32. Ridge
Thirty Two
Ridge
T hank God James agreed to stay over at my place after the Wine Festival. Without him watching the kids, I wouldn’t have been able to spend the night with Emma. The memory of our earlier activities - the five-minute challenge, the teasing, the way she writhed and begged - sent a jolt of desire through me even now.
I found myself in Emma’s kitchen, preparing our usual post-intimacy drinks. Hers was a bizarre concoction of cold brew coffee and cranberry juice. How she managed to sleep after caffeine was beyond me, but that was Emma - full of surprises. I opted for chamomile tea, choosing from her impressive collection of teas and coffees.
As I waited for the kettle to boil, I scrolled through our Instagram DMs, filled with coffee reels and wine facts she’d sent me. Each one was a little glimpse into her world, her passions. It never failed to bring a smile to my face.
Drinks in hand, I made my way back to the bedroom. Emma’s soft smile as I settled next to her warmed me more than any beverage could. She nestled against me, her head finding its familiar spot on my shoulder. In that moment, everything felt right in the world.
“I love you,” she murmured softly.
My hand froze on her arm, my heart suddenly racing. I’d been waiting to hear those words since I’d first confessed my love for her. “You love me?” The question slipped out before I could stop it, a mixture of hope and disbelief coloring my voice.
Emma shifted, her eyes meeting mine. “I wanted to say it when you told me you loved me, but I…” She paused, vulnerability clear in her gaze. “I thought that maybe you’d change your mind, that you’d realize I’m too much for you like everyone else. But I can’t not say it anymore because I do, Ridge. Even if you decide that I’m too much for you, I still love you.”
Emotion welled up in my chest, threatening to overwhelm me. I cupped her face gently, ensuring she could see the sincerity in my eyes. “Emma, you’re not too much. It doesn’t matter what anyone before me has said - you’re perfect. You fit into my life like a missing puzzle piece. My kids love you, and God, I love you so much. Before you, I didn’t even know what love was.”
I took a deep breath, allowing myself to be as vulnerable as she had been. “I love you so much that I couldn’t keep away from you even when I was terrified of how easily you could break me if you left. I was scared I wouldn’t be enough.”
Emma’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she processed my words. Her fingers traced the stubble along my jaw, a touch so gentle it made my heart ache.
“You’re more than enough, Ridge,” she whispered. “You’re everything I never knew I needed.”
I caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm, savoring the moment. Then, taking a deep breath, I decided to broach the subject that had been on my mind for weeks.
“Emma,” I started, my voice low and serious. “I think it’s time we tell the kids about us.”
She stiffened slightly in my arms, surprise evident in her expression. “Are you sure? I mean, I’d love that, but I don’t want to complicate things for you or them.”
I shook my head, smiling softly. “Little flower, you’ve already won their hearts. Lily asks about you every day, and even Cody, Mr. Too-Cool-For-Everything, perks up when your name is mentioned. I think they’d be thrilled to know you’re a more permanent part of our lives.”
Emma bit her lip, a habit I found endearing. “What about Avery? She’s so young…”
“Avery adores you,” I assured her. “Remember how she wouldn’t let go of your hand at the vineyard picnic? I think she’s been hoping for this longer than any of us.”
A slow smile spread across Emma’s face, lighting up her eyes. “Okay,” she nodded. “Let’s tell them.”
Relief and joy washed over me. I pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “There’s something else,” I murmured against her skin.
“Oh?” She leaned back, curiosity evident in her gaze.
I felt a sudden nervousness, like a teenager asking for his first date. “I want to take you out. On a real date. No sneaking around, no hurried moments between my ranching and your vineyard duties. Just you and me, out in the open, enjoying each other’s company.”
Emma’s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and delight dancing in their depths. “RidgeMcCords, are you asking me on an official date?”
I chuckled, the sound rumbling in my chest. “I believe I am, Ms. Emma Sullivan. What do you say? Will you go out with this old cowboy?”
Her laughter, bright and joyous, filled the room. “Old? Please. You’re in your prime, Cowboy.” She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “And yes, I’d love to go on a date with you. Where are you planning to take me?”
I grinned, already formulating plans. “That, darlin’, is going to be a surprise. But I promise you, it’ll be worth the wait.”
As Emma snuggled back into my arms, her excitement palpable, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. This was it - the start of something real, something lasting. No more hiding, no more doubts. Just us, building a future together, one step at a time.
* * *
The late afternoon sun slanted through the windows of my office as I finally wrapped up the day’s paperwork, my muscles aching from the unexpected ride I’d had to take when Jonny, one of the ranch hands, didn’t show for his doctor’s appointment. But as I stretched, working out the kinks in my back, a spark of excitement ignited in my chest. Today was the day - my first official date with Emma.
The thought of her waiting for me, probably fussing over her outfit just as I was about to do, sent a wave of warmth through me. I’d asked her to be ready half an hour ago, which in Emma-time probably meant she’d be set in about ten minutes.
I made my way to my room, the familiar scents of leather and hay giving way to the fresh, clean smell of soap as I showered away the day’s work. As I dressed, my fingers fumbled with the buttons of my shirt, betraying my nerves. This wasn’t just any date - this was the beginning of something real, something lasting.
Grabbing a thick jacket - the weather report had hinted at snow - I headed towards Emma’s room. The sound of my boots on the hardwood floors seemed to echo my heartbeat, steady but quickened with anticipation.
I raised my hand to knock, and suddenly I was transported back to my teenage years, palms sweating as I picked up my prom date. Only this was infinitely more important.
The sound of shuffling and a muffled “Oh shit!” from behind the door made me smile. Then the door swung open, and there she was.
Emma stood framed in the doorway, a vision in high-waisted jeans and a loose sweater. Her hair fell in soft waves around her face, and her eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and nerves that I’m sure mirrored my own.
Without thinking, I pulled her into my arms, my lips finding hers in a soft, sweet kiss. She tasted of cranberry and coffee, a combination that was uniquely Emma.
“Hey, beautiful,” I murmured as we parted, drinking in the sight of her.
Her answering smile was brighter than the setting sun. “Hey, Cowboy.”
I took Emma’s hand, reveling in the warmth of her fingers intertwined with mine. “Ready for an adventure, little flower?” I asked, leading her towards the path that wound down to the river.
Her eyes lit up with curiosity. “Always. But you’re being awfully mysterious, Ridge.”
I chuckled, the sound low and rich in the quiet evening air. “That’s the point of a surprise, Em.”
As we approached the river, the setting sun painted the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink, reflecting off the water’s surface like a living canvas. Emma’s gasp of delight when she saw the small boat waiting for us was music to my ears.
“Ridge, this is… wow,” she breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.
I helped her into the boat, my hand lingering on the small of her back. “The night’s just beginning, sweetheart.”
As we glided down the river, the world seemed to fall away. It was just us, the gentle lapping of water against the boat, and the first stars peeking out in the darkening sky.
Emma leaned back, her head resting against my chest as I rowed. “This is perfect,” she murmured.
“Just wait,” I promised, my heart racing with anticipation.
As we rounded a bend in the river, the flickering glow of candles came into view. I’d set up a small table on the riverbank, surrounded by lanterns that cast a warm, intimate light.
Emma’s grip on my hand tightened as I helped her from the boat. “Ridge, you did all this?”
I nodded, suddenly feeling a bit shy. “I wanted our first real date to be special.”
We sat down to dinner, the candlelight dancing across Emma’s features, making her even more beautiful if that was possible. We talked and laughed, sharing stories and dreams as we ate.
After dinner, I spread out a thick blanket on the grass nearby. We lay back, gazing up at the star-studded sky, Emma’s head pillowed on my chest.
I adjusted my position, pulling Emma closer as a cool breeze whispered through the trees. The stars above us seemed to multiply with each passing moment, a vast tapestry of light against the inky sky.
“Em,” I started, my voice low and serious. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
She was quiet for a moment, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest. “Honestly? For the longest time, I couldn’t see past the next vintage at the vineyard. But now…” She trailed off, and I could feel her smile against my shoulder. “Now I see a future here. With you, with the kids. It scares me sometimes, how much I want it.”
Her admission made my heart swell. “What scares you about it?”
Emma sighed, a sound caught between contentment and apprehension. “I’ve never had this before, Ridge. A family, a place where I truly belong. I mean after Dad died mom was over worked Ethan had moved to France and Leo to new york and I was just what seven or eight. I had always been odd one out and finally I feel like I am not and that I don’t have to change to fit and a part of me is waiting for the other shoe to drop, you know?”
I tightened my arm around her. “I get that. After Melissa left, I didn’t think I’d ever trust anyone with my heart again. Let alone with my kids’ hearts.”
“What changed?” Emma asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“You did,” I answered simply. “You came into our lives like a whirlwind, and suddenly, the world had color again. From the first moment you blended with us like you’ve always been there. But Em, I need you to know something.”
She propped herself up on an elbow, her eyes searching mine in the dim light. “What is it?”
I took a deep breath. “This isn’t just about me. It’s about Lily, Cody, and Sarah too. They’ve been through so much, and I need to know that you’re all in. Because if you’re not sure, if there’s any doubt-”
“Ridge,” Emma cut me off, her hand cupping my cheek. “I love those kids like they’re my own. I know we’re moving fast, and it terrifies me sometimes, but I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. You, the kids, this life we’re building - it’s everything to me.”
I felt the sting of tears in my eyes, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion in her voice. “Even with all the challenges? My ex, your mother’s expectations, the age difference?”
Emma laughed softly. “Especially with all of that. Ridge, love isn’t about finding the perfect person. It’s about seeing an imperfect person perfectly. You, me, the kids - we’re not perfect. But we’re perfect for each other.”
I pulled her down for a kiss, pouring all my love and gratitude into it. When we finally parted, both a little breathless, I whispered, “I love you, Emma. With everything I am.”
Her smile was brighter than all the stars above us. “And I love you, Ridge,” she murmured back, her fingers tracing the line of my jaw.
Before I could respond, Emma shifted, her movements fluid and graceful as she straddled my lap. The sudden proximity, the warmth of her body pressed against mine, sent a jolt of electricity surging through my veins.
My hands found their way to her hips, fingers digging into the soft flesh as I struggled to maintain some semblance of control. Emma, however, seemed intent on shattering what little restraint I had left.
She leaned in, her lips brushing against my cheek in a feather-light caress that left me aching for more. Slowly, torturously, she trailed kisses along the line of my jaw, each one igniting a fire that threatened to consume me whole.
When she reached my neck, I couldn’t suppress the groan that escaped me. Emma’s teeth grazed the sensitive skin there, followed by the soothing swipe of her tongue. My grip on her hips tightened, my body reacting instinctively to her ministrations.
“How about I show you just how much I love you?” she whispered, her breath warm against my ear. The low, sultry tone of her voice sent a shiver racing down my spine, stoking the flames of desire that had been simmering just beneath the surface.
The semi I’d been sporting since her playful teasing earlier was now a full-fledged erection, straining against the confines of my jeans. Emma, ever observant, noticed the shift immediately. A wicked grin spread across her face as she ground down against me, the friction eliciting a hiss of pleasure from between clenched teeth.
In that moment, something inside me snapped. The last vestiges of my control crumbled, swept away by the tidal wave of desire that crashed over me. With a growl that sounded foreign to my own ears, I gripped Emma’s waist and flipped us over.
Her back hit the blanketed ground with a soft thud, a breathless giggle escaping her lips as she gazed up at me. The sight of her sprawled beneath me, hair fanned out on the pillow like a halo, eyes dark with want, was almost enough to undo me then and there, I was struck by how perfectly she fit into my life, into my heart.
“Ridge,” Emma breathed, my name a prayer on her lips. She reached for me, fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt and tugging me closer.
I went willingly, unable to resist the siren call of her touch. Our lips met in a kiss that was all heat and passion, a stark contrast to the tender exchange we’d shared moments ago. This was raw, primal, a desperate clash of lips and teeth and tongue that left us both gasping for air.
My hands roamed over Emma’s body, rediscovering curves I’d memorized a hundred times over. I marveled at the softness of her skin, the way she arched into my touch, seeking more. Always more.
Emma’s nimble fingers made quick work of the buttons on my shirt, pushing the fabric aside to reveal the expanse of my chest. Her nails raked lightly down my torso, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. I shuddered, overwhelmed by the intensity of the sensations she evoked in me.
“God, Emma,” I groaned, burying my face in the crook of her neck. I inhaled deeply, drinking in the intoxicating scent that was uniquely her - a heady blend of wine and something distinctly floral. “You drive me crazy, you know that?”
She laughed softly, the sound vibrating against my lips where they pressed against her pulse point. “Good,” she murmured, her hands sliding around to my back, pulling me closer. “That’s exactly where I want you.”
I lifted my head, meeting her gaze once more. The love I saw reflected in those depths, mingled with desire and a touch of mischief, nearly took my breath away. How had I gotten so lucky? What twist of fate had brought this incredible woman into my life?
As if sensing the direction of my thoughts, Emma’s expression softened. She reached up, cupping my face in her hands with a tenderness that made my heart ache.
“I love you, Ridge,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “All of you. The good, the bad, the complicated. Everything.”
I turned my head, pressing a kiss to her palm. “I don’t deserve you,” I murmured, the words slipping out before I could stop them.
Emma’s brow furrowed, a flash of frustration crossing her features. “Don’t say that,” she admonished gently. “You deserve love, Ridge. You deserve happiness. And I’m going to spend every day showing you just how much, until you believe it too.”
Her words, spoken with such conviction, such unwavering certainty, threatened to unravel me completely. I surged forward, capturing her lips in a kiss that was equal parts desperation and gratitude. Emma met me eagerly, her body arching up to press against mine.
We lost ourselves in the kiss, in the heat that built between us, threatening to consume us both. Hands roamed, exploring and teasing, stoking the flames of desire ever higher. She unbuckled my belt and I let out another groan as she cups my cock though my briefs. I softly grind my hips as I got working in unbuttoning her jeans. “I can’t wait to sink into this perfect pussy.” I whisper against her lips as I tease her with my fingers on her clit. I pulled both out jeans and underwear enough to comfortably sink into her.
When I finally sank into her, it was like coming home. Emma gasped, her head thrown back, exposing the elegant column of her throat. I couldn’t resist the temptation, leaning down to trail kisses along the sensitive skin there as I began to move.
We found our rhythm easily, bodies moving together in perfect synchronicity. It was a dance we’d perfected over time, each of us attuned to the other’s needs and desires. Every gasp, every moan, every whispered plea spurred us on, driving us higher and higher towards that elusive peak.
Emma’s nails dug into my back under my shirt, leaving marks I knew I’d wear proudly in the morning. Her legs wrapped around my waist, pulling me deeper with each thrust. The room filled with the sounds of our lovemaking - breathless moans, skin against skin, the crash of river behind us.
I could feel myself getting close, the familiar tension coiling low in my belly. But I was determined to bring Emma over the edge first. Shifting my weight to one arm, I slid my free hand between us, my fingers finding that sensitive bundle of nerves.
Emma cried out, her back arching off the ground as I began to stroke her in time with my thrusts. Her inner walls clenched around me, a delicious pressure that threatened to undo me then and there.
“That’s it, baby,” I murmured, my voice rough with exertion and desire. “Let go for me. I’ve got you.”
As if my words were the key to unlocking her release, Emma shattered. Her body went taut, a keening cry escaping her lips as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her. The sight of her coming undone beneath me, coupled with the rhythmic pulsing of her inner walls, was enough to send me tumbling over the edge after her.
My hips stuttered, my rhythm faltering as I spilled myself inside her with a guttural groan. For a moment, the world fell away, narrowing down to just this - Emma and I, connected in the most intimate of ways, riding out the aftershocks of our shared pleasure.
As the intensity of the moment began to fade, I became aware of Emma’s fingers tracing lazy patterns on my back. I lifted my head from where it had fallen to rest in the crook of her neck, meeting her gaze.
The love I saw reflected in her eyes, soft and warm and utterly unconditional, threatened to overwhelm me once more. I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips, trying to convey even a fraction of the depth of my feelings for her.
When we parted, Emma smiled up at me, her expression one of pure contentment. “I love you,” she murmured, her voice slightly hoarse.
“I love you too,” I replied, the words feeling inadequate in the face of the emotion that swelled within me. “More than I could ever hope to express.”