Here With Me: An Ex-boyfriend’s Dad, Age Gap Small Town Romance (Sugarland Creek Book 1)
Here With Me: Chapter 33

As soon as Fisher was discharged from the hospital and Jase drove him home, Fisher packed a couple of bags and came to my house. I was still recovering, so instead of being apart, we bunkered in my room together and rested. He made me watch more vintage movies, and I educated him on the feud that inspired Taylor Swift’s Reputation album.

One of her best eras, if I do say so myself.

“Wow…you’re stunnin’.” Fisher’s jaw drops when I attempt to do a spin in my bridesmaid’s dress. “And I’m one lucky man.”

Grinning, I hop closer, then pretend to wipe the drool from his chin. “Yes, you are.”

I’m still wearing the stupid boot for my ankle, but my six-week appointment is coming up to check if it’s healed enough to remove it. When moving around my house, I don’t use my crutches since my ribs don’t hurt as much, and I can hop without putting weight on my ankle.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to work. Landen and Tripp took over most of my clients since they’re already experienced, and Ayden reorganized the boarding scheduling so no new ones arrived. I’ve had to put a hold on the specialized ones like Delilah and Harlow. Ellie and Ranger are ready to get back to work, too. Once I’m cleared, I plan to get started again if my body can keep up.

“I was iffy about the color, but it’s grown on me,” I say, rubbing my palms down the silky basil-green fabric.

Fisher wraps his arms around my waist, closing the gap between us and burying his face in my neck. “It’s gorgeous on you, but I think I’d like it even better on the floor.”

I tilt my head as he kisses my neck and under my ear. “You’re killin’ me. Screw the weddin’. Fuck me instead.”

He chuckles against my skin. “I’m still on rocky ground with your father and brothers. No need to give them another reason to hate me by makin’ you miss the ceremony.”

Fisher and I haven’t gone beyond making out since we reunited, and I’m dying with anticipation for when he’ll finally realize I won’t break. Even though I’m no longer taking pain meds and only using an ice pack at night, he’s afraid it’ll be too much for me. No matter how many times I try to convince him I’m better, the fear that he’ll hurt me stops him from going further.

“They don’t hate you,” I reassure him.

Fisher was back on his feet within a few days, but when it was time for Sunday supper, we came clean to the rest of my family. Landen and Tripp didn’t seem as shocked by the news as the rest, which wasn’t surprising since they were around us the most. Waylon and Wilder are primarily at the retreat and are too absorbed with their own lives to notice anyone else’s.

My father rose to his feet, left the room, and returned with his shotgun.

Then he warned Fisher he wouldn’t be afraid to use it if he dared to hurt me.

We show up every Sunday and stay to scrapbook. Fisher even started a couples album even though we only have a handful of photos together. But it gives us something to look forward to as we take more pictures.

“I dunno about that. Landen shoots me the I’m watchin’ you finger V-sign at least once a day. I swear, he’s just waitin’ for me to fuck up so he can kick my ass.”

I snort at his dramatics. Landen isn’t as muscular as Tripp, but he knows how to fight and is quick with his movements. I’ve seen him wrestle my brothers since I was a young kid, and he’s only gotten better and faster as he’s gotten older.

“He’s not gonna hurt ya,” I reassure him.

“Tripp keeps tryin’ to convince me to go to the Twisted Bull with them again, but then Waylon told me it was so they could get me back on the bull and see how long I’ll last before I pass out. I think they’re secretly hopin’ to kill me.”

“They won’t let the bull run longer than fifteen seconds, so I wouldn’t worry too much. They just want a reason to get drunk and be stupid. Not that they really need a reason…” I roll my eyes.

“I can’t wait for the day Landen replaces a girlfriend and I get to return the treatment.”

I snort, wrapping my arms around his neck. “You’ll be waitin’ a while. He doesn’t date. At least not since Angela broke his heart junior year. Now he just has…flings.”

“Isn’t he like twenty-six?”

“Yep. Four years older than me.”

“And he’s still distraught over a breakup from nearly ten years ago?”

I laugh because he’s right. It’s been almost a decade. “Well, after Angela was Layna, and she was the English teacher’s assistant his senior year. He’d never admit it, but I’m pretty sure they had an affair. Then he graduated, and she got engaged to the English teacher.”

His eyes widen. “Jesus. He’s been traumatized.”

“After those two, he’s never had anythin’ serious,” I explain.

“Maybe I’ll make it my mission to replace him someone, then.” He smirks as if he’s pleased with himself for coming up with the idea. “Is Ellie single?”

“Oh my God, don’t be playin’ matchmaker with my clients. Especially the ones I like. They don’t deserve to be tortured by my brothers.”

He presses his mouth to mine as he lowers his hands down my back and cups my ass. “I’ve never wanted to rip a dress off you as badly as I do right now.” The growl in his voice and his erection poking into me nearly have me giving him the green light to do just that.

“Save that energy for later, Mr. Underwood. Are you finally ready to stop denyin’ me?” I ask, adjusting the collar on his dark-green button-up. He’s paired it with a nice pair of black slacks.

“I’m worried I’ll crush you or re-break your ribs.”

“That’d be an injury worth sufferin’ for.”

He gives me a pointed look. “Not funny.”

“Oh, c’mon. My momentum and energy are up. If it weren’t for the crutches, I’d be out ridin’.” I pause with a smirk. “The horses and you.”

“Very cute.” He kisses the tip of my nose, then lifts and carries me out.

For the past month, I’ve visited the horses every few days so they don’t forget about me when I’m back training full-time. After the fire, they were relocated between the retreat barn and boarder stables. It took a while for the family barn burn area to get cleaned up, and construction on the rebuild began shortly after.

Donut’s been through so much in such a short amount of time, so I’ve spent extra quality time with him. I brought in an equine specialist to help monitor his behaviors so he’s mentally prepared for me to ride him again without being triggered. After spending several months getting Donut at the level he was, some of what he learned has been repressed due to the trauma he suffered.

If Craig hadn’t already suffered a painful death, I’d wish one upon him for nearly killing me, my horses, and Fisher.

It was a beautiful day for a wedding, and the weather didn’t disappoint. Ayden and Laney renewed their vows in a small, intimate ceremony on the ranch with their families and everyone who works here. Although I couldn’t walk down the aisle with one of the groomsmen, I stood with my crutches next to Serena and Mallory, and once it was over, Fisher held up my dress as I hopped to the white tent for food and drinks.

This is the first big event where Fisher and I can be openly together, and even though my brothers like to give him shit, they treat him like family and are much nicer to him than they were to Jase.

After dinner, the tables were moved to make room for dancing, and I went to the bar.

“Be careful how many you have, or I’ll be carryin’ your ass over my shoulder,” Fisher whispers in my ear as I lean against the counter.

“I thought you liked the taste of Buttery Nipples on me?” I taunt, licking my lips.

“Mm…in that case.” He pulls me into his chest. “Is it too soon to leave?”

Arching a brow, I wait for him to admit he’s messing with me, but I know he’s serious when he doesn’t. Finally.

“Hell no.” I down the final shot, then grab my crutches and lead us to his truck. “I can’t wait to ditch these.

“Very soon. Then you’ll be back to runnin’ shit as usual.” He smirks as he drives us to my house.

I didn’t bother saying goodbye to everyone because I’ll literally see them tomorrow night at Sunday supper, but I let Momma know we were taking off so she doesn’t worry.

The moment I open my front door, Fisher slams it shut and lifts me until my legs wrap around his waist. The sounds of my crutches falling mixed with my heavy panting echo throughout.

“Are you sure this is okay?” he asks, walking us to my bedroom as his erection digs into me.

“Yes, I promise. If anythin’ hurts, I’ll tell you. But right now, all you need to worry about is gettin’ me naked and inside me as soon as possible.”

“Tsk, tsk, Goldie.” He carefully drops me on the mattress and hovers over me. “I’ve been holdin’ back for over a month and ain’t rushin’ this now.”

My head falls back on a groan, and I wish he’d put me out of my misery instead of being a gentleman just this one time.

“Don’t worry, my love.”

He removes my shoe and boot before planting a knee between my legs. Then he slides his hands up my bare thighs and moves my dress up. “I’ll get you there in eight seconds.”

“Your version of eight seconds is torture while you bring me to the edge and back repeatedly before finally lettin’ me come.”

He chuckles as he lowers his mouth above my panties and presses a kiss there. “You figured out the secret code, huh?”

“Yeah, I don’t think it was that hard to break. The last time nearly had me squeezin’ off your fingers.”

“And with that in mind, now the question of which eight seconds version do you like best? My mouth…” He nuzzles his lips over the fabric covering my pussy. “Or my fingers?” His thumb brushes my clit, and my hips arch for more.

The first time Fisher had me counting was during our first night together after the rodeo, and his mouth did amazing and torturous things to me. The second time was when we watched Overboard, and he made me wait till the couple got their happily ever after before I could get mine.

“I should be the one makin’ you count. Let’s see how you like it.” I pout when he moves away from where I want him and kisses up my stomach.

He shoves my dress to my chin and pulls my strapless bra down, then focuses on my exposed breasts. His tongue flicks my pierced nipples, then he sucks them between his lips. I can tell he’s being extra careful not to put his weight on my ribs, but I can handle it.

“Take off your clothes, please,” I beg, ready to tear them off myself if he doesn’t.

“Patience, baby.”

I have zero left.

Leaning up on my elbows until I sit up, I remove my dress, then unhook my bra.

Fisher shifts back slightly to give me room, then allows me to unbutton his shirt and undo his pants. Finally, he lowers his boxers and shows me all of him.

He smirks, then licks his lips as he watches me. “By the way you’re starin’, I’m wonderin’ if you think I’d need those Magnum XLs now?”

My cheeks heat at the memory of me chewing him out for buying condoms. “I gave them to Magnolia. Figured she’d need them before I would. But I don’t want anythin’ between us anyway.”

He knows I’m on birth control, and until we’re ready to discuss kids, I’ll continue taking the pill.

“Me neither.” He lowers his mouth to mine and helps me move up the bed until he’s between my legs. Then he removes my panties and devours my clit until I can no longer take it.

“Oh my God. That was intense,” I say between rapid breaths.

He finally positions himself between my thighs and kisses me.

“Mm. I love the taste of Buttery Nipples on you.”

I grin, brushing a hand through his hair and pulling his lips back to mine. “I know. It’s why I ordered it.”

He chuckles, burying his face in my neck as he holds himself up with his arms. “So that was your plan all along, huh? Shoulda known.”

“I’m not as fragile as you think.” I lower my hand between our bodies and stroke his length. “Let me prove it to you.”

His eyes roll to the back of his head as I widen my legs and arch my back until he manages to slide inside me.

“Fuck, Goldie.” He rests his forehead on mine as he takes one of my hands and raises it above my head. “You feel so goddamn good.”

This moment is unlike any other as we connect and make love with no secrets between us. No more hiding our relationship and fearing the worst. We’re free to be who we are and love whoever we want without the risk of hurting people.

The last time we slept together was emotional because I thought it’d be the last time, but now it’s emotional because we have forever.

“I’m so obsessed with you,” he whispers in my ear as he pins me underneath him. His confession has my heart soaring to the moon because the way he loves me is unlike anything I ever thought I’d have. He’s one of a kind, and he’s mine.

“Fisher, more. Please.” I breathe out his name like a plea, desperate to come on his cock.

The rotation of his hips adds friction between us and has my clit on fire with need.

“I’m so close.” I moan loudly as he pounds harder into me. “Don’t stop.”

He pinches my nipple as he increases his pace and sinks deeper until I feel him hitting my G-spot.

“Such a good fuckin’ girl. Your cunt takes me so well, baby.”

The hoarse growl in his words is all it takes to send me over the edge, moaning and screaming his name as the pleasure takes over. I squeeze his shaft as I ride the waves, and moments later, he’s groaning my name as he comes inside me.

“Are you okay?” He rolls off me, then wraps me in his arms.

I turn and face him, then cup his face and press a soft kiss to his lips. “Yes. And I love you for trustin’ me and not treatin’ me like a porcelain doll.”

His devious smirk has me wondering what’s so funny until I realize what he did.

“That was you bein’ careful with me, wasn’t it?” I scold.

Though I’m not complaining because it was really good but goddammit. Now I want to experience the rough side of him.

“I didn’t say a word.”

“You didn’t have to! I know your little tells, you liar.”

“I didn’t lie. I gave you exactly what you asked for.”

I playfully pout as he plucks my bottom lip.

“As soon as you get the clearance for physical activity, I’ll bend you over this bed and fuck your brains out. Until then…no complainin’.”

I chuckle, snuggling closer. “Fine. Doesn’t mean we can’t shower together, though, right?”

“Noah…” His warning tone makes me smile. “You really are an AJ, aren’t ya?”

“There’s no adrenaline rush like sex in the shower on one foot.”

He snort-laughs. “It’s like you try to replace ways to get hurt.”

“Says the former bull rider. You’d be in there with me, and I know you’d keep me safe.”

He gets to his feet, lifts me into his arms, then carries me to the bathroom.

“I’m gonna have you countin’ until you come on my face.” He sets me down in the middle of the shower, and I grab the railing. “That sweet pussy is mine.”