Page 9

KYLE

“ I can’t believe Hunter ditched us for poker night,” Chloe said as we sat down for dinner. When Hunter and I met her in front of the dining hall, he’d kissed her and then apologized about needing to miss dinner. He’d forgotten about poker night. I fought to hold in my chuckle. Hunter didn’t give two shits about poker night. He was trying to give us alone time so we could get to know each other better.

Now Chloe and I were sitting together, having a slightly intimate meal in the dining hall with most of the King’s Ranch staff.

“Funny how Hunter conveniently forgot about the game tonight.” Chloe shot me a sly grin. “It’s his loss then and my gain. I get you all to myself,” Chloe said, cutting her meatball, popping a piece in her mouth and chewing slowly. My stomach felt like a swarm of butterflies had been set loose.

“You grew up here, didn’t you?”

Chloe’s eyebrows shot up at my abrupt change of topic. “I did. I’m sure you know that Jessie is my aunt. My mom is her older sister.”

“But you left for college?” I took a sip of water.

“I needed to get out of this place.”

“New York is definitely a change from small-town life. How do you like the city?”

“Honestly?” Chloe tucked a curl behind her ear. “It’s way too big and busy for me. I think I’d like to find a place that’s in the between city and small town.”

“You don’t plan on coming back when you graduate?” My chest tightened. Did Hunter know this?

“I wasn’t planning on it, but I guess I’m still open. I haven’t really thought much further than graduating. I could work anywhere, but I want to have the opportunity to do a wide range of work, not just one aspect. I don’t want to do just wedding planning. I want to plan events for charities, birthday parties, work Christmas parties. Does that make sense?”

“It does. I get it. I wanted to ride, but I didn’t have a specific place or team in mind when I was working my way up. The opportunity for Team Kingston just landed in my lap. I applied to a few other teams, but I signed on with the Kingstons because I believed in them the most. They really care for their riders, give them opportunities to expand on their skills.”

“You believed in them so much you took on their customs?” Chloe teased.

“Umm…” I rubbed the back of my neck, “Yeah, about that. I’m not sure what Hunter has said.”

“Nothing actually.”

“Fantastic.” I let out a breath. “Well, I assume you’re familiar with how these relationships work.”

“Yes and no. I’ve heard about it from the girls and seen it around the ranch. What does the relationship mean to you?”

“Hunter and I agreed we’d share a woman.” My ears were so hot I was sure they’d catch fire any second.

“That must have been a very big decision to make.”

“It felt pretty obvious and natural for me. He’s my best friend. Once I saw how everything worked around here, it just clicked.” I scooted a meatball from one side of my plate to the other.

“You know, I’m pretty sure it’s almost every girl’s fantasy to be with multiple guys.” Chloe bit her lip. “The thought has crossed my mind more than once.”

It took everything in me not to let out a moan.

She wanted this.

“What was it like growing up here?” I asked, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I know you can ride. Did you ever compete or did you just ride for pleasure?” I needed to get us talking about something else.

“This almost feels like twenty questions.”

“Twenty questions?” I tilted my head.

“Hunter.” That one word was all she had to say. He’d told me this was how their first interaction went, and I loved that I was getting the same chance with Chloe.

“He loves his games,” I nodded. “So let’s play then.”

“Okay, but the questions have to be good. No what’s your favorite color .” She pointed at me with her fork.

“Sounds fair. Ladies first.” The corner of my mouth ticked up.

She rubbed her hands together and smiled. “What was your first horse?”

“Hmm, getting into the juicy stuff,” I laughed, caught off guard. “My first horse was a massive off-the-track thoroughbred. His name was Gladiator. Way too much for a ten-year-old to handle, but my father didn’t care. He pushed me hard, especially after my mom died. That horse nearly killed me more than once.”

I immediately noticed the expression of horror on Chloe’s face.

“Kyle…”

“Don’t worry. It all worked out in the end. It was what brought me here—the drive and push to be the best for him.” I shrugged. “It also gave me the urge to get away. Sometimes he pushed too hard, and no matter what I did, it was never enough. I miss Gladiator sometimes, but Casper was the one I started competing on. He was my favorite.”

A soft smile stretched across her face. “Your turn.”

I thought about my question. I wanted to choose something that gave me a better insight into Chloe.

“What did you want to be when you grew up?” I rested my elbow on the table, setting my chin in my palm.

“A champion barrel racer. Travel the country to different rodeos and win buckles. My friends Holly and Lacey had their own horses, but I couldn’t compete on my grandparents’ horses, so I never got further than messing around. Once we hit high school, things changed. Less time for riding and more studying.”

My heart broke for the young Chloe. “Do you think you’ll ever get your own horse?”

“I’d love to get one, but that may never happen.” Her eyebrows furrowed, and she looked at her nearly empty plate.

“Well, I hope you eventually have one of your own.” I placed my hand over hers, running my thumb along the back of it.

Chloe trembled beneath my touch and leaned closer to me.

We finished the last of our dinner and asked each other more questions. She once cheated on a test but then felt so bad about it, she told her teacher. The only thing she liked about New York was Central Park, because it was the “tiny piece of green heaven in the concrete world.” And she once had a crush on Caleb and Andrew growing up. That one didn’t surprise me as much as I thought it would.

I cleared our plates and returned with brownies, but instead of sitting across from her, I took the bench next to her. I slid the gooey, chocolatey dessert in front of her. She shifted a little to face me, brushing her leg against mine. The heat from her body seeped through my jeans, surprising me with how comforting it felt to be with her like this.

Chloe pinched off a chunk of her brownie and lifted it to her mouth. I watched as it disappeared, leaving a crumb on her lip. When her tongue swiped to catch it, my cock jerked.

“Mmmm.” Her moan had me sporting a semi until she sucked and licked her fingers clean of all chocolate.

And I went rock hard.

“Sorry.” Chloe caught me staring and blushed. “I love Jessie’s brownies. I made her teach me the recipe, so I’d know her secret ingredients.”

“Umm.” I was lost for words.

Chloe smiled and reached for my face. Her thumb swiped the corner of my mouth. I wanted to grab her hand and lick the crumb off her thumb, but I couldn’t do that. We’d had a great dinner, talking and enjoying each other’s company. I was too nervous to do anything. It’d been too long since I’d had physical interaction with a woman and I feared I’d mess everything up.

“Do you want to go for a walk? Burn some of these calories off?” Chloe stood and held out her hand.

“Okay. Let’s go.” I grabbed her hand, and we moved toward the exit. It was only then that I started to notice others’ eyes on us. Funny how I only saw her when we were eating.

“What’s your favorite spot on the ranch?” Chloe asked, her arm wrapped around mine as we left the dining hall.

“It’s this spot on the eventing course. It’s a little cove of trees that has a stream flowing through it. The bank is littered with flower patches, and there’s something so calming about it. I like to go down there and unwind from the day while listening to the water babble.”

The comfort of her presence continued as we walked, enough that teasing her seemed natural. “Wait, how many questions are we at? This seems like far more than twenty.”

“I don’t know. I thought you were counting,” Chloe laughed.

I chuckled. Little did she know I’d never tire of hearing her tell me about herself, twenty questions or not. Her husky voice hypnotized me, drew me in and made me never want to let go.

I cleared my throat. “What’s your favorite thing to do during the summer?”

“Going to the lake. Jumping off the dock into the cool water feels amazing in the heat. Nothing beats that.” Her eyes had a far-off look in them, as though she was remembering the fun summers she had growing up.

“Wish I’d known you then.” I joked, earning a smile.

“My turn.” She pulled us to a stop and stepped close. Uncertainty flashed in her eyes. “I know this is fast and probably a little crazy, but I like you. A lot.”

I drew in a quick breath.

“And the whole time tonight I kept wondering if you liked me too, and whether you’d want to kiss me.” She gazed up at me through her dark lashes. Her eyes sparkled with the setting sun.

I swallowed, my mouth suddenly feeling dry. “I want to.”

“Why haven’t you?” she asked, her voice so soft I had to lean in. She placed her hand lightly on my chest. I was certain she could feel my heart trying to escape my chest.

I placed my hands over hers, loving how soft they felt, and forced myself to stay in place when all I wanted to do was run. “I can’t compete with them.”

Her gaze searched mine. “I don’t understand.”

My shoulders slumped forward. Why would she ever go for a guy like me when she had both Hunter and Matt?

Her eyebrows drew together as her perfectly lush lips tilted. “Why would you need to compete?”

I sighed. I hated having to put my fears into words, but I needed to be honest with her. “Chloe, you have both Hunter and Matt. Why would you want someone who’s inexperienced? Someone who doesn’t have the charm or outgoing personality? I don’t have the moves, or flirty lines, or things to impress you?—”

Chloe’s finger landed on my lips, halting me.

“Kyle…” She smiled so sweetly. “You might not have those things, but have you ever thought that maybe I want you for a whole other set of reasons?”

I shook my head, and her finger fell from my lips.

“You are different, but that’s what attracts me to you. The fact that you balance them out. You are sweet and caring, and I honestly question why you would want me. People are going to think I corrupted you into this kind of relationship.”

I chuckled. “Pretty sure Hunter did that already.”

Her hands cupped my cheeks. “I want to be very clear with you. So listen very closely when I say I want you. Just. As. You. Are.”

This was everything I wanted and more. I was done doubting myself. I was done questioning whether Chloe could be attracted to me. I was done wondering if she belonged to me just as much as Hunter or Matt. I brushed back a piece of hair that had fallen forward, relishing the heat of her skin, the scent of her shampoo that invaded my senses, and the feeling that everything about us was perfect.

“I want you too,” I admitted.

“Then have me, Kyle.” Chloe closed the distance, and this time I let her. Her delicate hands slid around my nape, and she slowly lifted on her toes.

Now that I knew we both wanted the same thing, I couldn’t keep my hands off her. I banded my arms around her waist and tugged her close until my lips landed on hers. I wanted to savor our first kiss, explore her, tease her. I didn’t want to rush something I knew I’d remember forever, but when I felt her tongue brush along my lower lip, the last of my reservations crumbled.

Flexing, I crushed her body against mine. She gasped at the sudden shift, and I thrust my tongue to dance with hers. When she practically melted into me, my nerves went haywire, dancing beneath my skin. Her sugar scent invaded my senses, and I wondered if I licked her body, if she’d taste just as sweet. My heart continued to thump, rushing to my ears and drowning out all sounds.

Except for the whistles that broke through.

Dazed, I leaned back and glanced around. The need to shield Chloe was strong, but she didn’t seem to mind. Before I could maneuver her behind me, she turned around and flipped Andrew, Travis, and Ryder off.

They all laughed, continuing on their way.

My hands drifted to her hips. I gathered her in my arms and nuzzled her neck. My cheeks felt like they would burst into flames, overriding my previous needs. If only the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

I’d just been caught kissing Chloe.

“We can take this slow, if you want, but if you keep doing that to my neck, we won’t be.”

My entire body stiffened. I wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing. I’d buried my nose into her neck and was inhaling her scent.

“Sorry.” I stepped back, giving us a bit of space.

“Don’t be. I like it.” She drew her bottom lip between her teeth. “Why don’t we go someplace and talk some more?”

I nodded and held out my hand. Our room was free with Hunter out for poker night, which usually went late. Chloe laced her fingers with mine, and I led her to the bunkhouse.

The room Hunter and I shared had bunk beds, which were standard in every room, but also had two desks and chairs, two dressers, and two nightstands. It kind of reminded me of how people described their college dorm rooms. It wasn’t really much, but it was enough to get us by.

Traveling for shows and the extensive training when we were home didn’t leave much need for luxury. The live-in houses on the ranch were tailored to the men living there. Our house was still being built for when Hunter and I found the right woman.

The bunkhouse had a communal kitchen and a living room area with a TV and entertainment center. It surprised me that at this hour, there didn’t seem to be a soul in sight. Everyone was either still at dinner or at poker night.

Seeing the room through Chloe’s eyes made me wonder what she thought of it.

Chloe followed me into our room and tugged on my hand. I paused and turned around.

“Will you kiss me again?” she asked.

I stepped close, snaked my fingers through her hair, and leaned in. “You don’t have to ask.” My lips landed on hers before she could say anything else. A soft moan escaped her lips, and I let my hands drift down to her firm ass. The jeans had a snug fit, and I appreciated the view and, even more, the feel . Chloe shifted her hips against mine as I deepened the kiss.

What had she said before? We could take it slow?

Right now, I didn’t want to take anything slow.

I wanted more, evidenced by my hardening cock I had no doubt Chloe could feel. “I’m sorry,” I said, when she brushed against it and froze in place. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.

Her eyes glazed over with lust. Her lips were swollen from our kiss, and the rapid rise and fall of her chest told me without words she was just as turned on as I was.

“Don’t be.”

“We were supposed to be taking this s?—”

She cut me off with another kiss. God, she tasted just as sweet as she smelled. Adjusting my hands, I cupped her ass and hoisted her up. Instinctually, she wrapped her legs around me, and I walked us toward a free space on the wall, right next to the door.

I pressed her firmly against the wall and cupped the back of her head while keeping the other hand under her perfect ass. I got her just how I wanted her so I could deepen the kiss, delving my tongue to meet hers. Her soft mewl was music to my ears.

I may not have much experience, but I knew how to follow my instincts. My lips moved from hers along her jaw and down her neck. Inhaling her sweet scent, I lightly bit along her exposed shoulder. She gasped and rolled her hips.

Fuck, that felt like magic.

I did it again. And again.

Listening to the little sounds that escaped her made it harder to resist throwing her on the bed and taking this further. Only I didn’t want to rush.

I needed to be sure she didn’t want me because Hunter and I were a package deal. It was important to me she would choose me no matter the circumstances.

Chloe’s fingers grasped my shoulders, gripping me as she ground against my rock-hard cock. Groaning, I made my way back to her lips. When her teeth sank into my bottom lip, I nearly lost it. My fingers untangled from her hair and drifted down to palm her breast. I could feel her nipple pebbled beneath her layers. Rolling my fingers over it, I pinched the tight peak through her bra. She cried out and squeezed my hips with her legs, rubbing herself against me.

“Fuck,” I moaned. Chloe felt amazing.

She let out another sound before dragging my shirt up at the back with a hungry groan. She brushed her warm fingers against my skin, then dug her nails into my back when I nipped at her neck.

“Kyle.” My name was a plea on her lips. My body felt like it was going to ignite, and we were only kissing.

Another sound hit my ears. A deep rumble sounded from the doorway.

My head whipped up and I slowly released Chloe’s legs, letting her slide down my body before taking a step back.

Hunter’s smirk told me everything. He’d done this on purpose. And it had worked. Not that I was sorry for his interference.

“Am I interrupting something?” he asked, feigning innocence.

“Actually, you were.” Chloe moved closer to Hunter and smacked his chest playfully.

“Poker night end early?” I asked.

“I let them win. I had a feeling I was missing something more important.” His heated gaze landed on Chloe.

“Well, like always, your timing is impeccable.” I tugged my shirt back in place. “We just finished dinner.”

Chloe let out a heavy sigh. Her eyes were still hazy but she was slowly coming back to her senses. I reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

“Did you enjoy having dinner with Kyle?” Hunter stepped closer, his chest pressing against her arm.

Chloe nodded. Her eyes locked on mine.

“Do you want me to leave so you can go back to kissing him?” He brushed her hair over her shoulder, and her whole body shivered.

“No.” Chloe’s voice was thick with lust. She placed one palm on my chest and the other on Hunter’s. Her hands turned to fists as she gripped our shirts. The light tug at the fabric was all I needed to lean in and claim her mouth.

The frantic need for each other had lessened, but with Hunter here, things were different. We had to work together to be with Chloe. Reluctantly, I backed away, and Chloe instinctively turned her face to Hunter, who took her mouth in a demanding kiss without missing a beat.

The sight of Hunter and Chloe did nothing to ease my throbbing cock. Hunter moaned as he threaded his fingers into her hair. He released her mouth and guided her back to me. When my lips landed on hers, Hunter took the opportunity to taste along her neck. The sound of her crying out when Hunter nipped at her shoulder was enough to leave a wet spot on my boxers.

All too soon, her phone pinged in her pocket. Chloe read the message on her screen. “Shit. I have to take this. It’s the florist.”

I stepped back, taking a few breaths to calm my beating heart. Hunter pulled Chloe in for another kiss. He wasn’t ready for this to be over, but she had work to do.

“I’ll walk you home,” I said when Hunter finally released her.

“It’s okay. It’s still light out. I have a detour to make.” Chloe’s lips found mine once more before she turned to leave.

“I’ll walk you out then.”

She laced her fingers through mine and led the way out of the room. When she passed Hunter, he slapped her ass. She gasped and swatted at his hand.

I didn’t know how much more restraint I had left in me. One more roll of her hips, and I might have come in my jeans. We reached the front door, and I held the screen open for her.

“Goodnight, Chloe.” I went to place a kiss on her cheek, but she turned into me at the last minute and stole one from my lips instead.

“Goodnight.”

When she had disappeared around the next building, I let out a deep sigh. I hadn’t had a reaction like that in a long time. I didn’t sleep around. I didn’t date much. Everyone I’d gone out with just didn’t interest me enough to go any further than a date. And I didn’t sleep with someone on the first date.

But Chloe had me wanting to jump in bed with her right then and there. After Hunter’s interruption, I didn’t know when would be the next time I’d get any time with her. Not without having to fight two other men for her attention.

“Come on man, we really need to up your game,” Hunter said when I came back to our room.

I cursed him under my breath as I shut the door and plopped on the lower bed.

“You feel it too, don’t you?” Hunter leaned against the table beside the bed.

“Fuck yes. I’ve never had a reaction like this to any other woman. What are we going to do?” This was so far out of my territory. And we had Matt to worry about. “What about Matt?”

“Well, we can either convince him to let us have Chloe, or we are going to have to work out something we can all agree upon. We can’t jeopardize the ranch. This place is our home, and Matt has always been a friend.”

I nodded along to Hunter’s words. “I really like her. I don’t want to give her up.”

“I know. We’ll have to think of something.” Hunter ran his hand through his hair. We stayed silent for a few minutes, reflecting on what had just happened.

“You gonna take care of that?” Hunter asked. When I turned toward him, he was pointing at my still-hard cock.

Well, fuck. I needed a cold shower. Or maybe a hot one with Chloe’s kiss running through my mind.