Chapter Eight

Colt eased open the barn doors to take in the sight of snowflakes drifting down. It was only the second week of November, yet another snowstorm had blanketed the countryside.

He propped himself against the doorframe, crossing his arms and inhaling the crisp air. His gaze drifted to the house, where he couldn’t wait to see Chelsea later tonight.

But were things moving too fast with her? He could feel himself falling for her, and it scared him to his core. As he watched, she appeared on the porch, waved at him, then disappeared back inside.

He was about to return to work when she emerged once more, bundled up in a coat and beanie. She jogged across the yard and joined him in the barn.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she asked with a smile.

“It’s also a pain in the ass.” He grinned as she laughed.

She linked her arm through his and they took in the snowy scene.

“It’s so quiet. You can hear the snow falling.” She turned to him. “What are your Thanksgiving plans?”

“I have no idea. I used to spend it with Tricia and Walt.”

“Why don’t you come with me to my parents’ house?”

“I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“Please. My mom cooks enough food for an army and sends everyone home with leftovers.”

“Well, that does sound tempting.” Colt smirked.

“I don’t want you to be alone. And you’ve already met Mom, and Eli and Lorna will be there too.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“Good enough.” She kissed his cheek. “I’m heading back to the house. Want to join me?”

He blew out a laugh that formed into a cloud in front of him.

“Unfortunately, I have work to finish.”

“Oh, okay. Well, talk to you later.” She kissed his lips before walking back toward the house. As soon as she was gone, Colt muttered to himself.

“I have way too much work to do,” he grumbled as he pushed away from the door. As he stared at the house, he shook his head, then made his way across the yard, up the steps, and into the house.

Early the next morning, Colt stood in the kitchen, preparing a cup of coffee when Chelsea walked in. She froze and blushed, no doubt remembering their time together last night. He couldn’t help but smirk.

“Stop,” she scolded with a smile.

“Yes, ma’am. I better get to work before I get fired.”

“I’d keep you as my boy-toy,” she joked.

Colt laughed. “I’m older than you.”

“Oh. Okay, my sugar daddy then,” she teased, and they both laughed.

“I’d better go so I can get out of here without being seen.” He gave her a quick kiss then walked out the door.

Colt and the men led the horses back inside the barn as the snow began to fall heavily. He watched with a smile as Joey, who had grown so much since he first came here, led a horse and laughed with Brian.

“Hey, Colt,” he greeted him.

“Good morning, Joey. I hope you’re staying warm,” Colt replied.

Joey grinned. “I’m trying. I hate this stuff.”

Colt chuckled. “I’m not too fond of it either.” He tilted his head in curiosity. “Any plans for Thanksgiving?”

“No, sir. Dad and my sister always go skiing in Aspen.”

“You don’t join them?”

“Nah. Like I said, I hate the cold, so why bother?” Joey shrugged.

“That’s a good point. Do you spend the day with any other family members?”

“Nope. Dad and my sister are all I have left since Mom died.”

Colt clenched his jaw, feeling angry at Callaway for leaving his son alone on such an important holiday.

“Does he leave you home alone at your age?” he couldn’t help but ask, picturing wild parties going on.

“The housekeeper lives with us, but she goes to her daughter’s house for dinner. She usually brings me something back though,” Joey explained with a shrug.

“I see.” Colt forced out a polite tone. “Well, I’ll let you get back to work then.”

“Yes, sir.” Joey led the horse into a stall.

As the day went on, Colt couldn’t shake off thoughts of Joey being alone on Thanksgiving, just like he would be if Chelsea hadn’t invited him to her parents’ dinner. He hated the idea of anyone being alone on a holiday, especially a young kid like Joey.

Putting down his rake, Colt strode out of the barn and headed toward the house through the heavy snowfall. The icy flakes pelted his face and he had to lower his head to see. He knocked on the door and was greeted by Chelsea’s worried face.

“What are you doing out in this weather? Come inside before you freeze,” she scolded him. Colt removed his hat, wiped his feet on the mat, and entered the warm house. “Is everything okay?” Chelsea asked with concern.

“Yeah, I just have a question,” Colt replied.

“Okay. Do you want some coffee to warm up?”

“If it’s not too much trouble.”

Chelsea smiled at him. “It only takes a minute, Colt. I’m sure I can spare that for you.”

“I’m not sure how to take that,” he teased.

Chelsea laughed. “What’s on your mind?”

“Did you ask your mom about me coming to dinner?”

“I did, and she said she’d be happy to have you.”

“Great. Is it possible to add one more guest?”

“One more? Who?”

“Joey. I didn’t mention anything to him yet. I wanted to ask you first. He’ll be alone otherwise.”

“What? On Thanksgiving?”

“Yeah, his dad and sister are going skiing in Aspen,” Colt explained, feeling angry all over again.

“And he’s not going with them?”

“Nope, he hates snow.”

“That poor kid.”

“I know, it breaks my heart to think of him spending Thanksgiving alone. I know, if the Cottons still lived here, they’d invite him.” Colt sighed.

“Let me call my mom. I’m sure she won’t mind adding another person.” Chelsea grabbed her phone from the counter and dialed her mother’s number.

Colt turned to look outside and saw that the snow had become even heavier; he could barely make out the barn. He faced Chelsea when he heard her say goodbye on the phone and smiled at him.

“She said it’s fine. In her words, ‘the more the merrier’. Lorna is bringing her dad as well,” Chelsea informed him.

Colt couldn’t help but grin. “It’ll be a full house for sure. I should head back before the snow gets any worse. I’ll see you later.” He opened the door, stepped out into the freezing cold, and quickly made his way back to the barn, eager to share the good news with Joey.

****

Thanksgiving was bitterly cold but there was no snow predicted. Chelsea glanced in the rearview mirror to see Joey looking out the window and wearing headphones. He was a good kid who just went down a wrong path for a while.

She glanced at Colt sitting in the passenger seat and when he looked at her, she winked, making him chuckle.

“I hope you’re hungry because she goes all out. I bet I still have turkey in my freezer from last year. I keep telling her not to send me home with more, but it’s like talking to a brick wall,” Chelsea said.

“Must be where you get it,” Colt said with a grin.

“Are you saying I’m stubborn?”

“If the shoe fits.”

“I think that’s the pot calling the kettle black.”

Colt shook his head. “I’m not going to argue with you.”

“Good. Because you know I’m right.”

“Every woman is right, even when she’s wrong. I learned that from Walt.”

Chelsea laughed. “He was so great.”

“Yeah, he was.”

Chelsea looked in the mirror again.

“Joey? Are you hungry?”

She watched him remove his headphones and frowned, so she repeated her question.

“I’m starving. I can smell that turkey from here,” he said.

Chelsea looked at Colt and smirked.

“Oh, we don’t have turkey. Mom makes tofu shaped like one.”

Colt snorted out a laugh but coughed to cover it.

“Tofu?” Joey asked.

“Yeah, now it’s not as good as a real turkey but Mom likes it.” Chelsea shrugged.

“Tofu,” Joey said, shaking his head, making Chelsea and Colt laugh.

“She’s yanking your chain, man,” Colt said.

Joey’s eyes widened then he laughed. “Good one.”

Chelsea drove up to her parents’ house and parked by the back door.

“This is a nice place,” Colt said.

“It is. I loved growing up here. Oh, I see Eli’s here.”

“Eli’s here?” Joey asked, and Chelsea heard him swallow the lump in his throat.

“Yes, don’t worry. He’s not going to jump on you.”

“I like him, but man, he scares me.”

“Nothing to be afraid of. He’s a pussycat.” Chelsea laughed.

“Yeah, you get arrested by him and see how much of a pussycat he is,” Joey muttered.

“It’ll be fine.” Chelsea turned to look at him. “I promise. Come on, let’s get inside.”

They entered the kitchen, all groaning at the smells of dinner cooking.

Chelsea saw Eli enter the room. He hugged her, shook hands with Colt, and put his hand out to Joey, whose face lit up with a grin as he shook Eli’s hand. Lorna entered, hugged her, and smiled at Colt and Joey.

When Lily ran into the kitchen, she giggled when she saw Colt and put her arms up to him. He grinned and lifted her.

Her parents shook Joey and Colt’s hands then Lorna introduced her father to them. Colt shook his hand. Joey hesitated, but when Marcus Palmer put his hand out to him, Joey grinned and shook it, then Sylvia ushered them from the kitchen, while Lorna and Chelsea stayed behind to help.

After dinner, everyone sat in the living room watching a football game and groaning from eating too much. Colt sat on the floor with his back against the sofa where Chelsea sat. She wanted to reach out and touch his soft hair but didn’t. She leaned forward and whispered to him,

“Did you get enough to eat?”

He nodded. “Your mom is a hell of a cook.”

“Yes, she is. I’m sure you’ll be taking some home with you.”

Colt grinned. “I’ll take it.” Then he yawned. “Time for a nap.”

“I think we all agree with that.” Chelsea glanced around the room to see everyone relaxing and her dad with his head back and his eyes closed.

It had been a good day. A lot of laughter and teasing between her and Eli. Since he was her big brother, he aggravated the hell out of her. She smiled when she thought about him shaking Joey’s hand, and the boy seemed so happy.

Later, as they drove back to her ranch, she glanced in the mirror to see Joey with his eyes closed, then she looked at Colt to see him the same way. She stopped at the porch, and everyone got out.

“Thank you for inviting me, Chelsea,” Joey said with a shy grin.

“You’re very welcome. I hope you had a good time and enjoy those leftovers.”

He held the bag up. “Guess what I’ll be eating for the next few days?”

Colt chuckled. “Same here. I appreciate you asking me too, Chelsea.”

“You’re welcome. Both of you go home and rest. I know I’m going to.”

Colt stared at her, nodded, then walked to his truck, as did Joey, then they drove off. Chelsea walked up the steps, carrying her leftovers, entered the house, and closed the door behind her.

****

Colt was buried in working on the payroll Monday when Chelsea walked into his office. He leaned back in his chair as she approached, and straddled his lap once she reached him.

She whispered in his ear, “I missed you last night.”

“I wish we had gotten together,” he replied while holding her waist.

“I thought you were too tired,” she explained.

“I was, but I still wanted to hold you all night.”

“We can do that tonight,” she promised, nibbling on his earlobe and sending shivers down his spine.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Not as much as I am.” She stood up and asked, “What time should I come over?”

“Seven works for me. I have a lot of work to catch up on since everyone was off for the holiday.”

“You should have kept at least one person here on Friday.”

“It’s fine. The men deserve time with their families, and they work hard every day.”

“How’s the new guy doing?”

“He seems a bit cocky, but he’s a good worker.”

“I heard Christine say that Kim is working out well.”

“Is she?” Colt asked.

“Well, Christine also mentioned that Kim gets distracted by the ranch hands. Oh God, I hope she doesn’t see you,” Chelsea laughed, and Colt smirked.

“I haven’t met her yet, just John.”

“I’ll have to introduce myself to them.” She kissed him again and then left, closing the door behind her.

Man, you are in deep trouble, Monroe.

After finishing the payroll, he headed to the riding stable to meet the new employee. He entered the warm stable and walked to the rail where he saw Christine leading a horse with a teenage girl riding on it.

Christine noticed him and waved. He acknowledged her before scanning the area.

“Where’s your helper?” he asked when Christine brought the horse closer to him.

“She’s on break. She should be back in a minute.”

“I just wanted to introduce myself.”

“I can send her to your office when she returns.”

“It’s fine. I’m sure I’ll meet her eventually.” He looked up at the girl on the horse and asked, “How’s the lesson going?”

The young girl smiled and replied, “Great! I love this!”

“Good. Christine will have you riding like a pro in no time. You two have a good day.”

Colt strode from the stable, his boots thudding against the hard-packed ground as he made his way to the barn. The sun beat down on his shoulders, still strong despite it being the end of November. He had been working tirelessly to catch up on all the tasks that had piled up during Thanksgiving and the long weekend that followed. But even with extra hours, they were still running behind schedule.

As the day drew to a close, Colt finally found himself able to relax as he lay in bed next to Chelsea. He gently placed his cheek against her head, enjoying the softness of her hair and the warmth of her body against his. He heard her sigh and couldn’t resist asking, “You okay?”

She shifted slightly in his arms before replying, “Yes, I’ve been trying to figure out whether or not to sell my coffee shop.”

“Why are you thinking about selling?” Colt’s curiosity was piqued.

“It’s just become too much to handle. Running two businesses is incredibly time consuming,” she explained with a hint of exhaustion in her voice.

“I can only imagine,” Colt responded sympathetically.

“And whatever profit I make from selling, I can invest into this place,” she continued.

“For what? We’re already pretty busy as it is,” Colt pointed out.

“I just mean, it would be nice to have some extra funds in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses,” Chelsea clarified.

“True,” Colt conceded.

“Did you ever find out why Bobby quit? It seemed so sudden, especially since he seemed to enjoy working here,” Chelsea changed the subject.

“I think it had something to do with him coming into some money,” Colt revealed.

“Money? From where?”

“Walt left each employee ten thousand dollars after he passed away,” Colt answered.

Chelsea sat up in bed, pulling the sheet with her and exposing her perfect breasts. Colt couldn’t help but admire her beauty as she sat there, her thoughts clearly racing.

“He did? That’s so sweet of him. I’m happy for you,” Chelsea said, he knew she was truly happy about it.

Colt couldn’t resist smirking at her response. “He actually left me a bit more than that.”

“Really? How much?” Chelsea’s curiosity was evident in the way she tilted her head to look at him.

“Two and a half million,” Colt revealed, watching as Chelsea’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open in shock.

“Two and a half... million?” she repeated incredulously.

“Yep,” Colt confirmed.

“And you’re just now telling me this? I can’t believe you kept this from me,” Chelsea’s tone was both surprised and slightly hurt.

“I haven’t told anyone,” Colt replied defensively.

“I am not just anyone, Colt. Or am I?” Chelsea’s tone turned slightly accusatory.

“What do you mean by that?” Colt asked, feeling slightly confused and defensive.

“I thought we had something,” Chelsea began, her voice laced with emotion.

“We do,” Colt reassured her.

“But you didn’t trust me enough to tell me about this?” There was a hint of disappointment in Chelsea’s voice as she got out of bed and instinctively reached for the sheet to cover herself.

“It’s hard for me to trust anyone! The only person I truly trusted is gone,” Colt argued, getting out of bed and pulling on a pair of sweatpants.

“Well, that certainly puts me in my place, doesn’t it?” Chelsea exclaimed, starting to pace around the room, picking up her clothes and pulling them on.

“Where are you going?” Colt asked, feeling frustrated with the sudden turn of events.

“Home,” Chelsea replied firmly.

“Because I didn’t tell you about the inheritance money? Isn’t that my personal business? And for the record, I don’t recall you telling me how much money you have,” Colt retorted, feeling slightly hurt.

“Because I don’t have money,” Chelsea shouted back.

“Bullshit! Your parents are wealthy—” Colt started to argue.

“Don’t even bring my parents into this. They may be wealthy, but I live off my own hard work and income from here and the coffee shop,” Chelsea interrupted him.

“Is that so?” Colt raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“Yes, that’s so. Unlike you, I didn’t inherit millions of dollars,” Chelsea snapped back, her hands on her hips as she glared at him.

“So, you went to a bank to get a loan for this place?” Colt asked in a low tone.

Chelsea gasped in shock. “Why would you even ask me that?”

“I heard your mother and Eli talking about your father giving you the money to buy this place. You have no mortgage, and I can almost guarantee you’re not paying your father back. So don’t stand there and tell me not to bring your parents into this and how you live off your hard work, but still went to… daddy for the money,” Colt revealed, his frustration boiling over.

“But... why would I tell you about that?” Chelsea stammered, clearly caught off guard by his revelation.

“Exactly!”Colt exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

“It’s not the same,” Chelsea insisted.

“How is it not? You expect us to share everything with each other, right? So why didn’t you tell me about that? Maybe you were afraid to come across as a spoiled rich bitch who had everything handed to her by her daddy,” Colt growled angrily. He jerked back when Chelsea slapped him in anger and shock. In response, he grabbed her arms and pulled her close until they were almost nose-to-nose. “Don’t ever hit me again,” he snarled at her.

“Why? Are you going to hit me back?” Chelsea retorted, her eyes flashing with anger.

Colt pushed her away from him. “You know better than that,” he snapped, shaking his head in frustration. He couldn’t believe how quickly their argument had escalated and the hurtful things they had said to each other.

He winced when she slammed the door as she walked out of the bedroom.

“Shit,” he followed her to the kitchen, but when he heard the back door slam, he knew he was wasting his time. He quickly opened the door and stepped onto the porch to see her getting into her SUV and without a backward glance, she drove off. Colt entered the house and slammed the door behind him.

****

Chelsea stormed into the house, her steps heavy and her heart racing. She slammed the door behind her, releasing all of her pent-up frustration and anger. How dare he bring up the fact that she had borrowed money from her parents to buy this place.

“Let’s be honest here, you didn’t borrow it,” she muttered under her breath. But that did not give him the right to question her actions. Did it? Her fingers curled into fists at her sides as she made her way to the kitchen table, feeling a mix of emotions; anger, hurt, confusion.

As she pulled out a chair and sat down, she couldn’t help but wonder what would happen now. Would they be able to move past this argument or would it tear them apart? He had no idea how much his words had cut her, questioning her trustworthiness. She understood that it was difficult for him to trust others, given his upbringing, but he should know by now that he could trust her.

Heaving a sigh, she got up, then made her way to the bedroom to take a hot bath to relax and go to bed. It was best if they didn’t see each other for a few days. She just hoped he didn’t leave the ranch. With the money he now had, he could leave easily. God, she hoped not. She couldn’t imagine never seeing him again.

A few days later, Chelsea sat across from Lydia Griffin in the coffee shop, discussing the sale of it. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the subtle scent of cinnamon from the pastries on display behind them. Chelsea’s heart felt heavy as she discussed her decision to sell. This coffee shop had been her first venture as an independent business owner, but now, with the demands of running her ranch and newly added riding stable, it was becoming too much for her to handle.

Lydia listened attentively, nodding along as Chelsea explained that she wanted the current employees to stay on if possible. She couldn’t bear the thought of them losing their jobs because of her decision to sell.

“It would be a great place for a couple or single person. There’s an apartment above the shop. I lived there for years. It’s a great place.”

“I’d love to get some photos of it for the ad,” Lydia said with a smile.

“We can do that now.”

After Chelsea showed Lydia the apartment and she took photos, they returned to the coffee shop and finalized the details, Chelsea couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness in her chest. This coffee shop had been more than just a business to her; it was a symbol of her independence and determination. But she knew it was time to let go and focus on the ranch, which had become her true passion.

But even as she signed the papers, she couldn’t shake off the bittersweet feeling that came with saying goodbye to something that had meant so much to her. She took one last look around at the cozy interior, filled with memories of laughter and caffeine-fueled conversations, before taking a deep breath and stepping out into a new chapter of her life.

****

A couple of days later, Colt marched through the yard, holding his hat on his head as the wind picked up. The temperature had plummeted, and with the sun sinking below the horizon, it was bitterly cold. He ascended the steps, wiped his boots on the welcome mat, and knocked on the door. As he waited for her to answer, he couldn’t help but wonder how this meeting would go. He was still feeling a little angry about her reaction to him inheriting money and not telling her about it.

She finally opened the door and gestured for him to enter. After hanging up his coat and hat, he turned to face her, sensing her nervousness.

“Would you like some coffee?” she offered.

“No, thanks,” he declined. “I won’t be able to sleep if I have coffee this late.”

“Have you eaten?”

“Yes. Can we sit down?”

“Of course. Let’s go into the living room.”

Colt nodded and motioned for her to lead the way as he took in the familiar surroundings.

“I’m really glad you never changed anything,” he commented.

“You spent a lot of time here, didn’t you?” she asked.

“Yes. Walt and I would either talk in here or go to his office.”

“Please, take a seat.”

“After you,” he replied politely.

Chelsea sighed and sat on the sofa, gazing up at him expectantly. Colt settled into a recliner across from her, unsure of where to begin.

“Colt?” she prompted.

“I’m just trying to figure out where to start,” he admitted.

“Okay,” she said simply.

Taking a deep breath and blowing it out slowly, he looked directly at her. “Chelsea, I know I hurt your feelings by not telling you about the money, but you have to understand that it takes me a long time to trust anyone. Even Walt and Tricia. So even though we knew each other years ago, it’s been a while. I have a hard time letting people in. It wasn’t personal, but what I don’t understand is why you got so upset when you obviously didn’t trust me enough to tell me about your own money.”

“I told you; I don’t have that kind of money. I work for my earnings. Yes, my parents gave me money to buy this place, but I didn’t want to go to the bank when I already have a business loan with them. I knew they would never approve me for such a large amount on top of the one for the coffee shop. Eli also works for his money. We don’t live off our parents. And honestly, I never thought to tell you because it didn’t seem important.”

“But it seemed important to you that I didn’t tell you about what Walt left me,” he pointed out.

Chelsea nodded. “You’re right. I just thought that as a couple, we should share everything—”

“Yet you didn’t,” he interjected.

She let out a frustrated breath and sat back on the sofa, crossing her arms and fixing him with an intense stare.

“It’s not okay for either of us to keep secrets, but like I said, it didn’t occur to me at the time.”

Colt stood up abruptly. “Well, when that thought crossed your mind, shouldn’t it have reminded you that you weren’t being completely honest either?”

She shook her head. “I still didn’t think about it.”

“I didn’t intentionally keep it from you. It’s just...”

“That you don’t trust me,” she finished for him.

“You just don’t understand.” He let out a heavy sigh and resumed his seat. His voice was filled with pain and anger. “When I was seventeen, the foster family I lived with were cruel beyond measure. They treated us like worthless objects, only caring about the money they received for housing us. Most days, we were lucky to get a single meal. I worked tirelessly in the hot summer sun, cutting grass for our neighbors and saving every penny I earned. I had almost a thousand dollars saved up, and my plan was to leave that hellhole as soon as possible.” His eyes hardened with memories of betrayal. “But they stole it all from me. I knew it was them, but they denied it vehemently. I couldn’t bear to continue working for nothing, knowing they would take it again. So, I stopped, and for that act of self-preservation, I was beaten. Despite their abuse, I stayed there for two more months before finally mustering the courage to leave and ended up here.” He paused as he thought back. “At first, I didn’t even trust the Cottons, but eventually came to realize they were good people. Walt even went so far as to open a checking account for me, making sure no one else could access it except for him and myself. He understood what I had gone through and wanted to show me that there are still good and trustworthy people in this world.”

Chelsea sat forward. “But, Colt, we’re in a relationship and I still think you should have shared that with me.”

“We’re going in circles here,” he replied, frustration evident in his voice.

Chelsea let out a deep sigh, her eyes meeting his. “You’re right. I should have shared that with you. I see where you’re coming from. I should have told you about it. I’m sorry.” She shrugged.

“I am too,” he said softly.

They sat in silence for a moment before Chelsea spoke up again. “So, what do we do now?”

Colt ran a hand through his hair, thinking for a moment before speaking. “Take our time getting to know each other, if that’s what you want.”

“Do you?” Chelsea asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded. “Yes.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” she said with a small smile.

“Good.”

“I sold the coffee shop.”

Surprised, Colt turned to face her fully. “That’s great. Is it still going to be a coffee shop?”

“Yes,” Chelsea replied with a nod. “The woman who bought it is from Seattle and was actually looking for a building to open one. Lydia told her about my shop, and she immediately wanted it. She was also very happy with the apartment above the shop.”

“That’s good, Lydia Griffin?” Colt asked.

“Yeah, do you know her?”

“I know her husband better. She’s a beautiful woman,” Colt admitted with a playful grin. When Chelsea frowned at him, he quickly added, “I’m teasing you.”

Despite herself, Chelsea couldn’t help but smile. “She is beautiful though. And so sweet.”

“Yes,” Colt agreed with a smile of his own. “But not as beautiful as you. Her husband and brother-in-law are veterinarians, and they own an equine hydrotherapy business. We’ve used it a few times for our horses.”

Chelsea nodded, then turned to look into his eyes. “Are we going to be, okay?”

Standing up from his chair, he moved to sit beside her on the couch, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I think so. We’ll work on it.”

Chelsea leaned into him. “I don’t like arguing with you. I’m so afraid you’ll leave.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Colt assured her, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“I hope not,” Chelsea whispered before looking at him with a hopeful expression. “Kiss me?”

“With pleasure,” Colt murmured before leaning in to capture her lips in a long kiss.

She leaned back. “Take me to bed. I want you so much.”

“Lead the way,” he said.

She stood, reaching for his hand. Her touch was electric, it sent waves of pleasure coursing through his veins. He allowed himself to be drawn to her, led willingly up the staircase and into her bedroom.

Once inside the room, he reached into his wallet, removing a condom. Their clothes soon were discarded on the floor, revealing bodies aflame with need and want.

Colt approached her. His arms wrapped around her, strong as steel yet gentle as a summer breeze. Effortlessly, he lifted her up and cradled her against his chest before placing her on the plush bed.

Lying beside her, he savored the soft curves and contours of her body, a feast for his senses. His lips found hers in a kiss that set their souls ablaze. It was passionate but lacked haste; each touch of tongues was an exploration more intoxicating than the last.

His mouth then began its pilgrimage from her lips across her cheek onto the tender lobe of her ear where he gently sucked it into his mouth. The sensation causing a deep moan to escape from her.

The sound only fueled his passion further. His hands roamed freely over her body while his tongue continued its teasing torture around her sensitive earlobe. Each soft bite and lick served as delicious agony driving her further into realms of pleasure.

As he gently traced the curve of her body with his fingertips, their mutual desire escalated. He planted tender kisses from her neck down to her collarbone, across her chest, and onto the soft skin of her belly. Her breathing became more erratic, her chest rising and falling rapidly with each breath.

Guided by his passion, Colt carefully nudged her legs apart with his knee, revealing her most intimate area. The vulnerability she displayed spurred him on. He lowered his face between her thighs.

As he ran his tongue along her slit, he could feel the tremble that coursed through her body. The scent and taste of her arousal urged him on as he savored every moment of bringing pleasure to her.

He placed his lips around her swollen clitoris while his tongue moved on it in a rhythmic motion. Her fingers clutched his hair as she arched her back and let out a cry of ecstasy, submitting to the waves of pleasure that washed over her. The intimacy they shared deepened as he continued his ministrations until she was left breathless, yearning for more. Colt kissed his way up her body, then grit his teeth as he slowly pushed himself inside her, feeling every inch of her warm, wet tightness envelop him.

Her hands traced patterns on his back, her nails digging into his back and he was sure, they were leaving faint red marks. When she wrapped her legs around his waist, he growled low in his throat.

This was not a simple act of physical pleasure; it was an erotic dance of seduction and surrender unfolding before them. He pulled out almost completely before sliding back in, their mutual moans a testament to the slow burn of desire that coursed through their bodies. Their hips met with each thrust, moving together in harmony as they explored new depths of intimacy.

The journey was far from over. Colt took one of her nipples between his teeth, teasing it gently before soothing it with his tongue. Her fingers traced the muscles of his arms. They lingered over each touch and kiss, every stroke of their hands or twist of their hips, eager to extend this intimate moment into an eternity.

Their tongues danced together, savoring each other’s taste as they exchanged heated kisses. Eyes locked onto one another; they sought connection beyond the physical realm. The sound of their ragged breaths mingled in the silence of the room, a testament to the intensity of their passion.

Together they moved in a dance as old as time yet new and thrilling at each pulse of their hearts, building toward an inevitable crescendo that would leave them both spent.

Chelsea’s chest heaved, each breath coming in frantic gasps as Colt’s cock drove deep inside her. Her inner muscles clenched tightly around him with each powerful thrust, the sensation making her cry out in ecstasy. Sweat glistened on their entwined bodies, a testament to the heat and passion they shared.

She screamed out his name, her voice breaking as an earth-shattering orgasm shook her entire being. Her body arched off the bed, her legs trembling around him.

Her reaction spurred Colt on to take her even harder, his hips slamming against hers in primal lust. The incredible friction between them sent waves of pleasure coursing through his veins.

As he reached his orgasm, Colt groaned deeply, his eyes locked onto Chelsea’s flushed face. He could feel every detail of her slick walls gripping him tightly when he finally exploded inside her. The force of his release made his entire body shudder with ecstasy.

Breathing heavily, Colt collapsed onto Chelsea, their limbs still tangled together. Their mingled sweat and the racing of their hearts served as evidence of their passionate encounter.

Colt kissed her lips, rolled onto his back and tried to catch his breath. He glanced over at her to see her with her eyes closed, breathing deeply as she too tried to breathe normally.

He got himself up, made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the condom. After washing his hands, he opened the door, and grinned when he saw that she hadn’t moved.

“Hey,” he said quietly.

Chelsea raised her head to look at him. “Yes?”

“How about a shower before I go?”

“I wish you didn’t have to leave.”

“You know I have to.”

She sighed. “I know.”

“Shower, or should I just go?”

She sat up. “Shower.”

Colt watched her get up from the bed and walked toward him. She stopped in front of him, stood on her toes, and kissed him. He grinned against her lips.

“That was fucking great,” he whispered.

“It was. You are an amazing man, Colton Monroe.” She touched his cheek.

He took her hand. “Come on, baby. I have to get going, but I want to shower with you before I go. I’m sure I’ll sleep great tonight after that.”

“Me too.” She smiled as he pulled her into the bathroom, then kicked the door shut.