Page 121 of High Water

“This is because I got you a pony, isn’t it?” I try to deflect with a joke because her sentiments have my chest swelling with emotion I wasn’t ready for out here in the bright light of day.

“No. This is because you’re you.” She gives me a meaningful look. “But the pony doesn’t hurt.” She brushes her hand over Pepper and flashes another smile in my direction.

“I love you, Fallon. I know we lost a lot of time. But I’m grateful for every second we get now.”

“I love you too.” Fallon looks out across the ranch. “I can’t wait to help with everything. I thought I’d never stop missing Boston, but this summer…” She takes a breath and closes her eyes, letting the sun hit her face. “I don’t know. It’s felt like this was always home, and I just didn’t know it yet. Like I’d miss it even if I never got to see it.”

“That’s because you’re your mother’s daughter.” She looks so much like her now.

“And my father’s.” She grins again. I see it light her eyes the same way it does mine, and my heart is full with a mix of pride and love that I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough of.

FIFTY-ONE

Aspen

“You ready to head home?” I ask when we hug Grant and Levi goodbye.

It’s been a marathon evening, and I’m ready to be alone with Bishop again. Ethan, already in the city for business, came down from Denver to pick up Fallon for their trip. He suggested it would be nice if we could all have dinner together before they drove back to their airport hotel. Bishop agreed, wanting to get this first meeting between them out of the way, and I was eager to do the same.

Bishop had been on his best behavior, and for the most part, Ethan was too. For Fallon’s sake above all, I imagine. But Ethan definitely got a few subtle digs in, whether intended or not, mentioning holidays with the three of us when Fallon was little and bringing up the birthday we spent alone on the Amalfi Coast while Fallon stayed with her grandparents.

Once they hit the road to Denver, I was desperate to get Bishop back home, but on the way out of the Avarice’s restaurant, we ran into Grant and Levi, who insisted on having a birthday drink with us. One that had Bishop descending further and further into quiet reflection as Grant and Levi recalled stories from the past, unknowingly stumbling onto a sore spot that’s already been worn thin tonight. But Bishop smiled and laughed like nothing was wrong, and even now, he seems more serene than I would have predicted.

“Nah. I think I want to stay a little longer,” he answers, downing the last of his whiskey before his eyes meet mine.

“Are you sure? I mean, I can drive if you want another. But we do have some good whiskey at home,” I offer.

“I’m sure.” He pulls a key card from his pocket and holds it up for me to see.

“When did you get that?” I ask.

“When I excused myself at dinner.” He grins at the surprised look on my face.

“You don’t want to just go home?”

“No.” He leans over, pressing his lips to my ear as his hand slips under my skirt. His fingers brush over my skin on the inside of my knee, climbing north slowly and deliberately. My heart is beating loudly in my ears with just how much this small gesture in such a public place has me turned on. “I want you to take this and go upstairs to the room. Reapply your lipstick. Put some lotion on. Have a glass of whiskey. Get nice and relaxed.”

“What are you doing while I do that?”

“Having another whiskey.”

“And then?” I ask even though I can guess at what comes next.

“Then you strip down naked. I don’t want to see a scrap of fabric on you when I walk in. I want you spread on that bed, getting yourself worked up with that little travel-size toy you keep in your purse since we went up to that club you like so much.” His tone is low and firm, sending chills down my spine until the desire for him pools low. “In fact, give me the remote now. When I get there, it’s mine to use how I want. Understood?”

“Understood.”

“That’s my girl.” He kisses the side of my throat, just under my earlobe. “I can’t wait to see how good you’re gonna be for me tonight.”

By the time I get up upstairs, I’m already wet and counting down the minutes until he’s in the room with me. But I follow through with his instructions. Freshening up in the bathroom and swiping fresh lipstick on in his favorite color, letting the anticipation for him build.

Then I strip down, tossing my clothes over the hook in the bathroom and neatly folding my bra and panties on the counter. I take my time putting on lotion before I pull the toy out of its case, along with the little bottle of lube that I stashed with it. I slick the tip up before I ease it in slowly, blowing out a soft breath as it settles into place. The sense of fullness brings a measure of calm. I turn, glancing over my shoulder in the mirror to see the little jewel on the flared base reflect in the light.

I make my way to the bedroom, stripping the comforter and lying down against the pillows. A nervous anticipation swirls through me, setting my skin alight as I glance at the clock and slip my fingers between my thighs. I close my eyes to concentrate on the feeling.

I can only imagine how worked up he’s going to be. How much he’s going to want to prove a point tonight after seeing Ethan for the first time in so many years. As excited as I am for him, I’m also hoping he knows that he’s the only one I ever think of anymore. Seeing the two of them together in the same room like that only underscored everything I already knew to be true.

I’m lost in the fantasy of Bishop when he arrives. I feel him before I see him. The flick of low vibration from the toy makes my hips roll upward of their own accord. A soft gasp erupts on my lips, and my fingers dance over my clit as I hear the key card release the latch on the door. He walks in a moment later, leaning against the wall to take in the sight. He flicks the vibrations up a notch, eliciting a moan from me that has him smirking.