“Hello there,” she said as their kiss ended. “I have dinner almost ready. Are you hungry?”
Billy grinned.
“I am. I worked up quite the appetite today.”
Alice giggled.
“That you did. Can you set the table for us?”
Billy nodded and did as she asked. Supper smelled delicious.
“What did you make?” he asked as he lifted the lid off the pot on the stove.
“It is just chicken stew. I hope it tastes as good as it smells,” she said modestly.
“I’m sure it will be good. I’m so hungry I’d eat a boiled boot.”
“Hopefully it’s a step up from that,” she chuckled, picking the pot up and carrying it to the table. She set it down and filled both bowls with the steaming stew. Billy waited for her to sit down and then took the chair beside her.
“How did the rest of your afternoon go?” she asked.
Billy shrugged.
“It was productive. I had a little free time so I helped Joe with some chores. He seemed grateful, but he’s not an easy man to read.”
Alice nodded slowly agreeing with his assessment.
“I know. Don’t mind him. He’s still adjusting to all the changes and he has a lot on his plate. No matter what goes on around here, we still have to run the ranch and I can tell it’s weighing on him. I want to hire someone else, but there’s the budget to consider. I’m not sure it makes sense financially to take on more help around here, at least until we put all this construction behind us,” she admitted. “Once we get the arena built and start earning an income from that it will be much easier.”
Billy sighed and smiled warmly at her.
“I understand. I’ll try and pitch in more now that things are running a little more smoothly. It will be ok,” he said reaching for her hand.
Alice gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
“You’re doing so much already, Billy. I don’t want you to burn out. We will make it work,” Alice assured him.
“I know, but I don’t mind. The guys usually don’t start working until 8:00 am. That gives me time in the morning to help Joe with the horses. To be honest, I’m not doing a lot of heavy lifting with the construction anymore. I’m mainly supervising and keeping the crew on schedule. The brunt of my work was in the first few weeks.”
Alice put her head down and sighed, clearly emotional.
“What’s it?” Billy asked gently.
Alice shook her head but didn’t meet his eyes. He reached down and lifted her chin. Her eyes were wet with tears.
“Thank you for everything.”
Her voice quivered.
It was Billy’s turn to look away. He swallowed his guilt, hoping she would mistake his shame for humility.
“Aw shucks, Ma’am. It’s nothing,” he said, lightening the moment.
“It’s not nothing, Billy. You don’t know how much this means to me, all of it,” she said, gesturing her hands outward. “You’re done more for me than you’ll ever know.”
Billy shook his head but offered no reply. What could he say?
After the dinner dishes were cleared away, Billy brought the ledger to the table. As hard as it was asking her for more money, it had to be done, so he put aside his doubts and focused on business. He shared everything that he had done up to that point and explained what the next steps would be, estimating the costs with her. He explained the process as best he could and was surprised by how much Alice understood. He was impressed by the level of questions she asked. Dumbing things down wouldn’t fly with this little fire cracker.
“I’m not trying to micro-manage you, Billy, but are you sure that the expenses can’t be reduced a little bit? Maybe negotiate some better rates with our trades?” she asked cautiously.
He was certain she was considering what was left in her budget. Billy nodded.
“I think I did the best I could, Alice. I could have gotten cheaper materials and chosen less qualified trades people, but honestly, in my experience you get what you pay for. In the long run, quality is the best investment. Having said that, I suppose I could cut a few corners, if that is what you want?”
He was certain she wouldn’t be comfortable with that.
“No, I don’t want to cut corners. It’s important that the Equine Center is state of the art. It’ll be the main selling feature of the resort.”
Billy offered a supportive nod.
“In for a penny, in for a pound, right?” she sighed.
He draped his arm loosely around her shoulder and pulled her in for a quick kiss on the forehead.
“It will be ok. This type of project isn’t for the faint-hearted. You’re doing great. My best advice to you is to stay focused on the end result. I’ll keep things running as smoothly as possible,” he assured her.
Alice smiled at him with all the trust in the world.
“Right,” she said, inhaling deeply. “How much do you need for the next installment?”
Alice picked up her phone and pulled up her bank app. Several minutes later, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, the transfer was complete. Easy peasy.
“Taken care of,” Alice said, tossing her phone gently onto the kitchen table.
“I’ll put it to good use,” he said, smiling at her. “Now that the business portion of our evening is over, how about some pleasure?”
Alice raised her eyebrows at him.
“Hm. What do you have in mind?”
Billy reached out and took both of her hands.
“Well, it is a hot night. Why don’t we go down to the pond and take a swim?” he suggested, massaging her palms with his thumbs.
Alice shrugged.
“Why not. I’ll go get changed into my bathing suit.”
“That is not what I had in mind,” he said, shaking his head mischievously.
Alice looked at him nervously. Skinny dipping wasn’t exactly her style. The pond was far enough away from the lodge to shield prying eyes, but Alice was nervous. Still, the flutter in her belly left little doubt as to how much the idea of being naked with Billy aroused her. As if sensing her reluctance, Billy leaned in and kissed her, his hands holding her face gently. He pulled back and looked at her, his eyes twinkling with encouragement.
“Come on, it will be fun,” he urged.
Alice smiled and nodded.
“Ok, let’s do it.”
Chapter 11
Alice
Billy splashed into the pond after leaving a trail of clothes on the dock. He let out a yelp, the cold water a shock to his sticky skin and and a bold contrast to the humid evening air. He dunked his head under and then quickly stood up, the water rising only to his waist. He looked at the dock to see Alice sitting on the edge, still dressed in her jean shorts and tank top. She had taken off her boots, her feet dangling in the water. Billy chuckled and waded over.
Alice looked him up and down, enjoying his nakedness. He lifted his strong arms out of the water and placed them on the dock, on either side of her. She only had to lean down slightly to kiss him.
“Why aren’t you naked,” he asked with mock sternness. “Get naked,” he added without waiting for her to reply.
Alice bit her lip nervously, causing Billy to raise his brows. A sexy growl escaped his lips, and she grinned at him, knowingly. He suddenly grabbed her legs and pulled her forward, sliding her bottom precariously close to the edge, threatening to pull her in.
“Billy, stop!” she shrieked, grasping for the dock.
He laughed maniacally, pulling her closer, inch by inch.
“You are getting wet, woman, one way or another,” he taunted.
“Okay, okay,” she trilled through her laughter.
Billy let go of her grip and Alice lifted her legs out of the water and carefully stood up. Although it was dark the moon was bright enough to see by, especially now that their eyes had adjusted. Billy watched her intently with a boyish grin on his face, as though he were about to receive a delicious tre
at. This would be the first time he saw her completely naked, and suddenly she felt shy.
“Turn around.” she commanded coyly.
“Not a chance,” he replied.
Alice giggled nervously and unzipped her jean shorts. Then, together with her panties, she slid them slowly over her ass and down her thighs, stepping out of them. She looked at Billy with a nervous smile, unaccustomed to stripping for men. He didn’t seem to mind. She slipped her tank top over her head and then unclasped her pretty pink bra, discarding everything in a small pile away from the edge of the dock. She contemplated how to get into the water and settled on sitting on the dock and then perhaps easing herself gently in.
Billy had other ideas. As soon as she sat down, he waded in closer to her and placed his hands on her knees. He gently pried them open, and moved himself in between her legs. His face was level with her breasts and he quickly took advantage, kissing and sucking on each nipple. Alice tilted her head back and allowed herself to enjoy the tingling sensation his mouth offered. He slipped his arms around her loosely, letting his cool hands rest on her ass. Alice sighed deeply, her body responding to his touch.
“Lie back for me, Beauty,” he ordered kindly, placing a hand between her breasts, offering her just enough pressure to encourage her compliance.
She grabbed the only towel within reach and placed it under her head like a pillow, lying herself down on the dock. Billy wasted no time. He spread her legs wider, exposing her beautiful pink lips. She shivered, despite the heat, her body anticipating the sensations to come. Billy kissed her, just above her clit, with only enough pressure to tease her. She moaned softly, encouraging him to continue.
His tongue slid gently between her folds, adding to the wetness that already lubricated her pussy. He was well skilled with his mouth, knowing exactly how much pressure to apply. He darted his tongue in and out of her hole playfully, and then eagerly sucked on her clit. Her breaths deepened as she felt the rise of her orgasm burning in her womb. She raised her legs out of the water and stabilized herself on the dock with her feet, opening herself even wider for her lover. Billy buried his face between her legs as though he wanted to consume every inch of her.
Despite her modesty she found herself grinding into his face, unable to control her need. As though sensing how close she was, Billy curled two long fingers inside her, gently massaging her g-spot, while using his thumb to pleasure her clitoris. Alice squirmed under his touch, enjoying the pressure as her pleasure intensified.
“Oh, fuck Billy. I’m cumming,” she groaned, entwining her fingers in his hair.
He expertly applied more pressure against her firm little g-spot and then placed his free palm on top of her mound for counter pressure. This sent Alice over the edge and she exploded into a full body spasm, her wetness spilling onto Billy’s hand. Billy continued stroking her while her body continued to surge, finally slowing his pace as the pleasure reluctantly released her. She opened her eyes and saw him watching her, open mouthed and awed. She felt herself blushing.
“That was intense,” Billy moaned, his own arousal evident in his quivering voice.
“That was amazing,” she agreed, still breathless.
“Well it wasn’t my first rodeo, Cowgirl,” he teased, “but it was definitely one of my favorites.”
Alice looked at him thoughtfully, preferring to accept the compliment rather than think of him pleasuring other women. He smiled at her and held out his hand. She took it and sat up, dangling her legs back into the water.
“You look so beautiful when you cum. My God, you’re hot.”
He pulled her closer and she leaned down to kiss him. She could taste her sweetness still on his lips. Billy slipped his hands around her back, and pulled her carefully into the water so that he could hold her tightly. She could feel his pulsating erection between her legs, probing at her, as though searching for the way home. He kissed her with an intensity she had never experienced before. She felt beautiful, sexy, and completely desired. He wanted her and it felt so right.
Alice slid her hand down his chest, wrapped her fingers tightly around his cock and began stroking him slowly and methodically. Billy continued to kiss her, his breath quickening. She wanted to bring him as much pleasure as he had given her.
“Your turn to sit,” she whispered, leaning her body into him as she urged him toward the dock. He walked backward until his backside made contact and then lifted himself carefully out of the water, the muscles in his strong arms rippling with exertion. Alice eyed him up and down. His body was beautiful, head to toe, from his strong tattooed biceps all the way down to his muscular legs. Alice ran her hands up his thighs, his muscles tensing under her touch. She looked up and was greeted by his sexy smile.
Alice pulled herself up out of the water, as Billy watched her every move. She laid their towels side by side and sat down, gesturing him to join her. He crawled toward her and joined her on the makeshift bed. He leaned her back with a kiss, laying his body on top of hers. The weight of him pressing against her flesh was erotic as hell, and yet oddly comforting.
She moaned between his kisses, wordlessly sharing her need with him. As Billy shifted his weight to rest on his hip, Alice wasted no time. She swung her thigh over him and pressed him into the dock so he lay beneath her. She could feel his erection between her legs, teasing her clit. She wanted nothing more than for him to slip his cock deep inside her, but she had something else in mind. She needed to taste him. She shifted her body down so she could bow between his legs, and took his swollen cock to her mouth. She teased the tip with her kisses, and then ran her tongue down the length of him, cupping his delicate sack in her hand. Billy moaned softly, reaching out to stroke her hair tenderly.
She took her time tasting every inch of him, anticipating from his sighs and whispers exactly what he needed. She took the head of his erection between her lips, savoring his saltiness, then brought him deep into her mouth, slowly and methodically urging him to the back of her throat with every stroke. He raised and lowered his hips to match her rhythm, taking great care not to choke her, but his need was unmistakable. He wanted to penetrate her and feed her with his essence.
Her saliva, wet, warm, and slippery, allowed her to easily increase the pace. Billy laced his fingers through her hair and gripped her tightly, signaling his excitement. She knew he was peaking and she meant to take him over the edge.
She grabbed his hips assertively and held him tightly while she milked him with her tight mouth. Billy couldn’t control himself any longer. His muscles tightened, and with raised hips he buried his pulsating cock deep in her mouth. With a deep, guttural moan, he released his hot seed down her throat. She didn’t pull away until he was blissfully empty.
Alice lay her head on his stomach, holding his cock in her hand until it grew flaccid. Billy stroked her hair softly, catching his breath as he allowed his body time to recover. The warm night breeze caressed their naked bodies gently, as though approving of their lover’s embrace. Billy let out a satisfied sigh and Alice raised her head to look at him. He had a peaceful expression on his face and looked like a man who had been well pleased. She smiled to herself and kissed his belly, the soft line of hair tickling her lips. She laid her head back down and Billy placed his hand back on her head. They lay together in comfortable silence listening to the frogs and crickets singing their nightly hymns.
* * *
Billy walked Alice home, his hand firmly in her own. They took their time, stopping by the paddock to greet the horses. Sadie hung her head over the gate while Alice scratched her head and whispered gentle words to her. She was stalling. It was getting late and she knew it was almost time to say goodnight.
Alice turned to him and smiled. She was so happy.
“We should probably call it a night,” she said softly.
Billy nodded and put his arm around her.
“Come on, I’ll walk you to the house.”
Alice shook her head.
“It’s ok, I can
manage. Go on to bed,” she urged, tapping him on his backside.
“I need to pick up my ledger anyway,” he said, pulling her along.
She allowed him to lead her down the path, his arm draped loosely around her, neither of them aware that they were being watched. Joe waited on Alice’s porch as the two of them walked toward the house.
“There is something I want to share with you, Billy,” Alice said as they neared her front steps.
Billy glanced sideways, catching her eyes. Alice was nervous, but it was important to share this with him, and as good a time as any. She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts.
“What’s it?” he urged gently.
Alice was just about to speak when they heard Joe clear his throat, announcing his presence. Alice looked at Billy guardedly, and he casually slipped his arm off her shoulder. She walked up the steps with Billy close behind her. Joe was sitting down on the chair, smoking a cigarette. Without the porch light on, it was hard to see him and Alice couldn’t gauge his expression.
Did he see anything? You couldn’t really see the dock from the porch because the pond was down a small embankment, but it would have been easy for him to have seen them walking back from the paddock.
Had they kissed? She quickly scanned her memory, but was confident that they hadn’t kissed since they left the pond. The last thing she wanted was for Joe scold her again. He already had it in for Billy.
“Hey, Joe,” Alice said causally. “Nice night.”
She wondered why he was there. He usually went to bed early.
“A little too hot for my liking,” Joe replied.
He flicked his cigarette over the side of the porch causing Alice to wince. She hated when he did that, especially with the grass being so dry, but he never seemed too concerned about things like that. Joe looked at Billy and nodded a hello, which Billy respectfully returned. Were they were sizing each other up, Alice wondered.
“We were just out for a walk. Have you been here long?” Alice asked curiously.
Joe shrugged his shoulders and stood up.
“Not so long. I came by to chat with you about a few things. I haven’t seen much of you lately. I went to your office earlier today, but the door was locked. I figured you were busy,” Joe answered, a neutral expression on his face.
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