All About Us Read online

  Dane’s lips trail hot kisses down my neck to my shoulder, finding that sensitive sweet spot right where the neck and shoulder join. Tilting my head, shivers wrack my body as he thrusts his hips into mine. Dane lifts his head looking into my eyes, his pupils are dilated with desire his chest heaving as he holds himself back.

  Pushing him up, I get off the couch and grab his hand. Pulling him through the house and up the stairs, as soon as my bedroom door is closed I’m being lifted and carried across the room, Dane’s lips moving against mine fervently. The kiss is hard and passionate, both of us pushing into each other desperately.

  He sets me on the ground and we’re stripping out of our clothes like two teenagers having sex for the first time and not wanting to get caught. My eyes widen as his erection springs free from his jeans.

  “Wow.” Dane laughs and I can feel the heat spreading through my cheeks as I realize I said that out loud. His eyes burn as he looks at me, my hands twitch with the need to do something so instead of standing there, I push him onto my bed and straddle him. Dane allows me to take control, watching me hungrily as I trail kisses over his chest and down his stomach.

  Lifting my gaze, I hold eye contact as I wrap my lips around his cock sliding them down rapidly and sucking.

  “Holy shit . . .” Dane’s hips thrust up and I teasingly pull away from him until they rest on the bed again. Swirling my tongue over his tip; I lick, suck and nip until he grips my arms and flips me onto my back, his lips meeting my breast. My nipples pucker as he teases them with his tongue, my back arches into him as I fist the sheets in my hands.

  The feeling of his thumb pressing onto my clit has me gasping, my body pushing into his as two fingers push inside me, building me up until I’m panting. Whimpering when he pulls away, I watch as he rolls on a condom before settling himself between my legs.

  We both groan as he pushes in and my body is pulsating as he begins to move.

  “Fuck you’re so tight.” Dane’s voice is gruff as I clench around him, moving my hips to meet his. Faster and faster, sweat beads down our chests and my eyes are locked with his.

  “Harder.” My voice is hoarse, my body aching as I near climax and he thrusts harder and faster. My orgasm explodes through me as my entire body tenses, clenching around him in pleasure. Dane tenses as he comes, muttering my name before collapsing beside me. His lips find mine and he kisses me passionately before he gets up to discard the condom.

  Crawling back in bed, he pulls me into his arms and rests his forehead on mine.

  “One position down.” My jaw drops as he winks at me. Clenching my thighs together, I think of all the other things we have to try and lick my lips. He groans and kisses me hard before laying his head down on the pillow. “I love the way you think, but we have an early morning.”

  Curling into him, I listen as his breathing deepens, my eyes growing heavy. Feeling his presence and the strength and safety in his arms there is no fear of a nightmare as I finally lose consciousness.

  Chloe prances at my feet as I jog around the pen with my horses. My body feels free and relaxed so I pick up speed, a smile spreading as Chloe jumps and barks. She is feeling extra playful today so I end my run and quickly feed the horses before finding one of Chloe’s toys and we play fetch while we wait for Dane to return. Normally Alex is making coffee when I get up in the morning but his door was still closed. Now that my mind isn’t occupied, I wonder how their evening went.

  Dane appears from the barn, grinning as he saunters over to me. His sleeves are rolled up, arms bared making me swoon a little. His eyes twinkle as he wraps an arm around my waist pulling me into him to kiss me. My body turns to mush as the feel of his hard body pressed against mine reminds me of the amazing shower sex we had this morning.

  “Two positions down, I wonder if either are your favorite.” He whispers in my ear. My knees quiver as moisture pools between my legs and I pull back.

  “We’ll never know until we try them all.” Dane lowers his head and softly kisses me again.

  “We have plenty of time to explore them, I’m not letting you go.” His voice is low and gravelly as he looks at me unwavering, probing. Holding my breath and body still while he searches until he looks away and takes a deep breath. When he returns his eye to mine they are burning, calculating how much time we have until breakfast.

  “Hey guys! Ready for breakfast?” Lifting our heads at Alex’s voice, Dane forces a smile at him.

  “Yes we are. Let’s go.” Together we head to breakfast, my brain spinning from the intense moment with Dane and ways to get him and Alex to work through the tension.

  “They are so sweet! It’s been too long since I have spent time around foals.” Emma’s voice is filled with excitement as we ride to the hitching post. She’s ties Serenity to the post and climbs the fence. Her eyes light up as she walks towards the closest of the babies and I lean against the fence to watch her. There is one baby in particular I think she will love and I’m waiting to see her reaction.

  “You can tell how much time you have put into socializing them!” Emma’s voice is soft as she rubs a sorrel filly’s nose. Climbing the fence I join her, petting a sweet black colt that joins up with me.

  “That one is a suck for attention, she is going to be smart and a handful.” Emma talks in a low voice to the filly before walking over to the black colt standing next to me. Her hand halts mid-reach when she sees her. Her eyes widen and she looks at me with an even bigger smile.

  “You didn’t tell me one of the mares threw a palomino.”

  “I wanted to surprise you, I knew you would love her.”

  “Her?” Emma walks slowly towards the filly, as though she is scared it’s all in her imagination. For as long as I have known Emma she has always had a fondness for horses that are not as common. Buckskins, Grullo’s, Palominos and Blue Roan’s were always her favorites.

  The filly prances around her, but stills under her gentle touch. Emma exudes confidence when walking around the horses, but in this moment she is quivering with excitement. The filly sniffs her hair and she giggles a sound of pure joy.

  “She doesn’t have a name yet, want to name her?” Emma nods, completely enraptured with the filly.

  “What should your name be my sweet?” Watching her with the horse fills me with contentment. In this moment everything I have dreamed of is in reach, I just need to get her to where I am.

  I have loved Emma since I was eight years old. She had fallen out of a tree and was crying because she twisted her ankle in the landing. In that moment, seeing her hurting and upset I knew I would do anything to make her better. That feeling has only grown over time and the woman she has become surpasses every dream I’ve ever had.

  Smiling at Emma as she continues to stroke the filly’s nose, pondering names.

  “I have it! Her name should be Arwen. It stands for noble maiden.” Her smile is radiant as she hugs Arwen.

  “It’s perfect. She is going to be a wonderful addition to your herd.” Holding my breath, I wait for her reaction.

  The moment my words sink in, Emma flings herself into my arms and I’m instantly aroused as her legs wrap tightly around my waist. Her velvety soft tongue diving into my mouth. Groaning as she pulls my hair, I kiss her harder. Her body moves against mine, rubbing against the bulge in my jeans. Too soon she drops her legs and steps into my arms, enfolding herself in me.

  “She’s perfect. Thank you so much.” She walks back over to Arwen and kisses her on the nose. Petting her adoringly before glancing at her phone as an alarm sounds. Sighing with regret, she turns away from the babies. “We should head back to the house. I have some writing to do.”

  “I don’t have anything to get done today, can I come hang out? Maybe I can try to get to know Alex, you know now that he’s not threatening me.” Emma laughs.

  “You’re more than welcome to come hang out, but I fear you will be bored.”

  “No I won’t, I promise.”

  Watching Alex an
d Emma work is fascinating. They distract each other and then scold each other for being distracting. Yet it seems to work. I’ve been watching them for a couple of hours while attempting to get some paperwork done.

  Alex shuts his laptop and goes to the kitchen. Emma doesn’t even look up so I follow him.

  “So Emma tells me you do web design?” He gestures to the coffee and I nod.

  “Yes, I designed Emma’s if you’ve ever looked at it. I also help her with her covers and teasers. If you ever need help with a site for the ranch or your training program, please let me know.” His offer leaves me speechless and we drink the coffee he has prepared in silence for a bit. Glancing over my shoulder, Emma is still completely engrossed in typing.

  “I really appreciate the offer. The website we have is really basic and I would like to revamp it. I have been thinking of expanding what we do here and training is a good way to go. So far I only train our own horses before selling them. You know, both Lia and Ryan could probably use help on their websites as well.”

  “Thanks, if they would like I have time so send them my way.” Silence awkwardly descends and I gulp at my coffee, looking back at Emma.

  Emma. Maybe once we discuss her and our relationship it will get less awkward.

  “I think we should address the elephant in the room. Thank you for the other night. I had my head up my ass and needed the swift kick to dislodge it. I’m just sorry that is the first impression you had of me.” Alex pierces me with a stare, I hold his gaze and stand perfectly still. He evaluates me before setting me free and looks towards Emma.

  Following his gaze, I watch her as she remains in her bubble. She tilts her head to the side, fingers paused on the keyboard while she thinks about something.

  “Honestly, if Emma and you are good then we’re good. I see the way you look at her, I know you love her.” Smiling in relief, we both finally relax.

  Then his words sink in. Am I that obvious? Needing time to think about his statement, I search for a new topic.

  “How’s her book coming?” I’ve been meaning to ask, but in the past two days we’ve been a little preoccupied.

  “Good, but it’s not the conclusion to her series. She’s writing something new.”

  “Oh really? I will have to ask about it. I’ve read all her books.” Alex looks shocked yet impressed and we share a genuine smile. Conversation begins to flow more smoothly and we actually share a lot in common.

  “Dude! Linkin Park’s concert was epic!” Alex and I are talking loudly about our favorite concerts when Emma wraps her arms around my waist.

  “I think I’m done for today. I’m exhausted and I can’t see straight. What are you guys talking about?” Her voice vibrates over my back causing tingles to shoot down my spine. My eyes roll back in my head and Alex laughs at me.

  “Your boyfriend got to see Linkin Park in concert!”

  Emma releases me so she can gape with Alex. “Seriously? Ugh! I want to see them so badly!” She returns her arms to my waist and starts nuzzling my side.

  “Alright on that note . . . I think I’m going to go for a drive and do some exploring. Dane, we should all go to Linger one of these nights. That is a fantastic pub!” He kisses Emma on the side of the head affectionately.

  We watch Alex leave the room before I tilt my head down and capture Emma’s lips with my own. She wraps her hands around my neck, leaning in before breaking away too soon.

  “Dane, I think I need a nap. This book is seriously draining me.” She yawns and her eyes do have a glazed quality.

  “Alex said you’re writing something new. What’s it about?” She grabs my hand and starts pulling me upstairs.

  “Oh, it’s hard to say exactly what kind of story it will be at this point.” Emma avoids my gaze as we lay down and I feel like she is hiding something from me, but I ignore it and wrap her into my arms.

  “Well, I look forward to reading it.” She nods and closes her eyes, starting to doze off.

  “Emma?”

  “Mmmm.”

  “I love you.” I know she is awake because her body stills. When she pretends to sleep I let it slide, disappointment filling me despite knowing she is not ready yet. One day she will realize she loves me too and I will hear those words from her lips.

  “I had the best visit with Arwen today.” Lia pops a chip into her mouth, grinning as I gush about my new filly. It’s been a few days since Dane gave her to me and I’ve gone to see her every day.

  “I’m glad. I will have to come with you to see her soon. Hey! We should set up a weekly riding date! I need girl time and I feel like your time is being hogged, not that I’m not thrilled about you and Dane.” She winks at me.

  “That’s a great idea. We will work it into your schedule.” We’re looking at Lia’s schedule when Alex walks into the room and bursts into laughter at our spread.

  “Why hello ladies. I forgot it was girl’s night. I’m heading to Linger with Dane, Ryan and Jesse. They were nice enough to let me tag along. Want me to crash in my truck?” He winks at us both and if I’m not imagining things, Lia blushes. I’ve noticed the two of them making eyes at each other, but to my knowledge nothing has happened. Watching them now though, I wonder.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Lia will sleep with me.”

  “Okay! Have fun, don’t get sick on all that junk food.” He grins widely at us before leaving.

  “So Lia, you and Alex . . . Has something happened there?” Her blush deepens, but she shakes her head.

  “He flirts, I flirt back. It’s nothing. So, things are going well with Dane I take it?”

  Letting the subject change slide, I look down and take a deep breath. “He told me he loves me.”

  “What?!” Lia squeals so loudly Chloe jumps up to check on her. Laughing, Lia pushes her down gesturing wildly at me to continue.

  “Lia, I pretended to sleep, but I think he knows I was awake. I feel so guilty over it, but that feels like a huge step. How do I know I’m ready?” I sag as I unload the thoughts that have been taking up too much brain space. I’ve never been such a coward before, I want the old me back not this weak and scared new version.

  “Hun, I think you already know. Dane will be patient, he truly loves you.”

  Taking a deep breath, I sit up straighter and resolve to be stronger. “I’ve booked an appointment with a counselor this coming Wednesday. I need to start addressing my grief and anxiety more seriously. I haven’t told anyone but you.”

  “Why not?”

  “I will, I just need to get through the first month or so first. I’ve been back home for over a month now and while things are better I’ve realized I need help. I don’t want to be this way anymore. I know that the way I’m being affected by the car accident and Grandpa’s heart attack isn’t normal. The fear of losing more people to the point of wanting to shut myself down from getting too close, that’s not healthy. I need help.”

  Lia wraps an arm around me resting her head on my shoulder. “I’m proud of you Em, I know it’s not easy to admit you need help. You will get there because you truly want to.” Lia rubs her hands together gleefully. “Okay! It was my night to plan the fun. Instead of watching movies, I thought we could play some good old Mario Kart!” Lia is bouncing as she waits for my reaction, if this was a cartoon my eyes would be rolling. She’s making me dizzy.

  “Yes! That sounds like so much fun! Now please stop bouncing before you give me motion sickness.” Lia jumps up and quickly sets up her N64, passing me a controller.

  “Noooo!” Lia screams at the TV as I blow up her last balloon. We’re both sitting on the floor, directly in front of the TV, hunched over and staring.

  “Boom! You suck . . .” Lia sets her controller down and turns to me, a glint in her eyes.

  “That’s it. Smash Bros time.”

  “No! You know I have never been good at that game.” Throwing myself on the ground as she switches games, I reach for my phone when it beeps with a text.

  “No
phones!” Lia tries to grab it from me.

  “It’s from Dane. C’mon. Just one?” She rolls her eyes and turns back to the TV.

  Dane: What is your favorite thing about yourself?

  His question makes me pause. It’s not something I think about much, but in the spirit of trying to work on my issues I take his question seriously.

  Me: This question is hard, but I love how I know myself, what I want and I go for it. At least that’s how I used to be and I will be again.

  Setting my phone down, I take the controller from Lia and we start playing again. My body feels rigid and I focus on relaxing. Fingers flying over the buttons on the controller, Lia yelling at her character and my thoughts drowning in my response, I will be that girl again . . . One day.

  “Put your damn phone away!” Ryan yells at me over the noise of Linger. He and Alex just finished a game of pool and bought us a round of beer. Alex offered to be our designated driver so after his first two, he has been drinking water.

  Tucking my phone back in my pocket, I feel it vibrate with Emma’s response and resist the urge to check it. Jesse has finished grilling Alex and nodded his approval. Jesse has been leery of new people for as long as I’ve known him, but Alex took his interrogation in good stride. Thankfully now that I know he isn’t with Emma I can admit that the guy is pretty cool.

  “Dane, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Yvette just walked in the door and is making eyes at you.” Ryan jerks his chin in her direction. Turning my head slightly, I see her at the bar staring at me. She still texts me periodically, but I have decided to ignore her and they have dwindled.

  “I just hope she stays over there.” Groaning, I angle my body away from her.

  “Who is that?” Alex looks between Yvette and me curiously.