Safe on the Mountain

by Alexandria Thayer

“Oh, good lord,” she lets out.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask, looking down. Please, fuck, don’t let her get mad about this hard-on.

  She’s looking at herself, legs open wide, skirt hiked up to her upper thighs. I get a quick glimpse of creamy, inner thighs and the tiniest slip of a purple lace thong under her skirt before she closes her legs.

  “I need to change….if I’m gonna stay here.” Her cheeks are flushed. She seems embarrassed. It’s amazing how unaware this woman can be of how sexy she is.

  “Where’s a bathroom? I’ve got some old yoga clothes in my bag,” she starts as she hops off the counter and goes to her pink bag. Cookie has found a bag of treats in her purse and has them strewn across the floor. She obviously forgot about the car chase.

  I direct Callie to the bathroom and leave her to change. I get back into the kitchen, cleaning up the paper towels, pressing myself against the counter for some relief. I can’t remember the last time I got this hard from a kiss.

  Callie is back in a few minutes, her face scrubbed pink and free of all her makeup. She’s beautiful like this. She’s put on some leggings and an oversized hoodie with TEXAS across the front. Even in these comfy clothes, I can still see the curves I just had my hands on.

  She tosses her old clothes onto her purse and looks at me. She shifts from one foot to another.

  “Can we do something? Like, anything. I really can’t sit here after...that.” she tells me, looking down at the floor, arms crossed. “I’ll go crazy just sitting here.”

  Callie looks pitiful. This took a toll on her. But I know what we can do.

  I take her hand and lead her outside towards the horse barn.

  Callie

  I follow Brock, making sure to close the door on Cookie to keep her inside. She found my emergency stash of dog treats - she should be good for a while.

  Brock holds my hand in his, his thumb rubbing across my hand as we walk. It takes me back to our kiss.

  That kiss. I felt so protected and wanted. He’s so big and warm and comfortable. His chest felt so muscular under my hands and when his stomach pressed against me….goodness. And he stopped at soon as I pulled away. It’s disgusting to think how much of a novelty that is now - consent and respect.

  He drops my hand and leaves me by the front door. He moves towards a horse I didn’t interact with the other day. I see the name Bolt on the door of his stall.

  He’s a huge horse. He’s well above Brock’s height, which means he’s massive. He’s jet black and has those rippling muscles across his flanks. The sight of the muscles reminds me of Brock and my eyes drift back to him.

  It’s hard to be rattled when I see the power and muscle in this man. My protector. The arms of his flannel bulge with round muscles as he works to get Bolt saddled.

  Goodness gracious. That broad back makes my knees weak. I stay near the door, watching him work. My nerves are beginning to be overshadowed by the glow Brock’s affection has given me.

  “Are you ready?” Brock asks, eyebrows up, watching me.

  "I'm getting on him?" I say. I thought he might be saddling that beast for himself and would let me ride Daisy again.

  "He was broken in by me. We'll be fine."

  Brock leads Bolt next to the railing so I can climb up. I have more wiggle room in these stretchy tights, so getting up on him isn’t as hard as last time. Still, once I’m sitting up here, the long way down makes me nervous.

  "I'm big, so you'll probably have to scoot up," Brock warns, before swinging his thigh over the back of the horse. I’m big - is that supposed to be a double entendre? I’m glad he’s facing my back so he can’t see my blushing cheeks. I hardly have time to gasp before I feel all of Brock pressed against the back of me.

  With my big hips and his huge thighs, it's a tight squeeze. Not that I mind. Brock reaches around me to grab the reins, and the full warmth of his torso covers my back. This is the comfort - and distraction - I need from this nightmare of a day.

  Brock

  She's quiet. Really quiet. I hope this wasn't too much. Riding these horses has been an outlet for me - even therapy during some rough times. And after the shit that went down today, I thought Callie could use something fun.

  "You doing okay?" I ask, leaning over her shoulder.

  “Yeah, I'm good."

  "You sure? We can go back." But I sure as fuck don't want to.

  "No, it's just a little uncomfortable. What's this thing, um, in between my...this thing here?"

  She's gesturing to the horn. I let out a deep laugh, my chest vibrating against her back.

  "The horn? Yeah, I bet that's not cool to have right there. Hold on." I drop the reins and lean forward, scooping my hands under her thighs. I grip her, getting a handful of those firm legs, and pull her up and back towards me. She yelps as I move her, and I hope it's more out of fun than pain. I don't always know my full strength.

  I adjust her against my lap, half of her on my thighs and groin. It's going to take all my mental effort to not get a boner while this woman is on top of me. I feel the softness of her round ass against my dick and try not to think about ripping these tights off her.

  "Sorry about that. It'll probably be easier on both of us though. Are you comfy?" I ask, leaning against her shoulder.

  "Yes, definitely," she lets out, almost breathy. Is that some flirtation? I sure hope so. I reach back around her to take the reins.

  "I'll show you around the property." I nudge my heels into Bolt and he starts into a trot. She jumps and gives my hands a death grip.

  "Hey, hey. You're good. I've got you," I breathe against her neck. I feel her relax against me a little more.

  Her hair is whipping around my face, but I can't complain. It smells sweet, like the night she snuggled against me on the couch. I tighten my arms together around her body, trying to make her feel secure. I feel the tension in her thighs relax and she sinks against me.

  Bolt is steady and sure of himself, but jumps a little at the site of a snake - or what he thought was a snake. Turns out to be just the root of tree, but by then, he’s already jostled us. Callie lets out a tiny, cute squeal and I wrap one big hand completely around her waist, pulling her tight to my chest.

  “It’s alright, honey. You’re safe,” I add again, my thumb tracing circles against her stomach. She relaxes again, letting out a content sigh.

  I point out a few special spots and she asks a few questions, but for the most part, we're silent. I've dated plenty of women in the past, but I've never found a comfortable silence like this one. She's clearly alert, watching, gripping my wrists in front of her. But we don't have to talk. Having her up against me is more than enough.

  The wind gets especially feisty, sending her hair all over my face. I reach up to pull it all to one side. She turns her head as I do, eyes turned down. Her profile is just as beautiful as everything else. The dark fan of lashes, her plump lips. I'm trying to soak up every inch of her.

  Callie sighs, fully leaning back against my chest. The top of her head rests just under my chin and it feels so natural to kiss her again. I plant a soft kiss on the top of her head. I think she must have missed it until a feel a quick squeeze on my hand and her back nuzzles deeper against me. This woman already has me wrapped around her finger.

  ------

  We ride for a while. Callie leans on me, silently taking it all in. Her warm body against my chest awakens that feeling from before, when she was cooking just a few days ago. A deep, protective attraction towards this woman. Not just towards her body, but all of her.

  "I think you're gonna like this place."

  "Where are we going?"

  "You'll see," I tell her, muffled against her hair.

  A few more minutes bring us to a thick cluster of trees. I maneuver Bolt through the way I’ve gone for years - a trail that only a seasoned tracker could find. Nobody else has seen my spot out here before.

  We clear the trees and come to the edge of a cliff. It's been my go-to secret spot
for years. But it's not as if the views are secret to the world - several real estate agents across Colorado have tried to talk my family into selling this chunk of land with the insane views.

  Thankfully, they never did. They were offered fat, pretty checks, but I talked them out of selling in the end. The greedy bastards. But I won't let my family drama taint this moment with Callie. For Callie. I pull Bolt over to a tree, tossing his reins over a low limb. I jump down, and help Callie off the horse. I'm still amazed at how tiny her waist is under my hands, especially when her hips swell out to these curves.

  My hands linger on her as she stretches away the stiffness of riding Bolt. I take her hand and lead her over a few bushes. Then we're at the edge of our cliff where, in my opinion, you get the best view of the mountains in the entire state of Colorado.

  "Oh my lord..." Callie gasps. I'm glad to know she's just as taken by this place as I am. A valley drops off past our feet several hundred feet down to lush green pastures. A few wild moose are down below us, oblivious to us humans. The green goes on for several miles, finally ending at the foot of the Flatirons. The tops of the mountains already have their snowcaps, but the trees down below are still full and colorful. It's like a postcard was painted here just for us.

  "This is gorgeous. Like, insanely gorgeous. How did you find this?"

  "I've been riding around this property for years. I just stumbled on it one day." I tell her, my hand slipping around her.

  "I wanted you to see it," I let out, regretting it as soon as it leaves my mouth.

  She turns around, wide eyes looking up at me. "Me?"

  "Well, I know today was shit for you, and I thought this might be a good distraction from it all,” I explain, looking down at her. Callie’s eyes have cleared up, not the electric green they were when she was crying, but just as enchanting. The last bit of the sunset catches in the gold flecks of her eyes. I can’t get enough of her.

  "Oh. Well, thank you," she smiles up at me, placing her palm on my chest.

  My hands slide around her waist, and I know I have to kiss her again. I lean down, letting my lips slide against hers. They’re still pillowy and perfect, like I remember. I’m gentle at first, but I can’t hold back all I’m feeling for long.

  I grip my hands tighter around her waist and feel her arms come up around my neck. I tilt my head, letting my tongue graze across her bottom lip. She answers with the softest moan and I take that as an invitation.

  My tongue dances into her mouth, still sweet from earlier. Her body responds to mine. Her chest presses up against me and I feel that there’s no bra separating me from her breasts. My cock start to thicken in my jeans.

  I slide my hand down her back to the juicy swell of her ass. Even my monstrous hands can’t get a the whole handful. It’s round and beautiful and I hold back enough to give it a gentle squeeze.

  Callie makes another noise against my mouth. Is that a giggle? Or a moan? Judging my her fingertips digging into the back of my neck, it’s a positive reaction either way. She sucks my bottom lip into her mouth, pressing her body against mine. I answer her with a growl of my own.

  One of my hand travels around the front of her waist, working my fingers under her hoodie. I feel the smooth, taut skin across her rib cage and edge my thumb upward. I brush the heavy, warm underside of her breast when she pulls back.

  “I...uh… I’m sorry.. I just don’t…..I’m not ready for all of it….” she stammers, avoiding my eye contact. Her eyes are on my hard on and I feel like a fucking idiot.

  “No, I’m sorry. I hope you know… I’m not trying to push you. We don’t have to do…. You know.”

  “God, I’m sorry, Brock. I didn’t want this to affect you.”

  “That guy? Honey, I’m glad it did. There’s no telling what would have happened if you didn’t come here.” I tell her, meaning every word. If something happened to Callie, especially something as sinister as I assume that guy wanted, I would lose all control.

  Callie’s eyes are brimming with tears. My stomach drops. I hope I didn’t do this.

  “No, not that. I’m sorry...it’s some ...other stuff,” she gets out as her voice catches. “Can we get back on the horse?”

  “Yeah. Yeah, of course,” I say, hoping to sound soothing. We walk back to Bolt and I hoist her up onto his back. I follow behind her, adjust her onto my lap as soon as I’m seated.

  I hear her sniffling. I feel so bad it hurts. I didn’t think making out would get her upset. My gut is churning with guilt. I hate to make any woman cry, much less this woman I can’t explain my intense feelings for.

  We ride in silence, but I try to comfort her. She grips my hands harder in front of her, and I lean over her shoulder, hoping she feels safe near me, not scared.

  “I’m sorry, Callie. I didn’t know that was too much. I never meant to upset you.”

  “Brock, it’s not you,” her voice is strong and clear, and louder than I expected. “I honestly can’t talk about it without getting into a really dark place, but please just know, you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m sorry I freaked out.”

  I mumble that it’s okay into her neck and hair. It’s more than okay. I don’t know what happened, but from the sound of it, it’s something that would make me rage. I try not to think about it too much. I need to comfort her and make sure she knows I’m sorry. But whatever happened has clearly fucked up this woman. And I can’t handle it.

  Callie

  Emotions are clouding everything Brock has said in the last few minutes. I feel so guilty. Guilt for letting my bullshit past ruin a good moment, guilt for Brock thinking any of this is his fault, guilt for even bringing that guy and his garbage over into Brock’s world.

  We ride in silence, mostly. Brock is cuddling me close to his chest, letting me soak up all his warmth. I grip his hands in front of me, lacing my thin fingers in between his. I lay my head back and it falls under his chin. He bends down to kiss the top of my head. A warm feeling seeps from my chest, going to the ends of all my limbs. For the first time in months, I feel safe.

  Knowing myself and my emotions, by now, I should be bawling in the fetal position. But I’m just a little shaky. Having the wall of Brock’s muscle behind me helps. And him nuzzling into my neck and being sweet has calmed me immensely. I hate to think that I may need him, or anybody. But I soak up this comfort while I can.

  -----

  We get back to the house to find Cookie curled up in my work clothes, her little jowls covered in crumbs, and a puddle of pee next to her. I clean it all up as quick as possible, apologizing to Brock. He’s not phased, thank goodness. But I give Cookie a talking-to anyway, getting a new round of laughs from Brock.

  After Cookie is settled, we fall into a shared silence. I make more sweet tea for us and Brock finds some snacks. He’s pacing around the kitchen, touching things that don’t need to be adjusted. He seems nervous.

  “I know this may seem rough, but I feel like we should tell the police about that guy,” Brock starts. “I have his plates and I got a decent look at him.”

  My eyes are wide. He must see the blood draining from my face. “But I’m here. I’m safe.”

  “Yeah, of course you’re safe here. But that doesn’t mean we can’t report him. He’s gotta be dealt with, Callie. Whether the police do it, or I do it myself, we have to deal with him.”

  “You? What do you mean deal with it yourself?”

  “Callie, I will gladly hunt that mother fucker down if you give me the word. But I’d rather let the police deal with him, legally, so you’re as protected as possible.”

  I swallow and stare into the glass of tea in front of me. I know Brock is watching, but I just need to think. The last time I told police anything...those assholes doubted everything I said. I have no proof now, no real proof. Even with Brock’s word as a witness, what good would it do?

  “Do you think they’ll listen?” I ask.

  “They will. I promise.”

  -----

  In les
s than an hour a squad car is here. Brock went down to the gate to open it for the officer, then jumps in the passenger seat to ride back up to the house. That’s weird, but maybe it’s the way this small town works?

  “Callie, this is Officer Johnson. Brett, this is Callie,” Brock introduces us. He comes around to my side of the island and the officer reaches his hand out to shake mine as he sits at the counter.

  “Hi, Callie. Brock gave me an overview, but can you explain what happened in some more detail?”

  Brock squeezes my hand, sending me the signal that it’s okay. I start with dinner at Maggie’s, and retell everything up to skidding to a stop in the front field of Brock’s land. Brock follows me up with the description of the car, the license plates, and the guy. He says he was blond with light eyes, wearing a button down shirt.