My eyes snap to his when he grips my waist and pulls me to him, his hardening cock a promise against my stomach. I part my lips to speak, but he captures them in a kiss, causing me to forget any arguments I may have had.
“Turn around.”
Already trembling from anticipation, I do as he said and turn to face the shower spray. I hear a click and then a few seconds later his hands are on me, squeezing and stroking as he lathers me up. Each innocent swipe of his fingers fuels my arousal. I need him to touch me. I need him to do more than just touch me.
When he finally reaches my center, his fingers gently cleanse me before moving on to my thighs and the rest of my legs. I feel no shame when I whimper in disappointment. Not even when he laughs at me.
“My turn.”
When I turn around, he hands me the body wash. I snatch it, ignoring the smug smile on his face, and begin washing him. Running my hands over his body, gently exploring every last inch is proving to be as arousing as when he washed me. My hands reach his stomach, and his sharp breath is nearly my undoing.
Continuing down his body, my hands reach his hard cock. I lift my gaze to his and find him watching me closely with his jaw clenched like he’s fighting the same battle I am. With a slow breath, I continue down his body until he’s completely clean. His cock is at eye level, and after briefly meeting his gaze, I lick my lips and focus my attention in front of me. I want to taste him. I lean forward, but before I can get my mouth on him, he grips my arms and hauls me to my feet.
“Please,” I whimper.
He shakes his head. “Not yet. We have to go spend time with your aunt and give her a chance to get comfortable with us. And not get pissed if she has some questions. When we’re done, I’ll let you touch me. I’ll let you come.”
I open my mouth to argue, but he once again interrupts me with a kiss. His kiss is hungry, and I match his need as I swipe my tongue along his. I’m left needing more when he finally pulls away and steps out of the shower.
As I get dressed, I realize the feeling of need has completely canceled out any worries about dinner and what else my aunt might say. I don’t care what she does, I just want it to be over so he can follow through on his promise.
Chapter 37
Joy
AuntSophiacontinuestopile food onto my plate after I said it was plenty. “You’re getting too thin; you need to eat.”
Looking down at myself, I don’t even try to mask my laughter. No one in their right mind would ever consider me too thin… but I’m not exactly watching my figure, either. My eye roll is subtle as I wait for her to finish piling on more and more food I’ll never eat. Tate watches me with a small smile and it’s enough for me to forget my irritation.
“Everything looks delicious,” Tate says quietly. “Thank you.”
My aunt smiles, melting under his praise, and I use the opportunity to set down my plate before she can continue to add more. When we joined her in the kitchen, my aunt seemed to be much more relaxed and in a better mood than she had been in the living room. She cooked her famous fried chicken and macaroni and cheese along with green beans from her garden. She does her own canning, so even from a jar, they are a million times better than anything you can find at the store.
“Oh, my goodness,” I say around a bite of food. “This is so good.”
It is good. Better than anything I’ve had in ages. Food distracts me, and it isn’t long before we’ve all finished without pausing for conversation. My aunt stands and clears our plates before I can even process what’s happening. She returns with a pot of coffee, and I help myself.
“So, have you retired from riding?” my aunt asks.
Tate finishes pouring his coffee and takes a sip before responding. “I’ll probably step in as a pickup man when I can, but other than the one event I travel for, I think I’m done competing.”
It’s my turn to squeeze his thigh. So much of his life was spent competing at Boulder Ranch, it’s got to be hard to give that up. Even when giving it up means ensuring other young men get the same opportunities he had when he was first starting out.
“Why do you travel for that one event?” she asks. I feel like I’m sitting in on an interview, but I don’t know how to make it stop. Tate doesn’t seem too uncomfortable, so I let him speak for himself.
“They’re like family. When I can’t ride anymore, I’ll still go there every year. Hell, I’d be the rodeo clown if they asked me.”
This earns him a laugh. Not just the respectful chuckle that she usually gives. Aunt Sophia covers her mouth so she can laugh without being ridiculously loud. It must be contagious because I find myself laughing even though it’s not all that funny.
“Have you dated other women who work at the ranch?”
“Aunt Sophia!” I scold, but Tate is shaking his head, holding a hand over mine.
“No ma’am. It’s been some time since I’ve dated anyone seriously.” He answers easily.
Sofia clasps her stiff, wrinkled hands in front of herself. I wait for her to say something else, but she just sits back, eventually sipping her coffee. Following her lead, I sip my own. Tate does the same, and I assume the conversation is over until my aunt speaks again.
“Too busy taking care of everyone else?”
