Page 73 of Alive and Wells

“I needed you,” I admit.

“I’m here.”

“About the shit I said on the way home tonight—”

She cuts me off, slowly rubbing the length of my forearm. “We don’t need to talk about it, if you don’t want to. It’s okay you aren’t a big sharer. I don’t need to know every detail about your past to know you and love you.”

“You’ve shared yours, though. So ask me, I’ll tell you.” I exhale slowly, immediately beginning to regret offering. Although, if there’s ever a time to have this conversation, it’s in bed with her at three o’clock in the morning.

“Red told me you haven’t gone back to the rodeo since your mom died. Why did you come today?”

My lips press to the nape of her neck to remind myself why I’m willing to have this conversation. I kept Savannah at a distance and I think it’s safe to assume it’s why she never thought we were serious. I can’t repeat that mistake with Cecily.

“You were there.” My reason for going was as simple as that. “I did lie, though… I wasn’t late because I had work to do. Well… I had work, but I probably could’ve put it off until tomorrow. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the entire rodeo. When my grandpa and mom were alive, the rodeo grounds—and the ranch, obviously—were our entire life. I haven’t been back since they died and I was nervous that it would be too much. Seeing people I haven’t in years, hearing the announcer, watching the roping. But you made the entire thing a lot easier to deal with—kinda ripped the bandaid off for me.”

She rolls over and I open my mouth to protest her changing positions until she kisses me. Her fingers stroke my beard and I can feel her lips smiling on mine. “Thank you for coming today.”

“In more ways than one?” I smirk. Just the thought of what we did in the barn makes my cock flick.

“You’re an idiot.” She swings a leg over me and, fuck, I’m glad she’s started wearing my T-shirts to bed because her bare pussy is pressed against my thigh.

“I knew you weren’t going to hit me today.” Her fingers slowly weave through my chest hair. “You’re nothing like him.”

“I scared you, though. So not as different as I hoped to be.”

“No.” She twists herself on top of me. My cock’s viscerally aware of her close proximity and the lack of real clothing between us, leaving me struggling to focus on her voice in the dark. “You’re a better man than he could ever dream to be. You’re thoughtful and caring.”

She kisses me on the lips.

“Strong.”

Her teeth graze my ear.

“Selfless and loyal.”

Her hips grind on mine as she kisses a trail across my chest.

“You make me come harder than anybody ever has. And you look so fucking good doing it.”

She kisses me with a rough hunger as her hand slips down to grip my cock.

“And I love you, Austin.”

Then she falls forward, wrapping the full weight of her warm body around mine. Clinging to me like a koala. Our chests rise and fall in symphony as we kiss. Leisurely, slow, explorative kisses while my hands traipse across her, slipping underneath her shirt to feel the smooth skin on her back.

She holds tight to me—the warmth from between her legs heating my crotch. It’s making me wish I’d come to bed naked because I’m about ready to shred my boxers just to feel her against me. Bare skin on bare skin.

“Tell me about your parents.”

“Ugh, do we have to right now?” I lift my hips, hoping my hard cock rubbing on her clit will change her mind.

“You thought you were going to get away with answering one question? Considering how talkative you normally are, I don’t exactly trust I’ll get another opportunity like this.”

I sigh, placing my hands on either side of her hips. Normally being in this position with her is so much more fun.

Her hands tangle in my hair as she brings her lips to my ear. “I know it might be hard to talk about. But it’s only me and you here—let me into your head.Please.”

I think she’s catching on that the word “please” coming from her mouth with a soft, sweet rasp is my kryptonite. There’s no request I would deny if she tacked please onto the end.

---