When I sit up, Payton reaches between us and thumbs my clit. It shoots fireworks up my spine and has me gasping for air as I moan louder and drop to his chest.
“Fuck, Kate.” His groan deepens as I nibble on his ear, and then I lightly bite down his neck. His strong hands steady my hips as his thumbs dig into my skin, helping to create more friction as our bodies slap together.
“I’m...Oh my God.” I can hardly get the words out as I ride out my release. Long and powerful, it’s never felt this good before. The orgasm has me in a chokehold as I squeeze my eyes and moan his name.
“Thatta girl. Just like that.”
Payton continues our rhythm, fucking me hard and fast just the way I love.
“So goddamn good, baby,” he hisses.
I don’t have the heart or desire to scold him for that slipup. A few moments later, he spills inside me, grunting out his release. I love watching his expression as his face tightens, then quickly relaxes as ecstasy takes over.
When our gazes meet, all that can be heard is our rapid breathing and my pounding heart. Neither of us wants to acknowledge the intensity in the air. Quickly, I roll over onto my back and lift my legs to the ceiling, not wanting to waste a drop of him.
We stare at the ceiling, neither of us speaking as we come down from the high. That felt different, and I know he thinks the same. Even if I can’t read his mind, I’ve memorized his mannerisms. Payton won’t say or do anything out of respect for our boundaries, but I know I can’t fall in love with my best friend.
That’s the worst thing I could do.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
PAYTON
TWO WEEKS LATER
This year’s July Fourth celebration was bigger than ever, with a longer firework show. Rose made it very clear that she wanted to go all out, and fortunately, her sons did not disappoint.
With the construction of the horse rescue facility finally complete, we’ve been getting ready for the grand opening that’s in two days. The only thing left is finishing up the fences, which we’re doing today.
As I walk through the barn, I look at how well laid out it is. We designed the facility exactly the way we wanted, but it’s similar to the stud operation floor plan. There are two offices, a storage and tack room, a loft for hay, and eighteen stalls. It’s wild to have such a big place, and although I hope we’re never at full capacity, we have the ability to take more if needed.
It’s all hands on deck to get the fence done. It feels like the old days when I first started working for the Bishops. Like one big-ass ranch hand reunion with Riley, Diesel, Gavin, Grayson, Ethan, Knox, and Kane. They help dig and set posts, then run barbed wire for the fences to get it done as soon as possible.
“So your dumb ass is the one I need to thank for having to work so damn much?” Diesel asks with a smirk as Riley laughs. They’ve been coming over after their shifts and staying till nearly dusk all week.
“I guess you could say that.” I roughly pat his shoulder. “Nothin’ like some charity work to prove you’ve still got a heart.”
He grunts. “Kinda had to when Rowan threatened my balls.”
“It was this or triple bath duty.” Gavin snorts.
“I’d take that over all night potty training duty. The twins don’t wake up on their own to go to the bathroom yet.” Grayson grunts.
“So all your wives threatened ya, huh?” I bark out a laugh.
Each one of them nods. “Kaitlyn made sure of it, I suppose. She knows how to get what she wants.”
“Speakin’ of Kaitlyn…” Ethan drawls. “When are you gonna admit you two have been sneakin’ around?”
My heart races as my jaw locks in place.
“He won’t admit anything,” Kane speaks up. “Trust me. I’ve tried. The dude ain’t budgin’ with his denial but still thinks we believe him.”
“Might as well just put a fuckin’ ring on her finger at this point. Y’all are already livin’ together and screwin’. Next thing I know, you’ll be announcing she’s knocked up,” Knox blurts out, and I’ve never felt the need to punch him as much as I do right now.
I adjust my hat to take some attention away from my face as I load all the supplies we’ll need in the back of a ranch hand truck. They finally decide to pitch in after I’ve packed half of it.
Once that’s done, we continue to the next step. It’s been a while since I’ve done something as physical as building a fence, even though we use the digger to set the posts. Riley and Diesel hand-mix concrete as Gavin and Ethan add tension to the wire. It’s one of the most important steps in the process.