Page 329 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
I woke up toher.
And somehow, that makes everything matter more.
“Your turn,” I say.
She kisses my hand. “That was for you.”
Fuck, her words make my cock twitch for more.
“We have to get ready. We have a big day.” She sits up slowly, and I can’t help but watch her. There’s something about the way she carries herself, even in this simple moment, that makes me want to memorize every little detail. Maybe it’s being apart and longing for her for so long.
She doesn’t notice me watching as she moves towards her clothes on the floor, but I’m captivated by the soft sway of her hips, the way her skin glows, and how she pulls on her shirt, the fabric tugging over her body in a way that makes my chest tighten.
She glances over her shoulder, catching my gaze. “You’re staring.” Her voice is still thick with sleep, but there’s a playful glint in her eyes.
“Guilty.” I give a smile that feels more honest than any I’ve worn in a while.
She laughs, then pulls on her pants.
It’s like I’m caught in a loop of wanting to savor every second of her getting dressed, every little movement of hers.
“I’m gonna grab some coffee and a shower.” She pulls on her last boot. “Are you coming?”
I sit up, stretching my arms, feeling the ache of sleep still hanging on my bones, but I don’t want to move just yet. I want to stay here, in this little slice of time. She starts to walk away, but I reach out, pulling her back gently by the wrist.
“Five more minutes,” I say, my voice hoarse with sleep.
She smiles and nods as she climbs back into bed with me, curling into my side.
Her head rests on my chest, and I feel the steady rise and fall of her breathing against me.
It’s peaceful. I let my hand rest on her back, tracing small circles as I let myself drift for just a moment longer.
I know we have a busy day ahead, but in this moment, all that matters is her warmth, the feeling of her close to me.
Eventually, we have to get up. The morning slips away, as mornings always do, and the quiet comfort of lying beside her is replaced with the hustle of the day ahead.
There’s a new lightness in it, an ease I haven’t felt in a while. I’m just happy to be with her, to share this small part of the day with her.
By late afternoon, we’re packing up the booths as the rodeo winds down. A tiredness settles in, but it’s the good kind. The kind that comes with hard work and the knowledge that the day is almost done.
We exchange small smiles as we break down the setup, moving in sync like we’ve done this a thousand times before.
Once everything’s packed, we head back to the campsite, tired but content. The pressure of the event is behind us now, but tonight’s appreciation barbecue stretches ahead.
We’re the first to arrive at the campsite, and I decide it’s my turn to take advantage of opportunities like this.
“Come on.” I slip my hand in hers and we run to the camper.
I turn the latch, locking out my brothers.
“What are we doing?”
“Having a peaceful shower, not in the bathhouse.” I kick off my boots.
Her arms circle my neck. “Are you going to wash me again?”
“Absolutely.” I kiss her and pick her up at the same time.
