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“How do you want me?” I demand, not able to hold back much longer.

A strangled sound rattles from my throat as my hips jerk involuntarily, desperate to seek the sweet release that was so close. It’s only the barest thread of self-control keeping the orgasm at bay.

“Just like this,” she soothes, “But I want to do it for you. Let me make you come, cowboy.”

She holds me close and alternates between riding the head of my cock and then grinding down at the very bottom, using her hands to hold my thighs in place so she can control the pace.

My eyes are unfocused, and I can only imagine how needy and vulnerable I look, but it feels safe with her.

I trust her again and, fuck, it’s powerful.

“Come inside me, Gav,” she pleads. “I want to feel you. Let go. I’ll catch you.”

“Oh, Ashley,” I groan.

She holds my jaw, making me look into her eyes as I shoot endless bursts of cum inside her. An animalistic sound escapes my throat, and it’s so damn good to shatter in the arms of the woman I love.

“Mmm.” I nuzzle into Ashley’s neck and rub my hands gently up and down her back. “That was so fucking good, babe. I really needed it. Needed you.”

She kisses the corners of my lips, glowing under my praise, and then kisses me soft and slow. My cock is still inside her because neither of us is ready to lose the intimate connection.

Tonight changed everything.

Chapter 24

Ashley

Womenoftencomplaintheydon’t get enough emotional intimacy from their partners, and men struggle with perceived physical rejection. What neither party seems to realize is how interconnected the two are and that you needbothfor a successful relationship.

Men need sex to feel connected, and women need a connection to have sex.

Well, unless you’re just straight up knocking boots and being transactional about it. But most women want intimacy and to feel sexy and desired before spreading their legs. It makes the experience richer and more meaningful. Our brains are the first things that need to be turned on.

And men often soften through physical touch, the vulnerability they experience between the sheets transcending into daily life. Men are less closed off and more comfortable confiding in women they’re physically bonded to.

It’s certainly been the case with me and Gavin. Even though I thought being friends with benefits was possible, it isn’t. Not with him. And he’s giving me exactly what I need emotionally so that I can continue opening up physically.

Every time we touch, it breaks down another barrier. I haven’t felt this close to him in years. Even though I technically had sex with him when he still thought he hated me, it was what we needed to kick start our relationship and bring it back to a good place.

After spending some time parked in a clearing and talking about everything – our hopes, dreams, fears, goals, regrets – in between making out like teenagers, we drive back to the ranch.

We’ve already had sex, but I’m still hoping Gavin wants to share a bed tonight whether we have a repeat or not. I love just sleeping next to him, but also understand we have to be careful how deep we get when my being here is only temporary.

I want to spend as much time with him as possible, but I also don’t want either of us to end up with a broken heart again.

When we pull onto his property, it’s surprisingly busy and lit up for being the middle of the night. A glance at Gavin’s frowning face confirms it’s as unusual as I think it is and that something must be wrong.

“I’m going to talk to them and find out what’s up,” Gavin says. “Maybe one of the dogs heard a cougar or other predator.”

“I’m coming with you.”

He starts to protest, probably about to tell me to go inside the cottage where it’s warm and safe. But I don’t feel safer when I’m apart from him, and I’m not going anywhere alone until I know what’s wrong.

“Listen, if a bear is running around, I don’t want to meet him by myself,” I continue. “Or any of the other crazy animals you have in this state.”

Gavin rolls his eyes as he climbs out of the truck and comes around to get me. “You’re from this state and should know the bears are sleeping right now.”

“Yeah, but you always said I didn’t fit in. And I don’t want to wake one up.”