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delopsia · 11 months ago

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Sleigh Ride | Rhett Abbott x Reader

My cozy little submission for @lewmagoo's Christmas Celebration 🤍 Word Count: 7,500 Cross Posted on AO3 Warnings & Notes: 18+, AFAB!Reader, brief food mention, vague mention of somnophilia, Christmas celebrations mentioned but no religious activity tied to it, snowball fights, riding, unprotected sex. A little slice of winter fluff. Brief Summary: Rhett's fixing up the family sleigh to take you on the ride he never got to give you, but not everything goes according to plan when it's finished...

It's the crash that gets your attention.

A harsh clatter of metal and a heaviness that booms when it hits the ground, thundering through the air like last night's storm. But despite its alarming appearance, you haven't the slightest clue where it came from, the noise bouncing from wall to wall and down to the cellar, never seeming to lose her vicious intensity.

But your feet must have grown ears of their own because they're carrying you out the door within a few seconds. Shoes thumping across hardwood older than you are and down the dirt driveway. On a one-way track to the barn where you last saw Rhett. He's the only person who could have caused such a—

...ruckus.

"Did the ghost of Christmas Past get ahold of you?" It's impossible to stifle the giggle that escapes you; not quite the sight you expected to find when you rounded the corner.

Rhett's eyes roll, hardly visible through the pile of Christmas lights that have fallen on top of him, "help me."

As much as you'd like to do that, you're not entirely sure where to begin. Stepping past clips and oddly shaped tools you don't know the name of, you bend down, grabbing a handful of the cables and pulling them away. Untangling them may take an entire day's worth of work, but at least the mass makes it easy to get them off of him, heavy as they are.

"I thought you weren't decorating the house this year?" Your hands daringly stroking through his hair as you work, tangled from the Wyoming wind and the slightest bit damp with sweat. Should be something you find gross by now, but that grimy cowboy charm has dug its roots in deep.

"'m not," despite being the one tangled up, he's not that much help. Moving a little too slowly, as you nimbly work to free him of his decorative confines.

His pause makes you wonder if that's your cue to speak."No?"

And it must have been what he was waiting for because his head shakes, "Was tryin' t' find that damn drivin' harness."

The last of the lights fall from his shoulders, laying in a heap around his ankles. A trap that he must deal with alone, lest you bend down and wind up on your knees for longer than planned. Instead, you savor the veins that bulge in his forearms as he reaches down to free himself, "Finally, see the wicked ways of big oil and convert back to old-fashioned horse and buggy?"

"Naw," he's peeking at you through the corner of his eye, seems to have caught on to the way your gaze lingers a moment too long, "d' you remember that ol' sleigh? The one my folks used for their weddin'?"

"The same one Perry cracked the frame of?" You still consider yourself fortunate that you weren't familiar with the Abbotts back then, far away from that first newlywed argument. Its hard telling if Rebecca will ever forgive Perry for making her walk through freezing snow that soaked her wedding dress on their special day.

"'ts the one," those spurs on his boots chime like Christmas bells as he steps out from the hoard. Closer to you. "'m tryin' to fix it before Christmas."

Your head tilts to the side. "...you're not planning on a second wedding, are you?" Because as far as you remember, that sleigh has been a wedding-exclusive tradition, carrying every Abbott newlywed through a winter wonderland with their partner. And despite the newness of the rings adorning your ring fingers, you don't count as newlyweds anymore.

Rhett just shakes his head. "Nah," leaning in to press his warm lips to your forehead before returning to the mess he's created, "but it ain't fair that I never got to give you a ride in it."

"I can think of other rides you've given me," and for once in your life, you're thankful he's not looking directly at you, or else he would have caught sight of the way your face dropped. How many more times will your inner thoughts dart off the tip of your tongue?

He sputters, lights falling out of his hands, "I'm tryin' t' be serious here!" But those cheeks of his are red as can be, rosy with something torn between surprise and fondness.

"But I'm fully serious," doubling down; there's no sense in going back now.

His index finger shakes at you, defiant, "I'm takin' you on a sleigh ride even if it's the last thing I do."

Your eyes trail over to Isabella, her fuzzy head poking out of her stall. There isn't a way in hell that she knows what is being said, but her gaze suggests she understands every word. Isn't pleased in the slightest about being downgraded from loyal ranch horse to novelty sleigh puller. But it can't be as bad as that parade sleigh she begrudgingly pulled back in January.

The voice in the back of your head openly wonders if he'll give up on it within a couple of days. You've never seen him quit that easily, but what are the chances that the sleigh is even fixable? The old red paint has long since chipped away to reveal decades' worth of rust and weathering and has long since lost parts of the metal underside. No longer capable of sliding across the snow, no, now its sharp ends dig into the frozen soil like a stubborn mule.

But you wake up the next morning to find Rhett jotting down a plan on the back of some junk mail, and the next, he's out working on it before lunch. When Cecelia approached you two with the idea of staying in the house while she and Royal visited Rebecca and Perry for a month, you'd never imagined this was how Rhett would spend his time.

"And here I'd thought you got lost in the barn," you chirp, only lifting your head to meet him for a kiss, frozen lips melting against your warmer ones like snowflakes.

"'m sorry," and for your troubles of waiting an extra hour, he quiets you with a second kiss. Longer. Lingering with the same fire that got you bent over the counter earlier. "I can't seem t' find them damn sleigh bell straps."

On its own, your head tilts to the side. "You're done with the sleigh?"

"Nah," he makes a face as he peels that hat off his head, seems to have glued itself there after a long day of sweating, his forehead still shimmering with it, "jus' realized there ain't no point in a sleigh ride if there are no sleigh bells."

But the bells...simply do not exist.

They're not in the shed, far out in one of the pastures. Nor are they in the cellar or the measly attic full of all the junk in the world. No matter where you two search, there isn't the slightest hint of a sleigh bell. Coincidentally, every person in Wyoming must be having the same problem because there are none when you venture into town. The bells, once sitting in the front of the tack shop, are now nothing but a memory, not to be restocked until next year.

"Hey, Rhett," you find yourself saying in the middle of the general store, "will this work?"

The corner of Rhett's lip wavers up and down, torn between amusement and mock annoyance at the tiny bell necklace in your hand. Red, green, and silver bells of various sizes, all crammed together to create a gaudy masterpiece with a built-in obnoxious soundtrack.

If his eyes could roll the way into the back of his head, they would have by now. "Yeah, if you're plannin' t' be the horse."

But he's still reaching out to give it an experimental shake as if he's considering it for the briefest of moments.

"I don't mind the idea of that," giggling, you move to set it back on the rack, returning to its equally festive companions.

You blink, and all of a sudden, it's sitting in the cart. Not a word is spoken as Rhett winks at you before disappearing into the next aisle over, boot spurs chiming their taunting chant.

It's only fair that you get him something obnoxious to wear, too—a reindeer antler headband with cheap golden bells on them. Enough to get you a funny look when they cross the scanner in the checkout, but not for him to mention anything about it.

The bells sit on the counter like a taunting reminder of what seems to have disappeared from the ranch entirely. Vibrantly colored metal catching in the morning sunlight when Rhett leans in to catch you with a goodbye kiss as if he's embarking on some lifelong journey and not walking a couple of yards to the barn.

One afternoon you catch him swearing to the high heavens over how much he can't stand that motherfucker, Perry, as he welds two pieces of metal together. Vaguely shaped, seems to match the missing piece beneath the rusty old sleigh. On another, he walks into the house, reeking of paint stripper.

"Did you take a bath in this stuff?" You ask, lathering your hands for a second time, working your way back through those freshly washed locks of hair. Silky soft to the touch, the peppermint of his shampoo nearly enough to drown out the overwhelming scent of chemicals.

"I even used gloves," his nose wrinkles, eyes scrunching shut at the stray bit of soap running down his forehead. Your finger swipes it away just in the nick of time before it can cross his eye and begin to sting.

You're fortunate that washing his hair has become a favorite winding down activity because it seems you spend half of your evening helping him scrub every crevice twice. Washing away the grime from under his nails and not resting until he smells like peppermint and the brisk winter breeze...at least that's what the bottle says. It's more of a dull mintiness that kisses your nose when you get close enough.

But it only marks the start of something else.

Red flecks of paint cling to his clothes and skin like a toddler who has gotten carried away with an unsupervised art project. Unlike the paint stripper, it doesn't carry a scent that makes you lightheaded, but you roll your eyes every time you see him. Red on the edges of his nails splattered up his forearms and reaching up to his cheeks. Ratty old jacket growing to look like it's been involved in a crime.

It reaches its worst on Christmas Eve. Days of paint piling up to join the remnants that stubbornly cling to his skin, making him to look like a Halloween decoration that was accidentally left out when the others were rounded up. But there he is hair decorated with flecks of white as he stomps his boots on the entry mat, shaking free of the clinging snow.

He looks ridiculous.

"Quit laughin' at me every time I come in the door," he chuckles, not an ounce of seriousness to his tone as he meanders up to you, rubbing his painted nose against your forehead whilst he draws you in. Some big hug that greedily steals away the heat your body has collected over your cozy day in the house, all for the sake of melting your favorite frosty cowboy.

"You would be laughing too if you saw yourself," your thumb squishes his cheek, feeling the soft prickle of his facial hair as you wipe away a few red flecks. Only to spot more above his brow, and in his hair, and clinging to the side of his neck.

No, no, no, you have to look away, or else you'll catch yourself scrubbing him down with the sink sponge. Already in your free hand and drenched in dishwater that you've just run, hadn't quite been expecting him to come in so soon.

You suppose there's the reason why he's here an hour earlier than usual, because he's hooking his thumb into your belt loop and pleading for you to step away from the sink for just a moment. And who are you to deny him when he's grinning at you with paint-freckled cheeks? Soft blue eyes glittering with an excitement that only appears when he's proud of himself.

So off you go. Stumbling down the dirt driveway in your pajama pants and the winter coat you'd snatched off the hook when you were halfway out the door. Not dressed warm enough to escape the wind nipping at your exposed cheeks, squeezing between the fabrics of your clothes and wrapping you up in a full-body chill. Snowflakes drift past like tiny fairies, melting on your skin and clinging to Rhett's hair.

Then you see it.

A bright red sleigh pokes out from around the barn door, paint so pristine that it shimmers. Not a hint of how it once rusted to the brink no return doesn't bear its scars of Perry's fateful wedding joy ride. No, it's wrapped up in a big silver bow, like it's brand new. Brought home from the shop, fresh out of the factory, and certainly not a fifty-year-old family heirloom.

You can see exactly where he painted it earlier; the color a little darker where it's still wet, but it's...perfect.

"Are you sure this is the same sleigh?" Blinking once. Twice.

It's still there. Real as you are.

"Y' can't tell where I welded it?" His shivering hand points to a space in the underside of it, but quite frankly, it all looks the same to you. He could have tricked you into believing that this is a different sleigh entirely.

Your head shakes, a movement that dissolves into a full-bodied shiver, "Not a bit."

It's perfect. The color. The repair. The timing. Only Rhett Abbott can pull together a monumental task at the last moment, all for the sake of a special day. The necklace of bells catches your eye when you meander back inside, dashing for the blankets that have been warming by the space heater. The necklace won't fit Isabella, but they'll certainly fit you.

Who cares where the jingle is coming from? As long as it's there, then you can't bring yourself to utter a single complaint.

Rhett's heated glare at the reindeer antlers resting menacingly on the couch suggests that he could definitely complain, though.

The Christmas tree twinkles in Cecelia's office, just a couple of feet away from the living room, a pleasant golden hue that warms the room with its presence. A tiny addition to the movie playing on the television, only serving to make you nuzzle into Rhett a little closer. His heart beating gently against your ear, scruffy cheek resting against your forehead.

You're snuggled up in bed when you realize you forgot to finish washing the dishes and now soaking in frigid water with nothing but a memory of soap left. But you can't bring yourself to slip out of Rhett's arms to clean up a few measly dishes. It can be left for the morning. Before Rhett gets up to fetch Isabella and works away with all of the mechanics that go into pulling a sleigh.

They're the first thing on your mind when you slip out of bed in the morning.

Well...that and bringing Rhett a piece of butter toast that he so politely held you hostage for, refusing to let you free of his arms until you paid his tax of kisses and treats. The downside of marrying a cowboy too strong for his own good.

But you don't make it to the sink before you see it.

White.

A winter wonderland so bright that it hurts your eyes to look at it. Reaching as far as the eye can see, toppling high in the trees, and coating everything with a thick winter blanket until you can no longer recognize the Abbott property. But that's not the problem. No, the problem is how much of it there is.

At least a foot and a half deep, not enough to block you in but definitely enough to warrant breaking out the plow. Piled up outside the barn doors, packed tight by the squealing wind, and stacked high on the roof of Rhett's truck.

"Rhett!" You call out, voice echoing all across the house. Distantly, you think you catch a grumble that sounds like a response. "Can you take a look outside for me?"

Feet thunk across the floor overhead.

And then you hear it.

A muttered, "Shit." Clear as day, traveling through the paper-thin walls, down the stairs, and straight to your ears.

He's out the door before the toast pops out, swearing under his breath as he yanks his coat over his shoulders; you're surprised he even remembers to lean in and kiss your cheek before he heads out into the world of white.

There's no way that the sleigh can go through that much snow, but one way or another, you find yourself fiddling with the edges of your gloves, walking towards the barn, bell necklace jingling every step of the way. Despite the added protection of all these layers, the wind still works its way in. Biting at every centimeter of exposed skin that can be found, heckling you even when you step into the safety of the barn.

"Rhett?" Calling out into the empty room. He isn't here, and the sleigh still sits where you last saw it, completely untouched. In fact, the only other living creatures in this barn are the horses. Isabella's head pokes out of her stall as if she's confused about this whole thing herself.

Her ears prick forward. Suddenly interested.

Something cold splatters against your back.

"Rhett!" You're squealing. Spinning on your heels. Just in time for a second ball of white to explode against your chest.

Snowballs.

A third whizzes past your head. Smashing into something that goes crashing to the floor. Spooks a noise out of the horses. You'd check. But you're already diving behind the safety of a barn door. Scrambling to scoop up some snow into a crudely formed ball.

...where did he go?

One moment he was darting toward you. The next, he's virtually vanished.

But he's left footprints. Little tracks that cross yours and venture toward the corner of the barn. You see him now. The tip of his hat poking around the corner. Wavering. Like he's about to burst out and pelt you with another ball.

Except you're quicker. Bursting out from your hiding spot. Nailing him in the shoulder with a ball that splatters up into his face.

"Shit!" He's pawing at his icy cheek. Snowflakes sparkling, clinging to his stubble.

"A snowball fight, really?" You giggle, reaching for more snow. Packing it together as quickly as you can. Racing to beat Rhett's quicker hands.

The sound of your necklace jingling washes over his laugh, "scared yer fixin' t' lose?"

This isn't a fight you started, but it is certainly one that you will finish.

Except your shot misses Rhett by a mile. His retaliation narrowly brushes past your leg. He's reaching for another, and so are you. Futilely gathering up bits of ammunition. Scrambling to step away from each other. Fearing the other will charge at any moment. Snow crunching heavily beneath your feet. Powdery and kicking up to cling to your pants.

Again, you're taking an aim at him. And this time, you don't miss. White scattering about Rhett's messy curls. A perfect headshot.

"You little—" He's making a break toward you like a bull out of a chute. So suddenly that your foot slips out from under you in your efforts to escape. Fighting against your pounding heart and the wicked brace of the wind. Snow still clutched in your gloved hand as he yells. "Come here!"

Shit. Shit. Shit. You've nowhere to go.

You're darting into the barn. Boots scuffing against the old pavement floor as you veer left into the tack room. Spurs jingle behind you. Overjoyed laughter like a haunting squeal that adds a little more fire to your step. Bee lining straight for the hay, past the saddle racks, and out the half-open side door.

Turning. Throwing the snowball right into Rhett's chest. But it's only adding fuel to the already open blaze.

"That ain't fair!" He hollers. In the corner of your eye you can see him bending down, scooping up snow. Not even bothering to ball it up before he throws it at you. Tiny snowflakes stabbing at your eyes and cheeks.

You yelp, pawing at your face with the back of your hand. "You don't play fair!"

Where are you going? You have no idea because you're back in front of the barn again. Racing for the house. As if the safety of the mud room will thwart this evil attack from your husband. Feet falling into your old footprints, vying for a quicker escape.

Weight hits your back.

"Rhett!"

The world spins.

"Quit yellin' at me!"

Your bodies are twisting in the snow. Tumbling like two children. The fall cushioned by the frosty ground but melting, seeping through your clothes with an icy vengeance. All of a sudden, you're flat on your back. Chest heaving. Gasping for frozen air as you peek up at the broad frame above.

Rhett's hair hangs in front of his face, puffs of foggy breath falling from his open mouth. Forearms shivering where they rest on either side of your head. Not quite as strong and indomitable as he was just a moment ago.

"Fine," you pant, blinking back up at him, "you win."

The corner of his lip rises. Pearly white teeth glint in the light reflecting off the snow, growing brighter as he leans down. You can see it even as your eyes fall shut; this bright presence that rivals the blinding sun, warming you with the way his lips melt against your own.

Perfection is what it is.

His soft inhale never grows old, has been making you dizzy from day one. Delicate at first, a gentle pressure that deepens the moment your gloved hand curls around the back of his neck. Hardly expect him to be the one who gasps into your mouth with this barely-there grunt that the wind carries to your ears.

His body is lowering atop yours with this wonderfully comforting weight that feels the equivalent of a blanket sent straight from the heavens. Your hands gliding down his chest, pressing against rippling muscle, on their way to wrapping around his waist. Pulling him closer, urging him to settle between your parted legs until there isn't a centimeter of space between you.

For a moment, you're somewhere else. Cozied up in bed or nestled in front of a roaring fireplace.

But then the wind is squealing in your ears, and a violent shiver is raking down your back. Suddenly aware of the melting snow, seeping through protective layers and stinging at your skin. One of your hands drops, gathering a loose handful of the powder that has seemingly swallowed up Wabang in its entirety.

"So much for that sleigh ride," Rhett murmurs against your lips, his voice a soft vibration that warms you like sunshine.

Your noses bump together as you lean up, so close you can almost hear the thoughts filtering through his head, "I can think of something else that may suffice."

This close, it's easy to catch the way his eyes flicker, meeting with yours, a hint darker than they were beforehand. He's not on the same page as you, but he's certainly on the right chapter.

Almost makes you feel bad for smacking that palm-full of snow into the side of his head.

He yelps, pawing at his frozen cheek. Opening up space for you to roll and scramble to your feet. Darting for the ice-covered porch and through the front door. Uncaring of where your shoes land as you kick them off.

The door squeals open. But it's not loud enough to wash over the outright giggle that bubbles out of your cowboy.

"That!" Rhett's kicking at the heel of his boot, shoving them off his feet as quickly as he can manage. "Was mean!"

Your feet have glued themselves to the floor. Unable to move or cover up the grin etching its way across your wind-bitten face as he steps up behind you. "But you're laughing."

From over your shoulder, his gaze meets yours. Darker than the first time.

"Yeah," he mutters, in that deep, grumbly fashion that makes your knees weak, "'Cause 'm 'bout to do this." And before he can so much as finish his sentence, his frozen hands dart beneath your shirt. Palms pressing against your warm belly. Firm, even as you yelp. Trapped between his arms, unable to jump anywhere but back into his chest.

"Rhett!" But you can't get away. Squirming, stumbling in his grasp. Strong enough to force your bodies to stumble forward. Not enough to break free of the frigid fingers danging up your sides.

"Jesus, why're y' so fuckin' strong?" The only disadvantage Rhett has is the socks clinging to his feet. Unable to gain a hint of traction on this hardwood floor. Slipping, sliding around. "Y' little bull."

Speaking is beyond you. Breathless as your feet dig into the scratched wood. Pushing yourself backward, Rhett's back thunking into the wall.

He's laughing.

You're at the end of your rope, and he's laughing.

Scowling, you push back a little further. The soft curve of your ass pressing into his jeans, drawing those chuckles into a guttural groan that tickles down your spine. Weakening the slightest bit at the way you wriggle against him, feeling the way he twitches, hardening until he's straining against the material.

Your name falls off his lips. Hardened arms, now soft, hugging you against him, powerless to do anything else. The brim of his hat bumps against your head as he leans into you, putty in your hands.

He doesn't say a word, but the hot breath on your neck tells everything you need to hear.

Slow, you spin, twisting in his arms until you're nose to nose. Your hand free to reach down and slip between his legs, cupping him through his jeans. Drinking in that shaky breath, the way he pushes into it, and how his eyes flutter. A pretty show, all for you.

You know that you shouldn't be tugging on his zipper; Cecelia's van is bound to roll up the snowy driveway at any moment, with food ready to head into the oven and gifts to be opened by the tree, fresh home from their California ventures. There is no time for this, and yet your thumb is popping open his button, too-cold fingers venturing inside.

That pretty mouth falls open. Jolting as your hand wraps around him, remaining still in that helpless sort of way while you draw him out. Until his cock is fully out, in the middle of this hallway, right by the front door. Growing harder in your grasp, only takes two slow pumps of your fist to get him all the way there. Aching. Yearning.

"Why're you so quiet all of a sudden, cowboy?" You whisper a taunt uttered so quietly that it ought to be poetry.

His Adam's apple bobs, tongue darting out to wet his lips. But he doesn't say anything.

No, he's quiet.

Even as you take a fistful of his jacket, haul him off the wall, and back him into the living room. A wordless dance that bumps your noses together but never lets your needy mouths meet. His hands on your hips and yours on his chest, the only sound in the room that of your necklace jingling, an echo of the sleigh ride you were supposed to have.

Fortunately, you can think of a much, much better ride.

The backs of his knees bump into the couch, falling backward with an unceremonious thump. Springs squealing, something nameless popping in a fashion that can't mean anything good.

You don't care.

Neither does he. Too busy leaning forward and hooking his fingers in your waistband, gently tugging your pants down your thighs. All the while, you're unzipping your jacket, dropping it to the floor just as your legs escape the confines of all those layers. Suddenly, all too exposed in this not-so-warm house.

"C'mere," he breathes.

And oh, you do. Knees settling on either side of his hips, his lap the perfect cushion that you settle into, his hard cock squishing between your bodies, the fabric of your sweatshirt rubbing against it. Soft mouths collide. Hungry. All taking. Rough stubble brushing against your chin, with a kind of tingling burn that you've become all too familiar with. A dizzying clash intensified by the jingling of the cheap bells around your neck.

Blindly, your hand reaches off to the side, feeling about the cushion until the texture changes, suddenly running over smooth fabric and cold bells. Light in your gasp, so nonchalant that Rhett doesn't notice what you're doing until you've slid the headband behind his ears.

"Did you just stick them damn antlers on me?" His eyes remain defiantly shut as if it will help him avoid the festive decor now perched on his head.

"I told you I had something else in mind," your reminder doesn't go without one of his grunts, bordering amusement.

That pretty mouth opens, tongue lifting with the beginnings of a word that never makes it out of his throat. Silenced into a gasp, all at the way your hand wraps around him again. Thumb massaging directly under his flushed tip, exactly how he likes it.

"Shouldn't the one wearin' the bells be the deer?" His complaint so weak that it hardly sounds like one at all. Head tilting back to rest against the cushion, teeth sinking into his bottom lip. His hands running between your bare thighs, not stopping until his palm cups your sex through your underwear.

For a moment, your resolve wavers, "Do you want to wear the bells, too?" Taunt shaky. Struggling to keep that same tone.

The glint in his eye suggests a strong, absolutely not.

You're rapidly losing ground here. For every stroke of your hand on his cock, his fingers stroke the meet of your folds, separated by that tiny bit of fabric. So close to pushing inside, fucking you nice and slow on them until you whimper for him to stop.

The rational part of your brain expected him to pull the fabric down your legs, much like he had with your sweatpants. But that's not what he does. No, he's dipping a finger into the band and pulling it off to the side, bearing your wetness to the not-so-warm house.

"Fuckin' drippin'," he muses, all to himself, thick fingertips stroking up to your clit, swirling gently, "'n I ain't even done nothin' to ya."

It's hard to think. Thoughts coming to a screeching halt. Only able to focus on the hammer of your heart and the delicious drag of his fingers as they nudge into your entrance. Two sliding in with surprising ease, still open and stretched from how he woke you in the middle of the night. Cock sliding between your thighs until you had reached down to ease him in, drifting in and out of sleep as he fucked you nice and soft.

The memory is as fuzzy as a dream, the soreness your only indicator of it ever happening. Did you ever hit your peak? Did he? You don't remember.

"Fuck," he grumbles, fingers bottoming out so easily that your vision sparkles at the edges, "did I stretch ya out that much, baby?"

"Don't get too full of yourself, cowboy," but your threat is empty, not a shred of seriousness to be found. Even your hand can't muster the strength to squeeze him tighter than necessary, a little warning that would make him jolt.

Instead, you're stuck lazily stroking him, some repetitive movement that hardly keeps your mind off the devilish fingertips running along the inside of your dripping cunt, searching for where you're more sensitive. His thumb lazily pushing between your folds, nonchalantly nudging against your clit.

Your breath catches.

"There it is," Rhett's grinning, rubbing against that soft bundle of nerves in loose circles that damn near make your eyes cross, "'s that feel nice?"

The wriggling of your hips is enough of an answer. Grinding down into him, chasing more of those deliciously thick fingers, can't think about anything else. Just him and the sickly, wet sound he's drawing out of you with every thrust. Thumb working your clit in loose tandem, so good that you can't even move your hand over his cock anymore.

"Wanna," gulping, you try again, "wanna ride you."

His smile widens, already beginning to draw his hand away, "All y' had t' do was ask, darlin'."

Your knees ache as you move to sit up, digging into the broken-down cushion of the couch, a poor cushioning that's remedied by the nudge of Rhett's cock against your cunt. Blunt, dripping tip dragging through your wet folds, kissing your weeping entrance.

His palms settle on your hips, fingers tracing loose circles into your chilly skin, a soft guide that leads you down onto him. An ache blossoming as you stretch to take him. Can never seem to grow used to how thick he is. Engorged veins and dripping like a goddamn faucet, so good that you don't mind the waddle this will surely put in your step.

"Fuck," his breathing growing heavy, squeezing on your sides. Sweat already beads at his forehead, loose strands of hair sticking, a beautiful sight that ought to make you faint.

That fat tip finally slips inside, dragging against your walls as you sink down onto his lap. Has you pulsing and fluttering around him from the fullness alone. Filling you until your chest feels too tight, panting for breath that you can't hold onto for more than a second. Your arms wrap around his shoulders, head dropping down until it knocks against his.

Eye to eye, panting into each other's mouths in the golden light of the Christmas tree. Sinking lower and lower until your ass meets his thighs, pussy so full of him that it's almost too much to handle.

"God," he grunts, "y' take me so goddamn good."

The bells on his antlers jingle as he shifts his weight, leaning back to get a better look at where he disappears into you. Two thick fingers dip between your shivering thighs, feeling the space he's spread you the widest. Absolutely enthused.

Your first movement is marked by the sharp jingle of bells. Chiming their song as you lift your body about halfway, only to sink back down. Eager to feel the caress of his cock against those spasming nerves, so good that you have to remember to shut your mouth before you begin to drool.

It's not quite as rhythmic, but it sounds like the bells Isabella was meant to wear. Punctuating the motion of your body as you work up a comfortable pace. Leaning forward into Rhett's warm chest, your arms still looped around his neck, mouths clashing in a too-messy kiss that leaves your lips shiny.

"My cock feel that good in you?" He's speaking into your mouth in between wet kisses. Already a thin trail of saliva connecting your tongues before they can even meet, tangling with a lewdness that ought to make a sinner blush. "Talk to me, doll."

You're not even thinking about what he's saying. Already have an answer resting at the forefront of your mind. "Always."

The cushions are digging painfully into your knees. Hasn't been meant for this kind of activity since the early 2000's. But you're powering through, desperately chasing the fullness of every meet of your hips. Sucking in your own sounds in favor of drinking in Rhett's sharp inhales, faint little noises that send a wave of heat between your legs.

So good, so good, so good. You want more, but your thighs can't keep up. Aching worse than your overstretched sex, protesting the rise and fall that you can't get enough of.

"Look at you," he marvels, nose bumping into yours, nudging impossibly closer to your bouncing frame. "Already outta breath 'n ya just started."

You don't know if it's his voice or the twitch of his cock that sends a shiver up your spine, spasming involuntarily around him. Rips any shred of annoyance from your words as you pant, "Riding you isn't a walk in the park, cowboy."

His hips jerk up. Snapping into your pussy with a wet smack, downright smug as he drinks in your cry. Too sinful of a noise to echo through the halls of his childhood home.

"'s that better?" God, you could wipe that wicked smirk right off his face. But he's doing it again. And you're helpless but to shudder and take it. Sucking in a breath just before he punches it out of your lungs. Bells jingling like a proper fucking sleigh ride.

Your head feels too heavy for your shoulders to carry, falling into the space between his neck and collar, weakly hanging on as he fucks up into you. Running your burning tongue across the protruding vein there, drinking in his breathy moan.

But just the slight shift in your position has him striking something new. The kind of thing that makes your vision sparkle and your body spasm.

"Right there," whimpering into his ear, barely audible over your necklace, "please—Rhett!"

"Yeah?" He's trying it again, but he barely misses. Feet slipping across the wooden floor, struggling for the leverage he needs to buck up into you. Falling into weakened rolls that grind his cock in your pussy. Gentle rolling of hips that leave your nails biting into his shoulder.

All of a sudden, the room is spinning. Rhett's weight surging up to swing you to the left, your back bouncing against the ratty old couch. Impossibly remaining deep inside of you, his hips never once slipping from between your warm thighs. Necklace singing its shrill tune in your ears as he refinds his rhythm.

Now, he can hit those frazzled nerves. Drilling into it with a fervor that makes you worry about how you'll get up the stairs later. A price you're so, so willing to pay. Back arching off the cushion, legs squeezing those muscular hips as he fucks you deep. Long strokes that squelch with every inward thrust.

"Oughta ruin this lil pussy," he's growling into your ear, a threat he's certain to follow through on if the squealing springs are anything to go by, "fuckin' droolin' 'round my dick."

Drooling is an understatement. You're drenched. A slick mess that has run down your shivering thighs, staining the front of his jeans and glistening on his cock. An obscene sight for every withdrawal of his hips, and that alone is enough to have your skin prickling. Crying high in your throat as your head thumps back against the couch, nails biting into his shoulders until you're certain the material may rip.

You're close. Fuck, fuck, fuck, you're close, but it's not enough. No, it's not, it's not—

Rhett's rough thump presses against your throbbing clit. It's hardly even moving, and yet your mouth is falling open with a stuttered moan. You're right there. So close to the edge that your heart stutters in your chest, and your head is beginning to spin.

"This what you need, hm?" Rhett's egging you on, no doubt, can feel the way your pussy pulses around him, fluttering like a butterfly as he works you closer and closer. "Come on, sweetheart, cum 'round my cock for me."

You don't need any further coaxing. Orgasm hitting you so hard that you've barely got time to register it. Spine arching off the couch, heels digging into Rhett's ass, squeezing him so close that he can hardly draw out of you.

"That's it, baby, that's it," he's talking you through it, lips brushing against your cheek, but you can hardly feel it. Too wrapped up in a spiral of bliss. "Just like that, shit."

Weak, your legs loosen, freeing him to start moving again. Jerkily thrusting into your pulsing heat, moaning low in your ear as he works himself closer and closer, and all you can do is hang on. Biting down overstimulated squeals in favor of gasping into his ear.

"Cum in me, Rhett," you coax, shaking fingers clutching the sweaty hair at the nape of his neck. "Please."

Those deep noises spur up an octave, pitchy as he whimpers, eyes squeezing shut. He's almost there, so close that he's begun to shiver from head to toe, erratic breath fanning out against your skin. Weak, you clamp down around him.

And that's all it takes.

Hips snapping into you one last time, cumming in you with a fractured nose, torn between a grunt and a desperate cry. Twitching deeper inside, punctuated by short little groans that nearly make your eyes roll into the back of your head. His spasming cock filling your pussy until you become vaguely aware of the new wetness. Marked from the inside out, sure to run down your thighs like a symbol of what belongs to him.

For a moment, the room is quiet—nothing but heaving breaths and indescribably faint noises, your cheeks squished against each other. Until you find the strength to tilt your head and press a kiss to his jaw.

Even this close, it's hard to miss Rhett's smile as he leans over to reciprocate the peck, "I love you."

"I love you more," you giggle, squeezing him a little closer now as if the centimeters of space between your chests is too much.

He could argue with you. Hell, you're certainly expecting for him to, and it seems that he gives it a moment of thought, before surrendering to the after-glow and letting you get away with it. He'll surely get you back for it soon. Start a contest you're rarely able to win.

But for right now, all you can do is snuggle into each other, his comforting weight settled on top of you. With wordless kisses and nuzzles of cold noses, his big hands roaming beneath your shirt to stroke the soft skin there, stubble scratching your cheek in the softest fashion he can manage. There's an ache blooming in your legs from being wrapped around his hips for so long, but the idea of him pulling out feels even worse.

"'m still takin' you on a proper sleigh ride," he grumbles into your ear, some soft-spoken promise that fills your belly with frosty butterflies.

But you don't get to formulate a response because all of a sudden, his phone is ringing. Cecelia, ten minutes out from the house, her careful voice backdropped by Royal's snoring from the passenger seat. She's wrangled a friend into plowing the quiet strip of road leading to the house, making room for the old car to crawl past.

You're cleaned up and on the porch, before the drive is even plowed. Snug under Rhett's arm, feigning clinginess to disguise the wobble in your knees, sore between the legs, and waddling like a festive penguin.

Nobody notices, too thrilled with the idea of presents and warm dinner to look into the finer details. Except for Rhett, that is. A smug, irritating grin plastered upon his pale face for the entire afternoon. Proud of his handiwork.

The sleigh bells were in Cecelia's trunk. Had accidentally landed there when she had taken the harness to the tack repair shop back in October, and in her rush to get everything packed for the trip, she forgot to take them out.

As the sun begins to set and you're helping Cecelia put away the dishes, Rhett's head pops around the corner. Snowflakes clinging to his hair, nose red as can be, asking to steal you away for the rest of the afternoon.

And outside the house stands his beloved mare. Her mane was braided, and her bells chiming proudly in that festive fashion exclusive to Christmas. She's rusty at first, taking a moment to remember what Rhett's asking of her, but she's perfect. Content to make her way down the snow-white driveway, jet black tail swishing from side to side.

"Is this the sleigh ride you've been dying to take me on?" You giggle. Your chin propped on his shoulder, peering over at his grinning, wind-bitten face.

"Mhm," his head tilts to rest against yours, "but I think I liked your idea a little better."

It takes an hour longer than usual for you two to return from the barn that night.

#rhett abbott #rhett abbott x reader #oneshot #outer range #x reader #a lew magoo christmas

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callsign-magnolia · 11 months ago

Text

Last Christmas

MATURE CONTENT (18+)

Warnings: Illusions to cheating, mentions of alcohol, crying.

Summary: Your relationship with Rhett is great, until it's not. But was it truly ruined, or did everyone else's opinions influence you.

This was for @lewmagoo's Christmas celebration! I'm still trying to stay offline but I just had to post this!

Word Count: 5.3k

Masterlist

“I love you, darlin’.” Rhett whispered as he rested his forehead on mine. “I love you too, Rhett. With all of my heart.” I whispered back as I wrapped my arms around his neck. He held me close as he swayed us between the trailers. The town's annual Christmas party was a hit. It was held at the rodeo grounds, and of course, with it being Amelia County, we have an annual Christmas rodeo. Rhett had an amazing ride, taking first place for the second year in a row. As soon as he came out he scooped me up into his arms, kissing me in front of the entire crowd. It's been almost a whole two years since we started dating, and I couldn't be happier. In high school, I never could've imagined myself with Rhett. We knew of each other but I never thought he'd be interested in me. So I was very shocked when we bumped into each other when I moved back home from college and he asked me to dance at the Pit Bar.

“You still haven't told me what you want for Christmas.” He said, leaning me against his trailer. “I told you. Same thing as last year. Just you.” I said, pulling him into another kiss. “Oh come on!” He said, squeezing my sides and making me giggle. “You forced me into telling you what I wanted, and I know you got it.” It was true, I held him by the crotch in the Abbott Family barn and threatened to not sleep with him unless he told me, and I did buy it. “So I think it's only fair if you tell me.” He said. “Rhett.” I whined and he pressed me into the trailer a little harder. “C'mon darlin. I think I know what you want.” He said and I raised a brow at him. “And what do you think that is?” I asked. “I saw you looking at that book collection on Amazon.” My eyes widened. “Well, I did love the first book.” I listened to it on my phone and I've been dying for the series since. “And I think you'd love a gift card to that lingerie store up in Casper.” I quickly nodded at him in excitement. “I knew you would.” He said, pulling me into another kiss.

Christmas came and I talked Rhett into staying the night with me on Christmas eve. We woke up bright and early to open our gifts and of course I got the book collection and the gift card. But the look on Rhett's face when he opened his gift was the best thing I could've gotten on Christmas morning. “I only asked for the bridle darlin’. You got me a saddle too? How did you hide this?” He asked. “You never set foot in the basement.” I said, giggling. “Because it's creepy.” He retorted. “But I got it because the one you have is so old and worn, and you constantly complain that it hurts your back.” He had been complaining for the last year and a half that the saddle killed his back. So I made sure that I got him a saddle to match his bridle. “I think Honey will appreciate it too.” I said and he chuckled. “You're right.” After we opened our gifts we grabbed everything we needed and made our way to his parents. Amy begged for us to be there when she woke up, so we negotiated that we'd show up before she got up. Rhett was practically vibrating in his seat, so excited to see Amy open her gifts. He loved that little girl more than anything. I think he loves her more than me someday, but I couldn't complain.

We quietly came in the door when we got there. Royal was standing in the living room sipping his coffee when we walked in and it took everything in me to not giggle at the man. Just like the rest of us he was in a red shirt and reindeer pajama pants. Amy begged us to wear matching pajamas and we all agreed, Royal a little reluctantly. “Well, you look comfy.” I told him and he grunted. I just laughed at him before walking over and pulling him into a hug, which he begrudgingly returned. Cecilia smiled at us, coming over. “Merry Christmas." She hugged us both. "Merry Christmas, Ma." Rhett responded. "Quick!" Perry said, rushing down the stairs. "She's waking up!" Royal, Cecilia, and Perry quickly sat on the couch while Rhett and I sat on the rug in front of the roaring fireplace. Soon we heard soft footsteps coming down the stairs. Amy's hair was wild and she was rubbing her eyes when she saw us. "Uncle Rhett!" She yelled before sprinting to him. As soon as she got close enough she launched herself into his arms. He squeezed her tight and she giggled. "You knew we'd be here." He said and she buried her face in his shoulder. "I was worried you wouldn't come." She said and Rhett's face fell. "Why?" He asked and she shrugged. "I told you we'd be here, and we're here aren't we?" He asked and she nodded. "Right. Now, let's open all these presents. Looks like Santa brought ya a lot." Her attention immediately shifted to all of the gifts under the tree. Soon gifts were handed out and Amy ripped into hers. She was happy with everything she got and could hardly sit still for the rest of us to open ours. Once that was done we ate breakfast before going out for a Christmas ride.

"You can use your new saddle." I said. Rhett just chuckled and shook his head. "Didn't bring it," he said. I told him to put it in the truck, but I knew he didn't. He wants to keep it pristine, but I bought it to be used. "Check the bed." I said and he sighed. "When did you sneak it in there?" He asked and I smiled at him. "When you went to the bathroom." He groaned and turned towards the truck, going to grab the new saddle and bridle. I just chuckled and got my horse ready. Soon we were ready and headed out to the South pasture. It was bitterly cold and I was in as many layers as I could move in. "You cold?" Perry asked as I walked my horse out of the barn. "Very." I muttered. But I squealed as a snowball hit my chest and exploded. "Perry!" I yelled. He just laughed as I gathered my own snowball, launching it at him. He stopped laughing as my snowball nailed him in the chin. It was my turn to laugh as he stood there with his eyes closed, wiping snow off his face. "Right. Fastpitch champion." He said and I nodded.

“Three years in a row, Per." Rhett said, leading Honey over in her new bridle. I smiled at him as he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me in close. "That just made me love you even more." He said, giving me a soft kiss. The ride was long but I eventually warmed up. Soon everyone else went back to the house, leaving Rhett and I alone. The snow started again so we decided to go back. "We've almost been together a whole two years." He spoke up, I smiled at him and nodded. "We have.” I responded. "January 19th." I lightly bit my lip and looked at him. “You remembered?” I asked and he nodded. “How could I forget the best day of my life?" He said and I giggled. "Ma's even been asking me when I'm going to marry you." He said and I sat up a little straighter in my saddle. "Is that… Is that something you want?" I asked and we were quiet for a minute. "I do. Do you?" He straight up asked me "Yeah. Yeah, I do.” He gave me a wide smile and turned to face forwards again. “So… are you gonna ask?” I asked him and he laughed loudly. “Oh no. You’ll never see it coming.” He said with a sly grin. “Okay, just don’t try to scare me with it.” I said. “I ain’t makin’ no promises.” He replied.

The next day it was after work and I was putting some of Rhett’s laundry away in his lone drawer he has at my house when I saw a navy blue felt box. I stared at it for a moment before setting the laundry basket down and reaching for it. I held it in my hands, debating on if I should open it or not, but eventually I did. I gasped when I saw the gold ring, sitting on the plush navy cushion. It was a pear shaped diamond on a yellow gold band. “I guess he did listen when I talked about rings.” I said to myself. My finger twitched as I considered putting it on. But my thoughts were halted by a voice. “Honey? I’m home.” Rhett’s voice echoed up the stairs and I all but tossed the ring box in the air. I juggled it before slamming it into the drawer. “Just a minute!” I called down to him before stuffing the clothes in the drawer as well before rushing downstairs.

A week later there was the New Year’s rodeo. Amelia county has a rodeo for everything and it sure shows around the holidays. Rhett showed up a few hours before me as usual, but I always slipped back behind the trailers to see him one more time before he rides. But this time, I wish I hadn’t. I gasped as Rhett pushed the black haired girl away from him, her lips making a smacking noise as they left his. I gaped at him as his eyes met mine and a look of horror crossed his face. “Honey-” He started but I cut him off. “No-just… No.” I turned and started walking away from him. He called my name, rushing up behind me and grabbing my arm. “Do not touch me!” I said, swinging around, my hand connecting with his face. He looked at me in surprise. “Honey, please it’s not what it looks like.” I shook my head at him as the tears started falling. “No! It was!” I yelled at him. “When we first started dating, everyone told me what kind of man you are. But did I listen? No! Because I thought I knew you. I thought you would never do this to me.” I said as tears of his own fell down his cheeks. “Dammit Rhett! We were talking about getting married exactly a week ago! I can’t believe you would do this to me!” I said. “But I didn’t-” “I saw you Rhett! You can’t gaslight me!” “I’m not trying to gaslight you!” He took one step closer and I took two steps back. “We’re done, Rhett.” His shoulders shook as a sob racked his body. “Honey, please. Don’t do this. Let me explain.” He said and I shook my head. “All the explaining was done when I caught you kissing someone who isn’t me.”

“Mom, please.” I said as she squeezed me to her. “Your daddy and I are just so glad you decided to move back home.” She said. “But I do hate that Washington didn’t work out for you.” When Rhett and I broke up, I struggled. I entered a dark place in my life and I knew I needed a change. So by Valentine’s day I had gotten myself a new job and moved to Washington State. Life was good there, but it wasn’t Amelia County so come Halloween I had made plans to move back. I got my old job at the county tag office back and my parents are letting me live with them until I find my own place again. “It’s okay, it means I don’t have to spend money to come home for Christmas in two weeks!” I said and mom nodded. “I really do appreciate you and daddy letting me sleep in my old room until I get my own place again.” I said. “Well you know, the old Wilson farm is up for sale.” My dad said. “Daddy, I don’t have the time to take care of a whole farm. Nor do I really want to.” I said as I followed him into the kitchen. “You did when you were with-” “Daddy. Please don’t say his name.” I said, taking a deep breath, fighting back tears. My heart still hasn’t healed from last year. I’ve tried focusing on myself, but it didn’t work. I couldn’t bring myself to date anyone else, or even sleep with anyone. I so badly wanted the distraction but just the thought of being with someone else had me in tears.

“Besides, he’s probably forgotten about me anyway.” “Oh no, he has not!” Mom said, walking into the kitchen to join us. “Mama-” “Every time that boy sees your father and I he makes it a point to ask about you. How you’re doing, are you enjoying life in Washington? That boy is still smitten with you, sweetie.” I shook my head. “He wouldn’t have done what he did, if he really did love me.” My dad scoffed. “That boy is in love with you, and he will always be in love with you.” I huffed and turned to my dad. “I’m your daughter. Aren’t you supposed to hate any boy that cheats on me or hurts me in any way?” I asked. “Well yes. I did corner him right after you moved, I blamed him for it but he explained everything and I can’t be mad at the boy.” I furrowed my brows at him in confusion. “What did he say?” I asked and my dad shook his head, lifting his coffee mug to his lips. “Not my place to say.” I raised my brows at him. “Not your place to say?” I scoffed. “No, it’s not my place. When you see him, he can tell you.” I shook my head. “I’m hoping I don’t see him for a long time.”

The next week at work it was almost dead. But at least once a day we get a busy spurt. I heard the bell above the door go off as I was helping someone and I froze as I looked up. Those crystal blue eyes met mine and I wanted to crawl under my desk and hide. I totally jinxed myself by saying ‘I hope I don’t see him for a long time.’ How could I forget that Rhett has a December birthday? I thought as I finished with the person in front of me. I was hoping someone else would get him but as my client stepped away, I realized I was the only person available. Our eyes met and I so badly wanted to get up and walk over and kiss him, but I didn’t. “I can take whoever’s next.” I said, turning to face my computer. “Hi.” He said quietly as he stepped up. “Hello Rhett.” I could be petty and ask for all of his information, but that would have him standing in front of me longer. “Just renewing your tags?” I asked and he nodded. “It’s a two- thou-” “Two-thousand six GMC Sierra.” I said, cutting him off. “You remembered?” He asked and I fought back a small smile. “I remember when you got that thing sophomore year.” I said as I put in all of the information. “I wound up taking you to school the morning after I got it because your shitty little car broke down.” I bit my lip, remembering everything. I was four miles away from home but eight miles from school and I got very lucky that Rhett had to drive down the same road as me to get to school.

“Yeah.” I muttered as I printed off his tag renewal. “Can-can we talk?” He asked as I slid the papers to him. “No, Rhett. I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I said and his mouth hung open for a second. “O-oh. Okay. Well, have a good day, darlin’.” Before I could correct him he walked out. “I’ll be back.” I said to my coworker before walking back into the break room. I grabbed my makeup bag and keys before rushing out to my car outback. I was breathing heavy as I got in and soon the tears kicked in. I cried and cried in my car, mascara running down my face as I leaned my head on the steering wheel. But I sat up quickly when I heard an engine revving and a dark blue GMC Sierra blew behind my car and out of the parking lot. I cried more before I managed to stop. I cleaned my face off and redid my makeup before going back inside. As soon as I sat down my coworker Amanda turned to me. “Are you okay?” She asked and I took a deep breath. “I’m fine.” I said. “Okay, well that gentleman you helped came back in looking for you, but I told him you went out to your car.” She said and I nodded. “Thank you.” I responded.

I didn’t hear from Rhett. He didn’t try to call me, come see me or anything which I was grateful for. I don’t know if I could handle it. But then came the town's annual Christmas party and rodeo. I tried to get out of it, but mama called me out on all my bullshit and practically dragged me out of the house. I pouted the entire ride to the rodeo and my parents just made fun of me the entire time. “You realize I’m not going near that gate, right?” I said as we got out of my dad’s truck. “Sure you won’t.” My dad said. “But just so you know, Rhett has had a rough season and everyone is convinced that Luke Tillerson is going to beat him out this year.” Rhett would never let Luke beat him out. But if he’s had a rough season, then could he really stop Luke? Luke has always only been just a few spots behind Rhett and Luke could never stand it. Maybe I could walk over for Rhett’s ride? He would be too focused to look for me once he’s on that bull. I followed my parents around, greeting everyone but I stopped when I heard a voice call out my name. I turned to find Amy sprinting for me. I smiled, opening my arms and squeezing her tightly when she almost knocked me over. “Wow! You got big in the last year!” I said as she looked up at me. “I was so excited when Uncle Rhett said you’re back! Will you be at house on Christmas morning again?” She asked just as Perry, Cecilia and Royal walked over. I squatted down so I was more on her level, even though she still stood over me at this point. “Not this year, sweetie.” I said and tears welled up in her eyes. “Why not? Uncle Rhett said you were home.” I nodded. “I am, but your Uncle Rhett and I, we’re not together anymore. So we won’t be spending any holidays together anymore.” I told her. “Amy, it’s okay. We can still go and see her if you want.” Perry said, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Can we?” She asked and I nodded. “Whatever you want, sweetie.” I said, hugging her again. “C’mon, let’s go get some hot chocolate.” Perry said and she excitedly agreed. “Good to see you.” He said and I waved at him.

“We’re glad you’re back.” Cecilia said, pulling me into a hug. “I’m surprised so many people are happy I’m home.” I said and she raised a brow at me. “Why wouldn’t we be?” She asked. “Well with everything that happened between Rhett and I…” I trailed off and she chuckled. “That boy still loves you, but I think that’s a conversation you wanna have with Royal. Rhett has told him more about what happened than me.” She said before someone caught her attention and she wandered off. Then my attention turned to Royal. “Hi Royal.” I said and he held an arm out, pulling me into a side hug. “Hey.” He grunted. “Daddy told me Rhett’s had a rough season.” I said and he nodded, leaning on the gate as a rider was let loose. “He has. He’s been doing good, but not as good as he has in the past.” He said and I nodded. “Do you think it’s because of me?” I asked. If Rhett’s not focused like he needs to be, he could really get hurt. “He’s been so focused on what he could do to get you back, he’s been distracted from everything in the last year.” He said. “If he wanted me back, why did he stop calling after two days?” I asked, huffing. “Because he realized you’d never take him back if he wasn’t the man you deserved.” I raised a brow at him. “He can explain it better, but I’ve never seen Rhett cry so much. He came to me two days after y’all broke up, and he asked me what I thought he needed to do to win you back.” He said, watching the riders intensely. “You know, I was in the same situation with his Ma about a year after we got together. I told him he could tell you he loved you all day long, but until he proved it to you with his actions.” He said and I nodded in agreement. “Maybe talk to him, hear him out and make your decision from there.” He suggested and I nodded. “I’ll think on it Royal.” I replied and he nodded, clapping a hand on my shoulder before starting in the direction Cecilia went.

The next rider up was Luke Tillerson. I wanted to see the next few riders so I watched. Luke held on for a total of four seconds before he flew off, barely getting his feet under him. I watched a few more riders before it was Rhett’s turn. I fought the urge to stand up on the gate and yell as loudly as I could. But as soon as he was turned loose I couldn’t help it. “GO RHETT!” I screamed, standing on the gate. He was holding on tightly and he was laser focused and as soon as the eight second buzzer went off he let go, flying off the bull and rushing for the gate. But he skidded to a stop as the bull cut him off. “RHETT!” I yelled, catching his attention and he made a quick left turn. The bull was on his tail until someone else caught his attention and Rhett launched himself over the gate, landing on his back next to me. “Oh, shit! Rhett?” I asked, bending down next to him. “Rhett? Can you hear me?” I asked as he gasped for air. “Okay.” I said, grabbing his hand and helping him sit up. I took his hat off his head, fanning his face with it as he caught his breath. “Thanks.” He said as he could finally breathe normally. “You’re welcome.” I said as I helped him stand. I brushed some dust off of his arm and he smiled at me. “Good ride.” I said and he nodded. “Better than Tillerson’s.” I said, giggling lightly. “So you’ve heard.” He said and I nodded. “My daddy told me, but I knew you’d never let it happen.” I said as I met his eyes.

“Yeah.” He muttered. “Listen, I know the other day you said we shouldn’t talk… but I really need to talk to you. I don’t expect you to take me back, but I can’t go on without you at least knowing the truth.” He said and I stared up at him. He held my gaze, almost searching my face for an answer. “O-okay. But after your last ride.” I said and he gave me a soft smile. “Thank you.” He said and kissing my cheek. “Gotta run.” He said before taking off for the other riders. I was a little stunned by the kiss and stood there with my mouth gaping for a moment before I came to my senses. I cleared my throat before going to take a seat for the next two rides. I watched as everyone made their second and third rides. Rhett’s second ride was another perfect one, with the exception of the bull not cutting him off. But he was in first place and Luke was in second, the scores were close and I was nervous for his last ride. Luke went and had a perfect third ride, but come Rhett’s third I could see how tired yet determined he was. I watched him climb into the chute, the bull he was on starting to throw itself around. Time slowed until the buzzer went off and the chute opened. Rhett was hanging on for dear life, but I gasped as his hand came loose and he went flying off the bull, landing on his shoulder. He had injured it once already and I knew this new injury would be worse.

“Rhett!” I yelled as I ran over, worried about him. Two of his buddies were helping him over to a bench when I got there. “How bad is it?” I asked. His breath was shaky and his skin was clammy. “I think I knocked it out of place again.” He said and I grabbed his hand, slowly lifting it until he cried out. “Okay, want me to help you put it back in place?” I asked and he nodded, fighting back tears. I grabbed his wrist, slowly lifting it until he couldn’t handle it anymore. “Ready?” I asked and he nodded. “Okay.” With that I quickly lifted his arm and rolled the ball of his shoulder back into socket. “AH!” He yelled out. “Okay. Okay, it’s over.” I said as one of his friends handed me a sling. “Let’s get this on.” I said, guiding his arm into the sling as his breathing started evening out. “Do you need a pain pill?” I asked and he shook his head. “No, I stopped taking them.” He said and I looked at him in surprise. “Oh, really?” I asked and he nodded. “I stopped drinking so much too.” He said and I smiled at him. “And how do you feel?” I asked. “I just popped my shoulder out of place. I don’t feel like I’m layin’ in a field of daisies.” He said and I laughed. “Well after they announce the scores, why don’t we get something hot to drink and have a seat somewhere so we can talk.” I said and he nodded. “I’d like that.” We sat there in silence for a minute. It wasn’t awkward like I expected, it was comfortable, but I could tell he was nervous.

“Hey,” I said, resting my hand on his. “You’ll come out in first place.” I told him and he chuckled, squeezing my hand. “You’re usually right about this stuff.” He said and we continued to wait. “And in first place…” The announcer said. It was between him and Luke and I knew he was nervous. “Local boy and winner for the third year in a row, Rhett Abbott!” The cheers were deafening as I squealed, pulling Rhett into a hug. “I’m proud of you!” I said out of habit and my face turned red. Many people came up to congratulate Rhett but finally we managed to grab some warm apple cider and Rhett led us back to the trailers. “You okay?” He asked, looking back at me as I trailed behind him. “Yeah, just thinking about the last time I was back here.” I said truthfully and he nodded. “C’mon.” He said, taking my hand and leading me over to his GMC. He set the tailgate down before getting into the back and pulling out a blanket. “Here, I know you get cold.” He said. I took the blanket from him, thinking about all the times we were wrapped up together in this blanket. “So, what did you want to tell me?” I asked as I climbed onto the tailgate. He sat next to me, taking a deep breath before letting it out. “What you saw last New year’s, it really wasn’t what you thought it was.” He said and sighed. “She originally asked me where Luke was and I told her I didn’t know. Then she started asking me things like how long I had been riding for. I didn’t want to be rude so I just answered her questions.” I nodded, showing him I was listening. “She asked me if I would go out with her, and I told her no because I wasn’t single. I turned to face her to tell her we were dating and she grabbed my face, and kissed me.” He said.

“I couldn’t just shove her away, she was tiny, she would’ve gotten hurt and then there would’ve been more problems and Joy would’ve gotten involved. I was trying not to panic but then you caught us and my entire world just fell apart at that moment.” I took a deep breath, looking down at my cup. “You had every right not to believe me, and to dump me. But I really needed you to at least know the truth.” He told me. “This has been the worst year of my life.” He said and I nodded. “Mine too.” I said and he raised a brow at me. “I’m sorry I ran you out of town.” He said and I chuckled. “You didn’t run me out of town Rhett. That was all me. I thought it would do me some good, but apparently it didn’t.” I said and he nodded. We sat in silence until he lifted his head and looked at me. “Dance with me?” He asked, holding out his free hand for me and I stared for a moment before nodding. “Okay.” I said, taking his hand. His free hand fell to my waist as his hand in the sling took mine as my own free hand rested around his neck. “Your dad told me you’ve been focusing on how to get me back.” I said and he sighed. “I realized I had to prove it to you.” He said and I nodded. “Even just tonight I can see how much work you’ve put in.” I said and he smiled at me. “I still really love you, darlin’.” His forehead fell to mine, just like it did last year and I smiled at him just as ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham! came on. “This song really sums up this last year.” I said and he nodded. “I still love you.” He said. “So much. And I was wondering, would… would you give me another chance? You don’t have to, but I have to at least ask.” I still really love him. So much so that it hurts. “Okay.” I said and his face lit up. “But we’re really gonna have to take this slow.” I said and he nodded. “Whatever you want, honey.” He said. His face slowly inched closer to mine as a few snowflakes fell around us. “Are you gonna kiss me or just breathe in my face?” I asked and he chuckled. “Can I kiss you?” He asked and I just rolled my eyes before pulling him into a soft kiss. He pulled me against him, crushing my body to his. “Fuck I missed doing that.” He said, pulling away and I grinned at him. “I did too.” I said, kissing him again. “I love you, Rhett.” I couldn’t resist saying it. “I love you too, darlin’.”

#a lew magoo christmas #rhett abbott #rhett abbott x reader #rhett abbot x reader #outer range fic #outer range fanfiction #outer range #lewis pullman

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