We head back to Wade's cottage, my hand finding her back as we walk. She's still wearing my flannel, her legs bare underneath, and every man with eyes would know exactly what we just did. Good. Let them fucking know she's mine.
The afternoon sun is brutal, but I barely notice. All I can focus on is Lily beside me, the way she walks a little differently now—looser, more relaxed. Thoroughly fucked. My cum still dripping out of her and into her underwear.
My phone buzzes as we approach Wade's cottage. Tucker.
**Tucker:** Both girls passed out hard. Don't rush back. Take your time with Sarah.
I show the text to Lily, and relief floods her face.
"She's okay," she breathes. "I knew Tucker would take care of her, but—"
"But you're her mom and you worry." I unlock Wade's door. "That's normal. Good, even. Shows you give a shit."
She disappears into the bedroom while I wait in the living room, trying not to think about what we just did in my shower. Trying not to get hard again remembering how she looked on her knees, how she sounded when she came, how tight her pussy felt wrapped around my cock.
Fuck. I'm getting hard anyway.
Lily emerges wearing actual clothes this time: a different pair of jeans that hug her curves, a green top that makes her eyes pop, her damp hair pulled back in a ponytail. She's gorgeous. Nervous. Her hands twist together as she looks at me.
"How do I look?" she asks. "Professional enough? Sarah's going to judge me the second I walk in, and I need this job, Mason. I can't fuck this up."
I cross to her and take her face in my hands. "You look perfect. And Sarah's going to love you because you're honest, hardworking, and desperate enough to take the job seriously. That's what she cares about. Not what you're wearing."
"You sure?"
"Positive." I kiss her forehead. "But if it makes you feel better, we can swing by the general store and grab you something more 'professional.'"
She shakes her head. "No. You're right. If Sarah's as good as everyone says, she'll see past the clothes to the person underneath."
"That's my girl." The words slip out before I can stop them, but I don't take them back. She is my girl now. Mine to protect, mine to care for, mine to fuck whenever we both need it.
We head to my truck and drive into town. Blackwater Falls looks different in daylight. Less depressing, more tired. Like a town that's seen better days but refuses to die completely.
The saloon sits on Main Street, its weathered sign creaking in the wind. Blackwater Falls Saloon in faded letters, a neon Coors Light sign in the window. The parking lot is empty except for an old pickup I recognize as Sarah's.
"She's here," I say, cutting the engine. "Ready?"
Lily takes a deep breath. "Ready."
I'm about to open my door when she grabs my arm.
"Mason." Her green eyes are serious. "Thank you. For all of this. For believing in me when you have no reason to."
"I have plenty of reasons." I lean over and kiss her. When I pull back, her cheeks are flushed. "Now let's get you that job."
The saloon looks different empty. The dark wood and scarred tables that seem charming at night just look worn in the daylight streaming through the windows. But it's clean, and the smell of bleach and lemon cleaner overpowers the usual stale beer scent.
Sarah's behind the bar, doing inventory. She looks up when we enter, her sharp eyes taking in everything. Lily's nervous expression, my protective stance, the way we're standing close enough that my hand brushes hers.
"Mason Reid." Sarah's voice is dry, amused. "Didn't expect to see you before sundown. You usually avoid this place during daylight hours."
"Had a good reason to come by." I gesture to Lily. "This is Lily. She's looking for work."
Sarah's gaze shifts to Lily, assessing. I can practically see her cataloging details. The cheap clothes, the nervous energy, the way Lily's trying to stand taller than her five-foot-nothing height allows.
"Lily," Sarah repeats. "You're the one staying at Promise Ranch? Word travels fast in small towns."
"Yes, ma'am." Lily's voice is steady despite her nerves. "Mason was kind enough to offer me a place to stay while I get on my feet."
