When he reached for his jeans, she knew what he wanted and she impatiently grabbed the packet from his hand. Waving it at him, she smiled. You did come prepared.
Ive been prepared since the first time we kissed, he said.
You knew this would happen?
I knew what I wanted. But I didnt know that youd want it, too.
She tore open the condom package and gently sheathed him, smoothing her hands along the length of his shaft. Then, she positioned herself above him and held her breath as she slowly sank down.
The sensation of him inside her, buried deep, was almost more than she could bear. A gasp slipped from her lips and she felt the tension within her heighten at the thought of what they were about to do. She moved above him, and before she knew it, theyd begun a slow, steady rhythm.
Her mind focused on the spot where they were joined, and when he touched her there, Rachel knew how it all would end. Her pulse quickened along with her pace and he continued to tease her, each flick of his finger sending wild sensations coursing through her.
Her hair tumbled around her face and she tipped her head back and closed her eyes. The breeze warmed her skin and the leaves rustled above her head. There was no place on earth shed rather be.
She looked down at him and smiled, smoothing her hands over his chest. Her lips found his nipple and she sucked gently, teasing at it until it was hard. There was so much to love about his body, so many tempting places to explore.
But he brought her back to her own release when he touched her again. Rachel groaned softly, her eyes going wide as the first shudder consumed her. As if he were waiting for that first sign, Dermot drove deep, and like a wave crashing over her head, her body dissolved into deep and shattering spasms.
For a long moment, every nerve in her body tingled and every synapse in her brain fired. Shudders rocked her, and in the midst of it all, Dermot came, losing himself while buried deep inside her.
Their orgasms melded into one perfect release, and when they were both spent, he pulled her down on top of him and held her close. Rachel rested against his chest, listening to his heart as it slowed to normal again.
Dermot furrowed his fingers through her hair and kissed the top of her head. I guess its true what they say about farmers daughters, he murmured.
Oh, it gets much better than this, Rachel said.
How is that possible? he asked, drawing back to look into her eyes.
The county fair starts next weekend. There are rides and cream puffs and corn dogs.
Is there a place for us to do this?
No, she said. But there are pig races, which for some folks around here is better than sex.
He pushed up on his elbow. Pig races? Really. Isnt it kind of hard to ride a pig?
Rachel giggled. No, people dont ride the pigs. The pigs just run around a track.
That would never be better than sex with you, he said.
I promise to show you a really good time. At that moment, she was ready to promise Dermot anything. She was blissfully happy with life on the farm, and the way she looked at it, life would only get better.
4
THE GOATS FROM Clover Meadow Farm were one of the biggest attractions at the county fair. Dermot and Rachel delivered six nannies and three kids safely to a pen designed by the local 4-H group and staffed by friendly high school students.
Dermot leaned up against the fence and watched as Rachel spoke with a young boy, showing him how to feed one of the kids a handful of corn. She smiled and laughed as the goat nudged the little boys hip, looking for more treats in his pocket.
Theyd been together for just over a week and his desire for her hadnt cooled. After their first time at the creek, theyd indulged at least once a day, sometimes twice, finding a private hour or two outside of the workday.
Either Uncle Eddie had been too distracted to notice what was going on or he didnt care. But Dermot was beginning to think that Eddie might be holding out hopes that Dermot would choose to stay at the end of his six-week term. Hed found more time to train Benny the goat to do little tricks.
Rachel glanced up at him and he winked at her. She looked so pretty, dressed in a pale blue sundress and a wide-brimmed straw hat. Hed come into her world here at the fair, a world that he was completely unfamiliar with, and hed seen the respect the children and teenagers had for her.
Rachel wasnt the typical farmer. In truth, she was probably a role model for many of the girls, a single woman trying to make it on a farm all by herself. One of the girls walked over to her and Rachel put an arm around her as they spoke. She laughed and Dermot smiled to himself. She was the prettiest woman at the fair, that much was certain.
So, Im done here, she said. We have the rest of the afternoon to ourselves. What would you like to see first?
Ive kind of liked watching you, he said, taking hold of her hand. Youre pretty amazing.
Thanks, she said. But you see me every day. I think we should start with food. Funnel cakes first, then cream puffs.
What is a funnel cake?
Youll see, she said. She unlatched the gate on the pen and slipped out, one of the goats nipping at her skirt as she left.
They walked hand in hand down a long aisle of food trucks. There was fresh lemonade and deep-fried cheese and corn dogs and cotton candy. Every trailer they passed had something that Dermot wanted to eat. When they reached the stand for the funnel cakes, he looked at the picture and wrinkled his nose.
What is this?
Its really good, she said. Youll like it, I promise.
It looks like a pile of poo. What are you going to make me eat?
Its deep-fried batter. Kind of like a donut only shaped like a little mountain. And they cover it with powdered sugar and you eat it while its
I think we need to go back to that place with the deep-fried cheese. Ive developed a real fondness for cheese.
Rachel ordered a funnel cake, then held it out to him. Dermot reluctantly took a bite. The dough was hot and crispy and it melted in his mouth. Oh, God, thats, like, the best thing Ive ever tasted.
She looked at him and giggled. You have powdered sugar all over your face.
Do I? Dermot grinned. Kiss it off.
Rachel grabbed a napkin and wiped his face. You behave yourself, she warned. Or Ill have to take you home early and put you to bed.
They sat down on a picnic table on one of the covered patios and continued to pick at the funnel cake. I found something that I want to show you, he said.
Rachel glanced over at him. What is it?
An idea. I know its really not my place, but Ill just mention it and you can do what you want with it.
She watched him warily. All right. What is it?
He reached into his pocket and withdrew the bar of soap, setting it in front of her. This is goats milk soap. Theyre selling these at a booth for five dollars a bar. They make the soap with pretty ordinary ingredients. Its not difficult. You could do it in your kitchen.
You want me to make soap?
Not necessarily. I think you could market soap. It could bring in some extra money for the farm. Maybe make things a little easier.
Not necessarily. I think you could market soap. It could bring in some extra money for the farm. Maybe make things a little easier.
Whats the difference between selling it and marketing it?
The soap could be made somewhere else. But you could design the packaging and then market it to natural-food stores and bath boutiques using the farms name. Its really all about the packaging and you could do a nice job with that. He shrugged. I guess, if youre interested, I could do some research for you. See if it would be profitable?
She stared down at the bar of soap, turning it over and over in her hands. II dont know. It is a really good idea. II just dont know if its right for me.
I just thought if you were going to stay, this might be something that He forced a smile, then reached out and took her hand. I want to help you, Rachel. I want you to be happy.
Rachel nodded, then stood, smoothing her hands over her skirt. I think we should see a little more of the fair.
Dermot tried to read her mood. She seemed open to his suggestion, but at the same time, she looked sad or worried. He wasnt sure which. It wouldnt have to mean more work for her. Maybe he hadnt explained it the right way.
Her mood lightened as they ate their way up one side and down the other side of the food area. By the time they finished, Dermot was stuffed. Though he enjoyed fine dining in some of Seattles best restaurants, he had to admit that this was one of the best meals hed ever eaten. Considering the company, he wasnt surprised.
Exhibits next or rides? Rachel asked.
Not rides, he said. I need to give myself some time to digest.
She laughed. Ive never seen anyone eat so much.
I wanted to try everything, he said.
We havent even started with the brats and sweet corn yet.
Dermot draped his arm around her shoulders. What Id really like is to go home. Id like to take off all my clothes and turn on the fans and lie down on your bed and spend the rest of the day digesting. Oh, wait, I meant to say kissing you.
One more thing, she said, taking his hand.
They finished their day with a ride on the Ferris wheel, enjoying a rare moment of quiet together as they were swept up above the crowd and then back down into the bustle. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close, kissing the top of her head.
This was a good day, he murmured, Rachel tucked in the crook of his arm.
It was, she said.
I think I tasted everything.
We didnt even get to the baked potatoes. And there are chocolate éclairs and barbecued chicken and grilled cheese sandwiches and
Dermot groaned as he put his hand over her mouth.
Stop.
Rachel reached out and patted his belly. You can work it all off in the barn.
And in bed, Dermot added.
They got off the Ferris wheel and headed toward the parking area where theyd left the pickup. Dermot held her hand as they walked, uninterested in the displays they passed and intent on getting back to the farm as soon as possible. They passed a booth for solar-heating systems and the guy behind the counter stared at Rachel for a long moment.
Rachel? Rachel Howe?
Rachel stopped and turned, frowning at first before a wide smile broke across her face. Danny! Oh, my gosh. Look at you!
Look at you, he said.
The man stepped from behind the counter and held out his arms. Dermot felt a surge of jealousy and watched warily as they greeted each other.
What are you doing here?
Business, he said. Ive got a solar-heating and wind-power operation I run out of Janesville. He grabbed a brochure and handed it to her.
Rachel flipped through it, nodding approvingly. Gosh, I havent seen you since high school.
I barely recognized you. I wouldnt have except for that smile. I could never forget that smile. Are you back for a visit?
Im running my parents farm now. Weve got our goats over at the 4-H petting zoo. She turned to Dermot. This is mymy friend Dermot Quinn. He works at the farm. Hes visiting from Seattle.
Danny held out his hand. Danny Mathison, he said, introducing himself. Seattle. Great city. Ive been there a couple of times.
Nice to meet you, Dermot said, trying to sound friendly. He didnt like the way Danny was looking at Rachel.
Danny quickly turned his attention back to her. So, youre living in the area. Thats good. And youre still single?
Yes, she said, a pretty blush staining her cheeks.
Me, too. Hey, we should get together some night. Get some dinner and maybe catch a movie. Maybe play a little saxophone?
That would be great, Rachel said with a laugh. Everything except for the saxophone.
Then Ill give you a call, he said. Danny leaned close and kissed her cheek. It was really great seeing you again. Youre in the book?
Right where Ive always been, she said.
Good. He grinned. Great.
Rachel said goodbye and she and Dermot continued on toward the parking lot. That would be great? Dermot parroted. Hey, we should get together some night. You know what he meant, dont you? We should get together?
I think he wants to go out for dinner and a movie, Rachel said.
No, thats not what hes got on his mind. Hes thinking youre all alone on the farm and hes going to swoop in and show you a good time and hes going to get some.
Rachel laughed out loud. Get some? Like youve been getting some?
No, not like that. With us, its a mutual thing.
And what makes you think it wouldnt be a mutual thing with him? Rachel asked, her eyebrow cocked up quizzically.
So you want to go out with him?
Maybe. Hes an old friend, hes kind of cute and hes got a good job. And he is geographically available, unlike you.
Im here.
But you wont be in another month, she said. Am I supposed to live like a nun after you leave?
Yes, Dermot said. That would be exactly how you should live.
Youre jealous, she said.
Damn right I am.
Rachel shook her head. You dont have to be. Im not going to go out with Danny. Im kind of having a little fling with this farmhand. And he takes up all my time and energy.
Dermot grinned. All right. Thats better. And what was that stuff about playing the saxophone? What did he mean by that?
We used to sit next to each other in band, Rachel explained. She slipped her arm around his. Gosh, I went an entire year without a single guy even noticing me and now Ive got two interested. I dont know what to do with myself.
DARK CLOUDS ROLLED IN right after breakfast, and the rain came down in sheets. Rachel had hoped to bale hay now that she had someone to work the wagon. But with the rain, it would be at least another week before the cut alfalfa would be dry enough to bale.
Dermot had been out in the barn, trying to repair a broken gate, and shed been tempted to join him. But theyd spent so much time together that she was beginning to find it hard to think about anything but him.
Hed been at the farm for three weeks and yet it seemed as if theyd already spent a lifetime together. Shed grown so accustomed to having him around, grown to depend on him when things seemed to get impossible.