It's the day of the big party, and I make my way through my chores at lightning speed. Before long, it's time to start getting ready. In the living room, Minho frowns at the mirror as he attempts to reshape his hat brim.
"Damn thing's so stiff..."
"What're you lookin' so fancy for? Could it be for...Mandy? "
Minho awkwardly clears his throat.
"Well, she is employin' us, and she seems to run a whole lot more hoity-toity then we're used to."
"Oh, so this is just bein' a professional then...no ulterior motive?"
"Look, this party plannin' side hustle was your idea! I just think we should be puttin' our best foot forward."
"Then I better take the hint and clean off all this grime. We may be offerin' rustic charm, but not...this rustic."
"Please do. I'll catch ya in a bit... There's somethin' I gotta do before folks get here."
Minho's right, it's important to make a good impression today, especially if we want this to become a real business.
I search through my closet for the perfect attire for the even. I finally find what I'm looking for and slip into it. A short T-shirt dress with cow print, turquoise, and fringe.
I do a little spin in front of the mirror, admiring the way the clothes complement my body. Once I'm dressed, I job back outside to where Mandy is stage-directing the party setup. I hear her before I see her.
"Yes, almost like that. But I'm gonna need you to move the tent about three point five inches to the right!"
"Uh... Here?" Tanner asks in confusion.
"Is this right?" Alex asks.
"I said three point five, not five!"
"How about a drink, Mandy? I've got a glass right here with your name on it." Lucy says holding up the glass.
"No, no way. If I start in on the chardonnay now, this whole thing's going ass over tea kettle."
"Lucy, why don't you set up in the barn? I've got a table for you at the side."
Lucy gives me a little salute and heads off. As I approach, Mandy grips my arm with an exaggerated sigh.
"First, you look amazing. Not that I'm surprised."
"And second?"
"I can not get the angle on this tent right. We need to maximize views! "
"Every time I see you like this, I thank my lucky stars I'm on your good side. The tent should be over yonder, with the shades drawn on the west, so that the sun doesn't get in everybody's eyes."
"That's it! Thank you! "
"Now that's done, have you talked to Minho yet?"
"Why would I do that? Don't try to tell me he's got an eye for this, because I won't believe you."
"I wasn't askin' because I thought you'd enlist him on the design team. I was thinkin' more on a...personal level."
"You're jokin', right? We're oil and water. I'm done tryin' with that boy."
"Whatever you say, Mandy."
Just then, Jisung pulls up in his pickup. He hops down from the cab, eyes on a clipboard with sprawling, extensive notes.
"Don't look now, Mandy. Food's here!"
"He's not a piece of meat, (Y/N)."
"Not what I meant. Jisung's caterin'."
"Does that mean...y'all have patched things up?"
"It means (Y/N) and I are on the same page about what this is."
Jisung slides a hand around my waist as he joins me. I bump my hip against him.
"Oh my God, you did! This is the best party gift y'all could've given me!"
"Let's hold the praise until I pull off the cookin'. On that note, I wanted to run this menu by you. For the main dish, I was thinkin' smoked brisket. It's always a crowd favorite. But for any vegetarians you got, I thought maybe this pasta?"
Jisung flips through a few pages on the clipboard and shows Mandy a picture.
"Alfredo with a hint of lemon."
"My mouth's waterin' already!"
"We'll serve the soup in bread bowls, since people seem to think that makes it taste better and saves up washin' dishes..."
As Jisung leads Mandy through the rest of the menu, totally in his element, I see how his eyes light up.
I can't wait for Jisung to show everyone just how good he is.
"Jisung, that all sounds divine! I can't wait to dig in!" Mandy says smiling.
"Really? No notes or anything?"
"I trust you, promise. Look at all those cookin' utensils! You're practically a bonafide caterer."
I peer into the truck bed and see stacks of sealed glass containers and dish warmers alongside a large cooler.
"Oh, those? They were just lyin' around. You know, since it's a hobby."
"This ol' thing? You like it?" I ask with a smirk.
"Very much. Makes me get all sorts of thoughts about the afterparty."
"I'm plainnin' on findin' you well before that."
"Y'all are way too much. I hate to ruin the moment, but I still need (Y/N)'s artistic eye. So go start preppin', cowboy." Mandy tells us while laughing
Mandy drags me off, and Jisung waves goodbye with the clipboard and a satisfied grin. I catch Janice near where Mandy's set up the tent, pulling out vases and buckets filled with gorgeous flowers.
"Janice! These are gorgeous! They'll make the décor look perfect!" I say with excitement.
"I'm glad you think so. I've got to add a few more over by the buffet table, but I don't want them to get wilted before dinner."
"We can do those last! Here, let me help."
I get to work, adorning each table with one of Janice's centerpieces and starting to unravel the string lights I picked up in town. It's all coming together. Once I have the décor exactly the way Mandy wants, I return to Jisung, who's set up his cook station outside the barn. As I approach, I catch him taste-testing the sauce. He frowns, then jots something down on the clipboard.
"Probably a dash more sugar, and something acidic to make the aftertaste a bit more subtle..."
"Need a taste-tester?"
Jisung turns to me, holding out a spoon.
"You offerin'?"
Never taking my eyes off Jisung, I lean across him to reach to the bowl of barbecue sauce. I take my time, brushing my chest against his, making him wait to see what you'll do.
"That sauce...it's for the guests..."
"Just a little taste can't hurt."
Jisung's transfixed as I slowly lick the sauce off my finger.
"Mmmmmm... Delicious."
"Are you sure about that? Because I think some orange zest would..."
He lifts a finger to my mouth, wiping away a stray drop of sauce with his thumb.
"Ahem."
We leap apart, startled to find Minho just feet away.
"Minho. We were just uh...gettin' the sauce ready..."
"Listen, I know how you feel about us. But this is Mandy's day, and I don't think you oughta—"
"Would you cool it and let me say my piece? I've come to apologize, for Pete's sake!"
"You...have?"
"It's overdue. I know I lashed out that day I caught you. Call it...overdeveloped big brother instincts. (Y/N)'s the most important person in the world to me. But I know what goes on between the two of you is her business."
"You really mean that? You can't imagine how good it is to hear that! Thank you, Minho. You can't imagine how much it means to have your blessin'."
"Do we? I don't believe I heard him mention that." Jisung points out.
Something in Jisung's voice makes Minho look down at the ground. Almost like he can't quite meet Jisung's eyes.
"Jisung...I know I owe you an apology too. I forgot who you are, at your core."
"Is that right? And who is that?"
"You're the kind of man who's loyal to a fault. You've never let me down. I shouldn't've belived you'd let down (Y/N) either."
"Finally, you've come to your damn senses. I won't apologize for pursuin' (Y/N), but I am sorry I didn't come clean. There were times I wanted to."
"Honestly, maybe it's better you didn't. Without seeing the way you two are about each other...I'd probably just've decked you on the spot. But if you ever hurt my little sister, everythin' I just said goes out the window, y'hear?"
"I believe it. But you gotta let us do this our way, Minho. My past is...well, it's in the past."
"Fair. And I'll admit, (Y/N) made me realize I've been holdin' on too hard to the way things've always been. We can't forget where we came from, but maybe we can honor them while movin' forward."
With a mischievous glint in his eye, Minho darts into the barn. Moments later, he returns, pulling something heavy behind him.
"Dad's old smoker? What's this about?" I ask.
"It hasn't worked right in years, but after (Y/N) opened my eyes...I had it fixed up for ya. I want you to have it."
"Minho, I can't accept this. Your dad loved that old thing."
"Almost as much as he loved you. And shoot, you'll appreciate it way more'n me or Pip would."
"I'm with Minho. It's got your name on it, Jisung."
"He'd want you to have it. If you're gonna be stickin' around, you'll have to patch up that rodeo-shaped hole in your life."
Both of their eyes get a little misty. But then they cough, looking away from each other.
"Bein' a full-time chef is mighty different from winnin' a rodeo purse."
"You already know how to do this. Just believe in yourself. Jisung, I know this town has always only seen you one way, but I know you have bigger dreams for yourself."
I cup his cheek and turn his face toward mine. There's a fear in his eyes, but a tenderness too.
"This is the time you get to do somethin' for you. And I can't wait to see you do it."
"And we'll be here supportin' you, every step of the way."
Minho envelops Jisung in a bear hug, pinning Jisung's arms to his side.
"Alright, alright. If you don't give me my arms back, the spice ratio for the dry rub's gonna suffer."
Minho releases him with a chuckle, and Jisung heads back to prep. Then, with a proud smile, my brother turns back to me.
"This party's really comin' together, (Y/N). I'm impressed. Think what you could do with any time at all."
"You really think so? I could use a little help still..."
"With what?"
"You could save Tanner from Mandy."
He follows my gaze over to where Mandy is wrestling a mallet out of Tanner's hands.
"For goodness' sake—I said I wanted the stakes perpendicular to the ground. Are you even listening?" Mandy tells Tanner.
"You know...it might be better if you just showed me how you like it." Tanner tells Mandy.
"I'm not sure I want to get in the way of all that."
"You kinda like it. Admit it."
"I don't mind the spectacle. But Tanner's gonna need to hold her own. I've got other priorities. Jisung, tap me in as your sous chef."
Minho heads over to Jisung, clapping him on the shoulder. They laugh as Jisung hands over a whisk, and my heart feels even lighter. I return to the tent, every single piece in place, just as guests begin to arrive. Mandy waves me over to where she stands with her parents. Right next to her is the cupcake tower!
"There she is! The savior of the anniversary party! Dad, Daddy...it's your favorite honorary daughter!"
"I hear you saved us from more than just a couple hundred bees." Patrick says.
"And imagine, three days ago all of this was just grass!" Julio adds.
"Try three hours ago." Mandy tells them both.
"The lights, the gauze, the cupcake tower! It's...Pat? Help me out. What word is this?" Julio asks.
"Incredible. More than that, it's inspired."
"Yes! Exactly!"
"It was nothing, really. We have all this space. Why not make use of it?" I tell them.
"And make use of it we will! We're gonna talk you up to everyone, honey. You saved us!" Julio tells me.
The two of them drift to the far end of the tent, where dozens of excited-looking guests have started to arrive.
"You really blew 'em sky high. They're gonna be networkin' you so hard, you'll be fully booked by the end of the night." Mandy says.
"If that's so, I should probably start makin' the rounds. What about you?"
"I'll be on the dance floor. Come find me when you're ready to let loose."
As Mandy slips away into the crowd, I survey the large tent of people.
"I oughta check on Lucy."
I swing around to the bar in the pasture just beyond the barn, where Lucy's charming the patrons with one of her bartending stories.
"Let's be clear, everyone hates this guy, even the folks he came in with. He's the type who's never heard 'no' in his life, y'know?"
"So What happened?" a party guest asks.
Lucy smirks as she works the cocktail shaker, then slides her gaze over to me. Her eyes run appreciatively over my outfit.
"Nice threads. Now I remember why Colt Monroe was so grumpy about being turned down."
"Oh, this is that story?" I say rolling my eyes and laughing.
"Tell us! What happened next?" another guest asked with curiosity in her expression.
"Well, next he got punched right in the chin."
"By you? "
"By my boyfriend."
An audible gasp echoes through the crowd. Lucy pours their drinks and one for me.
"That would be Han Jisung, famed rodeo star, that she's referrin' to."
"No way! You're dating him?"
"I wish Han Jisung would punch someone for me..."
"Cheers to that, my friends."
Lucy nods to the drink she passed me. I eagerly join in, clinking my glass with the others.
"Cheers!" I join holding up my glass.
"You two got any other wild tales? I'm lovin' all the small-town gossip."
"(Y/N) here's gotta stay professional, but I can certainly keep both the drinks and the stories comin' all night."
She winks at me as I make my escape, already scoping out what other areas of the party need my attention. I find Mandy on the dance floor, waving her near-empty glass high overhead. Nearby, Minho watches her with a soft expression.
" 'She said baby I'm a country womannnnnn! You can't tire me ouuuuuuut!' "
"Mandy, how many drinks in are you? You're so far off-key the dogs are howlin'."
"I resent that! Not all of us have the gift of an angelic voice."
"I'm just teasin'. Anyway, it's about sellin' it, right?"
"That's what I keep tellin' people! But enough of that. You're here now...dance with me! It'll be just like back in college!"
I'm trying to protest when Minho walks over.
"I think I'd like to see some of those college moves, hotshot. You're certainly dressed for the occasion, after all. I don't think you could look bad out there on the floor."
"Minho joins in, and the three of us bounce along to the beat. All the while, Mandy and Minho's eyes are on each other. Then the music changes, and couples begin to pair off. I can see Minho wrestling with himself...as Mandy looks up at him from under her lashes.
"Nice song. A slow one."
"It'd be even nicer if I had someone to dance with. And before you try to get outta this, I mean you Lee Minho."
"Oh, well...I mean, I'm not sure I can really..."
Mandy hands me her empty glass and grabs Minho by his jacket, pulling him further onto the dance floor.
"Show me what you got, cowboy."
Those two are as different as cats and dogs... But maybe they could learn somethin' from one another.
I find Mandy's parents just outside the tent, playing horseshoes with a few of their guests.
"I think I've got it now, just a little to the left..."
Julio swings the horseshoe which arcs widely to the right, just missing Ozzy.
"Oh, I apologize little owl! My throwing arm isn't quite what it used to be!"
"I think Ozzy can forgive that for a nice head scratch. Isn't that right, buddy?"
"Oh my God, he's the sweetest thing!" Patrick says.
"Maybe I should throw wide more often."
"Care to join us, (Y/N)? Julio could use a professional on his team. After all, you are our woman of the hour! Everyone, (Y/N) is the genius behind today's festivities."
"And the best dressed woman here. You look like you should be the star of the show tonight."
"I suppose your daughter has rubbed off on me. She does have a way with fashion, after all." I laugh.
"If only she had the same sense in music. Julio's been listening for a line dance all night..." Patrick says.
"Patrick said he'd owe me a Cupid Shuffle if I win."
"I'll make sure it's added to the song list."
Patrick hands me the next horseshoe with a wink.
"Try to get Julio that dance. We've noticed you have to aim to the left if you want to score."
I level the horseshoe and aim my shot...I aim my shot and release, watching as it slices through the air to hit home. A satisfying clang rings out and the others erupt into cheers.
"Incredible! We've won!" Julio cheers.
"Better tell that DJ to start the music!"
Julio wraps Patrick in a tight hug as Patrick smirks at me over Julio's shoulder.
"Cue up that song before I lose my nerve. And in the meantime, enjoy the party. You've certainly earned it!"
"Can't turn down a request from the guests of honor." I smile.
I go to cue up the music, then head back to the main party tent. The guests are entertained, the music is lively, the dance floor is crowded... And as the sun begins to set, the one person I most want to see closes up the smoker on the far side of the barn. I walk up behind Jisung, slowly sliding my arms around his middle. He takes my hand in his and kisses it.
"You look like a paintin' in that getup. One I could drink in for the rest of my days."
"Now you're just talkin' nonsense."
"Nope. Not havin' it. You look like a million bucks, (Y/N), and I need you to let me tell you so."
"Well...I suppose I can allow it. But only because the party been goin' so well."
"I was hopin' you'd swing by. I wanted to tell you abut all the new clients I've got lined up for caterin'."
"Just from tonight?"
"Yup. And I have you to thank for it."
"This was all you. Not me. You're givin' me a little too much credit. You did all the hard work. We both know I can't cook worth a damn."
Instead of his usual witty retort, Jisung's eyes turn soft.
"That may be true, but you know how to believe in someone, make 'em feel like they can handle a big change like this. If it wasn't for you, (Y/N), I never would've had the guts to do any of this. Honestly. You helped me believe this dream of mine wasn't impossible. That I could become the person I saw in your eyes."
Warmth floods my chest as the words sink in. There's fire there, but also something more...pure tenderness.
"You never stop surprisin' me, Han Jisung."
"I've got one surprise left. But I'd have to steal you away from the crowd for a bit to give it to you."
His voice is husky, washing over me until every inch of my skin feels alive with desire.
"I have a lot of things I'd like to show you. In private."
"Can't say no to that."
"In that case, grab your horse. I'm takin' you somewhere special."
The two of us ride out to a hill in the west pasture. At sunset, it's beautiful, the colors somehow sharper as the light dims.
"I've always loved this field at night. When I was a kid, I'd spend hours tryin' to catch lightnin' bugs out here."
"I remember. Like I said, I picked a special spot. And I plan to make it a little more so."
Jisung takes a picnic blanket out of his saddlebag and spreads it atop the tall grass. I collapse onto it, opening my arms for him.
"What kinda special?"
I expect the quick flare of heat I so often feel with him, but tonight...Jisung is tender as he lays beside me. He gazes at me with an intensity I can't quite place, his hand gently resting on my cheek.
"Jisung...I've never seen you like this before."
"I've never felt like this before."
"Sexy? Desired? I beg to differ."
"No. Whole."
He kisses me then, not quite softly, not quite urgently. I can feel the deep, unyielding passion behind it.
"I intend to show you everythin' I've wanted to say for so long. But you should know I plan to take my time doin' it."
Pressing a soft kiss to where my jaw meets my throat, Jisung removes my clothing slowly, unveiling my body with an aching tenderness. As he peels layer after layer away, Jisung makes quick work of his clothing too, until the two of us are fully bared.
"Every vista in this ranch has got nothin' on you."
His eyes rake over me and the evening air dances over our skin, raising goosebumps along my flesh. But then his hands are there, sparking fire on every part of me he can reach, kneading my breasts, my thighs, my ass. He kisses my breast, taking my nipple between his lips. I gasp, cradling his head, but then he moves further down.
"Why are you teasin' me?"
"I warned you I'd be takin' my time."
He lowers his mouth to my folds, just barely grazing me through the lace of my underwear with his tongue.
"Jisung!"
Jisung presses a sensual, lingering kiss to the inside of my bare thigh.
"Tell me what you want next. But remember...we're takin' our time here."
"How about I'm on top."
Jisung lies back with hungry eyes as I crawl on top of him. His hands grip the backs of my thighs, urging me up his body.
"Like I said, this view is incredible."
He gazes up at my body swaying about him, running his fingers up my hip, along my sides, under my breasts.
"My view's not bad either."
He pulls me up until I hover just above his mouth. The first touch of his tongue sends a jolt through me, and I cry out. I writhe above him, but he holds me in place, making sure I feel every caress, every kiss, every delicious lick.
"It feels too good, I—"
I come with a startled gasp, my legs quivering as Jisung continues to pleasure me.
"Ah, Jisung!"
"That's it. Just give into it, (Y/N)."
I ride every wave of pleasure until my heart rate begins to finally slow. I let out a shaky breath and fall back onto the blanket. Jisung smirks as his hands continue to trace patterns on my skin.
"And that was just the foreplay."
"You're gonna have to play a little longer, cowboy."
I kiss him, then continue down his body, lingering on every bruise and scar. My lips forge a path down to his desire, my mouth already watering.
"Since that was just the appetizer...you should get a taste, too. After all, you're not the only one who can take your time."
Jisung reaches down to touch himself, impatient for my attention.
"Why don't you show me what you had in mind?"
I get to my knees and Jisung stands. I don't wait, taking him in my hand and stroking him as he grows even harder at my touch.
"You have no idea how good that feels."
I look up at him, stunned by how much I care for him, how much I can make him feel...
"Oh? And what about this?"
I press his tip to my lips, a little thrill going through me as he hisses. Then I envelop him, taking him in as far as he can go, watching his face.
"Oh my God..."
"Mmm..."
I moan in response, and the vibrations make his legs shake. His hand rests on my head, encouraging me into a quicker rhythm. He groans, hips flexing, thrusting deep into my mouth. I release him, just to give him enough time to breathe.
"Does that feel good?" I ask.
"Yes. So good."
Jisung pulls back with a groan, breath shaky, and reaches a hand down to pull me up against him. His eyes are dark with desire, and he rubs his hands up and down my legs.
"I can't take it anymore. I want you."
"I'm yours."
"Then how do you want this, (Y/N)?"
"Let me look at you."
Jisung gently lowers me down onto my side, running a hand along my thigh, my hip, my ribs...
"I'll never say no to lookin' at you."
I take him in my palm and guide him to my entrance. He groans as he pushes inside me, pulling my thigh over his hip to be able to thrust deeper.
"Mmm...yes, like that. Keep going."
He rocks his hips, and I arch my back, wanting every inch of my body on his.
"Seeing you like this...you have no idea what it does to me."
"I think I have an idea..."
He cradles my head as I begin to moan in earnest, each thrust sending me closer...closer... Our touches send each other into a frenzy, the slow, languid thrusts turning quick and desperate.
"God, (Y/N)..."
I teeter on the edge of coming, but I want to watch Jisung come undone in my arms, under my touch. I press my face into the crook of Jisung's neck, kissing away the sweat beading there. The gesture makes him tremble.
"There's no one like you. No one makes me feel as good as you do."
Jisung lets out a desperate, growling moan.
"You don't know what you're doin' to me."
"It can't be more than what you're doin' to me. I've never delt anythin' this intense, Jisung."
He comes hard and fast, body pulsing with the intensity of it.
"Don't stop, (Y/N)."
"Oh God, Jisung...I'm—"
Tears sting my eyes as I gasp and shake through my orgasm, the intensity of the sensation like nothing I've ever felt before. Jisung holds me as I come down, hands stroking my face, lips kissing my cheek.
"I've got you, (Y/N)."
The pulsing pleasure slowly subsides, ripples on a pond spreading wider and wider. I finally relax my grip on Jisung as I return to myself.
"Wow. Were you holding out on me all this time?"
"Never. I think it's just better when you're really connected. When both of you are all in, it just feels...different."
Jisung plucks a wildflower from the grass around me, and hands it to me.
"And I am all in, (Y/N). I promise, I won't let you down."
Smiling, I tuck the flower behind my ear and pull him in for another kiss, while the sun still casts him in its beautiful light.
"I know. I think I've always known."
Later, I rest my head on my hands, gazing up at the stars. Jisung slips his arms around my shoulders. It's warm in the quickly cooling night.
"Y'know, when I was a kid, I felt so small, especially after my parents passed. I sometimes thought I'd never feel safe again."
I turn my eyes from the sky to see Jisung watching me.
"And now?"
"Now I don't have to worry about that anymore. Jisung...I love you."
The words are gentle, so soft I'm not sure I actually got them out. But then Jisung looks at me with a warmth I've never seen in him before. Slowly, he raises a hand to my cheek, making sure I'm looking him right in the eye.
"I love you, too. More than I've ever loved anything."
He pressed a kiss to my lips, slow and soft, and I can feel every ounce of what he's feeling When he breaks away, I almost pull him back. Almost.
"But will this be enough for you? The ranch, cookin'...me?"
"it's not just enough, (Y/N). It's more than I've ever dreamed."
I settle back into the long grass, not quite ready for the spell under the stars to break. Jisung's arms pull me close. I rest my head against him, closing my eyes and listening to the rise and fall of his breath.
"I like that dream. Let's you and I never wake up."
END