Chapter 6

Billie

I'm trying to act cool, but honestly? My heart's been racing since I woke up this morning. A few days have passed since I last saw him, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about Rayne. How he tastes, the feel of his hands on me, the way his voice sounds, all gruff and sexy.

We've been texting and calling, but it's all been casual—at least, on the surface. Every text from him, every brief call, has me buzzing with anticipation. And now, as I pull up to his ranch to pick him up to go apple picking, I'm practically bouncing in my seat.

I honk the horn lightly, and it doesn't take long before Rayne strides out of the house, looking like a damn cowboy dream in his jeans, boots, and that hat that drives me crazy. He's always rugged and intense, but today, there's something else in his eyes—a hunger that makes my stomach flip.

Rayne opens the passenger door and slides in, his broad shoulders filling the space next to me. My car feels smaller with him in it, and his scent—woodsy, masculine, and all Rayne—fills the air. I grip the steering wheel a bit tighter, trying to keep my mind focused.

"You're really making me do this?" he grumbles.

"Damn right," I reply, grinning as I shift into gear. "You better be ready for some hardcore apple picking, cowboy."

Rayne shakes his head, but there's a smile playing on his lips. "This better be worth it."

"Oh, trust me," I reply, shooting him a sly look. "You'll have fun."

* * *

Rayne

I can see the way her fingers are gripping the steering wheel a little tighter than usual. Hell, I'm trying to keep my own shit together, but being this close to her is messing with both of my heads. The one under my hat and the one twitching inside my jeans every time she flashes that damn grin.

I don't know what the hell apple picking's gonna be like, but honestly? I don't give a shit. As long as I'm with her, I'm in. Doesn't matter if we're picking apples or sitting in the damn dirt. I'd follow this woman anywhere.

We pull up to the orchard, and the place is buzzing with families and kids running around, but all I see is Billie. She hops out of the truck, flashing me a smile as she tosses me a basket. "Come on, Miller. Time to earn your keep."

I grunt, taking the basket from her hand, but my eyes linger on her fucking perfect ass as she walks ahead of me. Those jeans are hugging every inch of her, and it's taking all my control not to pull her into a corner and find out if she's as soft as she looks.

She glances back, catching me staring, and raises an eyebrow. "See something you like?"

I shake my head, not bothering to hide it. "You know I do."

Billie falls out laughing, then she shakes her head, leading the way through the orchard. "Let's see if you can keep up."

* * *

Billie

We wander through the rows of trees, grabbing apples and tossing them into our baskets, but the whole time, I'm hyper-aware of Rayne's presence behind me. He's quieter than usual, but I can feel his eyes on me—tracking my every move.

I grab an apple from a low-hanging branch, but as I stretch up to reach for another one, I lose my balance. Before I can stumble, Rayne's there, his strong hands grabbing my waist and steadying me. His fingers dig into my hips, and for a moment, I freeze, feeling the heat radiate from his touch.

"You good?" His voice is low, rough, and way too close to my ear.

I nod, swallowing hard. "Yeah… I'm good."

But I'm not good. I'm a mess. My whole body's buzzing from just that one touch, and when I turn to face him, he's standing even closer. His eyes are dark, full of heat, and there's no mistaking the tension between us.

"Rayne…"

I don't even know what I'm about to say, but before the words come out, he closes the distance between us. His lips crash against mine, hard and demanding, and I melt into him, my hands gripping his shirt as he pulls me tight against his body.

His hands are everywhere—on my waist, my hips, sliding up my back—and I can't get enough. I want more. I need more.

* * *

Rayne

Fuck. I've been holding back for days, but the second I've got Billie in my arms, all that restraint goes out the window. She tastes even sweeter than I remember, and her body feels like heaven pressed up against mine.

I grab her ass, squeezing just enough to make her gasp against my mouth, and that sound? It's like a match to gasoline. I can feel her soft curves under my hands, her body trembling as I push her back against the tree, pinning her there with my hips.

Her hands are all over me, gripping my shirt, pulling me closer, and it's taking everything in me not to rip her jeans off right here in the middle of this damn orchard.

But I'm not gonna rush this. Not yet.

I slide my hand down, slipping it between her thighs, pressing against her pussy through her jeans. She lets out a breathy moan, her head falling back against the tree, and I know I've got her. I rub her slit over the seam of her jeans until I'm staring fascinated, watching her come apart under my touch.

"Fuck, Rayne…" she breathes, her hips grinding against my hand.

"Fuck," I mutter, slipping my hand inside her panties, finding her soaking wet. "You're gonna come for me… right now, Billie."

Her breath hitches, as I slide my fingers through her slick heat, finding her clit and pressing hard. She's panting now, her hands clawing at my shoulders, her body trembling as I work her closer to the edge.

"Come for me, baby," I growl, my lips brushing her ear. "I want you to fucking cream all over my fingers." I take her mouth into a deep, wet, savage kiss, swallowing her moans.

And she does. Her whole body goes tense, her back arching off the tree as she cries out into my mouth, her pussy clenching around my fingers. It's the hottest fucking thing I've ever seen, and I can't help but think about how good she's gonna feel when I finally get inside her.

I pull my hand out of her pants, watching Billie try to catch her breath, eyes glazed, lips swollen.

"You okay?" I ask, gently caressing her face.

She lets out a breathy laugh, her hands still gripping my shirt. "Yeah… I'm okay."

I lean in, brushing my lips against hers one last time. "Good."

* * *

Billie

Holy shit.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around what just happened. One minute, we were picking apples, and the next, Rayne's fingers were working me, making me come so hard I saw stars.

And now? Now, I'm leaning against a tree, trying to catch my breath while he's looking at me like I'm his next meal.

"You okay?" he asks, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine.

"Yeah… Just give me a minute."

Rayne smiles softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Take all the time you need."