Love in the Dust: A Cowboy's Second Chance with a City Girl

No turning back

That evening, I stood in front of the mirror, I got ready for my date. He hadn't given me any clues about where we were going, so I kept it simple—a flowy sundress with a light denim jacket. My hair fell in loose waves.

Just before seven, the rumble of a truck outside my window sent my heart into overdrive. I grabbed my purse and headed for the door.

As I stepped outside, there he was, leaning against his truck like before, his cowboy hat slightly tilted, casting a shadow over his strong jawline. He wore a simple button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and his usual worn jeans. When he looked up at me, his lips curled into a slow teasing smile that always made my knees weak.

"Well, don't you clean up nice," he said, his voice low and appreciative.

His eyes racking up and down my body.

I smiled a blush spreading across my face."You don't look so bad yourself."

He opened the passenger door for me, tipping his hat as he did. As I climbed in, the scent of leather and faint cologne filled the air around me, and I couldn't help but glance over at him as he walked around to the driver's side.

The drive started with the usual southern countryside rolling by, but I was too curious to sit quietly for long. "So, where are we headed?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

He shot me a playful look. "I told you, that's for me to know and for you to find out."

I shook my head in amusement, turning to look out the window. Eventually, the road became less paved and more gravel, the landscape turning into wide-open fields and rows of towering oak trees. We passed an old barn, and in the distance, I could see twinkling lights strung up between posts.

"Almost there," he said mischievous.

We pulled up to a clearing where a small, cozy setup awaited. It wasn't a restaurant or anything fancy. Instead, there was a firepit crackling, a blanket spread out on the ground, and a cooler tucked to the side. Lanterns hung from tree branches, and the sound of crickets and the distant croak of frogs filled the air.

He cut the engine and hopped out, coming around to open my door. I stepped out, the cool evening air brushing against my skin.

"You brought me to a campfire?" I asked completely charmed by the simplicity of it all.

He nodded, his eyes twinkling. "Figured you'd like something quiet. No distractions. Just us."

I looked around. "I love it."

He led me over to the blanket, where he sat down and patted the spot beside him. As I joined him, he reached into the cooler and pulled out two mason jars filled with sweet tea. "You're in the South, after all," he teased, handing me one.

I took a sip, savoring the cool, sweet drink. The fire crackled warmly beside us, and the stars overhead blinked into view as the night grew darker. It was so peaceful, like the rest of the world had melted away.

We talked about everything and nothing, laughing and sharing stories as the night went on. At one point, he pulled out a small guitar from the truck bed and strummed a few soft chords, his voice low and raspy as he sang.

As the fire began to die down, he turned to me, his eyes locking with mine in the dim light. "You know," he started, his voice softer now, "I've wanted to do this for a while."

I looked at him. "I'm glad you finally did." I say as my heart flutters

He smiled, and without another word, he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine.

When he finally pulled back and his hand cups my cheek. "This feels right, doesn't it?"

His thumb softly brushed against my cheek.

I nodded, unable to find the words.

"Good," he whispered gently pulling me closer.

He lingered close, his breath warm against my skin, his hold on me tightening ever so slightly as his eyes darkened. That teasing smile was gone, replaced with something more intense. His fingers trace a line down my neck, sending a shiver through me as he tilted my chin up to meet his gaze.

"Margaret," he murmured. "You have no idea what you're doing to me."

My heart raced at the sudden shift in his tone, and before I could respond, he moved with purpose, his lips capturing mine again—this time, not with the softness of before, but with a hunger that left no room for hesitation. His hand tangled in my hair, pulling me closer, his body pressing against mine.

He pulled back, his eyes blazing as he looked down at me. "You're mine now," he said, the words firm, leaving no room for doubt. "I don't care what anyone else thinks or says. From now on, there's no more pretending."

The possessiveness in his voice sent a thrill through me, and I nodded, breathless, unable to do anything but agree.

"Say it," he commanded, his thumb brushing over my bottom lip. "I want to hear you say it."

I swallowed hard, my pulse pounding in my ears. "I'm yours," I whispered.

A satisfied smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, and he lowered his lips to my ear, his breath hot against my skin. "Good girl." His words made my stomach flip.

His hand moved down to grip my waist, firm but not rough, as he guided me back onto the blanket, his body hovering over mine. His eyes never left mine. "Now," he murmured, his lips brushing my ear again, "we do things my way. No more running. No more second-guessing."

I nodded, my breath catching as his hands moved leaving a trail of heat wherever they touched. His fingers traced over my skin, knowing exactly how to draw out every response.

"That's it," he said softly, "I want you to feel how serious I am about this...about us. There's no turning back now, Margaret. You understand?"

"Yes," I breathed. "I understand."

He grinned, a flash of satisfaction passing through his eyes before he claimed my lips once more, deeper and more possessive than before.

As he pulled back just enough to look into my eyes. "Tonight is just the beginning, you know," he said, his voice low and gravelly, sending shivers down my spine. "I want you to experience everything I have to offer, and that means no holding back."

I nod. "I want that too," I say barely above a whisper.

He smirked, clearly pleased with my eagerness. "Good." His fingers curled around my wrist, his grip firm but not painful. "But remember, I'm in charge here. You'll follow my lead, and you'll enjoy every minute of it."

The thrill of his dominance sent warmth flooding through me. "Okay," I replied, a mix of excitement and anticipation coursing through my veins.