Page 19 of All of Us

“Millies has the best burgers in town. I didn’t know what to put on yours, so I got everything, and condiments are on the side.”

It was thoughtful of him to consider my tastes. Once I built my burger, I took my own bite and couldn’t help but make the same noise he did. He looked up at me, and I could see his eyes darken. Apparently, I had the same effect on him that he had on me.

We talked while we ate. I explained the basics about my family, most of which was public knowledge because my brother was married to an incredibly famous musician. Gentry was one of the few who didn’t know much about DRACO or my history. He asked good questions, and I noticed he was curious about where I was on my personal journey to finding my happily ever after.

After we ate, Gentry pulled out a jar of ointment.

“This stuff is magic. Everything will relax and tingle when it starts working.” We sat there for a minute, as things turned a little awkward.

“What’s wrong?”

He looked at me and smirked. “I’m contemplating offering to put this on you, but I feel like we should maybe get to know each other before I am rubbing your inner thighs and groin.”

I swallowed hard. “Yeah.” My voice was rough.

“Do you think you could put it on my shoulders and back?” That got me a smile, and I liked it.

“It would be my pleasure. Such a shame that I need you to take off your shirt.”

“Yeah. I am sure it’s a terrible thing for you.” It felt like I was getting the hang of this flirting thing. I took my shirt off, set it on the back of the couch, and turned my back to him. Gentry moved close behind me.

Close to my ear, he whispered, “This might be a little cold.” With firm hands, he rubbed my back with the salve. I was pretty sure he did the same areas dozens of times, but I didn’t mind. He let his fingers dip just below my waistband, making sure my low back was covered.

“I like tingles,” I said.

Immediately, I missed his hands on me when he stopped. It was a good time to remind myself to take things slow.

“You should do your thighs, then get in bed for the night. In the morning, repeat the process since we are going out again.”

He stood up. “I’m going to be honest here, Joe. I need to leave because I like you a lot. I know we’ve only spent a few hours together, but I feel something between us.”

“I have to agree, but why leave?”

“I want to respect what is happening. And if I stay, I don’t think I could control myself.”

“Oh. That’s— Okay.” When I stood up, he turned around to say something. His hand reached for my jaw as he brought our lips together. His tongue teased, but he didn’t ask for entry; he simply wanted to make his intentions clear.

“Yeah. I need to go. Thank you, Joe, for a lovely evening.” He walked to the door, and I followed him. He stepped out on the threshold and smiled. “It really was fun.”

At his car door, he stopped, turned around, and jogged back up the porch. He grabbed my hips, pulled me tight against him, and took my mouth eagerly. This time, his tongue sought mine, and we let them tangle together.

Unable to stop myself, a moan escaped, and Gentry pulled back, gasping. “Yeah. It was a great evening.”

Back in his truck, he waved out the window and yelled. “Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

When I entered my cottage, I leaned against the door. Holy shit, that was hot. He was so different from Dusty. I couldn’t wait to see him again. Being around him felt like there was an electric current under my skin, and it was something I was getting addicted to.

Once I got into bed, I realized all my sore muscles felt better than when Gentry first showed up.

I couldn’t help but recall the way his hands had felt when he rubbed my back. I wished I had insisted he apply it to my ass and inner thighs, too. It didn’t matter, though, because I got those incredible kisses, and he left because he wanted more.

If I had asked him to stay, he probably would have, but ultimately, I want a relationship, and maybe this country boy was the ticket to that. With my pillows propped up perfectly, I looked at my phone.

DUSTY

Oh? Is it that ranch hand?

I snorted when I thought about the horse named Dusty, and imagined for a moment it was Gentry’s beloved friend typing me from his barn.