Page 9 of Patch Perfect

“About you.” His voice catches. “I don't know the proper timing for this. When I woke up this morning, I wanted to tell you about the weather. Then I wanted to bring you here because this bridge is one of my favorite places.” He lets out a shaky laugh. “I'm falling in love with you, Kate.”

“I think I'm already there,” I say. “I didn't want to rush saying it, but I love you, Roan.”

He closes his eyes, and for a moment, he looks like he's just heard something he's always wanted. Then he kisses me, slow and sweet, with both hands on my face. I keep my fingers in his jacket. When we pull apart, he's smiling and so am I.

On the ride to his house, I rest my cheek against the back of his jacket. The road is open ahead. I hold him a little closer and let myself enjoy exactly where we're headed.

eight

Roan

Back at my house, I kiss her on the sofa as her hands slide into my hair. “Still good?” she asks.

“Very good.” I brush my thumb over her wrist.

“I want to stay,” she says. “If you want me to.”

“I do.” I scoop her up and carry her to my bedroom.

I gently set her on my bed, taking my time to undress her until she lies spread out, naked, in front of me. “You’re so beautiful.” I run my hands over her body, loving her softness.

“Your turn.” She sits up, dislodging my hands from her body, then pulls off my shirt before reaching for my belt buckle. As she slides my jeans and underwear down my thighs, her eyes widen. “Oh my, I don’t think that will fit.”

“It will fit.” I grab her hands and roll her back onto the bed as I hover over her. “But first, I need to taste you.”

I lick my way down her body, running my tongue over each nipple until she’s squirming under me. “Please.” She begs, pressing her hips against mine.

“Not yet.” I spread her legs and bury my face between her legs, licking and sucking her clit while my fingers gently pump inside of her.

“Yes. Please don’t stop.” She comes fast and loud, her hips bucking against my mouth, the orgasm shaking her body.

“Do you want me to stop?” I shift my body over hers, lining my cock at her entrance.

“No, I want more.”

“Good girl.” I push into her hard and fast, going impossibly deep. She cries out, arching her back, her body silently asking for more. Her pussy grips me tighter with each thrust. “You’re so tight.” I lean my forehead against hers, my hands grip her hips as I thrust into her. She moans with each thrust, her head falling back as I pound into her. “Come for me,” I growl, placing my thumb on her clit and rubbing it in small, tight circles.

She does, screaming my name as she shatters around me. I come seconds later, filling her with my cum.

Afterward she lies against my chest, and I kiss the top of her head. “How are you?” I ask.

“Happy.” She lifts her head. “And a little overwhelmed. You?”

“Same.” I touch her cheek with one finger. “I love you.”

“I love you.” She draws a lazy circle on my shoulder, and I realize she is the home I’ve always been searching for.

Epilogue - Kate

Ten Years Later

The fog machine has lasted ten years without needing any repairs. I mention this as I plug it in for tonight's adults-only event. It responds with a steady cloud around my boots.

“You're welcome,” Roan says from behind me.

I turn into his arms. He kisses me beside the same hay bale where we first met. His wedding ring feels cool against my back, and I taste the cider he took from my cup at dinner. Ten years ago, I rushed away from him because I didn't know how to handle how much I liked him. Now I know what to do—I pull him closer.

“Are we still riding the wagon?” I ask.