The sudden close contact makes me stumble. I’ve never even fooled around with a guy, and with this being our first time to even be alone, I’m beyond nervous. I’ve always been a baking book nerd who doesn’t know how to flirt.
“Yeah, it’s beautiful out here. Why’d you want to come over tonight?” I’m hoping he’s going to ask me on a real date or at least for my number so we can text and get to know each other.
“After I saw how grown-up you’d gotten earlier today, I just needed to see you again. You’re the prettiest girl in this town—you know that?” He grins, winking at me.
His teeth are a little stained from tobacco, but that’s a very fixable problem. Other than that, he’s attractive, with broad shoulders and pretty blue eyes.
I blush under his praise. “That’s completely untrue, but thank you.”
He squeezes my side, his fingers brushing dangerously low toward my butt. Any one of my brothers would kill me if they knew I was out here with Cain Dixon right now. I’m usually a rule follower. I’ve never done anything like this, and the thrill of his attention is getting to my head and making me feel drunk.
The sound of water rushing over rocks reaches my ears as we approach the river at the low crossing. Redford Ranch has ample natural water resources, which makes it incredibly valuable and ideal for raising cattle.
“This is my favorite spot. In the summer, we come down here and swim, have picnics, and just hang out.”
“I bet you look so hot in a bikini.”
I giggle, feeling slightly uneasy when his hand drops lower, gently cupping my ass. I pull back from him. We make it down to the edge of the water, where a big, smooth rock sticks out of the side. It’s perfect for lying out to get sun or to sit and watch the river flow over the rocks.
“So, you’re not worried about what your brothers would say about you being all alone out here with me?”
The uneasiness in my gut grows. I shrug, trying to act casual. “I don’t think they’d be thrilled about it, but they don’t control me. I make my own decisions.”
I’ve been under lock and key my entire life. Holden, Cash, Duke, and Sterling make me feel like I’m suffocating sometimes. They want me to become an old maid, cooking and cleaning up after them until I finally keel over and die.
Cain stretches out a hand and pinches my chin. “Can you keep this our little secret?”
I swallow over the lump in my throat. “I mean, we’re just talking right now. It’s not that big of a deal.”
“You’re so gorgeous in this light. You know what’s more fun than talking?” His eyes glint as he leans toward me.
I pull back, turning my head to the side.
He kisses my cheek, releasing a low chuckle. “Ah, so you’re a tease, huh? That’s okay. It’s more fun.”
I look around at the growing darkness, fear spiking in my veins. “You know, Rosie was upset when I left. I might need to go check up on her. She was fighting with Duke.”
“The fact that you’re only eighteen is fucking wild. You look older.”
He leans forward, trying to kiss me again. I turn my head, stepping away to put distance between us.
“Yeah, I get that a lot.” I don’t, but I chuckle, telling myself this is fine. “I should probably get to Rosie now.” I fold my arms around myself to stop from shivering.
“Ah, I thought you wanted some alone time with me.” His face hardens.
“I did … I just thought we’d go on a real date or something.”
“You need a real man. You’ve probably never been touched by someone who knew what they were doing. I can show you things.”
My eyes widen when I see his fingers start to unbutton his jeans. He drags the zipper down, his face illuminated in the moonlight. My heart thunders inside my chest with an unsteady beat. I take another step back, debating if I should make a run for it.
“I’m still a virgin, so, no, I haven’t. I’ve never met someone I was ready to?—”
He takes two quick steps forward, his hands jerking me by the waist of my jeans. “You’ll like it. I’ll make you feel good.”
A tornado of emotions is swirling inside me. I might pass out from the fear, adrenaline, and my heart desperately pumping blood to keep up.
Don’t panic, don’t panic, don’t panic!
