18. Kayla

CHAPTER 18

KAYLA

A fter the line dancing, we decide to head home for dinner. At least, that's what we tell everyone.

The second we're in the cover of the trees, our hunger for each other takes over.

Ash lifts me up and pushes me against one of the trees, his lips clinging to mine. Instead of concentrating on the uncomfortable tree, I'm consumed by him. His hands and body claim every inch of me, and I moan as he kisses down my neck.

"Maybe we should take this back to the ranch," I pant.

He lets out a low growl as his lips trace my collarbone. I let him kiss me for a little bit longer and then drop my feet back to the floor. He reluctantly pulls back, lust burning in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, I start walking toward the ranch.

We don't talk about it, but our desire for each other is intense. It's obvious by the groping and our inability to keep our hands to ourselves.

I wonder if he's like this with everyone.

He walks close behind me, and the tiniest bit of proximity drives my body crazy. I almost resent that he has such a hold over me. We haven't known each other that long. The second I look into his eyes, any worries and concerns fly out the window. That scares me more than anything — my inability to think logically with him around me.

The second the front door closes, Ash has got me wrapped in his arms. I gasp at the feeling of his cock straining against his jeans. I feel out of control yet I'm loving every second. My soul feels like it's on fire.

It doesn't take long for our clothes to disappear and soon I'm crying out, grateful that there's no one around for miles, as he takes me over the edge with his mouth. Unsurprisingly, we don't take our hands off each other for the rest of the night.

I wake up in his arms again. Even though I know he's going to leave soon, I go about my day in a haze of ignorant bliss. I like being back in our bubble on the ranch. I enjoyed our day at the festival, but I love when it's just us two.

The day passes in a blur of chores and stolen moments.

That evening, it's Ash's turn to cook dinner, and he covers my eyes. "Notice how I'm saying nothing remotely dirty about this situation."

I laugh as he leads me outside. I know from living here most of my life that we're headed toward the cabins. He drops his hands and I gasp.

The gazebo area is dressed in fairy lights and rose petals. There's a large, cozy rug in the middle of which sit a meal and drinks. I was with Ash most of the day, so I have no idea how he's pulled this off. My heart melts. He did all of this for me.

I leap into his arms and kiss him hard. He kisses me back, matching my intensity. Reluctantly, I pull away from him so I can see what he's made me.

Sitting down, I take a bite. I put my hand over my heart. "You found the recipe book?"

He smiles and nods.

A few days ago, we talked about food my mom used to make and how I still keep her recipe book in the kitchen. Tears well in my eyes. This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.

More than just the physical attraction, we've connected over our families. He's told me all about his dad leaving when he was young, and I've told him more about losing my mom. I feel so close to him on an emotional level. It scares the daylight out of me.

As much as we've been acting like lovestruck teenagers, I know that this is still a fling. That hasn't changed. I think we're both trying to ignore that fact.

He moves closer to me, and I lean my head on his shoulder, getting a whiff of his minty aftershave.

I sigh. "What inspired this?"

His shoulders move against me as he chuckles. "Would it be cheesy if I said you ?"

"Yes, but I like it." I snuggle into him a bit more.

He turns to look me in the eyes. "I appreciated you showing me the town and including me in the activities. No one's ever taken the time to show me their world before."

I smile. I didn't think of it like that. The one time Daniel came with me, he complained the entire time. It was nice to have someone appreciate it.

His hand lightly caresses my face. "My world mostly consists of hockey and partying. The time I've spent here on the ranch with you has been invigorating. I've loved every second."

There's the one thing I've been trying to avoid — hope. If I let myself dream, I would dream about us being something more. Ash has ignited the spark of hope and I hate it. I hate myself for feeling so strongly. I hate myself for wanting us to be more than a fling. I hate that he's leaving. That tiny flicker of hope is going to burn me.

He stares into my eyes with an intensity that takes my breath away. All my doubts and thoughts fade.

I try to laugh off the intensity of the moment. " Every second? Even when you first got here and didn't know how to do anything?"

He laughs. "Even then." He leans in and kisses me sweetly and slowly. His hands are gentle as they make their way down my body.

It feels raw. Like there are no barriers between us. It doesn't take long before there are literally no barriers between our bodies. His hands explore my body as if he's memorizing every inch.

I savor the feeling of him memorizing me, claiming me, devouring me. I hold on to this exact moment, where it's just us, the stars, and the intense spark that'll probably burn both of us.