Welcome to my little Corner

The black-painted brick bar sat on the edge of the strip, swallowed up a large neon sign. The windows were dark and bass-heavy music was bleeding through the walls. A line of pickup trucks parked crooked out front.

Inside, the lighting was low and warm, amber bulbs casting everything in a soft glow. The crowd was made up of older regulars with work-worn hands drinking dark liquor and younger people crowding the dance floor with their boots scuffing against the hardwood.

Annie and her girls didn't match the setting at all. They had come straight from dinner and nobody had bothered to change. They were far too overdressed for a hole in the wall place like this. But they looked good.

Annie’s black long-sleeve maxi dress clung to her like it had been painted on. The fabric hugged her curves and dipped into a deep large keyhole at her chest that showed her oiled breasts pushed together. The dress cinched at her waist before flowing down over her hips, outlining her full thighs, her round ass, and the soft curve of her stomach she never tried to hide.

They hadn’t even made it a full ten minutes before the attention started. Men were offering to buy drinks and the bartender was lining up shots “on the house”.

The DJ switched the music to something a little more fun with heavy bounce, bass thudding through the floor, and one of her girls grabbed her wrist. They moved toward the dance floor and the crowd shifted instinctively to make space for them.

They’d been dancing for thirty minutes straight. Grinding against each other and hair swinging. The DJ was mixing the music between old school and new beautifully.

The alcohol had settled into Annie's limbs and she felt warm and loose. Her curls bounced down her back as she rolled her hips with the beat. The drinks had loosened her up and she was past the point of self-awareness.

Annie let the rhythm guide her, her dress stretching deliciously over her curves. She could feel men's eyes on her. A couple of them tried getting closer, but her girls shut it down.

“We good,” one of them said smoothly, hand up without even looking at the guy.

Annie grinned, grabbing her friend’s hands and pulling her into a spin. They were dancing on each other now, bodies moving in sync like they were in their own private world. When the song faded out, they all groaned in unison and retreated back toward the bar, fanning themselves from the heat.

“I need some water,” one of them said.

“You need another shot,” another corrected.

Annie leaned her elbows against the bar, catching her breath. She felt eyes on her again, just like she’d felt them all night. It was a feeling she was used to when she went out. But she usually wasn't somewhere like this single.

Her phone had buzzed earlier in her purse, but she hadn’t checked it. She already knew who it probably was. Smoke.

They’d only been out on one date in two weeks, and somehow that had turned into hours on the phone every other day since. They had late night phone calls and early morning check-ins before he went out to the fields. His voice was always a little rough from being outside all day. He’d been busy with the farm, something always needing him.

The bartender sent over another round of shots.

“The man in the hat sent this,” she said, jerking her chin toward a booth in the corner.

Annie glanced over just long enough to see a group of men, one lifting his glass in acknowledgement, but she didn’t linger on him. She lifted the shot instead.

“To being outside,” she declared.

Her friends clinked their glasses and downed it.

A group of young men slid into the space beside them just as they finished.

“Y’all not gone share at least one dance,” one of them asked, smiling easy.

Tasha raised a brow. “Oh we don’t dance for free.”

The men laughed. “Is that right?”

“Mhm.”

Annie shook her head, amused.

Another one of the guys lifted his hand toward the bartender. “Round of shots.”

The bartender didn’t hesitate. Clear liquid filled four glasses, then four more. The men lined them up in front of the women as an offering.

“Now can we dance?” the first one asked.

Annie glanced at her girls. They were grinning.

Tasha grabbed her shot first. “To being outside.”

They all laughed.

Annie tapped her glass against theirs and eight glasses tipped back at the same time. The sharp burn hit instantly. This bar didn't water anything down. She swallowed, exhaling slowly as warmth bloomed through her chest again.

The men cheered. The DJ turned the volume up and the dance floor was calling them all back.

One of the guys stepped closer to Annie and held his hand out.

“Come on, baby, let me get one dance,” he said, flashing straight teeth.

Annie tilted her head, eyeing him down. The alcohol had softened her but not her confidence. She slid her hand into his.

“Sure,” she agreed.

He laced his fingers through hers and guided her toward the dance floor, weaving through bodies. The bass pulsed through the walls, through her heels, and up her calves.

As they crossed the open front windows, Annie’s attention shifted to headlights that swept across the street. Two big pickup trucks rolled up to the curb on the opposite side of the strip. The doors opened and several men jumped out.

Some were shirtless and some were in sweat-soaked tank tops. They looked like they’d come straight from the fields. They were laughing, talking over each other as they grabbed something out of the truck bed. One of them said something and the others simply nodded.

Annie couldn’t hear what was said over the music, but she saw several of them start to walk across the street toward the bar. She didn’t get a clear look at faces because of how dark it was. All she could see was broad shoulders and muscled arms.

“Everything good?” the guy holding her hand asked, giving a light tug.

“Yeah,” Annie murmured, blinking and letting herself be pulled the rest of the way onto the floor.

The song had switched. Now, the deep heavy sound of Lick by Joi played throughout the building and people reacted immediately.

The guy behind Annie stepped in close, testing the distance first. And she let him. She was tipsy enough to not overthink it. His hands settled carefully on her hips. She rolled slowly once, controlled. Then she turned her back to him fully.

Annie bent her knees and pushed her hips back into him, grinding with the beat. The man exhaled sharply behind her, hands sliding down her waist. Her dress clung tighter with the movement.

The door of the bar opened and there was a shift in atmosphere. The group from outside filtered in.

And that's when she saw him completely shirtless with sweat still fresh on his skin. His dark jeans were riding low on his hips, only held by a thick, worn belt. A chain glinting faintly at his neck. His chest broad, marked by faint scars and hard work.

Smoke.

He walked straight to the bar.

Annie felt her pulse thump with each step.

The man behind her didn’t know. He just kept grinding into her, hands sliding up her sides now, fingers spreading over her ribs before drifting back down to her hips.

She kept dancing, slowly, trying to draw the man's attention.

Smoke leaned his forearms against the bar.

“Can I get a water,” he asked, voice low and rough.

The bartender glanced up at him, already reaching for a bottle.

One of his boys clapped him on the back, laughing about something. Smoke nodded once, barely engaged. Sweat rolled down the center of his chest, disappearing into the waistband of his jeans.

The DJ turned the song up louder.

“I love it when you lick…”

The man behind Annie dipped lower with her, hands firm on her thighs now as she rolled her hips back against him in time with the lyrics. The crowd around them thickened.

Smoke turned around. His eyes scanned the floor without any real interest, until they landed on her.

Annie didn’t break rhythm.

Her back was pressed to another man’s front, ass rolling steady against him. The stranger’s hands were everywhere from her hips, her sides, sliding up her waist. He leaned down toward her ear, saying something she barely heard because her eyes were locked on Smoke.

The space between them felt charged instantly.

Smoke's body tightened. Then his brows pulled together slowly, confusion flickering before recognition settled hard.

Annie didn’t look away. Instead, she reached one hand back and grabbed the man behind her by the back of his head, fingers threading into his hair. She pulled him closer to her neck, tilting her head slightly to give him space. The man groaned, hands tightening on her thighs as he pressed into her more confidently.

Smoke’s eyes darkened. He looked at the stranger’s hands, then at Annie’s body moving deliberately against him. Then at her face and she was smirking. Like she knew exactly what she was doing.

The music changed to a song equally as rhythmic.

Smoke adjusted the brim of his cowboy hat with two fingers, tilting it down just enough to shadow his eyes. Then he picked up the bottle of water the bartender had set in front of him and twisted the cap off slowly.

Her body kept moving with the music. She bit her lip while watching him.

Smoke took a long pull from the bottle, throat working as he swallowed. Water dripped from the corner of his mouth, he wiped it away with the back of his hand without looking away from her once.

One of the men who’d come in with him leaned close. “We gotta head back.”

Smoke didn’t answer.

Another one nudged him. “Smoke.”

He just set the bottle down on the bar, then pushed off it. His boots heavy against the wooden floor as he walked toward her. The man she’d been dancing with was mid-sentence near her ear when Smoke stopped directly in front of them.

Up close, he looked even bigger with his chest still damp from sweat and the brim of his hat casting a shadow over his face.

He didn’t even acknowledge the other man. He just looked at Annie. “Dance with me.”

Annie tilted her head slightly, breath still a little heavy from moving.

“I’m already dancing with someone,” she said smoothly, not breaking eye contact.

Smoke’s jaw shifted.

Slowly, he looked at the man behind her. His eyes traveled from the man’s hands on Annie’s waist up to his face and held it.

The song kept playing, but in that small pocket of space, it went quiet.

The guy swallowed and his hands loosened.

Then he cleared his throat awkwardly. “Uh—yeah. Yeah, no problem. It's all good.” And he stepped back. “Y’all got it.”

And then he disappeared into the crowd.

Smoke stepped into the space immediately. One possessive hand came to her waist, the other slid to her lower back as he turned her around, positioning her so her back met his chest. The contact was instantly warm making her inhale softly.

The music didn’t slow, but the way they moved did.

Smoke’s hand spread over her stomach, fingers splayed against the fabric of her dress, feeling the soft give beneath. His other hand gripped her hip, guiding her rhythm.

“C'mon baby,” he murmured near her ear.

Annie rolled her hips back into him.

He matched her immediately, pressing forward just enough for her to feel exactly how solid he was behind her. His jeans were rough against the thin material of her dress. His chest brushed her shoulders every time she leaned back.

Her hand came up, resting over his where it held her waist.

“What you doin’ all the way out here?” he asked, voice almost amused, lips just barely grazing her ear.

She let her head tilt back against him, curls brushing his collarbone.

“We went out for dinner and we didn't want to go home,” she admitted.

Her hips circled again and she felt him tighten his grip.

“Now I’m real glad we came.”

That made him hum softly. He leaned down, his mouth brushing her neck. Then he pressed a soft kiss just beneath her ear.

Her breath hitched despite herself.

“You ain’t text me back,” he said against her skin, lips dragging lightly down the side of her neck.

“I haven’t really checked my phone tonight,” she said honestly.

Smoke paused for half a second. Then he nodded once against her shoulder.

“Aight.” He accepted it.

His hand slid from her stomach up to the center of her chest where he could feel her bare skin. Then back down her waist, fingertips tracing the curve of her hips.

Annie turned her head slightly, enough to glance back at him over her shoulder. Their eyes met up close now.

“You been working?” she asked softly, noticing the faint dirt still at the edge of his jeans, the dried sweat along his collarbone.

“All day,” he replied.

He leaned down again, this time pressing a firmer kiss to the base of her neck, right where her pulse jumped. His hand tightened on her hip, pulling her back into him as the song hit another heavy beat. Annie let her hips roll back into him in a steady rhythm.

His skin against her back made her shiver.

Smoke’s arms slid around her fully then, wrapping her up from behind. One forearm rested across her stomach, the other hand drifting up her side, fingertips brushing just under the curve of her chest before sliding back down.

He was exploring like he was reacquainting himself with something he’d already decided belonged under his hands.

Annie inhaled softly, then reached back and caught his wrists. She didn’t pull them away. She simply guided them down her body to the curve of her thighs until his palms settled there.

He leaned down, mouth close to her skin but not quite touching this time. “Where you plan on goin’ after this?”

Annie rolled her hips once more before answering. “Probably head back home.”

“Home?” His hands tightened slightly on her thighs. “You drivin’?”

“Yeah. We all are.”

He shook his head lightly behind her. “You can't be drivin’ while you like this.”

She laughed under her breath. “I’m fine.”

“You ain’t fine,” he said, voice calm but sure.

His hands slid up her thighs just a little, thumbs pressing into the softness there.

“Come back to my place,” he said. “I got plenty of room. And the boys were talkin’ about doin’ a bonfire tonight anyway.”

Annie turned her head slightly so she could look at him over her shoulder. “A bonfire?”

“Mhm just a little after work celebration.”

She studied him for a second, then glanced toward her girls across the floor. They were still dancing and laughing.

“They’ll be okay to come?” she asked.

“Everybody welcome,” he said simply. “Long as you coming.”

She smiled.

The idea felt so much safer than piling into cars right now. And the way he was holding her, made the choice feel even more natural.

“Okay,” she agreed. “I’ll tell them.”

Smoke hummed approvingly, lips brushing just beneath her ear again. They danced a little longer after that, bodies in sync. His hands never strayed far from her hips and thighs, fingers pressing in rhythm with the beat. She felt warm all over and not just from the alcohol.

A few minutes later, though, the warmth in her stomach shifted. She paused mid-roll and laughed softly to herself.

Smoke noticed immediately. “What?”

She reached back and tapped his forearm lightly. “I gotta pee.”

He huffed a quiet laugh against her neck.

“I'll be right back,” she clarified, turning in his arms so she was facing him now. Up close like this, she could see the faint sheen of sweat still along his collarbone.

“We can leave after,” she added.

“Okay,” he said easily. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

Annie stepped out of his arms reluctantly, smoothing her dress down out of habit. As she walked away, she could feel his eyes on her.

Her hips swayed naturally as she crossed the floor, heels clicking softly against wood. The fabric of her dress hugged every step, outlining her curves under the dim lights. She didn’t have to look back to know he was watching.

When she passed her friends, she leaned in slightly. “I'm going to the bathroom.”

All three of them immediately stepped up.

“We'll come,” one said.

They moved together toward the hallway near the back, heels clacking in unison. As they walked, one of them grabbed Annie’s arm gently.

“Annie,” Tasha whispered loudly, grinning. “Who was that?”

Annie tried to keep her expression neutral and failed. “Don't worry about him.”

“Oh girl, that man too fine not to worry about,” another friend said.

Annie shrugged lightly, pretending indifference she didn’t feel. “Yeah, well.”

“Mhm.”

“Anyways, he invited us back to his place,” Annie admitted. “Because he doesn't want us to drive.”

They were still whispering and giggling as they reached the bathroom door.

The bathroom was cramped with only two stalls, one long mirror, and a counter.

They shuffled in, heels clacking against tile, laughter bouncing off the walls. Two of them claimed stalls immediately while the others hovered near the sink, fixing hair and reapplying lip gloss in the mirror while they waited.

“Move, I can’t see,” Tasha muttered, nudging Annie’s hip playfully.

Annie leaned closer to the mirror, checking the shine along her cheekbones and smoothing a finger under her eyes to make sure nothing had smudged. Her curls were still full and soft around her shoulders. The keyhole of her dress sat exactly where it needed to, but she adjusted it slightly anyway.

“Annie, you and that cowboy,” one of them said from inside a stall.

Annie rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. “Leave it alone.”

“Okay but for how long?”

“Like two weeks.”

There was a collective pause.

“And you ain’t tell us?” someone gasped dramatically.

“It’s new,” Annie defended, laughing under her breath. “We've only been on one date.”

“And look at y'all.”

“He's just being a good country boy,” another friend teased.

One by one they rotated through the stalls. The small room filled with the scent of vanilla perfume and setting spray. They passed around lip liner, dabbed gloss on each other’s mouths, patted down edges, and fixed lashes. By the time they were done, every face looked just as polished as when they first walked in to the bar.

“Okay,” Tasha said, clapping lightly. “Let’s see if cowboy still acting right.”

They filed back out together, heels echoing down the short hallway toward the main floor. The music was still loud.

Annie spotted Smoke immediately. He was near the bar again, hat low, shoulders relaxed, but there was a woman standing a little too close.

She was leaning into his space like she belonged there. Her hand slid along his bare arm, fingers trailing slowly over the muscle there. She laughed at something she’d clearly said, head tilted back slightly.

Annie slowed her steps.

The woman’s hand drifted up again, brushing along his bicep. “Why you don’t wanna dance with me?” she asked, voice playful but persistent. “You shy or somethin’?”

Smoke didn’t smile at her. He just stared at her hand where it rested on him with the blankest expression.

“I ain’t dancin’ with you,” he said finally.

She pouted slightly. “Why not?”

He shifted his weight, then reached up and wrapped his fingers around her wrist to remove her hand from his arm. “‘Cause I only dance with my woman.”.

The woman blinked once, then smirked like she didn’t quite believe him.

“I could be your woman,” she said, stepping closer again.

She lifted her hand again, this time reaching for the brim of his cowboy hat. “At least let me see you without this—”

Annie cleared her throat sharp enough to cut through the music in that small pocket of space.

The woman hesitated but didn’t fully back off. Her fingers hovered near the brim of his hat like she was still debating touching it anyway.

“I suggest that you let my man go,” Annie said, stepping closer.

The woman turned slowly, eyes scanning Annie from head to toe. Then she glanced back at Smoke like she was waiting for him to dismiss it.

Smoke just looked at her and lifted one eyebrow. That was it. The message was clear.

The woman exhaled sharply through her nose, dropping her hand. “Whatever,” she muttered, stepping back and disappearing into the crowd like she hadn’t been trying five seconds ago.

Annie stepped forward until she was right back into Smoke’s space. Her hands came up, smoothing over his chest slowly, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her palms.

She leaned up and pressed a soft peck to his lips.

“I’m ready to go now,” she murmured against his mouth.

Her hands drifted lower as she pulled back, trailing down his chest before falling away completely. Then she turned and walked away.

Smoke adjusted his hat slightly, eyes dropping instinctively to the sway of Annie’s hips as she moved through the crowd. The dress hugged her perfectly under the low lights. His gaze traveled down her back and over the curve of her waist.

The night air cooled them down the second they stepped outside, a soft breeze cutting through the lingering heat of the bar. The strip was still alive from the music thumping faintly through walls and the laughter spilling out onto the sidewalk.

Smoke walked ahead of Annie, then turned back for her as she approached the passenger side of one of the trucks. He opened the door without a word, one hand braced on the frame while the other rested lightly at her waist to steady her.

“Watch your step,” he murmured.

Annie placed one hand in his and lifted herself up, the fabric of her dress sliding over her thighs as she climbed into the seat. The interior smelled like leather, clean soap, and faintly like hay.

Her friends piled in beside her, squeezing across the bench seat with excited chatter. One of them shut the door with a little too much force and laughed.

The rest of the men split up with two hopping into the second pickup and a couple climbing easily into the truck beds like it was nothing.

Smoke rounded the front of the truck and slid into the driver’s seat, adjusting it back slightly. The brim of his hat brushed the ceiling as he settled in.

“Everybody good?” he called out the window.

A chorus of positive answers came from both trucks. He shifted into drive and the trucks rolled off the strip and onto the darker stretch of road leading out of town.

Inside the cab, one of Annie’s friends immediately leaned forward between the seats. “Okay but we need some music. It's too quiet.”

Smoke glanced over, amused. “Y’all picky?”

“Extremely,” she replied.

He smirked faintly and turned the radio on, scrolling through stations until something that he thought they would like came through clear. The music filled the cab, vibrating through the seats.

And the girls erupted. Singing at the top of their lungs, harmonizing off-key, shoulders bouncing in place. One of them rolled the window down and stuck her arm out, letting the wind whip through her fingers. Annie laughed, joining in, her voice warm and a little husky from earlier dancing. She leaned her elbow on the window frame, curls blowing back as she sang along, eyes half-lidded in contentment.

The windows on both sides were down now. Night air rushed in, carrying the scent of grass and open fields the farther they drove.

Smoke drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on his thigh. Every so often, his eyes shifted from the road to Annie.

She was looking out into the dark stretch of countryside, singing like she didn’t have a care in the world. The lights from passing fields flickered across her face, highlighting the gloss on her lips and the curve of her cheek. Her dress pooled around her legs in the seat, fabric hugging her shape even while she sat.

He watched the way she smiled at something her friend said. Or the way she tilted her head back when she hit a note. Or the way her hand drifted absentmindedly to smooth her hair.

She finally glanced over at him mid-lyric and caught him staring.

“What?” she asked, still smiling.

“Nothin’,” he said, looking back at the road.

But the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

The second truck followed close behind them, headlights steady in the rearview mirror. Occasionally someone in the truck bed would yell something unintelligible into the wind, making the girls laugh even harder.

The drive didn't take long.

Smoke turned onto a long gravel road, tires crunching beneath them. The truck slowed slightly as they passed a wooden fence that stretched on either side of the entrance.

Annie straightened up, looking ahead. In the distance, she could see the outline of a large house sitting back from the road, porch lights glowing warm against the dark. Beyond it, more land than she could immediately take in.

“Damn,” one of her friends whispered.

The trucks rolled down the long driveway, dust rising lightly behind them before settling again. Gravel crunched loudly beneath the tires as both trucks rolled to a stop in front of the house.

Up close, Smoke’s place felt even bigger. The porch lights cast a warm golden glow across wide wooden steps and thick columns that framed the front of the house. The second truck pulled in beside them, headlights cutting so the only steady light came from the house.

Smoke hopped out rounding the front of the truck, and opened the passenger door.

“Easy,” he murmured, offering his hand.

Annie placed her palm in his and stepped down carefully. The hem of her dress brushed his thigh as she descended. His hand lingered at her waist a second longer than necessary, steadying her.

Her friends tumbled out behind her.

“Okay, this is nice,” Tasha breathed, looking up at the house.

One of Smoke’s boys clapped his hands once. “The bonfire’s gone be around back,” he called. “We already got some wood stacked and ready.”

Smoke nodded toward them. “Y’all show em around a little and get started.”

The guys started herding the girls playfully toward the side of the house, joking and pointing toward the glow of string lights faintly visible in the distance.

Smoke stayed near Annie.

“I gotta finish up somethin’,” he said, low enough for just her and her friends to hear. “Won’t be long. I’ll catch up with y'all.”

Annie didn’t hesitate. “I’ll go with you.”

It came out so eagerly.

She stepped closer to Smoke and wrapped her hand around his arm, fingers gripping firmly. Her eyes lifted to his.

Smoke held her gaze for half a second. Then he gave in.

A small exhale left his nose as the corner of his mouth twitched. “Fine.”

Smoke took her hand and guided her toward the side of the house where a UTV sat parked under a small overhang. It was dusty but well-kept. He opened the passenger side for her.

“Step up.”

Annie gathered the front of her dress carefully and climbed in, settling into the seat. The leather was cool beneath her legs. She adjusted the fabric over her thighs while he reached across her to grab the seatbelt.

His arm brushed against her chest as he pulled it over her. He didn’t rush pulling back. For a second, he was close enough that she could practically feel him again.

“You good?” he asked quietly.

“I’m good,” she replied just as softly.

He walked around to the driver’s side and climbed in, starting the engine. The machine rumbled to life, headlights cutting sharply through the dark. Then they were moving.

The house faded behind them quickly, replaced by open land and shadow. The wind picked up instantly, brushing Annie’s curls back from her face. She held onto the side handle with one hand, the other resting lightly on her thigh. She glanced up for a second and saw the stars looking clear and scattered.

“It’s so quiet,” she said, almost to herself.

“Mm,” Smoke answered, eyes steady on the path. “It gets loud in the mornin’.”

They drove for a few minutes like that. The UTV bounced slightly over uneven ground, and Annie couldn’t help but smile every time it did. There was something freeing about being out in the open with the wind in her face.

“Do you usually work this late?” she asked.

“Sometimes,” he replied. “It just depends what needs doin’.”

A large barn stood in the distance, its metal sides faintly reflecting the beams. A single exterior light near the entrance cast a soft yellow glow around the doors. Smoke slowed the UTV as they approached, before he brought it to a stop. The engine idled for a second then he cut it and silence fell heavy and complete around them.

Annie unbuckled herself slowly, eyes fixed on the barn.

Smoke stepped out, then walked around to her side again, offering his hand like he had earlier. She took it and stepped down beside him in the dark.

The barn doors groaned softly when Smoke pulled one open.

Humid air rushed out to meet them.

He stepped inside first and reached along the wall until his fingers found the switch. A row of overhead lights flickered once, twice, then the space filled with a soft golden glow.

The barn was massive. It had high ceilings with exposed beams. Stacks of hay bales near one wall. Saddles neatly hung along hooks. Tools organized with a precision that spoke of routine. And the concrete floor was swept clean, only faint traces of straw scattered here and there.

Smoke rolled his shoulders slightly, shifting into work mode.

“You can look around,” he told her, voice echoing faintly in the open space. “Shouldn’t take me long.”

Annie nodded. “Okay.”

Her heels clicked against the concrete as she stepped farther inside. The sound felt too big in the quiet space.

She walked slowly, taking everything in. Her fingers brushed lightly over a wooden post. She peeked at bridles hanging neatly in rows. Behind her, she could hear Smoke moving around. Annie wandered deeper inside.

The smell changed slightly as she approached a row of horse stalls. She slowed instinctively, the clicking of her heels echoing between wooden dividers.

She stepped closer to the first stall and peered inside. A large brown horse stood there with its head low, chewing lazily on hay. Its ears twitched at the sound of her steps but it didn’t lift its head.

She moved to the next stall which was empty except for fresh bedding. The next stall held a horse lying down, clearly asleep, chest rising and falling. She continued down the row. In one of the middle stalls, she paused completely. A mare stood near the back, her body angled slightly as if shielding something. Annie leaned just enough to see a small foal lay curled on the bedding, legs tucked under its body. Its coat was lighter as if it was just born. The mare lifted her head and looked directly at Annie, alert but not aggressive.

Her feet moved softly as she stepped closer, gripping the wooden edge of the stall lightly. The baby shifted, tiny ears flicking as it adjusted its position.

“That is so cute,” she murmured to herself.

She didn’t linger too long, respecting the mother’s space. Instead, she moved farther down the line of stalls, curiosity continuing to guide her. The barn seemed to stretch on forever. It wasn’t until she reached the very end that something moved suddenly.

A large black head thrust over the top of the stall door. Annie let out a small, startled squeal and jumped back, one hand flying to her chest.

“Oh!”

The horse snorted, ears forward, nostrils flaring slightly as it stared at her. He was massive. Taller than the others. And broader. His coat was deep black, and it shined like polished glass. His mane fell thick and slightly wavy down one side of his neck. Even standing still, he looked powerful.

Her heart thudded once in her chest from the surprise.

“You scared me,” she muttered, half laughing at herself.

The horse let out a low neigh and stretched his head out farther over the stall door, dark eyes locked onto her. He didn’t seem agitated, he just seemed curious.

Annie hesitated for a second, glancing back toward where Smoke was working. She could still hear him faintly, a door shutting somewhere behind her. She turned back to the horse. He nudged the air slightly, as if beckoning her to come closer.

“Are you friendly?” she asked softly as she took a few cautious steps forward.

Up close, he was even bigger than she’d thought. His muscles were defined beneath his coat. His breath was warm as it hit her face.

She swallowed lightly and lifted her hand. Her fingers hovered for a second before finally resting against his forehead. He didn’t flinch. Instead, he leaned into her touch. The weight of his head shifted gently against her palm, as if encouraging more.

Annie’s initial fear melted away immediately. Her hand moved slowly over his forehead, then up between his ears. She brushed her fingers down along the side of his face, feeling the sleekness of his coat. The horse let out a content, low huff.

“You’re so pretty,” she murmured, voice almost cooing now. “You know that?”

He blinked slowly at her, head lowering just a bit so she could reach him easier.

Annie laughed quietly to herself. She began petting him more confidently now, fingers sliding into the thick mane near his neck. He leaned into her hand again, pressing just enough to let her know he liked it.

“And you’re huge,” she added softly.

She adjusted her stance, still petting him. The horse nudged her shoulder lightly with his nose, almost playful. She smiled wide.

“Okay, okay,” she laughed. “I see you.”

Annie was so focused on running her hands over King’s broad forehead that she didn't hear Smoke’s boots against the barn floor. The steady crunch of hay and gravel was drowned out by the soft snort of the horse and the faint hum of the overhead lights.

“I see you’ve met King,” Smoke’s voice rumbled from behind her.

Annie jumped slightly, turning her head over her shoulder.

“You scared me,” she laughed softly, then looked back at the massive horse.

Smoke stepped up beside her, resting his forearm casually against the stall door.

“I’m surprised he even let you get that close,” he admitted, studying the way King leaned into Annie’s touch. “He don’t take to many people. It’s usually just me. He’s real serious about his work.”

Annie looked up at King’s towering frame and then back at Smoke.

“He’s just so big,” she said, her voice full of awe.

Smoke chuckled. “He’s a Clydesdale so he's bred for strength. I use him for a lot of pulling and hauling work. He’s as strong as they come. But he’s well trained. Smart, too.”

As if proving the point, King lowered his massive head again, nudging Annie’s shoulder gently until she gave him her full attention. She laughed, stroking the velvety bridge of his nose. “Okay, okay.”

Every time she glanced back at Smoke, King gave a low, impatient neigh and tossed his head, clearly demanding her focus. Smoke folded his arms, watching on in silent competition.

“What you so jealous for?” Smoke muttered to King.

Annie smiled, scratching behind King’s ear. “I think he just likes me.”

Smoke’s eyes flicked between Annie and the towering horse, then he asked casually, “You wanna ride him?”

Annie’s head snapped toward him. “Absolutely not.”

Smoke chuckled, the deep sound echoed through the barn. “It’s okay. You’ll be fine. I won’t let nothing happen to you. We ain’t gotta go nowhere. I can just walk him around the barn so you can get a feel for it.”

She looked at King again. “He’s huge, Smoke.”

“He is,” Smoke agreed calmly. “But he listens. Watch.”

He eased open the stall door and stepped inside with easy confidence, clipping a lead rope onto King’s halter. His movements were steady and assured with no hesitation. King responded instantly, shifting his weight and stepping forward at the slightest pressure from Smoke’s hand.

When Smoke guided him out of the stall, Annie instinctively stepped back to give them space. Out in the open aisle, King seemed even bigger. His head was nearly level with the beams above, his hooves thudded softly against the packed dirt floor.

But what really caught Annie’s attention was how effortlessly Smoke handled him. One hand was on the lead and the other was brushing down King’s neck. Smoke murmured something low and calm. King flicked his ears toward him and obeyed without question. There was a quiet authority in the way Smoke stood with his feet planted and shoulders squared.

Annie watched the flex of his bare forearm as he adjusted the lead rope. The barn lights casted shadows along his jaw and collarbone, highlighting the calm confidence in his posture.

“You see?” Smoke said, glancing at her. “He's gentle.”

King took a heavy step toward Annie, lowering his head slightly as if inviting her closer. She hesitated only a second before reaching out again, resting her palm against his neck. The muscle beneath her hand shifted.

Smoke stepped closer behind her, guiding her hand a little higher up King’s neck. “You gotta be confident with him. He feel what you feel.”

Annie swallowed, aware now of how close Smoke was. Even though they had been closer, this was a different form of intimacy she wasn't used to. She could feel his chest just inches from her back and the heat radiating off him mixing with the warmth of the horse. King gave a satisfied snort as she continued stroking him.

“Still don’t wanna ride?” Smoke asked quietly, leaning slightly closer.

Annie glanced back at him, her expression nervous but curious. “You’re not gonna let me fall?”

“Never, baby.”

She looked at King again, then at Smoke holding the lead rope with easy control. The sight of him managing something so massive and powerful sent a small thrill through her.

“Okay,” she said finally, barely above a whisper. “But if I even slip—”

“I’ll catch you,” Smoke replied without missing a beat.

King shifted his weight patiently as Smoke moved to prepare him and Annie stood there watching.

Smoke stepped forward, his voice lowering into that firm, steady tone Annie’s already noticed King responded to.

“Down.”

King shifted his weight almost immediately. The massive horse folded one front leg, then the other, lowering himself carefully to his knees before easing his hindquarters down as well. The movement was controlled. But even kneeling, he was enormous.

Annie’s mouth fell open. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Smoke smirked slightly. “Told you he's smart.”

King waited patiently, head lowered, ears flicking back toward Smoke as if listening for his next instruction.

Smoke turns to Annie and extended his hand. “C’mon, mama.”

She looked from his hand to the broad, bare back of the Clydesdale and then back to him. “Smoke…”

“You’re fine,” he said calmly. “I got you.”

There was something about the certainty in his voice that steadied her nerves. Annie slipped her hand into his. His grip was warm and firm. He guided her closer until she was standing right beside King’s shoulder.

“Okay,” Smoke said, positioning himself beside her. “Put your foot here.”

He braced his hands at her waist, and Annie inhaled sharply as he helped her climb and settle carefully onto King’s broad back. There was no saddle so she could feel the slight give of muscle as he shifted.

“Easy,” Smoke murmured, one hand still steady at her hip to make sure she was balanced.

Annie let out a nervous laugh. “Oh my God.”

“You’re good, baby,” he reassured her. “Sit up straight and relax your legs.”

She adjusted awkwardly, her dress riding up as she tried to find a comfortable position against King’s wide back. The horse stayed perfectly still, as if he understood her weariness.

“Grab his mane,” Smoke instructed gently. “But not too tight. Just enough so you feel secure.”

Annie reached forward, fingers tangling into the thick strands of a black mane. It was coarse but strong, giving her something solid to hold onto.

“Okay,” she breathed.

Smoke stepped back just enough to look up at her. Even with King kneeling, she already felt higher than she expected.

“Hold on,” Smoke said softly.

Her eyes widened. “Smoke—”

But he was already turning back to King.

“Up.”

King rose in stages. First his hindquarters lifted, tilting Annie forward unexpectedly. She squealed, gripping the mane tighter.

“Oh my God!” Annie squealed at the movement.

Then his front legs pushed upward, and suddenly Annie was soaring. The barn seemed to drop away beneath her as King reached his full height. She gasped, her breath catching in her throat.

Smoke was immediately at his side, one hand gripping the lead rope firmly, the other coming up to rest against Annie’s thigh.

From up there, the world looked different. The barn lights seemed closer. The rafters almost felt within reach. Annie’s heart was pounding, but beneath the nerves there was a thrill she couldn't ignore.

King stood steady as a rock beneath her, barely shifting.

“See?” Smoke said. “He ain’t going nowhere.”

Annie let out a shaky laugh, still clutching the mane.

Smoke began to walk slowly, guiding King with the rope. The massive horse responded instantly, stepping forward with steady strides. Each movement rolled beneath Annie. Her body swayed with the rhythm, and instinctively she tightened her legs slightly.

“Relax,” Smoke reminded her gently. His hand remained on her leg, as a show that he was still there “Move with him.”

She exhaled and tried to follow the motion instead of resisting it.

King’s hooves thudded softly against the dirt floor as they made a slow circle around the barn aisle. Smoke walked close beside them, never letting go of the rope. His free hand occasionally brushed her calf to steady her if she wobbled.

Annie looked down at him, her hair falling around her shoulders. “You better not let go.”

He glances up, one eyebrow lifting slightly. “I won't.”

After another slow pass down the aisle, Annie’s breathing finally evened out.

“This is actually not that bad,” she paused, surprised at herself.

Smoke’s mouth curved into a small, satisfied smile. “Told you.”

King continued walking calmly, while Smoke kept pace at her side making sure she felt secure every step of the way. They made a few slow laps around the barn, King’s heavy steps clicking against the floor.

After another pass beneath the hanging lights, she exhaled.

“Okay,” she called down. “I think I’m ready to get down now.”

Smoke glanced up at her, calm as ever. “Alright,” he said, turning his attention to King. “Down.”

King, however, didn’t respond. The horse huffed, shifting his weight slightly, but didn’t bend his knees.

Smoke’s eyes narrowed just a fraction. “Down,” he commanded again.

Another huff.

Smoke straightened, looking up at Annie with a small shake of his head. “Looks like he ain't kneeling. He probably doesn’t want to with you on his back.”

Annie’s stomach flipped. “Wait…so I’m stuck?” she asked, panic creeping into her tone.

Smoke’s face remained steady. “You’re not stuck.”

She frowned, glancing down at King’s solid back. “If I’m not stuck then how am I supposed to get down?”

Smoke just shook his head, giving her that infuriatingly calm look he had perfected. “Hold on to me.”

Annie’s eyebrows shot up. “No—”

“Hold on to me,” he repeated, firmer this time.

Her nervous laugh was mixed with doubt. “Smoke, I’m a lotta woman. I don’t know if you’re gonna be able to hold all of me.”

He looked at her. His gaze blank, almost daring her. “Hold on to me and I ain't saying it again.”

Annie hesitated for a heartbeat before slipping her hands around his shoulders. The moment she did, he moved like it was nothing. One smooth motion, and his hands wrapped securely around her waist. He lifted her effortlessly off the horse. The world tilted for a second, and she realized she was now in Smoke’s arms, held bridal-style.

“Oh!” she gasped, her face heating up. “You can put me down now.”

Smoke just smirked faintly. “Nope.”

Her heart started racing.

“I promise you,” he murmured, adjusting his grip, “I can carry all the weight you got.”

Annie couldn’t help but to let out a small laugh. He shifted slightly, holding her more securely against his chest, his hands firm on her body. She could feel the strength in his arms and the full solidity of him.

A rush of warmth went through her. Smoke guided them carefully to a cleared patch of the barn, his steps steady, King’s hooves thudding softly behind them.

Once they reached solid ground, he adjusted his hold one last time and gently set her down. Annie’s feet hit the concrete floor, and she wobbled just slightly before standing upright. She looked up at him completely flustered.

Annie exhaled, running a hand over her dress as she tried to regain her composure from being secretly impressed—and more than a little turned on—by how easy he’d carried her. King huffed beside them, nostrils flaring slightly as if approving, while Smoke gave a small, satisfied nod.

“You good?” he asked, voice low and even, eyes locking on hers.

Annie nodded, still a little breathless. “Yeah, I’m good.”

“Good,” he said simply.

Annie noticed a hint of amusement flicker in his otherwise blank expression.

Smoke gave King a firm pat along his thick neck before taking hold of the lead rope again. “I’m gonna put him up,” he said, his voice settling back into that calm, steady tone. “Be right back.”

Annie nodded, still feeling the ghost of his arms around her. “Okay.”

She watched him walk King back toward the stall. The horse followed without hesitation, hooves thudding softly while Smoke guided him inside the stall. King lowered his head obediently as Smoke unclipped the rope and ran a hand down his glossy black coat before closing the stall door securely.

Annie exhaled slowly once she was alone in the aisle.

Her heart was still beating a little faster than usual. She smoothed her hands down the front of her dress, unnecessarily adjusting the fabric, even though she'd just done it once already. The neckline had dipped slightly, and she carefully fixed it, making sure everything was sitting exactly how she wanted it. She lifted and adjusted subtly, ensuring her breasts were supported just right, her dress fell in all the flattering places. She was so in her head that she didn't hear Smoke’s boots behind her.

“Everything okay?”

His voice was closer than she expected. Annie looked up and froze.

Smoke’s eyes weren't on her face. For just a second, or maybe two, his gaze went lower and there was no mistaking it. His expression didn't change much, but his eyes darkened slightly, tracing her neckline before slowly lifting to meet hers. They held each other’s stare.

Annie cleared her throat softly, suddenly very aware of the charged silence between them.

“It’s very nice out here,” she said, gesturing vaguely around the barn, though her voice came out a little softer than she intended.

Smoke nodded once, glancing around briefly before his gaze returns to her. “Yeah. I been working on it for a long time. Fixing it up piece by piece.”

They looked at each other again, the air between them thickening.

His eyes dropped once more, taking in her outfit properly. The way the fabric hugged her curves. The way she stood in those heels against the rough barn floor.

“You look nice,” he said finally.

Annie tilted her head slightly. “Do you really like it,” she asked, a small teasing edge in her voice, “or is there a reason you're saying that?”

Smoke’s jaw tightened subtly, like he didn't appreciate what she was implying. “I really like it.”

He stepped closer. Close enough that she could feel the heat coming off him again. His hands moved to her waist in a sure and firm grip. His fingers spread along her hips, pulling her just a fraction closer.

Annie inhaled sharply and placed her hands on his upper arms. His muscles tensed slightly under her touch.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then he leaned in.

The kiss started out slow as if he was testing the waters. His mouth pressed against hers confidently. Annie melted into it almost instantly, her fingers tightened slightly around his arms as she leaned into him. Smoke’s hands adjusted at her waist, drawing her closer until there was barely any space between them.

The kiss deepened just slightly. Annie tilted her head, responding, her earlier feelings completely gone now. It was grounding the way he held her so securely, like he knew exactly what he was doing.

When they finally parted, they didn't step away. Smoke’s forehead nearly brushed hers, his hands still rested at her waist. His eyes searched hers briefly, looking for something.

Annie swallowed softly, her hands still on his arms.

The barn suddenly felt much smaller and much warmer.

Annie’s lips were still tingling when she took a small instinctive step back. She wanted a moment to see his face.

“Where you goin’?” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her. His hands, which had been resting lightly on her hips, tightened.

She didn’t get a chance to answer. He pulled her back in, with a force that stole the air from her lungs. His mouth found hers again, and this time, there was no testing.

His lips parted hers, and everything else fell away. She melted into him, her body going numb against his solid one. A soft, surprised sound escaped her as he tasted her thoroughly.

Smoke responded with a groan she felt more than heard. One of his big and rough hands slid down from the small of her back, over the curve of her hip, and gripped her full her ass in his palm. He squeezed, pulling her flush against the ridge of his arousal straining against his jeans.

Annie moaned, the sound swallowed by their kiss. It was a sound of shocked pleasure. The sensation shooting straight to her core, making her knees weak. Her hands flew up, gripping the back of his neck. She pushed into him, trying to get rid of the space between them. Her large, soft breasts crushed into the solid and sturdiness of his chest.

His tongue swept against hers, and she met him with the same eagerness. The hand on her ass started to knead it. His fingers dug through the fabric of her dress, trying to learn the shape of her. Every pull and shift brought out another soft, broken sound from her throat. A few sighs and whimpers going directly into his mouth.

Smoke broke the kiss with a pained inhale and rested his forehead against hers. His eyes were nearly black, pupils blown wide.

“We should head back now,” he managed to get out.

Annie blinked, trying to come back to herself, rembering her friends waiting for her. “Yeah,” she breathed. “They're probably lookin' for us.”

He nodded, slowly releasing his hold on her, though his hands lingered as if he didn't want to break contact. He turned, keeping one of her hands firmly in his, and led her toward the wide barn door. He gestured for her to go in front of him. She stepped out, the cool air a shock to her heated skin, but the warmth of his hand in hers kept her in.

They walked across the gravel towards the parked UTV. Once they got to the passenger side, he stopped. He released her hand to open the door, then turned to her.

“Get in, mama,” he said, his tone deep.

Annie placed a foot down and lifted herself up. As she swung her other leg in, he moved to give her a sharp smack right on her ass. The sting was immediate.

She gasped, twisting to look at him over her shoulder, halfway in the seat. “Why?”

Smoke leaned against the door, a smirk spreading across his face. “'Cause I like that,” he said, simply.

Annie felt something pool low in her stomach. She bit down on her lower lip, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Okay.” she said, her voice coming out far more sultry than she was hoping.

He gave a satisfied nod, then closed her door firmly. He walked around the front of the vehicle. He climbed into the driver’s seat and started the ignition.

“Wait.”

Annie’s hand shot out, wrapping around his wrist. He froze, looking at her.

“One more kiss,” she said softly.

He turned fully toward her, turning the UTV back off. The sudden silence was loud. This time, she initiated it, leaning across the center console and he met her halfway.

This kiss was instantly sensual, borderline nasty.

Their lips parted, and her tongue slid against his lower lip, seeking entry. He granted it with a low hum, his own tongue meeting hers in a slow, wet, tangled motion. The wet sounds of their mouths moving together was far too loud for the quiet night.

As they kissed, Smoke’s hand drifted down her thigh, over the curve of her hip, and settled on the very cheek he’d smacked moments before. He gripped the area. His hand flexed around it, fingers palming the full, round flesh through the dress.

A deep sigh went through Annie’s chest and into his mouth. Her fingers tightened on his wrist and one went to the back of his neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss.

"Come here."

The words were breathless against her lips. And it was all she needed to act on her thoughts.

The kiss broke for a second as Annie moved over the center console. Her dress tangled around her legs, making the moving frustrating. She grabbed it up with one hand, until she managed to throw one leg over his thighs, then the other, settling into his lap facing him. The worn denim of his jeans was rough against the bare skin of her inner thighs. The second she was settled, his mouth was on hers again, his hands immediately finding their home on her ass.

He gripped her, pulling her tighter against him. Then he smacked her, causing her to jolt and moan into his mouth. He did it again on the other cheek, but gripped, the thick flesh after.

Annie rolled her hips, grinding down against him, she could feel growing more beneath her. The friction was delicious and separated only by two layers of fabric.

She was only wearing a thong underneath. He discovered this as his hands slid from her ass around to her hips, his thumbs dipping beneath the rolled up shorts.

A rough groan tore from his throat. “Damn, Annie.”

He bunched her dress up more, leaving her lower half exposed to the cool evening air. His hands were now directly on the flimsy material of her thong. His big hand palmed her completely, a low, approving sound rumbling in his chest. Then his fingers traveled, pressing against her covered slit and the swollen nub of her clit beneath it. He rubbed slow circles through the soaked material, the pressure just shy of enough.

She whimpered, her head falling forward to rest against his shoulder as her hips began to move in small, desperate circles against his hand.

Feeling the need to touch him just as intimately, her hands fumbled the button of his jeans. She got it open, yanked the zipper down, and reached inside the fly of his boxers. Her fingers closed around him, and her breath caught. He was thick, heavy, and already fully hard. She stroked him once, from base to tip, feeling him jump in her hand.

“We don’t have much time,” Smoke gritted out, even as his hips bucked up against her hand. “My boys'll be lookin’ for me soon.”

But his words were betrayed by his actions. The fingers on her clit became more insistent, rubbing faster, the wet lace growing slicker with her arousal. Every pass of his fingertips pulled another ragged moan from her lips.

“It won’t take long,” Annie panted, the promise a plea.

She released him only to put her hands on his broad shoulders, using them for leverage as she rose up on her knees in the confined space. She looked down between their bodies, her eyes locking on where she needed him. Reaching between her own legs, she took him in her hand again, guiding the broad, flushed head to her entrance, pushing the lace of her thong pushed aside. And she sank down.

It was a slow slide, a stretching fullness that stole the air from her lungs. A guttural groan was torn from Smoke’s chest, his head slamming back against the headrest, his hands flying to her hips to hold her steady. Annie’s own cry was a sharp gasp as she took him fully, feeling him so deep inside her.

For a moment, neither of them moved. She looked down, watching where their bodies joined, and seeing the evidence of her glistening on him. The sight was intoxicating.

“You’re so big,” she breathed, the words full of awe.

Then she began to move.

Her hands tightened on his shoulders. She lifted herself up, almost until he was nearly out of her, then sank back down in a slow, rolling grind that made them both shudder. There was no room for something too rushed. This was deep and intensely focused. Each stroke filled her completely, the base of him rubbing perfectly against her clit with every drop. His grip on her hips guided her, urging her to go a little faster, a little harder.

The UTV filled with the wet sounds of them and their panting breaths.

He watched her, his eyes dark, taking in the flush on her chest, the way her teeth bit her bottom lip, and the bounce of her breasts. One of his hands left her hip to grab the back of her head, pulling her mouth back to his for a messy kiss as she rode him.

The rhythm built up steadily. Annie’s hands slid from his shoulders down to hard surface of his bare chest. Her palms scraped over his nipples, feeling his muscles clench and jump beneath her touch with every penetrating thrust.

Her gaze locked on his face and remembering the cowboy hat, shadowing his eyes. She remembered that woman trying to take it from him and something in her telling her to stop her before she grabbed it off of him. She let go of his chest. One hand snatched the hat right off his head, and plopped it onto her own, the brim falling low over her eyes.

She didn’t stop moving, the new angle making him hit a spot that drew a sharp cry from her lips.

Smoke’s hips stuttered for a second. He blinked up at her, and a dangerous smirk spread across his face.

“You know what it means to take a man's hat, Annie?" he asked, his voice thick with arousal and amusement.

Annie just shrugged her shoulders, the movement causing another internal shift. She gripped his shoulders again, trying to find leverage to drive down harder and faster, but the console was digging into her back. Frustration bubbled up alongside her building release. She was working hard, her thighs burning, but it wasn’t right. It wasn’t the ride she wanted to give him.

“I can’t,” she gasped out, the words broken between thrusts.

His hands, which were still holding her hips, stilled her for a moment. “Can’t what, baby?”

She looked down at him, her face flushed under the borrowed hat. “I can’t ride good like this.”

The smirk vanished, replaced by pure, focused determination. “I got you,” he growled.

In one fluid motion, his hands gripped her ass and took her full weight, lifting her up. With a grunt of effort as a show of strength, he shifted her in his arms and stood straight up out of the driver’s seat of the UTV.

Annie moanded, a sound of pure surprise. She was not a small woman. Her body was soft in places, strong in others, built for comfort and curves. Being manhandled, again, like she weighed nothing sent a jolt of heat straight through her. She instinctively wrapped her arms tight around his neck, her legs locking around his waist, holding on as he took two tiny steps away from the vehicle, his jeans and boxers still tangled around his thighs, her dress bunched at her waist, him still buried to the base inside her.

He adjusted his grip, his arms banded around her lower back, holding her securely against him. The new position was intense. She was completely supported, at his mercy, and filled more deeply than she thought possible. He turned, bracing his own back against the side of the UTV for balance.

He looked up at her, his face inches from hers, his breath hot on her lips. “Now,” he said. “Hold on tight for the ride.”

He shifted his grip and hooked his forearms under the backs of her knees, lifting her legs up and spreading them wider over his arms. His hands returned to their favorite place, fingers digging into the full, soft flesh of her ass, giving him complete control. With Annie in his arms, her weight supported, and her body open and exposed to him, he began to move.

It was powerful thrusts of his hips, using the strength of his legs and core to drive up into her, while his arms controlled the angle and depth of her coming down. Annie's mouth fell open in a silent cry. This was different.

He was hitting places she never knew existed. Her arms tightened aorund his neck and she buried her face in between his shoulder and throat so that every pleading moan was breathed directly into his ear.

"Oh fuck, right there, please, Smoke."

And each one was answered by a guttural, approving grunt from his chest.

The rhythm was brutal and perfect. He'd lower her almost all the way down, then quickly lifting her nearly off, until just the head remained, before slamming her back down in a punishing stroke. A few times, the angle was so good he almost slipped out entirely.

One thrust, deeper and harder than all the rest, drove the air from Annie's lungs in a sharp gasp. She saw stars. Her inner muscles clamped down on him in an involuntary pulse. He kept up the pace, using the leverage of the UTV at his back to hammer into her.

Then it happened. On a particularly forceful thrust up, he did slip out. The sudden, empty coolness hitting them both.

"No," Annie desperately whined.

Both their hands shot down between their bodies. Her fingers found him first. His hand closed over hers, helping to push himself back to where he belonged. The moment he entered her again in one smooth stroke, a moan tore from both ofthem.

He didn't miss a beat. He resumed the deep, pounding rhythm, and Annie felt her body screaming and a coiling in her stomach ready to snap.

"I-I-I feel like I'm gonna come," she whimpered, the confession torn from her, her body trembling violently in his arms. Her pussy was already uncontrollably squeezing around him.

"It's okay," he gritted out, his thrusts becoming more urgent. "You can come. I got you. I'm holding you. You can come on my dick."

That was all she needed. A long moan ripped from her throat. Her inner walls clenched around him.

That intense squeezing sent him over the edge. With a final thrust so deep it brushed her cervix, he buried himself inside her and held her there. A raw groan tore from his lips as he pulsed into her.

He held her through it all, his arms locked around her, his forehead pressed against her collarbone, both of them shaking and breathing in heavy gasps.

For a long moment, they simply stayed like that, braced against the side of the UTV, and slowly, the world seeped back in.

Smoke carefully lowered Annie’s legs, letting her feet find the ground. He supported her as she wobbled, her thighs trembling violently. Her body felt boneless and sensitive.

He didn’t let her go far. He wrapped one arm around her waist to steady her, and his other hand slipped between her thighs. Annie gasped at the touch on her oversensitive flesh.

His fingers swiped through the wetness caused by them both. He gathered it up with a few strokes. Then he lifted his fingers to his lips.

Annie watched as if she was in a trance. His eyes held hers as he slowly sucked his fingers clean. A low hum of approval slipping out. The act sent a fresh shock of heat straight to her core.

She bit down on her swollen lower lip. She reached down and pulled her dress back in place. Her hands then went to the cowboy hat, still on her head.

Smoke rose to his full height, a soft smile touching his mouth. He held her face in his now-clean hand and pulled her in for a kiss.

Annie leaned into it, her tongue sweeping into his mouth, trying to get a taste. It was an affirmation, a closing of the circle.

When they finally separated, it was with a shared, shaky exhale. He helped her back into the passenger seat of the UTV, his hand steady on her hip. He closed her door, walked around the front, and climbed in beside her. He started the engine, the low rumble filling the quiet between them.

Annie laced their fingers together. He rested their joined hands on his thigh as he steered with the other, guiding the UTV down the familiar path.

Every so often, without even looking at her, Smoke lifted her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. Then again to the inside of her wrist.

Annie watched him from the corner of her eye, a small smile tugging at her lips. He never looked over, just squeezed her hand.

The headlights bounced over the dirt road as they neared the main house. Laughter and music drifted through the trees before they even pulled into view of the pond. The bonfire was blazing, sparks floating into the night. Their friends were scattered around in lawn chairs, drinks in hand, voices loud and loose from hours of drinking.

Smoke parked the UTV near the edge of the yard and cut the engine. He stepped out first, then came around to her side. Annie got down carefully in her heels, and before she could take a step, his hand was there again.

They walked hand in hand toward the bonfire and the second they stepped into the firelight, someone spotted them.

“Well, look who decided to come back!” someone shouted.

A chorus of cheers followed.

Annie chuckled, squeezing Smoke’s hand as they approached.

“Where y’all been?” another voice called out.

Smoke didn’t miss a beat. “Working.”

A few groans and teasing boos filled the area.

“Working?” someone repeated skeptically.

Annie just smirked, her eyes sliding briefly toward Smoke before looking back at the group. She didn’t say a word, but the look on her face said enough.

“Oh, working,” somebody laughed, catching the energy.

Smoke gave them all a dry look. He pulled a chair a little closer to the fire and sat down. Without asking, and not that she needed to, Annie turned and settled directly into his lap. The movement was natural. One of his arms immediately wrapped around her waist.

Someone leaned forward with two fresh drinks.

“For the hard workers,” they teased, handing one to Smoke and one to Annie.

Smoke took his with a nod and Annie accepted hers with a small laugh, clinking her cup lightly against his. The firelight flickered across their faces, casting warm gold against her skin and sharp shadows along his jaw. His hand rested comfortably against her hip, thumb brushing absentminded circles.

Conversation started flowing again around them, but every so often, Smoke leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Annie’s hand or her shoulder. And every time he did, Annie smiled into her drink.