Country Secrets

by Caz May

  The tears have started to fall down his cheeks, as all the loss of his past comes rushing back into his mind. It makes sense to me now how he felt thinking I was gone when Dante found me, and I feel a pang of guilt for causing the man I love to have to endure that pain.

  He continues talking when I don’t respond. “The Yorke's moved away for awhile and when they came back I became friends with Jett again and fell in love with Addison. Mum didn't tell us anything about what happened until after Dad died and Addison rejected my proposal."

  I turn his face to mine, pressing a kiss to his lips.

  "Why would this make me not want to be a Mackenney?"

  "Because I don't know the real reason behind his death, Savannah. It's the Mackenney family secret and I'm scared."

  "Scared of what exactly?"

  "That the secret is a curse. That somehow history will repeat itself."

  I chuckle softly. “Your family is not cursed, Hunter. The past is the past. We need to focus on the future."

  "I know but you've already had too much pain in your life. I can't bear to think that I might cause you more pain."

  "You won't."

  He doesn't reply, instead pulls me against his chest more, smashing his lips to mine in a deep kiss.

  Grabbing his hair I pull him closer, as close as possible, urging him to open his mouth to kiss me deeper. He's opened his heart to me and I want to kiss away the hurt of his past, just like he'd done the same for me.

  Reaching behind my back he expertly unclasps my bra, and runs his hands over my breasts, down my body, moaning against my mouth before pulling away with his face still a whisper from mine.

  “You're so fucking beautiful Savannah. I love you so fucking much."

  "I love you to Hunter Mackenney,” I reply, emphasising ‘Mackenney’, before I kiss him hard and passionately.

  No matter the past secrets I’m still sure of one thing.

  I want to be Savannah Mackenney.

  (50) Hunter

  Opening up to Savannah about my family's past had been difficult and I wished I could have told her more, but to this day I don't know the real reason. Quentin had seen it happen, but hadn’t shared much with me because it was too painful. He was too young to understand at the time anyway and Addison didn't know anything about what happened either, too young to understand herself too, plus her parents whisked her and Jett back to the city pushing everything under the rug and making the rumours fly around town.

  She knew her grandfather was in jail for a time before his death a few years later but she didn't know why. Thinking more about it, it was probably why my Mum had never really approved of my relationship with Addison, but Dad seemed to not care at all, like he had a secret that tied it all together.

  The more I thought about it, even though it wasn’t important now it seemed as though this secret meant that Addison and I were not meant to be, ever.

  ~ ~

  All I want now is to be with Savannah, more than anything.

  The pain of having secrets had brought us together and we'd not spent a moment apart since we'd come back from the hospital after I'd been shot.

  The wound has mostly healed, but a scar remains and I kind of love the scar. It’s a reminder of the love I have for her and I know in my heart there’s only one way forward.

  Savannah pulls me into a hug, just as I’m trying to walk out the door.

  "Baby I gotta go. I'll be back in a few days."

  "I know, but i'll miss you."

  "I'll miss you too, but this farming conference is really important."

  "I just want to go with you."

  "I wish you could, but when I'd organised to attend it I was a single man,” I taunt her, poking the soft flesh of her belly. She laughs at my emphasis of single.

  "Will you think about me?"

  "What do you think Savannah?" I ask teasing her.

  "I don't know," she taunts me, "I'll be thinking about you.” And with those words she kisses me, an all consuming kiss that’s wild and delicious.

  I lick her lips, running my tongue along the soft sweetness, tasting them before I delve into her mouth to play with her tongue, tasting her and lavishing her.

  Pulling away I grunt. "Kiss me again like that and I'll never leave baby."

  She licks her lips, a devilish glint in her eyes, taunting me, begging for another breathless kiss.

  "Oh Savannah, I want to…I really want to…but I really have to go."

  She smiles at me, lacing her fingers with mine. Placing a kiss on her forehead I pull away from her grasp, crossing the verandah to head to the Ute, fighting with myself to leave or run back to take her in my arms, and kiss her senseless.

  "I love you Savannah. I'll call you tonight when I get there."

  "Ok. I love you to Hunter."

  I climb in the Ute and wave at her standing on the verandah as I drive away, hoping that I'll get some time in the city away from the conference.

  ~ ~

  Flopping down on the hotel room bed I sigh deeply, my whole body aching from the trip that had been utterly exhausting.

  Six hours doesn't seem that far but when driving on your own, with only your own thoughts to keep you company the time seems to drag.

  Savannah had barely left my mind for a second, the whole time I could still feel her hot kiss on my lips, her hands on my body.

  We'd definitely gotten a lot more intimate in the last month or so since the whole Dante situation, but I'd wanted to do so much more than kiss her for months and she'd started to let her guard down, letting me touch her more.I crave the feeling being with her gives me.

  It sends warmth and desire through me and even just thinking about kissing her is making my pants bulge with want.

  There really is only one thing that will make her let her guard down completely and I want that to, more than anything but the pain of rejection in the past is still heavy on my heart even though I know it shouldn't be. Plus the other secrets of my family’s past are heavy on my heart too.

  Do I really want her to bear the Mackenney name?

  Savannah couldn't be more different to Addison though. In the last month she'd fully embraced living on the farm with me, showing me she isn't afraid to get her hands dirty by helping fix the paddock fences and coming out droving with me. I can't help but smile thinking about that, laughing at how she’d gotten more confident driving the Ute, no longer bunny hopping every time. But it was the first night we'd spent together so close to taking the next step that is at the forefront of my mind.

  Her touch set me on fire and even though it was utterly freezing outside the cocoon of the swag and us being completely naked, there was only warmth.

  She'd run her hands all over me, awakening something deeper in me that I wanted to explore, but I couldn't take her then, having not thought about protection. Part of me also knew that despite her teasing, her hot as kisses and obvious desire for me, she wasn’t ready to take that step without commitment from me.

  Oh fuck, now I'm horny as.

  My eyes feel heavy with sleep, so I yank my jeans off without undoing the belt which is not an easy feat when the longing is evident in the front of your pants. Pulling my shirt over my head I toss it to the floor to lay back further on the bed.

  Reaching down my body, towards my crotch to alleviate the need I jump back in shock when I hear a familiar sound, a ringing followed by "Savannah calling."

  In my exhaustion I'd forgotten to call her like I'd promised and I practically dive off the bed towards my bag to retrieve my phone, but still miss her call.

  I’m too tired to call her back so I send a text instead.

  Hunter: Sorry baby. I'm super tired. xx

  Savannah: That's ok. I just wanted to say goodnight. xx

  Hunter: Goodnight baby. I love you! xxx

  Savannah: Do you want to see what I'm wearing to bed?

  Hunter: I'm already thinking about you naked, but ok

  A picture message pops up on my phone,
her posing seductively on the bed in a white button shirt that is clearly mine.

  Hunter: Is that my shirt baby?

  Savannah: It might be ;)

  Hunter: You look damn sexy in it

  Savannah: Wish you were here to take it off me

  Hunter: Oh baby so do I...guess I'll just have to dream about it

  Savannah: Wicked dreams...goodnight sexy xxxx

  Hunter: the best kind...goodnight beautiful...I love you xxxx

  Savannah: I love you too handsome xxxxx

  Putting my phone on the side table, I close my eyes, thinking of the picture she'd just sent me.

  I really need to sleep, but like many nights before sleep isn't going to come easy when all I can think about is Savannah naked and moaning my name as I finally make her mine.

  God, I love her, I really fucking love her.

  ~ ~

  I couldn't wait to get out of the farming conference. No doubt it had been interesting hearing about ways forward in farming and opportunities like meat production and small goods, but I had a more pressing matter to attend to on my last day in the city.

  I gathered up some brochures on the new opportunities and raced out the door.

  I don't like being in the city much, the air thick with fumes feels like it’s assaulting my nose every time I take a breath.

  Walking the streets I gaze in the windows of the jewellery stores, gaping at the prices, the reality hitting me that although Savannah is worth everything I can't afford any of them.

  It makes my heart sink.

  I want to give her the most beautiful ring, one that would be unique and show her how much I love her. Looking in the windows, after gaping at the prices of all the rings that struck my eyes, the sudden realisation hits me that I already have the perfect ring for her.

  The perfect ring for my beautiful Savannah is tucked away in my drawer at the farmhouse.

  A smile crosses my face remembering when my Grandmother gave it to me, after my Grandfather was murdered.

  She’d told me I'd know when I found the right girl, because there would be no way she'd refuse to marry me when I presented her with the ring and that any girl that refused to marry me, well she'd have to be a damn fool. At the memory I laugh, thinking that Addison was a fool, but also that I was more than glad she was a fool that’d I not married because this time around, I'd found the right girl. I could only hope that she thought the same of me.

  ~ ~

  When I arrive home late after the farming conference Savannah is already asleep in my bed.

  I grin at how peaceful and beautiful she looks.

  No doubt she'd slept in here the whole three days I'd been gone.

  She murmurs softly, clutching the sheets in her hands and entangling herself in them.

  All I really want to do more than anything is to crawl in beside her and hold her close, but first I need to find the ring.

  Trying to not make too much noise I edge the tallboy drawer out, digging through my shirts to the bottom of the drawer.

  It’s still there, buried deep, the small velvet box. I brush my fingers over it, before taking it out and flipping it open.

  It’s even more striking than I remembered and I know it’s the perfect ring for her, as the sapphires sparkle just like the hint of blue in her green eyes does.

  About to put it back in the drawer, I turn startled when I hear her voice, groggy from sleep. “Baby is that you?"

  "Yeah, baby it's me."

  She sits up, looking at me, her eyes trying to focus on what I’m holding in my hands.

  I'd slip them behind my back and she asks, "What are you hiding?"

  "Nothing, baby, go back to sleep."

  Snapping the box shut, I drop it into the drawer without turning around.

  Pushing my butt against the drawer I force it shut.

  Savannah pouts at me. “Come to bed baby,” she teases.

  "I was planning to, but i'm not ready to go to sleep yet."

  "Mmm, what did you have in mind sexy?" she says in a seductive tone.

  I yank my t-shirt over my head and climb into bed next to her.

  “You’re still wearing my shirt?"

  "Yeah, and?" she says biting her lip.

  That only means one thing. She’s wearing only my shirt, meaning underneath she’s completely naked.

  "Thats a little bit naughty Savannah,” I tease, poking her belly teasingly, pulling her closer and tickling her, loving the sweet giggles that escape her lips.

  "I know,” she says, licking her lips, our teasing kiss me now gesture.Her invitation to kiss her doesn't go unnoticed.

  Grabbing her around the waist I lean over her and begin trailing kisses down her neck, over her collarbone and across her breasts through the fabric of the shirt.

  She moans when my hand slips under the hem of the shirt.

  "Tell me what you want Savannah."

  “You. Hunter. I. Want .You,” she says drawn out and raspy.

  Her words excite me, and I press a fierce kiss to her lips.

  Pulling me closer, she grabs my hair in her fingers, to pull me as close to her as possible.

  Her moans of pleasure are a straight shot to my pants and I feel a little relieved when breathless she pulls back, looking up at me with lust in her eyes. “Please Hunter, I...want..."

  "Oh baby, I want you so bad, but if I have my way with you now, I won't last a minute."

  Her pout is so damn sexy, but my words are more than true.

  I want to take my time, to really show her what she does to me, to show her how it can be when you truly love someone, she deserves as much.

  "Please Hunter. I just want to be with you,” she begs.

  "Soon baby. I promise it'll be worth the wait."

  She doesn't respond, just kisses me softly and cuddles closer to me.

  I never thought I'd be the one holding back from sleeping with anyone, but I want to keep the promise that being with me will be worth the wait and everything she’d never thought it could be.

  ~ ~

  I've been planning the perfect night for weeks; the perfect night that will be the true beginning of our life together.

  The plan is to take her into town, to relive the best parts of the night when I realised I'd completely fallen in love with her.

  Firstly to see Mum to tell her my plan, followed by dinner, and a walk to the oval, where I’m planning to drop to my knee to present her with the ring between the goal posts.

  It’s all in my head, and I want it to be perfect, just like she is.

  Checking myself in the mirror, I tuck my brown shirt into my jeans, before shrugging my sport jacket on. Opening the drawer, I dig out the velvet box again, and slip it into my pocket of my jacket.

  Nervousness is plaguing me even though I know she loves me.

  Addison had loved me , but she rejected me and I'd been so hurt by that rejection I never thought I'd love anyone again.

  But I’ve fallen completely in love with Savannah, more so than I’d ever been with Addison and this is right. I just know it.

  I'd told her to dress nice but casual in anything she liked from my mothers cupboard.

  Time is ticking as we really have to get going to make it into town before visiting hours end at the rest home.

  Nervousness is plaguing me even just walking down the hallway to the guest room. It isn't her room anymore, as she’s always in my room, our room.

  Stepping up to the door I take a deep breath, and knock.

  "Are you ready baby?” I call out.

  "Yeah nearly, come in,” she croons.

  Turning the knob I slowly open the door, taking in the sight of her in front of me.

  She’s wearing a semi see-through white long sleeved blouse, strategically unbuttoned to show just a hint of cleavage and has it tucked into a red mini skirt that hugs her hips, and extenuates her legs.

  I’m shocked at how absolutely breathtaking she looks, but I’m also shocked that she found such attire
in Mum's closet.

  "Fuck Savannah, you look absolutely stunning."

  "Thanks, you don't look to bad yourself,” she says winking at me as she tugs some red high heels on her feet.

  "Ready?" I ask, patting the pocket with the ring in and extending my hand to her to take.

  Taking her hand in mine sends an electric shiver up my spine. I still can’t believe I’m actually going to do this.

  I lead her outside, ready to help her get in the Ute, but something seems amiss and I ask her, "Baby, have you seen Blitz?"

  "No, why?"

  "I think I can hear him whimpering."

  We both concentrate, listening intently and Savannah speaks first, "Its coming from that way."

  She’s pointing towards the barn at the front of the main paddock and I know that if Blitz is down there it means only one thing, my perfect night is ruined.

  Not even saying anything I run towards the barn to find the exact scene I'd expected. My heavily pregnant heifer is lying on her side, in the late stage of her labour and is clearly struggling.

  Blitz is nudging her, whimpering. Ruffling the fur on his head I say, "Its ok buddy. We're going to help her."

  From around the barn I grab some rope to help pull the calf out if needed and kneeling down beside the heifer I tug my jacket aside, throwing it behind me, when I hear Savannah's voice behind me. “Hey, that hurt,” she screeches.

  I'd thrown my jacket at her and it had hit her leg, her calf as funny as that was.

  She looks around the barn at what is happening and doesn't hesitate for a moment in asking, "Can I help?"

  "Yeah, I'm going to need your help to keep her calm."

  "Ok, how do I that?" she asks, tugging her shoes off and rolling her sleeves up to her elbows.

  "Kneel down by her side and stroke her belly. It will help calm her."

  She follows my instruction, her face calm.

  “Is this right?" she asks softly.

  "Yeah, i'm just going to tie this rope around the calf's legs to pull it out. Keep her calm ok baby?"

  She nods. "Ok."

  Tying the rope with a loose knot, I pull hard and with a yelp of pain from the heifer the calf is born. Blood spatters across our chests and I can't help but smile at Savannah.