Page 86 of Wrangled Love

The urge to have her without any barriers is strong, but that’s a conversation she’ll have to start, as I’d never pressure her into something she’s not comfortable with.

Briar slips a hand into the side of her bra and pulls out a condom. “Oh, you mean one of these?”

“Sneaky little thing. Youwerehoping I’d come downstairs,” I state.

She gives me a sly smile. “I wasn’t going to take any chances.”

Thank god for that.

I quickly strip out of my boxers, hanging on by a thread, just as close to losing control as Briar is. Once I’m undressed, I rip the foil package open, toss the wrapper on the floor, and roll on the condom in one smooth motion.

I shift us away from the fridge to the cabinets, spinning her around so her back is pressed against me, her palms splayed on the countertop. She bends forward, her pear-shaped ass lifted in the air, every inch a perfect invitation. I place one hand on her waist, the other guiding my cock into her from behind.

“Yes. Right there,” she groans.

I clamp my hand over her mouth. “Shh, baby. We have to be quiet,” I remind her.

She nods absently, each deep stroke drawing a ragged sound from her throat. I slide my hand up, palming her breast as she arches into me with a desperate push of her hips, meeting every thrust like she’s starved for it. We’re past thinking now, lost to the rhythm and pulse of something spiraling between us.

With Briar on the brink of release, I dip my head to her ear. “You’re close, aren’t you?”

She nods, her head tipped back as pleasure washes over her.

“Let go for me, baby.” I growl, my tongue tracing her collarbone as I slam back into her.

With my other hand, I roll her clit between my fingers, dropping my head on her shoulder and putting all my energy into driving home.

“God, yes! Just like that,” she cries out.

Her body shudders against mine, and I muffle my groan into her neck, staying locked to her through every wave. My arm stays tight around her waist, keeping her grounded as she comes undone, and part of me wishes I could freeze time and keep her here with me forever.

As she comes back to reality, I stroke her spine, pressing kisses along the nape of her neck. “Are you okay, sugar?”

She tilts her head, a sated smile curving her lips. “Mm-hmm. Amazing. I’ve worked up an appetite and have a serious craving for that chocolate ice cream I spotted in the freezer earlier.”

I meet her warm brown eyes, lifting her hand to my mouth and kissing her palm. “We’ll get you your ice cream, but after that, you’re sleeping in my bed.”

Briar glances toward the hallway. “What about Caleb?” she asks softly.

We’ve tiptoed around him, making sure he never catches us giving each other more than a hug or harmless touches. Tonight, we pushed the boundary, but the creaking stairs serve as a built-in warning and would have given us enough time to separate before Caleb might have seen anything he shouldn’t. Thankfully, we didn’t have to.

I brush a thumb along her hip, and she shivers beneath my touch. “You’re usually gone before he wakes up,” I say, my voice low. “Stay with me so I can hold you tonight.”

She grins. “Only if I get to be the little spoon.”

I laugh, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Anything you want, sugar.”

Even if all she wants to do is sleep, I still want her beside me. But after the mind-blowing sex we just had, keeping my hands to myself may prove to be challenging.

I’d keep her in my bed every night if I could, and that thought terrifies me. This wasn’t part of the plan. We agreed to not get attached. I’m meant to be leaving Bluebell soon, and we’re supposed to go our separate ways. What was meant to be uncomplicated and no strings attached now feels anything but. And the worst part? I’m starting to wonder if I’ll be able to let her go.

For now, I push aside the chaotic thoughts swirling in my mind, choosing to be present and focus on the time Briar and I still have.

The past two weeks have been filled with nothing but happiness. It’s now early August, and my days have been a perfect mix of ranch life, afternoons with Caleb, and late nights with Jensen, talking on the porch and tangled up in his sheets before drifting to sleep in his arms. It’s been a little slice of heaven, and one that I’m clinging to as long as possible.

The three of us have gathered around the kitchen table. Caleb and I just came in from playing with Ziggy in the backyard, and now that Jensen’s logged off work for the night, it’s time for the surprise we have for him. Caleb’s seated beside me with Jensen across the table. I slide the box I grabbed from my room toward Jensen and he raises an eyebrow in question.

“What’s this?” he asks.

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