A quick glance at the clock on the microwave tells me he should be here any minute. My stomach is in knots, and I couldn’t calm my racing heart if I tried. I’m a mess. And I’m overthinking everything. Like what if one of my kids pops over for something? It’s highly unlikely, but not impossible. Or they could drive by and spot Remington’s truck in front of my house. How would we explain that? Fuck. I should’ve suggested we do this at his house; there would be a lot less risk. I love having my boys so close. The whole family living on one property is not only convenient, but comforting too. But tonight, their proximity to my house and the events that are going to transpire later is neither convenient nor comforting.
A knock echoes through the house, and I nearly jump out of my skin.He’s here.It’s time. This is really happening. Clearing my throat, I check my appearance in the hallway mirror, force myself to take a deep breath, and then walk to the door. With another steadying breath in, I unlock and open it, reminding myself that this is a good idea.It’s the only way.By morning,Remington will be out of my system, and I can function like a normal adult again.
His dimples shine through as he smirks. “Howdy,” he blurts out, raising his hand to wave. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Remington’s nervous, but that can’t be right. What would he be nervous about? Remington’s shamelessly flirted with me, toeing the line of inappropriate, for years now. Not only that, but he’s the one who’s been pushing for this to happen. It washimwho made the first move the night we kissed, just like it washimwho approached me not once, but twice, at the bar.
No, he’s not nervous.I’m pushing my own nerves onto him, that’s all.
“You gonna stand on the porch all night?” I ask, stepping to the side.
“Nah. The real fun happens inside the house,” he drawls with a flirty grin and a wink.
Stepping past me, I catch a whiff of his cologne, and my stomach flutters like I’m a goddamn teenager with my first crush.
Remington leans in as soon as the door is closed, pressing his mouth to mine. Not expecting it, I inhale sharply, my body frozen for a moment before my mind catches up. Both his hands curl into fists on the front of my shirt, while mine find their place on his hips. Tongue confidently parting my lips, Remington licks into my mouth, and the world around us narrows to heat and breath and the soft shock of contact. Our mouths move in perfect harmony, not rushing but not restrained either.
When he deepens the kiss, my pulse spikes, a low thrum under my skin. Remington brushes his thumb along my jaw, the touch both grounding and possessive, and without thinking, I lean into it, opening for him like it’s instinct instead of choice. Kissing Remington feels like waking up for the first time, like breaking through a fog I didn’t even know was there.It’s intimate… Devastating. I pull back just enough to catch my breath. My lips tingle as I rest my forehead against his.
Remington places his palm on my chest. “Your heart’s beatin’ so fast,” he rasps before grabbing my wrist and bringing my hand up to feel his. “Just like mine.”
I don’t say anything—I’m not sure I could even if I tried.
Then he takes a step back, makes a show of removing his jacket and boots before sauntering through my house like he didn’t just wreck me with only his mouth. “What smells so fuckin’ good?” he asks before tossing me a grin over his shoulder as I follow him down the hall and into the kitchen. “Other than you, obviously.”
That shouldn’t make my stomach flutter all over again.
“Dinner,” I murmur. “Made steak and baked potatoes, with grilled asparagus.”
Remington clicks his tongue to his teeth. “Damn, daddy. Youcookedfor me?”
“Actually, Igrilledfor you, but yes.”
“So, what you’re sayin’ is, this is a date-date?” The corner of his mouth lifts in another smirk so sexy it takes my dick twitch.
“No, Remington,” I grumble. “That’s not what I’m sayin’. But there’s no reason we can’t enjoy a nice meal together, especially since you’ll be here all night.”
“You’re damn right I will.” He closes the distance between us, lowers his voice, and adds, “By the time the sun rises tomorrow morning, your voice will be hoarse from screamin’ my name and beggin’ for more.”
His words spread through my groin like lava, and my face heats. Even though it doesn’t happen often, I’m no stranger to sex, and I’m certainly not a prude. But I’ve never been with someone as cocky and shameless as Remington. It’s like every time he says something, my mind goes haywire, and I can’t think of a single thing to say back.
Clearing my throat, I grab two plates from the cabinet, handing one to Remington. His fingers brush mine as he takes it from me, the touch like electricity flowing through him and into me. After we dish up and bring our plates to the table, I grab my favorite bottle of bourbon and two rocks glasses.
“Drink?” I offer.
A smile curves his lips as he nods. “I’d love one.”
This is the first time we’ve sat at this table, just the two of us, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t nice. It’s not tense or awkward. It’s…comfortable.
As we’re finishing up, Remington peers at me from across the table, slowly sipping his drink. The smirk he gives me as he swallows tells me all I need to know.
“So, tell me… You bring men back here and cook for them like this often?”
I chuckle dryly. “No. This is definitely a first.”
“Really?” His eyebrows shoot up, and there’s a glint in his eyes that makes my chest flutter. “So where do you take men, then?”
“I don’t.” I snort. “I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed, but outside of this ranch, I don’t really do much.”
He studies me for a second. “When was the last time you had sex?”
