American Honey

She giggles and tells me to stop it. I won’t ever.

“Sometimes I think I want to build a property out there, but then I’d have to build a bridge and put a driveway through the land. It’d ruin it. I could always just ride out there, but you can only do so much on a horse, ya know?

“You could build a cabin and pretend you’re on vacation.”

“I could,” I say just as we climb the hill leading to the pond. The sun is casting the perfect glow and I have a feeling the water is going to be perfect at this time of night. As soon as Sundance brings us to the crest I know what I want to do next and once again the perfect date in my mind could be shot to hell.

“Want to go swimmin’?”

“What?” she scoffs. “I don’t have my suit and where would we go?”

The pond comes into view and from where we are the sun is casting an orange glow over the valley.

“I thought we could swim here and I’m fairly certain no one is going to see us.”

Savannah looks around and turns slightly to look at me. “You know, I think I do want to go swimming.”

Hallelujah! I scream on the inside. Now the only question left to answer is – what will she wear?

Chapter 16 – Savannah

Tyler helps me off Sundance and right into his arms. I let my hands slide ever so slowly over his shoulders before taking off his hat, setting it on my head as I wink at him. He presses his lips to mine, his tongue moving fluidly with mine. He holds me in his arms with his hand spread across my back, keeping me pressed tightly against his chest. My legs wrap around his waist causing my dress to bunch. Had I known we were heading out on the horses, I would’ve changed into shorts. Somehow I have a feeling that Tyler didn’t want me to know and I’m okay with that.

His lips move to my shoulder as his arm goes under me for support. I want to kiss him back, but his hat is blocking me. The thought of taking it off, now that I have it on, doesn’t appeal to me, but I need to kiss him.

“Leave it on,” he mumbles against my skin as if he’s reading my mind. The words sexy, beautiful and gorgeous are coming out of his mouth and each word ignites a slow burn inside of me. The strap on the dress is slowing being moved down my shoulder

“I need to stop before I do something we’re not ready for.” He sets me down gently even though I’m not ready to let him go. I pull my bottom lip in between my teeth to keep from balking. “God, you look sexy in my hat. Are you sure I can’t buy you one?”

I shake my head, pursing my lips. “I like yours just fine.”

“Of course you do,” he says, playfully. “Do you want to eat first or go for a swim? The pond is warm and it’s clean. Jeremiah ran a pump to keep the water fresh.”

My eyes fall upon the pond and notice there’s a beach-like landing. “What about fish? I’d really hate to get bitten by a fish.”

Tyler laughs as he steps away and starts unbuttoning his shirt. I’ve seen him almost naked, but standing here, watching, makes my heart beat a little faster. A gentle warmth spreads across my stomach, causing my cheeks to flush, and I bite down on my tongue and twist my hands together to keep from reaching out to touch him. He kicks off his boots and pulls his belt loose. I focus on his fingers as they undo each button on his jeans. He removes his shirt, letting it drop to the ground. I look around for any prying eyes or Jeremiah. I wouldn’t put it past him to follow us out here.

“No one here but us, sweetheart.”

“And Sundance,” I add for good measure.

“She’s not going anywhere.”

“Well, that’s good to know,” my voice cracks and even though I want to be here with him, I’m nervous.

Tyler pushes his pants down, letting them pool at his ankles. He hops on one foot while trying to remove each pant leg. I laugh and cover my mouth.

“Darlin’, I can assure you that looked a lot sexier in my head.”

“You’re sexy,” the words pour out of my mouth before I can stop them. His eyes widen and I know there’s no taking it back. I don’t want to. Tyler’s eyes gleam as he steps forward and I try to keep my eyes focused on his, but they trail down his chest and below his waist. His dark briefs are holding back his bulge. I take a deep breath at the realization that I make him that way. That knowledge alone is exhilarating. My body temperature rises. Even in this heat I can feel myself getting hotter, even though when he brushes up against me I get goosebumps.

“Savannah,” he whispers huskily as his hands trail up my arms and over my shoulders. My head turns slightly to watch him pull down the thin straps of my dress. They rest just above my elbow and I know he’s waiting for me to take the next step. I turn, pulling my hair to the side and wait.

Tyler’s lips dance along my skin while his fingers pull the zipper down. I don’t know how far we’re going tonight, but everything feels right. Being out here, in the open with him… this is where I’m meant to be.

His hands gently push my straps down, allowing the dress to settle at my feet. “Can I see you, Savannah?” he asks, with his chest touching my back. I nod and step out of my dress to turn and face him. I’m bare-chested with nothing but panties and boots on and the man in front of me is mesmerized by me. My face flushes as he takes me in. I try to cover myself, feeling self-conscious, but he holds my hands in his.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”