Page 59 of In the Dust

Colton pulls me into his strong arms. “I have no intention of making it out of this corn maze anytime soon.” He grins.

Oh.

He grabs my hand, leading us to one of the sections Harper ran in and out of. “Wait, it’s a dead end.”

“Go through,” he encourages.

I part the tall stalks with my hands, walking into a circular section that doesn’t connect to anything. Moonlight and fireflies light the space, and my breath hitches in my throat. “Colton,” I breathe out a helplessly in love sigh. One that’s much too high-pitched to be normal.

A few dim lanterns dot the multiple quilts that lay on the ground. A couple of pillows lie along the edges.

I can do nothing more but wrap him into a hug and kiss his lips. His hands slide up my back, his fingertips toying with the thin straps of my dress. “I love you.”

“Thank you for this,” I say as I run my hand up his back.

“Anything for you, Dixie’.” A boyish grin crosses his face as he pulls me in closer. “I wanted to ask you something,” he says pointedly.

“Okay.” My heart is thumping excitedly in my chest, and I'm sure he can feel it against his.

“Let's make this official.” His eyes glint against the moonlight.

I know exactly what he’s asking, but I want to hear him say it. “What do you mean?” I ask coyly.

Colton’s warm hand cups my cheek, his thumb caressing its point. “Be mine, Dixie May.” He takes a breath. “Be my girl?”

I always have been, I want to say. We’re inevitable, like thunder and lightning, or a moth that’s drawn to a flame.

He leans in close, his minty breath blanketing my needy lips. “What do you say?”

I close the small gap between us, pressing my lips to his and solidifying my answer. I pull back to catch my breath. “I’m yours, Colton.”

He smiles as he pushes his hands into my hair, pulling me back to his mouth. Passion swirls between our heated kisses, causing the butterflies in my stomach to stir.

“I’d like to cash in those five minutes now,” he purrs, his deep voice radiating through my body.

I playfully slap his arm. “You, Colton Payne, have a mind stuck in the gutter.”

“Only for you.” He smirks.

“Since I’m in a good mood tonight … I’ll give you ten,” I say as I run my finger along his jawline.

Colton bends down, grabbing the back of my knees and throwing me over his shoulder.

“Colton!” I exclaim.

“Say no more, Dix.” He squeezes the sensitive spot just under my ass. “Time's a ticking.”

I smack his ass in return. “Well, hurry up, Cowboy. Everyone is waiting for us.”

I can feel the deep growl he lets out vibrate through his back, and I let out my own satisfied giggle, knowing the night is about to get even hotter.

He carefully bends over and deposits me on top of the soft quilts. From here, I look around and see the golden lanterns and dancing fireflies flitting about. This is so beautiful, so thoughtful. “I love this spot.”

Colton is on his knees in front of me, and he parts my legs with his strong hands. “Me too,” he replies hungrily, sliding his hands up my silky thighs and moving my dress up.

I exhale as his scruff brushes my inner thigh. His calloused hands are rough against my skin as he pulls my panties to the side, but his soft lips trail kisses that feel like velvet.

Finally, his tongue slides along my clit, and I shudder in pleasure. “Colton,” I moan his name when one of his fingers dives inside of me.

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