Page 78 of The Vineyard Crush

“You want to cum, baby?” His taunting words contrasted with the soft caress of his hand on my back.

“Yes…” I whimpered, barely able to form coherent thoughts.

“Why don’t you cum, baby? Fall apart for me like the good girl you are.” His whispered permission was all it took.

The dam broke, and pleasure crashed over me in waves. I clung to Ridge as my body shuddered, his gentle kisses on my head grounding me through the intense sensations.

As the aftershocks subsided, I hazily glanced at the timer, my heart sinking as I saw 3:26 still remaining. The realization of what this meant sent a thrill of anticipation through me.

Thirty Two

Ridge

Thank 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?”

---