Page 104 of Saddles

“What?” Her smile adds the radiating glow.

My palm cups behind her neck to pull her close enough to press my lips to her forehead. “Welcome to the Black Gulch. Your home for as long as you want it.”

She squints up at me, wrapping her arms around my waist. “You know that old saying ‘home is where the heart is’? I never understood it until just this second. I liked it here before, but now that you’re here, it feels…different.”

“Better.” I correct her. This is the first time I look forward to spending time inside.

I’ve always hated being alone with my thoughts. Hell, that happens everywhere.

But leading her up the short set of steps and into my living room, it makes everything seem much more real.

She’shere.

It isn’t a dream.

“I think it’s pretty amazing how much your friends care about you.” She tugs on the heavy zipper under her chin. “Mason and his family have been incredible.”

“They are great. I’m not sure why I rate, but I’m lucky.” I don’t care if I never find another penny, if I shatter every mirror, or whatever superstitious bullshit I had to do to earn her, but I’m positive I’ve used up every ounce of four leaf clovers and horseshoes I’ll ever encounter.

As her body emerges from the cocoon of the snowsuit, blood rushes into my jeans.

Now that I’ve had her, I just want more.

“So, I was supposed to meet up with the sheriff this afternoon.” A grin ticks up her cheek after she hangs up her gear near the door. “But I’d love a nice hot shower after last night.”

Her fingers dance down the buttons of her snug flannel shirt, then she slides it off to reveal the goosebumps racing across her bare chest.

I lose track of what she’s saying to fixate on her hard nipples poking out from the silk of her bra.

But when she grabs a hold of my belt buckle, I’m laser focused.

“Care to join me?” She doesn’t wait for my answer, but turns with me in tow and heads towards the bathroom.

“If I ever say ‘no’ to that question, it’s time to bury me.” My shirt flies off, and I resist her pull just long enough to kick off my boots.

She lets me loose once she reaches the tub to turn the water on.

By the time she turns back, my Wranglers are in a pile on the floor along with my boxers.

When she takes a long look at my hardening cock, it twitches to full mast under her heated gaze.

“I’m curious—” Her voice is husky as she bends in front of me to slide her leggings down. “—did it hurt?”

Her cool fingers drift over the row of barbells, pushing a low moan out of me with her touch.

“Fuck yes. But after seeing how hard they make you come…worth it.” I won’t tell her how much I bled, or how long I kept ice on my crotch and drowned myself in whiskey until I could sleep.

Her lower lip tucks between the white flash of her teeth. “What was that thing you said, barn sour? What would it be called if I’m ruined for any other dick but yours?” Both of her hands wrap around my shaft and she leads me under the steamy spray of water.

My palms cup her cheeks, wedging my granite cock between us as I pull her close, hovering my mouth just above hers.

“Mine, April. That’s what it’s called.” Crashing into her, my tongue wars with hers for ownership.

I want to consume her so fully that I can taste her forever.

Her arms curl around my neck, pressing our slick bodies tighter under the scalding shower.

It’s so hot it sears my skin, but neither of us peel away to turn down the tap.

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