12. Aubrey

12

Aubrey

Stepping into the restroom wasn't so much about needing to use it as needing a breather to untangle the knot of thoughts in my head. Sean's that perplexing mix of exasperating and irresistible—a real-life riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, and then dressed up in an outfit that does him way too many favors.

Caught between the memory of his less-than-stellar reputation and the undeniable charm he's been laying on thick tonight, I lean against the sink, taking a moment to myself. On impulse, I whip out my phone and shoot a text to Savannah, hoping for a quick dose of her sage advice. But as fate would have it, my phone remains silent, leaving me to my own devices.

Sighing, I push off from the sink, mentally bracing myself to dive back into the evening's uncertainties. But as I swing the door open, I'm nearly bowled over by a presence as unexpected as it is... intriguing.

"Whoa there, careful," comes a voice, smooth as aged whiskey, from a man who manages to fill the hallway with his stature alone. And oh, what a presence it is. He's tall, his attire screaming 'expensive' with a cowboy hat that somehow doesn't seem outlandish perched atop his head.

He's charm incarnate from the moment he opens his mouth, and when his eyes make it abundantly clear he finds me more than just passably attractive, a flutter of vanity I didn't know I had perks up.

"I'm terribly sorry about that. Wasn't expecting such a beautiful obstacle on my way out," he says, his grin wide and disarmingly handsome.

I can't help but raise an eyebrow at his bold opener. "Beautiful obstacle? You sure have a way with backhanded compliments."

He chuckles, a sound that seems to fill the space between us with warmth. "Buck Winston," he introduces himself, extending a hand that looks like it's seen its fair share of work despite the flashy rings on his fingers.

Taking his hand, I can't help but be caught up in the moment, despite myself. "Aubrey. And while I appreciate the charm, Mr. Winston, I'm just on my way back to dinner."

Buck, undeterred, tips his hat ever so slightly. "Well, Aubrey, should you ever find yourself in need of better company, the Winston Ranch is always open.”

I smirk, amused by his confidence. "I'll keep that in mind, Buck. But for now, my company awaits."

As I slide back into my seat, a playful accusation ready on my lips for leaving me to fend off charming cowboys solo, I notice Sean grinning like the cat who got the cream—or in this case, the dessert. And there it is, right in front of me, a plate that looks like it's been plucked straight from my sweetest dreams.

"Sean, you do realize I like to spearhead my own dessert expeditions, right?" I start, mock indignation lacing my words.

He holds up his hands in surrender, but the mischief in his eyes is undeniable. "I know, I know, but I just couldn't resist. I mean, have you seen the chocolate lava cake they have here? It's legendary. And I remembered you mentioning back at the party where we met how much you love them."

I can't help but soften at that, the thoughtful gesture cutting right through my defenses. "Okay, okay, you got me there. A chocolate lava cake does sound like a slice of heaven right about now."

As the waiter sets the dessert between us, the rich aroma of melting chocolate fills the air, and any remaining annoyance melts away faster than the cake's center. Sean watches with barely contained pride as I take the first bite, the warm chocolatey goodness practically causing my taste buds to do a happy dance.

"Damn, this is incredible," I admit, my attempt at maintaining a dignified composure crumbling just like the cake under my fork.

"I told you," Sean beams, satisfaction written all over his face. "Who's your dessert guru?"

I laugh, rolling my eyes at his newfound title. "Okay, dessert guru, you win this round. But don't think this means you get to make all our culinary decisions from now on."

Our banter continues as we share the dessert, the easy flow of conversation mingling with the laughter and warmth of the moment. It's in these simple pleasures—a shared dessert, a smile, a look—that I find myself more drawn to Sean than ever before. It's not just his charm or his good looks; it's the way he respects my independence while still finding ways to care, to make gestures that show he's paying attention.

As we finish the last bites of the cake, our forks battling playfully for the final piece, I can't help but think back to my brief encounter with Buck Winston. Compared to the genuine connection and shared moments with Sean, the flashy charm of Buck seems superficial, fleeting.

"Sean, thanks for tonight. And for the cake," I say, my heart feeling lighter, more certain than it has in a long while.

"Anytime. And remember, when it comes to dessert, you can always trust the guru," Sean replies, his tone lighthearted, but his gaze holding mine with an intensity that promises more than just shared sweets.

As our evening winds down, and the last bites of dessert are claimed in a friendly fork duel, I discreetly pull out my phone under the table to shoot Emma a quick text about Luke. Almost instantly, her response lights up my screen.

Luke's been an angel. Fast asleep now ??. Enjoy your night out!

Relief washes over me, mingling with gratitude for Emma's unwavering support.

"So, ready to call it a night?" Sean asks, catching my eye across the remains of our chocolate battlefield.

I tuck my phone away, a playful challenge in my gaze. "Actually, how about a walk? It's too beautiful a night to waste."

Before I can even contemplate reaching for the check, Sean's already squared it away, his grin telling me he's pleased with his quick draw. "I guess you'll have to get the next one," he teases, standing and offering me his hand. “Maybe.”

"Oh, it's on," I promise, accepting his hand as we make our way out into the cool Cedar Creek evening. The town unfolds before us, streets bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, the gentle buzz of night-time activity painting the air with a sense of possibility.

Our steps sync as we wander, drawn to the town's centerpiece—a charming fountain that seems to capture the very essence of Cedar Creek's allure. It's here, amidst the gentle murmur of water and under the watchful gaze of the stars, that our conversation deepens, turning from playful banter to shared dreams and quiet confessions.

Sean's humor, his insights, and the way he listens, really listens, chips away at the walls I've built around myself. And in spite of every reason I've conjured to keep him at arm's length, I find those reasons slipping away, one by one.

Then, almost as if it's the most natural thing in the world, we're kissing—right there in front of the fountain, the rest of the world melting away until there's nothing but Sean and me and the warmth between us.

As we break apart, breathless and smiling, Sean's gaze holds mine, heavy with unspoken questions and the promise of more. "Aubrey, do you want to... get a room?" he asks, his voice a mix of hope and hesitation.

For a heartbeat, I consider the implications, the weight of this decision. But looking into Sean's eyes, seeing the man who's surprised me at every turn, who's been nothing but open and honest about his intentions, my doubts evaporate.

"Yes," I breathe, my voice steady, my decision made. "Yes, I do."

Finding a quaint hotel nestled in the heart of downtown Cedar Creek feels like the universe aligning perfectly for this moment. The charm of the hotel mirrors the town's allure, its welcoming glow promising a haven for the continuation of our night together.

As soon as we cross the threshold of our room, the anticipation that's been building between us ignites into an immediate, all-consuming need. The door shuts with a soft click, marking the barrier between the world outside and the private universe we're about to create.

Sean's hands find mine, pulling me closer with a desire that matches the intensity in his eyes. Our lips meet in a kiss that feels like a culmination of every flirtatious glance, every shared laugh, every moment of connection that's led us here. It's passionate, desperate, and revealing—a physical conversation that says more than words ever could.

We're on each other, the rest of the world fading to nothing as we get lost in the sensation, the emotion, and the undeniable connection that crackles between us.

“If I don’t get you naked soon, I’m going to lose my damn mind.”

I laugh. The way he talks to me reminds me of that first time together, when we’d both been so caught up in our sudden and incredible attraction that there was no room for anything else.

“The feeling’s more than mutual.”

He kisses me long and deep, his tongue intertwining with mine, his taste so delicious and intoxicating that my knees go weak. And as if sensing that I’m about to buckle like a fawn under his gaze, Sean wraps his arm around my waist and carries me over to the bed.

We kiss more and more, the pleasure and anticipation building by the second. Sean lays me down on my back, slipping his hands underneath my shirt and under the cups of my bra. I sigh as he takes hold of my breasts, rubbing my nipples and squeezing me in just the right way.

His lips move to my neck, and the sensation of him kissing me along this delicate, sensitive area makes me moan even more. Sean quickly goes to work on my clothes, peeling me out of my shirt and bra and pants and everything else until he’s got me down to nothing more than the off-white thong I’d had on underneath.

When I’m nearly bare, he stands at the edge of the bed, gazing down at me and shaking his head.

“Something wrong?” I ask.

He smirks. “No—just something very right. You’re so goddamn sexy it hurts.”

His words send a tingle of blush up my neck.

“You think so? Just, after pregnancy and all that I never really thought my body was what it used to be.”

Sean cocks his head to the side, as if I’ve just said the most idiot thing he can think of.

“Are you serious?” he asks. “Aub, I’ve been dreaming about this body since all those years ago. So, having you here—it’s a literal dream come true.”

The man’s a charmer, I have to give him that. And his words feel good to hear, totally sincere and welcome.

“Now,” he says, giving me a once over, his eyes tracing my curves. “Let me put my money where my mouth is.”

He winks, then moves over top of me. He’s hard as hell, his cock tenting the fabric of his pants and pressing against my thigh. He kisses my legs, all over my thigh as he spreads me open. I’m totally soaked, ready for whatever he’s got in mind.

With another sexy little grin, he reaches up and grabs the sides of my panties, pulling them down all the way to my feet. I kick them off, and just like that I’m naked for the first time with a man since Luke was born.

It’s strange. I’ve felt so weird about my body—pregnancy will do that to you—but the way Sean’s looking at me and kissing me and touching me makes the insecurity fade by the second. There’s no doubt that he wants me like mad, and the feeling is more than mutual.

Sean kisses my legs more, moving towards my inner thighs. Then he inches up, up, towards my pussy. I let out a moan as he draws nearer, the anticipation driving me totally wild.

When he finally brings his lips to my slit, I just about melt. He kisses me softly, reaching between my thighs and spreading me open. I shiver with eagerness as he draws closer and closer and closer, nearing just where I want him.

Finally, his tongue touches my clit and I’m done . It feels so good that I can’t even think straight, the firm pressure of his tongue against my most sensitive spot sending a sharp bolt of pleasure through me.

“Holy shit, Sean,” I moan, glancing down and taking in the sight of him between my legs, his hands on my thighs holding me apart. “That’s… that’s…”

I don’t even bother trying to finish my sentence. Instead, I fall back onto the pillow and grab the sides of it, squeezing hard as he licks me. I close my eyes and focus on the pleasure, squirming with total delight as he plunges his tongue deep into my folds, licking me from the inside out.

He works with his fingers too, making lovely little circles around my clit as he licks me.

“Just like that,” I sigh. “Just like…”

It doesn’t take much more of this to push me over the edge. An orgasm rips through my body, and I grab the bedsheets for dear life, clenching the fabric in my fists as I come.

When he’s done, Sean rises from between my legs, my chest rising and falling, rising and falling.

“How was that?” he asks, climbing over top of me.

“That was… God, I don’t even know how to say what that was.”

“Works for me.”

I glance down at him, noticing the contrast of his still-clothed body to my nakedness.

“Don’t tell me you’re planning on having sex with me fully clothed,” I say with a smirk.

“Wouldn’t dream of denying you the sight of this perfection.”

That gets a laugh out of me. But he thankfully gets down to business, pulling off his shirt, then pants, then everything else. My eyes linger on the scar on his shoulder, a small, circular patch of skin right where the arm connects to the rest of him.

It’s still surreal to think he was shot. And that a few inches in the wrong direction, and…

As if sensing my thoughts, he silences my mind with a kiss. His right hand travels to my breast, squeezing me in that perfect way. I reach down and wrap my fingers around his thickness, licking my lips at the sensation of his hardness in my hand.

God, I love it.

“Protection?” he asks.

“On the pill,” I reply with a smile. “Learned my lesson, you could say.”

He laughs, and we kiss. I feel his head take position between my lips, right at my entrance. I reach around, placing my hands on his firm, round ass, guiding him where I want him, where I need him.

“Oh… Oh wow .”

It’s all I can say as he glides inside, stretching me out in that perfect, familiar way. I instinctively wrap my legs around him, pushing him down, urging him with my body to sink down all the way. It’s not long before he bottoms me out, filling me perfectly.

He kisses me, the kiss sloppy in just the right way. Then Sean pulls back, driving inside. It feels so good, so perfect, that I wonder how the hell I’ve managed to go so long without this.

“You like the way I feel inside?” he asks before kissing me right behind the ear.

“Love it. I freaking love it.”

“You’re mine, baby,” he says. “All mine.”

He’s right about that. In those heated moments, all I can think about is how he’s claiming me, making me his with his cock and his touch and his scent and his warmth and everything.

He pushes inside, and all I can do is focus on how he feels, how perfectly he fits. I manage to open my eyes a bit, taking in the glorious sight of his athlete’s body at work. Sean is sculpted , not a drop of extra fat on his form, his shoulders broad and round, his pecs square, and his abs absolutely shredded .

The man is a total feast for the eyes. But in those moments, he’s feasting on me.

“Come for me,” he says. I can sense by the tension in his voice that he’s getting close. “Come for me right now.”

I can’t resist him. Sean’s driving into me with a perfect rhythm, putting me in a total sexual trance, just the state of mind I need to be in to release.

“Sean, oh God !”

He grins, and I come. Pleasure ripples through my body in hot waves, each full, slow, deep thrust of his hard cock bringing me over the edge. The orgasm is like nothing else, and I grab his ass hard, holding him in place.

Sean grunts and erupts, his wet warmth filling me in the most divine way possible. His cock pulses inside, his whole body tensing as he comes into me.

We hold fast for a moment, the world outside of us gone as we come together.

Then it’s over. He withdraws, his seed dripping out of me. I close my eyes and smile, loving how it still feels, warm and lovely. He kisses me deep and pulls me close, and I rest my head on his chest.

It’s been years, but being there with Sean… it feels like coming home.