Midnight Confessions, page 4
“Amos.” I barely get his name out before I’m flat on my back with his hands cupping my cheeks, my legs spreading, and he’s kissing me like I’ve never been kissed before.
SIX
AMOS
“I’m going to grab something to drink. Do you want anything?” We’ve been on the road for five hours and probably have another five to go. She’s yet to ask me to stop. Not for more food, to use the restroom, or to stretch her legs. Believe me, I’ve been watching as much as I can. Anytime I could afford to take my eyes off the road, they were on Genevieve. She’d be lost in her drawing, glasses on, hair up in a loose bun secured with one of her sketching pencils, tendrils flowing around her face. Another pencil she had tucked between her teeth, head deep in her artwork. This time, the shapes were complete of mountain views, skylines, clouds, trees, and what looks like a body of water.
Whereas yesterday she only had a few pencils, today the cupholder is overfilling with multiple colored pencils, and there are more forms taking shape. It looks a lot like fall with its vivid oranges, yellows, and reds.
“Water, please.” The coffee I had earlier today is long gone, and I need something right about now.
“Of course. You want a snack, too?” Genevieve asks, unclipping her seatbelt to head to the back seat. Damn it, I should have known she couldn’t reach back there. I’m in the right lane, so I slow down because luck is on my side; there’s a rest area.
“Woman, sit your ass down. I’ll park, and you can get what we want.” One thing I’ve learned about Genny is that while she’s got a strong independent streak at times, she’s also submissive and willingly gives in when I push for it.
“Thank god. My ass hurts from sitting so much.” She re-clicks her seatbelt, then starts to put all her drawing pencils into a pouch and closes her sketchbook. This rest area is quiet for it being the early afternoon. Usually, these types of places along the interstates will be packed full of families having picnics, stopping to use the restroom, and looking to see what the area offers for things to do.
“You want me to help make it better, sweetheart?” I tease once we’re in the parking area for semi trucks. The other areas are too damn small for the gooseneck trailer, and the last thing I want is my ass end to be sticking out. Someone might not to be paying attention and wreck both of our vehicles.
“Maybe later. The last time your hands were on my ass, a whole lot of other things happened. I’m thinking neither of us wants someone to walk by while you’re making me come.” I groan at the idea of having her on a flat surface where no one can interrupt us and this time I can taste Genevieve and do a whole lot more as long as she’s ready. Another conversation we’ll have soon enough. This morning after our talk, she cleaned up and then got ready to get our day started. It didn’t really leave a lot of time for us to have a more of an in-depth discussion, and I didn’t want to discuss this when I’m going nearly eighty miles an hour down the interstate.
“That’s happening again. Next time with no clothes,” I promise her. My hand moves to the back of her neck, and I pull her closer to me. I’ve yet to have my fill of her lips on mine. Earlier this morning, it was because of the fact I hadn’t shaved and I didn’t want to mar her pretty skin. I could tell she was hesitant even after I took care of my scruff, probably due to the fact she hadn’t brushed her teeth. I didn’t give a goddamn, and I more than proved it. Genevieve got so into it, she damn near climbed my body. I didn’t break the kiss either; I held the fuck on, dominated her mouth with mine, and dug my hands into the flesh of her ass as she looped her legs around my waist. The only thing that interrupted us was the knocking on the door with a voice on the other side announcing, “Room service.” It took a minute for us to catch our breath and for me to adjust my never-ending hard-on.
“Promise?” Her eyes lower to my lips as I drag my tongue along them.
“Fuck yeah, sweetheart. Fuck yeah.” I tighten my hold on her neck, pulling Genny closer, and fuse my mouth to hers. There’s nothing soft and sweet about this kiss; it’s full of pent-up need, built-up frustration, and a fuck ton of desire. Her hands travel up the length of my chest, the tips of her fingers digging into the muscle, and I know this is going somewhere. Maybe not sex or either of us getting off, but I’m not stopping. I hit the button on her seatbelt, do the same to mine before hitting the lever on the side of my seat, then slide it backward as I drag Genevieve up and over the center console.
“Amos,” she sighs against my lips, straddling my waist. I’m damning the jeans I’m wearing and the leggings she’s got on. I arch my hips into her center while chasing her lips. My hands follow the slope of her back while hers are staying in my hair, tugging at the ends as she rocks her hips along the length of my dick. Instead of a permanent zipper impression, I’m going to have shit rubbed raw from my jeans.
“Fuck, you go to my head faster than a shot of whiskey, Genevieve.” She’s got her head tipped back, body arched, and my hands move downward. I lift her shirt out of my way, then slide downwards until I’ve got my palms full of her ass.
“Ouch.” Genny pulls back from where I was raining kisses down the side of her jaw toward her neck, knowing there’s a spot beneath the shell of her ear that sends her into a shivering and quivering need.
“You sore, sweetheart?” I take my hands off her ass, worried I dug the tips of my fingers in too fucking deep.
“Well, yeah. I mean, I’m used to sitting while painting, but usually, I get up every now and then. And I walk in the morning and evening, but this ride is proving to me that I surely need to move my body more.” She sits back. More of her hair has fallen from her bun. I smirk, male ego and pride happy that Genny looks like this from my ministrations.
“Makes sense.” I shrug my shoulders, making a mental note to massage her body the next chance we get.
“I don’t know how you stay in the saddle so long. My ass is about done for after an hour of trail riding and now being in the truck so long. Yep, complete toast.” I noticed when Sienna and she would ride around the property, it wouldn’t be for very long, but I figured they were just getting some of the horses exercised before work. The more you know, the more you freaking know. I’m adding another item to the agenda on things to do with Genevieve once we’re back at the farm.
“The more you ride, the more you’ll get used to it.” She doesn’t miss my double meaning. Genny dips her head and tucks a piece of hair behind her ear, and damn if that doesn’t make my dick even harder.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” she says quietly.
“Come on, let’s walk for a little while. Stretch your muscles before we finish our journey to Texas.” I plant my hands on her hips, this time not pushing her down on my cock like I’d like to, but to hold her steady as I open the door for us to get out of the truck.
“Thank you.” Fuck, the softness in her tone has me rethinking leaving this truck.
“You don’t ever have to thank me, sweetheart. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, I’m here.” I drop a kiss to her forehead, breathing her in for a moment. Damn, what this woman does to me.
She feels like mine.
She smells like mine.
She is mine.
SEVEN
GENEVIEVE
Hours, and I mean hours, later, we’re finally rolling into Midnight Falls. We didn’t stop for food, gas, or a restroom break. Instead, I’m being lured to that fact I’ll be able to stand horizontal for a couple of hours, walk around the farm where Amos is getting the bison. He and Clay should take a couple of hours, then we’ll head right back to Arrowleaf.
In truth, I’m worried Amos is overdoing it. I know he’s this big and strong cowboy, used to working day and night. That still doesn’t make me stress less; it’s actually plaguing my mind, and I’m tempted to call or text my best friend to see if she has any sway if I don’t have any luck.
“Look up, sweetheart,” Amos gains my attention. I’ve been deep into my artwork, trying to keep my mind off groaning in boredom and having stiff muscles. That didn’t mean while I was deep in the process, Amos wouldn’t take my hand in his, entwining our fingers together, simply holding my hand at times. We’d disengage when he’d take a sip of water, and I’d lose his touch. A few minutes later, I’d reach out to him, hold his bicep if he had his hand on the wheel. Never in my life would I feel this confident, be this brave to reach out and willingly touch anyone, but this is Amos.
Amos, who has me falling head over heels in love with him, ready to follow him to the end of this world and go all in.
“Oh my gosh, Amos. This can’t be real.” Every Halloween decoration you can think about is on full display. Hanging from one corner to the next, each store front has a Halloween character. A clothing shop has a Beetlejuice theme, dresses in the black and white stripe design with outfits that are reminiscent of the movie. The pet store has a Hocus Pocus theme, Thackery Binx right up front. And then there’s my personal favorite, The Nightmare Before Christmas. I’m not sure what kind of store it is, but if we have the time, maybe Amos won’t mind taking a quick detour for a small shopping adventure. If the crowds aren’t too much for me.
“Clay mentioned it’s always like this, doesn’t matter the time of year. They celebrate Halloween all year long.” My eyes leave the storefronts and walkways where everything is displayed top to bottom. This is a Halloween lover’s heaven, therefore it’s me. I’m in awe and look at Amos.
“This is the coolest place ever. I’m not sure I’ll ever want to leave.” Amos better drive fast, or I’m going to open my mouth and beg for us to add another day to our road trip.
“It is pretty cool,” he replies, his warm eyes looking at me since we’re at a four-way stop in the center of town. There are passersby walking along the sidewalks on each side of the street, cars parked along the roads on either side, parallel parked at that. I’m not a bad driver, but if you put me on the spot where you have to street park between two vehicles, I will literally drive right by and find another spot or drive my happy ass home.
“Pretty cool?” I question. “No way. Amazing is more like it, unless we’re talking Tim Burton’s Labyrinth. He’s currently doing exhibitions all over the world; sadly, not here though.” I’m probably coming off super obsessed with how I’m feeling about all of the fun stuff we’re seeing, but honestly, when I’m not working, you can find me watching Tim Burton movies. It doesn’t matter the age or if it’s a movie or series. I’m hooked until I’ve gone through a binge session.
“I take it your favorite holiday is Halloween?” Amos asks as we continue our trek, leaving the area that’s decorated the most.
“One hundred percent. You know how people leave out a Santa all year long because they love Christmas, and it’s supposed to bring good luck?” I follow up his question with my own.
“Not sure I’ve heard of that theory, but continue.” His hand goes to mine, bringing it up to his mouth to place a kiss on the back. Then he places my hand on his thigh. God, I love the way he makes me feel.
“Well, it’s a thing. At least for some people. Anyways, I keep a pumpkin out all year long while I anticipate that first whiff of fall air, ready to decorate my entire apartment with everything Halloween and fall décor. You really didn’t know this? I for sure thought Sienna would tell you how obsessed I am with this part of my life.” When she realized my love for pumpkins, ghosts, and all things spooky, it was her who suggested we throw in some new holiday pottery. We’re working on what we’ll bring in for the Christmas season in the upcoming weeks seeing as how Halloween is upon us.
“Nah, my baby sister is a vault. It’s why it took her so many years to tell me about Trey when I knew all along. Then there was her not saying a single word about Two Chicks,” Amos replies.
“You’re right. We had many a conversation about the two of them. Then she’d turn the tables on me and, well, let’s just say I learned quickly to stay tight lipped until she brought it up. Anyways, when we get back, it’s going to be time for us to rework the storefront.” I rub my hands together, excited to decorate, and then we’ll be getting ready for Arrowleaf’s trunk or treat. All the stores will open for the evening. Parents and children can walk through the area, collect candy, walk around with a beer or wine, and shop. It’s the town’s first ever event where they close off the street to do something like this. It’s similar to what Midnight Falls does, only they do it year-round.
“You need help moving shit around, you call your man. I get you and Sienna can do a lot on your own, but you both got people in your corner, me specifically.” I’d like to say I roll my eyes and stand on business with ‘I’m an independent woman.’ Except my tendencies for spilling, breaking, and trying not to trip have been a fun experience to say the least. Half of the time, Sienna and Amos are saving my bacon.
“I’d need your number in order to call you, Amos,” I decide to tease him a bit. Yes, I’ve known Amos for a while because of Sienna, but I’ve never needed his number, not in this capacity.
“I’ll be rectifying that as soon as we make it to Clay’s place.” My chest deflates with his statement.
“Okay.” I’d much rather stay in town for the night and watch the festivities take place. Sadly, Amos is here for a work trip, which means he’s more than likely on a schedule. Maybe next time he makes the journey down here, I can tag along and persuade him to take an extra couple of days.
EIGHT
AMOS
I hate like hell that Genevieve’s lost all hope of seeing more of Midnight Falls once we head toward Clay’s ranch. Which is why when we get to his place, I’m going to pull him aside, ask to off-load the trailer, and head right back to where we just were and make Genevieve’s day. I’ll obviously need a hotel room, one with a balcony. Genny has yet to come out and talk about her avoidance of big crowds. No, not even big crowds, crowds in general. Where people are talking loudly, where she doesn’t know anyone, and where I’ve seen her hide away in a corner to escape the mayhem. It’s a good thing our family is small. I figure the Johnson family would probably overload her within sixty seconds flat.
Ten minutes later, I’m pulling onto the dirt driveway leading to Clay’s place. He lives closer to the edge of town and owns just enough acreage with a small house on the land to breed bison. Since Trey and I are doing so well, too damn well at times, we wanted to make sure we got more stock from Clay.
“Wow,” Genny breathes out. The landscape is different from Wyoming, but one thing stays the same: seeing the beauty in the animals always makes me stop in my tracks, and it seems that Genevieve is having the same reaction.
“It never gets old.” We’ve driven through countless roadways, watched wildlife along the way, but seeing the herd together is a lot like being back at home.
“It doesn’t. I have to say, Texas is pretty, but Wyoming is beautiful.” A couple of dogs take off from the house. Clay stands near the porch railing, more than likely whistling for them to come back, but they don’t listen. They never freaking do. He threatens to send them home with me often, knowing Sienna would have a soft spot for them, but after the bison are back in Wyoming, the Ellison ranch is closed for business in the pet department. Sienna took her dog, Champ. What she didn’t take was the rest of the wildlife that likes to make homes beneath the porch or nuisances that like to get into the trash, and I don’t want to mention all the other critters that like to make their home in the barn.
“I couldn’t agree more.” I park the truck near the pasture. With any luck, Genevieve will walk around while I talk to Clay to figure out the best hotel or bed and breakfast to stay in. That is if Clay doesn’t mind. It could go either way. We’re more business partners than friends. Still, I’d be willing to offer him some money for one more night.
“How old are the calves you’re picking up today?” I wince, worried about what she’s going to think about how this works when it comes to being a farmer.
“The male calves wean when they’re six months. The female calves take a bit longer; they like to stay with their mom.”
“Oh, is that normal?” There’s a wistfulness to her tone, and it’s clear she’s not been around farm animals. Not that I’m surprised. Sienna did let me know that while she grew up in a small town that’s a little bigger than Arrowleaf, they didn’t have a ranch of any kind. The only animals she had were pet dogs and cats. Her dad raised her solo, a lot like Ryland Johnson is with Case, except Ry has a family whose heart is made of gold. Genevieve had her dad and his parents to help raise her. They made it work, and Genny turned out more than alright. Clearly, they did something right.
“Yeah, it is. We’re taking about twenty of them, babies and their mommas.” I watch as the anxiousness leaves her body. Shit, I’m going to have to shield my woman during calving season. There’s no way she’ll be able to handle losing a baby. While most men would want their woman to get over it, I had my mom for more years than Sienna. She was soft where it counted—her husband, her kids, and her animals. Dad didn’t begrudge her. Instead, he’d come up to the house, take his hat off, and give her the news. She’d shed a few tears, and Dad would take her in his arms, holding her until she settled down. He did it time and time again. I know without a doubt I’ll be doing the same when it comes to Genevieve.
“That’s good.” Genny unbuckles her seatbelt, and I follow suit.
“It is. Come on. I’ll introduce you to Clay, and you can take a look around. He’s got more than bison. There are longhorns, goats, lambs, and who knows what else he’s added since the last time I came down here.” Clay makes the Johnson ranch look like amateur hour, though he’s usually in the breeding department before he sells them off to other ranchers all over the country. Lately, he’s been getting into thoroughbred horses, big time money. I also think he’s getting restless staying in one place for so long, but that’s just my theory.
