Alive and Wells (Wells Ranch, #1)

by Bailey Hannah

“Not if we text, darlin’.” Am I having a stroke? “Text?” I croak. “I didn’t peg you for a texter.” His nostrils flare as he maintains focus on the road ahead. “I could start if you’d like.”

“Those have probably been on your property for, like, a hundred years. What if your great-grandparents planted them on purpose or something?” “They’re both dead.” He shrugs. “You’re here right now—alive and well on my ranch. I care a heck of a lot more about you being comfortable than their spirits potentially getting riled up over some silly flowers.”

There’s a mutual understanding that we will kiss—it’s a matter of when, not if. And, for now, I’m happy with the long glances, subtle smiles, and footsies under the kitchen table. All of it is a constant reminder that we both want it to happen. I’m willing to wait to kiss her for as long as I need to.

“You don’t need to apologize for things that don’t require apologies.”

“I’ll wait as long as I need to for you to trust me,” he says.

I’m completely at her mercy, and that’s exactly where I want to be.

He breathes me in and, on the exhale, obliterates me with a deep, impassioned kiss. I sink into him with a quiet moan. It’s the feeling of coming home from a long trip. It’s the warmth of the summer sun as you lie in a hammock with a great book. It’s the kind of kiss that lasts forever and ends too soon.

And when she saunters over, still out of breath and laughing from something Colt said, I place my hat on her head to show it to everybody else.

Everybody in town will be talking about us, and honestly, the thought excites me. Probably more than being fodder for small-town gossip should. I want everybody to know she’s my girl.

I wish I had gotten drunk tonight, too. Then we could make bad decisions together.

I step into the shower after him, and he takes his time lathering my body with soap, massaging and gently washing me from head to toe. I kiss him, running my hands through his hair and holding our bodies together under the warm water. No man has ever cared for me this much in my entire life. And I can’t help it when I start to cry.

“That might be true, but I told you I would keep you safe. My protection doesn’t only apply when we’re on ranch property or when we’re talking about him. I’m going to protect you from anything I think is dangerous. And you can be as mad as you want about it, but I have no problem throwing you over my shoulder and taking you home if it means keeping you safe.”

You made it worth the risk of getting hurt, because you’re incredible and make me feel things I didn’t think I was capable of…whether you’re in my life for a few months or fifty years, it’ll never be enough for me. So, fuck it, I’ll love you for as long as you’re here. I fell for you knowing I would most likely lose you one day. And if you don’t have the same feelings, or if you want to leave the ranch at the end of the summer, I understand. I’m sure you’ll want to go back to the city once KJ’s not a threat. I just…needed to try.”

“You’re everything. All the time I spent pushing people away was just because I was waiting for you to pull me in. You’re it for me, and I’ve been trying to wait for the right time to tell you how in love with you I am.”

“Good. I want every guy in this place to know you’re mine. Let them all hear who’s in here making you come.”

“That’s my good girl. I want to feel you explode on my bare cock while I fill you up until my cum’s running down your pretty thighs. Leave you thinking about this all fucking night.”

“I’ve been thinking.” Holding a hand to my chest until my nerves unscramble, I ask, “Thinking about what?” “I decided I’m fine with being your second husband because I’ll be your last.”

I’ll give you more of myself than I did with any girls from my past, and I’ll treat you better than any of the guys from yours.”

I relax into the warm water, and he delicately massages shampoo onto my scalp. My eyes slowly close, making it difficult not to fall asleep with his gentle, loving touch. Then jets of soothing water rinse my hair, and he follows up with a healthy coat of conditioner. Austin smothers my skin in both kisses and body wash. Ensuring every inch of me has been adequately covered by both, working his way down my body. Despite the heat and humidity, his lips create a path of goosebumps. Every part of today is worth it for this moment.

There’s a cold blast of air when she lifts up, releasing her firm hold on me, and a slow cum stream trails down her thigh. Without taking a pinch of time to think it through, I drag the tip of my cock across her skin to collect it and raise my hips to push it back inside her.