Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

S late

The sun cuts through the last shreds of the morning mist, turning the snow-covered peaks into a blinding sea of white. My breath fogs in the air as we walk, mingling with the chill that bites through my coat, but I barely notice. All I can see is Emma, standing a few feet away, her hair catching the light like it’s made of fire. Her face is pale against the snow, but there’s a resolve in her eyes, a quiet strength that wasn’t there before. Her words from this morning are weighing on me, anxiety chugging through my body like the blood in my veins.

I’ll stay. For Now.

I know I’m at a crossroads. Either I say what’s buried inside me or I lose her all over again. And the thought of that—of watching her walk away a second time—tears at something deep and raw inside me.

“I don’t know if I can do this, Emma.” The words claw out of my chest, rougher than I mean them to be, but I can’t hold them back. I shift my weight, feeling the crunch of snow beneath my boots, the cold seeping into my skin. “Letting someone in again, trusting that it won’t all fall apart... it scares the hell out of me.”

She just watches me, those green eyes of hers wide, glimmering like she’s trying to see right through me. Her lips part like she’s going to say something, but she holds back, letting the silence stretch between us. And her silence—it’s a weight, pressing down on me, making my chest tight. But I push through it, my fists clenching at my sides.

“You left, and I shut everything out. Told myself I was better off alone. That I didn’t need anyone, especially not you.” I force myself to meet her gaze, to let her see the truth in my eyes, even if it cuts. “But then you came back, and... I don’t know how to be that guy anymore. The one who doesn’t care. The one who doesn’t need.”

Emma takes a step closer, her boots sinking into the snow, leaving small, perfect prints. Her expression softens, and I see her defenses start to crack, just a little. She reaches out, her fingers brushing against my jacket, and her touch is a jolt straight to my system, electric, warm. “You don’t have to be that guy, Slate. Not with me.”

Her words hit me like a punch, and for a second, I don’t know what to say. My throat tightens, and all that frustration, all that longing I’ve held back, comes spilling out. “I want this,” I admit, my voice breaking, rough around the edges. “I want you. I want a future with you. But I’m scared, Emma. Scared that I’ll mess it up, scared that I’ll lose you again, and this time it’ll be for good.”

Her gaze softens even more, and she takes another step, until she’s so close I can feel the heat of her body cutting through the cold, seeping into me. “I get it, Slate. I’m scared too. But I don’t want to spend my life running away from things that might hurt. I don’t want to keep wondering what could have been.”

The words slam into me, breaking open all the barriers I’ve tried to keep in place. My breath hitches, and I see the shine in her eyes, the determination that twists something deep in my chest. She looks at me like she’s finally ready to see what’s right in front of her, and it terrifies me.

But it also makes me hope.

“I’m ready to stay,” she says, her voice steady but threaded with emotion that cuts through me. “Not just for you, but for me. I want to build a life here. I want to find a way to make my dreams fit with yours. And I know it won’t be easy, but I think... I think it could be worth it.”

Her words hit like a rush of warmth, melting away some of the cold that’s been locked up inside me. I reach out, cupping her face with hands that tremble despite the chill in the air. My thumb brushes over the curve of her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin, the heat beneath. “You really mean that?”

She leans into my touch, her eyes slipping shut for a moment, like she’s soaking in the feel of me. When she opens them again, there’s a fierceness there that takes my breath away. “Yeah, Slate. I do. I’m tired of being afraid of what I might lose. I want to be brave enough to fight for what I want—for us.”

Her words make something snap inside me, something that’s been coiled tight since the moment she left. I bend down, resting my forehead against hers, our breaths mingling in the cold air, warm puffs that drift up toward the clear sky. I close my eyes, letting myself believe that maybe, just maybe, we can make this work. That this time, things could be different.

“Then let’s do this,” I murmur, my voice rough with the promise that’s building in my chest. “Let’s start over, Emma. No more running, no more hiding. Just us, figuring it out together.”

She nods against me, her hands coming up to curl into the fabric of my jacket, gripping like she’s afraid I might slip away. “Together,” she repeats, her voice soft but fierce, the word a promise that makes my throat ache. “Whatever happens, we face it. No more looking back.”

I pull her closer, wrapping my arms around her, feeling the way her body molds to mine. She fits against me like she always did, like she always should have. My lips brush against her temple, lingering there, and for a second, the world around us fades away—the mountains, the snow, the hurt and fear. All that’s left is her, and the hope of something new.

Her breath shudders against my neck, and she presses closer, her hands sliding up to cup my jaw, her thumbs brushing over the stubble there. I feel the heat of her breath, the warmth of her mouth so close to mine, and it sends a jolt through me, a fire that has nothing to do with the sun beating down on us. “You’ve always been stubborn, Slate,” she whispers, a smile curving against my skin. “But I think I love you for it.”

I pull back just enough to look at her, my own smile tugging at my lips, rougher than hers but no less real. “And you’ve always been impossible, Emma. But hell if that doesn’t make me want you more.”

She laughs, a sound that’s raw and sweet and cuts through the last of the tension hanging between us. I lean in, pressing my mouth to hers, tasting the cold on her lips, the heat beneath. The kiss is slow, gentle, but there’s a hunger there too, a promise that we’re just getting started.

When we finally break apart, I press my forehead to hers again, breathing her in. “No more looking back,” I repeat, my voice rough. “Just us. Whatever comes.”

She nods, her breath brushing against my lips, her hands tightening in my jacket. “Whatever comes.”

We stand there, wrapped up in each other, the snow crunching under our boots, the sun warm against our faces. And for the first time in years, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

“You don’t know what you’ve unleashed in me, beautiful,” I finally murmur, my voice rough with emotion as I focus on her face, taking in every detail. After all these years, after all the lost time, here she is, standing right in front of me, a sweet smile on her lips and snowflakes dusting her eyelashes. My hands weave through her silky hair, gathering it up and bringing it to my nose. That familiar scent floods my senses, filling the lonely spaces I’ve carried for so long.

My chest tightens, almost painful with the feeling that’s building there. I’ve been a man starved—starved for the warmth of this woman, for the memory of the girl I knew and loved. And now she’s here. Finally.

“I’ve thought about you for so long, Emma,” I say, my voice trailing off, disbelieving that she’s really here, that she waited for me, just like I waited for her. It was always her. It was always Emma or nothing. “I spent so many nights with you on my mind.”

She presses a trembling hand to her lips, tears shining in her eyes.

“And now we’re here,” I hum, running my thumb along the curve of her bottom lip, feeling its softness, savoring the warmth. “Sweet Emma, it’s always been you. Always. Not a single moment went by that you weren’t with me, at least in spirit.”

The emotions swell, and before I can stop myself, I pull her to me, kissing her with a hunger that’s built up over the years. Her delicate fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer as I claim her lips with a desperate urgency. She tastes like comfort, like home.

I kiss my way down her neck, across the gentle curve of her collarbone, letting my hands roam the length of her body, needing to feel every inch of her against me. Her body is heaven—soft, warm, and mine. I press kisses down her neck, tasting the sensitive skin at her wrists, the tender flesh at her temples. My hands slide beneath her waistband, inching closer to what I’ve craved for so long.

“I want inside you again.” My voice drops, rough with need as I hover over her pussy, waiting for her permission, needing her to want this as much as I do. I can’t stop myself anymore, but I want her to choose this too. Because once we start—there’s no turning back. I’m never letting her go again.

“I thought about this a thousand times,” I admit, my lips grazing the edge of her waistband as she shivers beneath me. “And now that we’re here I can’t get enough of you.”

She hums as my tongue teases along her bare skin. I guide her back into the cabin, kicking the door closed with my boot.

I steal a glance down at her, catching the way her eyes darken as I stroke my fingertip over the denim that hides her from me. I lick my lips, and then, in one swift move, I lift her into my arms, carrying her to the bed.

My lips twitch into a grin, my voice dropping to a husky murmur. “Well, beautiful, I can’t wait to see every sweet inch of you as I make you cum so hard you forget both of our names.”

Her eyes widen, a smile tugging at her lips as I growl playfully, then pull her jeans down, revealing a pair of soft, white panties dotted with tiny pink hearts—and a damp spot in the center.

My hands grip her creamy thighs as I lean in, breathing in her scent, then hook my thumb into the fabric and tear. Her gasp fills the room, echoing off the walls, but it’s quickly swallowed by a moan when my tongue slides slowly over her wet heat, swirling and nipping at her sensitive clit.

Her breathing quickens, and her hips begin to rock against my mouth. I work my tongue over her, teasing and tasting, while my fingertips toy with her entrance, feeling her tighten and shiver beneath me.

“Oh God, Slate…” she moans, her fingers fisting in the sheets as her body writhes. Her need, her desire—it’s everything I’ve been missing. Everything I’ve craved.

She trembles, her muscles tightening as I push her closer and closer to release. And when she finally shudders, her orgasm washing over her, I drink her in, letting the sound of her pleasure echo through me. It’s a sound I’ll never get tired of hearing.

I climb up her body, pressing kisses to her soft skin as I go, stopping at her breasts, still covered by her shirt. I tug the fabric up, lavishing attention on the curve of her breasts, nipping at her nipple before my hand slips back between her legs, testing her readiness.

“You’re so sweet, Emma,” I murmur, sliding my fingers into her slick warmth, savoring the feel of her against my skin. I pull my fingers free, tasting her on my tongue before pushing my pants down.

She watches me, her eyes tracing the lines of my body, her lips parting as I hover above her. “Are you sure you’re ready for me again so soon?” I ask, afraid she might change her mind.

But her gaze locks with mine, warm and steady, a promise in her eyes. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for you, Slate.”

And that’s all I need to hear. “Fucking perfect,” I breathe.

“But I want to taste you first,” she whispers, her voice soft, her eyes wide and full of longing.

I nearly lose control at her words. “Baby, you have no idea what you’re asking,” I groan, my lips brushing hers.

“I need to taste you,” she insists, her fingers wrapping around my shaft, making me twitch. “I need to know this is real, that you’re not going to disappear.”

I cup her face, pressing my lips to hers, pouring all my love into the kiss. “Oh, beautiful, I promise—you couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.”

She slides out from under me, her hand wrapping around my cock, sending a shudder through my body. She lowers her head, her tongue teasing the tip, and I suck in a sharp breath, struggling to hold back.

“Emma…” I groan as she takes me deeper, her mouth warm and wet around me. “You don’t have to?—”

But she only tightens her grip, licking up my length, ignoring my protests as she takes me in. The heat of her mouth, the way she moves over me—it’s too much. I’m losing control, my hips bucking against her as she works me.

“That’s enough,” I growl, dragging her away before I lose it completely. “These lips were made to be on my cock, but not right now, baby. I have bigger plans.”

I kiss my way up her body, positioning myself at her entrance. “Can’t wait to be inside you again,” I murmur, dragging my thick length against her heat, letting her feel the weight of my need.

She shivers, her legs wrapping around my waist, pulling me closer. “I want all of you, Slate,” she whispers, her voice filled with longing.

I push into her slowly, feeling her warmth close around me, and it’s everything I’ve dreamed of. I hold still, savoring the moment, but when she arches against me, her breath catching, I know she’s ready.

I begin to move, slow and steady, kissing her deeply as I set a rhythm that’s meant to last. And as we move together, all the years of waiting, all the loneliness fades away. It’s just her and me, tangled together in the sheets, finding a new beginning in each other’s arms.

I can't stop complimenting her, the words slipping out before I can even think. Her cream on my tongue is silky and sweet, totally addicting. My body tenses with desire and it takes everything in me to control myself, I’m not ready for this to be over. I’ve grown obsessed with this playful and charming woman.

I can no longer deny it to myself.

I am completely infatuated with this woman.

My entire body is buzzing with need to release into her. Just the thought of flipping her over and tasting every part of her makes my cock twitch with anticipation.

"You've been so focused on what I like," I whisper, my hand at her waist as I pin her beneath me. "What do you like, Emma?"

She is speechless, her round mouth panting and making my arousal grow stronger.

"I like being around you," she finally manages to say, her breath hot against my skin.

A grin spreads across my face, pride swelling inside me. "I'm glad to hear that."

"You have no idea what you do to me," I confess between kisses. "I constantly think about all the different ways I could kiss you." I nibble at the edge of her smile. "Make you feel soft and warm in my arms..." My hands roam up her body, exploring every new curve and dip of her hips and waist as I thrust. “I want to fill all of your sexy little holes, sink my cock deep into your ass and fuck you until we can’t see straight.”

I tighten my hold and grind against her, feeling the hardness between my legs pressing deep inside her.

"Do you want me to keep kissing you, Emma?"

She nods softly, her tongue darting out to trace my lips.

She tastes like chocolate and honey with a hint of cinnamon, and I can't get enough.

"Say it."

She nods again. "Please, kiss me, Slate."

Her words are like fuel for the fire inside me. Hands on her hips, grinding against her, I run my tongue along her lips before diving in eagerly.

Our tongues dance and twirl together as I inhale deeply, taking in her scent of cinnamon and fire that drives me wild.

"You make me want to do things like protect you." I cup her ass cheeks in my palms and hit a new angle inside of her. "And say things like 'I do'."

I slide my hands up her smooth thighs, digging my fingers into her skin as I pull her closer to my face. "And spend my nights buried between these beautiful thighs. I love how responsive this sweet pussy is to my touch."

She moans and arches towards me, begging for more.

"We have an eager pussy here." I grin, sliding my nose along the damp fabric. "And it smells sweeter than a ripe peach."

My hands continue their journey up her creamy skin as I explore every inch of her soft body.

"Should I taste this juicy peach?"

She hums and arches her back, our fingers meeting at the center of her chest.

"Say it," I order.

"Please taste my pretty pussy. I'm so soaking wet and ready for you." I pull out of her body and bury my face between her thighs.

I growl against her cunt, pleased when she trembles and desire floods through her body. "You like that dirty talk, don't you, baby? Tell your big dick Daddy how much you love it."

She moans softly, grinding her hips against my face eagerly.

"Say it," I demand.

She huffs with irritation, squeezing my hand in silent begging.

"Say it." My cock is throbbing with anticipation, but my need for her to be fully content compels me to make sure she's comfortable with each step.

"I love when you talk dirty to my pussy, big dick Daddy," she whispers breathlessly.

"Good." I dip my nose into her dripping pussy, unable to resist teasing her and pulling more sweet cream from her cunt. She screams in pleasure. "Now say it loud enough for the neighbors to hear."

The sight of her glistening goodness makes me groan with hunger.

"That's what I like, baby." I grasp her thick thighs and pull them towards me. "Keep it nice and loud. It's hard to hear when your beautiful thighs are around my ears."

My tongue traces the seam of her lips and she trembles wildly. "Oh God…"

I grin, diving deeper and sucking on her pink engorged folds with intense passion.

Each of her moans sends a jolt straight to my core and my fat cock. But I continue exploring every inch of her hot cunt with my tongue.

As I play with her nipples and squeeze her tits, I think about how she had been teasing me all night with her deep cleavage, and how badly I want to cum all over her breasts.

With a shudder of pleasure, Emma's pussy tightens and she cries out in release. I eagerly suck up every drop of her juices.

My own release is fast approaching as well, my balls tightening as I grip my shaft and stroke in quick movements before hot jets of cum spill over her full, bouncing breasts.

"Now that I've tasted the best peach in the world..." I lick and suck on her nipples until they stand erect before moving down to her mouth and kissing her deeply. "My baby has the sweetest cream and juiciest peach," I whisper between kisses. "I may never leave."