Page 17

17

Tarryn

G raduation caps go flying up in the air, and I realize it’s over. There are kids smiling and cheering all around me and I can’t even crack a smile. I’ve been on the verge of tears all day. I was barely able to disguise my swollen eyes with makeup. I’ve been crying for days. It’s a wonder that I was able to finish up my classes. But honestly, they were the only mental reprieve I had. They gave me a few hours of distraction from the depression I’ve sunk into.

It feels like it’s never going to stop. This aching pain. The homesick feeling that churns in my stomach from the second I wake up. And I can barely sleep. I wake up searching for Traeger, and as soon as reality sets in, I’m crying again. It’s truly miserable.

“Hello! Are you going to get up and go? Our line is moving.”

It’s time to leave now. I rise from my chair and follow the person in front of me, putting one foot in front of the other, staring at the ground so I don’t trip as I hobble along in my boot. It’s time to go meet up with my dad and his girlfriend. I didn’t get to see him beforehand because he was running late. Apparently, Jules needed some extra time to get ready. In other words, he was too busy fucking her to give a fuck about being on time for his daughter’s graduation.

He never called me back, by the way. He sent me a text making sure I got the extra ticket for her and that’s it. I can’t really blame him though. I understand how consuming love can be. I understand the mental obsession, and the need to spend every waking moment with that person. If Traeger were here, I probably wouldn’t even care whether my dad was or not. I wonder what he’s doing right now? He’s probably out checking his traps or building the addition to his cabin.

We exit the auditorium, and I find myself lost in the sea of people, trying to hobble my way through the crowd but getting knocked in every direction. I turn toward the bathroom, wanting a minute to clear my emotions before I face my dad, but I find my path blocked by a big man in a suit. I nearly run right into his chest, apologizing as I stumble back.

“Where you running to, doll?”

My heart nearly explodes in my chest at the sound of that deep rugged voice. It’s him. He’s here. Traeger came.

I draw my eyes up slowly and my vision blurs even more. He looks different. His beard is gone. But it’s definitely him. His strong cheekbones. The little crow’s-feet etched around the rim of his eyes. Though, never before have I seen the look he’s giving me now. It makes me lose my balance and sway forward. He catches me just like he always does, keeping me steady, giving me strength.

“Easy, cowgirl. I got you.”

“What are you doing here, Traeger?”

“Came to see my girl graduate. Couldn’t miss her big day.”

The tears start slipping down, and he grips my cheeks, swiping them away with his big thumbs. “Don’t cry, baby. It kills me to see you sad.”

“I don’t want you to go, Traeger.”

“Not going anywhere.” He shakes his head. “Sorry, doll. I tried to let you go, but I just can’t do it. You’re stuck with me now. For as long as this old heart keeps kicking.”

My knees grow weaker, and I cling to his shoulders. My heart is nearly kicking out of my chest now. “I’ve missed you so much, Traeger. It felt like I couldn’t breathe these last three weeks.”

“Same, babe, which is why I’ve decided to move to the city so I can be close to you.”

“Move to the city? No. It’s awful here. I want to move to the cabin. It’s suffocating and loud here, and people are so rude.” I never realized how self-absorbed people are. But everywhere I go, people are snippy and unfriendly. “Up on your mountain, it’s so peaceful and calm, and the views are amazing. I’ve missed it so much. But not as much as I’ve missed you. It’s been the most miserable three weeks of my life.”

“I’m sorry, baby. I thought I was doing right by you. I wanted you to be young and experience everything. But then I got to thinking about you experiencing other men, and I wanted to burn the world down. I thought about kidnapping you in your sleep, hauling you back to my cabin, and locking you under me forever.”

Mmm… I get tingly just thinking about. “Then why didn’t you?” I’d be more than willing to be his captive for the rest of my life.

“I’m here, aren’t I? And I don’t plan on leaving without you.”

I lean up onto my toes, brushing my lips across his, feeling his soft warm skin settling the ache that’s been living inside my chest. Finally, it feels like I can breathe again. The paralyzing pain is gone, and I’ve never felt such joy. “I love you, Traeger.”

“I love you more, baby.”

He parts my lips with his tongue and kisses me senseless. The noise fades around us and all I can hear is my beating heart. My entire body is engulfed in heat and I need him. I let out a little whimper, and he pulls back, staring into my eyes.

“Come, doll. Its time to take care of my girl.” He grabs my waist and starts leading me through the crowd. He’s a man on a mission, and I can barely think past the throbbing pain that’s pulsing between my legs.

“Tarryn! Congratulations, sweetheart.” I look up, nearly grunting my frustration when I see my dad. His timing is terrible.

“Hi, Dad. Thanks.” The words come out twinged with annoyance. “Hi, Jules.” I look to the one, clinging to his side. The girl who’s nearly my age. But instead of being irritated with her, I’m happy. “I want you two to meet my special someone. Dad, Jules, this is Traeger. Traeger, this is my dad and his girlfriend Jules.”

“Fiancée!” she corrects, practically shouting as she holds her hand out for Traeger to shake and I see the huge diamond ring on her finger. It looks like my dad failed to share some big news with me.

“It’s nice to meet you both.” Traeger’s voice is a little rough; it sounds like he’s uncomfortable. But it could just be the crowded place. He likes his quiet and calm. And so do I.

“Don’t you think you’re a little old to be dating my daughter?”

My father’s rude comment has me practically snarling. I step in front of Traeger, shielding him from my father’s rudeness. “Wow. Isn’t that a little hypocritical, Dad, considering Jules is only two years older than me, and yet, you’re seven years older than Traeger. To my calculation, that would make you way too old to be marrying her.” I no longer give a rat’s ass who he wants to marry, but I will not stand for him being rude to my man. “I don’t think you should be speaking on the matter. Besides, aren’t you the one who always says you can’t help the one you love? I’m in love with this man, and if you give him a chance, I think you’ll love him too.”

“Tarryn.” Traeger grips my waist. “It’s okay for him to be concerned. If it were our daughter, I’d have the same question. He’s just looking out for you.”

I glance up at him, feeling my heart beat even faster. Loving him even more. “But I don’t want anyone being rude to you.”

“I can handle it, baby. Go easy on your dad.”

“How did you two meet?” My father’s question has me turning back.

“Funny you should ask. We met when I broke my ankle.” He looks down and jerks back up when he sees my cast. It’s the first time he’s noticed it.

“Why didn’t you tell me you broke your ankle?”

“I tried. Remember when I called you three weeks ago and you were having dinner? You never called me back; otherwise, I would’ve told you.”

It’s on him. Not me. He’s the one that’s been the absent dad, and judging by the look on his face, I think he’s realizing it.

“Anyway, my friends and I went backpacking. We got spooked by a wild animal in the woods.” I glance up at my big grumpy man who’s got a smirk on his face. “We all took off running, and I ended up falling and breaking my ankle. Carter and Kelsey left me behind on the mountain, and I had no one there to help me. But then Traeger found me.” More like captured me. “He stopped and helped me. He took me to his cabin and bandaged me up. If it weren’t for him, I never would’ve made it back alive.”

My father’s head snaps up to Traeger, and I see the shift in his eyes. He holds out his hand. “Thank you for saving my daughter. I never liked those two.” My dad’s attention shifts to me. “That roommate of yours always rubbed me the wrong way. And that kid you were dating was a pompous ass.”

Traeger’s hold on me tightens. He agrees with that sentiment.

“Guess we have a bit of catching up to do. How about we go grab something to eat so I can get to know this special person in your life. Will you join us for dinner, Traeger?”

“I’d be honored, sir.”

Traeger takes my hand, and we follow my dad out, coming up with a plan to meet at the restaurant.

“Can we just swing by my place really quick?” There’s something I need before we go eat. Something I’m desperate for.

“Sure. Do you want to tell your dad we’ll be running late?” Nah. After all the times my dad has made me wait on him, he deserves to know how it feels for a change.

“We shouldn’t be too long. I just need to get something. Besides, with graduation, there will definitely be a wait at the restaurant today.” It’s the finest steakhouse in town and where everyone is probably going for their graduation dinner. My father forgot to make a reservation, so I’m guessing we’ll have a long wait to get in.

“What do you need to get?” He reaches for my hand and locks our fingers together.

“My graduation present.”

His head turns. “Can I give you mine while we’re there?”

“That’s what I’m hoping for. But if you have another present for me, I’ll take that too.” I bite down on my smirk as his nostrils flare. He catches my drift, and then we’re suddenly breaking the speed limit to get to my apartment.

As soon as we’re locked inside, it’s like two wild animals going at it. Our mouths come crashing together, and our hands begin tearing at each other’s clothing. It’s an aggressive attack on all my senses. My body is trembling, and my panties get soaked in the storm. I’ve been desperate for this moment for weeks, wanting him to claim me and make me his.

“You should let your dad know we’re going to be a while. Once isn’t going to be enough.”

“Just fuck me already, Traeger.”

He lifts me on a wild roar and carries me to my bed. My back hits the mattress and then my thighs are pressed up to my hips. He’s staring between my legs, making my clit quiver under his scrutiny. If I’d known he was going to show up today, I would’ve shaved.

“I like this.” His fingers rub over my little patch of curls, causing me to buck off the bed as his thumb brushes over my clit. “Always so sensitive,” he groans. “God, I missed this pretty little pussy.” His thumb is stoking the flames. Making me burn so hot, I can’t take it any longer. If he doesn’t fuck me now, I’m going to go insane.

“You need to put that big dick inside me now, Traeger. I can’t take it any longer.”

Another growl barrels from his throat and he shifts forward, lining himself up right with my entrance. “There’s no turning back, angel. Once I come inside you, you can consider yourself mine. Is that what you’re ready for? I’m talking forever, babe.”

I nod my head, pushing my hips forward and showing him exactly how ready I am. I press against his crown, feeling the pressure at my entrance. My body expanding to take him in. It’s a slow slide down his shaft. My walls stretching around his wide girth, trembling as the feeling starts to take hold. “You can consider me owned now,” I moan. “I’m yours, Traeger. And this pussy is now your private property.” No one will ever be allowed to trespass on what’s his again.

“Fuck, baby. You feel so goddamn good.” His voice is strained and his shoulders are practically shaking. It’s like he’s fighting the tension, fighting to hold himself off. “I just need a moment, babe. I’m about to come.”

I lean up, right to his ear, licking across his soft skin before I suck his lobe between my lips. “I want you to come, Traeger. I need you to mark your territory.”

It’s like the last string of his restraint snaps and then he’s suddenly fucking me like his life depends on it. He’s like a madman, thrusting deep, fucking me hard, slamming the bed against the wall with every thrust. It’s a cataclysmic eruption of intense need mixed with insane pleasure, and my body shatters. The orgasm plunders through me like a violent storm. Shocks hitting every nerve. My screams probably heard next door. He bears down on my clit and another orgasm plows through. It’s almost too much, yet divinely perfect at the same time. And by the time the storm passes, I’m wrecked. Head to toe shattered in the most delicious way.

“Damn, baby. You sure know how to wring a man dry.”

He pulls out and drops to my side, tucking me right into his chest. I nuzzle in, breathing in his cologne, relishing the feel of his strong arms wrapped around me. It feels like I’m whole again. The homesickness gone. The pain replaced with relief, happiness. I feel safe and protected. And for the first time in my life, there’s not a single doubt on what I want for my future. It’s him. Nothing else really matters, just as long as I’m this mountain man’s girl.