The crowd laughs as the mayor steps forward with an oversized pair of gold scissors. Everyone holds up their phones to record video and take photos.
“Thank y’all for having me here today,” the mayor begins. “I appreciate so many of y’all coming for this dedication and amazin’ project.” He gives a heartwarming speech about helping animals and how the area has never had anything like this. “With all that being said, we’re honored to celebrate with you and wish you tons of success. We know you’ll make a difference, not just locally but also statewide.”
He hands the scissors to Kaitlyn, and she stands closer to me, nudging me to grab them too.
“Let’s do it together,” she whispers, smiling.
“Photo first, please!” Patricia hollers, holding up her hand, so we focus on her. We smile, then once she’s done, cut the ribbon. Everyone bursts into a roar of cheers and applause.
“I want to say something very quickly,” I speak up, and everyone grows silent again. “This wouldn’t be possible without Kaitlyn being my cheerleader and encouraging me to pursue this. It was always a pipe dream of mine, but with her and the Bishop family, they’ve helped turn it into a reality.” I meet Kaitlyn’s eyes and find they have tears threatening to pour over. Clearing my throat, I continue, “Just wanna say, I’m super appreciative and grateful to y’all. Thank you so much.”
She smiles wide, and at the moment, all the people around us seem to disappear.
“Dreams come true if you let them.” Kaitlyn pulls me into a hug, and for the first time in a long time, I feel something I haven’t felt before—true happiness.
KAITLYN
After the dedication yesterday, I’ve been more tired than usual. Between my training schedule and the rescue getting up and running, my life will be hectic for a while. I have about fifteen minutes before I need to head to the barn, but I decide to go early because my nerves are getting the best of me.
Our first horse arrives today.
Payton submitted our contact information to the state along with our official open date, but I really didn’t expect to have a horse within twenty-four hours.
On my way out to my truck, I pass my dad, who quickly stops me. “Want me to come with you?” He can sense when I’m overwhelmed and anxious.
“Nah. Game Warden Langston isn’t supposed to arrive for another forty-five minutes,” I explain. “Plus, Payton’s meetin’ me there to help unload the horse. Elle’s supposed to show up and do a physical since we don’t know what kind of condition Fancy is in. Elle said to imagine the worst, and you know how my mind wanders.”
Dad studies me, knowing how sensitive I was as a kid when it came to animals. It’s how I knew I’d never become a vet like my cousin Elle and preferred to focus on training.
“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to text me. I’ll drop whatever I’m doin’ and head right over,” he offers.
“Thanks. I’ll keep you updated,” I say, then go to my truck.
I selfishly hope to get to chat with Payton alone. He knows how to bring me back down to earth.
When I pull up to the bright-red building, I read the sign that Grandma Bishop insisted on being on the outside—Circle B Ranch Horse Rescue & Sanctuary.
It warms my heart to see it.
Payton turns into the driveway and parks next to me a few minutes later. My heart rate quickens as soon as he steps out of the truck and meets my eyes. His lips slide up into a cute grin, and I have to stop myself from reacting.
“Too bad we don’t have time to celebrate this monumental day.” I waggle my brows.
He immediately gets what I’m referring to, and even though we’re out of my ovulation window, neither of us seems to care. Payton takes my hand and leads me inside the barn. The stalls are already prepped with fresh hay. He climbs up the ladder to the loft, and I follow him.
“What’re we doin’ up here?” I ask, noticing the hay is completely stocked.
Payton undoes his belt, then his jeans. The thought of him taking me here has me squeezing my thighs together. Electricity streams through me as he takes a few steps forward, hard as a fucking rock.
“Get naked, Kate,” he says in a husky tone. “We don’t have a lot of time.”
I suck in a deep breath, needing this more than I want to admit. I move to the back of the loft just in case Elle or the game warden arrives, then I lower my riding pants and panties down to my ankles.
Payton follows, then spins me around and bends me over a hay bale. He eagerly rubs his finger through my wet slit before pushing the tip of his erection between my folds. Once he slams into me, I see white. I arch into him with each thrust, slamming back against his hips. As he fucks me hard, he wraps an arm around and fists my breast, adding pain to the intense pleasure my body craves from him.
I read an article that explained when you enjoy sex, your body prepares itself to accept sperm, so you’ll get pregnant.
We set the rules, even though we're currently breaking one of them. No sex unless I’m ovulating, but neither of us seems to care. Now, we’re teetering on the boundary line and fucking for the joy of it.