Page 115 of True North

The calf by Horse stumbles, trying too hard to catch up. I pull Horse to a stop and let the little guy walk in front. “Hup-hup.”

The calf bobs his head, hurrying for his mother. I can’t help the smile growing over my face with his adorable awkward gait and the way she stops and looks back at him, patiently waiting for her son.

A small giggle slips past my lips as she nudges him forward with her muzzle. An unspoken reprimand, and a reminder to keep up.

We all know the price he will pay if he doesn’t.

A few hours later, the cows and calves wander into the field behind the barn. Harry is visibly more relaxed, trotting around the herd, doing his recount.

Always with the numbers.

Me, on the other hand... Watching Harry ride, the sight of him working the gelding has me anything but relaxed. My body buzzes with the need to touch him, to have his hands on me. My panties have soaked through my jeans. My nipples rub on my cotton button-down shirt through my lacy bra. The breathlessness that claims me the moment the homestead comes into view all but sends me dizzy.

“What’s got you all hot and bothered, darlin’?” Harry reins to a halt beside Horse. He’s chewing on a grass stalk like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Meanwhile, I’m set to implode.

When I don’t respond, not taking my eyes from him as my breaths plummet and barely rise, he plucks the stalk from between his lips and nudges the gelding sideways. Our legs brush, my chest hitches, forgetting to fall, and his gaze darkens.

“Hell, Lou. Why didn’t you say somethin’ earlier?” His voice is gravel.

My breathing accelerates.

I’m embarrassed. I’m burning up for him. I’m desperate in the best—no, worst way possible.

Without a word, Harry leans over and slides the reins from my fingers. He clucks his tongue, and both horses walk for the barn, me a stunned passenger.

Inside, Harry dismounts and ties the gelding to the holding rail. He ties Horse next as I swing from the saddle. Harry stands below me, hands grabbing my ribs. I slide down his body, and his mouth claims me.

Starving for something to grab on to, I slide trembling digits into his hair, knocking his hat to the ground. He grabs mine, tossing it beside his. Crowding me against Horse, his hot, open-mouthed kisses run the length of my neck. I rest my head back on the fender. His rough touch traces the path of my neck, gripping my face as his mouth smashes over my lips.

God, I’m on fire.

Every stitch of clothing is driving me insane.

I tug at his shirt. He breaks away, taking my work shirt in his rough grip as he rips it open. Buttons fly onto the ground as he shoves the shirt from my back.

“I can’t wait,” I rasp.

My trembling fingers grab at his clothes. He grunts, tugging the shirt from his back and opening the buckle of his belt with one hand. I lean into Horse as he bends down, nipping at each hard peak through my lacy bra.

“Fuck me, darlin’,” he growls, the sound vibrating around the nipple his lips have closed on.

I arch into him.

I’m drowning.

My throat is so thick. Each breath so wild it singes my lungs. I’m literally burning up from the inside.

“Too hot,” I pant.

Harry tugs at my jeans, sending them over my hips. I falter, swaying into Horse. She shifts on her feet.

Harry sweeps me into his arms. Planting kisses to his jaw as he stalks to lord knows where, I close my eyes and breathe him in.

It’s too much.

He always has been.

My ticket to heaven, dressed in boots and a hat. His blue eyes flicker to my face as he reaches the old workbench on the side of the barn. Tools, rope, saws, and axes line the wall. I’m deposited onto the rough, weathered surface. Caged in by strong arms a second later.

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