I wake up, the idea of coming clean with Minho leaving me feeling lighter than I have in weeks. I start my day with a ride around the ranch.
"C'mon, girl. H'yah!"
Together, Agusga and I tear off across the plains. I smiles as I take in the scenery, wind whipping on my face.
"Beautiful, ain't it?"
I keep my eyes on the horizon, which is how I spot the precarious prairie dog hole just ahead of Agusga's hooves.
I'm not some amateur rider anymore. I'll signal to jump.
I ease my body off the saddle to assume a two-pointed position. Agusga barrels forward, then leaps.
"Yes!"
Her front hooves hit the ground far ahead of the prairie hole. Completely attuned to one another, I fly across the meadow. I sigh, inhaling the scent of wildflowers. My mind drifts to last night in the hotel...Jisung's hand all over my body...his breath hot in my ear... I startle back to the moment as Agusga slows. It's only then I realize I'd been squeezing my thighs a little too hard.
"Sorry, girl. My mind was...elsewhere."
As I make my way along the edge of my property, the sun starts to crest overhead.
"Looks like we'd better head back, Agusga. Jisung and I have got a big day ahead of us...and so does Minho."
With a flick of my reins, I take off toward the stables, Agusga and I working as one. For the first time in a long time, it feels like I'm doing exactly what I'm meant to be doing. As I ride in, Mandy waves from the paddock. She steps back, startled, as Agusga approaches.
"Oh...I've never been near one without a fence. Are they all so big? "
"C'mon, Mandy. She's gentle as they come. If you give her a pat, she'll love you forever."
"I don't know if I'm up for that kind of commitment."
"Okay, then we'll baby step this."
I reach into my saddlebag and retrieve an apple. As I toss it to Mandy, Agusga's head turns.
"Go on, hand it to her."
Mandy hesitantly does so, and Agusga's teeth pluck it from her palm. Mandy laughs, wiping her hand on her clothes.
"That's as close to a horse kiss as I wanna get."
"We'll make a convert of you yet, Mandy Martinez. In the meantime, though, Ozzy is probably a bit more your speed."
"If you say so..."
I hop off my saddle and lead Agusga to her stall. Once she's secure, I head to the hayloft for Ozzy.
"Showtime, little fella."
"Hoo..."
"Oh my gosh, are you serious? He's a darlin'..."
Mandy holds out her hand a bit more eagerly than she did the apple. Ozzy immediately hops in for a nuzzle.
"If you ever need me to owl-sit, I'll be there in a heartbeat."
"Whaddya say to that, Ozzy? Would you be okay spendin' some time with Aunt Mandy?"
After a minute, Mandy returns Ozzy to my shoulder, then pulls me in for a tight hug.
"I hate to say it, but I really should be headin' back. I still have that anniversary party to plan."
"I thought parties were suppose to be fun."
"Parties are fun. Party plannin' is stressful. But no one can do it like I can."
I follow Mandy to her car to see her off. She blows me a kiss as she drives away down the dirt road.
"See y'all soon! Whether Minho likes it or not."
Her words embolden me to head upstairs, where I find Minho in his room. I suck in a deep breath, preparing myself to share the big news.
Here goes everything...just be direct, and don't apologize and—
"Just the woman I wanted to see! So? Are you gonna tell me how it went?"
"How it...sorry, what are you talkin' about?"
"Your meetin' with Mandy's Dad's friend? That pettin' zoo magnate? Jim somethin'? Mandy said y'all had a lil' too much fun. I was hopin' it's 'cause you were celebratin'."
"Oh! Right. Yes. That meeting. Turns out Jim wanted dogs, not horses."
"What? How'd they screw that up so bad?"
"I, uh...guess they wanted mastiffs, and they sent a pretty blurry photo to Mandy's dad...point is, wires were crossed. I tried to sell them on one of our horses, but they didn't have the facilities to board creatures that size."
"Sounds like we dodged a bullet. Anyone that mixed up ain't worth workin' with no-how. Anyway, no need to get down. You know how Jisung's been trainin' up that bronc? Our animal's gotten some interest and there's an auction comin' up. I think we could make a big sale."
"How big are we talkin'?"
"If the bronco sells for even half what I expect, we can pick up one of the stallions from the amateur circuit. No one knows about the one I'm after yet, but Jisung's certain he'll be in high demand as a stud in a year or two."
"This sounds solid. Short-term profit and a long-term investment? It's everything we need around here!"
"Exactly. I know we've got a shadow loomin' over us, but we can't let it stop us from makin' big plays. So long as they're smart plays, obviously."
"I still think we should look into diversifyin' our business, but we can discuss that later. For now...this sounds like a smart play to me."
"Glad you think so, (Y/N). Wouldn't move ahead with it if you didn't. We're just lucky Jisung has such a keen eye. Breeders aren't as tuned into animals comin' up through the amateur circuit as he is."
The mention of Jisung's name reminds me again what I meant to say to Minho...
"Right, speakin' of Jisung and bein' keen..."
"Wait, put a pin in that for just a second. There's somethin' I want to say to you, somethin' important. I've had to put more trust in the two of you than I ever have before. And it's shown me...I was wrong. I should never have doubted you. I said it before, and I'll say it again: I'll be one-hundred percent honest with you from here on out. I promise."
"Oh...thank you, Minho. That means a lot."
"I mean it. In fact, I've been meanin' to say it for days now. Anyways, what was it you wanted to tell me?"
I can't tell him I've been lyin' after all that. Especially not when he's feelin' so vulnerable.
"Actually, it...musta slipped my mind."
"Well, I get that. These meds got me losin' my train of thought faster than a half-finished railroad track... Meanin' I oughta rest up. The auction's tomorrow, and I wanna be there with you. Try not to wear yourself out today, okay? I'm gonna need ya on your game tomorrow, too."
"Lookin' forward to it."
Feeling guilty, I head out to finish my chores. After restocking the feeders in the pastures, I ride the ATV back to the stables.
"Dammit! You little..."
I follow Jisung's swears to the bronco's stall, where I find him halfway through a hoof cleaning, swearing at an old TV propped on a shelf.
"Jisung, is everything alright? I heard shoutin'."
"Oh, sorry 'bout that. It's the regional rodeo championship. Sometimes I get...worked up."
The picture on the screen is fuzzy at best. I suspect the bent bunny ears are to blame.
"Shouldn't you be out in the ring yourself? You won that purse in Tulsa easy. Maybe we should be bettin' on you instead of sellin' this bronco."
"Naw, it's better this way. The purse isn't as big as you'd think, and the win's more about prestige. Besides, I won't be returnin' to the circuit. Unless...that's what you want?"
"No, it's not what I want."
"Good. Because I prefer it around here these days. But enough about the folks disgracin' rodeo's good name. How's your morning been?"
"Not so great. I kept tryin' to tell Minho about us, but then he started in on how grateful he was for us steppin' up...and I chickened out."
Jisung reaches up for my hand, taking it in his and squeezing it once. Warmth washes through me at the touch.
"Don't beat yourself up. I want to tell him too, but it's a delicate situation. You don't wanna just drop it on him like a bomb. We'll find the right time to tell him. Together."
"Up next, the female barrel racers..." the TV announcer says.
"That was your mom's event, wasn't it?"
"It was. I didn't realize you were payin' attention when I mentioned that."
"When are you gonna get it through your head, Han Jisung? I'm always payin' attention when you're around."
I watch the rider peel around the barrels, quick as lightning. When she crosses the finish line, she tosses her hat up and catches it on her head.
"She's incredible."
"Think so? I could have you riding that fast inside of a week."
"Oh yeah? Would you get hands on? "
I stand behind Jisung so I can rest my hands on his shoulders. He moans as I massage him.
"Barrel racin' is a single rider event. You know that."
I lean down to whisper in his ear. All the while, my hands unravel the knots in his muscles.
"You know me...I'm a tactile learner."
Jisung chuckles, then turns to face me. His eyes alight with mischief. I feel a flutter of desire.
"Ride well, and maybe I'll reward you. You've been ridin' your whole life. You've got talent. You could be areal competitor with a little trainin'."
"Only if you teach me all your rodeo tricks."
"Maybe not all of 'em. But I'd love to show you a few. Share that side of myself with you. If you're up for it, that is."
"Show me how to barrel race!"
Jisung finishes cleaning the horse's hoof, then stands, tilting his head towards the end of the line of stalls.
"Let's go get your horse saddled up."
"Shouldn't I be riding the bronco we're trainin' up for the rodeo?"
"Broncos don't make good barrel racers. Besides, it's better to learn on an animal that really knows you. That's Agusga. But first..."
Jisung leads me to the tack room, where he's already pulled a few items.
"You'll want a barrel racin' saddle. The deeper seat and a taller horn help on turns. We'll need ropin' rains...and a curb bit, I think."
"So pretty much none of the tack I'm used to."
"It'll feel a little strange at first, but trust me, with barrel racin' the tiniest advantage can make a difference."
"What happened to all my natural talent?"
"That's still there, we're just...enhancin' it some."
Arms full, we head out to the paddock to prepare Agusga for my ride.
"This is a lil' different for you, girl. How's it feel?"
I mount her, then take my time adjusting to the changes. As I do, Jisung pulls three barrels into position.
"All you gotta do is round each of these barrels. When you're done, make for the finish line I drew in the dirt."
"I think I can manage that. Any way I can get a good luck kiss?"
I lean down and tap my cheek, but Jisung cups my jaw in his hand and guides me into a deeper kiss.
"Mmmm..."
My happy hum vibrates through my lips. I feel my stomach flip from both excitement and anticipation.
"That good enough luck for you?"
"Well, I certainly feel lucky."
I survey Jisung's set-up of the paddock, then take a steady breath.
"You ready?"
"Born ready."
"That's my girl. Just remember, take it slow this time, get a feel for the course. We'll pick up the pace later. Alright, ready, set...Go!"
In an instant I'm off, racing through the course with ease.
"C'mon, Agasga! We've got this!"
I take wide turns around the barrels, but my speed is still good. Before long, I've sped across Jisung's line in the dirt.
"Great first attempt, (Y/N)!"
"What can I say? I've got a good teacher."
"I may have played a part, but I didn't make that run. You did."
I shrug, but toss Jisung a seductive wink over my shoulder.
"Credit where credit is due, I say. I've learned a lot by watchin' you."
"Well, I'm glad you weren't around to watch me in my early days."
"Why? Were you that bad?"
"Oh, no. But attention from a pretty thing like you? Would've made me nervous."
"You're pullin' my leg."
"Am I? You've been pretty damn distractin' these last few weeks."
"Well...you may have a point there. In any event, I want your guidance now. What should I be doin' different?"
"I think you're ready to go a little faster. This time, try your best to slow down near the pocket. That's the area just around the barrel."
"Isn't this all about speed?"
"I know it sounds wrong and all but I promise you, it'll help your time overall. You stay tighter on the course, and Agusga won't get so spooked."
"If you say that's the way to do it, I trust you."
"Good. Then let's try this again. Three...two...one... Go! "
"Go on, Agusga! Move!"
I take off, heading for the first barrel. I recall Jisung's advice as I approach the first turn...
He wanted me to slow down as I head into the pocket...
I pull gently on the reins, easing Agusga's speed ever so slightly as I start around the barrel.
That's it!
I hug the barrel more tightly than I thought possible, and she comes around the curve like a shot.
"It worked!"
Seconds later I ride across the finish line. Jisung whoops and claps from the other end of the paddock.
"That's how you do it, (Y/N)!"
"You sure aren't just biased? You are my instructor."
"I timed you. That right would already qualify you for the amateur circuit."
"Sounds like you want us to be King and Queen of the rodeo."
"You're still a ways from goin' pro. But that said, you really are a natural."
"I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearin' that."
Smiling, Jisung takes a step towards me and brushes a smudge of dirt from my cheek, gazing at me tenderly.
"Your love for it reminds me a bit of my mom. The look on her face when she'd finish a run was the thing that made me want to join the rodeo."
"You followed in her footsteps. She'd be real proud of you, Jisung."
"I hope so."
"Thanks for teaching me. The rodeo is your world. It means a lot that you'd share that with me."
"Thanks for lettin' me. I've never been able to do this with anyone and, well...it's nice. But if you start to outshine me, we may have a problem."
"Sounds like a challenge."
"There's still a ton of work to do. But from now on, I may just leave the horse trainin' to you."
"Anything to help."
I quickly dismount, then lean in to brush my nose with Jisung's as I close the distance between my lips. I capture Jisung's mouth with a hungry kiss. He responds in kind, mouth moving ardently with mine.
"Yes..."
Encouraged by my moan, Jisung takes my face between his hands to prolong my kiss. I wrap my arms around him to hold him close, but it isn't enough. I part my lips as an invitation.
"(Y/N)..."
Jisung's tongue tangles with mine. I moan as he explores my mouth. When I finally pull away, Jisung flashes a wry girn.
"We really should be getting' back to work."
"When did you become such a taskmaster?"
"I dunno. Could it be the auction that's happenin' tomorrow? "
"Fine, fine. Let's finish up...then we'll find some time for just the two of us. No horses allowed."
I send Jisung off with a quick kiss, then head inside to freshen up before lunch. Later, I'm leading the bronco around the paddock, but the sun overhead is blazing. the bronco nickers, agitated by the heat.
"You and me both, buddy. Let's get inside and get somethin' to drink."
I lead him back to his still and replenish his water. He drinks deeply from the bucket in the corner.
"You're welcome. On that note, I'm a little parched myself."
I tug open the mini-fridge in the corner, but when I open it, I realize it's shorted out.
"Dammit... Guess I'll have to wait to cool off until I finish up my chores..."
I make my way to the fence line to med some rails, when a piercing yell splits the air.
"YEEEEEHAW!"
"What in the..."
When I investigate the noise, I find Jisung down by the pond, jumping off a tree limb into the water...and he's stripped down to his underwear.
"Holy..."
I watch him longingly as he leaps into the water, admiring the breadth of his shoulders, the taut muscles of his body.
"Oh..."
My blood feels as though its on fire. The heat spreads outward from my core, rising to my skin.
"This doin' it for you, (Y/N)? I could make it more excitin', if you'd like."
I startle at his direct address. As he approaches the shore, I sheepishly step forward.
"Sorry. Didn't realize you could see me."
"I'll forgive you for gawkin' if you get on in here with me."
"Hate to break it to you, slacker, but the sun's still out. We're supposed to be makin' hay."
"I finished early. What's your excuse?"
He grins wickedly as he rises from the pond. Water sluices over the sharp lines of his washboard abs.
"You know I like workin' up a sweat. There's nothin' better than the ache you feel after pushin' your body to the limit, wouldn't you say?"
Jisung's lips twist in a sly smile. Even from this distance, I can see that his eyes are darkening with desire.
"I might. Depends on what's makin' you so hot and bothered."
"I think we both know the answer to that, Jisung."
Jisung takes another half step out of the water, revealing more of his incredible body...
"Why don't you get in here with me?"
"I don't have a suit."
"I think we're past that point, don't you?"
Sweat beads across my chest, beneath my shirt. I imagine him wicking it away with his mouth.
"Are you askin' me to skinny dip? What took you so long? What kind of man leaves a poor girl sweatin' on the shore for him?"
"C'mon, (Y/N). I can't come on too strong, now."
"Confidence is sexy, Jisung. I'm the kinda girl who knows what she wants. What about you?"
"You're right."
Jisung extends his arms in invitation. The rippling water reveals another inch of his skin. I shiver.
"It's too damn hot. We can't have our best ranch-hand getting' heatstroke. Then where would this place be? Besides, you can't see a thing goin' on under the surface. We could get up to all kinds of trouble..."
"In that case, count me in."
Grinning, I begin to ease out of my clothes.
"Takin' your sweet time about it..."
"Don't worry, Jisung, I'll give you a show."
I tease my shirt over my head, revealing the soft skin of my stomach an inch at a time. When the hem of my shirt meets the band of my bra, I pause to wink. Jisung groans.
"You're killing me, (Y/N)."
"If that smile on your face is any indication, it's a pretty good way to go."
I toss my shirt aside with a flourish. When I reach for my fly, my arms accentuate my cleavage. I slowly drag the zipper along its track, then peel my shorts over the curve of my hips.
"Damn, (Y/N). That's just unfair."
My shorts pool at my feet. I make a show of bending over to tug them past my ankles and move them to the side.
"You like what you see?"
"Always..."
I can see from the ripples on the surface of the pond that Jisung's pleasuring himself to the sight of me.
"You startin' without me?"
"If you got in the water, I'd have somethin' better to do."
"Seems like you're doin' just fine on your own."
Jisung pauses, hand slowing. His face is practically pained from his desire.
"That won't even compare to how I'll be doin' once you get over here..."
"Someone sure sounds eager. Hope you can keep up... I feel like I'm burnin' up with fever. I need relief. Bad."
"I've got your release right here. Come on in, (Y/N)."
I dip my hand between my legs to tease my arousal through my underwear. Jisung gulps.
"I don't know if you're ready for me."
"Why don't you come over here and see for yourself how ready I am?"
I wade into the cool water of the pond, shivering as it whispers over my skin. Jisung moves towards me, eager. As he reaches the shallows, the contours of his body sharpen, the scraps of wet fabric slinging to his hips only making the sight more tempting...
"(Y/N)..."
His need throbs against my thigh. I press closer, eager to feel his full length. Smiling at Jisung from beneath my lashes, I take his hand in mine and slowly move it through the water...and slip it beneath the elastic of my panties. I gasp as his fingers slide over me, setting off shockwaves in my body with every slow stroke.
"Mmm...just like that, Jisung..."
When he slips a finger past my folds, I moan.
"I will never get sick of that sound."
I rest my face in the crook of Jisung's neck, breath hot against his cool skin.
"Oh, Jisung..."
I thrust myself against Jisung's hand, pleasure overwhelming my senses. Dimly, I feel a need to share the sensation with him. I move my hand blindly over Jisung through the fabric of his underwear and he groans, pulling me closer. My moans echo across the pond as I writhe together in a desperate embrace
"Jisung..."
"I can't wait, (Y/N). I need you. Now."
"Then why don't you hoist me into your arms?"
Grinning devilishly, Jisung wraps his arms around my body and hoists me up onto him in one smooth motion. I wrap my legs around his waist, delighting in the feeling of water-slicked skin against skin. He tugs my underwear aside, lowering my hips down to meet him. Jisung throbs against my entrance, teasing my slick folds with his tip.
"How bad do you want it, (Y/N)?"
I bite my bottom lip and look at him up through my eyelashes.
"So bad."
With a groan of pleasure, Jisung finally thrusts into me. I capture his mouth with a desperate kiss, the feeling of him inside me too much to bear. He pulls back and moves into me again, his hard length filling me completely. The sensation is so intense stars bloom in the corners of my vision.
"Oh, God..."
Arms hooked under my thighs, he thrusts again and again, my pleasure mounting every moment. I lean my forehead against his, panting.
"You feel so good, (Y/N)..."
"More, Jisung..."
"I wanna drive you wild, (Y/N)..."
I struggle to speak. My mind is fogged by the sensation of his hands, his body, his mouth.
"I know you're close. Tell me what I can do."
"I want you to be gentle with me."
Jisung leans forward to pepper my chest with tender kisses. Even as his grip eases, I know I'm secure in his embrace. As the pleasure builds within me, I lean back in his arms and let out a moan.
"Mmmm..."
Jisung dips down to swirl his tongue over my nipple. With the flat of his tongue, he gently laps my breast.
"You deserve to be worshipped, (Y/N)."
Jisung's mouth is soft and warm against my skin. It stokes the coals already burning in my belly.
"You're so good to me, Jisung."
The water laps against me, steady as the waves of pleasure within.
"Jisung, I—"
"Stay with me. I'm right there with you."
"Oh, God..."
"Yes! "
We hold each other close as we careen over the edge, a heat flooding my body. After, I tremble, limbs going limp as the wave of pleasure recedes.
"That was..."
"Amazing." Jisung finishes my sentence.
"Exactly the word I was looking for."
Jisung leans over me to press a tender kiss to my lips. It pleases me to know both sides of his hear. As the last wisps of my desire pleasantly fades, I sigh, taking Jisung's hand in mine.
"I should start headin' back. Minho'll want to talk about the auction before long."
I rise from the water and step onto the shore, and Jisung follows just behind, unable to keep away from me.
"I'm not done with you quite yet..."
Jisung leans in to kiss me deeply. His tongue teases past my lips as he wraps me in his arms. The water on his body seems to glisten in the summer sun. It quickly heats to steam, hastened by my passion.
Oh, Jisung..."
I'm fully entangled when I hear a branch break on the path up to the fence. I turn toward the sound.
"What in the..."
"Minho! What're you doin' here?" I ask in shock.
"I wanted to find you so we could go over our plans for the auction. What the hell is goin' on?"
Jisung removes himself from my embrace and steps away. It's then that Minho notices Jisung's state of undress.
"Minho, I—" Jisung begins.
"You were takin' advantage of my sister? "
"Minho! We wanted to tell you." I tell him.
"We? How long has this been goin' on?"
Minho's eyes dart between us. I shrink under his hard stare.
"You mean to tell me you've been lyin' to my face about this, Pip?"
"I didn't want to, Minho. I've just been waitin' for the right time to tell you."
Minho drags a hand down his face, distraught. When his gaze falls to me, his temper flares.
"I trusted you. Out of all the people in the world... How could you betray me like this?"