The next morning, I stand at the stove, frying my own eggs. I'm trying to fish out a stray piece of shell when the door cracks open.
"Mornin' Pip."
"Minho. How many eggs do you want?"
Minho dubiously eyes the scramble in the pan, which is slowly turning a color eggs should not be.
"You're cookin'? God help us."
"Well, since you booted the only person who knows how to make real food, this is what you get. Did Jisung at least tell you where he's planning to stay?"
"He's gonna shack up in one of the outbuildings on his dad's property."
"You sent him back there? You know better than anyone how much Jisung hates that mean old drunk."
"I didn't send him anywhere, Pip. It was his choice."
"Is that so? Here I was thinkin' you called all the shots, what with the way you've been throwin' out ultimatums."
"I suppose I do owe you an apology. For yellin', that is."
"As far as I'm concerned, Jisung deserves that apology even more. You've spent your whole life actin' like he's only good for leavin' people behind. Jisung deserves better than that from you."
"Hey now. Jisung knew he crossed a line."
"Whose line? Yours? Because I invited him over mine."
"And that's your prerogative. But I'm your brother. I care about how you're treated."
"Then my brother needs to grow the hell up. No one put you in charge of how I'm treated. I definitely didn't."
"I hear you, but...it's complicated for me. How much do you remember from when Mom and Dad passed?"
"Not a lot. Everything was so chaotic. I remember how heartbroken we both were..."
"Well, it coulda' been a lot worse. You were so young, I didn't wanna scare you then, but...the state almost split us up."
"What? They can do that?"
"You were a minor, and I was barely eighteen. I had to fight hard to make sure child services didn't take you. That first year after Mom and Dad died, they checked up on us all the time. They called your teachers, coaches, family, friends."
He shakes his head, swallowing hard, clearly overcome by the memory. I think back to those years... Minho driving me to school every morning, cooking dinner for me every night, checking my homework...
"Point is, if I hadn't started actin' like the parent, we wouldn't be having this conversation today."
"Minho, I never realized..."
"Look, I'm not tryin' to put this on you. I'm just sayin'...it doesn't come from a bad place, alright? I really am tryin' to relearn how to be your brother, how to find a balance. But please, be patient with me?"
He falls silent, but the pleading note in his voice tells me how much he wants to make me understand.
I never have heard Minho's side of things. And if we're going to fix this, I need to give him a chance, too.
"I've been askin' you to hear me out all this time. I at least oughta know your side of this thing."
"You wanna hear about it? Really?"
"Really. If we're gonna move forward as partners, we need to both know where we're comin' from, right?"
"We both make our way to the couch and settle in. Minho hesitates, looking past me and out the window."
"You have to understand I was pretty young. I didn't know the first thing about becomin' a guardian..."
FLASHBACK
Minho's POV
I tap a finger against my knee as I survey the lawyer's office. Outside of the window, the bustle of city life screams by.
"It's still strange to think about everyone goin' on like normal, after all that's happened."
Jisung wraps an arm around my shoulders.
"I know what you mean. When my mom passed... Well, it's still not easy to talk about."
"I still can't believe they're gone... It's all up to me to make it work. All I can think about right now is the ranch, and Pip, and keeping everything up and runnin'."
"You're allowed to take some time to just grieve, you know."
"I wish I could, but I can't stop thinkin' about all this stuff. Is that wrong of me?"
"Of course not. You're holdin' it down when everything is out of control."
My thoughts are interrupted by the door to the office bursting open. A no-nonsense lawyer hurries in.
"Mr. Lee, yes? We have some difficult conversations to get through." my attorney blurts out.
I nod, hands gripping the brim of my hat. I rub my thumb over the pin my dad gave me, hoping it will anchor me.
"First things first: Where is (Y/N)?"
"She's safe. Stayin' at a friends house." Jisung answers.
"I don't recall asking if she was safe, but thank you for your input, Mr. Han."
"You're welcome."
"I'm going to just dive right into this. Your parents didn't appoint a guardian in their will."
"What's that mean?" I ask.
"It means the custody of your sister hasn't been decided. Legally you're an adult, Mr. Lee, but (Y/N)... Well, the state needs to be certain that she's provided for."
"Are you tryin' to say Minho isn't enough? He's been working his butt off to make sure (Y/N)'s okay?"
"Jisung, it's fine. Sir, what's wrong with what I'm providing?"
"There's nothing wrong...yet. You're eighteen, your parents left you both the ranch, so lodging is accounted for. But you'd have to effectively act as her parent. There would be significant sacrifice involved."
"Of course I'll do it. I'm used to making sacrifices. I was raised on a working ranch, I'm no stranger to steppin' up to the plate."
"This would be on an entirely different scale."
"There's nothin' I want more than for (Y/N) to be happy and healthy. If that means puttin' things on hold awhile, that's what I'll do."
"You say that now, but you just graduated high school. College, for example, wouldn't be an option. Not until she's eighteen, in fact. Everything will be different for you. Are you really ready to take that on?"
"Everything's already different."
"Your dedication is admirable. But you should also know your parents left their estate in considerable debt."
"Well sure, but there's a good reason for that."
"They had a hard year. It happens in the horse business. That doesn't mean it will always be bad." Jisung informs the attorney.
"It doesn't matter, Mr. Han. In order for the state to feel assured and Minho to step up as (Y/N)'s guardian, those debts must be cleared."
The weight of it all begins to sink in. I try to take a breath, but my chest is tight. The room is so hot, practically sweltering...
"No problem, Minho. I'll win the bronco tourney comin' up next month. The prize money'll cover it."
"I'm sorry, but a friends promise of winning a prize in the future will not assuage the state's doubts."
"Jisung...what if I sold the muscle car we've been fixin' up?"
"Minho, no! You love that car!"
"Sure, but I love (Y/N) a whole lot more. And you heard the man. Those debts need to be clearin' now. Besides, there might even be a little extra left over to put into a college fund for (Y/N)."
"But Minho..."
"I pat Jisung's knee and give the attorney a brief rundown of the asset, watching his face for any indication I'm on the right track."
"So...would it work?"
"If that's the car's true value, yes, but we'll have to move quickly with the sale. And because of your age, the state will demand drop-ins over the next few years to appraise your guardianship."
"I'll be ready for 'em. Hell, I'll bake cookies if they just let me know when they're plannin' to show up."
"In that case, I think we can get approval on this guardianship arrangement. For a trial period, at least."
"Thank you. I promise you, I'm not gonna let (Y/N) down."
Later, as I drive back to town to pick (Y/N) up, Jisung shits uncomfortably in the passenger's seat.
"You know you didn't have to do that."
"It's not about havin' to, or even wantin' to. (Y/N)'s always been the brains outta the two of us. She deserves a real chance."
"But what about you? Have you thought about what you want?"
"This is what I want, Jisung. And more importantly... I know it's what our parents would want, too."
PRESENT DAY
(Y/N)'s POV
I sit across from my brother, absorbing the story he's told me. I try to speak, but the words dry up before I can get them all out.
"I never knew..."
"I didn't want you to know. You didn't need that guilt. But you're older now. I know you can handle it."
"You're right, I can handle it. But I got one question... You really sold the Mustang? You told me Jisung totaled it in a drag race!"
"Oh, jeez. Don't start harpin' on that. Jisung's still mad I made him lie about it."
"I would be too! Why didn't you just tell me?"
"I dunno, (Y/N). You always liked botherin' us when Jisung and I were workin' on it back in high school. I knew you were lookin' forward to learning to drive on it, and you'd be spittin' mad if you found out I sold it for you benefit."
"You're not wrong. Might take me a few weeks to get over that detail."
"I hope you know, Pip...I didn't tell you about all this to make you feel like you owed me anything. All that stuff wasn't your burden to worry about. You were just a kid."
"So were you."
"Yeah, but I grew up pretty fast. At least in some ways."
"That's for sure... But with the Jisung thing, you've got more growin' to do."
"Hold on. You haven't even heard me out on that."
"I can't imagine you'll say anything worth hearin'." I say smiling.
Minho rolls his eyes, but playfully. The tension between you lifts bit by bit.
"But go right ahead and say your piece. Like I said, I mean to give you at least that much consideration."
I return to the kitchen, and Minho squints at the remainder of his breakfast.
"Alright. Don't chew my head off just yet, but what I'm tryin' to say is, I got concerns. Jisung's tough as nails and a damn good friend. He's loyal and reliable. But when it comes to his datin' life..."
"I wager I know plenty about that side of Jisung."
"No, you don't. Jisung's loyalty doesn't extend to relationships. He's a wanderer. Which is why he's left so many broken hearts in his wake."
"You just told me a story of how amazin' Jisung was even when you were younger. He was there for you when you needed it. And we've spent the months I've been home arguin' about how you need to update your views of the people you love."
"I know, but—"
"But nothin'. Haven't you noticed, Minho? Jisung's not running anymore. He's right here by my side...and by yours."
"Even if that's true, he's always gonna be on the road, isn't he? Is that a life you want—always waitin' for someone to turn up?"
"Remember how Jisung dropped that in a minute to help you? This ranch matters to him. And so do I."
Minho stops poking at his eggs and stares at me.
"He'll go back to the circuit eventually. Jisung's not made for settlin' down, never has been."
"Minho, have you ever considered you might have this wrong? He's done everything under the sun for you, and you still sit here and doubt his intentions. Jisung knew how you'd feel about us. You think he would've ever let this happen if it didn't matter to him? Really matter?"
"Well...no, I suppose not. Maybe I've been a little hard on him."
"I know seein' people in a new way can be hard, but you did it for me. I know you can do if for Jisung. He deserves that. If someone tells you over and over that you can only be one thing, that you shouldn't even try for more...you start to believe it. As his best friend, you at least oughta believe Jisung's capable of becomin' a better version of himself. And is already."
"There is some truth in that."
"Minho pushes away his plate and stands. Before I can say another word, he's wrapped me in a hug so tight it takes my breath away."
"You're wiser than I give you credit for, (Y/N). I promise I'll think on what you said. But from now on, why don't you leave the cookin' to me. These eggs are indigestible."
The sun climbs high into the sky as I lead the new foal around the paddock. As she chases after a butterfly, I keep the lead tight."
"As much as I'd like to play, we got three more laps before you're done."
On my shoulder, Ozzy twitters happily. I'm just finishing up when I see Mandy's car tearing up to the house, kicking up a cloud of dust.
"What on earth...? She got a new car?"
I tie up the foal and head over to where she's stomping across the driveway.
"Oh (Y/N), thank God you're here! Everything's a total, certifiable mess!"
"Do you...feel like elaboratin'?"
"I'm sorry...I know you're goin' through more, I should be your rock. But the venue for my parents' anniversary party canceled! Apparently, their Woodland Fantasy location is infested with bees! BEES, (Y/N)!"
"At least we have time to change the plan!"
"Do we? The guest list is a hundred people, and we have nowhere to sit or feed them. We don't even have a dance floor! This is a big anniversary. They've been together thirty years! If I don't throw them this party..."
She shakes her head, overwhelmed.
"Why don't we take a walk? Some fresh air might clear your head."
"Sure. With the party fallin' apart, it's not like I've got anything more important to do."
We make our way around the property, and Mandy's breathing steadies. She looks past me toward the stables, a wistful expression crossing her face.
"It's too bad we couldn't have it here. It really is charming."
"Wait...why couldn't we have it here?
"You're kidding, right?"
"Rustic chic's big in the party scene right now. If we could scrounge up a few tables and chairs, ask Lucy to bartend..."
"I can see it too! Fairy lights twinklin' at dusk, cupcake tower on a reclaimed wood pedestal... We could even have a petting zoo!"
"No problem. We've already got plenty of animals to choose from!"
Mandy grins and gently scratches under Ozzy's chin.
"Exactly! This little owl takes a pet like nobody's business."
"And you don't need to worry about your dance floor. The barn would be perfect for that."
"Well, if we're really doin' this shindig...you oughta name your price."
"I'm not chargin' my best friend!"
"Of course not. You're chargin a client. I know how hard you've been workin' to keep the ranch afloat. Besides, I already budgeted for a venue. To the tune of..."
She leans forward and whispers the price she was paying the previous venue. My eyes bug out at the number.
"That's...that's quite a lot."
"It was the cheapest I could find!"
"I'm not acceptin' that much, especially since we don't have time to make it as special as you wanted. But I'd take...half?"
"Deal! This is incredible. My parents will be thrilled about how smart I'm bein' with my cash."
Just then, Minho slips out of the stables, wiping sweat from his brow. Mandy makes a low sound in her throat as he approaches.
"Oh, Mandy. We weren't expectin'...which isn't to say it's not nice to... What I mean is, what're you doin' here?"
"My parent's anniversary party is comin' up this weekend, and the venue canceled last minute."
"So I told her we're havin' it here."
"And she's givin' me a hell of a deal on the rental price, too."
"I think it'd actually be a good trial run to see if we can pull this kinda thing off in the future."
"You wanna turn the ranch into an event venue? Wouldn't that be...complicated?" Minho asks.
"I think we could make an absolute killin'! We have all this beautiful land, different spaces where we could set up a party. The toughest parts already done!"
"Sure, but you're gonna have to invest a lotta cash to turn it into somethin' worthy of a big shindig."
"Not if we play it smart. A lot of the stuff you need for a party we could build ourselves, or borrow from our friends."
"Hell, most people expect to book their own rentals for dishes and tables and all that." Mandy says.
"You really think people would want to come all the way out here for a party?" Minho asks in curiosity.
"People get excited over what they're not used to. For city folks, our ranch isn't about work, it's about romance."
"I suppose it could work...in fact... I think you're really onto somethin' here, (Y/N)! You're gonna have this place mintin' money in no time!"
"Don't sound so surprised, Minho. Your sister's a smart cookie." Mandy tells him.
"But...didn't you say the party was this weekend? We'd better start workin' while the sun's up."
"Oh, don't put yourself out. I'm just happy I found a spot at all."
"But you were so set on makin' this party special for your folks, Mandy!" I blurt out.
"Not to mention this thing's gonna be our chance to make a big impression on all the fancy city folks comin' to the party." Minho adds.
"Well, you do make a good point there. My parents have some pretty influential friends." Mandy tells us.
"I'll cover your chores, (Y/N). Need to build up my endurance anyway. You two go find everything you need for the party."
We could make this place look really special with a little extra effort...and I get the feelin' Minho's keen to make a good impression on Mandy.
"Let's make this party perfect!"
"Really? I don't wanna put you out on such short notice..."
"Hey now, none of that. This is the debut of Lee Party Plannin'! We're aimin' to do it right." Minho says.
"By the time we're done with it, you'll be glad your original venue fell through. What else do you need?"
"Well, Woodland Fantasies was going to provide everything on-site...so I don't have flowers, or tables, or table settings... Shoot, when I put it that way, it doesn't sound good, does it?"
"Don't stress! I know just where to start..."
I borrow Minho's truck and drive to the outskirts of town. As I turn onto Janice's long drive, I spot dozens of charming flower beds.
"Oooh, look at those daffodils!"
"Janice has the greenest thumb in Thunder Valley. You're in good hands."
We roll up to the house, where Janice is already waiting to usher us inside."
"Welcome, welcome. Please make yourselves comfortable."
"Thanks for meetin' us on such short notice. You've really helped us outta a bind."
"Of course! I was so flattered when you called for a custom order. With the pickup in ridin' clients, it's been hard to find time to get creative."
"How's that mare been treatin' the kids? Everything still workin' out?"
"Oh, she's the gentlest thing! The kids pull her man and tail and she barely bats an eye. Sometimes I think she's too patient with them. So? What's the occasion?"
After Mandy has regaled Janice with the story of Woodland Fantasies, Incorporated, the old woman leans back to ponder.
"Well, that's a tight turnaround, but I think we can manage it. Let me get you a few samples to choose between."
Janice quickly scrounges up three bouquets: Sunflowers, roses and a bunch of wildflowers.
"Oh shoot. All of these look gorgeous. I can' decide!" Mandy says.
"Do either of your dads have a favorite flower?"
"Well, Patrick loves to garden and he always says he doesn't pick favorites."
"What about Julio?"
"Julio...has killed every plant he's ever touched."
"Sounds like we really can't go wrong, then. I say we got with something wild. They'll go so well with the location, don't you think? Tie everything together?"
"Selling those rustic vibes. I see where your head's at!"
"And they're so colorful! People often overlook them because they're simple, but if you ask me, they're some of my favorites." Janice states.
"So they'll be ready by Saturday?" I ask.
"Sure will! I'll get my granddaughter over to help. She could use a little extra cash."
With the flowers taken care of, Mandy and I head to the next stop: The hardware store.
"I don't know if lumber and drills are really the right 'vibe', (Y/N). My dads can't even fix our deadbolt."
I push one of the carts toward her.
"We're not here to fix a deadbolt. We're here to see all the pretty lights."
"Lights? Isn't it all gonna be outside? Do I need to get a generator?"
"No, just hold on...they should be around here somewhere..."
I scan the shelves, looking for the exact size and shape Mandy had referenced.
"Aha! Fairy lights to tie it all together. You said you wanted them, so we're gettin'em. Besides, how else are we gonna turn the ranch into a 'woodland fantasy'?"
"Oooooh! This is gonna be even better than the party I had planned before!"
Mandy squeals and gives me a hug as I add the lights to the basket.
"(Y/N), is that you? Everything alright back here?"
Tanner pops her head around the corner, sporting a manager's nametag.
"Actually, Tanner, we could use your help! We've got a big party this weekend. Very exclusive. And we need you to help set up. We could definitely use the extra set of hands."
"Of course I'll pitch in. That is if I can sneak some of the leftovers?"
Are you kiddin'? You're gettin' some cash and your pick of dinner options."
"Man, I need to think about changin' careers. Party plannin' sounds like a hoot!"
"Incredible. Alright, next stop is...Lucy, right? She's the bartender, isn't she?"
"She is...but do you really think she's gonna be willin' to work at the Lee Ranch after all that business with Minho?"
"What business? Don't they get along?"
"You could say that. Minho...well, he proposed to her."
"They were engaged? "
"Oh, hell naw. Far as I know, he never got much past second base." Tanner says.
"Even if he had, it's old news. Like a decade ago old news."
"Yeah, but it'll still be fun to watch 'em circle each other."
Tanner starts to ring me up, then raises a finger, remembering something.
"Tell Minho I'll bring the wood by for that table, too."
"What table?"
She pulls up a picture on her phone of an ornately carved sweetheart table made from cedar.
"You can really make something as beautiful as that?"
"Not me. But Minho can. He already called in the wood about an hour ago, said he wanted it lightnin' fast."
"Looks like the Lee ream is firing on all cylinders."
By the time we've finished up at the store, dusk has settled over the valley. Mandy sighs.
"Not that I'm not grateful, but why would Minho go to all the trouble for me? I wouldn't say we don't get along, but...we don't really get along."
"Oh, c'mon Mandy...are you gonna make me spell it out? He's my brother, Mandy. Thinkin' aobut his sex life is just..."
"Wait, his sex life? What's he been sayin' about me, (Y/N)?"
"Nothin' along those lines. Thankfully he doesn't bring that stuff up with his kid sister much. But... You could always loosen his lips with a little whiskey at the party."
"Right, the drinks! I can't believe I almost forgot!"
"Don't worry, the Saddle Horn is just down the way. Follow me."
I head to the Saddle Horn with Mandy, keen on getting some of Lucy's time before the nightly rush.
"Ooh, maybe we could get one of these deer heads? Do you think they'd loan it to us?"
"Wouldn't say that's really in line with your theme, but let me know if you fancy anything less...dead."
Lucy glances up from the glass she's polishing and takes in Mandy's posh outfit. She raises an eyebrow as we approach the bar.
"What do we have here? Did the cat drag in somethin' good for once?" Lucy says with a smile.
"Lucy, we need a bartender. Who can make our drinks strong."
"I'm gonna need a little more information than that, (Y/N)."
"We need you to serve drinks at a last-minute anniversary party with a bunch of out-of-towners."
"They tip real well!" Mandy adds.
"Okay, that has my interest. Let's say I decide to lend my services. What's the occasion?"
"My dads' anniversary. They've been together thirty years now, and I'm throwin' them a party to celebrate. I'm thinkin'— Wait a hot second! Isn't that..."
I follow her gaze to the back corner of the bar, where I spot Jisung tucked into a cozy booth.
"Jisung's here? And that fella across from him is...Tate? I wonder what they're talkin' about. Can't be anything good for the ranch, after how Minho's treated him."
"Why don't you go find out? That storage room behind their boot his perfect for eavesdroppin'. There's a vent behind the radio."
"Oooh, espionage! C'mon, (Y/N)! Let's get a move on before they finish sayin' whatever they're sayin'!"
Lucy leads us into the storage room. As soon as we're inside I hear Tate's voice coming through the vent.
"You gotta admit, it's a pretty nice setup for the both of us."
"I'm not sayin' it ain't..."
I spot a crate and step ontovit, gently pushing the radio aside. Through the vent, I can see Jisung and Tate below.
"Here's what I'm thinkin', you and I play our rivalry outside the arena, and inside we trade off who takes home the purse. The crowd'll love pickin' sides, and if we fill the sponsors in on the plan, they'll be more'n happy to split between us."
"So what, we're just linin' a lot of fat cats' pockets?"
"And our own! Trust me, if we come in with this plan, we can command top dollar for those sponsorships."
Jisung doesn't respond. A few seconds later, Lucy drops their bill on the table. Tate quickly snatches it up.
"I got this, courtesy of Horses n' More. Not that I should have to work so hard to convince you to make yourself some money."
"Tate I appreciate all you've done to get this opportunity lined up. It's not that I'm grateful, it's just..."
"let me guess...your heart's not in it?"
"That's one way to put it. But I promise, I'll think on it."
"That's all I can ask. Take some time and think it over. But not too long, or the sponsor'll move onto someone else."
They stand, and I scramble off the crate.
I gotta talk to Jisung before he accepts that deal!
When I make it out of the storage room, Jisung and Tate are already at the front of the bar. Jisung catches my eye as he pushes the door open.
"Don't let him get away! This might be your only chance to get through that thick skull of his!" Mandy tells me.
I hurry after Jisung. His shoulders are hunched against the chill night air.
"Hey!"
"Now's not a good time, (Y/N)."
"I don't care, I'm not letting' you walk away. I can't stand bein' apart from you. Jisung, please. All I want is for us to ger past this."
"I known you do. I just...I cant get my head on straight. I don't know what to do."
I close the distance between the two of us and force him to look me in the eye.
"You're tryin' to leave, aren't you? That's what you and Tate were talkin' about back there, you headin' back to the rodeo."
"If you're set on listenin' in on private conversations, at least pay attention. I didn't 'agree' to anything."
"Oh yeah? Why not? Sounded like a pretty sweet deal to me."
"Dammit, (Y/N), you know why. I... I can't stomach the thought of leavin' you."
"But you ended it—"
But already his arms are around me, gripping me so tightly it's like I'm the only thing keeping him on solid ground.
"I know. And I know that bein' with you ,might lose me the best friend I've ever had. But sittin' in that bar jus now, lookin' at the future without you in it... I can't stand that, (Y/N)."
The ache in his voice brings back every tangled-up emotion I feel for him. The sorrow, the passion...
"Jisung...you never lost me. Don't you know by now? There's nothin' in this world that could keep me from you...except you."
"Well, I'm done with that, (Y/N). I tried to stay away, but it just wouldn't stick."
"Then what are you gonna do instead?"
I cock an eyebrow at Jisung and he catches the heat in my gaze. His lips curl into the devilish smile I love so much.
"Get in the truck. I wanna show you something."
We both climb into the cab, and no sooner have I shut the door that Jisung's hand in on mine. The space between us is too much, so I slide into the middle of the bench, pressing my thigh up against his.
"How far are you takin' me?"
"Almost there now, I promise."
Jisung's grip is like iron as he speeds through the night, out of the town square and up to the clifftops. On the plateau, Jisung kills the engine, and suddenly I realize how alone the two of us are. Jisung's gaze is smoldering as he reaches for me...
"C'mere."
He reaches for my hips, then my breasts, his touch so intense I seem to feel it on every inch of my body.
"Jisung, I... Oh, God..."
The need builds between us, the relief his touch brings never quite enough. I'm almost trembling with need, my moans filling the air.
"God, I love the sounds you make when I'm touchin' you..." he tells me with a moan.
"I can't...mmmmm...can't help it..."
"I never want to stop hearin' them."
"Undress me..."
He doesn't hesitate, peeling layer after layer away from my skin and kissing every inch he uncovers.
"Damn, (Y/N)...you're like a goddess..."
I tremble in anticipation, squeezing my legs together for relief as he lowers his mouth to my bared breast.
"Oh, Jisung. Yes."
His tongue flicks my nipple as it hardens, and I cry out, holding him flush against my body
"I need more of you. Now."
I move my hands to his shirt collar, nearly ripping the buttons free in my need to feel his skin on mine.
"Do you know how much seein' you like this turns me on? How much it drives me wild?"
He pulls my hand to the hard velvet of his length, making me feel just what I'm doing to him.."
"I do now."
"Good..."
I pull my hand away with a coy smile, and Jisung groans in desperation. I trail my fingers back up his abdomen as I lean in to kiss his jawline.
"That feels damn good..."
"I know."
I fan my hand over his left nipple, and it hardens under my touch.
"But probably not as good as if my mouth were somewhere else..."
I bend to press my lips to Jisung's throat, savoring the salt of his skin.
"Your mouth, huh?"
I move down his torso, but he pulls me back up just as my teeth gaze his hipbone.
"Wait a moment. There's no rush. How about you? What do you want?"
"I'm doing exactly what I want."
"I want to make this last as long as possible. Just tell me what you want, I'll give it to you..."
I answer his plea with a kiss, my hips grinding against his.
"I want to taste you."
"Ain't gonna argue with that."
I slip down onto the floor of the truck, nudging his legs open with gentle hands.
"Don't hold back. I want to hear how good it feels."
I kiss my way down his bare stomach, all the while tracing patterns on his thighs. My tongue follows the curve of his ribs, the line that runs down the middle of his abs, a road straight to pleasure.
"Mmm...(Y/N)..."
I envelop Jisung in my mouth, his groan spurs me on. I take him as deep as I can, listening for his hitched breath.
"Oh my God..."
I moan in response, and the vibration throws Jisung's head back in need. I swirl my tongue around him, picking up speed until he's right on the edge.
"Mmmmm..."
Just when I think he might come, he pulls me up towards him, kissing me long and slow. Jisung hooks his arms behind my legs, moving both our bodies around until my hips are just below him. I can feel the heat of him pressing against my opening... I shift my hips, trying to coax him inside.
"(Y/N)..."
With a moan, he hooks my legs around his waist and slips inside. We both gasp as I stretch around him, taking all of him...
"Yes, right there... keep goin'..."
He obliges, thrusting slowly at first, watching my face as I bite down hard on my bottom lip. I slide one of his hands up to my mouth and close my lips around his fingers. I want to show him how much I need him, all of him...
"(Y/N)..."
I flick my tongue and he lets out a soft curse.
"You're gonna send me over the edge if you keep doin' that."
He takes my hands in his and raises them up over my head. My back arches, and he leans down to lick a tripe up the center of my chest.
"Oh God, I'm so close..."
"I wanna bring you there..."
Jisung releases mu hands, and I cradle his face between my palms.
"Tell me what we have is real."
"It's real, (Y/N). Realer than anythin' I've ever felt in my life."
"Keep telling me..."
His hands splay across my skin as I move in tandem, his breath quickening...
"This is the truest thing in my life... The way I feel about you..."
With each thrust, I feel my pleasure climbing. I grip Jisung's hips tight, relishing the noises he makes.
"I... I..."
My breath races through my lungs, and I feel myself teetering on the edge of it all. But part of me never wants this to end.
"Go ahead. Let go."
That does it. I come like a wave breaking, my hand gripping his shoulder as I pant and squirm and moan.
"Jisung! God, yes..."
His eyes never leave me as I come undone. He holds me close as I ride it out, every thrust amplifying the intensity of my orgasm.
"Ooooooooohh... Yes."
Watching me lose control sends him over the edge too.
"(Y/N), I..."
With a groan, he buries himself deep inside me, resting his head in the crook of my neck as I feel the pulse of his release. His hips flex once, twice...until finally he's still.
"God, (Y/N). There's no one like you."
I press a kiss to his forehead, damp with sweat. Together, I slow my breathing, coming down from the wild high.
"There's no one like you either."
A while later, we're both sitting among the wildflowers in the dark, looking over the farmland below.
"So, are we gonna talk about what this all means?"
Jisung is pensive as he considers the question, rubbing a thumb long his jaw.
"I know I've been yankin' you around. Th truth is, Ive never felt this way about anyone before. I need you. That might scare me, but..."
Every cell in my body tingles from the suspense. I watch his face, holding my breath until he says the words.
"I don't want to be apart from you, not again. If you'll have me, I'm yours."
"You want to be with me? You won't change your mind tomorrow?"
"I know I've got to build that trust back up, and I will. But for now, m promisin' you I won't ever do that to you again. Once I commit to somethin', (Y/N)...I give it my all."
I point to the truck with my eyebrows raised.
"That wasn't your 'all'? Gosh...how much better does it get?"
"Stop that, I'm tryin' to be heartfelt here."
Jisung stands, lifting me to my feet. All around us, the night is quiet.
"So, what you're sayin' is..."
"I'm tellin' you I'm in this, (Y/N). No more hidin'...for either of us."
Tenderly, he takes my chin in his hand and tilts my face towards his.
"I'm just sorry it took me so damn long to realize."
Then his lips are on mine, and it all feels right in the world. I pull him closer, my arms locked around his neck, intent on never letting him go again. After a long, luxurious moment, he pulls away, tilting his forehead against mine, and looking deeply into my eyes.
"If you don't stop lookin' at me like that, we might have to go again."
"Lookin' at you like what? Like I'm the luckiest fool alive, and I don't care who knows it?"
I gaze into his eyes and let myself stop worrying about Minho, the ranch, the party. Jisung's here, in my arms, smiling.
"If you're really keen on goin' public, I have the perfect opportunity. The ranch is hostin' that anniversary party Mandy was plannin'. All she needs now is someone who knows what they're doin' in the kitchen."
"A fancy party? Sounds like a lot of pressure."
"It's a big ask, I know. But if cookin' is something you want to take more seriously, it'd be a great chance to get your feet wet."
Jisung considers for a moment...then a slow smile spreads across his face.
"You know what? I'll do it. It's about damn time I started goin' after what I really want."