Page 18 of His Big Hometown Cowboy
“Like what you see?” He caught me staring, a slow, knowing smirk spreading across his face.
The same smirk from last night, full of confidence.
“Just admiring the view.” I didn’t bother looking away. No point pretending. “Gotta say, the reality exceeds the fantasy. And the fantasy was pretty damn detailed.”
He chuckled, extending a large hand. Rough palm, calloused fingers. Capable hands. “Come on. That shower won’t take itself.”
I let him pull me to my feet. Standing naked before him, I felt almost fragile next to his sheer size. But the heat in his eyes, the way they raked over me with raw, possessive desire… it banished any insecurity. He made me feel powerful. Wanted.
“Though I should warn you,” I said, tilting my head back to meet his gaze. “I’m a bit sore this morning.”
“That makes two of us.” He winced slightly, stretching and rolling his shoulders. “Not too bad for a first timer, if I do say so myself.”
My mind flashed back to him riding me, taking me, his face tight with pleasure and strain. “Wait.” My hand froze on his arm. “First timer? You mean that was your first time… being on the receiving end?”
A faint flush crept up his strong neck, staining his cheekbones. He nodded, looking almost shy for a split second. It was ridiculously endearing. “Yeah. Never… uh… never done that before.”
My stomach dropped. Surprise mingled with a pang of guilt. “Why didn’t you say something?” My voice came out sharper than intended.“That was yourfirstfirst time?”
“What did you think I meant when I said,‘I’d been saving it for someone special’?”
“I don’t know. I was distracted by the huge sexy man riding me like a…”
“Bucking bronc?”
“Would you be serious?” I said, giving him a good-natured swat on the behind.“I would have been more careful, gone slower—I mean, I wasn’t exactly gentle?—”
“It was perfect.” He interrupted, his large hand cupping my face, thumb brushing my cheekbone. His touch was grounding. “Last night was special, Timmy. That’s why… why I decided in the moment.” His gaze held mine, intense, sincere. “Wanted you to be my first.”
My breath hitched. He’d trusted me with that. With that vulnerability. “But you’ve been with other guys before.” I needed to understand.
“Yeah, but…” He shrugged, searching for words. “It never felt right before. Not like… not like that.” His eyes were unwavering, filled with a conviction that stole my breath. “With you, it did. Felt right. And as far as I’m concerned…” His thumb stroked my jawline. “You’re the only one I’m ever interested in getting fucked by.”
The raw honesty, the quiet possessiveness in his voice… it tightened my chest, making it hard to breathe. I leaned up, rising on my toes, and kissed him. Slow. Deep. Trying to pour everything—the tenderness, the burgeoning connection—into that kiss. “That’s a really sweet thing to say,” I whispered against his lips. “I’m honored.”
He led us into the bathroom, which was nicer than I’d expected. Expertly renovated. Slate tile, a big walk-in shower with glass walls and multiple chrome showerheads. Definitely not original ranch house chic.
“Impressive.” I nodded. “Didn’t take you for a home improvement guy.”
“Remodeled it last year.” He reached past me, turning on the water, adjusting the temperature with practiced ease. Steam began to cloud the glass. “Figure if I’m going to be stuck in this house for the next forty years, might as well make it comfortable.”
The casual certainty of his future here, mapped out on this land, sent a strange pang through me.
A little flicker of… something. Envy?
He had roots sunk so deep they were part of the bedrock. Mine felt shallow, temporary, easily pulled up.
He stepped into the billowing steam first, then held out his hand. I took it, letting him guide me into the enclosure. The hot water hit my skin, instantly soothing, sluicing over my shoulders, down my back. I closed my eyes, tipping my face up into the spray, letting the heat seep into my sore muscles.
Large hands landed gently on my shoulders, kneading. Strong fingers worked out kinks I hadn’t even known were there. I sighed, leaning back against his solid chest. He felt like granite wrapped in warm skin.
He pressed a kiss to my wet hair. His hands slid down my arms, smooth and slick, then around to my stomach, pulling me more firmly against him.
I felt him harden against me.
Impossible to miss.
My body responded immediately, heat pooling low despite the soreness.
