Hope you guys like this update. To the stunning katieb373, congratulations lovely lady! Thanks for the gorgeous preview you sent and I look forward to many more. Oh, and if you know of any cute cowboys your way, let me know hehe ;)
I've had some awesome suggestions smut wise, just so you know there will be many options coming up including stables, camp outs, rodeos etc so don't worry!
Also, I've kind of liked country music but never really listened to it much until this story and all the choices for my chapters so far are just so awesome. I'm looking forward to many more amazing tracks including this latest one, thanks Keith!
Southern Comfort
Chapter 14: Raining on Sunday
29 July 2016 – 102 days until the US general election
"I forgot just how much you talked," Nik growled, taking a sip from his glass.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Kol shot back. "You know you really need to stop being so damn polite and friendly, big brother."
"I also forgot that annoying sarcasm you possess."
"I'll have you know women find my wit very attractive, speaking of which I've been here for three days and you're yet to introduce me to any gorgeous ones."
"I'm glad you came here just to pick up women, little brother."
"And to see my favourite brother, of course."
"Only because Elijah is too boring for your liking. Although given his little sojourn in Los Angeles I'm not so sure about his predictability anymore."
"Yes, I did hear something from Rebekah about a crazy brunette that has bewitched him." Nik smiled thinking about their initial altercations which looking back now definitely resembled foreplay, something he could attest to with Caroline. What was happening between them now he wasn't quite sure, but if Elijah was happy and not annoying him that's all that mattered.
If Nik was being honest, he was jealous that Katherine and Elijah were alone without prying eyes like Kol to interrupt their quality time together. When Caroline had suggested they skip dinner and head straight to the bedroom, Nik wasn't complaining. In fact, if the size of his burgeoning arousal was anything to go by he was more than ready to take things to the next level, if only his little brother hadn't decided to turn up at that exact moment. Kol always did have impeccable timing.
He'd barely seen Caroline since, which was probably a good thing because all he wanted to do was take her to bed and have his way with her for at least three days, it was the least they deserved after everything they'd been through to get to this point. Kol had kept him busy and Caroline was trying to organise Matt's campaign launch which was taking place in two days. She'd sent him a few messages, mainly about Annabelle's wellbeing, but Nik couldn't miss the flirty undertones which had a way of distracting, something that hadn't gone unnoticed by his usually self absorbed brother.
"You know it only seems fair that I have someone to keep me occupied given Elijah has his brunette and you have your tasty, blonde friend."
"Don't talk about her like that," he replied, defensively.
"Oh, I've hit a nerve, I really should have known given how grouchy you've been since I arrived."
"I have not been grouchy," he faltered slightly, realising his sexual frustration could have been interpreted that way but wasn't willing to admit that to Kol, of all people.
"Well, I suppose we'll have to beg to differ," he joked. "Now, when are you going to take me out and show me what this little town has to offer?"
"I hate to burst your bubble but this is pretty much it," he said, gesturing around the small, country pub. "If you wanted a nightlife and an abundance of scantily clad women, you should have considered Ibiza for a holiday instead."
"Maybe I want to find a nice, country girl, did you ever think about that?"
"Like I said to you before, I want people around here to actually like me so I have no intention of recommending you." Kol didn't flinch, his gaze distracted by something behind him. He turned around, his heart constricting at the familiar blonde who wore denim better than anyone else he knew. The girl standing beside her wasn't familiar to him though, she definitely wasn't from around here that was for sure.
"She is absolutely stunning," Kol uttered.
"What have I told you about talking about my..."
"Your what?" Kol asked, a cheeky grin crossing his face.
"I just meant," he stumbled, Caroline had that effect on him but it made him realise that they'd never discussed just what they were to each other. Having shared custody of a cow probably didn't really constitute much of a relationship.
"It's okay big brother, I wasn't looking at your girlfriend," he teased, using the g word just to get to him. "But who is that stunning brunette by her side?"
"Fancy seeing you here," Caroline interrupted, sending him a knowing smile. "How is your stay in Jefferson going, Kol?"
"It's going I suppose but it's nice to see you again, blondie," he cooed, trying not to stare blatantly at her friend but failing miserably. "And who might you be, darling?"
"Not interested," she shot back, making Nik laugh aloud. This girl had spunk and he couldn't help but like her already for keeping his little brother on his toes.
"Uh, this is Bonnie Bennett, revered journalist from the New York Times. She's here to cover Matt's campaign launch and, if you hadn't noticed, she has a habit of speaking her mind."
"Sounds like you two have a lot in common then," Nik chuckled noting the resemblance between the two women and trying to ignore the exasperated look Caroline was shooting his way. "So, how is the campaign trail, ladies?"
"Matt is a brilliant performer who will be a much needed addition to the House of Representatives and this campaign launch is going to be perfect because I planned it," she boasted, puffing her chest out proudly. It took all of his willpower not to stand up and pull her into his arms. She was so damn gorgeous when she was being cocky. "You might want to get that all down for your article, Bon."
"Funnily enough I need to be objective, Care," she smiled. "Just because we're friends doesn't mean I can write down your thoughts verbatim."
"So, you know each other?"
"We went to school together in New York before I moved to Los Angeles," she explained to Kol. "What are you two up to?"
"Niklaus is showing me the outrageous night life here," he joked.
"I've tried to explain to Kol here that there's not a lot of choice given our small population."
"Well, I think it's quaint."
"Just give it a few days Bonnie and one green field becomes another and trust me when I say one cow becomes just like the next," Kol sighed.
"Hey, that's no way to talk about Annabelle," Caroline argued, protective of her new pet. When Nik had seen the connection between the two the night of their date, he had no choice but to give her his calf. It was unheard of for Nik to show such compassion toward anyone and something Stefan had since mercilessly teased him about. It would usually annoy Nik but thinking back on her reaction it was all he needed to know he did the right thing, especially if her subsequent kisses were anything to go by.
"I really need to meet this calf I've heard so much about, she might be a good photo addition for my story."
"Well, she is very photogenic but I'm not sure if I want her and Matt in the same picture because it might take away from him even with those baby blues, if you know what I mean," she whispered, almost like she was afraid Matt was going to walk in and overhear their conversation.
"You should come to the ranch and see Annabelle this weekend, I'd be more than happy to show you around," Kol offered, making Nik wince uncomfortably. He was so blatantly obvious when it came to women, especially given his throwaway line about cows only moments earlier.
"Are you sure you know your way around to do that?" Nik teased.
"Of course," he scoffed before changing the subject so as to avoid any further questioning on the matter. "Would you like me to get you a drink Bonnie?"
"Here, get us all a round, I'll even pay for them," Nik offered, gesturing towards a space at the bar and practically pushing his brother in that direction so he could have a few precious moments alone with Caroline.
"Could you be any more obvious?" She giggled, taking a seat next to him at the table.
"Well, when you've known Kol for as long as I have then you can judge me," he complained. "Anyway, what's wrong with wanting to spend what little time I have with you?"
"Nothing at all," she grinned, leaning in and filling his nostrils with the vanilla scent he knew so well by now. Nik didn't hesitate at their close proximity, sneaking a kiss and subsequently losing himself in her which wasn't unusual. What he wasn't expecting was her pulling away prematurely and quickly checking the room self consciously.
"Why did you stop?" He whined, like a little child that didn't get his way. "Anyone would think you were ashamed of me, love." Knowing the gossip mill around town, he knew Caroline was reluctant to give them any extra fodder by putting on a public display of affection, but after waiting days for a kiss Nik couldn't care less what people thought.
"You know that's not true, well most of the time," she quipped. "Look, I know how bad this town is when it comes to gossip, excuse me if I'd just like to maintain a little bit of privacy."
"Well, between Lexi, Matt, June, Ruby, Stefan, Elijah, Kol, Katherine, Rebekah and now Bonnie, there's not much chance of that," he listed. "Emma even asked me yesterday if she could wear pink when she's flower girl at our wedding."
"Oh dear god," she murmured, placing her head on the table, her blonde waves falling across it.
"I'm glad the thought of marrying me fills you with such dread, Caroline," he said, only half-joking and lifting her head.
"Well, you'll have to forgive me if the fact that everyone has us married after one interrupted date is a little bit daunting, Nik."
"With the major cattle sales over for now and the Rodeo not coming to town for over a month you can't blame them for needing something to focus their attention on, love."
"Well, you'd think an election was more than enough excitement for people," she mumbled.
"Well, you can hardly blame them for not caring given this thing has been running for what seems like years."
"Are you insulting our political system, Mikaelson?"
"That's exactly what I'm doing, love," he chuckled. "We have an election once every five years, none of these mid-terms, primaries or conventions to contend with over long periods of time. Plus, I don't think Emma's too excited given the Democrats chosen colour is blue and not pink."
"So, what you're telling me is that whether we like it or not our private life is fair game?"
"I think that's the least of our worries right now given our visit from Wonder Boy and Lois Lane over there," he said gesturing towards his brother and Bonnie.
"Someone's frustrated I see," she smiled, leaning in again and running her hand slowly along his thigh, stopping only when she was mere inches within her destination.
"I wouldn't go any further, love, I can't be responsible for my actions, even in public," he managed to bite out, trying desperately to contain his arousal.
"You're not the only one frustrated, believe me," she agreed, Nik not missing the added huskiness in her voice. "And I have no intention of dragging this out any longer." His attention was piqued immediately.
"What does that mean exactly, love?"
"Leave it to me," she grinned knowingly, his growing erection showing no signs of abating. "Just don't tell anyone please because I'd prefer it was just between us for once."
xxxxx
"So, has your visit been as tense as mine?" Kol asked after their drinks had been delivered at the bar.
"Excuse me?" She baulked.
"Oh come on, you haven't noticed her mood? You know a little impatient and annoyed?
"If you're asking me if she's sexually frustrated, which is probably a little inappropriate given we've just met, Kol," Bonnie prefaced. "Yeah okay, I'd have to agree."
"Well, I'm glad it isn't only me," he sighed. "You're lucky though, I'm fairly certain Nik is much worse. He's usually a grumpy pain in my ass but he's been unbearable. I think he's still taking it out on me."
"Taking it out on you?"
"Well, I kind of interrupted their little moment at the stables with the cow," he admitted. "I mean how did I know that was going on? Niklaus can be a bit of a ladies man but it threw me off seeing him so sickly affectionate and giving."
"You're making it sound like he has a disease, Kol."
"Well, if you knew him before then you'd agree. Do you realise he hasn't given me a gift for a good five years?"
"Oh, I see what the problem is here," she surmised. "You're jealous he never gave you a cow?"
"Not really. It may sound callous but I'd prefer to go out for a nice steak, if you know what I mean."
"I can't believe you said that," she cried. "Animals matter and for you to denigrate their meaning in this world is just horrible."
"Oh I'm sorry, you're a vegetarian just like Caroline."
"I'm not sure how I can be friends with such an animal hater," she countered.
"I like plenty of animals, darling. I mean I don't eat dogs or cats or kangaroos or..." Before he could blurt out any more animals she began to laugh uncontrollably, making him look on in interest.
"I gotcha."
"Excuse me?"
"Caroline may have her beliefs but between you and me I like a good steak, especially when I'm in the middle of cattle country for the very first time."
"You tricked me?"
"Well, given the lack of excitement here right now, I needed some fun, Kol. But if you're that upset about not getting a gift I'm sure I could conjure something up for you."
"I don't need any gifts but if you can get me away from Mister grouchy for any time, then I'll be forever in your debt."
"I never thought I'd agree but maybe we can make our escape and at the same time give these two exactly what they need to make life a little less frustrating."
"I think you're onto something, darling."
"You realise this doesn't mean you have any chance with me though, right?"
xxxxxxx
When Nik returned from his cattle the next day he was suprised the house was so quiet without his brother's loud and in some cases offensive music, in fact things just seemed a little eerie. He walked around checking all the rooms but to no avail. His cell phone beeped and he consulted the screen expecting it was from his younger, wayward brother but was surprised it was from Caroline.
Meet me in the cottage in fifteen minutes
Nik baulked immediately, surprised at the fact that she knew where the small cottage was situated on his extensive parcel of land. She'd been to the main house, dam and stables but showing up there meant someone had told her about its existence.
If Nik was being honest, it was a place that he found a lot of solace in but hadn't ventured there a lot the past two years for certain reasons, even though he knew it was fully equipped and furnished. He threw off his clothes hurriedly, taking a brief shower and dressing himself in the best jeans and shirt he owned. He hadn't expected this opportunity but Nik wasn't about to let it pass.
Jumping into his truck, he noticed that the storm clouds had since rolled in and as he made his way along the dirt path the rain began to patter on his windshield only increasing in pressure. His windscreen wipers were working on overdrive as Nik approached the little cottage. He could make out a light emanating from the bedroom and his heart lurched knowing she was inside.
He jumped out of the truck and ran towards the building, shielding himself from the elements but not really caring at this moment. The door was open as usual and he made his way towards her, the view in front of him stopped Nik dead in his tracks. The open fire was warm and crackling and he could make out her silhouette reflected in the flames, completely naked except for a familiar stetson perched on her head. He swallowed not quite sure how to approach every dream and fantasy he'd ever had about Caroline that seemed to be coming true all at once.
"What's the matter cowboy, are you scared or something?" She purred, moving into the doorway and exposing every curve to him. She was even more exquisite than Nik had imagined and he wasn't quite sure how to deal with all the sensations coursing through his body all at once.
"So, that's where my hat disappeared to," he managed to get out, although it was proving difficult. His erection was straining against his jeans and his head was swarming with all the desire and forthcoming possibilities.
"I can remove it, if you like?"
"I thought the song said you can leave your hat on," he replied, huskily. "It's kind of hot if you ask me, love."
"Well, whatever you say, cowboy," she murmured. "Come here." Nik didn't need any more inducement, advancing forward and picking her up in his arms so that she was straddling his waist. She cried out in shock, her whole body shivering in response. "You're wet."
"It's raining out there, didn't you know?" He asked, caressing her creamy breasts, one with his fingers and the other attracting his mouth.
"To be honest I was too carried away by other things, including what I can feel between my legs," she panted grinding against him and peeling off his shirt without a second thought then placing kisses along the length of his chest. Nik groaned by way of response but completely unsure of what to do next, Caroline always had that foreign effect on him.
"You're so beautiful," he managed to just get out while hurriedly unbuttoning his jeans desperate to have her after so long. His briefs were discarded, If Nik was being honest, he wasn't sure whether it was Caroline or he that did it but who really cared as his hardness guided its way slowly inside her. The sensations it caused as he thrust inside her tightness making him cry out from feelings it caused. He'd craved her touch for so long and having it so suddenly and so intimately was driving him so close to the edge.
Nik was trying to hold on as long as possible but he'd wanted Caroline for so long it was proving impossible. She looked beautiful whimpering in the fire light as he pushed inside her further desperate for release. Caroline ran her fingernails down his back slowly and he cried out assaulting her mouth in response as she did it.
Again, he wasn't quite sure who came first given he was so caught up in the moment but there was an enjoyable sense of release, intermingling cries of pleasure and an overwhelming sense of what they'd wanted for so long.
"I think I might be falling in love with you," she panted. Most times Nik would run the other way but right now he knew this was exactly where he wanted to be.
"You're just saying that because you had an orgasm," he joked.
"Possibly," she said, breathless. "Or the fact you gave me your hat."
"Or the fact I gave you a calf."
"That must be it," she shuddered collapsing into his chest. "Don't ever think about doing anything like that again."
"Well, don't you think about saying anything like I may love you again because I might just never let you go," Nik murmured doing the exact same thing by holding her close.