I’m apprehensive as we ride away from Savannah’s. I haven’t seen much of Aria since our movie night. She’s been so busy with work, and as much as I want to be alone with her, I know this “friends with benefits” thing she wants is going to be hard. I’m already attracted to her, and I’m willing to bet the more time I spend with her, the further I’ll fall. After a few minutes of riding in silence, I look over.
“Where are we heading, then?”
“I thought we’d head to the river. I know a quiet place.” I nod. “I think a lot has changed since you were last here. Did you know Brody has a house on the ranch now, and they’ve started holding small weddings in the barn where Lib and Mason had their wedding reception?”
“Lib told me about Brody’s place. I didn’t know about the barn though.”
“They’ve only done a handful of weddings. It was Quinn’s idea. She wants to bring more events to the ranch and offer out the accommodations to guests.”
“Sounds like a great idea. I love how everyone is involved with the ranch.”
“I love it here. It’s like one big family. Even the staff who aren’t family are made to feel like they are.” She smiles. “It was just me and Mom growing up, so I really love that big family feel.”
“I can see why Aunt Claire and Libby came to visit and never went home. The ranch seems to pull you in somehow.”
“I know,” she agrees, laughing. “That’s why I’m still here twelve months later.”
“You think you’ll stay, then?”
She shrugs. “As long as they need and want me. I’ve been thinking of finding my own place though. I’ve been at the ranch house too long, and it feels a little like I’m taking advantage.”
“What about your mom? Can you move in with her?” She shakes her head.
“She lives in Austin with her boyfriend. She moved there just after I got the job on the ranch. That’s why I needed somewhere to stay when I first got here.”
“You know, I’m sure Claire and Ryan don’t think you’re taking advantage.”
“Maybe not, but I can’t stay in their home forever.” We’ve reached the river, and it’s a great spot. It’s secluded and surrounded by large trees. The water laps gently onto a pebbled shore, and the only sounds are from the birds overhead. It’s beautiful. She jumps down off Marble. I follow her and we let the horses graze. She walks to the edge of the river and picks up a stone, skimming it across the water.
“What about Libby and Mason’s old cabin? I’m guessing that’s been empty since they moved into the cottage,” I say, coming to stand next to her.
“Yeah, that’s a thought. It would be a lot easier to live on the ranch. I’ll speak to Claire and Ryan about it.” She reaches over and kisses my cheek. “Thank you.”
Turning to face her, I pull her into my arms. “I take my thanks in kisses,” I tell her quietly, my eyes dropping to her lips. Her arms go up and around my neck, and I capture her lips. She bites down on my bottom lip and I open up, her tongue duelling with mine. As the kiss becomes more heated, spots of rain begin to fall on my cheek, and the storm that was building hits. Within seconds, it’s raining heavily, and Aria laughs as she pulls out of the kiss, both of us soaked.
“Well, I didn’t imagine this would happen on our ride. Where’s the sun gone?”
She steps back and tilts her head to look at the darkening sky. My eyes drop to her white top, which has gone see-through in the rain. Her lace bra leaves nothing to the imagination, and I can see her dark, pebbled nipples against the thin material. My cock hardens, straining against my shorts, and my hands itch to touch her.
“Fuck!” I growl. Her eyes flick to mine, and she must see the heat in them as she bites down on her bottom lip. Unable to stop myself, I take a step toward her, crashing my lips against hers. Her arms go around my neck, and I lift her up, her legs sliding around me. Walking with her in my arms, I press her back against the trunk of a large tree, hearing her gasp as my cock presses between her legs. Her hips roll against mine and my mouth leaves her lips as I pepper kisses around her jaw and down her neck.
“Oh God, Jack,” she moans as I bring my hand up, pinching her nipple through the material of her top. Moving her away from the trunk, I lay her on a patch of dry grass under the canopy of the tree. My lips never leave her skin, and I can feel her trembling in my arms.
“Are you cold?” I ask against the skin of her neck.
“No,” she breathes out. “Just the opposite.”
I smile as I realize she’s trembling because of me. She pushes gently on my chest and I roll off her, frowning slightly.
“You okay?”
She shakes her head. “I need to touch you.”
I inhale sharply as her fingers snake under the wet material of my t-shirt, her hands warm on my skin. She tugs the shirt over my head, tossing it to the side.
Her fingers trace over my chest, her nails digging into my back as her lips meet mine again. My cock is pulsing against my shorts and I’m desperate to sink inside her. It’s been far too long, and my body is humming with desire. I feel her fingers reach for the button on my shorts and she slips her hand inside. I’m not wearing any underwear, and I moan when her fingers slide around my erection.
“Aria,” I whisper against her lips as her hand pumps my shaft. It’s been months since someone touched me, and if I don’t stop her, this will be over before it’s even started. My breathing hitches, and despite knowing I should stop her, it feels too good.