Page 44 of Bull Riders Don't Swoon

“Should I ask what it was?”

An announcement sounds for us to return inside the boat while it docks, and the other couples head to the stairs. Damn if I don’t want this moment or night to end, but reality is a bitch sometimes.

“That I don’t want this day to end, and I’ve probably been in love with you for a long time.”

Griff’s lips part in shock.

“Gentlemen, we need you to take your seats, please.” A staff member calls out since we’re still not down on the lower deck.

Clearing my throat, I apologize to the woman and lead a silent Griff down the stairs to our seats on the lower level. Our day in the sun may be over, but our night isn’t.

“We already have to drive back tomorrow. Then a rodeo in Saskatchewan before we’re home in our own beds again.”

Griff tosses his towel over the back of a chair and eases next to me on the couch. We had dinner at the diner when we got back from the boat and then took turns in the shower. I gathered up a few things in the loft I’d left lying around and ate the final blueberry muffin while Griff showered. I wasn’t hungry, but it occupied me for a few minutes at least.

“Are you okay to work this rodeo with a broken arm?”

Griff raises his eyebrow. “Of course I can. The pain is mostly gone, and I can still use my arm fine.” He finishes pulling off the tape to remove the bag I placed while he showered. “It’s like armour if another bull tries to get me. I can bonk him if I need to.”

He shifts to look at me, and I meet his gaze. “Areyouokay with it?”

“It’s not my decision to make.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

Letting my head drop back, I stare at the ceiling and remember waiting at the hospital. How I just had this pressure on my lungs that if Griff didn’t walk out of there completely fine, I might just deflate forever. “I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

His knee bumps against mine, and I squeeze my eyes closed.

“Jamie…you risk injury yourself every night on those bulls.”

“For eight seconds. You’re out there for every single rider.”

I’m totally irrational and I know it, but I’m pulled from my spiralling thoughts with the weight of Griff straddling my lap and his palms sliding up my neck.

“I don’t want to fight about this. It’s been the best day of my life, and I want to end our time here with something better than a fight.”

He presses forward and nudges his groin against mine, and I suck in a breath. “You want to finish what you wanted on the beach?”

“Yeah.” He pulses his hips and drops his lips to my neck before kissing my tattoo. The one with his initials in it…that I foolishly told myself meant nothing more than friendship. Even Marko assumed it was something else and I was so fucking obtuse. “Can we? Are you okay with it? It’s not like… it’s not the sex you’re used to, I guess.”

“You’re right. It’s not.” My hands grip his firm globes and pull him tighter to me. Griff’s lips part with a sigh at the contact, and I know without a doubt, this will change my life. “Because the sex I’m used to is just getting off with people, Griff. I already know this will be different and not because of the no penetration thing, if that’s what you meant.”

His neck flushes pink as he huffs a long, shaky breath. “You’re sure you’re okay with that? It’s a big ask.”

Fuck those fucking fuckers who ever made him think he wasn’t good enough as he is. I hate seeing him so unsure of himself. My Griff is strong and confident and always will be, even if I have tobuild him back up one orgasm at a time. Sex can be beautiful in every way with the right person, and Griff is my person.

“Yeah, babe. I’m more than sure, because me and you?” Reaching up, I pull his mouth to mine. “We’re gonna light up the night every single time.”

Griff melts into me with a moan, and I’m consumed with the need to have him come undone because of me. For me to bring him to the ecstasy he’s been missing with these lesser men. To just once, not think of myself first anymore and treat Griff right.

Tapping his ass, I whisper against his lips. “Take it off.”

Griff pushes off and stands in front of me. His hands slide under the elastic of his briefs before he shoves them down, stepping out of them and standing before me, naked. Suddenly, my loose-fitting sweatpants feel far too tight and I’m struggling to push them down. I’ve been with men before, and while I’ve enjoyed my encounters, I’ve never felt the snap like I feel right now. The indescribable pull that has me reaching for Griff before he’s even settled back against me.

“Jesus, Griff. You’re sexy.” Bumping my nose against his, I breathe in the lingering scent of sunscreen even after a shower and my lips curve into a smile.

His shaky breath hits my skin before his lips find mine in a frantic kiss. Like he’s afraid this is the only time we’ll do this.

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