven.”
He leaned back, his arm resting on the cushion behind her. “Why didn’t you tell me about the tax bill?”
She lifted one shoulder. “Because I knew you’d try to fix things, and I’d already let you do too much for me and my family. I didn’t want to keep imposing on you.”
Levi scowled. “Imposing on me?” He twisted until one leg rested bent on the cushion between them. “Asking your man for help isn’t an imposition, Kasi.”
“I…” She’d known from the start that it was taking her longer to adjust to their new relationship status than it was Levi. It was the main place her inexperience stuck out like a sore thumb. But he also had to give her some sort of leeway. After all, it had only been about three weeks since their first kiss, for God’s sake.
“It’s not that easy for me,” she tried to explain. “Ever since my mother died, I’ve been taking care of things on my own. It’s what I’m used to. So handing control over to you, for things I felt like I should be doing, was hard.”
“Do you trust me, Kasi?”
She nodded her head without hesitation. “Completely.”
“If I came to you in need of help, would you give it?”
“Of course,” she replied, understanding where he was going. “But?—”
Levi pressed his fingers on her lips. “There’s no but to it. You wouldn’t hesitate to help me if I was in trouble, right?”
She grimaced, then admitted defeat. “Right.”
“So why is it wrong for me to want to help you when you need it?”
She folded her arms over her chest. “It’s not, but—” she tried again.
“But nothing.”
“But I’m doing it too much!” she exclaimed. “My life is a hot fucking mess, and I’m sorry, but it’s too much to ask you to keep working long hours, bail us financially, and catch me every time I pass out.”
Levi grasped her hips, pulling her until she faced him, straddling his lap. “It’s not too much at all. There’s nothing in the world you could ask for that I wouldn’t move heaven and earth to get for you. I love you, little bear. I want to take care of you, and I want you to take care of me. For as long as we both shall live.”
“You love me,” she whispered, though it wasn’t a question. She’d felt his love from the moment she opened her eyes after fainting in his arms.
Levi untucked her T-shirt, his fingers drifting beneath the soft cotton so that he could stroke her skin. “I’m head over fucking heels in love with you. And since you’re still struggling, let me lay things out for you so there’s no more confusion. You belong to me, Kasi, which means I want it all. Your heart, your body, your problems, and your trust. I want my ring on your finger, you in my bed, and my baby inside you. What I feel for you isn’t some lukewarm affection. It’s not a mistake or a misunderstanding. It’s an unstoppable obsession. Do you understand?”
She nodded, words failing her. Because dayum .
“That’s how I see our future,” he continued, “and I’m a stubborn son of a bitch, so you can count on it happening just like that.”
“What else do you see?” she asked.
“I’m going to take your father up on his offer. Going to move in with you.”
“You’re aware my father will live there for the rest of his life, and I have no idea what Keith’s plans are for the future.”
“I come from a big family, Kass. There were nine of us in one house when we were all kids. And since we became adults, my brothers and I have shared a home. Living with only three other people is going to feel much quieter by comparison.”
“You don’t mind sharing a home with them?”
“They’re your family, little bear, and soon they’re going to be mine too. Multigenerational homes are the norm around here. You know that. Besides, you live in a big farmhouse, and there’s plenty of room for all of us. Think how nice it would be for our kids to grow up in a house with their granddaddy.”
Kasi blinked back tears because that was the most wonderful thing she’d ever heard. “Daddy would love that.”
“So no more trying to walk away from me, Kasi,” Levi stressed.
“Because you’ll chase me?”
He nodded. “Always. Now tell me you love me so we can go to the bedroom.”
She laughed. “So cocky. How do you know—” Kasi didn’t have the chance to finish before Levi stood, twisting until she was on her back on the couch and he tickled her. She batted at his hands, desperate to escape, even as squeals of laughter erupted from her.
“Tell me,” he demanded.
“I love you,” she said, gasping for air.
Levi stopped tickling her instantly. “Good girl.”
He grabbed her hand, helping her rise and tugging her toward the bedroom while she laughed at his haste.
Within seconds, they were both undressed.
Levi followed her onto the bed, Kasi lifting her arms to pull him over her.
“Want you so much,” she whispered.
“Same,” he said, his kiss proving it.
Kasi gasped when he wasted no time guiding his cock to her pussy, pushing inside in one slow glide that didn’t stop until he was completely buried.
He gave her only a second or two to adjust before he began thrusting. Unlike the last two times they were together, they moved more slowly, enjoying the motions rather than fucking like it was the end of the world.
Which, to be fair, was what Kasi had thought the past few days.
He kissed her as he glided in and out, their tongues dancing together.
“You’re mine,” he insisted, his hands gripping her hair tightly. “And I’m never going to let you go. You ever try to leave again…I will chase you, little bear. I’ll capture you, claim you, fuck every part of you over and over until you understand there’s no me and you anymore. Just us.”
Kasi closed her eyes, feeling slightly light-headed at the thought. She loved this dominant, alpha side of Levi, loved the way he took control of her sexually. She’d never imagined having the opportunity to make her fantasies a reality, but now, Levi had her adding more kinks to the list.
“Just us,” she breathed, loving the intimacy, the closeness. Kasi didn’t understand just how lonely she’d been before Levi, but now she could see how truly empty her life had been.
“I love you,” Levi said again, his lips near her ear, his teeth nibbling at the lobe.
She could hear those words a hundred times a day for the rest of her life and never get sick of them.
Kasi ran her fingers through his hair, closing her fists around the long strands. “Love you too.”
When Levi reached between them to stroke her clit, she was a goner. Her back arched as her orgasm swept through her like a tidal wave.
“Look at me when you come,” Levi demanded.
She forced her eyes open and found his. He was there too. She could see it in his hungry, almost-pained expression.
“Kasi,” he groaned, his climax blending with hers. “Little bear.”
She lifted her head, kissing him, over and over and over.
“Love you,” she breathed. “Love you so much.”
Levi dropped down beside her, wrapping her in his arms.
“You’re giving Scottie that ring back,” he said in his deep, demanding voice.
“Damn right, I am,” she said, laughing softly.
“And you’re marrying me.”
“Damn right, I am.”
“Good. Now get some sleep because I’m going to wake you up in an hour or so to do all of that to you again.”
“Damn right, you are,” she joked, even as her eyes drifted shut.
So damn right.
Levi sat at a tall table in the corner of the large patio that jutted out from the entire front of the brewery. It was a gorgeous September Saturday, and it looked as if most of Gracemont had descended on the mountain to celebrate.
Rain or Shine Brewery held an Oktoberfest celebration for six weeks every fall, starting in mid-September and lasting through October. Since today was the kickoff of the event, Sam and Jace were behind the bar, serving tastings of their latest German-inspired beers, talking about the flavor profiles and ingredients included.
Mila was outside by the pizza oven, baking approximately four thousand pizzas for the hungry masses, while Remi waited tables. Hell, even Theo and Levi’s dad were pitching in, delivering food and bussing tables because the place really was packed.
Lark McCoy, a local Gracemont girl, had recently started playing her acoustic guitar and singing on the weekends. She was incredibly talented and definitely part of what had drawn people in today. She was currently singing a cover of “Me and Bobby McGee” that would have brought Janis Joplin to her knees. Theo had been damn smart to hire her.
Like his brother, Levi had made his own smart hire recently, handing his job as vineyard manager over to Boone Hansen. Boone had been working as an assistant in a large vineyard just outside Williamsburg, but because there’d been no room for advancement, the man was happy to come here, where he would be able to make all the decisions. He was in the process of selling his house while looking for a place in Gracemont so he could take over Levi’s duties at the beginning of the year.
Technically, that was when Levi intended to officially move in with the Mills family, but in truth, he was already spending every night there, and a fair amount of his clothes were hanging in the closet in his and Kasi’s new shared room.
Life was good, he thought, as he leaned back, gazing out across the valley. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, so the view stretched out for miles and miles.
Life would be even better if Kasi had managed to give Scottie back his damn engagement ring. However, the man—overly confident about acquiring Lucky Penny Farm—had been out of town all week with his father, apparently in meetings with a man they hoped to hire as a horse trainer. Levi couldn’t wait to see the look on Scottie’s face when Kasi kicked him to the curb.
Kasi sighed happily next to him. Keith and her dad were running the stand today, as they both declared she needed a day off.
Kasi and her brother had finally sat down to talk about losing their mother, their shared grief, and Keith apologized again for his hurtful words.
Between that and her father emerging from his room to work on the farm again, Kasi’s smile was so huge and bright these days, Levi suspected astronauts could see it from space.
“I think this one is my favorite,” she said, pointing to one of the small tasting glasses. They’d ordered today’s special Oktoberfest flight so they could sample them all.
He grinned. “I still say this one is the best,” he argued, pointing to the first one they’d tried. Levi wrapped his arm around the back of Kasi’s stool, leaning toward her, intent on giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Kasi, however, had other ideas, turning her head at the last minute, their lips touching. They’d spent hours this past week kissing and cuddling and, well, fucking. Levi couldn’t spend five minutes with her without giving in to the need to touch her, and every night, they fell into bed together like two lovers who’d been apart for years. He was grateful her father’s bedroom was on the second story and the other side of the house. Though that hadn’t stopped Levi from needing to cover her mouth with his hand or use a gag. Of course, those actions were only half based on the sounds she was making, the other half because it turned her on. Big-time.
His girl had a voracious sexual appetite, and damn if she wasn’t adventurous as hell. There were times he worried he couldn’t keep up with her, and he considered himself a virile man.
“Ugh. Do you have to rub your happiness in everyone’s faces twenty-four seven?” Remi asked, though her grin told them she wasn’t really complaining.
“We do,” Kasi said solemnly. “It’s part of our relationship agreement. Showing off without restraint.”
Remi snorted. “Horny bitch.”
“Jealous cow,” Kasi countered, as both women broke into peals of laughter.
“Hey,” Theo said, walking up to their table. “Been too busy to stop over here to say hello to you two. Still sucking face nonstop, I see.”
Levi chuckled. “Apparently, we’ve got a bit of a reputation. Great crowd,” he added, changing the subject. “Looks like Sam and Jace hit it out of the park this fall with their beer lineup.”
“And then some. Abbey called first thing this morning to ask for three more kegs of the pumpkin lager. Said she drained the first one in three days,” Theo said.
“You’ve done a great job with Oktoberfest,” Kasi added. “Again.”
“And mercifully for the last time. I finally hired an events coordinator for the farm businesses. She starts in a couple weeks. I’ll be glad to hand those duties over. Party planning isn’t my thing.” Theo winked. “I’m better suited to being the life of the party instead.”
Remi hip-bumped Theo, since both their hands were filled with trays of dirty glasses. “I thought I was the life of the party.”
Remi and Theo looked at him and Kasi for the ruling on who ruled parties, but they shook their heads in unison.
“Not stepping on that hornet’s nest,” Kasi said.
“Chicken shit,” Remi said. “I’m going to take these to the kitchen, then go ask Lark to sing ‘Better Together.’ I love me some Jack Johnson.”
Remi and Theo walked to the kitchen together, still debating which of them was more fun, trying to draw several tables of patrons into the fray.
“You realize this is our one-month anniversary,” Levi pointed out.
“How has it only been one month?”
“Best month of my life,” Levi murmured, kissing the side of her head, before his attention was distracted by someone walking into the brewery. He frowned. “You still have Scottie’s ring in your pocket?”
Kasi nodded. “Yes. I told you, I want to give it back the second I see him. Don’t want to have to schedule another meeting just to return it. One and done.”
Levi had been annoyed earlier in the week when he realized Kasi was carrying the ring around everywhere with her, but once she’d explained why, he understood. “I’m not mad,” he quickly said, before nodding toward the entrance. “Just letting you know we’ve got incoming.”
Kasi turned quickly, spotting Scottie at the same time the mayor saw them.
Scottie scowled as he took in how closely Levi and Kasi were sitting. And because Levi was a jealous asshole, and he really hated the guy, he pulled her stool even closer as he draped his arm around her shoulders.
Kasi giggled, delighted by his power play. Then she gave him a stern look. “Scottie is all mine,” she warned him.
Levi shook his head, but before they could argue over who got to give the mayor the smackdown he deserved, Scottie stepped up to their table.
“You’re supposed to be having tea with my mother,” he said, scowling at Levi’s arm around her.
That was what he led with?
“I told your mother I wasn’t going,” Kasi replied.
“You said you needed to work the fruit stand, but your brother and father are.”
Obviously, Scottie had stopped by there first, intent on dragging her to tea with his bitch of a mother. Keith and Mr. Mills—who’d begun insisting that Levi call him Tim—must have told Scottie where to find Kasi. They knew how anxious she was to give back the ring.
“I never agreed to marry you, Scottie,” she replied coolly.
As much as Levi wanted to rearrange the smug mayor’s face, he was taking a lot of pleasure in watching his little bear sharpen her claws. Glancing around, he realized his brothers and Remi had noted Scottie’s arrival, and they were watching them with great interest. Actually, Remi looked like she wanted to do more than watch, but Theo had a grip on her arm, holding her back.
Scottie gestured to the exit. “Why don’t we discuss this in private?”
Kasi shook her head. “There’s nothing to discuss. You lied about Levi pressing charges.”
Scottie narrowed his eyes. “I said they might press charges. I never said they were.”
Levi clenched his fist and started to rise because fuck this guy.
Kasi stopped Levi by placing her hand on his thigh before digging into her pocket. She pulled out the engagement ring and thrust it toward Scottie.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Returning your ring. My answer is no.”
Levi didn’t think Kasi intended to speak as loudly as she had, but with each passing day, her fury over Scottie preying on her grief to try to bully her family out of their farm had grown. It probably hadn’t helped that Keith, Tim, and Levi had shared that emotion, the four of them outraged by Scottie’s manipulations. As such, she’d had plenty of time to build up a big head of steam.
Scottie glanced around, aware they were drawing an audience because his reply was spoken much softer. “We need to talk,” he said to her, before looking at Levi. “Alone.”
Kasi didn’t bother to temper her volume. “There’s nothing you need to say to me that my boyfriend, Levi, can’t hear.”
Scottie pursed his lips tightly, and Levi could almost see the wheels turning in the man’s head. “Returning that ring isn’t going to help you or your family,” Scottie said through gritted teeth.
“Oh,” Kasi feigned surprise. “You mean because of the property taxes? That’s all taken care of. Paid in full.”
Scottie frowned. “But?—”
“I have to admit,” Levi said, definitely speaking louder than he needed to, “I was surprised when I realized you said town council had done away with the payment plan option for back taxes. Dad was confused too, considering the council didn’t vote to reverse the rules regarding that issue. Is that something you’re planning to change if you win the election?”
Several heads turned in their direction, and Levi recognized more than a few of those who were sitting nearby were local landowners and farmers.
“No more payment plans?” someone muttered with alarm.
Scottie shook his head quickly, his hands raised in immediate surrender as he surveyed the people around them. “That’s not true. The payment plans are still in effect,” he said loudly, before turning back to their table, leaning forward. “Dammit, Kasi,” he started. “Stop this.”
Levi didn’t like how close Scottie was getting…or the look in his eye. It reminded him of last fall, when Scottie had grabbed Lucy. The mayor really didn’t take rejection well.
“Back up,” Levi said, in a deep, low voice.
Scottie held Kasi’s gaze for a few seconds longer, clearly trying to intimidate her.
“Right now,” Levi added.
The tone of his voice must have penetrated, reminding Scottie of exactly what Levi would do to protect a woman he cared about.
Scottie took a step back, his face flushed with anger.
“Take the ring and get the fuck out of here,” Levi said quietly, aware Scottie had refused to reclaim the ring.
Scottie put his hand out, and Kasi slapped it into his palm.
“You tried to take advantage of my family’s misfortune, tried to use it to your benefit. You’re an asshole.” Kasi was quieter, but now that they’d captured everyone’s attention, the conversations at the surrounding tables had faded enough that she was still heard.
Scottie sniffed. “I was trying to help you.”
Kasi shook her head. “No. You weren’t. You were using me to get what you wanted.”
Before they could say more, a new voice came over the microphone, as Lark’s last song had just ended.
Levi glanced toward the makeshift stage, surprised to find Sam standing there.
“I hope everyone will forgive me for stealing the mic away from our very talented Lark here, but I have an announcement I’d like to make,” Sam began.
Kasi glanced at Levi, and he shrugged. He didn’t have a clue what his brother was about to say.
“I’m very happy to announce that I’ve decided to throw my hat in the ring. I’ll be running for mayor of Gracemont in the next election!”
Scottie’s mouth fell open in astonishment as the patrons of the brewery broke into a loud round of applause, several people shouting and whistling in support.
“He can’t,” Scottie said under his breath.
“I hope I can count on your support,” Sam continued. “And I look forward to talking to you in the coming weeks about ways we can continue our Gracemont traditions, while creating some new ones.”
Sam handed the microphone back to Lark, stepping down to shake hands. A few of the older guys slapped him on the back as he made his way around to Levi and Kasi’s table.
Sam put his hand out, forcing Scottie to shake it or lose face.
“It’s too late to run,” Scottie said, still struggling to accept Sam’s news.
“I filled out the paperwork yesterday, actually,” Sam said. “Just under the wire on the deadline.”
Remi rushed over. “I’m going to be your campaign manager,” she declared, giving Sam a huge hug.
Everyone laughed.
Except Scottie.
It had become a running joke around town that Scottie only won the mayoral election because he’d run unopposed. It would be interesting to see how he faired in a true race.
Given his suddenly pasty complexion, it looked as if he wasn’t feeling too good about his chances.
With too many eyes now on their table, Scottie must have decided it was in his best interest to cut and run. “You’ll all regret this,” he murmured under his breath.
Levi rose. “Is that a threat?”
Whatever brief burst of bravado he’d found vanished when Levi stepped closer. Scottie shoved the engagement ring in his pocket, then walked away without saying another word, like the coward he was.
“You okay?” Kasi asked, placing her hand on Levi’s forearm as Sam and Remi walked away, visiting the surrounding tables to begin the campaigning.
Levi grunted. “I really wanted to punch that guy.” Kasi had told him about Scottie’s creepy touches and sexist comments.
Kasi giggled. “Can I tell you a secret?”
He nodded.
“When you used that deep, scary voice on him, I got totally turned on.”
Levi grasped her hand. “Grab your purse. We’re leaving.”
“Where are we going?” she asked, even as she stood and allowed him to tow her toward the exit.
“Home. Bed. Now,” he said, using that tone.
“Oooo,” she said, grinning wickedly. “Sounds like there’s a storm coming.”
“In an hour, there will be a Storm and a Mills coming,” he joked, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Walk faster.”
Fortunately, he and Kasi had the farmhouse to themselves once they returned, Keith and her dad still working the fruit stand.
A quick glance at the clock as they entered their bedroom told him they had two hours before the two men returned home, and Levi intended to put every single second to good use.
However, two seconds after he shut the bedroom door, Kasi took his plans and twisted them on their ear when she turned to face him and—God help him—dropped to her knees.
“Little bear,” he murmured as she reached for the button on his jeans.
Kasi lifted her gaze to his, her eyes sparkling. “I want you. Want this.”
Levi cupped her cheek. “Then take it.”
Delighted, she gave him a wink, then lowered his zipper. He helped her pull his jeans down, the denim dropping to the floor around his ankles.
Levi didn’t bother to kick them off. Instead, he closed his fists around her long hair and guided her mouth to his cock.
He was stealing another piece of her innocence, claiming it for his own. He knew—because she’d told him—that she had never given a man a blowjob before. Now, as always, Levi felt as if he’d found his own lucky penny on this farm, every single day he spent with Kasi better than the one before.
Levi hissed when his girl lost no time, parting her lips and sucking the head of his cock inside. She’d wrapped both her hands around him, covering him from base to just below the head, so that he felt wholly encapsulated by her.
She drew her tongue around the tip, stealing a taste of precome, teasing the tiny opening until he tightened his grip in her hair, tugging on the strands enough to sting. She loved it when he pulled on her hair.
The way her eyes drifted closed, a low moan vibrating around him, told him she hadn’t lied.
Then one hand released him, sliding between his legs, cupping his balls as Kasi took him deeper into her mouth.
“Fuck,” Levi breathed. He felt rather than saw the edges of her mouth curve in a grin. “Look at me, Kasi,” he demanded. “Keep your eyes on me while you do that.”
Kasi’s gaze locked with his, her eyes watering slightly when the head of his cock brushed the back of her throat. She wasn’t holding back, wasn’t being timid about it, and he loved it.
He let her set the pace for a couple of minutes, her rhythm slow and steady, before he needed to take control. Using his grip on her hair, he began guiding her on and off his dick, sliding in a bit deeper, pushing her boundaries.
Kasi’s eyes drifted shut, clearly enjoying his dominance.
“Eyes,” he reminded her, pleased when she instantly obeyed and looked at him again.
Levi pushed in harder and faster, quickly reaching the point of no return.
He didn’t want to cross that line. One day soon, sure. But for today…he wanted her with him.
After one more push, he released his hold on her hair and took a step back.
Kasi tried to follow him, frowning. “Levi,” she started.
He reached down, lifting her to her feet. She was such a tiny thing in comparison to him. With a firm grip on her elbow, he waited until she was steady on her feet before he began stripping her clothes off.
“I wanted?—”
“I know what you wanted,” he interjected. “I want that too. But not today. Today is going to be about us.”
Once she was naked, he pulled down the duvet, directing her to climb into the bed. He followed, caging her beneath him as he kissed her.
Kasi’s hands—as always—drifted to his hair. She admitted a few nights earlier when he mentioned needing a haircut that she loved his long hair and beard, claiming she liked having something to run her fingers through and grab onto.
Levi lined his cock up, thrusting in with a force that left the two of them groaning in unison. He was convinced there was no better feeling than being buried deep in Kasi’s body.
Kasi lifted her legs, wrapping them around his waist, her ankles locked at the small of her back.
Reaching between them, Levi stroked her clit, determined to feel her come on his dick at least twice before giving in to his own climax. Of course, it would be a miracle if he was able to hold off because her blowjob left him primed and ready.
Kasi cried out, her fingernails digging into his shoulders. “God. Levi. Yes!”
Her back arched as she came, her pussy clenching his dick so tightly he saw stars.
Levi gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, fighting with everything he had not to follow her over. As she came, he continued caressing her clit and thrusting hard, his actions only serving to drive them both crazy. Her orgasm seemed to go on for minutes, hours.
Her body sank into the mattress when it finally waned, but Levi wasn’t in the right frame of mind to give her time to rest. After the meeting with Scottie, he felt his inner caveman clawing back to the surface, determined to make damn sure Kasi understood she was his.
While her attempt to leave him hadn’t lasted more than a day, it had shaken him enough to prove just how strong his feelings for her truly were.
He lowered his head to kiss her, even as she fought to catch her breath.
“Love you,” he murmured against her lips.
“Love you,” she repeated, breathlessly.
Levi gave her one more quick kiss, then pulled out.
Kasi reached up, intent on pulling him back to her, but he shook his head, shifting enough that he could grasp one hip and flip her over.
“Hands and knees.”
She moved sluggishly, still trying to recover from her first orgasm.
Levi smacked her ass to encourage her to move faster.
“Mmm,” Kasi hummed, her obvious pleasure prompting him to spank her again.
She pushed her ass higher, urging him to continue.
Levi wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth, so he gave her what she—and he—wanted. Her soft ass turned a delightful pink as he alternated between her right and left cheeks, smacking her until her head dropped to the pillow beneath her and she trembled with need.
She moaned when he rubbed her tender flesh, caressing it with a soft touch, then adding to the heat by squeezing the firm globes.
“This ass,” he murmured.
She giggled, wiggling it.
He gave her one more smack for good measure, then ran the head of his dick through her wet slit. She was practically dripping with need, and so hot he half expected to see steam rising.
“Ready for more?”
“Please,” she said, not bothering to lift her head from the pillow. He could only see one side of her face, her eyes closed, her cheeks as flushed as her ass.
“Hold on.” It was the only warning he gave as he grasped her hips and slammed in to the hilt.
Kasi cried out, her fingers fisting in the pillow. “God! More!”
Levi pounded in relentlessly. He wasn’t going to manage to hold off through another of her orgasms.
She was heaven on fucking earth.
“I’m close, Kasi,” he said. “With me,” he demanded roughly.
She didn’t reply, merely nodded her head. At least, he thought she was nodding.
Kasi’s fingers drifted between her legs, stroking her clit, giving herself the extra stimulation she loved so much, as Levi used his grip on her hips to pull her backward into his hard thrusts.
He started to worry she wouldn’t get there before him, until—mercifully—she opened her mouth, screaming without sound, as her body contracted and her pussy milked every drop of come out of him.
Levi came so hard, it almost hurt. He grinned, thinking—not for the first time—that Kasi was going to be the death of him. She had him wrapped around her little finger, his balls in her palm, and his heart in her teeth.
The best kind of pain.
Perfect.
Levi pulled away from her, catching her slight wince. A gentleman might feel guilt for using her so hard, but all Levi felt was pride.
Regardless…
“Sorry,” he whispered, dropping down next to her on the bed, pulling her toward him so she could use his chest as a pillow.
“I’m not. That was so fucking hot.”
“I was rough.”
Kasi toyed with his beard as she lifted her head. “Just the way I like it.”
He kissed the top of her head. “You were made for me.”
She placed several soft kisses on his chest, the two of them lying together.
Peace after passion.
Levi closed his eyes, though he didn’t sleep, simply soaking up the wonder of holding his girl in his arms.
In their bed.
In their house.
On their farm.
Life didn’t get any better than this.
“I’m starving. Let’s eat,” Levi said, sitting up slowly. He and Kasi had dozed nearly an hour, the sun slipping lower as afternoon was giving way to evening. They’d split a soft pretzel at the brewery, intending to order a pizza before their confrontation with Scottie.
Kasi lay on her stomach, groaning like a teenager refusing to get out of bed in the morning for school.
“I’m comfy,” she murmured.
Levi slapped her bare ass playfully. “Come on. Your dad and Keith will be closing the stand soon.”
“Hmph,” she grumbled, rising slowly.
Once they were dressed, they ventured into the kitchen, opening the refrigerator in search of food. Levi pulled out some steaks Kasi had thawing.
“Steak and eggs?” he suggested.
“Sounds yummy. Let me see if Keith and Daddy are joining us. Then I’ll chop up some red potatoes for hash browns.”
Her brother quickly replied that he and their father had decided to grab fast food and go see a movie together. While Levi enjoyed their company, he was thrilled to have Kasi all to himself for an evening.
The two of them cooked, their movements around the kitchen natural after so many nights spent baking together. As always, Kasi fired up some music on Spotify and synced it with a small speaker that sat on the kitchen counter.
Once their meal was prepared, they sat at the table, eating as they laughed about Scottie’s face when Sam announced his intention to run for mayor.
“I can’t believe he didn’t tell you,” Kasi mused.
“In his defense, we haven’t seen each other at all this week. I’ve been here a lot, and he and Jace were in that brewhouse from dawn to dusk getting everything ready for the Oktoberfest kickoff. I’m not surprised though. Sam is a lot like Dad, committed to Gracemont and a firm believer in community service. I think he’d make a hell of a mayor. Not sure there’s anyone in town—with the exception of Edith Millholland—who loves Gracemont more.”
“I really hope he wins,” Kasi said.
“If the reaction of those patrons at the brewery is anything to go on…”
Kasi nodded in agreement. “Sam’s very well liked. Scottie, not so much.” She wiped her mouth and put her fork down once her plate was clean.
Levi’s ears perked up when a pretty song started playing. He’d heard it a couple times before and had always liked it. Now, as he considered the words, the lyrics took on a new meaning, one that fit him and Kasi to a tee.
Levi held his hand out, helping her stand. “Dance with me. Our song is playing,” he said, as he pulled her into his arms, the two of them swaying slowly together.
“Didn’t have you pegged for a Swiftie,” Kasi joked.
Levi laughed. “Is that who’s singing?”
Kasi placed her hand over her heart dramatically, as if he’d wounded her. “How can you not recognize Taylor’s voice?”
“Obviously, I’m going to have to study up on her albums. I only know this one because I heard it on the radio a few times. I like the words.”
“It’s called ‘invisible string,’ and I love it.”
“Invisible string. Yeah, it definitely fits because every time I’m away from you, I feel like the string is pulled so taut, I don’t have any choice but to come right back to you.”
“I like that,” she said, resting her cheek against his chest. “Like the idea that we’re tied together. You know, my parents used to slow dance in the kitchen. I always dreamed,” she lifted her face to him, “that I’d find a man who would want to dance with me like this.”
Levi’s heart swelled so much, he was shocked it still fit in his chest. Unable to resist, he lowered his head and kissed her, soft and slow.
“Hashtag life goals,” Kasi whispered when their lips parted.
“Love at first touch,” he murmured. “You were always destined to be mine, little bear.”
She smiled sweetly. “And you were destined to be mine.”