Page 79 of Lassoed Love

“I’m getting hard imagining you gripping my cock, like that.” He murmurs, his voice low. I shiver as his breath tickles the side of my face.

My mind races at his words, and I can’t help but feel a flutter run straight to my core. Heat flushes to my face, and I nudge him, “Your sister is right there, shush,” I whisper.

Olivia mutters, “Ugh, gross. Can you two not?”

Xavier feigns innocence as he stands up behind me, “What? I didn’t do anything.”

Olivia says, “Oh yeah, sure.. That’s why she’s blushing, aye?”

Xavier just glares at her, and I look away to hide my uncontrollable blush.

“You know, you two are really cute together. I definitely ship this!” Embarrassment courses through me, and I clear my throat.

Xavier says, “Right, I think that’s enough for today. Liv, you’redone.”

Liv releases a sigh, “Oh thank fuck! I’m out, see you later, lovebirds.”

As Xavier wraps up the equipment, I follow him into the barn with the cow. Sweat glistens on his skin under the hot sun, and as he locks up the gate, his arm accidentally brushes against mine, leaving a sheen of sweat on me. I playfully wrinkle my nose. “Ew, you’re all sweaty,” I tease, wiping at my arm with a smirk.

Xavier turns to me, his grin mischievous. “No shit, Doc. It’s scorching out here.”

He pauses, then mockingly growls, “Is my sweat ‘ew,’ huh?” With a playful twinkle in his eyes, he wipes his hands across my face and arms, leaving me covered in his perspiration. I burst out laughing, feeling a bit icky but strangely exhilarated at the same time.

“You won’t be complaining when my sweat is all over you the next time I fuck you,” he says with a suggestive tone. My cheeks heat up, and I can’t help but think that maybe a little sweat isn’t so bad after all.

He moves closer to me, closing the gap between us, his chest brushing against mine as he looks down at me. Just then, Olivia comes rushing into the barn, breaking up the moment, saying, “Oi guys, we’re going to the Loose Lasso tonight, you know, to celebrate your birthday, Xav. You old fart.”

I break apart from Xavier, stopping in my tracks.His birthday?It’s his birthday? Why didn’t he say anything? I look at him, shooting him a confused look. “Your birthday?”

Olivia chimes in, “Well, technically it’s tomorrow, but I thought it would be nice to go out tonight.” She falters, “Wait… didn’t you tell her, Xavier Mitchell?” He rolls his eyes at her use of his full name. The moment becomes awkward, and I shuffle my feet, feeling a bit embarrassed. Twentieth of September. I make a mental note to remember for next time.

Xavier shrugs, running his hand behind the hair at his nape, “It’s nothing important, really. It just never came up in conversation, and honestly, I’d forgotten until now.”

“Why am I not surprised that you’d forget,” she deadpans and then turns to me, “Well, this old codger’s birthday is tomorrow, he’s turning, hmmm, fifty?” She teases with a finger to her lip.

“Ha, ha. You’re hilarious. and you’re what, twelve?” Xavier teases back.

“Twenty-three, asshole,” she says with a smirk, her hands on her hips—sometimes I forget how much younger she is. She’s the baby of the family, no wonder Xav is so protective.

I feel a little out of place, not having known it was his birthday. Olivia chirps in, “So, we’re all going, yes? Isla, you’re invited.”

“Oh no, it’s okay. I don’t want to impose,” I reply.

Olivia scoffs, “What! You’re not,” at the same time Xavier interjects, “Don’t be silly, Isla. It’s not an imposition.”

Xavier adds, “I’ll only go if Isla says yes to coming.” They both look at me, awaiting my response.

I sigh in frustration, feeling a bit cornered.

“Okay—I’ll come,” I concede with a playful roll of my eyes.

Xavier winks at me, and Olivia whoops loudly in response. I can’t help but blush.

32

When It Rains It Pours - Luke Combs

Loudmusic, pulsating lights, and the scent of alcohol linger in the air.