Page 108 of Rules

"Tobias," I looked at him. "I want you to know it's ok if I don't, you know, climax. What you just did is more than good enough for me."

"Shut up," he murmured, leaning down to kiss me, "challenge accepted. But, it's been a long time for me. So, this first time might be a bit quick."

"Good," I whispered, shifting my hips invitingly.

Tobias entered me slowly, watching my face with such intensity that I felt more naked than I already was. The fullness of him made me arch my back, pressing my breasts against his chest.

"Are you okay?" he asked, brushing hair from my face.

"Yes," I breathed, encouraging him to move. "Fuck you're thick."

He withdrew and drove back in, eliciting a sound from me that was somewhere between a half scream, half moan. I'd never experienced anything like this, not just physically, but the emotional connection that made every sensation more intense. My nails traced patterns down his chest, then scratched up his back as he established a rhythm that had me gasping with each thrust as my hips rose to meet him each time. The feeling of being stretched over and over was something I've never experienced. But I fucking love it. This is what I needed all along, an older man with a wide cock who knows how to use it.

Just when I thought I couldn't take any more, his hand slipped between us to stroke my clit. Putting pressure on it, I spilled over the edge of control. My walls clenched around him as I writhed beneath him, my climax triggering his own. I felt him pulseinside me, his face buried against my neck as he whispered my name.

We lay tangled together afterward, our breathing gradually returning to normal. His weight on me felt like a shield against the world.

"Oh my God," I murmured. "Tobias, I've never," I tried to find the right words but failed. "You got me to, that was fantastic."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," he said, pressing a kiss to my temple before shifting to lie beside me.

"That feeling of you inside," I closed my eyes and asked, only half joking. "Can we do it again?"

He laughed, pulling me against his side. "Yes, but remember I'm older. I need some recovery time."

"Recovery is good." I snuggled against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

"Ruth?"

I looked up when he didn't continue.

"Yes?"

His hand cupped my cheek tenderly as we looked into each other's eyes. "I love you, Ruth. Not just this. Though God knows I love this too, I love all of you. Every stubborn, brave, beautiful part."

I felt like I was going to cry, "I love you too, Tobias. I have for a long time. Nothing's going to change how I feel."

"Screw recovery," Tobias rolled us over as I felt his hardness against me.

The End.

Epilogue

Tobias

Standing barefoot in the warm sand, I look out at the lake where sunlight dances on the water's surface. Little waves roll gently onto the shore, creating a rhythmic soundtrack for this perfect day. Not too hot, not too cold, it's just perfect for a wedding. Our wedding.

I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to find Tim, looking handsome in his light linen suit, pointing toward the path that winds through the pines to this lovely area of the park. I follow his gaze and there she is—my Ruth, and I'm overcome with emotion so powerful I can barely breathe.

Five weeks ago, I admitted my mistakes to her and bared my soul. Because she is the most extraordinary woman I've ever known. Full of compassion, strength, and love, she forgave me. Our first night together, after we'd made love and lay tangled in each other's arms, I proposed. I knew with absolute certainty that I needed her to be mine forever. She cried, laughed, andthen said yes with such conviction that any lingering doubts I'd ever had about us vanished instantly.

We agreed we wanted to start our life together sooner than later. So, we combined our households, putting my place on the market, and here we are, about to be married on the shores of the lake where we first met at the Chamber of Commerce event.

Ruth looks like a goddess walking toward me. Her copper hair is pulled back into a long ponytail with tiny white flowers woven through it, the product of Dianna's handy work. Her short white dress is simple and elegant, showing off her strong, beautiful legs.

She's on her uncle's arm, smiling so radiantly that everyone around us seems to fade away. Aunt Irene walks a couple of steps ahead as her matron of honor, carrying a small bouquet of all Ruth's favorite flowers that mirror the larger one in Ruth's hands. Reaching the sand Ruth pauses to kick off her sandals and continue the rest of the way barefoot. How she got me to agree to get married barefoot I have no idea. I can't even remember her asking. Although I vaguely remember something about sand, or sandcastles, and shoes or shorts. Shit, I can't be held responsible for remembering what's said while she's down sucking the life out of me.

"I'm really happy for you dad. She's beautiful," Tim whispers beside me.

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