Page 48 of Country Mist

Soon, Becky swooped in with the platter of ribs for Haylee and Tyson’s meal and a small metal bucket for the rib bones. The owner pulled a thick bundle of paper napkins out of her apron pocket and a couple of wet wipes and plopped them on the table by Haylee’s plate.

After Becky left, Haylee looked at Tyson, who eyed her with amusement. “Looks like she thinks you’re gonna be messier than a two-year-old.”

Haylee laughed. “You’d think she knows me or something.” She bit into the tender meat on one rib and moaned. She chewed and swallowed. “I love the mesquite wood-smoked flavor. These must be the best ribs I’ve ever had.” She lowered her voice. “Just don’t tell my brothers. They’re all competitive when it comes to barbequing.”

Tyson washed down his bite of brisket with his beer. “They’re not hearing anything from me.”

When they finished their meals, a young man bussed the table. Becky came up behind him and rattled off the dessert specials. Haylee was torn between bread pudding and a warm peach cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. They opted for sharing a piece of cobbler with two scoops on top.

“I want to lick the plate.” Haylee sighed and placed her hand on her abdomen when not a crumb was left of the cobbler. “This was the most delicious meal a girl could ask for.”

“You’ve done me proud.” Becky appeared, scooped up the empty dessert plate and forks, and slapped down the check. “No rush.”

She turned away and made her way through the restaurant. Haylee turned to Tyson. “That woman is a dynamo.”

Tyson laughed and placed a stack of bills on the table. “You ready to go?”

Haylee gathered her coat and purse as Becky returned, took the cash, and left Tyson with the receipt.

Moments later, they stepped out into the cool night air. The door to the restaurant fell shut behind them, cutting off the chatter and laughter. Haylee shivered, and Tyson helped her into her jacket, then aided her into the passenger’s side of his truck before making his way to the driver’s side and climbing in.

Once they reached the mountains, Tyson guided the vehicle into the canyon. As they drove up a winding road, it was too dark to see anything but the moon and stars.

Fifteen minutes later, Tyson guided the truck onto a dirt road that was a little more than a path. The truck jostled her as it bounced along the ruts, and she clung to the “oh, shit” handle above the door.

They reached a secluded clearing, and Tyson stopped the truck and killed the engine. He strode to Haylee’s side and helped her out of the truck. They walked toward the edge of a ridge, and Haylee caught her breath at the amazing view. The town’s lights lay like a glittering blanket across the valley.

“It’s so pretty.” She looked up at Tyson, whose eyes looked dark in the night yet glinted from the moonlight.

He grasped her hand. “Let’s get that picnic blanket.” He retrieved it from the backseat and placed it in a clearing. She knelt on the blanket beside him, and they both laid back and stared up in amazement.

The Milky Way cut a broad swathe across the inky blackness, and a shooting star flared before vanishing from sight.

“I’ve never seen a lovelier night sky.” Her words came out in a breathy sigh. “In King Creek, the stars are lovely, but with Phoenix not that far away, they’re never so bright as this.”

Tyson stroked strands of her hair, then tucked it behind her ear. “You are more lovely than the stars.”

Heat warmed her as she took in his handsome features illuminated beneath the moonlight. She couldn’t think of a thing to say.

He brushed her lips with his, and her mind swam as he kissed her. He drew her close, pushed his fingers into her hair, and cupped the back of her head. It was a slow kiss that left her wanting more.

Tyson rested his forehead against hers. He spoke in a low voice, rough with passion. “What do you want, Haylee?”

Warmth crept through her body, and her breasts felt heavy with need. “I think you know.”

He slid his hand from her hair and over her hip, then drew her body tight to his so she felt the hard ridge of flesh between them. “I want to hear it from you. Say it.”

Haylee’s face grew impossibly hotter even as her breasts grew heavy and her nipples tightened. She had never told a man she wanted him, but God, did she want Tyson.

She moved closer, darted her tongue along his lower lip, and let out a soft sigh. She tilted her head back so that she could meet his eyes. “I want you, Tyson. I need you.”

The corner of his mouth tipped into a devastatingly sexy smile. “Let’s get back to the B & B.”

Her throat tightened, and she nodded. “Yes.”

Tyson eased up, got to his feet, and held out his hand. She took it, and he drew her up so that she stood, looking into his eyes. He kissed her hard, so intensely that she moaned with need.

He broke the kiss, and her chest rose and fell with her rough breathing. His sounded just as harsh. The hunger in his eyes made her knees weaken. Only his palm resting on the small of her back kept her grounded and standing.

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