Oaklynn
I think I forgot how to breathe.
Colter’s mouth on mine was more than I ever dreamed of. He’s soft and demanding at once. He pulls at all of my desires and then pushes for more. For all the nights I dreamed of Colter finally kissing me, I was so wrong about how it would feel. How I would feel.
It was like I was floating and he was there to guide the way.
It was wonderful.
Addicting.
And I can’t wait to do it again.
But my nerves are fried and now that I’m alone thinking about what he said, I worry I’m not woman enough for him. I’ve never been with a man, never even kissed one. How am I going to be able to give him anything when I know nothing?
“Stop fidgeting.” His commanding voice surprises me, and I yelp as Marble’s head pops up.
“I wasn’t fidgeting.” I counter as I look down at my hands to see they’ve tied the blanket across my lap in knots.
Dropping an arm load of blankets on the floor, he walks back down the hallway and comes back a second later with pillows. I can already feel a chill penetrating the room and know we’re in for a cold few days.
“I should call my parents.” I say, knowing they’ll be worried about me.
“Cells there,” he nods to the counter, where he kissed the daylights out of me, “See if it works. Let them know you’re with me and I’ll bring you home as soon as you ask.”
I nod, slightly disappointed he wants to bring me home. I was hoping he wanted to keep me. Hustling to his phone, I sneak a peek at him as he bends over to stoke the fire and realize I’m just going to have to give him a good reason to want me to stay.
Dialing, I’m relieved to hear the call ring and even though there’s some static, I hear my mother’s worried voice answer. “Hello?”
“Hi Momma, it’s Oaklynn.”
“Oh dear! I’m so glad to hear your voice. We’ve been terrified.” If I were home, I’m sure I’d see tears streaming down her face right now as Daddy holds her.
“I’m fine. Sheriff Wade picked me up, I’m at his house. The storm is too bad to try and get home right now.” I tell her, trying to keep the excitement out of my tone.
“Oh good. He’ll take care of you.” My eyes rush to see him now watching me at her words. “We’ll see you in a couple of days. Make sure your grateful and help out when you can. Love you sweetheart.”
“Love you too Momma.” I hang up and place the device on the counter.
The atmosphere has changed. It’s charged with a pulsing desire I’m not sure how to interpret. “She said to show you I’m grateful.” I whisper the words as he slowly stalks towards me. Heavy intent in his gaze.
“Oh yeah?” My head nods. “And, are you grateful, Oaklynn?”
His voice is deep, low, filled with much more than I understand in the implications.
“Yes.” I whisper as he stops in front of me.
My eyes drop to the ground as he assesses me from head to toe and everywhere in between. His heated stare is like a heavy touch I anticipate with every indrawn breath.
“Tell me what you want Oaklynn.”
Shocked, my gaze lifts to meet his and I see he’s struggling with something inside. “You, Sheriff. I’ve only ever wanted you.” The words are barely audible as he reaches a hand up to brush through my hair. My eyes close and I lean into his touch.
“Me, huh?” The crackling of the fire and the howling of the wind is a welcome intrusion as he goes silent again. “I guess, I should be the one showing you who’s grateful then, because Oaklynn, baby, I’ve wanted you for far longer than it’s legal.”
His lips press against mine and just like that, we’re no longer two people starving for each other on lonely nights. We’re two souls colliding in perfect harmony.
A predatory smile crosses his face as he pulls back to gauge my reaction. “I never thought I’ve finally have you.” He murmurs before dropping his head again and claiming my mouth in a passion I’ve only ever dreamed about.