30. Zeth #2
“Shit,” I muttered, my vision blurring. His enjoyment thrilled me to heights I didn’t expect, and I found myself falling for him all over again.
I slammed into him, losing myself inside my Rosie.
My entire body shook, and my face grew hot as I gave him what felt like a lifetime of my love…
he was my other half, my first and only love, reunited.
Completely spent, I guided us to lean over the table again and buried my face in the crook of his neck.
We both panted, basking in the afterglow of what we just shared.
My lips brushed his skin, feeling a vibrant energy there against his racing pulse.
With a heavy exhale, I eased up to claim a spot at his side.
Opening my eyes, I found my boy slumped against the table, looking absolutely wrecked, and I kissed his shoulder gently.
He twisted to regard me with a drowsy smile.
“You…” Amby started, raising up and wobbling slightly as he turned to face me, “are incredible.” He gave a shaky laugh and closed his eyes.
“Yes, I am,” I teased, tugging him into my arms to hold him close. He snuggled against me. Then I glanced up to the rafters to find the old hayloft we used when we were younger. “Tell me, do you still have blankets up there? I’d love another go at it, but sleep is needed first.”
Amby’s head tilted back to stare up at me, feeling like jelly in my arms. “I have a hay bed with lots of blankets, and some water. You can take care of me up there.”
“That sounds superb,” I agreed, and I meant it. I looked forward to caring for Amby for the rest of our lives, starting with this blessed night. No matter what came after this, we had each other.
***
I woke up the next day wondering if Anna would embroider me a pillow with one of her quotes, because home truly was where the heart is. There was no other way to explain how a bed of spare blankets, old straw, flat pillows, and a cold barn felt so wonderful, if not for Amby by my side.
Lazily, I stretched my bare body against his—so warm—and nudged my chin into his rambunctious auburn curls.
When I opened my eyes, I blinked against the sunlight streaming through the loft door.
Last night, we opened them to watch the stars until slumber found us, but now the air sparkled with specks of dust in the morning rays.
The barn looked as blessed as I felt after our night together.
I was so proud of my boy for accepting me fully into his life.
I wanted to always care for him and keep him safe.
Amby stirred, but was still trying to sleep, so I nibbled his ear.
Keeping him safe didn’t mean I couldn’t tease him.
How did I never notice his cute ears? This one was pink from being squished.
I licked underneath his lobe, and when Amby didn’t stir, I sucked him into my mouth with a groan that expressed the best sort of good morning .
Amby jerked away with a gasp, slipping free from my mouth. His arm flung out so fast that I didn’t see him hit me until the pain stung my nose.
Scrambled, I sat up and swore, rubbing my abused face.
Sitting up too, Amby got out, “Shit, Zeth. I’m sorry.
” He took my jaw in his hands and leaned close to search for injury.
My pain disappeared the moment Amby’s freckled face glowed with an adorable grin.
I wanted to kiss those playful lips, but he sat back and asked, “Is anything broken? Can you wiggle your toes?”
“Let me check,” I answered in all seriousness.
Then I flipped the blankets off us both.
The big swish of my arm caused a gust of cold air, and Amby’s delightful cry of protest filled my ears.
When he tried to curl up in a ball, I reached for his toes, tickling the arch of his foot until his laughter joined mine.
He tried to playfully kick me, but I clung to him. “Yup, they’re wiggling.”
Amby grumbled, and I let him go to peck his pouty lips. Then he groaned and twisted to look at his backside. “Oh…”
“Something wrong?” I asked.
He showed me his rosy cheek. “This is all delightfully sore. I need you to kiss it and make it better.”
He enjoyed the soreness, and that made me growl, even more so feeling needed. Leaning down, I planted a wet kiss right on the sore spot, making him hiss delightfully. Raising, I asked, “Better?”
“Much.” Sighing contentedly, he unraveled and sprawled out on his back, looking gorgeous.
I just had time to take in the miles of pale skin and springy hair before Amby pulled the blanket back over us.
I kissed the curve of his lean bicep before I rested my head on his outstretched arm.
He rewarded me with artistic fingers threading through my hair until my scalp tingled.
Now I understood why he liked this attention. I moaned into his touch as he lightly traced my arm from elbow to shoulder to outline my muscles. I wasn’t built as strongly as other men, but I had some definition that Amby seemed to adore, so I made sure to flex my arm under his touch.
“I never thought I’d wake up with you in this hayloft again,” he said with awe. “It’s a good thing. The best thing, really.”
“I was thinking something similar. Can you believe how much has changed since the last time we laid here? I recall we had a quick blow and then lounged while we plotted revenge on Dick for pouring ink in Emiline’s hair.”
“Yes…” Amby went quiet for a long moment before he regarded me seriously. “I love you,” he whispered.
Moved by his words, I wrapped my arms around him. “I love you too,” I returned sincerely. Those words were so new to my lips, but I’d felt this way for years. Resting my palm over his racing heart, I said, “You’re my home.”
He smiled. “One day we’ll have more than this hayloft bed to share, I promise.”
“I’d be happy here forever, as long as I can warm you through the winters. And maybe use that table again.”
Amby laughed and pushed me up to move me onto my back. He fluffed the pillows behind my head and then settled his chest across mine. Placing his hand over my heart, he rested his chin there to look at me. I enjoyed viewing him from this angle while he gazed at me, his face glowing.
“What are you thinking?” I asked, smoothing back his soft curls.
“About the table.” He smirked. “Well, really, about all the furniture in general. It’s all just collecting dust in this old barn. I hope I’ll be able to sell most of it at the festival.”
“I’m positive you will. I’ve seen craftsmanship like yours in the City, and it’s carried in the best shops, often selling out. With all the new construction across the river, I bet demand is even higher here.”
“Perhaps? I wish I had a shop of my own.”
“Aye, I can see you there, making rocking chairs to display in the big shop windows. If you need someone to wash them, let me know.”
Amby’s cheek dimpled. “I think I’d rather you help me sell.”
“Hm, wouldn’t that be a dream?”
“To sell things?” When I nodded, his big brown eyes gleamed curiously as he swirled a finger through the hair on my chest. “Hm, that gives me an idea. You need to pay off your property bill. If you don’t mind, we can use the laundry to sell some of my pieces.
Your share of the profits could help pay off the tax.
We could partner until you find a buyer for the laundry. ”
With every word Amby said, my excitement grew.
My mind lit up, like someone turning on a lightbulb.
Wasn’t my dream to own my own business? Well, here it was.
I already owned it. Mum left me a solid building that could be repurposed into a shop right on Main Street, and the town was already booming with business.
With some investment capital from Amby’s furniture at the festival, we could finish renovations.
Amby saw the perfect way for me to support my family and feel accomplished.
And the best part, Amby also wanted to own a shop. We could work together.
Amby had to be feeling my heart pounding with excitement under his palm.
I sat up with him, the blankets falling around us as I pecked his nose.
“Let’s do it. You and me, partners. I can buy antiques, maybe run-down items that you can repair, like you did with Mum’s dresser.
I can even go to other towns to seek out cheap finds in their auctions, using all my training and bargain—”
“Wait, wait.” Amby grabbed my arms and met my eyes with a serious gaze. “Traveling to other towns? Zeth, that’s a lot for a temporary partnership.”
“Who says it needs to be temporary? You suggested I keep the laundry, this is how. You can have a place to display your furniture, and I can sell it. We can turn the laundry into a home again, and a shop for us both.”
Amby’s features warmed. “You… want us to own a shop together?” When I nodded, he looked at me excitedly, as if pondering the idea.
“Rosie’s Furniture,” I tossed out, and his eyebrows perked up. “Washer Wares. Somerset Finds… Washer and Somerset Antiques. Cl—”
Amby covered my mouth with his hand, stopping me, and something twinkled in his eyes. “That last one. Yes.” He nodded.
I grinned against his palm. I liked it too, Washer and Somerset Antiques . I already imagined us painting our names together above the storefront and the soon-to-be pink door. Mum would be so proud of us.
Amby removed his hand from my lips and kissed me there before he said, “I’d be honored to partner with you.”