It was Saturday morning, and instead of training for the rodeo, I was on the phone, trying to find Jamie. He didn't come home last night. He wasn't answering his phone. And there was another crisis on the ranch.

The bear.

Yep, the bear. He was dead. Rip had shot it. After it had run two people off a cliff. But we had Fish and Wildlife up our ass. With no end in sight.

"He had better be in a fucking ditch," I groaned after I dialed his number for the fifteenth time.

The frustration boiled inside me as the phone rang again, and I could feel the tension in my shoulders. Jamie was always hard to track down, especially when he was avoiding me. But this? This was ridiculous.

I dropped my phone onto the table, pacing back and forth in the kitchen. The bear, Rip shooting it, the Fish and Wildlife hassle—it was all too much to deal with on top of everything else.

I knew Jamie wasn't hurt, he was campaigning for Attorney General. His big shot to be someone other than just John Dutton's second son.

Running for Attorney General wasn't just a career move; it was Jamie's escape route. His way of proving he was something else, someone else, outside of the Dutton legacy. But with that ambition came a whole lot of pressure. And pressure, I knew, made Jamie shut down.

I let out a frustrated sigh, pacing the living room. There were too many unknowns right now, and Jamie's silence was adding fuel to the fire.

I grabbed my phone again, dialing his number one more time, hoping this time he'd answer. But of course, it went straight to voicemail again.

"Jamie, this isn't funny anymore," I muttered to myself. "Where the hell are you?"

I shot a quick text, hoping he might pick up on it: We need to talk. I need you here, now.

If he wasn't home soon, I'd have to go looking for him. Maybe he was holed up in some random office, dealing with his campaign stuff. And if he didn't come home soon... well, I wasn't sure what I was going to do next.

My phone rang, not Jamie but Dad, "Rip make it back yet?" Dad didn't have time for pleasantries.

I glanced out the window, "I see him coming. Fish and Wildlife lady is waiting outside so they outta be heading that way soon. I'll call Bozeman tell 'em I had a family emergency and can't perform tonight."

"Don't do that sweetheart. You earned it. Sorry, I won't be able to be able to make it to see you."

"I understand, Dad. Be careful."

I hung up the phone, the weight of my dad's words settling in. He was always so focused on the ranch, on getting things done right, that it was rare for him to admit he couldn't make it. He wasn't one to let down his family, even if it meant missing out on something important.

But I wasn't about to let that affect me. I had work to do, responsibilities to manage, and I wasn't going to let this bear situation mess up my plans. Besides, with Rip back and Fish and Wildlife outside, I knew the situation would be in good hands.

I walked up the steps, not as excited as I would have been under other circumstances, but Dad wanted me to go, so I would. I grabbed my new riding costume and headed out to the barn.

The trailer was already hitched, and Lloyd was loading Denim inside. I double-checked my gear before tossing my bag in the backseat of the truck.

"We're all ready to head out whenever you are, darlin'," Lloyd said.

"Y'all are still coming with everything going on?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Your dad said there wasn't much we could do but wait around, so we might as well go have a good time," he replied with a shrug.

"So who did you rope into helping me on the field?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light, though there was a nervous edge to it.

Ryan flashed a grin and adjusted his hat, stepping out from the barn where he'd been working with Denim. "I volunteered for the job," he said, his voice warm and casual.

I couldn't help but notice how good he looked in his best shirt, the one he only wore when things were getting serious—serious in a way that made him stand taller, exude that confident cowboy charm. His town hat sat low, giving him an air of authority, the kind that made me feel like he could command anything around him with just a look.

A flush crept up my cheeks, a mixture of heat from the moment and the memories of everything we had shared. My heart skipped in an almost involuntary beat.

"I was hoping you would," I said, unable to keep the softness in my voice as I looked up at him, feeling that fluttering sensation in my chest. The kind of flutter I hadn't experienced in a while, the kind that made everything feel a little lighter, a little more possible.

Ryan's eyes softened as he looked at me, and I could see the unspoken understanding between us. There were no words needed. We figured out how to be around each other, even when the world around us felt like it was trying to pull us in a thousand directions.

"You two head out," Lloyd said, answering the unspoken question that had been hovering between us, "and we'll follow behind you."

I gave him a nod and a grateful smile before making my way to the passenger side of the truck. As I reached for the door handle, I heard Ryan's voice behind me.

"Close that damn door," he said, sounding both amused and serious.

Confused, I turned to face him. "What?"

He simply raised an eyebrow, his smile growing as he stepped forward. "Just close it."

I hesitated for a moment but followed his instructions, shutting the door before he reached over, opening it for me with a smooth motion. His hand hovered in the air, offering assistance.

I couldn't help but laugh. "You're an idiot," I teased.

Ryan smirked, eyes glinting with amusement. "I think you meant to say gentleman," he shot back, his tone teasing yet soft. "But we'll work on that."

I grinned, feeling lighter than I had all day, as he closed the door behind me and we pulled out. It was the little things, these moments with him, that made everything else seem easier to handle.

I glanced over at him as he drove, savoring the rare moment of just being alone with him. At the ranch, privacy was a luxury we never truly had—someone was always around, a chore always waiting, an interruption always looming. But right now, it was just the two of us, the road stretching ahead and the quiet hum of the truck filling the space between us.

"You know I don't expect you to be a gentleman, right?" I said, breaking the silence. "I just want you to be you."

"I know, baby," he murmured, reaching over and taking my hand in his. His thumb brushed over my knuckles, a small, absentminded gesture that sent warmth through me. "I just want you to know—I'm not just trying to fuck the rancher's daughter."

My breath caught. The words hit like a slow-burning ember, sparking something deep in my chest. He remembered. Months had passed since I'd thrown that accusation at him, and now, here he was, bringing it up—not with anger, not with resentment, but with something softer. Something honest.

I swallowed, my fingers tightening around his. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that to you. I know it was never just that… even back then."

"Don't be sorry," he said, his voice steady, reassuring. "You had every right to feel how you felt. I didn't make it easy for you. I let my ego get in the way, let myself believe stupid shit when I should've just trusted you."

I turned my gaze back to the road, watching the miles slip by, the weight of old wounds easing if only just a little. "We're here now," I said quietly.

His grip on my hand tightened. "Yeah," he agreed. "We are."

I wanted to say it then, but I didn't. I felt it but didn't want to ruin it again by saying words I wasn't sure he was ready to hear from me yet. I never stopped feeling it.

—-

The arena was packed, the energy electric, but my focus was on the front row—the section filled with cowboys. My cowboys. Every single one of them had shown up, their presence a silent show of support. All except for my favorite one, who was back at the stalls, saddling my horse while I shimmied into my riding outfit.

I dusted my face with makeup, added the final touches, and then went heavy-handed with the glitter—across my arms, my chest, even a light dusting over my shoulders. If I was going to shine, I was going to shine.

"You know I'm gonna find that shit in places I didn't even know I had for weeks," Ryan smirked as he leaned against the stall door, watching me.

I grinned, dipping my fingers into the glitter pot again just for effect. "I have to leave my mark on you somehow. Keep all the other horny girls away."

His laugh was low, amused. "Or, and hear me out here, you could just tell them I'm taken."

"Yeah, but where's the fun in that?" I teased before stepping over to Denim and adding a light dusting of glitter to his haunches, making sure my horse was just as show-ready as I was.

Ryan folded his arms, still watching me with an eyebrow raised. "So what was that about turning into a vampire?"

I paused, then smirked. He didn't know. Oh, this was going to be fun. "Never mind," I said sweetly.

His suspicious glance deepened. "No, no, you don't get to do that. What does vampires have to do with anything?"

I patted Denim's neck, grinning to myself. "Don't worry about it, cowboy. You'll find out soon enough."

Ryan had no idea what he'd just signed up for, but someday, he was going to sit through the entire Twilight saga. Every single sparkly, dramatic minute of it.

I climbed into the saddle, settling in as the announcer's voice boomed through the speakers.

"Now entering the arena, this year's Trick Riding World Champion and Montana's Rodeo Queen, Alex Dutton!"

The roar of the crowd sent a thrill through me, but as soon as Denim stepped forward, everything else faded away. It was just me, my horse, and the rush of the ride.

Denim burst into a trot, and I pushed up onto my feet, balancing effortlessly on his back as we surged into the arena. Cheers echoed around us, but I barely heard them over the pounding of my own heart. My body moved on instinct, the months of training kicking in as we raced along the fence line.

I swung off Denim's side, dangling just inches above the dirt, dragging my fingers through the dust like I had practiced a thousand times. Then, with a wicked grin, I grabbed a handful and flung it at Colby as I passed. His startled curse made me laugh, but I didn't break focus.

With fluid precision, I flipped myself backward, hanging off the back of my horse before pulling myself up again, muscles burning but exhilarated. The rush was intoxicating, the adrenaline flooding through me in waves.

I straightened in the saddle, flashing a grin at the roaring crowd and giving them a final wave before guiding Denim toward the exit. My heart was still racing, my hands shaking—not from fear, but from pure, unfiltered joy.

This. This was what I lived for.

"Hey there, cowboy," I grinned, catching the way Ryan was watching me as I rode back into the stall. His eyes held that mix of admiration and something deeper—something that sent a flutter straight to my stomach.

"You're magic out there, you know that?" he murmured, stepping forward and slipping his hands around my waist. The warmth of his touch seeped through the thin fabric of my riding outfit as he helped me down from Denim's back.

"Thank you," I breathed, still riding the high of the performance. My pulse was still thrumming, my body still buzzing with adrenaline. "I love it."

"I know," he said, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. "I'm gonna go help Lloyd get Denim settled in the trailer while you get dressed. He'll take your horse back so we can go from here."

"Go?" I blinked up at him, genuinely confused.

"Dinner. Remember?" His lips quirked in amusement as he looked me over.

"Oh," I laughed. "When you said dinner, I thought you meant hotdogs or nachos from one of the stands—not, like, dinner dinner."

Ryan chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I meant dinner dinner. With a table, real chairs, and an actual person bringing the food to us."

"Well, aren't you just full of surprises," I teased.

"You have no idea," he said, giving me one last lingering look before heading off to help Lloyd.

I stood there for a moment, watching him go, my heart still pounding—but now, it wasn't just from the ride.

If I'd realized this was a real date, I might have packed a nicer shirt and my good boots. But I'd have to make do.

I tugged on my jeans, relieved that they still hugged me in all the right places, then smoothed out my shirt, trying to make it look at least a little more put-together. A quick glance in the mirror confirmed what I already knew—there was no getting rid of all the glitter. I swiped at it anyway, managing to dull the sparkle but not erase it completely.

It would take several showers to scrub it all off.

With a sigh, I ran my fingers through my hair, gave myself one last once-over, and stepped out. Ready or not, I had a date to get to.

I met Ryan outside the changing room, my heart giving a little flutter the moment I saw him. I'd known he was handsome from the first time I laid eyes on him, but tonight… tonight, I saw something more.

I saw someone I couldn't imagine not being in my life.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice warm as he slipped his hand into mine.

I didn't trust myself to speak, so I just nodded, letting him lead the way.

I let him open the truck door and help me in without a fuss. No teasing, no rolling my eyes—just letting him have his moment.

"Where are you taking me?" I quirked a brow as he slid behind the wheel.

"It's not too fancy, I promise. I know that's not really your thing," he said, throwing me a quick glance. "But it's a nice Italian place just up the road."

"We sharing a plate of spaghetti?" I smirked over at him.

"Not unless you really want to," he chuckled.

The truck pulled to a stop in front of the restaurant. My fingers twitched on the handle, my instinct to hop out on my own kicking in. But I held back, watching as he came around to open the door for me.

Letting him be a gentleman was hard work.

He held my hand as we walked inside the restaurant. It was a nice cozy place. Especially for one on the Bozeman strip. We sat at a quiet corner booth. I couldn't help but smile.

"Everything looks so good," I surveyed the menu, "What are you having?"

"The steak," Ryan answered without hesitation, setting his menu down. "Can't go wrong with a good steak."

I smirked. "Of course, you're getting a steak at an Italian restaurant."

He shrugged. "I know what I like."

I scanned the menu again, debating between pasta and something a little lighter. "I think I'll go with the chicken alfredo."

"Solid choice," he nodded approvingly.

The waitress came by, taking our orders, and left us alone again. I glanced around the restaurant, the warm lighting and soft hum of conversation creating a surprisingly cozy atmosphere.

"This is nice," I admitted, looking back at him.

He grinned. "Told you I knew what I was doing."

I rolled my eyes but smiled. "Don't get too cocky, cowboy. The night's still young."

"I know, I've got more surprises in store for you," he responded.

"Do you?" I quirked a brow, "I'm all ears."

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you now," he said, "patience is a virtue."

"I lost that a long time ago," I smirked.

Ryan chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I kinda figured that out about you."

I leaned forward, resting my chin on my hand. "So, you're just gonna keep me guessing all night?"

"That's the plan," he said, taking a sip of his beer. His eyes twinkled with amusement, like he was enjoying this little game.

I sighed dramatically. "Fine. But I hope you realize I'm terrible at waiting."

"Oh, I know," he smirked. "Makes it more fun for me."

I narrowed my eyes at him, but before I could fire back, our food arrived, filling the space between us with the rich aroma of butter, garlic, and seared steak.

"Alright," I said, picking up my fork, "but if your surprise sucks, I get to pick next time."

Ryan grinned. "Deal. But I guarantee you'll love it."

The food was delicious. After I was certain I couldn't eat another bite. I was talked into desert, tiramisu.

I closed my eyes and took a bite of the decadent cake with a soft moan, "That is good. You want a bite?"

Ryan watched me with a smirk, his beer paused halfway to his lips. "After that reaction? Hell yeah, I do."

I laughed and slid the plate toward him, scooping up a bite with my fork before holding it out. He leaned in, lips closing around the fork as his eyes stayed locked on mine.

"Damn," he muttered after swallowing. "That is good."

"Told you," I grinned, taking another bite for myself.

Ryan shook his head. "You could've just let me get my own, but nah, you had to make it all seductive."

I smirked. "If that was seductive, you've been deprived, cowboy."

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. "Maybe I have been. You gonna fix that?"

My stomach flipped, but I kept my cool, licking the last bit of cream off my fork before setting it down. "Guess you'll have to wait and see."

The waitress placed the check down on the table and he glared at me a moment as I started to reach for my purse. I raised my hands in surrender.

He shoved a few bills on the table, giving a generous tip.

"When you do the askin' you can pay," he said, I had a feeling he wouldn't let me do any asking but I'd work on that eventually.

"Glad you are a modern gentleman," I took his hand and let him lead me out of the restaurant and back to the truck.

Ryan opened the truck door for me again, and I didn't fight him on it. I settled into the passenger seat, glancing at him as he slid into the driver's side. His smile was a little smug, but I didn't mind.

"Thank you, I had a really good time," I said looking over at him, maybe it was the wine, but damn did he look sexy in the dashboard light.

"Glad you enjoyed yourself, but the night's not over yet," that smile of his tugged at his lips.

"Oh?" I quirked a brow. "You know you missed our turn back there, right?"

"I didn't miss our turn," he glanced over at me, "I recall someone wanting a big bed."

"Oh, who was that?" I teased.

He shot me a playful glance, his eyes flicking between the road and me. "I believe it was you," he said with a grin that sent a thrill down my spine.

I laughed, leaning back in my seat. "You really know how to keep a girl on her toes."

"I try," he said, his voice lowering a little as he turned the truck onto a different road. "But I promised you surprises, didn't I?"

I wasn't sure what he had planned, but the anticipation made the drive feel even longer. "You're a smooth talker, I'll give you that."

"I'm not the only one who knows how to talk, though," he smirked, his hand briefly brushing mine as he shifted gears.

He pulled the truck into the lot of a small little hotel.

"This isn't one of those pay-by-the-hour places with scrambled porn on the TV, is it?" I teased.

"Of course not, baby, I paid for the whole night. Not sure about the porn situation, I suppose I could ask at the front desk if you're interested," he chuckled.

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help the smile that crept across my face. "I think we'll pass on the extra entertainment for tonight."

He laughed, pulling the keys from the ignition as he turned to face me. "You sure? You never know, they might have something with better taste than scrambled porn."

I grabbed my bag, shaking my head. "I'm not that desperate."

Ryan raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes as he climbed out of the truck. "Guess we'll have to find out what is going to keep you entertained then."

I stood up, stretching a little as I glanced around the lot. It was quiet, secluded enough to feel private but not sketchy.

"So Mr. Gentleman, lead the way."

His grin was all teeth as he reached for my hand.

I had to admit to myself I was nervous when we got to the room. This would be the first time that we were completely alone. That we could take our time with each other. And I didn't thoroughly prepare for it.

I went through the mental checklist, legs shaved, hair washed, waxed? Shit, I was going to do that yesterday but got distracted with all the stuff going on at the ranch.

I looked up at him, "I um need a minute." Pointing to the bathroom.

"OK, baby," he pressed a soft kiss to my cheek and slipped further into the room as I stowed away in the bathroom.

I shut the door behind me took off my boots and stripped down to my bra and panties. At least I'd remembered to wear a matching set.

I cracked the door calling out, "Ryan, did you bring a razor?"

"I wear a beard, no, I didn't bring a razor."

"Shit," I muttered, "I'm almost done." I lotioned my legs with whatever tiny bottle was on the bathroom vanity. I gave myself a once over, adjusting my boobs a little in my bra.

"You ok in there?" Ryan asked from the other side of the door.

I smiled to myself, a little amused by how sweetly he was checking on me. "Yeah, just making sure everything's perfect."

I could hear the chuckle in his voice as he answered, "You always look perfect to me, you know that?"

That made my heart flutter. I took a deep breath, feeling the warmth from his words. There was no need to overthink this. It was just us, in this moment. I opened the door slightly, peeking through at him, trying to keep my nerves in check.

"Alright," I said, a little more confidently now. "I'm ready."

Ryan was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, but his smile was warm, reassuring. "You sure? 'Cause you know you can take your time."

I nodded, stepping out of the bathroom, "I'm sure."

His eyes ran over me and I saw the hunger in them, but this softness made me feel safe, like I was exactly where I needed to be.

"You're more than just ready," he said, taking a step closer. "You're beautiful."

I rested my elbow against the wall, subtly arching my chest and cocking my hip to the side, mimicking the sultry poses from the pin-up pictures the boys had hanging in the bunkhouse. A coy smile played on my lips as I met Ryan's gaze, daring him to make the next move.

"Now that you have me here, cowboy," my lids fluttered when I looked at him, "what are you gonna do with me?"

"Don't know," he smirked as his eyes traveled over me, "thought maybe we could catch the end of the game."

I crossed my arms over my chest, "You are not funny."

Ryan chuckled, closing the distance between us with an easy confidence that sent a thrill down my spine.

"Aw, c'mon, baby," he teased, his hands finding my waist. "You know I love riling you up."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't fight the smile tugging at my lips. "You keep teasing me, cowboy, and you might end up sleeping alone tonight."

His smirk deepened as he leaned in, his breath warm against my skin. "That so?" His fingers trailed slow, deliberate circles against my hips. "Guess I better make it up to you then."

"I think you shou–," my words cut off by the feel of his lips on my neck, slow deliberate. I felt his smirk against my skin when I melted into his arms. He knew he'd won.

His hands slid up my back, pulling me flush against him as his lips traced a slow, teasing path along my throat. My breath hitched, and I gripped his shoulders, not sure if I wanted to push him away just to make him work for it or pull him closer to let him know I was his for the taking.

"You were sayin'?" he murmured against my skin, his voice thick with amusement.

I swallowed hard, tilting my head to give him better access. "I think…" My fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt. "I think you should stop talking."

Ryan chuckled low and deep, the sound rumbling through me as his hands wandered lower. "Yes, ma'am," he whispered before claiming my lips in a kiss that left no room for argument.

I fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, tugging it free from his jeans before sliding it down his arms. My fingers traced over the hard planes of his chest, mapping the dips and ridges, heat radiating from his skin beneath my touch.

Ryan's hands skimmed my sides as he walked me backward, his lips never breaking from mine. A slow, deliberate tease that sent fire curling low in my stomach. My knees hit the edge of the bed, and I tumbled onto the mattress, pulling him down with me.

A soft groan escaped my lips at the cool press of his belt buckle against my bare stomach, a sharp contrast to the warmth of his body caging me in. His breath was heavy, his eyes dark as he hovered over me, fingers tracing slow, lazy patterns against my skin.

He stood, tugging off his boots, tossing them to the other side of the room. His hands moved to his belt.

"Wait," I placed my hands over his as I sat up on the bed.

"What's wrong, baby?" his eyes dark as they stared down at me.

"Let me do it."

Ryan's breath hitched as my fingers worked his belt free, the leather sliding through the loops before dropping to the floor with a soft thud. I kept my eyes locked on his, pressing a lingering kiss to the taut skin of his stomach, feeling the way his muscles tensed beneath my lips.

I took my time, teasing him as I popped open the button of his jeans and dragged the zipper down at an agonizing pace. His hands twitched at his sides, jaw tightening as he let me take control.

"Damn, baby," he murmured, voice thick with anticipation.

I smirked against his skin, reveling in the way his breath came quicker, his restraint slipping.

My tongue traced slow, teasing circles over his skin, my hand slipping beneath the waistband of his boxers, fingers trailing along the rigid heat of him. A sharp inhale escaped his lips as I pushed his jeans lower with my other hand, fabric rustling as it pooled at his feet.

His breath hitched when I finally freed him from the last barrier between him and my mouth. I lifted my gaze, watching his expression shift—his eyes dark with hunger. His fingers slid into my hair, a soft but possessive touch that sent a shiver through me.

Holding his gaze, I ran my tongue along his length, slow and deliberate, savoring the way his body tensed beneath my touch. A deep, throaty groan rumbled from him as I took him into my mouth, heat coiling low in my belly at the way he watched me—completely undone, completely mine.

I took my time, tasting and teasing every inch of him, savoring the way he responded to every flick of my tongue and every slow stroke of my lips. I'd never had the chance to before—not like this. Just us, with the rest of the world feeling a thousand miles away.

His body tensed beneath my touch, the grip in my hair tightening as he fought for control. I could feel it—the way he was holding back, restraint warring with need. Slowly, I pulled away, my lips brushing against his skin as I looked up at him, my voice a breathy whisper.

"I want it. Please."

"You sure, baby?" he groaned, his voice strained as he teetered on the edge.

I met his gaze, nodding, then wrapped my lips around him again. My fingers gripped his length, stroking in rhythm with every flick of my tongue, every deep pull. His restraint shattered, his body tensing before he let go with a deep, guttural moan. The warmth of his release coated my tongue, and I swallowed, savoring the way he trembled beneath my touch.

I slowly slipped him from my mouth, licking my lips as I looked up at him with a sweet, satisfied smile.

"Was that okay?" I teased.

He let out a breathy chuckle, still catching his breath. "You damn well know that was more than okay."

Ryan collapsed onto the bed, pulling me up against his chest. His heartbeat was still heavy beneath my cheek, his fingers lazily trailing up and down my spine.

"See how much fun you can be when you're not trying to be a gentleman?" I teased, nuzzling my nose against his neck.

He let out a low chuckle, his breath warm against my hair. "You're about to see just how much I'm not a gentleman… just as soon as I catch my breath."

I smirked, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. "You? I think I did all the work there, cowboy." My fingers traced the sharp lines of his jaw, feeling the heat of his skin still lingering.

That grin of his turned wicked, a dangerous glint in his dark eyes. "You think so, huh?"

Before I could react, he shifted, rolling me onto my back with effortless ease.

My heart thumped a wild rhythm as he leaned in, the heat of his words danced over my ear, "I'm going to enjoy taking my time with you."

His beard tickled my skin as his lips and tongue moved slowly down my neck, placing gentle kisses on my collarbone. He palmed the swells of my breasts still covered by satin and lace. His fingers slid slowly up the strap slipping it down my shoulder before pulling me up in his arms slightly to unhook it in the back.

He looked down at me eyes dark and wanting, "You are perfect." Ryan pressed his lips to the mounds of my breasts, licking and sucking the sensitive skin. He paused a moment. His fingers brushed over the butterfly tattoo beneath my right breast, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"This is new," he murmured, his gaze tracing the delicate lines of the tattoo.

"I got it while I was on the road," I explained softly, the memory of those carefree days with the barrel racers still vivid. "We all got matching ones. I wanted mine in a place no one would see... except you." My voice dropped on the last words, as I met his gaze, feeling the weight of the confession.

He let his gaze drift down my body, his fingers teasing the waistband of my panties, then arched an eyebrow. "I'm not gonna find any surprises down here, am I?"

I couldn't help but feel my cheeks flush. "Not the kind you're thinking of," I replied with a light laugh. "It's just... with everything going on at the ranch lately, I didn't have the chance to get waxed, so I'm not as smooth as I usually am."

"Now you've got my interest peaked," he murmured, his fingers slipping slowly beneath the satin fabric to trace soft circles on the skin beneath. "Not as bad as you made it sound, baby." His lips then pressed against my stomach. "Your pussy would be hot no matter how much hair you had on it."

I let out a soft, incredulous laugh, though my breath caught on his last word. "You say that now, but I'm not growing a 'seventies bush' just to test your theory."

His fingers continued to toy with my slick folds, each touch deliberate and teasing, leaving me suspended between defiance and desire.

I lifted my hips, inviting him to slide the satin fabric down my legs. His lips brushed the inside of my knee, then trailed along my inner thigh with deliberate, teasing precision, pausing only to mirror the motion on the other side. The sensation was maddening—infuriating, even—if it hadn't been so exquisitely pleasurable, so utterly arousing, making me want him even more.

A deep moan escaped my lips as he tasted me, his tongue and lips working magic on the most intimate parts of my body. My fingers dug into the mattress, anchoring me as my hips bucked against him. His arms tightened around my thighs, holding me close as I surrendered to the mounting pleasure. My head fell back, letting the ripples of ecstasy radiate from my core and ignite every nerve until I trembled uncontrollably. His face, nestled between my thighs, stayed there until he was satisfied—and I was left completely undone.

He kissed his way up my body, smirking as my body still trembled beneath him. He captured my mouth with his lips. I let out a moan as I tasted myself on them.

"I told you, so sweet," he murmured.

"You really are a smooth talker, cowboy," I whispered, my body still humming with the afterglow.

"That's the only way to keep you on your toes, baby," he replied, his fingers trailing along my side. "I need to ask you something—probably should've done it before you seduced me in my bunk."

"That's me—the wild seductress who makes you lose all your reasoning," I teased, my hands roaming over his arms. "So, what did you want to ask me?"

"You're still on birth control, right?" he asked, his tone turning serious.

I nodded. "Have you been worried about that?"

"I figured you'd say something if there was a problem," he said, shifting as his gaze softened. "Honestly, I wasn't too keen on having to get up and grab a condom if I don't have to."

I smiled softly, the intimacy of our conversation mingling with the lingering warmth between us.

"I've got you covered so you don't have to move," I murmured, running my hands along his back as I hooked my leg over his hip. "Well, you do have to move a little," I added with a teasing glint in my eyes.

He smirked against my neck as he aligned himself at my entrance. "Already wanting more, baby?"

"We've got this big bed," I replied, gripping his hip with my leg, urging him closer. "Might as well use it."

"Don't want to waste it," he said with a playful growl. With a swift, deliberate motion, he thrust slowly, groaning as he sank fully inside me.

We moved together in perfect harmony, our bodies entwining and unraveling in each other's arms as if no years had ever separated us. In that moment, everything felt exactly as it was meant to be—an unspoken promise that I was entirely his, and he, wholly mine.