Ford Page 3

  “Holy shit, Ford.” I say through weak, ragged breaths. “You feel so good.”

  “So do you, beautiful.” His arm wraps around my waist and I stand up a little straighter. “Lay down.”

  “I thought you wanted to—“

  “Me too, but I can’t imagine coming without looking into your eyes, baby.”

  I’ve never moved so fast. I pull him toward the living room and hop on the end of the chaise lounge. With nothing but air between us, I will my self-consciousness to subside. This man thinks I’m perfect. Tonight, I’ll let him.

  He stomps into the room on thick, corded thighs. His body is truly carved from God himself. I flutter down below as he climbs on top of me pressing all of his weight onto me. His tongue dips beneath the seam of my lips. I open my mouth for him as he again presses inside of me, inching deeper than anyone’s ever been.

  I groan at the pressure. Our bodies moving in tandem together. It doesn’t take long for us to find a perfect rhythm that hits every sensitive spot just right. My chin reaches to the sky as his pace increases.

  “I’m so close, Ford.”

  “Me too, Kenzie. But I’ll wait for you.”

  “I’m…” My throat clenches, causing an animalistic sound to fill the room. “Fuck.”

  Ford moans as he presses all the way inside, eyes closed, and unleashes his seed deep inside of me. My body shakes, rumbling from the earthquake rocking the very depths of my core.

  When we’re finished Ford presses his wide, smooth lips against my damp forehead. I’m salty, no doubt, but I feel better realizing that he is, too. He rolls his body off of me and pulls me into his chest, drawing circles on my arm in silence.

  For the longest time we just lay there. I’m not sure if it’s the same for him, but I’m not sure what to say. Until finally Ford breaks the silence.

  “I feel like we’ve definitely earned that pizza.” A laugh escapes my mouth, which I immediately cover with my hand. “You hungry?” He looks like Zeus himself right now. The last trickles of sunset pools into the room, casting a reddish glow against his naked body.

  I nod. “Starving, actually.”

  “Well eat up, princess.” He traces his finger along my jawline. “Because the night’s not over, and you’re going to need every ounce of strength.”

  “Promise?” I tease.

  His face smooths. “I promise you this, Kenzie, I’m going to take care of you for the rest of your life. You can count on it.”

  He gets up, tosses me a throw blanket which I wrap around myself, and extends his hand. On the way back to the dining room I can’t shake the feeling that maybe he still doesn’t understand that just because I like him, or even if this turns into something more, I don’t need him to take care of me.

  But again, why ruin such a great night? I’ll deal with that tomorrow. Tonight, I’m getting down with my silver fox.

  7

  Ford

  When I wake up and see that Kenzie’s no longer next to me in the bed, my first thought is that she must be making coffee. After last night’s marathon session, I’m shocked the woman’s even awake. God knows I need a strong cup before I persuade my gorgeous goddess to get her fine ass back into bed with me. When I make it to the kitchen, it’s empty. Still in my boxers, I head back up and put a shirt on. Maybe she couldn’t sleep? Some people need to be in their own bed to get a good night’s rest. I tell myself that must be it, but a nagging feeling also tells me that I may be wrong.

  The early morning chill sends a shiver straight through me. I avoid peering inside the window when I rap my knuckles against the glass. It feels like a short lifetime, but soon Kenzie approaches. She only opens the door halfway, standing inside and blocking the path. Her wet hair grazes her shoulders and the smell of her coconut shampoo hangs in the air between us.

  “Hey.” Her tone gives away the fact that she wasn’t expecting me.

  “Hey, yourself.” I try and peer into the guest house, but Kenzie shifts slightly and blocks my view. “What’s going on?” A long sigh escapes her lips. In the process her head tips to the side, revealing an open suitcase lying on the daybed. “Are you going somewhere?” I can’t hide the anger in my voice.

  “Listen, Ford. I can’t stay here with you. Letting you take care of me like this? You’re off the hook, okay?”

  “Off the hook?”

  “Last night was fun.” Kenzie’s cheeks flush crimson. “But, it’s not like this is really going to work.” My fists ball at my sides and it takes every ounce of strength not to brush past her, close her suitcase, and tell her that she’s not going anywhere.

  “Kenzie I meant what I said last night.”

  “Ford.” Kenzie rolls her eyes. “You don’t owe me anything.”

  “Stop saying that!” Kenzie’s hand flies to her mouth. My vision shakes. “Shit.” I run my hand through my hair, feeling like a total ass for raising my voice. “I’m sorry. Can I come in? We need to talk about this.”

  She presses her palm against my cheek. “You can come in, but there’s nothing to talk about.” She opens the door and steps aside, reminding me so much of the day I showed up at her house for her father’s reception. My head is spinning when I walk into the tiny house.

  A short silence passes between us while I gather my words. “I can’t let you leave.”

  Kenzie huffs out a little laugh. “Ford, listen to yourself. You can’t stop me from leaving if that’s what I want.”

  “Dammit Kenzie, I know that.” I sit on the edge of her bed and press my fingertips to my brow. “I guess I’m just a little confused here. I have deep feelings for you.” She opens her mouth to speak, but I don’t let her get a word out. “Not because I have to. Why is it so hard for you to accept the fact that you’re it, Kenzie? You’re not some person I feel I need to support, that’s fucking insane. Do you know how many money grubbing women I’ve dealt with in my life? I’ve never, not once, even wanted to share any part of my life with any of them.” Her mouth hangs open, chest rising and falling in the thick silence.

  “But you’re the one, Kenzie.” Unable to stay away from her a minute more, I stand and take her hands in mine. “I’m fucking crazy about you. Your independence only makes me want to take care of you more.”

  “Ford, will you listen to me—?”

  “I know you can take care of yourself.” I run my thumbs across her knuckles. “And because I’m so fucking crazy about you. I’m going to take a step back. I understand if you want to move out.” The words ache against my tongue. I want to scream at her to move into my house, my bed, every inch of my life, but Kenzie is her own person, and I know that if I’m going to keep her I have to let her be the woman she is. Trying to change someone to meet my needs is a futile effort.

  “Ford.” Her words are muffled by an unexpected sob. “I really like you. I’ve never met anyone as confident, sexy and kind as you.”

  Her chin dips down, and I tip it back upward with my finger, meeting her eyes. “But you don’t have feelings for me?”

  “No, that’s not it. Not at all.” She bats a tear away from her bare cheek. It’s that no one’s ever taken care of me before, and because of that I don’t know how to let them.” Her tears fall openly. “I don’t know how to let you take care of me.”

  “Oh Kenz.” She lets me pull her into a tight hug where I press my lips against the top of her head. It all makes sense. If her father was as flaky as she says, then I’m certain the woman I love doesn’t understand how it feels to be loved.

  Did I just think that? Love?

  “Let me show you how it feels to be loved.” Her eyes widen, but before she can react I lean in and press a soft kiss against her lips. “I knew it the minute I saw you. You’re the kind of woman I could love.”

  “Oh Ford,” she whispers against my lips. “I feel the same way.”

  Our kisses grow deeper and something inside of Kenzie, an emotional wall that’s been holed up and barricaded for years, dissipates before my eyes. S
he lets me slowly undress her, kissing all of the untanned spots her bathing suit covered. There’s no doubt we’ll have a long road ahead of us, building trust and partnership, but the idea of dishonoring her father’s legacy is a thing of the past. If anything, his request—though perhaps riddled with ulterior motives—brought me the best gift I’ve ever received, the opportunity for love with the woman of my dreams.

  Thanks, Ray.

  Epilogue

  Kenzie

  Eight Months Later:

  I throw open the door to the employee bathroom, fingers still smoothing the electric blue dress against my stomach. My heels click against the library’s marble floor as I make my way toward the front. When I reach the desk, my co-worker Eden gasps.

  “Holy Taco Tuesday, Kenz. You look like a supermodel.” She pushes her oversized glasses up the bridge of her nose.

  “It’s okay?” I twirl in place, pressing a hand against my hip.

  “It’s more than okay, sister.” Eden crosses from behind the desk and takes my hands in hers. “It’s magnificent!” We squeal like a couple of schoolgirls. “No one’s going to be able to look at the building tonight. All eyes will be on you.”

  I brush her comment off with the wave of my hand. “There’s only one set of eyes I want on me tonight.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Mister and Miss Perfect Couple.” She rolls her dark brown eyes playfully. “We get it, you’re in LOVE!”

  “Eden.” I wrinkle my nose. It’s still hard to say the L-word, but every day it gets a little bit easier. Ford’s grown from being someone I thought wanted to merely care for me into a true partner in every sense of the word.

  “What are you up to tonight, Eden?”

  “Well, don’t be jealous.” Eden sighs, twirling a stray strand of auburn hair around her fingertip. “But while you’re at your man’s big opening, I’ll be going through all of the old records for lost or missing books. Sounds like a real hoot of a Saturday night, huh?”

  “No. That sounds awful.” I grip my friend by the shoulder. “Go out. See a movie. Go to a bar for shit’s sake.” I lean in, lowering my voice. “Get laid.”

  “Oh Lord, Kenz.” She yelps, her voice echoing in the cavernous main room. The sound makes both of us laugh again, but Eden stops almost immediately. She glances behind me, and bites her lip. “Looks like someone’s got company.”

  When I turn around, Ford is standing nearby wearing his impeccably tailored suit, and crisp, white shirt. He looks like a million bucks, and even from here I can smell his rich, sandalwood scent.

  “Oh wow, baby.” My heart leaps into my throat as he makes his way over. “You look fucking incredible.” He pulls me tight and a wave of tingles ignites my core as he presses his lips against my neck.

  “You clean up pretty good yourself, bud.” He gives me a playful nibble, then pulls away and plants a soft kiss on my lips.

  “You two make me sick.” Eden groans, making her way back behind the desk. She’s just playing, of course, but nothing’s ever said in jest. She’s been in Wild County for three years and admits to being a little bit lonely.

  I don’t realize I’m staring in her direction until Ford’s deep voice pulls my attention back to him. “We’d better get going, babe.”

  “Yeah.” I squeeze his hand and call goodnight to Eden.

  Outside the sun makes its final bow over the tall woods in the distance. Wild County truly is the most beautiful place on the earth. I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to live here with a man I can’t get enough of.

  We drive just outside of town, headed for Wild County Creek Lodge. Ford’s been working on this project for nearly a year, for one of his best friends, Bear Montana. As soon as we pull up the long, wooded drive, a gasp escapes my mouth. I’m not surprised that the place is gorgeous, built from the finest wood materials. But holy shit, it’s built alongside an honest to God natural waterfall!

  “Creek? That’s a bit of an understatement isn’t it?”

  Ford laughs, but something about his tone sounds forced. We continue up the drive until we come to a completely empty parking lot. “Babe?” I crane my neck in all directions. “Are we the only ones here?”

  Ford turns off the ignition, and hops out of the car. My eyes follow him as he makes his way over to my side and opens the door for me. The rushing waterfall fills my ears. Ford leans down, crystal blue eyes shining, and offers his hand. I take it, and he helps me out. “Babe, what’s going on?”

  “I want to show you something.” He wraps his arm around my waist and walks me closer to the fall. To my surprise he leads me on a little stone path that runs right underneath it. I pull myself away from him, unable to contain my excitement, and stand under the water.

  “Baby! This place is magical.” I lean over the railing enough that water brushes the tip of my finger, then squeal when it ricochets droplets onto my face. I gasp, feeling like a kid. “Did you see that? Babe this is...”

  When I turn back to Ford, he’s on one knee. The velvet box in his hand, wide open, reveals the biggest diamond I’ve ever seen in my life. “Oh my God.” My fingertips fly to my lips.

  “McKenzie Sawyer, from the moment you walked into my life I knew you were the one. That day I thought I’d lost you was a dark one. But living with you has been so…” Ford’s lip twitches. That stray strand of silver hair grazes his temple. “Fun.”

  “Oh my God.” I whisper, unable to believe what’s actually happening right now.

  “These last eight months have been beyond amazing. I love everything about you. From your little snores at night—”

  “I don’t snore.”

  “To the way you dance to random commercial jingles. Even the way you leave your crumbs on the kitchen counter after you make toast in the morning.”

  “I’m working on that — “

  “You’re everything, baby. You make me whole. And I can’t live another day in that house with you, without putting a ring on your finger and making you.” He clears his throat. “No, asking you if you’ll be my wife?”

  Tears spring to my eyes. My throat closes up, masking a sob threatening to escape. I can’t speak, so instead I nod.

  “Yes?” My big, strong man down on his knee under this ridiculous waterfall is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. “Is that a yes?”

  Shame on me for making him wait so long. On shaky legs I step toward him and help him up. “Of course, Ford. Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you.” He puts the ring on my finger and wraps me in his arms. His lips devour mine and soon our sweet kisses turn passionate. “I love you so much more than I ever thought possible.”

  He presses his hardness into me, causing my panties to flood with wetness. But I pull back before we both get carried away. “Babe, what about the lodge’s opening? People will be here.”

  “The opening’s tomorrow night.” He raises his eyebrow.

  “You sneaky devil.” I press my nose against his and find his lips once more. He lifts me up and balances me on the bar, the waterfall at my back. And we christen the place like two teenagers unable to control themselves.

  In this moment, I know that everything’s going to be okay. That Ford is the man I’ve been waiting for my whole life. And if this is what he considers taking care of me, sign me up, because in this case love is worth losing a little piece of my independence for.

  Also by Flora Madison

  WILD COUNTY CURVES:

  Book 1: Vick

  Book 2: Ford

  Book 3: Dane

  Book 4: Bear

  REDEMPTION INK:

  Book 1: King

  Book 2: Phoenix

  Book 3: Titus

  Book 4: Bone

  CURVES IN THE CITY:

  Curves in the City: Book 1

  Curvy Librarian (Curves in the City: Book 2)

  Curvy Co-Star (Curves in the City: Book 3)

  INSTA LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT:

  Ryker: Book 1

  Dayton: Book 2

  OTT ALP
HAS AND BBWS:

  Stick and Poke

  Grind’r

  Re-paired: An Insta Love OTT Alpha Romance

  POSSESSIVE BILLIONAIRE BOSSES:

  Possessive Alpha Boss

  Possessive New Boss

  Possessive Boss Next Door

  POSSESSIVE ALPHAS:

  Possessive Teacher

  Possessive Mechanic

  The Cowboy’s Curvy Love

  Her Secret Billionaire Neighbor

  Possessive Irish Cop

  Possessive Billionaire Athlete

  Possessive Mountain Man

  Possessive Alpha Man Bundle

  OTT STANDALONES:

  The Cowboy’s Curvy Love

  Her Secret Billionaire Neighbor