Peyton’s first inclinationhad been to drive straight to The Rusty Tavern, in Hotchkiss, and get rip roaring drunk. That’s what he would have done five years ago, before Corinne moved back in, before he’d taken partial responsibility for his niece. But he couldn’t allow himself such a selfish luxury today. Hell no, a text had just come through from his neighbor on the south side. Part of the fence had fallen.
So instead of drowning his sorrows in a bottle of whiskey, he’d stopped at home, picked up his tools, and driven to the edge of the property.
Normally he would have enjoyed the feel of the hammer in his hand, taken satisfaction knowing that this repaired section was now stronger than the rest. He would have liked to feel his muscles strain, get some dirt on his hands.
But today held no peace.
He’d seen the look in Stella’s eyes when he’d left her. He’d known she was mad as hell.
He just… God, he just couldn’t handle anymore today. He’d sat in that room, listened to that doctor, and watched the light of hope leave Corinne’s eyes forever.
He’d held her while she cried and known her pain was emotional as well as physical. It had been the worst day he could remember since getting the call about his mom and dad.
He just didn’t think he could deal with Misty’s grief today too… fucking coward that he was.
He replaced his tools and slammed the tailgate shut. He needed to take care of the chores at home now. The sun’s last rays barely lit up the distant sky in a myriad of pinks and oranges and reds. Stars twinkled in the east.
Just two nights ago he’d sat beneath this same sky with a pretty girl. He’d wanted to kiss her.
These feelings for Stella somehow blindsided him. Amidst the torment of Corinne’s cancer and Misty’s coming loss, he couldn’t forget the taste of Stella’s lips.
What a mess. Such a fucking mess.
The road back to the house had more rocks and ruts than most horse trails but he’d driven it a thousand times.
Would she be there with Misty? Of course, she would. Stella had that something about her that he knew she’d do what needed to be done. Despite her looks, and her city background, she was solid, dependable, the opposite of what he’d assumed before they’d met. Part of him wanted to see her, to talk to her– apologize– but another part of him resented her presence tonight.
She’d seen him at his worst today. Likely she hated him by now. He’d abandoned her. Hell, all of them.
Corinne’s truck was parked behind the house. As he pulled up, Red came dashing out of the barn with Stella not far behind him. Whereas Red made a mad dash for the truck, however, Stella folded her arms defensively and glared. Her pony tail was slipping out of its tie and she had hay stuck on her jeans, but standing there, with the golden sunlight caressing her face, she nearly took his breath away.
Unwilling to wait for him to climb out of the truck, she narrowed her eyes, scowled, and then disappeared inside the barn. Misty would be inside with the horses. Damn, he owed them both an apology.
He turned off the engine and just sat for a minute, trying to come up with the right words to say, until Red’s impatience forced him to climb out. After a few affectionate pets, Peyton ambled reluctantly toward the barn door.
“Stella,” he called out. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll finish up in here.” A pile of dirty hay in front of her, she ignored him and kept sweeping up the last bits.
“I’ve got it.” She swiped at a strand of hair hanging in her face. She looked flushed and her eyes were red.
Self-loathing kicked him in the ass.
He snatched the broom out of her hands, tossed it on the ground and enfolded her in a giant hug. “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry.”
Shaking, she pushed against his chest. “Just leave me alone.” But then she buried her face against him and a sob racked her frame. “Don’t do that! Don’t leave me alone again. Not like that.”
Peyton tucked her head beneath his chin and ran his hand down her hair. Her warmth, gentle hiccups, those fragile hands clenched against his chest– all of it along with Stella’s sweet perfume mixed with the smell of horses– made him feel like he’d come home.
“Shhh…” He kissed the top of her head, holding her against him still. “I won’t. I’m here.” A combination of want and need tore him up. He grabbed both sides of her face to look at her. Silver eyes gazed back searchingly. And then, with a single nod and a slow blink, she forgave him. With that gift, he traced his mouth along the side of her cheek. When he finally reached her lips, he paused, his heart thundering inside his chest. He could almost taste her already. “I’m here.” He murmured the words again before closing the distance between them.
She welcomed him with a sweetness he didn’t deserve.
The warmth spreading into his limbs, his gut, his… heart… were all new. She felt so fresh and unfamiliar and yet so right. Unlike when he’d kissed her from atop Hermes, he could feel the entire length of her body. And he could linger, taste, explore the tender skin behind her lips.
She sighed sweetly, and slender arms crept around his neck. As she did so her breasts pressed against him fully. He ran his hands down her back. Ah, Stella. The soft curves of her body felt fragile and small.
Grasping her long ponytail from behind, he tugged downward. Stella needed little prodding and allowed him access to the tender skin of her neck. He dragged his mouth along her shoulder but then captured her mouth again. From the moment he’d laid eyes on her he’d wanted this. He’d wanted to possess her, to know her. He’d wanted to be a part of her.
Certain parts of his anatomy agreed whole heartily.
