by Barb Shuler
My fingers stroked back up her body then down. She shifted as I teased her breasts, nipping and licking at her soft flesh. I moved one hand to skim across her thigh, and felt her shudder in anticipation. My tongue laved across her nipple one last time before I kissed down her body and slowly went to my knees. Her intake of breath as I lifted her leg to place it over my shoulder sent a thrill through me. My tongue darted out and I flattened it to taste her. I moaned as I worked her. It wasn’t long before she was panting, her fingers curled tight against my scalp as my tongue flicked across her clit. Her hips rocked as I slid one finger, then a second into her.
“Tate... please…”
Her legs were shaking, her body on edge as I taunted her, teasing every bad memory and thought from her. She was a wire ready to pop. With a flick of my tongue I shifted and took her in my mouth again, lavishing her core as my fingers pumped, curling in against her inner walls. Her body jerked hard and she cried out my name. The pleasure sent her body into overdrive and she tugged at my hair as I kept assaulting her sensitive bundle. I wanted her to be overrun with pleasure before I took her hard. I knew as worked up as I was I wouldn’t last long this time. But that was okay, this was about her. As it should always be.
“Oh God… Tate!” She cried out my name again as she shook with another orgasm. My lips curled into a smirk as she all but went limp against me. I stood, my hands on her hips as I lifted her up.
“Wrap your legs around me and hold on, baby,” I said as I shifted her so I was at her slick entrance.
The wetness from her releases helped me slide deep inside her. Her back arched from the wall and I used that to my advantage. I dipped my head and took her nipple in my mouth again. As my hips thrust up into her I taunted her nipples, giving each my attention. The soft moans and her whispering my name was like heaven. This woman had no idea what she was doing to me. I moved a hand between us and pressed my fingers against her clit. He body jerked and with a loud moan and with my name falling from her lips she came hard. My body was a coil ready to explode around her. With a grunt, my release hit. Her name slipped from my lips as I pressed them against hers.
“Jesus…” she panted as I stilled. My dick was still buried inside her. I cracked a grin as I kissed up to her ear.
“Name’s Tate, not Jesus, darlin’.” She laughed. A true, genuine laugh. I pulled back slightly so I could see her face. “Feel better?” I asked softly, searching her face.
“Yes… thank you,” she said, with a breathy sigh. God, I loved that sound. I kissed her nose and then her lips softly. When I pulled away from her she groaned. Again, I loved that I did that to her.
The water had gone from hot to cold. I turned the water off and got us out. Grabbing a towel I dried her off, then wrapped her in a dry towel before drying myself off. I took her hand and pulled her with me to my room. I pulled a pair of boxers on and then helped her into a pair. They were big on her, but she would be covered, that was what was important. After I slipped a t-shirt over her head I moved her back to the bathroom and sat her up on the counter so I could dry her hair and her cast. In my haste to get her in there I forgot all about the cast. Though it wasn’t the first time it had to be dried.
Once she was dried, her cast was dry and warm I scooped her up and moved us back to the bedroom. I laid her on the bed and moved to lay beside her, tucking her into me. Her head rested against my chest as I tucked a blanket around her. We laid there silent for a little while. I was content to just listen to her breathing but when she shifted I looked down at her. Her big caramel eyes met mine and I brushed my thumb over her bottom lip.
“What is it, darlin’?”
“You- you heard what I confessed earlier? All of it?” She looked a little nervous, or worried. She had no reason for either. I nodded my head.
“We did. I had no idea. I’m sorry you had to go through that,” I said, meaning every word.
“My PaPa was all I had. He was there when my parents left. I mean, my dad was there for a couple of years, but I just don’t remember much. My PaPa was the man that loved me, raised me to be the woman I am now. I feel so lost sometimes. I wish it was a bad dream, ya know. I miss him so much. But…” Her words trailed off and I wiped a tear from her cheek. I stayed silent, letting her take her time. There was no need to rush. I would wait forever to hear what she wanted to say.
“When PaPa first got sick he went out with me to find me a companion, as he called it. He said I needed someone to help me through the bad times that were coming. Someone to protect me. That was when I got Tango. He was nine weeks old. All feet and ears.” She laughed slightly and the color came back into her face. “He was a big clumsy pup, but the moment I saw him, I just knew he was mine.”
I couldn’t hold back the smile that played at my lips. “He’s still a big clumsy dog, but I know one thing, he is definitely your protector. He’s smart and brave, just like you, baby.” I spoke softly but meant every word I’d just said.
“He is,” she said, again a small laugh escaped her. “PaPa told me to go out and experience the world. To live. I promised I would, I just didn’t know how. After he passed I was in a daze. I wasn’t sure how to do what I promised I’d do. One day I woke up and just knew I needed a road trip. To get away from everything I knew and explore. So… I did what I needed to and I left Georgia.”
“And you made your way here. I’m so glad you made it here, Georgie,” I said against her lips.
“He brought me to you. I know he did. PaPa always told me as a child that I would one day meet the man that was meant to be mine.” Her smile grew. “He was a bit of a know it all like that.”
I laughed and shook my head. “I’m glad he was. You’ve made me see that I can be happy. I mean, my family makes me immensely happy. My daughter is my heart, but Georgie… You make me happy just by being you. I don’t have to pretend to be anyone but me with you. There is no judgment from you. Neither of us are perfect, nor do we have perfect lives, but without you I’d still be a shell of a man.”
Her lips moved to mine and I pulled her closer to me. This was the start of something new. The openness between us, our feelings out in the open. It was all meant to be this way. Life is not life without struggles, ups and down. This was the moment I knew, deep down in my heart that I loved this woman. I would move heaven and hell to make sure she was always happy.
“You’re such a strong man. You may not see it, but I do. Even if you were a total jackass the first night we met.” Her face stayed neutral as she said those words. I was a douche that night. I opened my mouth to apologize again for that night but she cut me off with a finger over my lips. “Don’t apologize. You were looking out for your brother. I get that and I hold nothing against you for that. I envy what you have here with your family. I never had that.”
“You do now. You have us all wrapped around your finger. I swear any of us would do anything for you. I think Dad is ready to adopt you.” I laughed and kissed her forehead. “My sweet girl, you have brought joy into our lives, and even if there is sorrow and misery at times, that’s life.”
“I can’t imagine not being here with you guys. I hope that is okay with y’all?” She raised a brow and I grinned as I leaned in to capture her lips once more. My hands moved to her lower back as I held her to me.
“You couldn’t escape if you tried. I would hunt you down, throw you over my shoulder and bring your sexy ass back.” I pulled back so I could meet her eyes. “I knew you were special. I knew I needed you in my life. I knew one day my one would find me. I am so glad it was you. I love you Georgeana Larson, with all that I am. I am never letting you go.”
“Oh, Tate. I love you too,” she said as our lips met once more.
The next few hours passed in a slow burn of passion as we let ourselves revel in the love and lust that surrounded us. I had my girl, and for once, I was in a place to do everything I could to prove to her just what she meant to me.
14
Moving Forward
Tate
The last four months had been uneventful for the most part. Ranching has issues at times, like cattle breaking through fences, sows having difficult births, and let's not forget wolves, bears and mountain lions running amuck in the back acreage. The one good thing about it being fall was that the bears would be going to hibernate. One less big bad to worry about, at least through the winter. I ran my hand along the back of my neck and watched as the horses ran along the fence. It was cold and cloudy today, which was sort of normal for this time of year, but there was something calming watching the horses enjoy their time out in the corral. I'd hate to be cooped up in the barn all the time too.
“Penny for your thoughts, cowboy.” The sweet voice of my girl wrapped around me and I wrapped my arm around her when she leaned into my side. This was going to be her first Wyoming winter. She said she was ready, but there was no way to get ready to freeze your ass off. I kissed her head and chuckled.
“Just thinking I know how the horses feel. I'd hate being cooped up in the barn all the time,” I said as she turned and pressed her front to mine. The huge bubble jacket she had on made me grin. “Cold, are we?” My brow arched as she chewed on her bottom lip. I leaned in and kissed her forehead.
“It's so frigging cold. Like, back home, forty-nine isn’t that bad. I'd still be in flip flops, but, here it's like I'm on the Arctic circle or some shit. My body feels like I have a slushy machine inside me.”
“It's not gonna get better, love. It gets a helluva lot colder. You’ll have to adjust, just don't ever come outside without a coat on. No matter what. A few minutes in the single digits will freeze ya for sure,” I said, dead serious on that.
She pouted and God help me I laughed, hard. My head fell back as she slapped her hands against my chest. I scooped her up and tossed her over my shoulder when she tried to walk away from me.
“Put me down, Mister!” She laughed and swatted at my ass. My coat blocked her actually making contact, but I felt it. I walked us into the barn and sat her on the bales of hay I'd pushed down from above earlier.
“No pouting, baby, the winter just means we get to do a lot more cuddling under the covers.” I waggled my brows at her before I leaned in to capture her lips with mine. She tasted like pumpkin and coffee. I groaned and nibbled at her bottom lip. “I see someone's been in helping Ma make pies.”
“Hmm…. pumpkin’s my favorite,” she said, grinning.
“Mine too. Guess this means I'll have to try eating it off of you next. Best of both worlds,” I said, leaning back in to kiss her hard. Her legs wrapped around me as I darted my tongue into her mouth. We both groaned when the barn door opened.
“Tater- Oh, sorry. Pa said to get inside. Uncle John, Uncle Chris and David are here!” Danny said and hurried back out of the barn. I chuckled and pulled back from her. I took her hands and helped her down.
“Come on, let's go meet the family. John is dad’s older brother. David is his no good son. Now, Uncle Chris, that's mama’s brother. He's nice, you'll like him.”
“So, John and David are not gonna be nice but Chris will be?” She asked nervously.
“John is blunt, he's an ass at times. Try to not let him or David rattle your cage. I'll be right there with ya, baby.” I hugged her tight as I pushed the barn door open and led her across the yard and into the back door. We stripped off our boots and coats in the mud room before moving into the kitchen. Tango met us and I scratched behind his ears.
“Hey there, traitor. Did you get more treats?” Georgie said rubbing his head. I couldn't help but chuckle.
“Let me guess, Abbie was having Cheerios?” I said, grinning as he sat there, his tongue lolling to the side as his tail swishes across the floor.
“Yep, and your Mama gave her some of those cheesy things. They both had snacks. I think she dropped as many as she ate,” Georgie said, laughing softly.
“At least with him around I'm not having to clean up a big mess,” Ma said as she walked in, laughing to herself. Uncle John and Chris were behind her. I moved to kiss her cheek before I embraced my uncles in a big hug.
“What brings y'all old timers in two days early? Wasn't expectin’ y'all until Wednesday?” I asked.
“We just thought we’d come take a look around. Do some extra visitin’. And to meet your new girl,” Uncle John said, looking over at Georgie who was still fussing over Tango.
“Your mama and I have some things to do over at the Community Center, so I came early to help out,” Uncle Chris said, smiling at Georgie.
“Georgie, this is my Uncle Chris, and this is Uncle John.”
“Nice to meet you both,” she said. I couldn't help but grin. The back door opening caught my attention and Abe strolled in with his hands full of boxes.
“Ma, where ya want these?” he asked, as Georgie and I moved to help him.
“What is this?” I asked as we sat them on the table.
“Pie boxes. I had your brother pick them up in town so I didn't have to go back out.” She said as she pulled yet another pie from the oven.
“What are they for?” I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.
“Nathaniel, if I have to answer that…”
“Oh, Lord. They're at it again,” Uncle Chris said and I chuckled.
“Abigail, you know what the boy was asking,” Dad said as he walked in and handed Abbie to me.
“Oh, I know, but he walked into that one. Everyone, sit. Lunch will be ready in a minute.” Ma said, pointing a wooden spoon towards the table.
I moved to sit down, keeping Abbie cradled against me. I made faces at her as Tango laid his head on my leg so he could watch her. He'd become very attached to her over the last few months. Which, I'll be honest, made me extremely happy. I knew he'd keep both of my girls safe when I wasn't around.
“When did y'all get another dog, an inside dog at that?” I looked up to see David coming in with Phoebe and some bimbo on his arm. The man changed girls like he did his underwear. I gave him a nod and looked down at Tango who let out a small growl. I placed a hand on his head and he settled.
“He's mine,” Georgie said. Sometime after leaving my sight she stripped out of the huge sweater and was left in her tight jeans and a t-shirt that hid nothing. She was a classic beauty, unlike the twit on David’s arm. “They sort of adopted us. He's housebroken and doesn't cause no troubles.” She grinned at me as she sat a bowl of salad on the table. My eyes roamed her over once and I sighed. She was so perfect. When Abbie heard her voice she pushed up from my chest and looked for her. I handed her over the moment Abbie’s hands went out to her. Georgie kissed her on the cheek and grinned as Tango let out a small woof. Georgie looked from Abbie who started her babbling as she looked down at Tango. “That's it, you tell him. No barking at the table.”
We all laughed. Well all but John and David, and his guest. She was too busy sizing up Abe and Jon. I wasn't sure I liked how David was looking at Georgie. John just stared at her like she was some weird art display in a museum. I shook it off and watched my girls. Dad gave Georgie a kiss on her temple and moved to sit down with the men at the other end of the table. Finally Ma guided Georgie to sit by me and the table became quiet when we all started eating. Until the Spanish Inquisition started.
“So, Georgie is it? Where are you from?” Uncle John’s tone was inquisitive yet suspicious. I glared at him, but was ignored. Could this holiday week be over already?
“My friends call me Georgie. My names actually Georgeana, Georgeana Larson. And, I'm from Georgia.”
“You were named after the place you were born?” David asked, chuckling. Ugh, no one likes the douche, so why was he even here?
“David Michael, you will show respect when in my house. Do you understand me?” Ma’s tone was the one that said “I mean business, boy” and he nodded.
“Yes, ma’am. I'm sorry, I meant no disrespect.” He said, quickly.
Liar, I silently accused.
“For your information, David, I was name
d after my great grandmother, Georgeana La Croix, of the Louisiana La Croix. My grandfather thought it was fitting to give his only granddaughter a strong family name.” I noticed as she spoke that southern drawl she had got thicker. A good sign that she was angry. We’d all seen it a time or two now. Tango whined from where he sat on his bed. It was away from the table but within sight. Ma made it a rule he wasn't allowed at the table when they moved into the house and Georgie agreed. Tango didn't like it much but he obeyed nonetheless. I moved my hand to her thigh, squeezing gently.
“Georgia, huh? Did your family own a home in the city or country? Do you know anything about ranchin’?” Uncle Chris smiled at her and you could see the genuineness of his question.
“Some of the older generations had ranches and plantations, but I grew up on the edge of that. My grandfather had a big plantation home, but only had a few acres. He had a lovely garden and pond put in before I was born. We spent a lot of time fishing and gardening.” Her smile grew as she spoke of her grandfather. The man that raised her to be the woman she was. She was missing him terribly now. This was going to be the first holiday without him. I leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“She may not have been born to it, but she's gettin’ the hang real quick. Had a bear try to attack her and Pheebe’s. Georgie put it down. Three shots in its head.” Abe said. Georgie groaned.
“Let's not mention that. It wasn't my proudest moment,” Georgie grumbled.
“Not a hunter then?” Uncle John asked in a nasty tone. “You won't make it out here without that skill.” Dad chose that moment to speak.
