WIP - Untitled Cut & Run FanFic - 2nd Draft
Untitled WIP
Author: bluesylver
Fandom: Cut & Run by Abigail Roux
Characters: Zane & Becky Garrett
Warnings: Swearing, m/f sex, long ass sentences, past perfect tense
Tonight was their last night in New Orleans, and Becky had wanted it to be special. While Zane was distracted at the book seller's stall, she'd struck up a conversation with the woman in the market selling shawls. As soon as the woman told her about the show at "La Fee Verte", Becky knew it would be perfect. Zane loved music, so the singing would appeal to him, and the risque nature of the show should get them both worked up for a good time in the hotel afterwards.
Although the show had lived up to her expectations, she was starting to regret their decision to walk back to the hotel. The neighborhood the club was in was practically a maze and she had been concentrating so hard on remembering all the twists and turns she hadn't realized the distance they'd traveled.
"God, how far is the hotel? My feet are killing me in these shoes! Why did we walk again?" Becky complained as she clung to Zane's arm and pulled him to a stop.
"You're the one that dragged me to that dive. And you're the one that wanted to walk. I think you said it would be romantic", Zane replied with a slight smirk, though he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
"Well it was romantic, wasn't it?" Becky countered. "You enjoyed the show; I know you did. You were enthralled with that male performer. I was watching you; you never took your eyes off him."
Becky knew she was on target by the way Zane bit his lip and avoided her eyes. He shuffled his feet and opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again and cleared his throat.
Finally he replied, "Yeah, it was fun, but now it's freezing and we've still got seven blocks 'til we reach the hotel."
The cool night air had been pleasantly refreshing when they'd left the stuffy, smoky bar, but the damp chill had become uncomfortable despite the exertion of walking.
"Carry me?" Becky pleaded, pouting slightly. She ran her hand down his back and gave his ass a squeeze as added incentive.
Zane tilted his head and studied her for a minute before he leaned in and whispered, "I'll make you a deal, cowgirl. I'll give you a ride to the hotel if you promise to ride me in bed tonight."
"Hmmmm, that's a pretty steep price to pay", Becky replied slowly, looking Zane up and down and pretending to mull it over. "But I guess you've got yourself a deal, cowboy," she finished cheekily.
"I have to warn you, I buck." Zane laughed, thrusting his hips forward.
"Well, I'd just like to see you throw me. Don't forget I won the bronc riding championship three years running," Becky grinned back at him.
"As long as you don't use spurs, we're good," Zane said as he swung Becky up on his back and gripped her thighs.
"Hold on", he shouted before taking off at a run, apparently in a hurry to reach the hotel and the promised payment for his effort.
***
"Fuck," Zane gasped as Becky slid off his back onto the bed. "My legs feel like jelly and I think my heart is about to burst."
"Poor baby," Becky cooed, sitting up and pulling off her heels. "I guess you're too tuckered out for another ride tonight, huh?"
Zane lay sprawled on his back where he'd collapsed on the bed. His words were stilted as he gulped air into his lungs. "Hell no. You're not getting out of our deal just 'cause I'm out of breath. I don't care if it kills me. Besides, you'll be doing most of the work."
Becky squealed as Zane grabbed her and pulled her down to lay next to him on the bed. She couldn't help grinning as he kissed her. He pulled back to look at her. "God, I love you," he murmured, before leaning in to kiss her again.
Pressed next to Zane, Becky could feel his heart pounding. She slid her fingers into his hair as he kissed her. It was damp from sweat and long enough to start curling at the ends.
She idly wished he would wear his hair like that all the time, but she knew he would cut it short again when their vacation was over. He was so determined to be the ideal agent, always perfectly groomed and professional to a fault.
All thoughts fled as Zane began trailing kisses down her throat and unbuttoning her blouse. Becky focused on Zane, his smell, the feel of his lips, the sound of his breath.
She began to tug at his shirt. "Come on, big guy, get this off," she commanded. "I wanna ride you bareback."
Zane groaned, but complied, getting out of bed and pulling off his shirt. As he unbuckled his belt, Becky began to hum ---stripper music---.
Raising his eyebrow, Zane considered her for a moment, then grinned and began to sway his hips. He made a show of slowly unbuttoning his jeans and lowering the zipper. He turned his back to her as he pushed his jeans down his thighs to his calves. For several minutes he st....lap dance....hips gyrating
"Fuck," he laughed when he evidently realized there was no way to gracefully get his jeans off over his boots. After one abortive hop toward the bed, Zane dropped to the floor and yanked off his boots and jeans to the sound of Becky's laughter. "Don't quit your day job, dear," she teased.
Still grinning, Zane stood, dropped his briefs, and kicked them away, then walked over to their luggage and rummaged around a bit before returning to the bed.
From the bulge Becky had seen in Zane's jeans, she knew he must have been achingly hard before the little striptease interlude. She was glad his cock had deflated some so he wouldn't be desperate for release. She wanted to draw out his pleasure, and in the state he'd been in he'd have come before she was even warmed up.
It hadn't been a problem when he was younger and able to recover after a few minutes. Becky would often start things out with a fast, messy blowjob, knowing Zane would be ready to go again whenever she was.
Now it took longer for him to recover, and sometimes he couldn't manage to get hard a second time. Becky blamed the stress of his job and the cigarettes he just couldn't quit, as much as his age. Thirty eight wasn't that old, but he was slowing down.
Zane stood in front of Becky, gazing down at her tenderly.
Becky met his eyes, then slid her gaze down his body.
Zane was a work of art, broad shouldered with bulging biceps and sculpted chest and abs. He had a dusting of hair on his chest, and a trail of hair that led from just below his belly button to his thick, heavy cock and firm balls. His long, long legs were well muscled and firmly toned and his ass was glorious, round and firm.
Becky remembered the scrawny young man Zane was when they had first made love. He had been so self-conscious about his body he could barely get hard enough to do the deed. As much as Becky loved the way Zane looked now, what she loved most was the confidence it gave Zane.
Becky licked her lips seductively, then smiled when she caught a glimpse of what Zane held in his hand.
Zane grinned at her and tossed the vibrator on the bed. He reached out and slid her blouse off her shoulders, then kneeled down. He captured her lips in his as his hands fumbled with the clasp to her bra.
Impatient, Becky pushed Zane away and pulled her bra off over her head, then stood and undid her slacks, letting them fall to the floor. She felt Zane's large hands grip her buttocks, then his hot breath as he pressed his face to her belly.
Zane slid his fingers into the waistband of Becky's panties and slowly slid them down her legs. He remained kneeling for a moment, enjoying the view of his wife flushed and smiling. He stood suddenly and grabbed Becky, tossing her down on the bed before covering her with his body and attacking her mouth. They kissed passionately, .... tongues, teeth, lips... fingers threading, hands roaming, back scraping.... Eventually they came up for air, gasping. Then Zane began to work his way down her body, kissing and nipping at her skin until he reached her crotch.
more sexing Zane goes down on her, then uses the vibrator & his fingers to get her off
Zane knelt on the bed and wiped his face off with his arm before lying down on his side next to his wife. He lay quietly, content to just caress her and watch as she came down from her orgasm.
Eventually Becky's eyes focused and slid to look at him. She rolled to face him and grinned. "Ready for that ride now, cowboy?" she asked, placing her hand on his chest then tracing down his abs to his groin.
"Hell, yeah." Zane groaned as Becky wrapped her fingers around his cock. He rolled to his back as she straddled him, sliding her crotch against his cock several times before sinking down on it. //Zane moaned as his cock was engulfed in the wet heat.
//Zane loved when Becky took charge, she was so good at it. She brought him to the edge again and again, squeezing and massaging his cock with her vaginal muscles and varying the speed and strength of her thrusts. She occasionly leaned forward for a kiss or to tweak his nipple, or back to cup his balls or grip his ass. No matter how hard he bucked his hips she never lost her balance, and if he bucked too much she would smack his ass hard. He was a little unnerved by how much he liked it when she did. It was a kink he wasn't ready to explore fully just yet.
//Zane was just about at the end of his endurance, ready to beg Becky to let him come when he heard a hum and felt a buzzing sensation on his balls. The jolt that shot through his body made his hips thrust up so hard Becky had to grab the headboard to keep from hitting the wall. "Fuck, Becky," he managed to groan. "Fuck...what? Oh God".
"Did you like that?" Becky asked, grinning down at him wickedly.
"I...uh...yeah. Fuck". Zane ground out. "What the hell?"
Becky smiled and waved the vibrator at him, then slowly lowered it behind her as she resumed her rhythm on Zane's cock.
//Even prepared for it this time, the first touch of the vibrator was a shock. Zane was soon moaning with pleasure, though. Becky sped up her hips and with the added stimulation, Zane's orgasm was searing through his body leaving him dizzy and spent.
//When Zane's head cleared, Becky was looking down at him, stroking his cheek. She traced his lips with her fingers, then kissed him tenderly. "So big guy, do you feel I upheld my end of the deal?" Becky asked with a grin.
"Oh yeah," Zane replied. "I got way more than I bargained for. I think your handprint is branded on my ass."
"Hmmm, that might not be a bad idea. Let everyone know your ass belongs to me; especially good looking men wearing eye liner and bowler hats," Becky joked.
"One problem with that, though. I'd have to be naked for anyone to see," Zane teased back.
"Maybe a collar then. I'll lead you around on a little leash...Oh my God," Becky laughed, "the look on your face...I think you'd enjoy it."
"In the bedroom maybe, not out in public," Zane said a little sheepishly. "Seriously, though, I have this to let everyone know I'm taken," he added thoughtfully, pointing to his wedding band. "I hope you know I never even look at other women, and I'd never considered a guy before tonight. I think I was more flattered and curious than anything. You're all I need or want." Zane studied Becky a moment, watching the emotions play across her face. "Why does that make you sad?"
"Because I know you really mean that, sweetheart, and it frightens me. You don't have any friends, you're estranged from your parents, you barely talk to your sister. What if something happened to me? You'd be all alone." Becky's voice cracked as she spoke.
"Shhh, honey, don't do that. Don't cry. And don't talk like that. Nothing is going to happen to you. I won't let it, you hear?" Zane insisted.
Becky sniffed and nodded, tears shining in her eyes. "I still wish you'd try to make some friends, Zane. What about the guy who sits across from you? Agent Todd, wasn't it? You introduced us at the Christmas party."
"No, no way. All he talks about is how his stocks are doing and the tits on the girls in whatever porn he saw last." Zane grumbled.
"Well, you like tits, so you have that in common." Becky's giggle turned into a gasp as Zane's lips closed around one of her nipples.
"Mmmm, I do like some tits," Zane replied, "but not as a topic of conversation."
"What about Annie's husband, Mark, then? He seemed like a nice enough guy," Becky tried again.
"Guy's a Marine. Every Marine I've ever met has been the same. They don't think you're a real man if you're not a Marine. I could feel the disdain before I even shook his hand. Annie seems happy enough and I'm glad for her, but I don't see me ever getting close to Mark," Zane sighed.
"I just don't fit in with most guys. I'm too geeky for the jocks and too ripped for the geeks. Because of my size guys are either scared of me or trying to prove they're tougher than me. I don't care much about sports and I'm not into porn. I can't stand most people's ignorant politcal opinions. I haven't played video games since college. I just don't have anything in common with most of the guys I meet.
Besides, I don't get to spend enough time with you as it is. I don't want to waste time hanging out in a bar with some jerk when I could be home with you, snuggling on the couch or dancing in the kitchen."
"You know we could join a book club or something. Then we'd still be together and you'd meet some men who are into something besides sports, porn or politics," Becky suggested.
"I'd still rather just sit home with you, Becky. You know I'm not comfortable around other people. The only time I feel free to be myself is when we're alone. That's the only time I'm really happy," Zane said plaintively.
"Oh, you're hopeless," Becky huffed. "If you'd let people see the real you, you'd be surprised how many friends you'd have. You put on that damn mask everytime you step out the door. I'm the only one you let see how sweet, funny, and sensitive you are.
I love you so much, and I want everyone to see you the way I do. I know they'd love you if you only let them. I feel so special that you trust me enough to be yourself with me, but it makes me sad, too. I want you to know love and happiness all the time, not just when you're alone with me."
Becky sighed, knowing it was pointless to argue with Zane. No matter how many times she told Zane how incredible he was, how talented, interesting, smart, and funny, he didn't believe her. His self-esteem had received a crushing blow when he'd been only thirteen, and he'd never recovered.
Becky still seethed when she remembered the day Zane had given up his dreams of being an artist. She'd been out in the yard feeding the calves and had been shocked to see him galloping up at full speed. Panic shot through her when she'd noticed his horse had no saddle or bridle. "Whatever could have happened to send him racing here like that?" she had worried.
Zane hadn't waited for his horse to stop before he'd leapt off and started running towards her. At first Becky hadn't been able to make out what he was shouting, but as he'd neared her the words had grown clearer.
"Becky, I got in! I got in! The letter came today, I got in!" Zane had shouted repeatedly, grabbing her around the waist and twirling her in circles.
Becky had shrieked and slapped at his shoulders, hollering, "Put me down, you loon, and tell me what's got you so worked up."
Zane had twirled her a couple more times before setting her down, his eyes shining.
"I got in, Becky! Remember that *---workshop--- I told you about? The one for young artists to study with ____? Well, I applied; I sent in that painting I did of Daddy working with _______ and some of my sketches and I got in! The letter came in the mail today. There were only twelve openings and I got in!" Zane had emphasized the last line by swinging her in another circle.
His joy had been shortlived though. After helping her finish her chores, they had ridden back to his house to give his family the news. Zane had been so sure his parents would be proud of him; he'd beaten out thousands of applicants statewide. His mother had crushed his dreams with a few harsh words.
"Zane, I've put up with your constant scribbling up until now because you were just a boy. But you're almost a man now and you need to give up this nonsense," she sneered. "You're going to run the ranch someday and it's time you started learning how to do that. You can forget about that ridiculous doodling class; you're going to start helping your father and actually do something useful for a change," she'd added harshly.
Zane had started to protest, the stricken look on his face breaking Becky's heart. Zane's mother had just stared at him coldly, and the words had died on his lips.
Becky had seen the way Zane had clenched his jaw, seen his throat working and the way his chest had heaved.
Becky had been so shocked by Mrs. Garrett's cruelty she could only stand and stare as Zane had struggled valiantly not to break down, until suddenly he had turned and run out of the room.
Becky had raced after him, witnessing his stumbling down the stairs and almost running into anything in his path. She had watched as he'd thrown open the door and leapt off the porch and had heard him whistle for _____ . She had reached the porch in time to see him mount in stride and ride off in the direction of the river.
She had slowed her own flight when she had realized where he was headed. He would need some time to himself, so Becky had gone back into the house and made her way to the kitchen. She had wheedled some cookies and sweet tea out of the cook along with some sandwiches and fruit. She'd packed the goodies into her saddlebags then ridden after him.
She'd found him right where she had expected to: sitting in their oak tree. This was a large old oak growing on the banks of the river that ran through the ranch. It had always been their favorite spot to play, far from the house and barns and relatively cool in the summer heat. One huge, low-hanging branch grew straight out over the river. They loved to sit there in the shade and talk or read. If it got too hot they'd jump down into the river to cool off, splashing and dunking each other.
Becky had felt tears welling up, looking at Zane as she dismounted. Zane had been sitting hunched over, huddled near the trunk of the tree and his shoulders had been shaking as he'd wept silently.
Hearing her approach, Zane had sat up and swiped his arm across his eyes, but he'd kept his back to her.
"God, your mama is such a bitch! I wish she'd choke on her own tongue. Don't you listen to her, Zane. She's a snake, a viper, cold blooded and full of venom. You've got so much talent, and it's not nonsense."
Becky had paused in her ranting to hoist herself up to sit next to Zane. She'd bumped her shoulder against his arm and hooked her foot around his calf, swinging both their legs.
Zane had continued to sit silently, occasionally taking a deep, shuddering breath or swiping at his eyes.
Becky had remained quiet for as long as she could stand, hating to see Zane so crestfallen. Then she had turned toward him and gripped his chin, forcing him to face her and meet her eyes.
Hoping her words would reach him, Becky had spoken in a low firm voice. "You have a gift, Zane. You have the ability to capture the essence of things, to show the beauty that so many people overlook.
You can touch people with your art; my momma cried when she saw the drawing you did of me with my daddy before he passed. She keeps it by her bed and sometimes she holds it and talks to him. That's something to be proud of, something to treasure."
Becky had studied his face, looking for a sign her words had gotten through to him, but his eyes had remained haunted. Heart aching, Becky had brushed her thumb over his lower lip, then leaned in and pressed her mouth to his.
When she had pulled back, Zane's expression had changed. The pain in his eyes had lessened and there was a hint of wonder and hope in his face. They'd regarded each other for a long moment, then Zane had offered her a ghost of a smile before capturing her lips with his.
Becky hadn't noticed the time passing as she sat with Zane, her arms wrapped around his waist and her head against his chest. Zane's cheek had rested on her head and he'd held her close with one arm. His other arm... and his hand rested on her thigh. They had been content to just enjoy each other's closeness, only occasionally feeling the need to talk or kiss.
The tableau had been broken by the rumbling of Zane's stomach, and laughing, they had left their perch to eat the food Becky had packed.
By the time they'd finished eating, Zane's mood had lightened considerably. He'd entertained the thought that his dad might intercede with his mom. Becky had agreed to accompany Zane when he went to plead his case, and Zane had seemed almost his old self as they'd gathered up the picnic things. As they had ridden back to the house, he'd begun excitedly telling her about the campus and the program, confident his father would agree to let him go.
As they had neared the house they had spotted Zane's dad walking from the barns. Dismounting and falling into step with his father, Becky had listened as Zane had repeated the arguements he had prepared: it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, it was an honor to be selected, it wouldn't cost them anything, and what should have been the clincher, Zane desperately wanted to go.
Harrison had listened and seemed sympathetic, but when Zane had finished his appeal his father had disappointed him.
"Sorry son," Harrison had said, "your mother already told me about it and said she was putting her foot down. I wouldn't care if you went, but you know I don't like to go against your mother. If it was something important I might fight her about it but this ain't worth upsetting the peace. Maybe next time you can go."
Becky's heart had sunk as she listened to Harrison and watched the expression on Zane's face change. He'd started with a mildly hopeful look, but by the time Harrison had finished Zane's face had taken on the vaguely cold expression his mother wore perpetually.
It was the first time Becky had seen the mask Zane would take to wearing with his family and in public and it had frightened her. She'd been anxious as she followed him onto the porch, but as soon as he had turned to her and looked into her eyes, the mask had dropped and she'd witnessed the agony in his face. She had pulled his head down to her shoulder and held him, rocking their bodies slightly.
Zane had stopped drawing and painting altogether, finding it too painful, until Becky had persuaded him to sketch something for her. She'd persisted in asking him for works of art and gradually her delight in his creations had rekindled some of his joy in art, but he'd never allowed anyone but her to see them. The painting hanging in the foyer of the house was a rare exception.
//Annie had seen the landscape when she had come to visit them in DC. She had fallen in love with it and begged shamelessly until Zane had reluctantly gifted it to her, with the stipulation that she not tell their parents it was his.
"Tell them you got it in a yard sale or something," he'd insisted. "I mean it. Don't tell them. Mom would probably make you throw it out if she knew it was mine. I know she'd never agree to hang it. One of her friends might comment on it and she'd have to admit to having a son who paints."
Becky had shown Annie some of Zane's other paintings and sketches. Annie had seemed overwhelmed to realize her big brother had so much talent, could create works of such beauty.
"Oh my God," she had whispered. "I never knew Zane could paint like this. And these sketches are amazing. I feel like I'm right there in the scene, like I could reach out and touch the people and things in them. I remember he used to doodle silly little cartoon characters and stuff when I was young, but nothing like this.
Zane always seems so cold and unfeeling, but that can't be true. There's no way he could draw things with such warmth and life if he was so callous. Why would he hide that side of himself from us?" she asked, her voice strained with emotion. "God, it's like I don't know my brother at all."
//Talking with Annie, Becky learned Zane had never shared any of his passions or accomplishments with his family since the day his parents had refused to let him attend the _____. Becky had been surprised when none of his family came to the awards ceremony at the end of their freshman year. Zane had won several prizes, including a special award for earning the highest score in the school's history on the math aptitude test. When she'd questioned him about it, he'd first shrugged it off, then admitted he hadn't told them.
Zane also had never told his parents he'd joined the square dance team, explaining his time at practice and competitions as simply "stuff for school". Even knowing that, Becky was shocked when she learned he hadn't informed them when their team made the national championships. Becky had been there when Zane was confronted by his mother after their return.
"Care to explain this?" Mrs. Garrett had seethed, slamming the newspaper she'd been holding down on the counter in front of him. Blazoned across the top was "High Stepping Hornets: Local Square Dance Team places 3rd in National Competition." Below the headline was a full color picture of their team, Zane clearly recognizable in the middle of the back row.
"Imagine my surprise when Margie Wiggins called to congratulate me on your accomplishment. I told her she must be mistaken; my son is not on any square dance team. But there you are, front page news. Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was? How could you not tell us something like this?"
Zane had flinched when the paper slapped on the counter, and his shoulders had hunched as his mother had started her diatribe. When she'd seen his fists clenching, Becky had started to worry that Zane would lose his temper. At Beverly's mention of her embarrassment, though, the tension left Zane's shoulders and he slowly straightened his fingers.
When Beverly had finished speaking, he had turned to her and said coldly, "All you care about is making money and impressing the ______ Ladies Club, and all dad cares about is horses, so I didn't think you'd be interested."
Then he'd taken Becky's hand and led her out of the house, his mother's voice trailing after them.
"Zane! Zane, we're not finished discussing this. Zane!"
//
//
His mother's cruel coldness and his father's indifference had left Zane feeling unloved and unlovable. Zane accepted Becky's love by attributing it to her own good nature and big heart, not to any worthiness of his own. Becky had to bite her lip to keep from blurting out the bitter thoughts about Zane's mother that were on her tongue.
Becky forced a smile and ruffled Zane's hair before kissing him soundly.
"Good night, sweetheart," she murmured. "If you have sweet dreams about men in bowler hats, you have to share them with me in the morning," she added to lighten the mood. "I love you."
"Love you, too." Zane's sleepy reply was almost inaudible, though a smile ghosted on his lips. He hummed a bit of the last song the man in the bowler hat had sung. The hum trailed off as Zane drifted off to sleep.
Becky pressed a kiss above Zane's heart, then laid her head on his shoulder to let sleep claim her.
***
Becky woke early, her head still pillowed on Zane's shoulder. She knew she should get up and start packing; it was their last day in New Orleans and they had to check out by 10am. She just couldn't bring herself to leave Zane's side, though. Instead she snuggled closer, tracing patterns on his chest and soaking up his warmth. Becky had almost dozed off again when she felt Zane stir. Becky pulled back and sat partway up to watch Zane wake. She loved the soft, confused look he wore when he first woke, as though he were still lost in dreams. Even better was the smile when he came fully awake and realized she was there. She'd asked him about it one time, why he always looked so lost until he saw her. Zane's reply had moved her to tears. He'd told her he had the sweetest dreams at night; when he woke and realized he'd been dreaming he felt lost. Then he'd see her, and know his dreams were real. Becky smiled at the memory.
Zane touched Becky's lips, then pulled her down for a kiss. "Morning, honey," he said warmly. "God, you're beautiful," he added, brushing her hair away from her face.
"Thank you," she whispered. "for this vacation. For coming on this trip with me. You work so hard all the time; you need to take more time to relax, to have fun. It's been so great to see you like this, happy and carefree. It does my heart good."
Zane reached out and caught Becky's hand, bringing it to his mouth and kissing her knuckles. His eyes lingered on her wedding ring and he ran his thumb over it. "Marrying you was the smartest thing I ever did," he said, his voice shaky with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you. I guess I take you for granted. This week has been fantastic and it's made me realize what's important. I should spend every day trying to make you happy instead of focussing so much on my job. I know you miss Texas and ranch life. I can put in for a transfer; hell, if you want I'll quit and get a nice safe office job. I'd even work on Daddy's ranch if it meant you would be happy."
"Aww, sweetheart, you don't have to do that," Becky insisted. "I am happy, as long as we're together. I do miss Texas; I love it and I love riding horses and working cattle. I hate when you're gone on long assignments and I worry about you all the time you're not with me. But I know you wouldn't be happy working a boring office job, and you'd be downright miserable if you worked on the C&G. Your mother would have you so tied up in knots you wouldn't be able to breathe. I remember what it was like before you went off to college; I would never ask that of you. All I ask is that when you walk in the door, you let go of the job and focus on us. Just be there with me, all of you, and I'll be happy."
"I'll try, honey. I promise you I'll do whatever it takes," Zane said earnestly, pulling Becky close for a kiss. "What do you say to one for the road?" he asked, smiling as he slid his hand between her thighs. "I'll tell you about my dreams..."
Author: bluesylver
Fandom: Cut & Run by Abigail Roux
Characters: Zane & Becky Garrett
Warnings: Swearing, m/f sex, long ass sentences, past perfect tense
Tonight was their last night in New Orleans, and Becky had wanted it to be special. While Zane was distracted at the book seller's stall, she'd struck up a conversation with the woman in the market selling shawls. As soon as the woman told her about the show at "La Fee Verte", Becky knew it would be perfect. Zane loved music, so the singing would appeal to him, and the risque nature of the show should get them both worked up for a good time in the hotel afterwards.
Although the show had lived up to her expectations, she was starting to regret their decision to walk back to the hotel. The neighborhood the club was in was practically a maze and she had been concentrating so hard on remembering all the twists and turns she hadn't realized the distance they'd traveled.
"God, how far is the hotel? My feet are killing me in these shoes! Why did we walk again?" Becky complained as she clung to Zane's arm and pulled him to a stop.
"You're the one that dragged me to that dive. And you're the one that wanted to walk. I think you said it would be romantic", Zane replied with a slight smirk, though he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
"Well it was romantic, wasn't it?" Becky countered. "You enjoyed the show; I know you did. You were enthralled with that male performer. I was watching you; you never took your eyes off him."
Becky knew she was on target by the way Zane bit his lip and avoided her eyes. He shuffled his feet and opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again and cleared his throat.
Finally he replied, "Yeah, it was fun, but now it's freezing and we've still got seven blocks 'til we reach the hotel."
The cool night air had been pleasantly refreshing when they'd left the stuffy, smoky bar, but the damp chill had become uncomfortable despite the exertion of walking.
"Carry me?" Becky pleaded, pouting slightly. She ran her hand down his back and gave his ass a squeeze as added incentive.
Zane tilted his head and studied her for a minute before he leaned in and whispered, "I'll make you a deal, cowgirl. I'll give you a ride to the hotel if you promise to ride me in bed tonight."
"Hmmmm, that's a pretty steep price to pay", Becky replied slowly, looking Zane up and down and pretending to mull it over. "But I guess you've got yourself a deal, cowboy," she finished cheekily.
"I have to warn you, I buck." Zane laughed, thrusting his hips forward.
"Well, I'd just like to see you throw me. Don't forget I won the bronc riding championship three years running," Becky grinned back at him.
"As long as you don't use spurs, we're good," Zane said as he swung Becky up on his back and gripped her thighs.
"Hold on", he shouted before taking off at a run, apparently in a hurry to reach the hotel and the promised payment for his effort.
***
"Fuck," Zane gasped as Becky slid off his back onto the bed. "My legs feel like jelly and I think my heart is about to burst."
"Poor baby," Becky cooed, sitting up and pulling off her heels. "I guess you're too tuckered out for another ride tonight, huh?"
Zane lay sprawled on his back where he'd collapsed on the bed. His words were stilted as he gulped air into his lungs. "Hell no. You're not getting out of our deal just 'cause I'm out of breath. I don't care if it kills me. Besides, you'll be doing most of the work."
Becky squealed as Zane grabbed her and pulled her down to lay next to him on the bed. She couldn't help grinning as he kissed her. He pulled back to look at her. "God, I love you," he murmured, before leaning in to kiss her again.
Pressed next to Zane, Becky could feel his heart pounding. She slid her fingers into his hair as he kissed her. It was damp from sweat and long enough to start curling at the ends.
She idly wished he would wear his hair like that all the time, but she knew he would cut it short again when their vacation was over. He was so determined to be the ideal agent, always perfectly groomed and professional to a fault.
All thoughts fled as Zane began trailing kisses down her throat and unbuttoning her blouse. Becky focused on Zane, his smell, the feel of his lips, the sound of his breath.
She began to tug at his shirt. "Come on, big guy, get this off," she commanded. "I wanna ride you bareback."
Zane groaned, but complied, getting out of bed and pulling off his shirt. As he unbuckled his belt, Becky began to hum ---stripper music---.
Raising his eyebrow, Zane considered her for a moment, then grinned and began to sway his hips. He made a show of slowly unbuttoning his jeans and lowering the zipper. He turned his back to her as he pushed his jeans down his thighs to his calves. For several minutes he st....lap dance....hips gyrating
"Fuck," he laughed when he evidently realized there was no way to gracefully get his jeans off over his boots. After one abortive hop toward the bed, Zane dropped to the floor and yanked off his boots and jeans to the sound of Becky's laughter. "Don't quit your day job, dear," she teased.
Still grinning, Zane stood, dropped his briefs, and kicked them away, then walked over to their luggage and rummaged around a bit before returning to the bed.
From the bulge Becky had seen in Zane's jeans, she knew he must have been achingly hard before the little striptease interlude. She was glad his cock had deflated some so he wouldn't be desperate for release. She wanted to draw out his pleasure, and in the state he'd been in he'd have come before she was even warmed up.
It hadn't been a problem when he was younger and able to recover after a few minutes. Becky would often start things out with a fast, messy blowjob, knowing Zane would be ready to go again whenever she was.
Now it took longer for him to recover, and sometimes he couldn't manage to get hard a second time. Becky blamed the stress of his job and the cigarettes he just couldn't quit, as much as his age. Thirty eight wasn't that old, but he was slowing down.
Zane stood in front of Becky, gazing down at her tenderly.
Becky met his eyes, then slid her gaze down his body.
Zane was a work of art, broad shouldered with bulging biceps and sculpted chest and abs. He had a dusting of hair on his chest, and a trail of hair that led from just below his belly button to his thick, heavy cock and firm balls. His long, long legs were well muscled and firmly toned and his ass was glorious, round and firm.
Becky remembered the scrawny young man Zane was when they had first made love. He had been so self-conscious about his body he could barely get hard enough to do the deed. As much as Becky loved the way Zane looked now, what she loved most was the confidence it gave Zane.
Becky licked her lips seductively, then smiled when she caught a glimpse of what Zane held in his hand.
Zane grinned at her and tossed the vibrator on the bed. He reached out and slid her blouse off her shoulders, then kneeled down. He captured her lips in his as his hands fumbled with the clasp to her bra.
Impatient, Becky pushed Zane away and pulled her bra off over her head, then stood and undid her slacks, letting them fall to the floor. She felt Zane's large hands grip her buttocks, then his hot breath as he pressed his face to her belly.
Zane slid his fingers into the waistband of Becky's panties and slowly slid them down her legs. He remained kneeling for a moment, enjoying the view of his wife flushed and smiling. He stood suddenly and grabbed Becky, tossing her down on the bed before covering her with his body and attacking her mouth. They kissed passionately, .... tongues, teeth, lips... fingers threading, hands roaming, back scraping.... Eventually they came up for air, gasping. Then Zane began to work his way down her body, kissing and nipping at her skin until he reached her crotch.
more sexing Zane goes down on her, then uses the vibrator & his fingers to get her off
Zane knelt on the bed and wiped his face off with his arm before lying down on his side next to his wife. He lay quietly, content to just caress her and watch as she came down from her orgasm.
Eventually Becky's eyes focused and slid to look at him. She rolled to face him and grinned. "Ready for that ride now, cowboy?" she asked, placing her hand on his chest then tracing down his abs to his groin.
"Hell, yeah." Zane groaned as Becky wrapped her fingers around his cock. He rolled to his back as she straddled him, sliding her crotch against his cock several times before sinking down on it. //Zane moaned as his cock was engulfed in the wet heat.
//Zane loved when Becky took charge, she was so good at it. She brought him to the edge again and again, squeezing and massaging his cock with her vaginal muscles and varying the speed and strength of her thrusts. She occasionly leaned forward for a kiss or to tweak his nipple, or back to cup his balls or grip his ass. No matter how hard he bucked his hips she never lost her balance, and if he bucked too much she would smack his ass hard. He was a little unnerved by how much he liked it when she did. It was a kink he wasn't ready to explore fully just yet.
//Zane was just about at the end of his endurance, ready to beg Becky to let him come when he heard a hum and felt a buzzing sensation on his balls. The jolt that shot through his body made his hips thrust up so hard Becky had to grab the headboard to keep from hitting the wall. "Fuck, Becky," he managed to groan. "Fuck...what? Oh God".
"Did you like that?" Becky asked, grinning down at him wickedly.
"I...uh...yeah. Fuck". Zane ground out. "What the hell?"
Becky smiled and waved the vibrator at him, then slowly lowered it behind her as she resumed her rhythm on Zane's cock.
//Even prepared for it this time, the first touch of the vibrator was a shock. Zane was soon moaning with pleasure, though. Becky sped up her hips and with the added stimulation, Zane's orgasm was searing through his body leaving him dizzy and spent.
//When Zane's head cleared, Becky was looking down at him, stroking his cheek. She traced his lips with her fingers, then kissed him tenderly. "So big guy, do you feel I upheld my end of the deal?" Becky asked with a grin.
"Oh yeah," Zane replied. "I got way more than I bargained for. I think your handprint is branded on my ass."
"Hmmm, that might not be a bad idea. Let everyone know your ass belongs to me; especially good looking men wearing eye liner and bowler hats," Becky joked.
"One problem with that, though. I'd have to be naked for anyone to see," Zane teased back.
"Maybe a collar then. I'll lead you around on a little leash...Oh my God," Becky laughed, "the look on your face...I think you'd enjoy it."
"In the bedroom maybe, not out in public," Zane said a little sheepishly. "Seriously, though, I have this to let everyone know I'm taken," he added thoughtfully, pointing to his wedding band. "I hope you know I never even look at other women, and I'd never considered a guy before tonight. I think I was more flattered and curious than anything. You're all I need or want." Zane studied Becky a moment, watching the emotions play across her face. "Why does that make you sad?"
"Because I know you really mean that, sweetheart, and it frightens me. You don't have any friends, you're estranged from your parents, you barely talk to your sister. What if something happened to me? You'd be all alone." Becky's voice cracked as she spoke.
"Shhh, honey, don't do that. Don't cry. And don't talk like that. Nothing is going to happen to you. I won't let it, you hear?" Zane insisted.
Becky sniffed and nodded, tears shining in her eyes. "I still wish you'd try to make some friends, Zane. What about the guy who sits across from you? Agent Todd, wasn't it? You introduced us at the Christmas party."
"No, no way. All he talks about is how his stocks are doing and the tits on the girls in whatever porn he saw last." Zane grumbled.
"Well, you like tits, so you have that in common." Becky's giggle turned into a gasp as Zane's lips closed around one of her nipples.
"Mmmm, I do like some tits," Zane replied, "but not as a topic of conversation."
"What about Annie's husband, Mark, then? He seemed like a nice enough guy," Becky tried again.
"Guy's a Marine. Every Marine I've ever met has been the same. They don't think you're a real man if you're not a Marine. I could feel the disdain before I even shook his hand. Annie seems happy enough and I'm glad for her, but I don't see me ever getting close to Mark," Zane sighed.
"I just don't fit in with most guys. I'm too geeky for the jocks and too ripped for the geeks. Because of my size guys are either scared of me or trying to prove they're tougher than me. I don't care much about sports and I'm not into porn. I can't stand most people's ignorant politcal opinions. I haven't played video games since college. I just don't have anything in common with most of the guys I meet.
Besides, I don't get to spend enough time with you as it is. I don't want to waste time hanging out in a bar with some jerk when I could be home with you, snuggling on the couch or dancing in the kitchen."
"You know we could join a book club or something. Then we'd still be together and you'd meet some men who are into something besides sports, porn or politics," Becky suggested.
"I'd still rather just sit home with you, Becky. You know I'm not comfortable around other people. The only time I feel free to be myself is when we're alone. That's the only time I'm really happy," Zane said plaintively.
"Oh, you're hopeless," Becky huffed. "If you'd let people see the real you, you'd be surprised how many friends you'd have. You put on that damn mask everytime you step out the door. I'm the only one you let see how sweet, funny, and sensitive you are.
I love you so much, and I want everyone to see you the way I do. I know they'd love you if you only let them. I feel so special that you trust me enough to be yourself with me, but it makes me sad, too. I want you to know love and happiness all the time, not just when you're alone with me."
Becky sighed, knowing it was pointless to argue with Zane. No matter how many times she told Zane how incredible he was, how talented, interesting, smart, and funny, he didn't believe her. His self-esteem had received a crushing blow when he'd been only thirteen, and he'd never recovered.
Becky still seethed when she remembered the day Zane had given up his dreams of being an artist. She'd been out in the yard feeding the calves and had been shocked to see him galloping up at full speed. Panic shot through her when she'd noticed his horse had no saddle or bridle. "Whatever could have happened to send him racing here like that?" she had worried.
Zane hadn't waited for his horse to stop before he'd leapt off and started running towards her. At first Becky hadn't been able to make out what he was shouting, but as he'd neared her the words had grown clearer.
"Becky, I got in! I got in! The letter came today, I got in!" Zane had shouted repeatedly, grabbing her around the waist and twirling her in circles.
Becky had shrieked and slapped at his shoulders, hollering, "Put me down, you loon, and tell me what's got you so worked up."
Zane had twirled her a couple more times before setting her down, his eyes shining.
"I got in, Becky! Remember that *---workshop--- I told you about? The one for young artists to study with ____? Well, I applied; I sent in that painting I did of Daddy working with _______ and some of my sketches and I got in! The letter came in the mail today. There were only twelve openings and I got in!" Zane had emphasized the last line by swinging her in another circle.
His joy had been shortlived though. After helping her finish her chores, they had ridden back to his house to give his family the news. Zane had been so sure his parents would be proud of him; he'd beaten out thousands of applicants statewide. His mother had crushed his dreams with a few harsh words.
"Zane, I've put up with your constant scribbling up until now because you were just a boy. But you're almost a man now and you need to give up this nonsense," she sneered. "You're going to run the ranch someday and it's time you started learning how to do that. You can forget about that ridiculous doodling class; you're going to start helping your father and actually do something useful for a change," she'd added harshly.
Zane had started to protest, the stricken look on his face breaking Becky's heart. Zane's mother had just stared at him coldly, and the words had died on his lips.
Becky had seen the way Zane had clenched his jaw, seen his throat working and the way his chest had heaved.
Becky had been so shocked by Mrs. Garrett's cruelty she could only stand and stare as Zane had struggled valiantly not to break down, until suddenly he had turned and run out of the room.
Becky had raced after him, witnessing his stumbling down the stairs and almost running into anything in his path. She had watched as he'd thrown open the door and leapt off the porch and had heard him whistle for _____ . She had reached the porch in time to see him mount in stride and ride off in the direction of the river.
She had slowed her own flight when she had realized where he was headed. He would need some time to himself, so Becky had gone back into the house and made her way to the kitchen. She had wheedled some cookies and sweet tea out of the cook along with some sandwiches and fruit. She'd packed the goodies into her saddlebags then ridden after him.
She'd found him right where she had expected to: sitting in their oak tree. This was a large old oak growing on the banks of the river that ran through the ranch. It had always been their favorite spot to play, far from the house and barns and relatively cool in the summer heat. One huge, low-hanging branch grew straight out over the river. They loved to sit there in the shade and talk or read. If it got too hot they'd jump down into the river to cool off, splashing and dunking each other.
Becky had felt tears welling up, looking at Zane as she dismounted. Zane had been sitting hunched over, huddled near the trunk of the tree and his shoulders had been shaking as he'd wept silently.
Hearing her approach, Zane had sat up and swiped his arm across his eyes, but he'd kept his back to her.
"God, your mama is such a bitch! I wish she'd choke on her own tongue. Don't you listen to her, Zane. She's a snake, a viper, cold blooded and full of venom. You've got so much talent, and it's not nonsense."
Becky had paused in her ranting to hoist herself up to sit next to Zane. She'd bumped her shoulder against his arm and hooked her foot around his calf, swinging both their legs.
Zane had continued to sit silently, occasionally taking a deep, shuddering breath or swiping at his eyes.
Becky had remained quiet for as long as she could stand, hating to see Zane so crestfallen. Then she had turned toward him and gripped his chin, forcing him to face her and meet her eyes.
Hoping her words would reach him, Becky had spoken in a low firm voice. "You have a gift, Zane. You have the ability to capture the essence of things, to show the beauty that so many people overlook.
You can touch people with your art; my momma cried when she saw the drawing you did of me with my daddy before he passed. She keeps it by her bed and sometimes she holds it and talks to him. That's something to be proud of, something to treasure."
Becky had studied his face, looking for a sign her words had gotten through to him, but his eyes had remained haunted. Heart aching, Becky had brushed her thumb over his lower lip, then leaned in and pressed her mouth to his.
When she had pulled back, Zane's expression had changed. The pain in his eyes had lessened and there was a hint of wonder and hope in his face. They'd regarded each other for a long moment, then Zane had offered her a ghost of a smile before capturing her lips with his.
Becky hadn't noticed the time passing as she sat with Zane, her arms wrapped around his waist and her head against his chest. Zane's cheek had rested on her head and he'd held her close with one arm. His other arm... and his hand rested on her thigh. They had been content to just enjoy each other's closeness, only occasionally feeling the need to talk or kiss.
The tableau had been broken by the rumbling of Zane's stomach, and laughing, they had left their perch to eat the food Becky had packed.
By the time they'd finished eating, Zane's mood had lightened considerably. He'd entertained the thought that his dad might intercede with his mom. Becky had agreed to accompany Zane when he went to plead his case, and Zane had seemed almost his old self as they'd gathered up the picnic things. As they had ridden back to the house, he'd begun excitedly telling her about the campus and the program, confident his father would agree to let him go.
As they had neared the house they had spotted Zane's dad walking from the barns. Dismounting and falling into step with his father, Becky had listened as Zane had repeated the arguements he had prepared: it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, it was an honor to be selected, it wouldn't cost them anything, and what should have been the clincher, Zane desperately wanted to go.
Harrison had listened and seemed sympathetic, but when Zane had finished his appeal his father had disappointed him.
"Sorry son," Harrison had said, "your mother already told me about it and said she was putting her foot down. I wouldn't care if you went, but you know I don't like to go against your mother. If it was something important I might fight her about it but this ain't worth upsetting the peace. Maybe next time you can go."
Becky's heart had sunk as she listened to Harrison and watched the expression on Zane's face change. He'd started with a mildly hopeful look, but by the time Harrison had finished Zane's face had taken on the vaguely cold expression his mother wore perpetually.
It was the first time Becky had seen the mask Zane would take to wearing with his family and in public and it had frightened her. She'd been anxious as she followed him onto the porch, but as soon as he had turned to her and looked into her eyes, the mask had dropped and she'd witnessed the agony in his face. She had pulled his head down to her shoulder and held him, rocking their bodies slightly.
Zane had stopped drawing and painting altogether, finding it too painful, until Becky had persuaded him to sketch something for her. She'd persisted in asking him for works of art and gradually her delight in his creations had rekindled some of his joy in art, but he'd never allowed anyone but her to see them. The painting hanging in the foyer of the house was a rare exception.
//Annie had seen the landscape when she had come to visit them in DC. She had fallen in love with it and begged shamelessly until Zane had reluctantly gifted it to her, with the stipulation that she not tell their parents it was his.
"Tell them you got it in a yard sale or something," he'd insisted. "I mean it. Don't tell them. Mom would probably make you throw it out if she knew it was mine. I know she'd never agree to hang it. One of her friends might comment on it and she'd have to admit to having a son who paints."
Becky had shown Annie some of Zane's other paintings and sketches. Annie had seemed overwhelmed to realize her big brother had so much talent, could create works of such beauty.
"Oh my God," she had whispered. "I never knew Zane could paint like this. And these sketches are amazing. I feel like I'm right there in the scene, like I could reach out and touch the people and things in them. I remember he used to doodle silly little cartoon characters and stuff when I was young, but nothing like this.
Zane always seems so cold and unfeeling, but that can't be true. There's no way he could draw things with such warmth and life if he was so callous. Why would he hide that side of himself from us?" she asked, her voice strained with emotion. "God, it's like I don't know my brother at all."
//Talking with Annie, Becky learned Zane had never shared any of his passions or accomplishments with his family since the day his parents had refused to let him attend the _____. Becky had been surprised when none of his family came to the awards ceremony at the end of their freshman year. Zane had won several prizes, including a special award for earning the highest score in the school's history on the math aptitude test. When she'd questioned him about it, he'd first shrugged it off, then admitted he hadn't told them.
Zane also had never told his parents he'd joined the square dance team, explaining his time at practice and competitions as simply "stuff for school". Even knowing that, Becky was shocked when she learned he hadn't informed them when their team made the national championships. Becky had been there when Zane was confronted by his mother after their return.
"Care to explain this?" Mrs. Garrett had seethed, slamming the newspaper she'd been holding down on the counter in front of him. Blazoned across the top was "High Stepping Hornets: Local Square Dance Team places 3rd in National Competition." Below the headline was a full color picture of their team, Zane clearly recognizable in the middle of the back row.
"Imagine my surprise when Margie Wiggins called to congratulate me on your accomplishment. I told her she must be mistaken; my son is not on any square dance team. But there you are, front page news. Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was? How could you not tell us something like this?"
Zane had flinched when the paper slapped on the counter, and his shoulders had hunched as his mother had started her diatribe. When she'd seen his fists clenching, Becky had started to worry that Zane would lose his temper. At Beverly's mention of her embarrassment, though, the tension left Zane's shoulders and he slowly straightened his fingers.
When Beverly had finished speaking, he had turned to her and said coldly, "All you care about is making money and impressing the ______ Ladies Club, and all dad cares about is horses, so I didn't think you'd be interested."
Then he'd taken Becky's hand and led her out of the house, his mother's voice trailing after them.
"Zane! Zane, we're not finished discussing this. Zane!"
//
//
His mother's cruel coldness and his father's indifference had left Zane feeling unloved and unlovable. Zane accepted Becky's love by attributing it to her own good nature and big heart, not to any worthiness of his own. Becky had to bite her lip to keep from blurting out the bitter thoughts about Zane's mother that were on her tongue.
Becky forced a smile and ruffled Zane's hair before kissing him soundly.
"Good night, sweetheart," she murmured. "If you have sweet dreams about men in bowler hats, you have to share them with me in the morning," she added to lighten the mood. "I love you."
"Love you, too." Zane's sleepy reply was almost inaudible, though a smile ghosted on his lips. He hummed a bit of the last song the man in the bowler hat had sung. The hum trailed off as Zane drifted off to sleep.
Becky pressed a kiss above Zane's heart, then laid her head on his shoulder to let sleep claim her.
***
Becky woke early, her head still pillowed on Zane's shoulder. She knew she should get up and start packing; it was their last day in New Orleans and they had to check out by 10am. She just couldn't bring herself to leave Zane's side, though. Instead she snuggled closer, tracing patterns on his chest and soaking up his warmth. Becky had almost dozed off again when she felt Zane stir. Becky pulled back and sat partway up to watch Zane wake. She loved the soft, confused look he wore when he first woke, as though he were still lost in dreams. Even better was the smile when he came fully awake and realized she was there. She'd asked him about it one time, why he always looked so lost until he saw her. Zane's reply had moved her to tears. He'd told her he had the sweetest dreams at night; when he woke and realized he'd been dreaming he felt lost. Then he'd see her, and know his dreams were real. Becky smiled at the memory.
Zane touched Becky's lips, then pulled her down for a kiss. "Morning, honey," he said warmly. "God, you're beautiful," he added, brushing her hair away from her face.
"Thank you," she whispered. "for this vacation. For coming on this trip with me. You work so hard all the time; you need to take more time to relax, to have fun. It's been so great to see you like this, happy and carefree. It does my heart good."
Zane reached out and caught Becky's hand, bringing it to his mouth and kissing her knuckles. His eyes lingered on her wedding ring and he ran his thumb over it. "Marrying you was the smartest thing I ever did," he said, his voice shaky with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you. I guess I take you for granted. This week has been fantastic and it's made me realize what's important. I should spend every day trying to make you happy instead of focussing so much on my job. I know you miss Texas and ranch life. I can put in for a transfer; hell, if you want I'll quit and get a nice safe office job. I'd even work on Daddy's ranch if it meant you would be happy."
"Aww, sweetheart, you don't have to do that," Becky insisted. "I am happy, as long as we're together. I do miss Texas; I love it and I love riding horses and working cattle. I hate when you're gone on long assignments and I worry about you all the time you're not with me. But I know you wouldn't be happy working a boring office job, and you'd be downright miserable if you worked on the C&G. Your mother would have you so tied up in knots you wouldn't be able to breathe. I remember what it was like before you went off to college; I would never ask that of you. All I ask is that when you walk in the door, you let go of the job and focus on us. Just be there with me, all of you, and I'll be happy."
"I'll try, honey. I promise you I'll do whatever it takes," Zane said earnestly, pulling Becky close for a kiss. "What do you say to one for the road?" he asked, smiling as he slid his hand between her thighs. "I'll tell you about my dreams..."