#kayce dutton fanfic

[i-heart-yellowstone]

Kayce dutton x reader

Reader surprises kayce with lunch at his office

You're a Darn good Wife

Here's the first official request on the new All Yellowstone blog!!! 😁

Parking my red truck outside the Livestock department office I pushed the driver door open and closed after grabbing the lunch bag of burgers from the place down the street. Entering the building I stopped at the front desk seeing the familiar blonde sitting there named Amy. "What can I do for you, Mrs. Dutton?"

"Is my husband in his office by chance?" I asked her.

She shakes her head no with a half smile. "He's out with the sheriff right now. But he should be back before lunch is over."

"Alright. I'll wait in his office. But don't tell him I'm here." I told her, wanting it to be a surprise for when he comes back. She nodded in agreement, watching me head around the corner out of her line of sight.

Opening his office door, I sat down the bag on his desk, scanning my eyes over the disorderly pile of paperwork he had on it. Sitting out the sandwiches and fries before plopping down in the computer chair scrolling on my cell phone until I heard footsteps coming down the hallway. “Good afternoon, cowboy.” I chimed in seeing him walk inside the office with a bright smile on my face.

“Y/n, what are you doing here?” He dropped his jacket on the hook by the door, opening his arms for me.

I rushed forward flinging my arms around his neck chucking into his shoulder. He wrapped his arms tightly around my waist kissing my hair clearly suprised I was there during lunch. “I thought I’d suprised you with lunch from that burger place you like near Bozeman. Considering we barely see each other with you working here and me working on your father’s land since half of the cowboys are up at the Summer Camp.”

“Well I’m certainly not gonna complain about any visit that involves you.” Kayce barely broke the hug gently holding me with his hands on my waist.

My arms stayed around his neck where I sent him a grin. “You better not like my visits. I did agree to marry you even when you told me you had a kid with your ex wife.”

“Hey, you love Tate.” Kayce gasped slightly offended.

I gave him a half smile tilting my head to the side reassuring what I had said minutes ago. “I’m just messing with you. I really do love Tate and treat him like he’s my own kid until we have our own of course.”

“You want to have kids with me.” Kayce’s face brightened at the words that had came out of my mouth.

I responded to my husband. “Of course. I told you on our fourth date that I wanted marriage and kids.”

“I was waiting to ask if we should start trying for a baby and now that I know that. I think we could start right now if you’re up for it.” He bends down on his knees quickly picking me up by my thighs and I wrap my arms around little tighter around hi neck even though he wouldn’t drop me.

I squealed when he carries me over to his desk and he slides some of the papers onto the floor without a real care in the world except me and him in that moment. “Kayce! What about the burgers?”

“Oh don’t worry we’ll be eating them when we’re done.” He smirked at me, moving his fingers down to the bottom of my shirt shrugging it upward and tossing it onto the floor with his own.

I scanned my eyes over his chest feeling my face turning red till I realized the door was still opened. “Wait a second. We have sex with the door wide open. I don’t think your coworkers would like that too much.”

“See we’ve got nothing to worry about. Especially when you’re a darn good wife who looks damn good to me right now.” Kayce ran slamming it closed and locking the door behind him before he rushed back over to me. He stands as close to me as he can possibly get cupping my face in his hands pressing his lips down onto mine.

Threading my fingers into the fabric of dark tan dress shirt seconds before I quickly began undoing the buttons on it and finally launched it across the office. “You better not waste those burgers. Dutton. Otherwise I will you regret your decisions later down the road.” I told before he gently pushed me down onto the desk and he sat the bag of food on the ground.

“Don’t you worry, baby. Once I get you pregnant you won’t be too worried about whether or not we wasted some burgers or not.” He smirked down at me, hovering above me till I wrapped my arms around his neck bringing him back down for another kiss.

He moved one hand over my hip and his other was holding his body up a little so not all of his weight was on top of me. “I’ll hold you to that promise, Kayce.” I broke the kiss where he smiled down at me, reconnecting our lips together and we let ourselves get lost in the other person.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[kendallroydefender]

Cowboy take me away (Kayce Dutton x Roy!Reader) Chapter 1

Summary: You’re Y/n Roy the youngest daughter of one of the richest men in America but all that money can’t make you happy and you decide to move to Montana for a while. But what happens when you meet the youngest son of another influential man?

A/n: it’s here!!! This is mainly a Yellowstone fanfic and you don’t have to watch Sucession to follow along!

You stepped out of the car. The car you bought a week ago, when you were sure leaving was the right thing to do. The warm weather hitting your skin. Breathing in the fresh air after a long drive.

You were the daughter of one of the most influential men in the country. Your father, Logan Roy, was a media mogul and owned one of the biggest news networks in the world. But that came with a price, you had always been in the public eye and on top of that your father wasn’t an easy person to grow up with. Now you’re siblings still fought over being his favorite, still fought for his love. A few weeks ago, after thanksgiving where he hit your nephew you finally realized that he would never change.

So you’d made the decision to leave New York behind, to take a few months off in the country side. Hopefully your mental health would get better out here. And you’ve always wanted to visit Yellowstone after seeing pictures of the stunning landscape. To no one’s surprise your family wasn’t the biggest fans of your decision to go, especially your father who always wanted his kids close to control them. But you were a grown woman, yes you were still in your twenties but an adult nonetheless.

Your siblings thought the idea was ridiculous except for your oldest brother Connor who loved that you would follow his footsteps (as he said). He had also bought a ranch in New Mexico where he spent most of his days.

Now you weren’t so sure anymore if this decision was the right one. You had never left the city for more than a few weeks, hell you were a city person. And you had never been alone anywhere. Your family and they’re staff or your personal staff were with you. But if you’d never tried you would never know.

You took your suitcases and brought the to the small house you were renting. You had put all your clothes into the closets and your toiletries in the bathroom before you went into the small garden behind the house. It was well kept, a bit whimsical and overgrown in some places but beautiful nonetheless. A set of chairs on the lawn and a swingseat under a tree. Yeah, you could do with this.

You made some food with the groceries you picked up on the way here and ate your dinner on the couch. Everything was nice until the evening arrived.

You should have seen it coming, It was your first night and you were already bored. 'Off to a great start' you thought to yourself.

After a quick google search you made your way to one of the bars in town.

Inside it was quite crowded. A band played country music and some people danced. You went to the counter and ordered a simple drink, nothing too fancy like you would have ordered in New York.

Your eyes scanned the crowd, it were mostly cowboys and cowgirls. You must have stood out quite a bit - not too much though since you’ve left your fancier Roy clothing in New York, taking only sweaters, shirts and jeans with you. It was nice though.

”Hey, Tom have you seen my sister?.“ a voice next to you said. You looked to your right and spotted a quite handsome man. He seemed to be around your age maybe a little older, with longish brown hair and brown eyes. He wore a trucker cap backwards on his head and a dark shirt. He looked rugged in the best way. His eyes landed on you and you quickly averted your eyes even though it was probably too late - he had caught you staring.

You felt his eyes linger on you for a moment and you waited a second before you looked back at him.

”'ve never seen you around here.“ he said

”Just got here today“ you told him with a shrug and a smirk appeared on his face hearing that you didn’t sounded like you were from Montana at all.

”Where’re you’re from?“ He asked

”Uh, New York.“ You said and he let out a low blow

”She’s over there.“ the barkeeper interrupted your conversation, pointing his finger in one direction

”Uh-huh. Thanks Tom.“ the man said before he turned to you again

”I’ll have to go but have fun in Montana.“ he said before he turned to leave. After a few steps he turned his head and your eyes met again, with a small nod he turned around once more.

You would lie if you said you weren’t disappointed by him having to leave so quickly. But it seemed like he was just here to pick his sister up anyway and you didn’t even knew if he was single.

The next few days you spend getting settled into the new house. You went to the grocery store, something you haven’t done in years since your family always had people to do these kind of things. But you liked it. Liked being responsible for yourself and you liked being able to meet and converse with others.

Your family always stayed in their circle, almost every meeting with someone you didn’t knew was business related and talk was always about work.

You took walks around town and enjoyed the scenery.

Today you had planned to go on a hike. You looked up the route beforehand so you wouldn’t end up lost. There were other people on a hike but not too many.

Everything was going well. That is until you must have stepped onto a stone.

You fell and felt a sharp pain shooting through your ankle. Shit, if this wasn’t the biggest city girl hurts herself while hiking was the biggest prejudice.

You started to get up when you heard the sound of a horse walking close to you. You looked up as the animal came into your view and felt yourself getting warm. Of course it was the hot Cowboy from the other night.

”You alright?“ He asked and you shrugged

”Yeah, I just sit in the dirt for fun.“

”Shit no reason to get all fuss .“ He said but he couldn’t keep the smile off his face. He got down from his horse and tied it on a nearby tree.

”Lemme see.“ his voice had softened as he crouched down next to you, carefully taking your foot in his hands. Twisting it gently and putting some pressure on some spots. At one point you let out an ”Ouch.“

”It’s not broken - just twisted. Come on let me bring you down.“ he offered his hand to you and you gladly took it. He helped you up, looping his arm around your back so you could lean on him.

Once you were sitting on the horse he got up too, sitting in front of you.

”You can hold onto me.“ he told you, voice kinder than you’d expected.

You intertwined your fingers in front of his stomach. You felt warmth spread in your stomach.

He took the reins and the horse started moving. You looked around, taking in the scenery.

”Wow it’s even more beautiful up here.“ you said in a low tone.

Kayce smiled at your words. To be honest he was maybe a little glad about the fact that it was you who he found. You had come to his mind a few times since he’d met you a few days ago.

You had intrigued him, there was an air about you that he liked and felt like he wanted to find out more about you.

”Where are we going by the way? Not that I think you’ll kidnap me on a horse.“

”My fathers Ranch. My cars there, I can drive you home.“

”Oh. Thank you.“ you said

”No need to. Just basic human decency.“ he said and you cold hear the smile in his voice.

”Yeah, I’m not used to that in the city.“ you chuckled in wich he joined in.

”Why’d you come here?“ he asked

”I needed a fresh start. I wasn’t happy in my, uhm, my living situation in New York. I knew I would get depressed if I stayed.“

He hummed

”Are you feeling better now?“

”To be honest I’m not sure. It feels great that I’m away from everything but I don’t know anyone here yet… so it’s kind of lonely.“

He hummed as an answer.

The rest of the ride to the ranch was filled with easy chatting. You found out about that his Dad owned a Ranch where he worked as a horsetrainer. You told him you worked in Media at your fathers company, not telling him who your father was.

The ranch was gorgeous. A big stone house as the main building, some stables and a few smaller houses. You earned a few looks from some of the cowboys leaning against a fence.

He got down and helped you safely get back to the ground.

”I’d show you around but I think your foot wouldn’t be too fond of that.“

”Maybe another time.“ you told him and he studied you for a second

”Yeah, another time.“

He had given the horse to one of the men standing close by, who was called Jimmy. Telling him to bring it back into the stable.

He helped you into his red truck and closed the door after you sat in the vehicle.

You told him where the place you stayed in was and he seemed to know where to go. The conversation was easy between you, he pointed out some places.

”You can get good burgers there.“ he said pointing to a diner

”We could do something if you’d like? I mean because you said you felt kind of lonely.“

”Oh? Yeah that be great.“ you smiled wich caused him to smile too

”Okay.“

He helped you up the front stairs of your place and you waved as he drove away. With a warm feeling and the thought that maybe you had made a friend you went inside.

[bellarkeselection]

Kacey Dutton x reader

Readers out with kayce she hears a familiar voice and knows it's her abusive ex so she starts to run but kayce follows her in the restroom she tells him kayce calms her down " stay with me "

Dutton's Are Better

We got off of the truck walking inside the local bar. I found a spot near the bar that had two empty bar stools available. The bartender came over and we each got a beer. Kayce shifted the black cowboy hat on his head looking at me. “Sorry this isn't nothing fancy for date night.” 

“It doesn’t have to be. I've had a whole life of it.” Turning my head in the direction of the young Dutton. 

Kayce sent me a smile back. “Yeah.” 

Kayce and I had met the day after his sister came into a confrontation between her and my father Roarke Morris. The company he works for wants to build an apartment on the land that the reservation and the Dutton families own. I first believed it was a good idea to make some change but seeing it now it would be horrible to ruin this place. “So what is so different about this date night then any of our others.” 

“Why do you want to know?” He asked me sitting his beer bottle down in front of him. 

I take a drink from my bottle. “You told me this was going to be a little different than our others. I wanna know how?” 

At first we thought we'd always be enemies for as long as my father wanted to help destroy his way of life. He showed me the ranch one day when I was curious and wished to see it for myself. From that evening on some spark was born that we couldn't deny. Kayce reaches down into his pocket while getting down from his stool. “I was thinking we did this back at the ranch. But here works too I guess if you don't need some big spectacle.” 

“Kayce, I'm serious. You could propose to me with a lollipop ring for all I care and I'd be happy  - wait, are you actually proposing?” 

Sure enough before my eyes Kayce John Dutton lowered himself down on one knee. “Y/n, I love you. I didn't think I would give my heart to anyone else after my divorce and then you came around. I thought we were going to tear the other apart by how much we fought. But somehow we've made it past that. So will you marry me?” 

“Yes. I will-” 

“Y/n, is that you?” My entire body froze where I spun on my feet seeing a familiar guy walking up to me. 

I gulped nervously, bolting away from Kayce only uttering one name I wished I could forget. “Dylan…” Spinning in my boots throwing my hair around in the air leaving the young Dutton on a knee in front of me. 

“Y/n!” Kayce called my name getting up from the ground. 

Rushing my way through the hallway to the bathroom I pushed through the door. Shutting it behind myself I plastered my body up against the door. “He can’t be here now…he said he would never live out here.” 

“Y/n, hey are you okay?” I heard Kaycee’s voice on the other side. 

I croaked feeling a tightness in my chest beginning to form. “I’m fine, Kayce. I’ll be out in a minute.” 

“Did I do something wrong. I should have listened to Beth when she said proposing was too soon for us.” 

I snapped at him. “No that’s not it.” 

“Then what has you freaked out?” Kayce asked with concern in his tone. 

I slowly turned around on my feet staring at the door figuring he was standing on the other side of the wooden door. “I saw my ex Dylan say my name out there. I never thought I’d see that abusive asshole again in my life.” Threading my fingers into my hair I knotted it up, sniffing through tears I didn’t want him to hear me sobbing. 

“Y/n, listen to me. Please let me in. I can hear you crying darling.” Kayce spoke to me and before I knew it he pushed the door open and stepped inside. He stands in front of me gently closing the door behind him so we had privacy and locked it too. “Y/n?…”

I parted my mouth open slightly, mumbling out his name until I broke down sobbing. “Kayce…” 

“Woah hey hey. Come here, darling.” He paused, opening his arms out for me. I raced into his embrace clutching the fabric of his brown jacket in my finger tips. 

I cried into his chest for the next few minutes until I lifted my head up and he wiped the fallen tears on my cheeks. “What if he’s here to try and win me back?” 

“That won’t be happening, baby. I love you and I’m hoping that you feel the same and I can slip a ring on ya. That sends a clearer message than anything…but only if you want to.” 

I squeezed his hands in mine realizing I never told him my answer. “Yes, yes I'll marry you Kayce.” 

He smiled reaching inside his jacket drawing out a ring. The ring was simple with one jewel in the middle that I got to look at when he slid it on my finger. “Don't worry about Dylan if he tries to come over and touch you I'll set him straight.” Kayce holds out his freehand and grabbed the door to open it with his other hand. 

“Thank you, Kayce.” I placed my hand in his and we walked back to our seats. The evening went fine till we tried to leave so Kayce did end up knocking my ex on the ground with a punch. Thankfully no charges were put on him since we later found out from the sheriff that my ex Dylan was plastered drunk. 

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[fanficforlife]

Chapter Eight

Kayce was wrapped around you, pulling you back against his chest as you reached to turn your alarm clock off. "Mmm, no."

"Yes. We both have to go to work." You groaned as you rolled onto your side to face him. 

When he stretched, his back cracked. "I love waking up next to you but your bed is too small. My bed's bigger." 

"Your room is right next to your dad's."

"So?" 

"You know what usually happens when we stay in the same bed."

"He won't care."

"I know but it's your dad."

"He knows I've been sleeping down here with you a few times a week and I'm pretty sure he knows we're not just sleeping most nights." He tickled your side and you squirmed.

"Stop." You giggled. His fingers stilled so you stopped wiggling. "I know that he knows we're not just sleeping but...I don't know...it would just be kind of weird having sex in the room next to his while he's in there."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." He pulled your naked body against his. "Plus, I like hearing you moan my name so I'd hate for you to have to be too quiet." 

"Kayce." Heat crept across your cheeks. 

The smirk you loved formed. "Not quite like that."

"No? Well, this might help a bit." You pushed him onto his back and straddled him. 

His hands ran up your thighs while his eyes traveled up your body. "Fuck, you're perfect."

Blush stained your cheeks and you leaned down to kiss him. "So are you." You smiled against his lips as your hand went between you. 

"Fuck, baby." He moaned when you sunk onto him. 

You began to ride him, your eyes never leaving his. His hands gripped your hips before one slid up your stomach and palmed your breast. He pinched your nipple and you clenched around him. "Kayc." You ground against him. 

He let out a ragged breath and his hand quickly left your hip so he could sit up. Your lips crashed together as he effortlessly lifted you so you could wrap your legs around him. He pushed back into you and the two of you began grinding against each other, hitting the right spot over and over again. His arm slid around you and up your back, holding you close, while his other hand dug into your hip. 

"Mmm." You moaned. One of your arms wrapped around his shoulders, your other hand slid into his hair. 

"Baby." He groaned and you knew he was close. You nodded breathlessly, right there with him. "Come for me, Letty." And, you did, moaning his name. He was seconds behind you, watching while you came undone in his arms. 

You both collapsed, a thin layer of sweat covering your bodies. "Wow." You said between gasps. 

"Yeah. You are without a doubt the most amazing woman in the world." He rolled you onto your back and propped himself up on his elbow to look down at you. His perfect smile donned his face. "Seriously, how can every time with you be even better than the last?"

"I guess we were just made for each other."

"You're god damn right we were." He leaned in and kissed you long and slow. When he pulled back you could see a hint of concern in his brown eyes. 

"What?" Your hand came up and brushed his hair off his forehead. 

"Are you still good with...everything?"

You knew he was referring to sex and everything that went along with it. "Yes, I'm good."

"I try to be gentle but sometimes I can't help it because you're well, you. I don't hold you too tight or push you around or-"

"Kayce," you smiled up at the kind, caring man you loved, "everything you do is perfect. He is the furthest thing from my mind when I'm with you. And, to be honest, I kinda like it when you take charge and manhandle me a bit." 

"I don't hurt you or-or scare you?"

"No. I know you would stop if I told you to and I know you wouldn't hurt me. It's just me and you every time we're together. whether it's you grabbing me to give me a kiss while I'm not paying attention or when we're doing more than kissing." A smile finally pulled at his lips and you rose to kiss it. "I love you."

"I love you more." 

You giggled softly. "Come on. We need to shower and get dressed before Tate gets up." 

"Yes, ma'am." But, he didn't. He leaned back against the headboard and watched you stand up. "I am the luckiest man in the whole damn world."

Your hand reached for the sheet that was covering the lower half of his body and pulled it off the bed. "And, I am the luckiest woman in the world." You bit your lower lip before wrapping the sheet around your naked body. "Hurry up or I'll be done before you get in there." A sweet smile pulled at your lips before you opened the door and poked your head out, making sure the coast was clear before you dashed across the hall with the sheet draped around you. 

*****

"Ready, baby?" Kayce asked as the two of you stood inside the fence, next to his horse and a chestnut mare. 

"I'm ready." His eyes surveyed your face and you giggled. Your hands came up to rest on his chest. "Kayc, how many times have I gone riding with you? Lots. I don't even know how many times. And, every time you've shown me how to do it. You've taught me how to sit, how to stop, everything. I'm ready."

"Okay."

You rose to your toes and looked into his worried brown eyes. "You don't have to be nervous. I had the best teacher on the ranch. I'll be fine." Your lips pressed against his. "Let's go."

A smile finally formed on his rugged face. "Get your sexy ass up there then." He chuckled when your cheeks darkened. "God, you're adorable."

"Stop." You gave him a gentle shove before climbing up and settling onto the saddle. "Hurry up and get your sexy ass up there slowpoke."

"Jeez, woman. What am I gonna do with you?" He smirked at you while he untied your horse from the fence railing before working on his. 

"You have until we get to the meadow to figure it out." You smirked back at him before you got your horse walking, quickly turning it into a run. 

"Letty!" He yelled before jumping onto his horse and bolting after you. When he caught up to you, you slowed your mare to a walk. "What do you think you're doing?!" He brought his horse alongside yours and grabbed the reigns so you couldn't run off again.

"I told you I had the best teacher." 

"You could have fallen off." 

You looked over at him. "Kace, I'm not made of glass." 

"I know but you've never gone by yourself before." 

"I have actually." A mischievous smile formed. "When you've all gone out checking fences or moving cows, your dad's been showing me. We thought it would be fun to surprise you." 

"You almost gave me a heart attack."

"Sorry." A giggle escaped and he gave you a playful scowl. "Do you think Storm will be okay to ride soon? It's not that I don't love this one," you pet the mare's neck that you were riding, "but-"

"But, she's not yours."

"Will she be strong enough to ride or, after everything she went through..."

His hand let go of the reigns and squeezed your thigh. "She's stronger because of what she went through." You knew he wasn't just talking about your horse. "Storm's doin' really good. She's a hundred times better than when she first got here, she's strong enough now. Next time you take her out walking in the corral, I'll bring a saddle and we can see how she does with it." You smiled at him and he smiled back. "Wait a second. You said you had the best teacher at the ranch. Did you mean me or Dad?"

"Your dad obviously." 

A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Uh-huh. Well, since you're such a good rider, let me see what ya got." 

"Race you the rest of the way?" Before he could answer, you and the mare were off. 

*****

"Violet?" Tate's voice drifted outside to where you were sitting on the porch. "Violet?!" The door opened and he stuck his head out. "Vi- Oh, there you are."

"Hi." You smiled as he stepped outside, followed by his dad.

Kayce leaned down and kissed you. "Morning, baby. How did ya sleep?" He sat down in the empty chair next to yours before taking a drink from his coffee mug. 

"Uh, Morning. I slept well. How about you?" You eyed the bruises on his face. 

"It coulda been better." 

Because last night he slept in his bed, not yours. The only time you, did see him yesterday was in the morning and he didn't have the bruises then so he had gotten into a fight with someone between then and now. He could see your wheels turning and he quickly took another drink. 

"What are ya doin'?" Tate looked down at your lap, which was filled with photographs. "Did you take these?" 

"Mhm." You answered shyly. 

"Wow! You're really good."

Your cheeks started to return red from Tate's compliment. "Thanks, bud."

"Shit. Babe, he's right."

"Dad."

Kayce chuckled at his son's serious tone. "Right. Sorry. No swearing." He turned his attention back to you. "You didn't tell me you liked photography."

"I umm, I took pictures for the yearbook in high school and of places around town. The city used some in travel brochures, the newspaper printed a few of them, I even sold some prints but after high school...life happened and I stopped. Being here, it makes we want to again." You looked at Kayce and who had a soft, knowing smile on his and you smiled back. "So, what are you up to today? Tired of summer holidays yet?"

"No! School sucks." Tate scrunched his nose in disgust. "Oh! Guess what?!" 

"What?"

"At breakfast, Grandpa said that since Dad's been working better, that me and Dad can move into the foreman's house."

Your eyes left Tate and went to Kayce, whose cheeks were a light shade of pink from embarrassment. "Really? That's exciting."

"Yeah! Wanna come help me pack up my room? I just need my toys and books, and my clothes. Grandpa said there's empty boxes in the storage room. Oh, wait. Do you have to work today?"

"I finished my work for the week yesterday so I have a three-day weekend. So, yes, I can come help you."

"Yay! I'll go help Grandpa get the boxes." 

"I'll be there soon."

"Okay." 

When the door closed behind him, you set the photos on the small side table nestled between the two chairs. "So."

"So." He reached for your hand and gave it a gentle tug. You went over and sat on his lap. "Uh..."

I won't start with his black and blue face then. "I thought Rip lived in the foreman's house."

"He does-did. Dad said, well, you heard Tate." Embarrassment flashed across his features again. "I've been doing better. I umm, I still get angry sometimes. I would never hurt you though. Never." He added quickly.

"I know you wouldn't." Your hand rested against the side of his neck, your thumb ran across his jaw carefully avoiding his bruised skin.

"I was the foreman but not really. I didn't act like it. I would lose my temper or not pay attention. Then you came. I wanted to be better, someone who was good enough for you because I sure as hell wasn't before."

"Kayc, you don't have to prove anything to me."

"Yes, I did. When I started getting back on track, Dad put me back in charge. Rip was doing it before."

Your eyes searched his face. "It was Rip."

"How..."

"The way you said his name." Your fingers trailed up and down his forearm while he held you.

His eyes went to your hand. "He just...he thinks he's always right. Especially, since he's been Dad's right-hand man since before I graduated. Then with everything that went on after...Tate, the navy." He looked up at you sheepishly but relaxed when he was met with your soft, caring eyes. "There's a rule on the ranch, no fighting and if you want someone to fight, it's the foreman. I admit Rip's been helpin' me work my way back up but yesterday he went off about something I said or didn't do, I can't even remember because it was stupid. I got mad and we fought. At least everyone knows who to fight now."

So he won. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

"I'm good, baby."

"So, I can kiss you?" You smiled.

A smile finally formed on his rugged face. "Come here." His hand slid into your hair and gently pulled you in. When you parted, Tate was standing there grinning. Kayce chuckled. "I guess it's time to start packing."

"I guess so."

"I get Violet!" Tate quickly grabbed your hand and you stood up.

"What if I want her to help me?"

"You wouldn't get anything done because you would just be kissin' the whole time." 

A light shade of red stained your cheeks. "Okay. Let's go." You grabbed your pictures before ushering the giggling boy inside, with his dad on your heels. 

"He isn't wrong though," Kayce whispered next to your ear before kissing the side of your head. 

You gave him a playful shove. "Get to work." 

"Yes, ma'am." He winked at you before grabbing the last two boxes that were sitting at the base of the stairs.

*

The second you crawled into bed, Kayce pulled you into his arms and you immediately cuddled against his side. "Mmm." You hummed in contentment as you rested your head on his shoulder. "This is nice."

"Mhm." His lips pressed a kiss on your forehead. "Thanks for your help today, baby." 

"You're welcome. How does it feel to be in your own house?"

"It feels good, except for the fact that you're not in the same house anymore."

You giggled and tilted your head to look up at him. "I'm only what, a one minute walk away?"

"Yeah, but we've been in the same house for the last six months." He held you tighter when you curled in closer to him.

"It's hard to believe I've been here that long."

"Do you still like it here?"

"There's nowhere else on earth I would rather be." You stated after looking up at him. 

He leaned in and your lips met for a long, sweet kiss before you settled back into his arms. "How come you stopped taking pictures? He was a piece of shit but even he couldn't have denied that you were amazing at it."

"After high school, I was going to work for a year to save up some money then go to school for photography. When Nick and I started dating he was okay with it. When I got back acceptance letters from the schools I applied to it was a couple weeks before my Mom died. She really wanted me to go. She was always really supportive." A sad smile graced your lips at the memory of her. "After she died Nick said he didn't want me to go. He said he would miss me too much, and he couldn't go with me because he just started working. And, it was too soon after she died so I wouldn't be able to focus at school. I should stay and move in with him because I couldn't afford a place of my own. I could apply again next year and he could come with me. When it was time to apply again he said he couldn't get transferred yet because it was still too soon."

"He could've though?"

"Yeah. When I found out I got mad but he said he did it for me. He said it was because I wouldn't make it through school let alone do it as a career. I wasn't that good. He told me it was because he couldn't leave yet so he didn't hurt my feelings. Then he went on about how I didn't have to work because his family was rich...I stopped doing it after that."

"Baby."

"It's okay. Being with him brought me here." You placed your hand on his cheek. "And, being here, being with you, it makes me want to again." 

"He knew you were great at it, he just didn't want you to go because he was scared and jealous. If you want to go back to school for it, you should. I'm not going anywhere."

A smile pulled at the corners of your mouth as you tilted your head to look at him. "I'm perfectly happy doing what I am now. And, with Nick...I couldn't if I wanted to." He would find me...

"If you wanted to, I wouldn't let him anywhere near you."

"I know you wouldn't." Your heart swelled. The blanket slid around your waist as you left his side and climbed on top of him. You bent down, keeping your face inches from his. "I love you, Kayce."

"You have no idea how much I love you, Violet. " His hand slid into your hair and pulled you in. Your lips met for a slow kiss. The longer it carried on the steamier it became. After a few minutes, you both couldn't wait any longer. 

Your hand pulled his boxers down just as far as they needed to before pulling your underwear to the side. A breathy moan left your lips when you sunk down onto him. He reached up and pulled you back down to crash his lips into yours. His lips parted so his tongue could explore your mouth. You continued to ride him and it wasn't long until you were close. "Kayc." 

"Almost, baby." He gripped your hips and pounded into you. 

"Mmm." The heat pooling in your core began to build rapidly. "Oh, god." His movements began to get messy and you knew he was on the edge. You ground into him once more before you both came together. 

When you both came down from your highs, you collapsed next to him. His arms wrapped around you and tucked you against his side. "You could move in here. We've been spending more nights than not together lately anyway."

"Kayc," you shifted slightly so you could see his dreamy hazel eyes, "I love you and love spending the night with you but I think it should just be you and Tate here. I can still come and spend the night sometimes but moving in..."

He knew what you were thinking. "I know you're still scared that he's going to find you and you'll have to leave. You don't want to get too close." He moved onto his side to face you. His hand slid across your cheek and into your hair. "Violet, even if he does figure out that you're here, he is never going to get within a hundred feet of you. Everyone here will make sure of that. You're safe."

You nodded. "It's not just that." Your tongue slipped out and licked your dry lips. "You make me happy, happier than I have ever been. I'm scared of getting too close because if it ends, if we break up- I don't know what I would do without you and Tate."

"Baby, you are going to be stuck with me for the rest of your life." He stated firmly, his brown eyes pierced yours. You sniffed as tears welled in your eyes. A smile pulled at his lips while his thumb ran across your cheek. "I love you more than I ever thought was possible." Your lips met for a thorough, heartfelt kiss before he pulled you flush with his body. He swallowed your moan as the kiss became more passionate. 

A sensual giggle left your lips when he climbed between your legs. You hooked your legs around his waist, pulling him closer.

"I can never get enough of you." 

"Right back at you." 

He smirked down at you before attacking your neck. 

*****

Kayce made you wait in the truck while he got out and came around to your side, opening the door for you. 

"Thank you." You smiled. 

His hand immediately wrapped around yours. "I know going to a bar when we both don't drink seems stupid but they have the best burgers around. And, I know they're one of your favorites." 

"You're the best." A giggle left your lips as you wrapped yourself around his arm. When you got to the entrance he let go of your hand and opened the door for you before placing it on the small of your back and guiding you inside. "I thought the ranch was cowboy, country-ish but this place..." 

There were wood beams and posts, the bar was wood and the walls were clad in wood paneling. That's where the similarities between the lodge and the bar ended. Bottles of beer were put in metal pails with ice and served to you, there were neon signs with the names of popular beer brands. A large American flag hung on the wall. The floors were sheets of plywood and had the occasional piece of straw lying around that had been brought in by the cowboy boots that adorned everyone's feet. 

"Yeah, it's nothin' fancy. We couldn't come here before because if we did come to town, Tate's been with us. I should've picked a better place for our first date off the ranch but you don't like fancy and food-"

"Food definitely wins." You finished with a grin. "Speaking of which, you mentioned something about burgers."

Kayce chuckled and slid his arm around your waist. "Let's find a table." As you moved through the crowded building towards a few empty tables, he kept pulling you closer and closer to his side. 

You assumed it was because it was date night but even after you ordered your food, he sat on your left instead of across the small square table you were at. He also kept moving his chair closer and touching your hand or arm. Not uncommon since he was touchy-feely but not while his shoulders were squared. It wasn't until a man with a plaid shirt and brown cowboy hat came up to your table that you realized why. 

"Kayce Dutton, is that you? I haven't seen you in god knows how long." He greeted even though his focus was entirely on you. "And, who is this fine thing? You're not from around here. I would've remembered someone as gorgeous as you."

Your boyfriend tensed up while he glared at the man. You placed your hand on Kayce's arm, silently begging him to calm down. 

"Now I know why we haven't seen you in town lately. You've been shacked up with this sweet little thing at your daddy's house."

Kayce stood up abruptly, his chair falling back in the process. "Watch your fucking mouth."

"Easy tiger." The man chuckled and turned his hungry eyes back to you. "We went to high school together. I'm Jesse Miller. And, you are?"

"Not interested." 

He clutched his shirt above his heart. "Ouch. You really know how to break a guy's heart."

"It's time for you to leave." Kayce fumed.

Jesse rolled his eyes before grinning at you. "I'll see you around, beautiful." 

Your boyfriend's chest heaved, his fists started to come up, but Jesse left, rejoining his friends at the bar. 

"Hey." Your hand wrapped around his fist, which unclenched. His fingers mixed with yours. You gave a gentle tug and he sat down on his chair that a server had picked up on their way by during the confrontation. 

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Are you?"

"I should've hit him for how he talked to you, for ruining our date." He started getting tense again so you ran your thumb across the back of his. 

"He didn't ruin our date." You slid your chair closer to his and leaned in.

He did the same. "No?"

"No." Your lips pressed against his. When you pulled back, your teeth tugged on his lower lip. He let out a low growl and you giggled sensually. "Burgers first."

"And, you for dessert." His hand quickly slid into your hair and pulled you back in. This time you moaned when the brief yet toe-curling kiss ended. "Fuck, you're cute." 

Your cheeks flushed as your server set your burgers and fries in front of you. After you both thanked her and she left, you brushed your foot against your cowboy's denim-covered shin. "I have a feeling you're going to need your energy for dessert so eat up."

"Yes, ma'am." He smirked the smirk that drove you crazy before picking up his burger.

*

"Okay, you were right about the burgers here. They are amazing. I'm so full, I can barely move."

Kayce chuckled and slung his arm around your shoulders, pulling you against him. He was about to say something when a cocky voice cut in. 

"Leaving so soon, sweetheart?" 

Your hold on Kayce's hand tightened as you continued walking past Jesse.

"Awe, come on, baby." Jesse's hand wrapped around your wrist. "I'm a hundred times more of a man than this loser ever will be." 

"Get your fucking hand off her." Kayce spat. His old high school classmate released your arm and Kayce tucked you behind him. 

"Can we go?" You asked your boyfriend, who was rigid with anger and shooting daggers at Jesse with his eyes. 

"Run off and have your fun," Jesse smirked as he looked you up and down. "She'll be in my bed after because you couldn't satisfy her." 

Your boyfriend's fist connected with the smug cowboy's face. "Kayce. Kayce, stop." He hit him a total of three times before his friends, who were at the bar with him, rushed to his side. 

"I'm good. I'm good." Jesse said, stopping them from retaliating. He cracked his jaw and let out a chuckle. "The Navy taught you how to fight. I hear they taught ya how to kill too."

"Stay the fuck away from her," Kayce pronounced each word firmly, harshly. 

"You make it sound like a challenge," Jesse's eyes bore into you, "everyone knows I never back down from a challenge."

The look in his eyes made you cower against Kayce. "Can we go? Please." 

He immediately turned his attention to you. "Yeah, baby. Let's go home." His arm wrapped around your waist and pulled you against him when he saw you shaking. When you got to the truck, instead of going to the passenger door, he guided you to the driver's side. 

You climbed up and stayed in the middle of the bench, wanting to be close to him. He reached across your lap and pulled you flush with his side before starting the truck and driving off. 

"I'm sorry." The fingers on his right hand nervously fiddled with the hem of your dress. "What he said, the way he looked at you, grabbing your wrist; it wasn't right. He deserved it. I'm sorry if I scared you or if it made you think of him."

Memories of Nick had played through your head when Kayce got mad when he hit him, but he didn't need to know that. It would just make him more upset. "You don't have to apologize, Kayc." You wrapped yourself around his arm, reassuring him. "Jesse or whatever his name is creeped me out but that's it."

"You don't have to worry about him, baby. He's not going to touch you. I'll make sure of it." 

After kissing his cheek, you cuddled against him, letting out a content sigh. He kissed your head and the rest of the drive was spent in a comfortable silence.

****************************************************

Tag: @saintnourah

[keep-the-wolves-close]

Steady Heart

Chapter 32: Destiny

* Pairing: Slow-burn Kayce Dutton x OFC Stella Daniels

* Rating: M

* Warnings: language, despair, angst, dealing with first time killing, smut, p in v sex, unprotected sex, creampie

* Word count: 4,604ish

I would love to give credits to @dameronscopilot and @deanscroissant for being sounding boards for me during this whole process, giving outsider insight, being cheerleaders, and allowing me to screech at them about things that have happened during the writing process. I seriously couldn't have gotten this far without y'all

Author's note: All I have to say is finally. Good lord. You’ll all understand when we get there lol. I hope everyone is enjoying so far! I hope you love this chapter as well! One more before I take a break to get some actual writing done.

The sound of the door being opened woke Stella with a jump. When it was daylight and she teetered on the edge of consciousness, it had been fine that she was by herself. She hadn’t thought about what it would be like after dark. She quietly sat up. She tried to listen for any recognizable sound.

The boot falls she would recognize anywhere. They belonged to Kayce. Her heart rate started to slow again. He opened the door a crack, just enough that he was able to see into where she was on the bed. She looked back at him and blinked sleepily.

“Hey cowboy.” Her voice was quiet, scratchy.

He smiled softly at her, “Hey Stellfire,” he opened the door a bit more and leaned against the door frame. “How’re you doin’?”

“I mean, isn’t that kind of a loaded question after… Wait, what day is it?”

“It’s the same day. It’s late though.”

She groaned and threw herself back onto Kayce’s pillows. “It couldn’t have at least been the next day before I woke up?”

“No, you know how our luck runs, but your brother also wanted you to be checked on. He was about to come up here himself, but I figured I would spare you.”

“My hero, thank you. Seriously. I don’t know if I can talk to him just yet.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s somehow going to turn into a lecture and I really don’t feel like being lectured right now.”

“Oh you mean how he and Colby tried to interrogate me as to why I answered your phone?”

“What do you mean they tried to interrogate you? About what?” Stella swept the sheets off and stood. “That you’re probably the main reason I made it out of that bullshit alive?”

“Hold on there, spitfire.” Kayce put his arm across the door frame to keep her from going out the bedroom door. He looked down at her. She was shorter without her boots. He wasn’t sure he’d ever stopped to think about it before. He had to clear his throat to keep from laughing at the cute scrunch of her face, her eyes squinted hard trying to focus in the dark without her glasses. “He just cares. Which you should be worrying about yourself right now. Not me. I can handle your brother.”

She crossed her arms, and squinted at him in the dim lighting.

“You should also probably get your glasses if you’re gonna be awake with me for a while.” She shoved him, silently telling him to fuck off.

“I guess I’ll stay up for a little whil—,” she realized she didn’t have pants on as the comforter brushed against her leg when she reached for her glasses. Kayce seemed to be ignoring her lack of pants, or it truly went unnoticed. “I’ll meet you out there in a second.”

After Stella heard him wander off, she searched for her black sweatpants. They had to be here somewhere. She had them on when she got back to the ranch. She looked on the bed. They weren’t there. They weren’t on the arm chair, the dresser or the floor. Anywhere on the floor.

“Where the fu—,”

“Lookin’ for these?” Kayce said in an amused tone. His arm was outstretched through the door, her black sweats dangled from his hand.

“Kayce John give me those!” She reached out and snatched them while he laughed and walked away.

His voice sounded far away in the living room. “What are they doing out here anyway?”

Stella walked through the door and into the kitchen, “I wish I could tell you, but I came in here and after I opened the door, I don’t remember anything else.”

She padded her way into the little living room. She sat down cross legged and faced Kayce on the couch. The quiet enveloped them both. She uncrossed her arms and looked at her hands. They started to shake as reality started to set in again. She killed someone with those hands. Two someones. She had snuffed the life out of them and couldn’t take it back. Yes, she had witnessed death more times than she should have at this point in her life. But she’d never been responsible for it.

“Kayce, what the fuck.” She leaned forward as a wave of nausea overtook her stomach, her face nearly touched the couch. He leaned over and rubbed her back. He chewed on his bottom lip as he tried to find the words. There was nothing he could say to make it any better. It definitely wouldn’t change the course of action she had taken.

“I know, sugar. You did what you had to do. To stay here. Alive, and with us. Like you said, they were coming for you and they weren’t stopping.”

“But I should have shot their knees or something. I didn’t have to go for their heads, Kayce. Fuck!” She moaned as she sat up. She ran her hands down her face. She started to hyperventilate.

“Stella,” he scooted closer and grabbed her hands bringing them down to her lap, “Stella, look at me,” he grabbed her full round cheeks. She stopped all forms of movement. She almost stopped breathing.

“Yeah?” Her voice was small.

“You did what you had to do. And if I’m right, he was a bad man—,” Stella interrupted and pulled back from his hands.

“— that doesn’t make it fucking better Kayce.”

“Yes it does actually.”

“What the actual fuck?!” Her temper raised her voice to a higher octave. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“You’re here with me and I don’t have to do this alone!”

Everything went silent. Both of them breathed heavier than normal as their blood pressure came back down. Stella blinked at Kayce, but he wouldn’t look at her. It wasn’t very often that you would find him raising his voice to her. She wasn’t sure what to do with the admission. Especially since the talk they had a few weeks ago. She hadn’t taken into account how important she was to him before. How crucial she still was, apparently.

“Look at me.” Her tone was soft. She didn’t want to scare him into leaving. She realized that he had been just as scared about her dying as she was. He took his time, but finally looked at her.

“I’ve always been your Huckleberry, Kayce. Why do you think Lee joked about us being attached at the hip?” Stella fidgeted with her hands and tried to keep her mind busy. “I made a promise to your brother that I would do almost anything for you and the family. You’re all Ryan and I have. You’ve done everything for us. I’m glad I’m still here. With you.” She reached out and grabbed his hand.

“The point I’m trying to make is that regardless of whether or not they were bad men, there’s still blood on my hands. How do I come back from that? I just—,” the lump in her throat cut her off. She puffed out air. She tried to catch her breath, but the thoughts stole it from her.

He brushed a strand of hair away from her face. He cupped her full cheeks to make her bring her eyes to his. He could see her starting to calm down.

“Baby, it’s okay. Whatever it is, we're gonna get through it together, alright?” He used the words she’d used for him time and time again.

Stella nodded, “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course Stella. You know you can always ask me anything.”

She hesitated. She felt childish asking this, but she really didn’t want to be alone. “Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?” Kayce smiled at her affectionately. The small way she asked was endearing.

“Come on, let’s go to bed.” He stood from the couch and grabbed her hand to lead her back to the bedroom. Stella felt her stomach tighten. She had been in and around Kayce in a bedroom plenty of times. They’d slept together for crying out loud. Something felt different now, and she wasn’t sure if she was overthinking it this time, or if something had actually shifted. She was torn, wanting to forgive him because he had saved her life, but also not wanting to because that shit had really hurt.

He walked in before her and pulled the covers down. He placed his hat off to the side and started to take off his boots. Stella was nervous and didn’t want to move more than she had too. He gazed over at her and could see the anxious look in her eyes.

Kayce assured her. “It’ll be okay. I promise. I’ll be in the house all night.”

Stella broke out of her daze and busied herself. She made her way to the bedside as Kayce took off his jeans. She sat down and watched him grab a pair of his own sweatpants. She bit her lip and looked away.

“How can you be sure? There’s so many places people can sneak onto the property and we all would be none the wiser.” Stella thought of all the different ways people could sneak in. She took her glasses off and set them on the nightstand on her side of the bed.

“Well, even if they do find a way in, we’ve got an entire group of people that will stop them.”

“I would rather it didn’t come to that though.” She didn’t want to endanger anyone else, more than she already had.

Kayce breathed out as he placed himself on the full size bed next to her. Stella scooted back toward the edge of her side.

He grinned. “I promise I won’t bite, Stell.”

“I know, I know. I just don’t wanna be all up in your grill.”

“At least make yourself comfortable. You don’t have to squeeze all the way over there.” He pulled the covers up over his lower half. Kayce placed his arm back against the headboard as if leaving a space for her to slide in. Stella squinted at him, unsure of what was happening.

Kayce reassured her. “Well c’mon.” She gnawed on her lip for an extra second and contemplated. She couldn’t help but feel like a line was being crossed somewhere. The exhaustion creeped in. ‘Whatever, I’ll deal with this later.’ She dismissed the idea. ‘That’s a later me problem.’

Stella shuffled underneath the blankets. She moved a fraction closer to Kayce, to which he huffed. He pulled her into his side.

“Since when did you become scared of me, huh?” He framed his arm around her shoulders giving her a gentle squeeze.

“I’m not scared of you. I just don’t want to be vulnerable again. We know how that ended up last time.”

Stella focused on whatever she could in front of her. There had been a lot that happened within the last 24 to 48 hours. She felt like the only thing she could do was be quiet. Some of the thoughts that ran through her mind still made her feel physically sick. Some of them left her uncertain. Her head was all over the map. How could she be thinking that something had changed between Kayce and she, when she had killed two people not long ago? Where did that make sense?

“I just think I’m tired, Kace.” Stella migrated farther into the blankets, but remained encircled in Kayce’s arm. “Can you turn the light off please?” The full weight of his arm dropped against her. He didn’t want her to clam up on him. He wasn’t sure what to do. He kissed the top of her head and leaned over to turn out the light.

It had only been a few hours since they had wandered into the bedroom. Kayce’s full intention had been to head out to the couch once she fell asleep. He woke up as he felt her rutch around. She was making small noises. Even faced away from him, he could tell she was troubled. She flopped back over and faced him again. She reached out and grasped his tank top.

He reached out for her. “Stella, honey.” One hand grabbed hers on his chest, the other touched her face lightly. He rubbed her rosy cheek and tried to pull her out of the nightmare.

“Stella.” Kayce said more firmly. Her eyes flew open as she breathed in a gulp of air. Her arms flailed as she grappled to get her hands on anything she could to keep herself from falling.

“Hey, hey, hey. It’s okay, Stella. I’m right here. You’re safe. You’re in the foreman’s house. Everything is alright.” Kayce told her quickly. He brushed the stray hairs from her face. She heaved trying to catch her breath making high pitched wheezes come out. She pushed his hands away, and kicked at his legs.

Kayce tucked his leg over top of hers, grabbed both of her wrists in one hand and brought them close to his chest. He laid himself over on top of her to weigh her down some. He leaned into her, as close to her face as he could get. He had to get her to stop struggling.

“Stella!” She drew back into the pillows. Her eyes fully locked in on Kayce, and she realized was safe. They both puffed and panted. Her short bursts of breath moved the hair in Kayce’s face. Their eyes locked and Stella froze. Time appeared to stand still.

“Come back to me, Stell.” He let go of her wrists and she touched his face. She had to make sure this was real, and wasn’t about to transition into a horrible scene.

“Oh my god, Kayce.” Her arms shot out and hugged him tight. As he dropped, he moved to his side. He rolled her with him and kept her in his grasp. She buried her face as far into his neck as she could and started to cry. “I’m a horrible person. I killed someone. I can’t take it back. I should be arrested, or in jail! But no, I had to call you, and now all of you are wrapped up in my fuckin’ mess too.”

He placed his hand on the back of her head. “Shh shh, it’s okay baby. It’s okay.” His heart broke all over again for her. He wished he would have gotten to that last man before she had to kill him. He would have gladly placed that on his shoulders, so she didn’t have to bear it.

“No! It’s not okay! I put everyone in danger—,” she hiccuped with tears.

“Baby, I came for you. I got you safe, and you did what you had to. You didn’t force any of us to do anything we wouldn’t.”

Stella got frustrated. She pushed back and away from Kayce. “Why do you keep calling me that! You made your feelings very evident when you ripped me apart!” She sat up and swiped angrily at her face. “You don’t get to call me that!”

“I don’t know!” He sat up and fixed his gaze on her. She glared at him. “I can’t do this anymore. You know we’re more than friends at this point.”

“No. No. I’m not doing this right now.” She started to panic. She clambered from underneath the tangled sheets on her legs.

“Stella, where are you going?” Kayce scrambled to get out of the bed behind her.

“Away from you!” She hurried and snagged her boots. She could hear his footsteps behind her. Her hand landed on the door knob and she started to swing the door open. It slipped from her hand violently as it was pushed shut by Kayce’s much larger hand. She gaped at Kayce’s arm and spun around and scowled up at him while dropping her boots.

He towered above her. With his hand on the door, his presence felt so much bigger. Their eyes finally met. They both huffed wildly. Stella felt warm. The whole room felt like it was on fire. She rammed her hands into his chest and tried to shove him backward. He moved, but swung back forward, keeping her surrounded.

“Kayce let me go!”

“No Stella. Not until you simmer down.”

“That’s not gonna happen with you in my face!” She shoved at him again. He grappled with her hands. Kayce yanked on them and straightened her back against the wall. He pressed himself against Stella’s body as close as he could get, then maneuvered his leg in between hers. That caused her to hike up, almost on her tiptoes. It made her lose her breath. She was taken over by a memory of that first time in her house.

Kayce gripped her chin in his hand. “Stella, stop. Focus.” She glowered at him. “I will let you go, but I need you to calm down. I don’t want you leaving here in a huff and getting hurt because you left unprepared.”

“Oh my god. I don’t need you to fuckin’ baby me.”

“I’m not babying you! I’m trying to make sure you don’t die!”

“Why?!” She screeched. “No one signed you up for that!”

“Because I fucking love you okay!” He let her go and she dropped back onto her feet. Kayce retreated and turned away from Stella. His shoulders dropped and he wiped his face with his hands.

The silence that enveloped the room was deafening. Stella sagged back against the door while she tried to catch her breath. She stared at his back, her mouth hung open, unsure of what to say. In a small voice, she asked simply, “Why?”

Kayce picked his head up, but he didn’t turn around. “Because after everything that’s happened in my life in the last 13 years, good, bad, horrible… you’ve never run.” Stella looked down at the floor. She went to adjust her glasses, but realized she had never grabbed them in her hurried temper tantrum. “Hell, even when I told you what I had done after Lee… you still, never ran.”

“I know I can always count on looking up and seeing you somewhere ready to fight anyone coming for me, or die trying.” She heard his feet move on the floor, but refused to look up. He placed his hand gently under her chin to bring her eyes up to meet his. Once she did, he released her face.

“I couldn’t breathe when I heard you scream and those gunshots, Stella. I thought I was gonna run to you, and you would be gone. My heart stopped.” He opened his arms in an offered hug. Stella sniffled and moved forward into the embrace. “I’m happy it was him and not you. I’ll say that every time. No matter if we got the chance to change it, or not.” Kayce said softly into her ear.

Muffled from his chest came the hushed admission. “I’m really glad it was you who came and had my back.” He softly smiled and put his chin on her head.

Stella stared at his chest. All the thoughts rushed through her mind at once. She leaned back to take a good look at him. When his eyes met hers, everything ceased. She threaded her hand through his hair and stood on her tiptoes to meet his lips halfway. Kayce wrapped his arms tighter around her, pulling her closer like she was his source of air. Their tongues danced along one another and Kayce let out a quiet hum.

She pulled back, leaning her arms on his shoulders. Kayce gazed down at her as if she held the universe in her palm. She timidly looked up at him in contemplation. The last time they allowed this to happen had been a whirlwind. Kayce watched her mind work.

Was she ready to forgive him? Of course she forgave him. She would probably always forgive him. They were both human and when all of that went down they were both vulnerable in different ways. They sought out comfort and safety with each other. Did it make it right that they both took advantage of each other? Absolutely not. But did coming to the realization they both weren’t perfect make it easier to swallow? Did she think they could work things out? Yes.

Amidst all the weirdness, he had put that aside when she needed someone the most. He’d saved her. She wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t rushed out to her. Was she ready to let him back in for real this time, was the question. His hand on her cheek brought her back to reality.

“You okay, Stell?”

A tiny grin settled on her cheeks. She placed her hand on his chest and with a hushed tone said, “come to bed with me.” Gently she grabbed his hand and led him to the bedroom.

Her heartbeat pounded in her chest so hard she could barely catch her breath. “Keep me safe.” She whispered. It was about more than just the act they were about to engage in. She wanted him to be careful with not only her body, but her mind. Her heart.

Kayce stepped forward, and kissed her softly. He reached down and wrapped the bottom of her plain white t-shirt in his fingers. Tugging upward, Stella instinctively lifted her arms to let the garment slide up and off. When it slipped over her head, her breasts dropped free of the shirt. They bobbed with her heavy breaths from her nerves.

Kayce took off his shirt to join her and tossed both to the side. The duo grabbed the waistband of their pants and quickly dropped them to the floor. They stood there taking each other in. He closed the gap between them and took her mouth with his. Stella met him with open arms. Kayce turned them about face and laid back on the bed, bringing her with him.

Neither of them came up for air as they slowly descended onto the mattress. Stella’s hand trailed its way from his chest, along his stomach. The muscles tightened as her fingers flitted along closer to their goal. Her soft fingers wrapped around his dick. Kayce broke their kiss to groan.

Stella placed soft kisses along his jaw and shoulder. She stroked his cock with a soft grip and loose wrist. With every pass of her hand she swore it hardened even more. He looked beautiful in this moment to her. His head was back against the pillows, lips parted, eyes closed. She gave him gentle direction. “Hey look at me.”

Kayce’s eyes shot open, searching for hers. When he found her, she was watching herself jerking his dick with her bottom lip pulled in between her teeth. She released her lip and looked back at him. The desire he saw in her almost stopped his heart. His penis throbbed and jumped in her hand.

She lazily sat up and pulled her hair free from the messy bun that sat atop her head. Kayce propped himself up on his elbows and groaned at the lack of contact, but her hand on his shoulder stopped him. Stella threw her leg over his hips and straddled him. He placed his hands on her thighs and gave them a squeeze.

Posting up, he reached between them and grabbed himself to help her aim. He pumped his cock a few times and he slid himself between her slick folds. Stella tossed her hair to the side and sunk down onto him. She watched him disappear into her waiting pussy. The sound she made was almost a purr when he was fully sheathed. Her head fell back and her eyes fluttered shut at the sensation of being full.

Kayce grabbed her arms and pulled her down to his chest. He propped his legs up on flat feet, pulling her in to kiss her. His tongue found its way into her mouth and she responded with a moan. Gradually he thrusted his hips upward. Stella’s waist came to life and ground down on his cock in time with his thrusts.

It was lazy and it was slow. There was no rush, and every feeling built upon the last one. Stella pushed back and sat up straight. She wound her pelvis against his. There was a particular angle he noticed she hitched at. When she came around again Kayce snapped his cock up into her dripping cunt. She buckled forward, catching herself on his chest. She kept winding her center against him. The electricity from him hitting that angle ran through to her toes. She whispered breathelessly, “fuck, Kayce.”

“I know, sugar. Lay down.” He helped her up off him. When she was settled he got comfortable on top of her. She subconsciously surrounded his waist with her legs. He angled his cock at the entrance to her pussy and dove back in. Stella embraced him, burying her face in his neck. Kayce’s hand trailed back along her side, and up her leg to lend her support.

He drove his cock into her slow and deep. Each time he hit her cervix she huffed out a moan. Stella was so overwhelmed with how deep he was she scratched at his back. “Kayce,” she mewled. “Shit.” She wasn’t sure how much more she could handle.

Kayce rolled his hips in a circle and felt Stella clench around him. “Fuck, Stella,” he sighed shakily. “You gonna cum for me?” He thrusted sharply when she squeezed him again.

“Yes, yes!” She cried out. “Please,” she begged. Her arms left his neck and she grabbed his midsection, spurring him into action.

He rose up on his hands and Stella grabbed her legs behind the knees to keep herself spread for him. He almost came at the sight. Kayce locked his elbows and pounded into her from the close angle, pushing deep into her. Small grunts left him from the effort. He felt his release rising.

Stella felt as tears lined her eyes. The pleasure absorbed her. “Kayce, cum in me,” she requested soberly.

Kayce’s thrusts stuttered, “oh fuck,” he groaned at her invitation.

She reached up to touch any part of him she could reach. “That’s it cowboy, come on. Cum in me.” Kayce dropped overtop of her and hammered into her. He growled louder with every push. Their keening grew in volume and he felt his cum shoot out into her begging cunt. He shook and stuttered. Stella sobbed with her orgasm.

They laid there intertwined with each other, trying to come back down from the high. Stella came to sooner and brushed Kayce’s hair back from his face. His eyes slowly opened and he smiled up at her.

“I’ll be right back.” He tenderly pulled out of her and shuddered at the loss of contact. He quickly went to the bathroom and turned on the water in the sink. While he waited for it to heat up, he cleaned himself up, and grabbed a separate rag to run under the water.

Stepping back into the room, he gazed at Stella laying there, knees bent and feet flat in the bed. “Come to the edge baby.” She slid herself to the end of the bed and he took the wet rag and softly wiped his cum off of her.

“We made a mess, didn’t we?” She asked shyly.

He chuckled. “Nothin’ a washer won’t fix.” He finished cleaning her up and threw the washcloth into the hamper.

“Can we go back to bed, and deal with this during normal hours?” Stella asked as she placed her hand on his chest when he came back to her.

Kayce breathed a chuckle. “Yeah, c’mon, Stellfire.”

[ericaand]

i am so sorry for the comment i left, i was jus too excited!! no seriously though, i apologize. but since your taking requests for Kayce Dutton…

I would love it if you could write a bsfs to lovers??

Like maybe reader grew up on the ranch with the Duttons bc she had some connection to one of the ranch hands or jus was bsfs with one of the Dutton siblings so she became Kayces bsf. Maybe he and Monica split up or they were never together (you decide) and maybe some SERIOUS AMAZING TENSION WITH THE BEST LOVE CONFESSION😍

again, thank you! and i’ll keep requesting as long as this writers block is here bc i need me and love me some Kayce!!

Seriously had a ton of fun writing this. Enjoy, and send MORE! Please.

Pairing: Kayce Dutton x Fem!Reader

Words: Almost 2k.

Warnings: slight mentions of blood. underage alcohol use. That's about it.

"You know, I hate how much I care about you." Kayce's eyes burn into yours, scanning from right to left continually.

He balls his hand into a fist and speaks through clenched teeth, "Because I know..."

He pauses, loosens his stance, and hangs his head sighing, "I shouldn't."

Earlier that day:

Driving down the familiar driveway, you began to reminisce on all the time you spent on the ranch as a child. With each spin of your tires, the car filled with dust; the smell taking you back to a time when things were easy, and playing with boys was just that: playing.

You hadn't returned to the ranch since your best friends, Kayce and Monika, married. It was too much. Too much pain. Too much hurt. Too much love.

In fact, you weren't even sure you could consider them your best friends anymore. Now, they were each other's best friend. And you? You were just the third wheel now. Sure, you talk to Monika on occasion, mostly through texting. But even that hadn't happened in months. There hasn't been any contact with Kayce at all. Except for the occasional grocery store visit. But even then, it's not like it used to be. Your hellos now feel hollow. But at least the goodbyes don't hurt as much anymore.

You weren't really sure what to expect when you got to the ranch. You knew John and Beth, and Rip would probably be happy to see you; you never really saw them at all anymore. The ranch hands were always fun to spend time with. But now, it feels different. Now, the childhood magic has drifted away, not just from the ranch but from you.

You continue to drive, spotting the tall white silo. Instantly, you're envisioning three little kids chasing after each other, round and round the silo. The side of your mouth curves into a smirk.

You put it in park and take a deep breath, leaning your head back and closing your eyes. When you've conjured up enough courage, you step out and make your way toward the corral. Your steps are slow, hands in your back pockets, head down; until you hear someone yell.

"Y/N! That you?"

You look up to see Rip, slowly trotting over to you with a smile. You tilt your head and smile with a shrug.

"Well, I'll be damned! If it ain't little Y/N." He swings his leg around the horse and graciously hops down. He wraps his arms around you, as you wrap yours around his waist.

He grips your shoulders and pushes you away from himself. "Let me get a good look at ya." He clicks his tongue a few times as he shakes his head.

"You look just like your momma. Beautiful. Whatcha doin' here, kid?"

"Well, looks like you and your boys are obviously starving." You say sarcastically, waving your hand toward the horse corral. "You're lookin at the new Dutton Ranch chef. John called me a while back and asked if I could come help out while Gator was away. I couldn't turn it down. I mean, who says no to John?"

"I sure as hell don't." Rip lets out a quick breath. "See ya later, kid. Can't wait for dinner. I always miss your mommas cooking."

You make your way to the house slowly, letting the wind flow through your hair. You stop dead in your tracks when you spot the small circle of Adirondack chairs in the front yard.

You recall it being the last weekend of summer, all those years ago. A soda bottle filled with whiskey from John's stash was being passed around between the three of you. The fire gently lights the faces of your friends. All that was heard was the crackling, the laughter, and the crickets.

"Dance with me?" The boy with dusty blonde hair reached his hand out to you. You took his hand as he delicately helped you out of your chair.

You draped your arms over his shoulders, as you began to sway slowly. Although the musk of whiskey was strong, you could smell faint bits of his cologne; pine began to fill your nostrils.

"I've gotta pee!" Monika shouted, stumbling toward the house.

You rested your head on his chest as you both continued to sway in sync, his hands resting on your hips.

"This is so perfect, Kayce. I don't want it to end. The stars. The fire. You." You mumbled.

Kayce stopped moving and lifted your chin with his finger. "What?"

"You heard me." You smiled.

Kayce slowly began to dip his head down, until you both heard Monika assert herself by asking when it was her turn for a dance. Kind and caring Kayce pulled you back into a hug and kissed the top of your head, barely whispering, "Me neither."

"You gonna stand there all day? Or are you gonna come cook some supper?" Someone hollared from the porch.

You blinked to reality, seeing John leaning on one of the stone pillars. You smiled as you began to walk towards him, him now walking toward you.

"How are ya, darlin? We sure have missed seeing you around here." John says, pulling you in for a hug. "I'm sorry about your Mom. She was my favorite chef, you know. Well, you might change that."

"Thanks, Mr. Dutton. I missed it here, brings back a lot of memories though." You spoke into his chest.

"Its John, especially to you. You know that. Where's your stuff?"

"It's, uh, in the truck. Should I -" He cuts you off.

"Eh, well have Rip grab it later. Let me just show you where you'll be staying real quick."

John escorts you up a log staircase and to one of the bedrooms. After informing you where everything was, he motioned for you to follow him to the kitchen. Nothing had really changed in the Dutton home. Maybe some updated furniture, but that's about it. You almost felt like it was a time capsule.

The kitchen was small but extremely functional. You walked through, gently grazing your fingers across the beautiful stove. You turned to meet John's gaze.

"Things have changed a bit, but this will work for you, right?" He asked.

"Absolutely." You said with a smile.

"I'll leave you to it." He said, turning and walking away.

You pulled ingredients from the fridge and various cupboards, chopping and prepping. You began to feel the frustration build in you from not knowing your way around the kitchen. You grabbed a bottle of beer from the fridge, popped the top, and chugged as much as you could down in one gulp.

You tilted your head back to finish the bottle and turned to put it in the sink, only to be met with another body next to you. There stood Kayce with his back and hands leaning on the counter, smiling cheekily at you.

"Just like I remember." He said.

"Hi, Kayce." You replied, placing the bottle in the sink and going back to the stove.

"You know, I thought I was seein' a ghost." He laughed. "What're you doing here?"

Not taking your eyes from the stove, you replied. "You're looking at the new chef. I'm filling in for Gator while he's gone."

He nodded with pursed lips. "Well, I'm gonna go get washed up."

You turned and nodded with a smile, as he began to walk away. Why was Kayce here? Last you heard he was living on the reservation with Monika.

You filled large serving dishes with the meal for the night and began to place them in the middle of the table, in front of John, Kayce, and Beth.

"Enjoy, guys." You forced a quick nod, wiped your hands on your apron, and moved to leave the room.

"Y/N, stay. Eat. Please. You're not just a chef here. You're family." John spoke.

"Oh...okay. Uh, thank you." You said meekly, pulling your apron over your head and laying it over the back of a chair. Kayce slid the chair next to him out and gestured for you to sit. You obliged.

As you sat and ate, everyone caught up with each other's lives and reminisced about the good times that were had years ago. You noticed that your wine glass never seemed to be empty, but you didn't mind. There were a lot of emotions going on, so a little numbness was welcomed.

You couldn't help but notice that Kayce continually touched your shoulder with his, and you seemed to be the focus of his attention tonight. During dinner, you found out why Kayce was here, and not with his wife and son. He expressed that Monika wanted nothing to do with the ranch and didn't feel it was a good place for Tate. She told him she needed space.

As dinner finished, you piled the family's plates on top of yours and began to balance them into the kitchen, only to realize upon standing that you were much more inebriated than you thought. Before you could even stop it, one plate fell right after the other; shattering on the ground.

The tears began to flow, out of embarrassment and fear combined. You quickly dropped to your knees and attempted to pick up the tiny pieces scattered all around. Unknowingly, while picking up the shards of plates, you were also cutting small slices into your hands. You felt hands on your shoulders.

"Y/N? What happened? Stop, stop. It's okay." Kayce shouted.

You stood and brought your shakey hands over the sink, small drops of blood dripped into the basin.

"I thought I could do this. I thought I could come back here. I figured it'd been enough time. I didn't know it would hurt so much. Between everything that happened with you. And now with Mom..." You cried.

Kayce stepped behind you, his chest pressed to your back. He turned on the faucet, took your hands in his, and gently rinsed each finger and cut slowly. You leaned your head back against his collarbone, wincing at the water stinging your nerves.

After he finishes rinsing your hands, he turns you around and blots your hands tenderly with clean paper towels.

"You know, I hate how much I care about you." Kayce's eyes burn into yours, scanning from right to left continually.

He balls his hand into a fist and speaks through clenched teeth, "because I know..." he pauses.

He loosens his stance and hangs his head sighing, "I shouldn't."

You rest your forehead on his.

"Why?" You ask.

You both pull away to face each other, the eye contact almost unbearable.

"Because I fucked up...I fucked up a long time ago. And if I didn't, well, maybe things would've been different." He shook his head and stared out the window behind you. "I wouldn't trade Tate for the world. But I don't know why I didn't just speak up. I didn't want to be with Monika. But we were having a baby, what was I supposed to do?"

"Hey, you did the right thing." You cupped his face in both your hands, forcing him to look at you again. "You were having a baby! What else were you supposed to do?"

"I was supposed to be with you. I wanted to be with you. I love you, Y/N. There's no one else I ever saw myself making a life with." He lamented.

You moved your arms to drape over his shoulders, memories of that night flooding back to you again. In the same fashion, Kayce hooked a finger under your chin to align his lips with yours. Warmth flowed to your cheeks. His lips met yours, soft and tender. It felt like home.

MASTERLIST

[countrymusiclover]

[michellysamantha1998]

This is a yellowstone story, I hope you enjoy following Selena and Kayce. Remembering that English is not my mother tongue, sorry if there are any mistakes.

Never imagined myself in a small town in Montana, nor that I would fall in love with a Cowboy and worse than that he would be Kayce Dutton. My boss's brother.

One middle-of-the-night phone call and a quick flight later, and there I was at Yellowstone Ranch.

Chapter 1 - Wiskey-colored eyes.

I looked at Betty, yes we called each other by our first name because besides being my boss, she was my friend. My crazy friend who got me into a lot of trouble in New York and would definitely get me into a lot more trouble here in Montana.

_I'm glad you came, I was going crazy without you Selena.-she said indifferently, I laughed going to the trunk of the car. I had four suitcases, judge me, but most of them were coats, it was very cold in Montana.

_Do you think I believe that? - I questioned. _ You just wanted someone to drink with you.

_That too, but the new office has been taking up a lot of my time so I need your administrative skills. You are being paid very well for that.-she attacks in the Beth way.

_Where am I going to stay?-I ask, at least until I rent something in the city I would need to stay there at the Ranch._ What a beautiful place Beth. I understand why her father doesn't want to sell this place.

_You will stay in the chalet, it is not very special like the places you are used to but we will soon find a better place in the city.

I look around enchanted. And that's when a man comes out of the nearby barn with a horse. Shit, what a cowboy, the true meaning of rustic and beautiful. He looked in our direction, I will never forget that look, the warm color of whiskey.

Beth laughed catching my attention, I turned around realizing we were staring at each other.

_Who is he?- I asked, smiling in the predatory way that Beth knows.

_My little brother, Kayce.-she responds with a defiant face.

_Does he have anyone?

_He just separated, but I would say he still loves his ex-wife. Let's go in, leave your bags, I'll ask someone to take them to the chalet. I want you to meet everyone, after all you're going to help me with the Ranch too. Let's eat something too, I imagine you must be hungry.

_Is Kayce going to have lunch with us too?- I ask.

_Poor my brother, this is your new obsession, right?

_I intend to have fun in Montana baby.-I joke, she looks at me seriously. _And work hard. I hasten to add.

Beth shakes her head, sometimes my friend was very impulsive and had, let's say, a mania for high destruction. However, we got along well for that very reason, we shared this chaos and madness, but I would say that she is much worse than me.

Inside the main house I was even more enchanted, everything in wood and rustic decoration, but at the same time modern.

I subtly ran my hands over my black skirt and my navy blue satin dress shirt, to complete a stiletto heel the color of the skirt.

In the living room, a man who I would say was Beth's middle brother was sitting in an armchair reading a newspaper. He was also dressed formally, a suit to be more exact.

_Selena this is the least relevant brother in the Jaime family. Also the family lawyer.

He stood up, extending his hand to me, casting a warning look at Beth, who only snorted in response.

_Hello, it's a pleasure, I'm Selena. I came to help Beth with office administrative matters. -I speak politely._however he knew Beth's anger towards his brother and didn't change his reason. Who did he think he was to take away Beth's choice. She told me the story once and just because she was drunk, I still feel angry with her, I prefer not to talk about it or think about it.

_The pleasure is mine.-he says with a polite smile.

_Lunch is almost ready, gentlemen.-a man who I assume is the boss, warned. Wonderful, they have a chef who cooks for them.

_Dad said he won't be able to accompany us, he's going to have lunch with the senator. -Jaime communicates.

_ Unbearable little woman. - Beth growls.

I laugh, getting a killer look.

_So I think it's just us. -Jaime speaks.

Despite being disappointed at not meeting the great Mr. Dutton at this moment, I feel better when Kayce now enters without her hat, revealing dark blond hair with highlights that lighten it. And damn, up close he looked more and more like my type, he looked like he knew how to do exactly the right thing in bed. In other words, I had to have sex with him.

_Kayce is Selena, she will work with us on administrative issues.- I extend my hand to him, looking directly into his whiskey-colored eyes. Shit Selena controls herself!

_Is a pleasure. - he says politely, more seriously. Don't do this to me Kayce Dutton. Jaime clears his throat and I realize that I'm still holding his hand, he's also still looking at me intrigued. I let go of his hand with a smile that said I'm interested.

I was probably nothing like the women in this place, I knew what I wanted and I took it. That's why Beth and I got along so well.

_Let's have lunch then. -Beth says looking from me to her brother and shaking her head.

So Kayce heard that you're now at the foreman's house.” Beth asks as we sit at the table, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

_It wasn't my decision.-Kayce responds indifferently.

Before Beth disturbs lunch by fighting about it over Rip, a subject she had mentioned to me. Of course, she wouldn't leave it at that, since she no longer admitted having been totally in love with Cowboy for years.

_So are you going to bring Danny? -I ask since he was her assistant in New York.

_I believe so.-she answers me, looking at me with that "Don't fuck with me" look, since I must have received that look a dozen times. _I want you to train in the actions and he will access us.

_Business on the table, dad would freak out if he was here.-commented Jaime.

_ But he's not there. - Beth discount.

I look at Kayce who returns my look.

_Are they always like this?-I whisper.

_Worse.-he responds.

I smile with amusement, I look at the plate where pasta prepared in the Italian style is wonderfully served on the plate. Thialzinho for my diet.

_ It's one of my favorites.-I comment to Beth who stops the fight of looks and ugly words muttered towards her brother.

_Yes, I wanted you to feel welcome.- she replied with an indifferent face. My friend had difficulty expressing herself in an affectionate way.

_I feel very welcome.-I say looking at Kayce.

He looked at me strangely, taking in everything from my blond hair to my red painted nails. If you're expecting a little girl who needs saving, you won't find it here. I want you and I won't hide.

_Summers!- Beth catches my attention laughing, I look from Kayce to Jimmy and one looks at me with indecipherable whiskey-colored eyes and the other with judgmental blue eyes.

After lunch, my brilliant friend asked Kayce to take me to the cabin so I could shower and get ready for the city.

_What do you do here? -I ask.

_I'm the foreman now, I take care of the cattle and led the farmhands, among other things- he answers me looking uncomfortable. _And you, why are you coming here? From what I know, there's a good job in New York.

_Your sister pays me much better than our company would pay there....- I stumble and he catches me, I stay in his arms looking into his eyes. It's never been so good to trip._I don't think stiletto heels were a good choice.-I whisper.

_That is the chalet. - he says separating from me.

_Incredible, it’s close to home.

_It's not too far. - he responds awkwardly.

_Someone already brought your bags.- he points to the balcony.

_Did I scare you with my manner?-I ask, selling his contracted manner.

_No, Selena, right?

_Yes.-I murmur.

_I prefer people who tell the truth and accept me as I am.- he says._ See you around.

_You bet, baby.-I whisper, eliciting a smile from him.

[ericaand]

Yall, I CANNOT.

Mr. Luke Grimes, everyone. <3

[reevesdriver]

There’s a serious lack of Yellowstone fanfic so I’m thinking of writing some since I’m really in the mood. Send in some requests if you have any 😌

[i-heart-yellowstone]

Kayce dutton x reader

Reader tells gator to have a day surprising everyone with lunch " I just want you to know I appreciate you and want to be a part of the family " reader said " you are part of the family " john said kayce gets down on one knee in front of everyone

Always One Of US

The Dutton family always thanked Gator for serving everyone on the family ranch. He was a great cook and did an amazing job. But I decided that I needed to show my appreciation towards the family that I have been helping run their ranch for a few years. When Beth called me saying they needed a new ranch hand I instantly took up the offer. Making them all dinner and giving Gator the day off is the best way to show my appreciation and loyalty to the ranching family.

The front door opened while I was sitting the brisket in the center of the table along with some potatoes and some cookies that Tate had made earlier in the day for dessert. “Darling, what are you doing here. Did you help Gator do all this?” I heard Kayce’s voice enter the room where he removed his hat hanging it on the wall.

“Actually I made all of this. I gave Gator the night off.” I responded by turning around to face him, finally getting everything set out.

Kayce came over to me wrapping his arms around my waist bringing me closer. He leans down kissing me slowly and I lean up kissing him back since we hadn’t seen each other much today. “You didn’t have to do this for us.”

“I wanted to, Kayce. It’s not a big deal.” I ran a hand through his tousled curly hair smiling brightly.

The front door opened another time with John entering the dining room seeing us break apart from one another going to sit down at the table to eat our dinner. “This all looks fairly good.” John sat down at the head of the table with me and Kayce sitting across from each other in the chairs closest to him.

“Thank you for saying that, John. I made the meal tonight.” I explained swallowing the bite of meat I had in my mouth.

John had always looked up to me considering I had made Kayce realize that he could be better and run the ranch even if he wasn’t keen to the idea in the beginning. Kayce and I had gotten together a few weeks after he had finalized his divorce with Tate’s mother.

Our meal for the most part went fairly well. Kayce and I had cleaned up the dining table with John leaning in the doorway watching us for a few minutes before saying a word. “Y/n, I’m just curious as to why you thought you needed to make us dinner. I’m not saying anything in it was bad, it was amazing. But I just want to know why.”

“How about we go sit down and finish this conversation.” Kayce suggested and we all agreed moving back into the dining room sitting back in our sports we were in a few moments ago.

I sighed brushing my hair out of my face, eyeing the man who I admired from the first moment I had met him. This family means everything to me and I wouldn’t trade any of my memories here for something else. I just prayed they valued me as much as I did them. “I just want you to know I appreciate y’all and want to be a part of the family.”

John stands up from his head seat at the table. “You are a part of the family.”

“I am. I don’t understand.” I sent him a confused face.

Kayce lowered himself down on one knee right in front of me. Reaching inside his pants pocket he slowly opened a small black box showing me a simple gold ring. “Will you marry me, Y/n?”

“You bet your boots I will.” I removed my hands from my mouth wiping away the heavy happy tears that had began falling down my face.

Kayce slipped the ring on my finger barely giving me time to admire it when he scooped me up into his arms. I squealed as he twirled me around in a few circles of laughter coming from the both of us finally sitting me down on the wooden floor.

I tucked hair behind my ear, eyeing the ring on my left finger. “Kayce, you didn’t have to buy me a ring.”

“Funny enough I didn’t buy that ring.” He shrugged his shoulders with a light chuckle.

I felt like my voice went to a higher tone. “Huh?”

“I can clear up your confusion, dear.” John came to stand beside his youngest son placing a hand on his shoulder sending me a proud grin with tearful eyes. “That ring was bought years ago by me when I proposed to my wife Evelyn. It’s her ring that I passed down to him.”

I felt more tears slipping down my face, stepping around my fiancé so I could hug my father in law. “Thank you so much, John. I’m honored to call you my father in law.”

“I’ve been waiting for you to become my daughter in law for a long time.” He hugged me back and I mirrored his smile. Kayce opened his arms for me and I raced forward where he picked me up off the ground when I wrapped my legs around his waist.

Kayce led me outside for me to see two horses standing at the end of the wooden stairs. He took me to my horse and climbed on our separate horses with me following Kayce on horseback wherever he was leading me. I knew most of the ranch yet where we stopped I had never been before. “Kayce, where are we exactly?”

“It’s a place I don’t go too often. This - this is where my mother got killed on her horse.” He explained to me slowly walking up to the fence holding my hand in his until we reached the fence.

I squeezed his hand, sending him a weak expression. “Kayce, I’m sorry.”

“It's okay. I told myself that when I found the right girl for me. I'd take her to meet my mom.” He explained simply looking down into my eyes.

A question fell from my lips. “You never took Monica here?”

“Given my fathers reaction got me branded. I figured my mother wouldn't have liked to hear I knocked up a girl in high school.” He rubbed the back of his neck, throwing his head back pushing that memory away about the brand. “Besides she clearly wasn't the one for me. You are, Y/n L/n.”

“To be honest I’ve been waiting for you to say those words for a while, Kayce Dutton.” I turned to face the cowboy draping my arms around his neck nuzzling my nose against his own.

He grinned down at me, wrapping his arms around my waist tugging my body against his chest connecting his lips with my own. “Well I’ve been waiting far too long to call you wife, my darling, my Mrs. Dutton.” Leaning my body into the kiss we stumbled slightly into the wooden fence just getting lost in kissing the other.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[kendallroydefender]

Would anyone be interested in a Kacey Dutton x Roy!Reader (succession) series where the reader is Logan Roy’s youngest daughter and she leaves the city to move to Montana for a fresh start where she meets and falls for Kayce?

[underscoredizzy]

Have I got problems? Yes. Did this fix everything? Also yes

Good Day

Kayce Dutton X Reader

Warnings: basically pure smut ( a little plot ). A bit rough, nothing too serious.

You wake up to the feeling of Kayce’s beard pricking your neck.

“Good morning sweetheart.” Kayce says as he countines to kiss your neck 

You only groan in response. Last nights events left you exahusted which was unfortunate given that you and Kayce said you would help move the cattle to a different pasture today. 

“It’s time to get up babygirl.” he whispers in your ear, biting it playfully 

You laugh softly as he wraps his arms around you and pulls you up out of bed with him. 

“Kayceeee dammit I’m so tired.” you whine

“Oh quit your bitchin’” He says as he throws you over his shoulder and smacks your ass. 

You yelp and he giggles. 

.

After you two eat a quick bite, you’re on your way to the lodge to meet Kayce’s father.    

“All right we are moving them up to pasture 20 today, I’ve seen too many signs of grizzlies for comfort.” John says.

“Yessir.” all of the ranch hands say 

So you and Kayce saddle up and get going to help the ranchers. You all finally get the cows to the new pasture, then you and kacey decide to make a pitstop at the river.

You both strip down and walk in together, the water is frigid year round so it took you a minute to acclimate. 

Kacye pulls you in by your waist and kisses you on the cheek. 

“Thanks for helping us today baby.” 

“Wouldn’t have missed it, although I would like to go home and shower.” you laugh.

“I can arrange for that.” He says with a smirk 

He picks you up and dunks you in the river. 

“Kayce what the fuck?!” You laugh and smack him playfully 

“Well you said you wanted a shower.” he says in a sardonic way 

After you got out and dryed off you and Kayce say bye to everyone, then head on your way. You finally get home after about 45 minutes. 

.

You’re sitting on your shared bed when an idea comes to you 

“Hey Kayce come here…” you say 

He walks in with no shirt on revealing his abs and his deer tattoo.

“Are you gonna keep staring orr…” 

“Ah yes sorry, I need some.. assistance.” you suggest

He steps closer to you until he is inbetween your legs. 

“Assistance with what, tell me?” He says cockily 

“Assistance with this.” you say while confidently pulling your pants off revealing your red lacey panties.

“Fuck baby you look so sexy in those.”

He grabs you by the waist and lays you down on the bed as he starts unbuttoning your shirt.

You run your fingers through his hair causing him to groan. He starts unbuckling his belt between the two of you never breaking the kiss in the process. You begin to get impaitient with him and pull his pants down for him. 

“Eager are we..?” Kayce tuts as he flips you over onto your stomach and delivers a harsh smack to your ass. You cry out in surprise, he delivers two more and you’re a mess.

“ Please Kayce I need you inside of me.” You plead 

“Beg for it then.” he states plainly 

“Please Kayce I want your dick” you beg 

He kneels before you and pulls your legs over the edge of the bed, then begins kissing up your thighs. Finally he reaches your core and begins to devour it. You could nearly pass out from the pleasure.

“Kayce I’m so close” you whine 

With that he plunges two of his fingers into you while he continues with his mouth. As you’re about to cum he presses down on your stomach with his other hand, sending over the edge. You all but scream his name when your first orgasm hits you but he doesn’t stop. He keeps going until you can’t think anything other than his name. 

“Kayce please” 

“Please what?” He smirks as he asks 

“Stop teasing and give me your cock.” you whine once again. 

“As you wish my lady.” you both giggle at his words and he finally takes his boxers off and lays you down on the bed. He climbs over top of you and pumps his painfully hard dick a few times before lining it up with your core. 

Before you can take everything in he slams inside of you giving you what you have been begging for. 

“Oh god Kayce you’re so big.” you moan out 

He just smiles at your praises and he continues to thrust hard and fast. 

“You take me so well baby, you’re just my good little slut, aren’t you?” Kayce says in a sultry tone

“Yes Sir, I am your little slut.” 

He groans at the nickname and quickens his pace, obliterating your pussy in the process. 

“God you’re so sexy I love it when you talk dirty to me.” Kayce groans out 

You both get closer to the edge with his words and he takes your lips into an aggressive kiss. Your teeth clash and you groan into his mouth. 

His thrusts falter a bit and you can tell he is on the brink of his release, so you flip him over and slam down onto his dick hard. Practically impaling yourself on him, he ruts himself up into you and you both groan. 

“Please make me cum kayce, Pleasee.” you cry out. 

So once again he takes over, he grabs you by the waist and starts to thrust into you while he slams you down onto himself over and over again until he paints your walls white. Your walls clench around him milking him dry. 

You lay there on his chest for a while before he pulls out, when he does both of your juices spill out onto him and you clench around nothing. He lays you down onto your shared bed and says:

“Stay there, I’m gonna go get a towel.” 

You oblige and wait on him to come back. 

“Sit up baby.” he says

Kayce wipes you off with a towel ,then he pulls one of his shirts over your head. He lays down next to you in bed and pulls you down to lay on his chest. 

“Are you okay baby? Did I go too hard on you?” he asks concerned 

“I’m fine, you know I like it rough.” You say with a smirk. 

“God I love you.” Kayce says pressing a kiss to your forehead 

“I love you too.” 

“Today was a good day…

[bellarkeselection]

Okay how about a Kacey fic based off the song When She Comes Home Tonight by Riley Green

When She Comes Home Tonight

Shutting the truck door I sighed heavily resting my body against the driver door taking a moment to rest from my long hour day. I had taken on the position of working for my father’s department at the sheriff’s office. Meaning that I had to hide some things from my boyfriend’s family. Walking up the stairs I opened the door, shutting it behind me and sitting on the floor until I heard footsteps creaking on the wooden floor. “Hey there, darling. How was your day?”

“Would prefer not to talk about it, Kayce.” I mumbled, staring at the staircase in front of me instead of him.

Kayce lowered himself down to sit in front of me. “What do you want to talk about then? Hey, hey, look at me. Y/n, you okay?” He lifted my chin up so I’d look him in the eye seeing some tears welling in my eyes.

“Just the job being tough on me today is all. Debating on why I didn’t just take your father up on his offer to give me a job here. My father certainly wouldn’t be as worried with my stress level.” I sniffed through some tears wiping them away with my sleeve.

John Dutton and my father have been friends for years. Kayce and I were close and I knew everything he knew about training horses on a ranch. Yet I knew the other side that involved the law. I believed I could help both sides. “Well we don’t have to worry about that now. I’ve got something to show you anyhow. Here, let me..” He got to his feet offering his hands out to me.

“What have you done now, Dutton?” Placing my hands in his he tugged me up to stand.

He only gave me a simple response coming behind me and covering my eyes with one hand and leading me through his family home. “You’ll see in a second, baby.”

“Kayce…what is all this for?” He made us stop walking until he lowered his hand and I gasped at what he had set up on the table in front of the fireplace. He had two beers open with a steak cuff in half for us to share for dinner.

Kayce smiled down at me. “It’s been awhile since it’s just been the two of us here. So I thought we should do something special.”

“Awe. Aren’t you a romantic cowboy?” I smiled sitting down with him on the couch.

Kayce picked up his beer, sending me a wink. “I would hope so for what I was thinkin’ of doing later tonight.”

Raising my beer bottle to my mouth I take a long drink. The bitter taste is not burning my throat as much as it normally did, given the fact that I've had a really long day. Kayce and I sat in comfortable silence between the two of us while we ate our pieces of steak. Placing the second to last bite of food in my mouth I felt his eyes focused on me and nothing else. “Dutton, you're staring. You know some would consider this very rude-” I gasped before his hands cupped my face and he pressed his lips down onto mine causing me to drop my fork on the floor.

It wasn't a foreign concept to kiss the youngest Dutton son. We had certainly had a connection from the first day we met. Anyone in our families or friend groups could see the attraction from a mile away. Moving my hands up his chest I leaned into it. He held my face for a few more seconds until I climbed up into his lap. Kayce then switched his position, snacking his arms around my waist holding me close to his chest.

“Kayce..” I moaned into the kiss threading my fingers into his dirty brown locks that were naturally messy but were going to be even worse if we kept going.

He gently pushed me back on the couch and I didn’t make a move to fight his intentions. “Y/n…”

We didn't care about the food in front of us anymore. Our hands were just moving over the other in every way possible. I’m not sure how we managed to not break any furniture by the point of Kayce getting to his feet and me wrapping my arms and legs around his body. We never broke the heated kiss and made our way up the stairs to his bedroom.

“Kayce, I wasn’t expecting this.” I giggled before we collapsed down onto the mattress of the bed behind us.

Kayce leans down, capturing my lips with his in a deep hungry kiss. I kissed him back gently before he started moving kisses down my face. “You’ve had a long day and I’ve missed you so much. Let me take care of you.” He kissed down, nuzzling his nose into my neck as he went.

“Ohh Kayce!” I moaned, throwing my head back against the pillows. One hand was bawling the fabric of his shirt in my fingers.

He moaned, crashing his lips onto mine again where I wrapped my arms around his neck. “That’s my girl.”

“Don’t be a tease tonight, Dutton.” I warned the cowboy.

Kayce sat up on his knees shrugging his shirt over his head tossing it somewhere across the room. He moved his hands down to my shirt. “I’ll definitely tease you later, darling.” He threw my torn shirt off the edge of the bed.

I began to move against him and leaned up pressing my lips down upon his. He embraced me back instantly when my fingers dug into back. He ran his body over every inch of my body he could reach, both of us slick with sweat as he moved against one another, our pants and moans filling the room.

We shortly reached our heights in only a matter of minutes where he drew his head back flipping onto his back while I laid beside him. We both attempted to catch our breaths where I scooted over laying my head on his bare chest. “Kayce?”

“Hmm.” He made a noise as a response.

Lifting my head up to meet his deep brown eyes. “Thank you for tonight. I really appreciate it and love you.”

“I love you too. I’ll always want you to have a good evening when you come home tonight and every night.” Kayce rolls over to face me, cupping the side of my face with one hand. He draws me in for another kiss and I smile into it.

Trailing my hands up his chest I broke it mumbling into the kiss. “How would you feel about a round two?”

“I’m definitely down for that, my darling.” He smirked and I squealed when he rolled onto his back. I kept my hands around his neck and I stared down at him from above…Kayce always made me feel so good every time I came home and he never broke that promise.

[fanficforlife]

Chapter Ten

Tate came bounding out onto the porch where you and Kayce were enjoying a cup of coffee. "I'm done. Can we go now?"

"Did you finish all of your breakfast?" Kayce asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes." Tate groaned before grabbing your hand. "Can we go now?"

You downed the last gulp of coffee and smiled at him. "I see you already have my purse so yes, we can go."

"Gator gave me the card and list for shopping."

Kayce took your empty mug from you before the two of you stood up. "You do know that it's grocery shopping, right bud?"

"Yeah. But, Violet said she gets the vegetables from the farmers market and that there are people there that make chocolates and another one that makes ice cream and-"

"I get it." Kayce chuckled as he handed you the keys to his truck. When you took them he slid his arm around your waist. "I gotta get to work. Have fun with the rugrat."

"Now's the part where you kiss. I'll be in the truck." 

You giggled while Tate ran down the steps. "I'll see you later."

"Yes, you will." Your boyfriend leaned in and kissed you long and tenderly. "Stay with me tonight."

"If you're lucky." You teased, knowing full well that you would. Since you two had started having sex, you couldn't get enough of him. And, vice versa. He made you enjoy it again after years of dreading it. He made you feel safe and loved like you were the most beautiful woman in the world. It was the best sex you've ever had. It was like you finally found your other half. He was the missing piece that fits your heart perfectly and he felt it too. He couldn't get enough of just being near you. 

He knew you would be there and grinned. "Have a good day, baby."

"You too." You rose on your toes and kissed him. "Love you."

"Love you more." 

"Violet!" 

You and Kayce laughed at his impatient son. "Gotta go. See you later." He squeezed your waist before you slipped out of his grasp. 

*

"Oh! Look at that one!" Tate tugged on your arm as he pointed to a booth that was selling cakes of all sizes, decorated in every coloured icing under the sun. 

"Wow. Those are fancy."

"I think we should stick with cookies."

You chuckled. "I think you're right. Those look like a lot of work."

"There's the vegetable ones." Tate grabbed your hand before pulling you past the baking stalls towards the fruit and vegetables. "That one has apples! Can we get some and make apple pie? Oh, and muffins? And-"

"Yes, we can get your favourite fruit. We'll have to get a box of them because I don't think one of the bags will be enough for all of the baking you want to do." You laughed and went to wait in line. The large, well-stocked stand was the one you always went to and not because it was run by two good-looking men around your age.  They weren't just one of the sweetest couples you had ever met, they were your only friends who didn't live on the ranch. Not that you went on double dates or anything. It was just nice to have a conversation about something other than cows or horses occasionally.

"Violet!" The blue-eyed one grinned when he saw you. 

"Hi, Chris." You smiled at the dark-haired man. 

"It looks like I didn't beat the rush this time."

"No, you didn't." Mark, the blonde with green eyes, answered after coming over having finished with a customer. "But, we saved a box of the best back here for ya just in case. Aside from a couple of local restaurants, the ranch is one of our biggest customers. We gotta keep ya happy."

You laughed. "You two spoil us. Speaking of us, this is Tate. Tate this is Chris and Mark. They grow the best fruit and vegetables in Montana."

"Hi, do you have any more apples?"

"Sorry, but that was the last of them," Chris said of the case the woman in front of you was carrying away. 

Disappointment filled Tate's face. "Awe, we can't make pie and muffins tomorrow."

"We do have more on the farm though." Mark smiled at the little boy. "I'll make you a deal. I'll drop off some apples for you later today if you promise to bring us some baking next time you're in town."

"Really?!"

Chris chuckled. "Really."

You placed a hand on Tate's shoulder and looked at them. "You don't have to do that. We can get some next week."

"It's no problem at all. We don't have any other plans. A drive will be nice."

"Please, Violet?"

Your eyes went back to them and they nodded. "Okay."

"Yay! Oh, are you going to have pumpkins in the fall that we can carve?"

"We will," Chris said while Mark went to help a customer. "You can come out and pick the perfect one. We're also going to have a corn maze and other games. Plus, apple cider and all kinds of treats in the little shop on the farm." 

"Oh Violet, can we go?" Tate tugged on your arm. "Dad can come and we could do the maze and play all the games and try all the treats. Then we can get pumpkins to make Jack-o'-lanterns!"

A chuckle left your lips. "I think we can arrange that."

"Yay!" The brown-haired boy turned back to the dark-haired farmer. "Violet's dad's girlfriend. He really loves her, like a lot. All he does is stare at her when she's around."

"Tate." You scolded while Chris laughed. 

Tate looked up at you with a grin. "It's true." 

A light shade of red stained your cheeks as you pulled the credit card out of your bag. "Thanks for the vegetables. Tate, we better get moving. We have to stop at the grocery store next."

"Can we stop and get chicken nuggets for lunch after?"

"I think I could go for a burger."

"Yay!" 

"And, thank you for dropping the apples off later. You've made one little boy very happy."

"You are more than welcome. See ya, Violet. It was nice meeting you, Tate." Chris smiled. 

"Bye. I can take your bag for you." Tate offered so you handed it to him. After picking up the box of vegetables, you headed back to the truck. 

*

"You look amazing, like always." Chris grinned after getting out of his truck. "One of the restaurants in town looking for some vegetables." He said of Mark who was still buckled in and talking on his cell phone. 

"What the fuck?!" Kayce, who had been standing by the barn with Rip and Lloyd, pushed passed them and stormed over. 

You blushed while he pulled you into a hug. "Thanks."

"Get your fucking hands off her." Kayce yanked him away from you and punched him. 

"Kayce!"

He ignored you and hit him again. "You're not very bright, are you? Hitting on her when I'm standing right there!" 

"Kayce, stop!" You begged but he ignored you.

"I didn't-"

"Don't fucking lie to me! I heard you. I saw you!" He tackled Chris to the ground. "Stay the fuck away from her!" 

"Kayce. Kayce!" Rip called as he and Lloyd came running over and pulled him off of Chris. 

John came out onto the porch when he heard the commotion. "What the hell is going on out here?"

"This asshole was all over Violet!" Kayce pulled against Rip and Lloyd trying to get free. 

"No, he wasn't." You had tears in your eyes as you and Mark, who had just finished his call, helped Chris up. "I met him at the farmers market a couple of months ago. Tate saw the apples he was selling this morning and wanted some, but the person in front of us got the last of them. They had more at the farm and were nice enough to drop some off."

Kayce's face went white. The two farm hands let him go and his shoulders slumped. "Letty, I-"

"I'm sorry, Chris. I'm so sorry." 

"It's okay." He said with a soft smile. "I'll grab them. They're just in the back."

John came down the steps. "I'm sorry for my son's behaviour. We'll get them." He nodded to Rip and he went over and grabbed the box of apples out of the truck box. 

You handed Chris the money you owed him. "I'm really sorry."

"Don't worry about it."

"The apples look great." John held his hand out and Chris shook it. When they parted, the farmer found a hundred-dollar bill in his hand. He was about to hand the money back but John stopped him. "No, I insist. I'm sorry again and so is my son."

"Y-yeah. I'm sorry." Kayce apologized quietly. 

Chris nodded at him before giving your arm a squeeze. Mark did the same before they got in their truck.

The second they started driving away Kayce started walking up to you. "Letty."

You stepped back when he reached out for you, memories of Nick and his jealousy filling your head. "Gator wanted me to tell you that dinner's ready." A stray tear slid down your cheek as you turned and went inside. 

*

Everyone walked into the dining room while you set the last dish of food on the table. They sat down, joining Tate who had been upstairs washing his hands. 

You picked your plate and cutlery up off the table. "Hey, where are you going? Aren't you eating with us?" Tate asked. When his summer holidays started he insisted you start eating with them. The rest of the family had agreed so Tate picked your spot at the table, between him and Kayce.

"I'm not hungry. I'm going to get a head start on cleaning up so the kitchen will be ready for pie making tomorrow." He let out a cheer and you gave him a small smile before disappearing into the kitchen. 

After setting your clean dishes down, you gripped the edge of the countertop. Your mind was a mess as you stared at your reflection in the window. The darkening evening sky made it easy to see Kayce walk into the room. 

"Letty."

Your eyes went to your hands as he slowly made his way over, stopping behind you. 

"Letty, I'm sorry. I just heard him-then he touched you and-"

"I would never cheat on you." You stated quietly while continuing to stare at your fingers, which turned white from their grip on the countertop. 

"I know you wouldn't. I just...I'm scared." His hand hesitantly reached out, his fingers running down your arm. When you didn't pull away he closed the distance. "I'm scared you're going to find someone better. You're perfect and I'm...me. I have anger issues. I'm trying and failing at raising my kid. I love you so much it scares me. Tate loves you." His other hand went to your other arm and he leaned in, resting his forehead against the top of your head. "I'm sorry, baby. I'll do whatever you want me to. Please, forgive me."

You turned to face him. Your eyes didn't meet his though, they watched your fingers as they came up and fidgeted with one of the buttons on his shirt. 

"Letty?"

"Please...please, don't turn into him."

His hands came up and cupped your face. When he tilted it up he saw the tears pooling in your eyes. "Never, baby. Never." He leaned in and kissed you as a few tears spilled over. "I'll work on it, getting angry, jealous. I promise." You nodded. "And, I'll go into town tomorrow and apologize to him again."

A small smile pulled at your lips as you nodded again. "You should go eat before it gets cold."

"You're not going to?"

"I'm not that hungry. I'll grab something later."

"I'll grab something later too then. Do you want to wash or dry?" He grinned and picked up a dish towel. 

"Well, since you already have the towel, I'll wash." You turned and started filling the sink with water. Kayce's arm slid across your stomach and pulled you back against him. You stayed like that until the sink was full. 

After turning the tap off, he held you tighter. "I really am sorry."

"I know." Your hands slid across his arms before hugging them. "Chris and Mark know too. A few weeks ago when I saw them at the grocery store. We went for coffee while they were waiting to go to an appointment. They're really nice and they've heard about you and your family, the ranch. They know that you were in the Navy and about how much I mean to you." You looked at him in the reflection. "Mark used to be in the army so he knows that PTSD can affect you in different ways."

"Getting angry...I'm trying."

You leaned into him, "I know. You're doing a lot better."

"Except when it comes to you. What you've been through, your ex..." there was a tick in his jaw. "I promised to never let anything happen to you again. I just take it too far sometimes. I'm working on it. I really am trying."

You turned in his arms and wrapped yours around his neck. "I can tell. Everyone here can." Your lips pressed against his. "Now let's get these dishes done."

"Yes, ma'am." He said when you went back to facing the sink. He didn't move though. 

When his lips brushed against the spot where your neck and shoulder meet, you giggled. "Kayce."

He smiled against your skin. "Yes?"

"It's going to be pretty hard for you to dry these pots when you're standing there."

"I suppose you're right." His teeth gently nipped at the delicate spot and a small moan left your lips. He quickly spun you, crashing his lips against yours. When he pulled away the smirk that you loved spread across his face. 

You shoved him away with a giggle before focusing on washing the pots and pans Gator used to make dinner. Kayce settled in next to you, drying the dishes you set in front of him. A comfortable silence filled the room, only broken up by the conversations and laughter going on in the dining room. 

*

Once the dishes were done and dinner had been cleaned up, you went to the foreman's house. Tate had wanted to go to bed, even though there were still forty-five minutes before his usual bedtime. He was beyond excited about making pie for the first time and wanted to go to bed early so tomorrow would be here sooner. While Kayce tucked him into bed and read him a story, you went to wait for him in his bedroom. 

"Baby?"

You could hear the door shut behind him so, after turning the water off for the bathtub, you stepped out of the bathroom wearing nothing but one of his shirts. 

His eyes slowly drank you in. "Damn, you look good." 

A light shade of red crept across your cheeks as he closed the distance between you in two long strides. You unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders to the floor, followed quickly by his jeans. All while your lips stayed glued to his. 

His hands ran up your thighs and when he got to your hips they paused, finding no underwear to pull down. He smirked against your mouth before picking you up and carrying you to bed. 

"Mmm," you hummed as he kissed his way down your neck. Your hands found his waist and started to tug on the waistband of his boxers. 

After what he said to you in the kitchen about not turning into your ex and knowing he meant it, you needed him. And, he needed you just as bad. Once his boxers were down far enough he thrust into you. You gasped at the sudden fullness and when he did it again your eyes closed. "Oh, god."

His teeth bit down on your shoulder as he continued to move in and out of you. It wasn't long before your back started to arch off the bed as he kept hitting just the right spot over and over again. As you started to fall over the edge his lips met yours, swallowing your breathy moan and you melted into each other, falling together. 

Once your racing heartbeat returned normal, you slid out from under him and got off the bed. 

"No," he groaned and grabbed your hand. "I mean, the view is amazing but..." Your cheeks darkened and he grinned, sliding to the edge of the bed and pulling you onto his lap. "God, you're adorable."

"Stop." You turned and buried your face into his shoulder while the shade of red on your cheeks got even brighter. 

"Never," his chest vibrated with a chuckle. 

"Come have a bath with me?"

"I'm not much of a bath person but if you're in there with me I think I can make an exception. Lead the way, beautiful."

You slid your hand into his and made your way into the bathroom. "When I filled it I used scalding water so it should have cooled off enough by now." He got into the still bubbly water and you sunk across from him, closing your eyes. 

"Letty?"

"Hmm?" You opened your eyes when he stayed quiet. "Hey," after seeing his glassy eyes you went over and straddled his lap, taking his face in your hands, "what is it? What's wrong?"

"Why- I keep fucking up but you keep staying. You are goddamn perfect and could easily get any man you wanted. Why do you stay with me? After what happened before dinner-"

Seeing him so down made your heartache. "Because you are an amazing man and an even better father. Kayce, Tate looks up to you more than you know. He always talks about how much fun he has when he gets to help you around the ranch. He wants to be the foreman just like you when he grows up." Your thumbs ran along his jaw. "You went through a lot in the Navy, saw a lot. It changes a person. I didn't know you before you enlisted. I know you now. I fell in love with the man who came back from the war, with who you are today." He looked down, still ashamed. You tilted his head back so he would look at you. "You make me happy. You make me feel safe. There is no one else in the world I would rather be with. We can and we will get through anything. I love you, Kayce." 

"I am not worthy of you." 

A smile formed, "It's a good thing you're wrong and I'm right."

"You think so?" He finally smiled back, a small one but it was still there.

"I know so."

His arms engulfed you and crushed you against him. "I love you, Violet."

"I know. I love you." When he let you go you slid back to your spot. "Do you have a lot of work to do tomorrow? Tate wants to make pie and muffins. Mark and Chris said they would drop the apples off in exchange for some baking." 

"The farmers market is done at 2:00 pm, I'll have my stuff done by then. The three of us could go into town. Maybe go for coffee with them after? Tate keeps talking about the new playground they built by the farmers market."

You smiled, "Tate would love that. Chris and Mark would too." 

He nodded before finally lying back and relaxing, his fingers going back to mindlessly running up and down your knee. "I could get used to this. It's actually pretty nice." 

"I told you it wasn't that bad."

"You're right again." His crooked smile formed.

You watched him as he closed his eyes and rested his head back, admiring not only how handsome he was but how great of a person he was. Most men wouldn't have talked about their feelings like he did let alone go have coffee and talk to the man they just attacked. Whether he believed it or not, he was an amazing man and you were the luckiest woman in the world.

___________________________________________

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[keep-the-wolves-close]

Steady Heart

Chapter 34: Bridge Over Troubled Water

* Pairing: Slow-burn Kayce Dutton x OFC Stella Daniels

* Rating: M

* Warnings: NSFW, language, slight smut but mostly implied

* Word count: 4,528ish

I would love to give credits to @dameronscopilot and @deanscroissant for being sounding boards for me during this whole process, giving outsider insight, being cheerleaders, and allowing me to screech at them about things that have happened during the writing process. I seriously couldn't have gotten this far without y'all.

Author's note: I hope everyone is enjoying so far! I hope you love this chapter as well! My apologies for having y’all wait so long. I’ve been taking a much needed brain break lately. I’m slowly diving back in. There’s a detail in here, that I absolutely love, that I hope someone picks up on. 👀

Stella came down the hill to the pen they had Lucky separated in. She grabbed the lead rope for him and leaned on the fence and watched him walk around taking in everything. The sounds of the ranch were very new to him. It was a lot to take in. His nostrils flared every so often, and his ears were forward facing. He was definitely intrigued. The horse finally decided Stella was interesting enough to come stand by the fence.

She smiled affectionately at him. “Hey boy, you doin’ okay?” She held her hand out to him that held the lead rope. Lucky came a little closer to sniff at her hand and the rope, but still kept a good distance from her. She giggled. “You’re a smart one.” The crunch of footsteps in gravel grabbed her attention. She looked over her shoulder and saw that it was Kayce and his son.

“Finally decided to join us, huh?” She smirked at Kayce.

“Yeah, yeah.” Kayce easily fell back into his role of training with Stella. There was also an air of foreman about him this time. “You go on in and grab him, and I’ll go get the saddle. Tate you wait on the outside of the fence.” He directed both of them.

Stella and Tate scrunched their faces in annoyance in unison at being bossed around. As Kayce walked into the barn, Tate started to climb in between the rungs of the fence. “Ah ah. You heard your dad. I also say you can’t be in there with him yet.” Tate groaned. “I know, it’s not fair, but we gotta do this right. I had to do it with Abigail and she’s the best horse I could ask for. So it’s a lesson in patience for you right now.”

“I’d agree with her, son. Not much winning to be had here.” Kayce teased as he walked up with Tate’s saddle. He looked at Stella and put the saddle on the fence. “I thought you were gonna get a hold of him?”

Stella huffed. “I was keeping your son from going in there.” She opened the gate and went in slowly. Kayce closed it behind her. Lucky made his distrust known and backed away from the fence quickly. He parked himself in the farthest part of the pen and eyed her.

She placed herself in the center and let the lead rope touch the ground. She stood with her back to him and stared at the father and son.

Tate scrunched his face up. “What’re you doing? Shouldn’t you be going after him?”

“I’m waiting for him to come to me. Chasing him around is gonna do nothing except rile him up.” She smiled. “You remember what I said about that lesson in patience? This is part of it.”

“What’s that mean?”

“Well, you have to show him you trust him and he’ll start to trust you. The only way you can work with a horse is if that trust is there,” Stella explained softly. “That’s why my back is to him. It’s a vulnerable position for me, and I know at any point he could choose to hurt me, but I’m trusting him to not do that.”

“How do you get him to come to you then?”

“That’s the thing, Tate. Not only am I trusting him to not hurt me, I’m also telling him I’m safe to come to because I’m not pressuring him to do it.” A velvety warm nose touched the back of her neck. She moved and giggled lightly. Tate’s eyes lit up in wonder. Kayce smiled fondly at the interaction. He was taken back to when he and Stella worked on Abigail. He’d said the same exact words to her. Slowly she raised her arm up to touch Lucky’s face. He allowed her to grab his halter.

Stella turned around in gradual steps. Lucky flinched a couple times, but didn’t pull back from her. Now that she faced him, she carefully raised her hand that had the lead rope. Lucky looked at it like it was a snake. “I promise buddy, it’s just a rope. Smell it.” The horse nodded his head up and down a little bit, showing his personality. He leaned forward to sniff the rope.

When he didn’t spook at it, Stella moved and attached it to the rope halter. “Kace, I’m gonna walk him around for a minute before we saddle him up.”

“Whatever you say, boss lady.” He laughed at the glare she gave him.

As Stella walked Lucky around the pen slowly, she could hear Kayce talking to Tate in a low voice.

“See how gentle she’s being? She always approaches them like that, and I swear it makes them like her more than me.” Stella smiled softly at Kayce’s words. “Our old neighbor Sam would say it’s because she’s a woman, and they have quiet spirits.”

Stella defended herself. “I mean, I don’t know if I would describe it as quiet, but it’s safe. And the horses know that.”

“Then what do you do?” Tate asked.

“Then we start moving more naturally. Not aggressive, but not soft either.”

Stella brought Lucky back around to the front part of the pen. “I think we’re good now.”

Kayce nodded. “Alright son, stay on the outside.”

Stella held Lucky in place. Kayce softly sat the saddle on his back. He only flinched a little, but stood solid. She and Kayce locked eyes over top of the young horse.

She whispered, “you think he’s good?”

Tate yelled from the fence. “I wanna do it!”

Kayce gazed back at Stella, answering her silently. She knew the look meant “we’ll find out.” He said back to his son over his shoulder, “we’ll get you a chance, buddy. This takes a lot of practice.” He looked at Lucky and then at Stella. “Moment of truth.” He pulled one of the cinches on the saddle quickly.

Lucky bolted and Stella let go of the rope. They watched as he started broncoing. Kayce pushed him to move around the ring and get out his wild oats. Stella came to stand behind Kayce and watched as the horse circled them. After a couple passes, Lucky stopped and faced Kayce and Stella.

Kayce stepped forward with his hand out to the horse. “Woah.” Stella followed behind him as he continued to talk to Lucky. “That it? That all you got?” He stepped forward and Lucky allowed him to pet his nose. “You got a good mind, don’tcha?”

“I picked a good one.” Tate said proudly.

“You sure did, buddy.” Kayce smiled at his boy.

“He should probably pick all our horses from now on.” Stella laughed.

“I don’t know about that yet.” Kayce laughed with her. “Hey Stell?”

She turned to look at him. “Yeah?”

“I gotta get Tate to school. Would you mind finishing up with him here?”

“She wouldn’t mind at all.” Ryan interjected. “Would you, Stellee?” He fixed her to the spot with a look. Stella took in his tight shoulders and knew she was in trouble.

“Of course, cowboy. I’ll be here when you get back.” Kayce touched her arm as he walked by. She grabbed back at him while he passed her and watched the glare from her brother go ignored on Kayce’s part.

Ryan’s irritation turned to her. Rolling her eyes, she waved him in. “You hold him, I’ll get his saddle off.” He stomped over to her and took the rope from her. She side eyed him. “I can tell you’re pissed. You can talk to me all ya want, but don’t you dare scare this horse.”

“Are you fuckin’ around with him again?”

Stella reached for the cinch to undo the tightness Kayce had done up. “I’m not sure what we’re doing, Ryan. He saved me. He and Monica aren’t going back to each other. They’ve already decided that.” She paused when Lucky flinched. When he settled, she went for the cinch again. “I dunno. I’m trying to figure it out.”

Ryan pet Lucky’s nose to try and calm him. “I just don’t want you to get caught up in a bad situation.”

“I know.” She let the girth drop and slowly moved the saddle off of Lucky’s back. “Thanks buddy. Good job today.”

Her brother reached out to take the saddle from her. He walked it to the fence and placed it over the top. “Like you did with that brand. Tell me about it.”

“I was almost 18. Kayce had just found out Monica was pregnant with Tate. John wanted her to get rid of him and Kayce didn’t obey his order and the brand was his punishment.” Stella locked eyes with her brother. “The moment Monica knew she was pregnant, it wasn’t just about them anymore.”

Ryan’s mouth hung open. “Shit,” he whispered.

She shook her head. “Now whatever she chose to do with that pregnancy of her own choice, is none of my business. Nor do any of us hold room to judge that kind of choice that isn’t made lightly.” She slipped through the gate, her brother trailing behind her. She watched as he latched it behind them. “But I was not about to watch a crabby ass old man be selfish and destroy his son’s future, my best friend, just because he didn’t agree with them being so young or whatever his reasons were.”

They slowly walked along to the bunkhouse, Ryan took in everything she was saying along the way. “So, like I told you earlier. I pissed him off enough to brand me too. Because it wasn’t just about him and his princess attitude anymore.”

They got to the door of the bunkhouse and Ryan’s hand reached out to stop her. “I respect your reasons for standing up for your best friend, but my god you willingly put yourself through that?” He peeked at the scar popping out from her shirt.

“I did,” she nodded somberly. “And I would do it again in a heartbeat. It sucked, but my reasons were in the right place.”

“And you loved him.”

“Probably by that point, selfishly, yeah.” She could hear Kayce’s shout at her the night prior. “Because I fucking love you!”

“So is this something I should prepare myself for?”

Stella frowned. “What do you mean?”

Ryan looked around trying to find the right words. “You and Kayce changing pace and being together in a different sense than before.”

“Ry,” she sighed, “when I figure that out, you’ll know okay?”

He nodded. “Okay, now let’s go inside.”

“Wait, have you seen Rip?”

He pulled his lips together just like she did when something happened she didn’t want to talk about.

“Ryan, what happened? Did it have to do with Malcolm’s attack? Which by the way, why did no one tell me he went after Beth too!”

“I wanted you to worry about you for a change. Beth and Rip were fine. He’s been in the big house resting with her.” He stared at her, allowing the tough facade to slip for a moment and show her how truly frightened he had been. “I also was worried that you were gone when Kayce picked up your phone.”

Stella grabbed him in a tight hug. “I’m sorry, brub.” He returned the embrace just as tight. “I was fighting off more vomit. That’s why I handed the phone to him. I’m here, and that’s what matters. Dealing with taking lives, but I’m here.”

“We’ll make it through, sissy.” Stella’s eyes stung at his use of her childhood nickname. He pulled back and wiped the underside of her eyes with his thumbs. “Let’s go inside, yeah? There’s something we gotta take care of.” Ryan reached for the door and guided his little sister into the house.

As she stepped through the doorway, a chorus of happy birthday could be heard from every direction in the house. Stella stood in the kitchen flabbergasted. Lloyd, Jimmy, Colby, Jake, Ethan, Kayce and Jamie stood around the kitchen table. Sitting in the center of it was a plate of what looked like her favorite yellow cupcakes with chocolate icing and a few candles burning. She turned to her brother.

“Happy birthday, Stellee belly.” His eyes looked glassy as he called her another childhood name.

She launched forward and bear hugged Ryan so tight he thought he would pass out. “Thank you. It’s perfect.” She whispered. After being almost abducted or worse, and taking the lives of two people, the small gesture meant the world to her. She was grateful to still be here to experience the moment.

Kayce’s voice sounded over the commotion in the background. “Ryan had me tell Gator to make these for you this mornin’.”

Ryan let his sister go so she could mingle amongst everyone else. She made her rounds to everyone, giving them a hug and showing her gratitude.

“Blow these candles out so we can dig in!” Lloyd hurried her.

“Alright alright.” She walked up to the table and sucked in a big breath, but Jake stopped her. “What Jake?”

“Don’t forget to make a wish.” He said sheepishly.

Stella smiled. “Okay, Jake. Just for you, I will.” She closed her eyes and wished for everything she could think of in a 30 second span. She blew out the candles and everyone cheered. “Now dig in!”

She came to Jimmy as everyone else dug into the cupcakes. “You had a hand in this didn’t you?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He smirked at her. Kayce sidled up next to them, and Jimmy grinned between them and backed away to give them a minute.

Kayce gazed at her fondly. “Hey, you.” He poked her arm.

Stella fixed her glasses and looked up at him. “Hey,” she giggled. “Thank you for helping my brother and Jimmy with their plan.” She wrapped him in a hug, which he stuttered to reciprocate. He wasn’t sure how to do this inconspicuously. “Just hug me, cowboy.” She whispered into his ear causing goosebumps to blossom along his neck. He slowly placed his arms around her waist. She let her head rest in the crook of his neck for a moment, pleased by the silence that overtook her mind by being in contact with him.

She pulled back a few inches. “And what happened to you having to take Tate to school?”

He shrugged his shoulders against her arms. “I lied. Grandpa took him today on his way into the office.”

“You shithead.” Stella smirked at him. “Now I’m gonna get me a cupcake.” She chuckled. He slowly let her go and watched her mosey over to the plate of dessert. A warm smile rooted itself across his cheeks. He wasn’t sure what the next steps were going to be, but he was grateful he could trek through them with her. He felt a presence on both sides of him. Looking right and left it was Ryan and Lloyd.

“You remember what I said? Don’t fuck up this time. Because Malcolm will be the least of your worries.” Ryan reiterated his warning from a few weeks ago. Lloyd’s bushy eyebrows rose at the confirmation that there was something going on between the two best friends. “This time around, I’ll have help.” Ryan nodded to Lloyd.

“10-4.” Kayce acknowledged.

A few hours went by and Ryan could tell his sister was tired. They all had hung around, played some poker, watched tv long into the evening; her want to hang out with the people she cared about was filled. He watched her sitting on the couch next to Jimmy. Stella had curled down into the couch and was half leaning on the latest wrangler. He reached across the table and tapped Kayce on the shoulder. He stopped talking to his brother long enough to glance over at Ryan.

Ryan motioned to Stella basically falling asleep sitting up. “You should get her to bed.”

Kayce stuttered for a moment at the permission granted from her brother, in front of his brother. He nodded and rose from his seat. Weaving his way in front of the couch, Kayce reached out and grabbed Stella’s hands.

She blinked owlishly. “Hmm?” Her eyebrows scrunched together.

“C’mon sugar. Let’s get you to bed.” Kayce tugged her hands to signal her get up.

“But can’t I stay here?” She bargained.

“No, Jamie took your bunk.”

Stella grumbled, not actually mad at Jamie, just mad she had to get up from the couch. She turned to everyone and they all watched her. “Thank y’all. I gotta remember to thank Gator. I’m gonna go to sleep for 48 hours now.” They shared a laugh.

Kayce went and grabbed her coat and she went to give her brother a hug. “I love you, but I gotta go to sleep.”

“You go, and I’ll see you in the morning.” He released her as Kayce came up behind her.

Kayce held out her jacket for her to slip her arms into the sleeves. She whispered, “thank you,” and zipped the dark green jacket.

“Let’s go.”

Behind them everyone wished them a good night and when the door closed Stella relished the heavy silence of the outside. She blinked hard a few times trying to wet her dry eyes. On a fence post nearby was a single crow that looked directly at her. She frowned at the unnerving feeling that hit her stomach. She was snapped back to the present by Kayce’s hand on her elbow.

“C’mon.” He directed her toward the lodge.

Walking through the door, Stella sighed and removed her jacket. Kayce took it from her and hung it up along with his. He hung up his hat and watched as she meandered through the kitchen to the bedroom. She took the two shirts off as she made it through the door. Kayce followed behind her and started to remove his clothes. Things were quiet and almost domestic.

Stella was caught in her head. Kayce said he loved her. She’d forgiven him last night. She was fine with his confession, but she needed to know where they stood. Were they just fucking around, or were they going to try for something more serious? Not knowing was bothering her, but she didn’t want to ask and scare him off.

Once in her underwear, she walked to the bathroom and took off her bra. She grabbed the white shirt she slept in and pulled it over her head. Quickly, she brushed her teeth trying to put off the inevitable.

Walking out of the bathroom, she paused in the door for a minute to look at Kayce as he pulled off his jeans and socks. He folded them up and put them on top of the dresser. He turned and spotted her watching him. Smiling at her, he stepped closer to her.

She allowed him to wrap his arms around her waist. He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. “Happy birthday, sugar.” Stella put her hands on his chest and stayed quiet with her eyes closed. “What’s wrong?” He asked.

She opened her eyes again and angled her face up to look at him. “Nothin’. I’m just stuck in my head again.” She hated the passive lie as soon as it left her mouth.

“The other night?”

She’d let him think that. “Yeah. I guess the nighttime will bring it back for a while.”

“Well you’re safe here, with me. Let’s go to bed.” He gently guided her to the bed. She took off her glasses and set them on the side table, and hopped in. She crawled under the covers.

“Thank you, Kace,” she whispered. He opened his arm for her and she snuggled in tight against his side.

“Every time, sugar.” They both let out a breath and Kayce closed his eyes.

In the darkness, Stella couldn’t get her eyes to shut. At the bunkhouse, she’d been tired. After seeing that crow her mind exploded in all different directions. She wasn’t much for superstitions, but some of them she had seen proven. And a lone crow was usually a bad sign.

Kayce didn’t open his eyes, but he could feel that Stella was unsettled. She was tense against his side. He knew something was bothering her and it was more than the guys she killed.

He wondered if it was the situation between them. They hadn’t actually spoken about it. Both of them had a bad tendency to ignore the elephant in the room and just act like nothing happened. The talking didn’t come until it was dire straits, and that hadn’t turned out well for them in the recent past.

What were they? He didn’t know. He did know he wanted more with her. He just didn’t know what steps to take next. He hadn’t done this in a long while. Kayce realized he had started moving his hand up and down along her arm.

She traced patterns across his chest when she felt him move his hand. “I can’t sleep.” She mumbled against his shoulder.

“I can tell.”

“I’m sorry for keeping you up.”

“I’m only awake because I know something’s wrong. Just waitin’ for you to tell me.” He pulled her closer.

“I’m scared, Kayce.” She nuzzled into his shoulder further to hide from the heavy feeling.

“Scared of what?” When she didn’t answer and her breathing deepened, he almost thought she fell asleep. “You scared of Malcolm’s men, you mean?”

Her fingers tapped his chest. “I mean yeah. I’m worried they’ll come back and take all of us from each other.”

“But?”

“But I’m also scared of this.” She turned and laid part way on his chest to be able to look at him. He raised his hand and brushed her hair out of her face, cupping her cheek. She leaned into his hand. “I want this, but it also comes with territory I don’t know how to navigate.”

“I don’t know how to either.” He gazed affectionately at her. “But I know if we put our heads together, we can make it.”

Stella leaned her chin on his chest. “You really think so? We’re not forcing something that shouldn’t happen?”

“We won’t know unless we actually try, instead of hooking up and then acting like nothing happened.”

She laughed. “We seem to do that, don't we?”

“So you know what that means?”

She raised her head. “Enlighten me.”

“That means if either of us have doubts, or something is wrong, we gotta talk about it. Maybe not at the moment, but later that day. Before we go to sleep. We can’t hide things from each other.”

“Okay, I think I can manage that. Can you?”

“Yes.”

Stella felt her cheeks heat up in the dark. “Would it kill the moment right now if I asked a question?”

“Should I be worried?”

“Not really, but how’s this gonna work? In general, with Monica, explaining it to Tate? She’s probably gonna wanna beat the shit out of me. She already thought we were moving on together the other day when she dropped Tate off.”

“It’ll be fine. I think once she comes to terms, she’ll be glad it’s someone she knows I’m safe with and Tate is safe with.” He rearranged to get comfy. “And Monica and I will have to sit down with Tate and explain the situation about how me and his mom aren’t together anymore, but still there together for him.” He rubbed her arm. “Then we’ll cross the bridge of whatever is happening here.”

Stella nodded. “Makes sense. Don’t wanna overwhelm him.” She chewed on her bottom lip while she thought about his statement of ‘whatever is happening here.’

“What is happening here? I don’t want my feelings to blind me like last time.”

Kayce lifted himself up onto his elbows and made sure he had her focus. “I know I wanna be more than just your best friend. You and I both know we’re more than that now. What do you want outta this?”

Propping herself on her forearms, she stared at him thinking hard. Since she was nearsighted, he was actually in focus for her. She observed every line of worry or happiness, every freckle that she’d memorized years ago. Her chest swelled with emotion and her bottom lip trembled. With a huge breath she took the plunge.

“I’ve wanted you to be more than my best friend since I was 15,” she softly verbalized while looking down at his brand. Her hands shook against his chest, afraid of the consequences from her confession. “When you saved me for the first time, any chance anyone else had flew right out the window,” she whispered.

He lifted her chin. “How come you never said anything?” She tried to look back down and he held her head in place. “Look at me while you tell me. It’s okay.”

Stella shrugged. “I was younger than you, and I didn’t have any experience with it at the time. There was no way a 17 year old wanted anything to do with a 15 year old. And the thought of you saying no, killed me inside. So I figured I would watch from the sidelines and be happy if you were happy.” She finally looked him in the eyes. “And by the time I built up any sort of courage, you and Monica had started talking.” She let out a huff of a chuckle.

“I wish you would have said something.”

“Don’t wish that, Kace. You got your wonderful son from my lack of confidence.” She smiled softly at him. “And plus we’re here now, if that’s what you mean to try. I want us both to quit hiding from each other. To see who we really are.”

“I think I can get on board with that.”

“Those are some big shoes for us to fill, cowboy.”

Kayce reached up to hold her face again, but this time pulled her closer. He touched his forehead to hers, and whispered against her lips, “I have faith in us, sugar,” and enveloped her in a kiss that she felt down to her toes.

Stella sighed allowing her mind to be open to experience these emotions presently. She had an idea of what they both wanted, and that made her feel free. She had a partner in crime that would have her back with whatever changes came along the way.

He moved onto his side and propped a leg up, pulling her leg up over his. Reaching down between them, he pulled his cock out of his boxer briefs. She quickly shimmied her boy shorts off. “Shoulda done this before, genius,” she puffed out a laugh at Kayce’s poor planning. Once she settled he jerked himself a couple times and dipped into her waiting cunt.

“Oh,” Stella huffed out at the change in fullness.

“Look at me.” Kayce brushed her hair back. She opened her eyes and she locked onto his. The feeling that swelled in her chest was overpowering. She let out a whimper as she clenched around him. “We’ve got this.”

“Keep me safe, Kayce.” She requested for the second time. Not only for her body, but her heart.

“Always.”

They started to slowly grind against one another, chasing a familiar high but somehow this one was different. It was slow and explorative, like they were getting to know each other all over again.