Page 64 of Want Me

She’d done this. My woman knew I was hurt and that the night had been horrible, and she just wanted to take care of me. I’d called Pop various times tonight, keeping him apprised of how things were going, but I hadn’t mentioned my injury. It didn’t seem important. There was a job to do, and I was going to get it done. It’s what I’ve always done.

Work came first, and I came last.

Tonight, Betty is putting me first. So, I let her take my hand and lead me out of the barn. “Um, the house is that way,” I groan against the movement jostling my arm.

“I’m aware. We’re going to the cabin.”

“What happened to ‘We have guests, I can’t leave?’” I let my voice pitch high, playfully imitating hers. She only snorts, leading me to my truck and digging my keys out of myfront pocket. “Baby, stop feeling me up out here. I’ll be so embarrassed if I drop you trying to lift you with one good arm.”

She leans into my chest, her fingertips steepled against my pecs as my keys jingle. “Nash, you’ll know when I’m taking advantage of you.”

Fuck, my cock twitches just imagining Betty having her way with me. I’d expected her to be timid in the bedroom, but she’s the opposite. She submits to me as much as she tells me exactly how she wants it. The give and take serves as a perfect balance for us. It’s evened out my rough tendencies and allowed me to worship her as I should.

I never wanted to be a passionate lover with Katherine or anyone else. I wanted to fuck while still leaving my partner sated. But that’s where it ended. It wasn’t about their needs; it was about mine. It was only important for me to leave them satisfied, because that meant I had done my job.

It’s always about getting the job done.

Our drive back to the cabin is the reset I need, genuine happiness swelling in my chest. Tonight had been shit, but Betty made me see the silver lining in it all. Three of our animals may not have performed tonight, but at least it’s the end of the season. They’ve had convincing performances otherwise, and that will count for more. One off night won’t ruin it all.

I’ve already received several emails in my inbox with other promotions and rodeos from all over the country, all of whom want to discuss business with us. I’m the new blood distribution needs.

I’d always thought my perspective on life, and how I was living it, was solid. There were no changes to make because it was working. Betty opened my eyes. There’s more than obligation and work. Approaching life so robotically you’re not living isn’t what I want anymore.

We pull up the drive, the two lights bordering the front door of the cabin casting a soft glow over the three steps leading to the entrance. “Baby, you have to carry me inside,” I pout, as she reaches for her door.

“Nash Donovan, you’re a big baby. Get out of this damn truck. You stink and need a shower.”

A barking laugh bursts out of me as I exit the truck and rush up the stairs ahead of her. Digging in the pocket she’d thankfully ignored, I pull out a key decorated in purples and blues, dotted with stars. It’s attached to a globe that lights up when you hit the button.

Handing it to her, she stares down at it. “What is this?” Her voice is small as she turns the globe over in her fingers, her thumb tracing the tiny lines of the countries.

“It’s your key to this cabin. The globe is because you’ve always wanted to see if the stars look different in other places. If you let me, I’ll take you anywhere so you can find out.”

Tears well in her eyes as she looks up at me, her bottom lip wobbling. “Nash…”

“You don’t need to say anything. Beatrice,” I stroke my thumb over her cheek, catching her tears. “You gave me life, and all I want is to give you your dreams. So, please let me.”

She turns away from me, sliding the key into the lock before stepping inside. I follow on her heels, locking the door behind us. “So does this mean you’re expecting me to cancel my lease?” I’m surprised as she spins back to face me, her arms looping around my neck as she pushes up onto her toes.

“Only if you love me.”

Our lips brush in the softest kiss that speaks of forever. “Do you know what I want?” she grins.

“Tell me.”

Her grin draws wider, those brown eyes sparkling. “To wake up next to you every day, under every sky.”

“And do you know what I want?” I ask, running my palm along her side. She shakes her head animatedly, never breaking her stare. “I just want you.”