Page 17 of One Hot Summer

I lean against the weathered barn wall afterward, the rough wood catching on my shirt. Carson stands beside me. My heart stutters as I catch him looking back at me.

“You did good work today.”

I swallow hard, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach. “Thanks. I didn't realize how much I needed this – to feel useful again.”

Carson shifts, his arm brushing mine. “How are you holding up?” he asks. “Really?”

“I’m… better,” I admit. “Being here, being productive… It's helping. More than I expected.”

His hand moves, fingers grazing mine. It is the barest touch, but it sets my skin on fire. I look up, meeting his gaze. The intensity I see there makes my breath catch.

“I’m glad.”

We stand there, frozen in the moment. Part of me wants to lean in, to close the distance between us. But another part holds back.

“We should... we should go check on Collin.”

Carson nods, but neither of us move. His fingers are still touching mine, a point of connection that I can't bring myself to break.

“Kelsie,” he starts, then pauses.

I wait, my heart pounding. But whatever he is going to say remains unspoken as the sound of approaching footsteps breaks the spell between us.

“I’m starving.”

He ruffles Collin’s hair. “Yeah, I do suppose it’s time to feed you. Let’s head up to the house.”

After dinner, I sneak out to the barn. There is something about the horses that just help me think.

The creak of the barn door startles me, my heart leaping into my throat as Carson's tall frame fills the doorway. The fading light catches the planes of his face, and I can see the hunger in his eyes, the way his gaze rakes over my body. I swallow hard.

Carson steps closer, his boots scuffing on the barn floor. The sound echoes in my ears, fueling my desire. “I thought I might find you here.”

Our eyes meet, and I see the want in his gaze. I nod, unable to look away from him. "Just... needed some time to think," I say, but I'm not thinking anymore. My mind is consumed with filthy thoughts, seeing him in those tight jeans and flannel shirt that is begging to be ripped open and my tongue sliding across his chest.

Carson moves closer. His scent invades my senses, and I want to fucking devour him. “You don't have to explain. I know,” he says, and I believe him. I believe that he knows exactly what I need, what I crave.

I catch my breath as Carson's calloused fingers finally make contact with my cheek, his touch feather-light yet electrifying. “Kelsie,” he breathes, my name a reverent whisper on his lips. His eyes, dark with desire, search mine. “Tell me if you want me to stop.”

My heart is pounding in my chest, my breath coming in ragged gasps. Do I want him to stop? No fucking way. “I don’t,” I say, surprising even myself with my honesty. “I don't want you to stop.”

Carson's other hand finds my waist, drawing me closer. His touch is searing, igniting a fire within me that I can't control. “Are you sure?” he asks, his voice husky with restrained desire. “Because once I kiss you, I don't think I'll be able to stop.”

I don't answer with words. Instead, I close the minuscule gap between us, pressing my lips to his. For a heartbeat, Carson freezes, and then he is kissing me back with a passion that steals my breath away. His arms encircle me, strong and sure, as my fingers tangle in his hair.

The kiss deepens, years of pent-up longing and slow-burning desire igniting into a fucking blaze. Carson's hand cradles the back of my head, his touch both reverent and possessive.

I don't know where this is going, but I don't care. All I know is that I want more, I want it all.

We break apart, gasping for air, our foreheads pressed together. Carson's breath is hot against my skin, and I can feel the rapid rise and fall of his chest. His hands roam my back, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

“God, Kelsie,” he growls, his voice rough with need. “You have no idea how long I've wanted this.”

I pull back just enough to meet his gaze, drowning in the intensity of his blue eyes. “Show me,” I whisper.

Carson's response is immediate. He lifts me effortlessly, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carries me to a nearby pile of hay.

He lays me down gently, his body covering mine like a blanket. I arch into him, craving more contact, more friction. Carson's lips find my neck, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses along my pulse point. I moan, my fingers digging into his shoulders.

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