Page 40 of Wasted

"Is it that funny?" He couldn't help but smile. My laughing slowed. "I guess it is pretty funny."

Of course, it was. I hadn't had sex in over two years, and now I was going to take one of the most intimate rides with a man Iwanted but couldn't have after I told him this morning to keep his hands to himself.

"If you don't want to ride back with me..."

"No." I held up a hand, cutting him off mid-sentence. My heart raced, but I forced my voice to remain steady. "It's fine. We should go, though."

He nodded. "Just leave everything here. I'll ride back out and grab it after I drop you off."

I turned, dropping the few things in my arms, and when I twisted back, Cole was already on Jewel. "Uh, I'm riding in the fro..." My words cut off when I realized that meant his hands would be on me. "I'll ride in the..." I stopped again, realizing my hands would be on him. "Shit."

With a cocky smirk, he leaned forward, extending his hand.

I could do this.

Taking his hand, I shoved a foot in the stirrup, and he pulled. I wasn't even all the way up when I realized I'd used the wrong foot the wrong way, and I landed on his lap facing him.

"This works too." A low chuckle rumbled in Cole's chest, sending vibrations through me where our bodies touched. Before I could protest, his arm snaked around my waist, pulling me close. With a gentle nudge to the horse's sides, we were off.

Our bodies flush against each other, my hips slamming into his with every gallop and the stubble of his face brushing over the tender skin of my shoulder.

He pulled the horse to a slow walk, and as his grip loosened around my waist, I realized that slower was so much worse. Our hips moved together in sync, my chest brushing against his and the heat of his breath fanning across the shell of my ear. My body was acutely aware of every move we made.

"I've missed this." Cole's words were barely a whisper, his breath warm against my ear. His arm tightened almost imperceptibly around my waist, as if he feared I might slip away.

"What?" I twisted in his arms as I met his gaze. A mix of confusion and something else - something I wasn't ready to name - flickered in my chest. "Riding reverse cowgirl on a horse?" The words came out more breathless than I'd intended, tinged with nervous laughter.

He choked out a laugh. "No." He shook his head. "This. Us. Being out here together."

"Yeah." A smile tugged at my lips, nostalgia washing over me in a warm wave. My fingers absently traced patterns on Cole's arm, still wrapped around my waist. "It felt like old times." I paused, heat rising to my cheeks as memories flooded back. "Well, minus all the kissing and sex."

He pulled back on the reins, stopping Jewels in the same spot he'd picked me up.

"We did do a lot of that, didn't we?" I laughed.

"Yeah, you don't realize how much until it's gone."

"I should probably go get ready for work." The words came out reluctantly, even as I shifted in Cole's arms. My body seemed to protest the idea of putting distance between us, but my rational mind knew better.

"Go out with me tonight." Cole's words came out in a rush, his eyes searching mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. His hand, still resting lightly on my waist, seemed to burn through the fabric of my shirt.

Pressing my lips into a thin line, I shook my head. "I have to work tonight."

"Bailey can handle it." His thumb traced small circles on my hip, a gesture so subtle I wasn't sure he was even aware of it. The familiar touch sent shivers down my spine, threatening to erode my resolve.

"Bailey is on baby watch." My fingers fidgeted with the hem of my shirt.

"I got a text a little bit ago that Molly had the baby."

"Then she's going to want to be there with Molly." I shook my head, a mix of exasperation and amusement coloring my tone. My resolve was weakening, and judging by the knowing look in Cole's eyes, he could tell.

"I already asked, and she said yes." He leaned in closer, his breath warm against my cheek. The scent of his cologne - familiar yet somehow new - enveloped me, making it hard to think straight.

"Of course she did." I rolled my eyes, but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. My hand came to rest on Cole's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my palm.

"So, will you go out on a date with me tonight?" His eyes never left mine, a mix of hope and nervousness flickering in their depths.

"Yeah." I nodded, a smile spreading across my face, mirroring the one blooming on Cole's.

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