Page 91 of Heart Set on You

I go up on my knees and line myself up with her, pushing in, watching her hands fist the bed sheets. I pull back and push in again, back and forth until we are both writhing, coming undone. Her eyes on mine, never looking away.

I swivel, my hips sinking deeper, and I know we aren’t going to last long. She arches her back and I watch her orgasm wash over her. I follow her, releasing everything I have into her, vibration after vibration sending pleasure through my body.

We both breathe out in relief. “Oh fuck yes,” I pant. “I’ve been waiting for this. I don’t remember the last time anything felt so good.”

I feel happier and more relaxed than I have in weeks. A deep euphoria clings to my soul. I kiss her collarbone, her shoulder, then her jaw and I know it’s not possible to live without her. I need to find a way to close the distance between us, and I will.

* * *

Waking up with Rylee pressed against me is a feeling I will never get tired of. Waking up knowing that I have to leave her in five hours to fly home to Reed Point is a different story. I could stay in bed with her all day. I could stay there for weeks.

We fit.

Once we dragged ourselves out of bed, we grabbed coffees and muffins and went for a walk. It was mid-morning and the sun had been shining for hours, the air warm and soothing like a balm to our skin.

We walk along the path to the lake and then keep going. Neither of us seems to want to turn back, knowing that when we do it means our time together is almost over. My flight leaves for Reed Point at 2 p.m. I think we both feel the clock ticking.

“Are we good, Ryls?”

“Of course we are. Why would you ask?”

“I don’t know. I guess I just need to make sure.” My gaze rests on our intertwined hands. I haven’t been able to stop touching her all morning. I am trying to get my fill of her, but I know that’s impossible. I will never be able to get enough of Rylee.

The thought of going to bed tonight without Rylee curled up next to me makes my chest ache. It’s a physical pain, one I’ve never experienced before. Heartache is a real fucking thing. But I brush the sad feelings aside and try to soak up this time with Rylee because that is the point of this whirlwind visit.

“I just want to be with you,” she tells me. “I hate the distance between us, but I’ll deal with it, to have days like these.”

I stare at her, taking in the beauty of her face. Her eyes sparkle in the sun, spilling over with want. I lean into her, kissing the top of her head. She sighs.

“Same, Rylee. Same,” I say into her hair.

We continue our walk without saying another word. On the property next door, Rylee spots a woman she knows – a referral from Gran, she tells me, she took pictures for her a few weeks back. The woman walks towards us with a handful of wildflowers in her grasp.

“Ah, it’s good to see you, Rylee. I was just talking about you this morning.” She gives Rylee a quick hug. “I was showing my sister the photos you took and she was blown away. She just got engaged and I told her she’d better call you up before the whole world discovers you and you’re too big and busy for us here in Deer Lake.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about that,” Rylee says, blushing. “I’m just happy you like them. Your family is so sweet, it was my pleasure. Sarah, this is my boyfriend, Miles. He’s here visiting.”

I hold out my hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Sarah.”

“All mine. I’m a big fan,” she says, shifting the flowers so I can shake her hand. “I heard you’ve been out and about in Deer Lake. The whole town is talking. It’s not every day we have a celebrity around.”

“I don’t believe that. I’ve met Linda down at the Sunny Side Up, if anyone’s famous around here it’s her,” I say, flashing a smile. “I definitely give that patty melt five stars.”

Sarah’s eyes go wide. “It’s amazing, right? If you think that’s good, try the mac and cheese next time. They put a Cajun twist on it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.”

I make a mental note about the mac and cheese, then Rylee and I say our goodbyes. I gesture to the path towards the house, but Rylee stays where she is, hands on her hips.

“What?” I ask her. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You are the most charming man I’ve ever met.” She shakes her head. “You make everyone you meet feel at ease. I’m pretty sure poor Sarah has an even bigger crush on you now.”

“She seems nice, but the only girl I have a crush on is you,” I reply, grabbing her hand and pulling her in the direction of the path back to the farmhouse. “And on that note… have you given any more thought to starting your own photography business? Seems like you’re a big hit. I knew you would be.”

I can sense Rylee’s hesitation. I wish she could see herself the way I do. Her photography is better than any photographer I’ve ever worked with.

I tilt my head. “You’re really, really talented. You know that, right?”

She’s quiet for a few moments, like she’s absorbing the idea. When she finally speaks, her voice is quiet. “I don’t know. I’ve been thinking about it. I’m warming up to it.”

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