Page 67 of Broken Roads
Through the haze of my orgasm, I feel his rhythm falter. His thrusts become erratic, almost desperate, and I know he's close. The knowledge that I'm driving him to the edge sends another jolt of white-hot need through my already overwhelmed system.
Fingers digging into my skin, his whole body goes rigid. He buries his face in the crook of my neck as he spills himself against my stomach with a broken groan that vibrates through me. I hold him close, feeling the tremors that run through his body while he rides out his release.
For a moment, we stay frozen like that, both of us breathing hard. Then he lifts his head, and the look in his eyes is so tender it makes my chest ache.
"That was..." he starts, then shakes his head with a breathless laugh. "Fuck, sunshine. You're going to be the death of me."
I smile, feeling more satisfied than I have in months. "Good thing I know CPR."
Laughing, he reaches for the box of tissues on my desk. With gentle hands, he cleans us both up, his touch surprisingly tender after the intensity of moments before.
Then his lips find mine in a kiss that's softer than what came before, but no less affecting. When he pulls back, there's a warmth in his eyes that makes my heart skip.
"Come camping with me tonight," he whispers. "Just you and me. Away from the ranch, away from everyone."
The invitation takes me by surprise, though it shouldn't. After what we've just shared, the idea of spending a night alone with him, under the stars, makes perfect sense. A chance to explore this connection without interruptions or time constraints.
"Camping?" I repeat, my lips curving into a smile. "As in tents and sleeping bags?"
He nods, his hands sliding to my waist. "The spot we went to last night... It’s private." His thumb traces circles on my hip. "And far enough from the house that you can be as loud as you want when I make you come."
Heat floods my cheeks, but I don't look away. "Bold of you to assume you'll be making me come."
His answering grin is slow and deliciously wicked. "Not an assumption, sunshine. A fucking guarantee."
"In that case,” I laugh. “How can I refuse?"
His smile widens, genuine joy lighting his features in a way that steals my breath. "Pack light," he advises, pressing another kiss to my lips. "You won't need much clothing."
As he helps me down from the desk and we put ourselves back together, I can't help the bubble of excitement rising in my chest. Tonight, under the stars, we'll finally have eachother completely. No interruptions, no barriers, nothing but the freedom to explore.
Chapter 28
Hailey
The sun bleeds gold and amber across the horizon as we crest the final slope to Bradley's thinking spot. I stop in my tracks, breath catching in my throat at the sheer magnificence of it all. The valley stretches out before us, bathed in that magical light that only exists for a few precious minutes each day, when the world seems to pause between what was and what will be.
I've seen Montana sunsets before, but never from this vantage point, never with this man standing beside me.
"Bradley," I whisper, “It’s...”
He steps behind me, arms encircling my waist as he pulls me back against his chest. "Worth the hike?" His voice is a warm rumble against my ear that sends shivers down my spine.
"It's incredible." I lean into him, soaking in his warmth, the solid strength of him anchoring me as I drink in the landscape. Mountains rise in the distance, their peaks tinged rose-gold, while the valley below darkens to purple shadows. The vastness of it makes me feel small and insignificant all at once.
"I have something to show you," he says, stepping back and taking my hand.
He leads me around the wooden bench where we'd sat before, past a cluster of pines. And there, tucked between the trees, partially hidden from view, sits a canvas tent. Beside it, spread across the ground, are several thick blankets that look impossibly soft with a picnic basket at the edge.
"You did all this?" I ask, turning to him with wide eyes.
His mouth quirks in that half-smile that never fails to make my heart stutter. "Had some help from Ruthie with the food," he admits, one hand reaching up to rub the back of his neck. "But yeah, set it all up this afternoon while you were changing."
The realization that while I was switching into jeans and my comfiest t-shirt, he was here creating this moment for us hits me square in the chest. He did this, wanted to make this special.
"When did you even have time?" I marvel, stepping closer to examine his handiwork. The blankets are arranged in layers. The tent, though simple, is perfectly positioned to block the wind while still allowing a view of the stars once night falls. The picnic basket, when I peek inside, reveals carefully wrapped sandwiches, sliced fruit, and two thermoses that I'm willing to bet contain hot chocolate.
"I work fast when motivated."
