Page 58 of Love You Already

I don't want to leave here. This ranch has become part of me. It's in my bones now, in my soul. I've given my blood, sweat, and even a few tears to help keep this place going with the Wrights.

And now I have to go away for... however long it takes for me to get a break in my schedule. Speaking of which, I haven't even looked at the season yet. I don't know how much traveling I'll have to do or how far and how long I'll be gone for.

Going back to work has been this loose idea in the back of my mind for a while now. I knew it was coming, yet I didn't want to face the facts. I didn't want to plan for its arrival.

“Lachlan,” Rose whispers. “What's wrong?”

I turn around, leaning on my elbow to hover over her sleepy form. God, I'm going to miss this.

“Captain just texted. Something's happened and they've bumped up meetings. I'm due back as soon as possible.”

It's like a jolt of caffeine to her system. My sleepy wife disappears, making way for a version of her I never enjoy seeing.

Sadness pours off her in waves as she shifts to sit up. Her arms band the sheet over her naked form, giving her modesty as well as a bit of armor.

“How soon do you plan to go?” she asks.

It's an easy question. One I should have an answer for. For the life of me, I don't want to give it to her. I don't want to tell her I could be packed and out the door in thirty minutes. I don't want to make it seem like our lives are this easily torn apart.

Because it's not.

The physical part? Yes, that's simple. But the emotions, the feelings we've been exploring, those don't change as easily. I want more with her, so much more. And leaving now, before we've had time to discuss it, feels like cutting me off at the knees. It takes away all progress I thought I'd made and sends me back to the start of things.

“I hadn't made any plans yet. The text only came about ten minutes ago,” I admit.

“What have you been doing since then?”

“Thinking of you. Thinking of us. Trying to figure out how to handle this. What should I have been doing?” A shadow passes over her face at the brash tone. “I'm sorry, Rose. I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at this entire situation. I don't want to leave.”

I love you. I'll miss you. I hate this.

Her eyes turn down to the sheet as her fingers grip the edge tight enough for her knuckles to match the off-white fabric. “I don't think you have a choice about whether you can stay. This is your job. We always knew it would happen. It's just... sooner.”

“How do we move forward? I don't want to go without talking to you, but practices run at odd times. And then when the season starts — it can be a lot. I will do everything I can to step up, to be the support you need. Is that enough?” Am I enough?

She's quiet for a moment before nodding slowly. I place my finger under her chin to tilt her face up. I need to see her eyes as she makes me this promise.

“I need your words, wife. Tell me what you're feeling.”

“A lot. I'm feeling a lot. I want to say that we'll be fine and not to worry. It feels foolish to make such a promise though. Your life is much bigger than mine. You have fans, for god’s sake. People who are going to fawn all over you, wanting a piece of you they can't have.”

“Damn right they can't! I'm all yours, Rose Wright. There is no one who could make that statement less true. Time and distance aren't going to tear us apart. There are phones and texts. Weekends and bye weeks when we don’t have games scheduled. I'll give it my all, but you have to meet me in the middle. You willing to do that, Ace?”

Her eyes shine at the tease. “Sure thing, husband. Now, get over here and make love to me before you leave. I have a feeling it might be a while before I get to have you again.”

I don't need any further incentive. I slip under the sheet with her as she tugs my boxers free. Her hand wraps around my length, grip tight as she strokes me. I kiss her to hold off the groan rising in my chest at her touch. She's got me on fire already and it's only the start.

“Rose Wright,” I say as I pull back to make sure I have her attention. Now or never.”I love you. I think I've loved you since the start. Fear held me back from saying something sooner. But I don't want to leave without you knowing the truth.”

“I love you too, Lachlan. I'm going to miss you,” she whispers against my lips.

We move at the same time, our bodies in tune in a way only lovers know. There's some silent song between us, the music and cadence familiar enough to our bodies to let them lead.

Gentle touches. Soft kisses. Slow thrusts. Sinking inside her. Hands pulling me closer. Whimpered words. Whispered promises of forever.

Time disappears as I give her all of me, as she breaks apart to let me in. We share our hearts and souls with one another until her orgasm tears the calm to shreds. Her voice echoes around the room, heightening my own desire until I follow her down the well of pleasure.

Spent from our lovemaking, it takes a bit to get moving. When we do, it's only to wind up in the shower pinned together as I show her how I feel all over again. This time, the water washes away the mess we make with ease. We stay locked together until the water begins to cool. Only then do we pull apart, then rush to get clean.