by Rye Hart
Growing up in Chicago, I can honestly say I’ve never seen a cow in the flesh. The closest I’ve come to one of the enormous animals is between two halves of a grilled ciabatta bun at my favorite restaurant. Complete with pickles and onions. Now that a bunch of them are looking at me with their big cow eyes, I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to enjoy another burger again.
Up ahead, near the entrance to the barn, I spot Luke wrestling with some large burlap sacks. I pick up my pace a bit and wave to him as I get closer. He smiles and waves back. He is definitely good looking in his own right, and he puts me at ease, but he’s no Cole.
“You look awfully overdressed to feed cattle,” he calls to me as I grow nearer. “I mean, Aunt Nora told you about our arrangement, didn’t she?”
I stop in my tracks and look at him, blinking rapidly. He doesn’t really mean-?
Luke takes one look at my face and bursts into a fit of laughter. “Oh man, if you could see your face right now!” he hollers, slapping his thigh with a meaty hand. “I’m totally joking,” he finally sputters, through his giggles.
I put my hands on my hips and kick a clump of dried grass at him. “You are not funny,” I say, though I can’t help my mouth from twitching. He really had me there for a minute.
“I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help myself,” Luke says. “We don’t get too many pretty ladies around here. Actually, now that I think of it, we don’t get any.”
Before I can say anything in response, Cole stalks out of the barn and fixes a dark gaze on his younger brother. “Luke, we have a lot of cattle to feed. Quit screwing around,” he barks before stomping back inside.
“Is he always like that?” I ask, watching his perfect ass as he goes.
“You mean a crabby sonofabitch?” Luke says with a smile. “Yeah, kinda. Listen, it’s not personal, he just takes the business very seriously is all. He’s the oldest and so he’s always been the one to take care of all of us. It’s a hard thing for him to give up. Don’t sweat it.”
I nod and let Luke get back to work after asking if it would be alright if I walked around a bit. He tells me where the gardens are and which areas to avoid due to the electrical fencing and then he leaves me to go back to his duties.
I stroll around for a while, looking over the pastures that stretch farther than my eyes can see. I realize how daunting it must be for one man to feel like he has to take care of all of this. Being the one in charge is never easy, but in this open environment where you have little control over predators, weather, and market, it must be even harder. I find myself feeling a little sympathetic toward Cole.
I shake my head and continue to walk on, taking in the perfect order of the ranch. I wander over toward where Luke said the garden was and I stop short. I had been expecting a vegetable garden, but instead what I find is a magazine-worthy flower bed. Several rows of meticulously groomed Marigolds, Phlox, and Columbine stretch out in bright colors, surrounded by strategically placed rose bushes in reds and golds.
I take a deep breath an inhale the scents as I carefully tiptoe through the neat aisles. All of a sudden, a thought pops into my head. Luke said there were no women on this ranch, so that would mean that either he or Cole had planted this garden. Seeing as Cole was the one in charge, I realize this work of art must be his doing. Cole Parker is quickly evolving into quite the complicated character. Though he’s rough around the edges, anyone who keeps a garden this vibrant and beautiful, must have a soft center. I groan inwardly to myself as I realize I’m starting to like this guy.
“You like it?” a deep voice says from behind me.
“Yes, it’s breathtaking,” I say, turning to see Cole watching me from the end of a row.
“Aunt Nora always kept a nice garden when we were growing up and I used to sit and do my homework in the rows when I was a kid.”
“Well if hers looked anything like this, I can see why you’d be drawn to it,” I say.
Cole nods and looks at me a for a long minute. The intensity of his eyes on me forces a bead of sweat to roll down between my breasts and my nerves begin to hum. I shift unconsciously from foot to foot, unable to look away from him until he finally breaks the spell.
“I’m going in to get some lunch, are you hungry?” he asks.
I nod my head vigorously and follow him up to the house, my eyes glued to his ass the whole way.
Chapter Six: Cole
I walk toward the house to grab a bite to eat and I see Sydney standing in the garden. She’s wearing a soft blue sundress, the breeze lifting her dark hair off of her bare shoulders. She is a sight for sore eyes and I feel my gut clench, deciding right then that this woman will be mine sooner or later. To hell with my old-fashioned ways, fling or not, Sydney Baines will be in my bed.
As I approach, I notice that she is admiring my garden and can’t help but feel some pride in that. The ranch is my work, the garden is my therapy. I stop a short way behind her and admire the view. The breeze lifts the hem of her short sundress, giving me a nice peek at those long legs. I imagine my face planted firmly between those supple thighs and my dick strains against my zipper. I take a deep breath and try to think of something gross before I approach her. I can’t just walk up to her with a giant hard on.
As if sensing someone behind her, Sydney turns around and our eyes meet. A look passes between us and I know for certain, her thoughts are running parallel to mine. Jesus. I start to walk toward her and she turns back to the garden.
“This is really beautiful,” she says. “The only thing I’ve ever been able to grow is a cactus.”
She laughs softly and the sound tugs at my heart. She looks almost sad and I’m struck by the impulse to gather her in my arms and tell her whatever is bothering her will be ok. This girl is dangerous.
“Thanks,” I say, trying to push the need to take care of her from my thoughts. “My aunt always had a garden and I used to work in it with her. It helps clear my mind.”
Sydney nods. “You and Luke both speak very highly of Nora.”
I nod my head in response. I don’t know if I’m ready to divulge all of my secrets to her just yet. Instead, I clear my throat and change the subject.
“It’s getting close to dinner time. You must be hungry,” I say.
Her eyes light up and she involuntarily licks her lips. It’s all I can do to keep from groaning out loud at the gesture.
“I’m starving actually,” she admits. “But you don’t need to cook for me. I mean, I’m already invading your home for a few weeks, I don’t expect you to serve me too.”
I shake my head. “I’m cooking for myself anyway so one more steak on the grill won’t be a big deal,” I say, and note the strange look on her face. “What?”
“Steak? As in, you’re going to eat one of your cows?” she asks and I almost laugh out loud.
“Well, that’s what I’m raising them for. You’re not a vegetarian are you?” I ask.
Sydney shakes her head. “No, but now that I’ve actually been face to face with a cow, I don’t know that I can eat one.”
“Trust me, when you smell it coming off the grill, you’ll change your mind,” I promise her.
She nods and follows me into the house. “If you say so,” she mutters behind me.
I stand on the deck, manning the grill and peek into the back window at Sydney at my kitchen counter. She offered to help with the meal so I told her she could make a salad if she wished. She is gladly chopping vegetables and I find myself turned on by the way she handles the knife. She’s clearly not a novice in the kitchen. I hadn’t expected that.
I take the steaks off the grill and step into the kitchen, letting the aroma of the meat settle over the room. Sydney smiles and I can see the doubt about being able to eat it melt off of her face.
“Ok so you were right. That smells absolutely amazing,” she says.
I open a bottle of red wine and pour us each a glass while we sit down to eat. I watch
Sydney take the first bite of
her steak and I can’t help but smile at the look of pure bliss that spreads across her face.
“Oh my God,” she nearly moans. “This is the best steak I’ve ever eaten.”
My chest swells a little at the fact that I have pleased her. I look at her over the rim of my wine glass; I plan on pleasing her a lot more than this. We settle into some easy small talk, which is usually not my thing, but I quickly find that Sydney is much more interesting than I had anticipated.
“After that, I fell in love with skydiving and I do it as often as I can. The rush of it really helps center me,” she is saying.
I look at her curiously. “So, if you’re such an adrenaline junky, why come to what might be the most boring place you can think of to unwind?” I ask her.
She considers for a minute before answering. “It’s been kind of a tough year for me and Nora thought that something low key would be better for me. I have to admit, I’m already feeling much better just being here.”
The way she is looking at me makes my mouth turn dry and I take a healthy gulp of my wine.
“So how exactly do you know my Aunt Nora?” I ask her.
She looks momentarily embarrassed and I think I know the answer before she says it.
“Um, well, she’s my shrink,” she finally says, looking away.
I reach across the table on instinct and take her hand in mine. “Aunt Nora has helped me through some pretty tough times too,” I admit.
Sydney’s green eyes turn to me and I know I’m a goner.
Chapter Sever: Sydney
The feel of Cole’s hand on mine sends a jolt of electricity through my system. His dark eyes are full of genuine understanding and my lower half goes liquid. We stay perfectly still for a few heartbeats, unable and unwilling to break the spell. Finally, Luke comes in the back door and Cole quickly pulls his hand from mine.
Luke takes one look at us and knows he’s interrupted something. He clears his throat and looks at me apologetically.
“Uh, hey. I just wanted to let you know that I put in the feed order and it will be ready tomorrow. I locked up the herd for the night and watered the horses,” he says to Cole, who just nods at his younger brother.
“So, I’ll be going then. You two have a good night,” he says and practically runs out the back door.
Cole clears his throat and stands to take the dishes to the kitchen. I get up and clear the remaining dinner mess and set it on the counter. Cole starts to wash the dishes and I grab a nearby towel to dry. We work in quiet rhythm for a few moments and I can almost hear the hum of electricity coming off of him.
After he puts the last dish away, I set down the towel and turn to flee to my room but Cole’s hand shoots out and grabs my arm. I put up exactly zero fight when he pulls me to him and crushes his mouth to mine. My lips part and allow his tongue to slide over mine as my arms wind around his neck.
As he holds me tightly against him, I can feel Cole’s hard length pressed against my belly and a flood of wetness rushes to my pussy. As if sensing my willingness, Cole lifts me off of my feet and carries me to my room. Within a few short minutes, we are both completely naked and he is laying me down on the bed.
“God, you’re beautiful,” he says as he bends to take a nipple in his mouth.
I moan loudly at the soft sucking sensation and gasp as I feel his hand move over my belly. All of their own volition, my hips raise slightly, encouraging Cole to go lower. It is almost too much to bear when I feel a long, thick finger slip inside me.
My senses start to short circuit as he withdraws his finger and flicks it over my clit with my own slick fluid. I reach down and grab his hand, guiding him back inside me and this time he inserts two fingers and begins to gently stretch me. Judging by the size of his massive erection, I’m going to need it.
Suddenly Cole’s fingers are gone and I feel his hot breath over my center. Before I can process what is happening, his tongue plunges deep inside me and I nearly come right then. I drive my hands into his hair and hold him over me while he tongue-fucks me. My thighs start to quiver when he draws my clit between his teeth and sucks gently. Finally, I can hold on no longer and I come hard with a moan of pure ecstasy.
As my orgasm begins to fade, Cole comes up over me, his chin glistening with my juices. He brings his mouth to mine and I am strangely aroused by the taste of myself on his tongue. I wiggle impatiently under him and he uses his knee to push my thighs farther apart.
I feel a quick flash of pain as he guides his enormous cock inside me. He is very well equipped and I’m still tight from months of celibacy. The pain, however is immediately replaced by a wave of pleasure as he stretches me in the most glorious way.
I wrap my legs around his waist and put my heels into his ass, urging him deeper. Happy to oblige, Cole plunges into my aching pussy over and over again. My nails dig into his muscular back as he buries himself to the hilt within me, the head of his huge cock tapping against my womb with each powerful thrust. His pace increases and I feel him stiffen over me as he lets out a loud groan and empties himself deep inside me. The sensation of the massive amount of cum spilling out of my cunt makes me come again and I clamp down around him, milking every last bit of fluid from him.
Afterward, Cole rolls off me and we both collapse into a deep sleep.
Chapter Eight: Cole
I wake up sometime in the night with Sydney curled up against me. I flick a finger over a nipple and she sighs in her sleep, making me hard instantly. I gently roll her away from me and rise up over her. Her eyes are barely open as I slide myself into her velvety wetness and begin to fuck her awake.
I’ve had my share of women in my life, but none has ever felt as good underneath me as Sydney Baines. Her legs sleepily circle my waist and I drive myself into her over and over until we are both breathing hard and coming harder. It has never felt so gratifying to fill someone with my seed before.
I pull out and Sydney once again curls up at my side, falling asleep almost immediately. I lay awake for a while longer, listening to her breathe. I have never believed in love at first sight in my lifetime, but this girl has got me in a tailspin.
There is something strong and sassy, yet delicate and vulnerable about her. For all her intelligence and independence, she seems a little broken too. Like me. I hold her close to me and inhale to scent of her hair, trying to commit the feel and smell of her to memory. She’ll be gone in a few weeks and it will be all I have to remember her by. The thought makes my chest ache. I try to set it aside; I knew what I was getting into when I carried her in here earlier. Finally, I drift off to sleep.
I wake early in the morning and we make love once more before I leave her to start my day in the field. I pause in the doorway and watch Sydney sleep for a moment, wondering how I’m going to get her out of my system.
“So, how was your night?” Luke asks innocently as I step into the barn.
“Fine,” I say, trying to stifle a smile. The last thing I want to do is discuss my sex life with my baby brother.
Fortunately, Luke seems to get the hint and moves on to other subjects. We discuss the plan for the day and he heads out to rustle the cattle from the far pasture while I get ready to head into town and pick up the feed. As I’m about to climb into the truck, I see Sydney standing on the back porch. She is sipping a cup of coffee and waves to me. I wave back and trot over to where she is. As I approach her, I’m again struck by how beautiful she is.
“Morning,” I say, placing a quick kiss on her forehead.
“Morning,” she repeats, smiling up at me.
“Did you sleep ok?” I ask her, and she answers me with a wicked grin.
I feel my groin start to get tight again and back away. “I’m headed into town to pick up some supplies, do you need anything?” I ask her.
She shakes her head and then asks a question that somewhat surprises me.
“Can I come with you? I wouldn’t mind seeing what Sheepshead is all about.”
We head into t
own and I am acutely aware of the stares we are getting from just about everyone on the street. This is a small town and everyone is always up in everyone else’s shit. It’s one of the main reasons I keep my trips into town few and far between. I much prefer the solitude of the ranch.
Walking into the feed store, I am stopped by no less than four people asking me to introduce them to my “friend.” Sydney politely responds and answers their questions about where she’s from and how long she’ll stay. She agrees to visit the diner for Madge’s famous lemon meringue pie and to check out the farmers’ market one Saturday. I’m impressed by how well she is handling the scrutiny. Then again, looking like she does, she’s probably used to the attention.
After I pay for the supplies, I casually hook my arm around her waist and guide her out of the store. I know the tongues will be wagging before the door shuts behind us but I don’t much care. The people of this town, while nosy, are good at heart. After our parents died, the whole place rallied around our family and helped Aunt Nora however they could. As much as I’m annoyed at the invasion of privacy every now and then, I wouldn’t leave this place for anything.
We stop into the grocery store and grab a few things that Sydney wants and we head back to the ranch. As we drive with the windows down, her auburn hair floats about her and she looks almost angelic. The length of bare thigh I can see under the hem of her shorts is distracting and I force myself to keep my eyes on the road so I don’t drive us into a fence post.
“Everyone in town seems so nice,” she says as we pull into the driveway.
“For the most part, they are,” I tell her. “Though, you will be the talk of the town, so you know.”
She laughed. “I kind of figured as much from all the questions. Besides, they’ve got to be wondering who I am to have caught your attention. From what I gather, you’re Montana’s most eligible bachelor.”