I smirk, keeping my eyes on the road. “Just trust me.”
We park at the trailhead, the lot empty under the dark sky. I take her hand and lead her to the trail.
“I’m not exactly dressed for a hike.”
“It’s just up there,” I say, squeezing her hand. “Not far.”
We reach a clearing, a small plateau overlooking the valley, and I stop. She gasps, and I know she sees it.
Mackenzie outdid herself. Wildflowers are arranged in a loose circle, glowing under the flicker of candles tucked into the rocks. A blanket is spread out, a bottle of wine and two glasses waiting.
“Callum? What is this?”
I take both her hands, pulling her close. “Piper, you’re my everything.” I drop to one knee, pulling the small velvet box from my pocket. Her hands fly to her mouth as I open it. “I want you forever. Marry me.”
“Yes,” she says. “Yes, Callum, yes.”
I slide the ring onto her finger, and she’s in my arms before I can stand, kissing me hard.
“I love you,” I say against her lips, and she whispers it back.
We pull apart, and I glance around the clearing. It’s deserted, just as Mackenzie promised. Her boyfriend works as a park ranger here, and he made sure this section of the trail is closed to the public tonight. No one’s around for miles.
“You know, we’ve got this place to ourselves. Wanna celebrate?”
Her lips curve into that wicked smile I love, the one that says she’s all in. “What do you have in mind?”
I don’t answer with words. Instead, I kiss her again, rougher this time, my hands roaming her body. I grab the straps of her dress and pull it down, taking her bra and panties with it.
I strip quickly, tossing my shirt and pants aside. No one’s here to hear us, and that freedom sets something loose in me. A need to claim her right here in the most primal way.
“You’re mine. And I’m gonna make you scream for me tonight.”
I guide her toward a smooth, flat rock nearby. I spin her around, pressing her back against the rock, her ass perched on the edge.
“Spread your legs for me,” I command, and she does.
I drop to my knees and bury my face between her legs. My tongue flicks over her clit, tasting her sweetness, and she moans loudly, her hands tangling in my hair.
“Callum,” she shouts.
I love that she can be loud, that we don’t have to hide. I suck her clit gently, then harder, my fingers digging into her thighs as I hold her open. I slide two fingers inside her, curling them just right, and she cries out, her head tipping back against the rock.
“Fuck, don’t stop,” she begs, and I don’t, working her with my tongue and fingers until her thighs tremble.
But I want more than this.
I pull back, licking my lips, and she whimpers in protest.
“Not yet,” I say, standing and pulling her up. “You’ll come when I say.”
I guide her to a nearby tree. “Grab it,” I tell her, and she reaches up, her fingers wrapping around the rough bark.
I step behind her, running my hands over her ass.
“You’ve been teasing me all night in that dress. Time to pay for it.”
I bring my hand down, a sharp spank against her right cheek. She yelps.
