Chapter 17
My date with Kit, surprisingly, was the best I’ve ever had. Who knew my grumpy neighbor would have such a soft side? That he could be sweet. He planned a picnic just to watch the sunset, to show me the “best view” in Aspen Hollow, or so he claimed. But I’d argue it’s the second best, next to him.
Besides Blake, I’m not sure if I’ve ever had a first date that didn’t end with the sick feeling of regret, and my clothes scattered all over the floor. It’s an entirely new experience.
Steady and soft.
For so long, I’ve been craving experiences to make me feel wanted… desired.
Over the past year, I’ve had many hot moments of weakness in hotel rooms that left me feeling empty.
But at least it was a better feeling than being reminded of how starved I am for touch.
For affection. Perhaps steady is exactly what I need.
Although sometimes I doubt he’s truly attracted to me.
A confusing thought that has to be my trauma talking, because the way he kissed me spoke volumes about his feelings for me.
But damn… I would love to tap into that soft side and see what else is there.
His soft lips and scruff against my sensitive skin are all I can think about the next morning. The way his hands went under my sweatshirt, greedy and filled with intention. It’s nearly impossible to think about anything else.
I’ve been looking for him all morning. To catch a glimpse of my hot neighbor, but so far, I haven’t been able to find him.
My entire shift is almost over, and there’s still no sign of him.
Normally, he’s in the Mess at lunchtime.
Taking up the back corner with a “fuck off” expression on his forehead.
Sexy as hell, but he wasn’t there today.
I’m starting to wonder if he’s avoiding me.
“Hey,” Blake taps my shoulder, and I flinch, unaware of his presence. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s all good,” I brush it off. “What’s up?”
“There’s a meeting at the main barn.”
I nod, following him as I pull out my braid, letting my waves fall over my shoulders.
The sun is warm today, melting the snow on the ground, but the chill in the air is still cold.
As if Fall and Winter are struggling to let go of one another.
All the workers are gathered in front of the main barn, forming a large circle.
Dirty and exhausted cowboys stand around, leaning on whatever they can find.
Cole’s voice echoes in the breeze, thanking everyone for their hard work.
Ryker greets me as I stand between him and Blake, giving me a cheeky smile.
Does he know about my date with Kit?
“There’s a glow about you today, Sadie,” he grins.
Yes, I think he knows. Heat rushes to my cheeks. “Must be the decent weather,” I say, not quite ready to acknowledge my date. We kissed… but what were we? What did I want to be?
All I know is that I want to kiss him again. To straddle my legs around him and strip him down. I’m hot and heavy just thinking about it.
Ryker hums and smiles with something glinting in his eyes, turning back to the front.
“Kit would now like to say a few words,” Cole says.
His voice, deep and warm, moves my legs to the front.
Kit’s blue eyes catch mine when I find a clear view of him.
He’s wearing a tight-fitted grey Henley paired with jeans and his usual navy Lone Pine ballcap, standing tall and sure of himself.
My cheeks burn at the faint smile he gives me, as his eyes flick up and down my frame.
I’m surrounded by cowboys, and yet he’s the only one who sets my body on fire with a single glance.
He clears his throat. “Just a reminder, as winter sets in, we need to prioritize safety and the well-being of the herd.”
A safety meeting, of course.
I smirk at him.
He continues, talking about keeping an eye on the water tanks, tracking the health of the herds, adding extra supplements when needed, checking for maintenance, and lastly reminding us to look out for dangerous patches of ice.
“It’s going to be a long and bitter Montana winter.
Look out for one another out there. Also, just a reminder that it’s Blake’s birthday on Monday, two days from now.
” My eyes shift to Blake. I had no idea.
“There’ll be a celebratory bonfire around five. ”
A cowboy bonfire in winter? Sounds like a fun time.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I bump Blake’s arm.
“A man doesn’t like to announce when he’s turning thirty-seven. But that’s already been done for me,” he replies dryly.
Damn, he doesn’t look it. “Well, you don’t look a day over thirty,” I wink.
He gives me the side eye. “You’re a shit liar, Sadie.”
“Take the compliment, old man.”
Blake smiles, chuckling under his breath. “You’re mean after a good canoodling,” he teases.
Last night, Blake texted me to ask how my date went with Kit, and it wasn’t even weird to admit the truth. To be honest about my feelings. Things have always been easy between us. But canoodling? What era is he from?
“You’re making it worse for yourself, B.”
After Kit dismisses everyone, his eyes find mine, and I’m entranced, walking towards him through the crowd.
He does the same, pulling his ballcap backward.
His long legs stride towards me. Like magnets that can’t help but move towards the pull, we follow the current.
A current so strong my lungs struggle to find oxygen, and I forget how to breathe.
“Hey.” He stands a few feet in front of me. Too many feet to be honest, considering I haven’t seen him all day.
“Hey,” I reply. My pulse races so fast I can feel it in my ears, pounding in my chest.
“Can we talk?” he gestures to the barn.
Well, that sounds ominous. Is he already regretting kissing me? Taking me somewhere private to end things?
“Why?” I ask, defensively.
“What happened to trusting me on the ranch?”
“I don’t believe I said I would. I said that I’d try.”
He frowns. “Stop being a pain in the ass and follow me.”
I sigh, trailing behind him. Uncertainty flutters in my chest like butterfly wings as we head into the main barn and upstairs to the loft.
Wait, there’s… a loft?
Well, this seems like the perfect place to tell me he’s not interested in me anymore. Dark and dusty, with no one around to bear witness to my tears. Except for random bales of hay stacked around in the corners.
Maybe I don’t know what I want this to be, but I don’t want this to end.
Not yet.
“Kit—” I start to say, but then his lips crush mine, stopping my words.
He threads his hands through my hair, pulling me closer, angling his mouth with intensity.
His lips are like a brand against mine. Hot and filled with need.
I moan as all my defenses fade and my arms wrap around his neck, curving my body into his.
His fingers move to the waistline of my jeans, and I pull back.
He freezes with panic in his eyes, looking like he’s done something wrong. “Sadie, I’m sorry.”
“So, you like me?” I grin.
He sighs with relief.
Like I would ever tell him to stop.
“This is not the time to run your mouth.” He pulls my mouth to his, kissing me harder, sliding his warm hands to my ass. My body presses into him, and a shiver rolls through me when I feel how big and hard he is.
You’ll choke on it, Tequila.
And I think I probably would.
He moves his hands to my waistband once more, unzipping my jeans in one smooth motion. “Tell me to stop,” his voice is thick and gravelly with want, searching my eyes.
But there is zero chance I’m going to say that. “Don’t stop.”
He smiles, pushing aside my lacy underwear. Running his calloused hand over my pussy, already wet and ready for him. A ragged moan releases from me.
“Fuck, Sadie,” he groans. “Is this all for me?”
Heat floods through me at his words, painting my face in the brightest shade of red. “Yes,” I murmur.
“Good,” he grins. He kisses me while his hand moves slowly between my legs. As if he has all day to touch me, to savor this hot and hungry moment between us.
My nails dig into his broad shoulders, and I arch my back into his touch, aching for him to put his fingers inside me. To give me the friction I need. “Kit,” I cry out, and he smiles at the sound of his name.
“So, it’s Kit when I touch you,” he teases, moving his fingers closer, but he’s all tease and play. Eyes glimmering in what little light escapes through the timber walls.
I’ll call him whatever he wants so long as he keeps going.
“I would’ve brought you up here a long time ago if I’d known you wanted me this much.”
“Well, maybe if you hadn’t been such an ass.”
He laughs against my neck, playing with my clit. “I don’t think it would’ve been this perfect any other way.” He pinches me between his fingers, and I sharply inhale.
His breath is hot against my skin, and I’ve lost all my inhibitions. I want him here and now, but he seems content to watch me squirm. “Please, Kit,” I beg, sliding against his hand, his steady hold on everything that wants to shatter. “Stop teasing me.”
“Kit!” A man’s voice calls for him, echoing through the barn.
I flinch, remembering where we are and the fact that we should not be doing this in such a public place.
But he ignores it, sucking on my neck as his hand slides closer to where I need him. He’s so close, so gentle when I want him to just take what I’m offering. To fuck me with those rough hands of his.
My hips rock into his hand, and a rough groan escapes his mouth as he tightens his hold. Stopping me from trying to find my own release. “So impatient, Tequila,” he grins.
I’m a whimpering mess as he holds me down.
A please rolls off my tongue once more. Two fingers start to slowly slide inside me, finally giving me what I want.
“Yes,” I cry.
Just a little more and—
“Kit!” The voice calls again.
He pulls back with a groan. “I’m coming,” he barks.
It’s a shame, because I was about to.
“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, adjusting himself in his jeans.
He turns his gaze to the ceiling while I zip up my pants, pull down my shirt, and run my fingers through my hair. Trying to push down the heat stirring inside me.
Bright, glossy blue eyes find mine. “I’ll find you later,” he brushes my arm, taking off towards the stairs.
“Cowboy,” I say breathlessly like a plea, not ready for him to leave. “You promise?”
He turns back with a smile. “I’ll find you,” and then he’s gone.
I pull out my phone, checking the time. My shift is officially over, which is great news because I’m covered in dirt and my own arousal. A hot shower is calling my name.