Not that I ever would.
His tongue rolls against mine like he's savoring me and has all the time in the world to do it.
I press my palm against his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart, but it's thumping harder than it was earlier in the barn.
"No way," he mumbles against my lips.
I kiss him more, then ask "What?" before diving back into his mouth.
He tugs me closer, answering, "No way you haven't kissed anyone before."
I still. "Why do you say that?"
He grins. "Because you kiss like you want me to forget my own name."
A ball of giddiness rolls through me. "I do?"
"Yeah. So give me some more before I have to sneak out of here," he orders, then tugs me tighter to him.
10
Wyatt – Age 20
Two Years & Seven Months Later
Christmas Eve
Bucky spits his tobacco on the ground. The glint in his eye no longer shows doubt.
There's only respect.
This is it.
This is my ride.
Blackvein snorts and grunts.
Adrenaline floods every inch of my body, preparing me for what I've done fifty-six times in the last seven months.
Every time, Blackvein’s bucked me off. Each time, I assess what I did wrong and come back to try again with more determination.Yesterday, I held on for seven and a half seconds. I was so close, I could taste victory.
So today's my day.
"You got this, Wyatt!" Willow cheers.
I glance over, feeling an extra wave of nerves. A cold gust sweeps the ranch, sharp and sudden. Her dark hair lifts with the wind, and she pulls her jacket tighter around herself.
This morning at breakfast, she made a big deal about needing to go to town for more gifts. She got her license but hasn't gotten a car yet. So I told the Cartwrights I'd take her to town to finish her Christmas shopping after practice. It worked like a charm, and now we have some time together, albeit not quite alone yet.
But there was another reason I was happy she came today.
Ineedher to see me master this.
She's rooted me on and picked me up on my bad days, so I want to prove to her, as well as myself and Jax, that I can do this.
"Ready?" Bucky asks.
I pull my glove on, grip the braided leather, and squeeze my thighs tight against Blackvein. I dig my spurs into him for anchor points and put my other hand in the air.
