#cowboy! steve

[inkluvs]

save a horse ride cowboy! steve

requested by @katsu28

[fangirlinsweden]

Just One Kiss: Part 18

Part 18: Road Less Travled

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Warning: Nerves, impatience, hard words, arguments (kind of) and loaded discussions

Count: about 3200 words

Summary: You have been suspended from work and do not know what to do with yourself. Then in just a matter of hours, you find yourself on a plane to Montana to stay with people you have never met before. And as if that is not enough one of the men you are supposed to get to know is handsome enough to make your knees shake.

A/N: I do not know anything about the professions that are detailed in this story. I have googled most things I did not know and therefore there can be some inconsistency.

English is not my first language, so there will be mistakes.

And a big thank you to the amazing @dreamcatchernightsky not only for giving great support and helping me stay motivated but also for the amazing dividers for this story. You are AMAZING!

I also want to give a big thanks to @banditthewriter   & @kaunis-sielu & @maw000 or their support! Thank you!

And a big thank you to my incredible Cat for being my beta reader! As well as @dreamcatchernightsky

You lay awake thinking of Steve when you heard someone opening the door in the hallway. Since Nat’s room was the closest, you figured she wanted a snack or something. She had been kind of off earlier when you had gotten in after you met Steve in the stables. Maybe she could not sleep. You put on a robe and went to the door to go down and see if she wanted to talk. When you came to the stairs you heard the front door open and close, so you walked down slowly. In the window, you saw Nat walking towards a tree. A man came out of the shadows and they stood looking at each other for a while before Nat hugged him. It must be a friend, maybe even Bucky. You yawned and looked at Steve's door. You wanted to go there and crawl down in his bed, but it would not be right, and if Nat came back... It was not how you wanted Nat to find out about Steve and you. You looked out again and Nat and the man had disappeared. Maybe Nat would come and talk to you after? Either way, it was back to bed. You cast one last look at Steve's bedroom door before going to your room. 

Nat walked out into the night and heard sounds that she had all but grown up with. It was quiet, but at the same time kind of loud. The sounds of the animals, the night creatures, and the smell of, well, Montana. Nat took a deep breath and started towards the tree. Where was he? When she was just a few metres from the tree, he stepped out of the shadows. A part of her thought he was not going to come, but she should have known she could always trust him. Even now, with all they had been through, he was still there for her.  “Nat,” he said and his voice still made her feel safe.  “Hi,” she said, and there they stood looking at each other. Who would make the first move was not something Nat could predict, but suddenly she was in his strong, safe arms again. He still smelled the same, just as she noticed earlier that day when they had hugged. “Thank you for coming out,” Nat whispered into his shoulder. “You know I am always here for you,” Bucky answered, and let go of her slowly. They looked at each other again and Nat knew she had to say what she was thinking. “Peter thinks I have villainised Steve and that I am acting like a spoiled brat,” she got out. Bucky let out a low chuckle.  “You agree?” Nat crossed her arms. Bucky swung an arm around her shoulders and together they started walking away from the trees, away from the house. “Both yes and no,” Bucky answered after a moment of silence. Nat makes a noise but doesn't say anything. “Nat, look at how you have treated Steve since your mother died. You were not the only one that was struggling. Hell, you took it out on everyone, not just Steve.” Nat stopped and looked at him. “Don’t make this about us.” She pushed off Bucky’s arm.  “I am not trying to, Nat,” Bucky groaned. “I am making this about everyone in this town.” “What do you mean? I still have contact with everyone,” Nat raised an eyebrow. “You do? Really?” Bucky looked unimpressed. “I thought you only talked to Peter.” “No.” Nat started to feel small. Who was she really in contact with other than Peter? She talked to people when she visited, but not anything else. Never in-between visits. “Fuck.” She breathed out. “You just shut everyone out.” Bucky took  a step back. Nat looked up at him with big eyes. “It…… it just got so hard,” Nat let out in a shaky voice. “I didn't just lose my mom and step-dad, I lost you as well.” 

Bucky felt like he just got gut-punched. She lost him? No, it was the other way around. His mind went over the way things had ended and how he been feeling after. All the calls, the letters.  “You never lost me!” Bucky tried keeping his emotions in control, but knew by how Nat looked at him that he did not do a good job. “You ended things with me when I said that I was going into the Army. You left and did not look back. Never answered my calls or my letters.” Nat’s eyes filled with tears.  “I wanted you to fight for me,” Nat yelled out. “I wanted you to come to New York for me.” Bucky shook his head.  “I did fight for us. I couldn't follow you to New York. I was already in basic training when you moved.” Bucky looked away towards the house hoping nobody heard them. “Why did you not leave,” Nat demanded. “Because I needed to become something. I needed to find me,” Bucky explained and sighed. He felt so tired all of a sudden.  “Why could you not do that with me in New York?” Nat looked at him again. The tears in her eyes made his chest hurt.  “Because New York was your dream,” Bucky answered honestly. “It was never mine. I don’t belong in big crowded cities. I need the clean air and the freedom out here. More now than then. But this is were I belong.” He gestured around them.  “But why the Army?” Nat took a deep breath. “I thought I would be good at it,” Bucky admitted. “I didn't just want to be a ranch hand. And you know what, I was really good at it. It fit like a glove. Until it didn’t anymore.” Bucky looked away from Nat. He was not ready to tell her what had happened. Maybe she knew. Maybe Steve or Peter had told her. But either way, it was not going to come out of him now. Bucky took a couple of deep breaths and tried to ground himself. Remind himself where he was and that he was safe. He looked back at Nat.  “I think we got off the subject,” Bucky cleared his throat. 

Nat felt like he was avoiding something, but decided to drop it for now.  “We were talking about Steve and you,” Bucky continued. Nat nodded. “I think you should take this time with him and try and see him for who he really is,” Bucky said. “Try and take away the picture you have in your head.” Nat nodded. It was similar to what Peter had said. “Maybe talk to people around here and in town to see him.” “What do you mean?” Nat narrowed her eyes. “You know that people in town can’t keep anything secret and that they will tell you the truth,” Bucky smirked. “Listen to the gossip and all that and you will see.” Nat nodded. “That is kind of what Peter said, well not listening to gossip and all that,” Nat smiled.  “So you are going to try?” Bucky asked.  “Yes, I am,” Nat smiled again looking up at him. Something inside her kind of snapped. She realized that she wanted to kiss him. Just as she was going to take a step forward and kiss him, Bucky looked away. “Is there anything else you need to talk about?” He was putting up a wall between them, and she wanted to take a sledgehammer to it and get through to him. How could he be so different, but still the same? What had he been through? She had pushed him away and she did not want to do that anymore. Coming here and seeing him for real for the first time in years she realised something: Bucky was still the one for her. She still loved him and that explained why no relationship had worked out over the years. In her heart she had known they would never be Bucky. Nat took a hold of Bucky's hand and he looked at her.  "I am so sorry for how I handled it all," Nat swallowed hard. "I should have tried putting myself in your shoes as well as actually listening to you." Bucky squeezes her hand. "It's all long ago," Bucky clears his throat. "We were just kids." "We are not kids anymore," Nat looks at him.  "No," Bucky agrees. Nat takes a step forward and lifts her other hand to Bucky's face. He went still and it was almost as he was holding his breath. Nat showed what she intended to do, but Bucky just stood there. She slowly came closer and closer until she knew he would be feeling her breath on his lips. He still stood still. So she kissed him. One hand in his soft hair and the other around his neck. The taste of him was everything she remembered and more. How had she been able to live without it for so long? Bucky started to kiss her back and soonthey were making out, almost as they had when they were teenagers. She could not get enough of him, and it seemed as he felt the same. Suddenly Bucky took pushed her away.

“Damn you, Nat,” Bucky glared at her with heat in his eyes. “You can’t just come back and do this to me.” He turned around and stalked away from her. Since he never lookedback, he missed the big smile on Nat’s lips. Nat now knew what she wanted and she would not give upuntil Bucky was hers again. This was the reason she never found someone to love, because Bucky was her one. The only one. She really hoped he felt the same way. With a big smile and a mind full of hope for the future, Nat made her way back to the ranch house and up to her room. 

The next morning Y/N woke up with a big smile on her lips. She had never heard Nat come back in yesterday but figured that her friend would not have been out all night. Y/N went down to the kitchen and started breakfast. It was still early but she knew that both Steve and Peter would be up and about. After putting on the coffee and starting the bacon and eggs, you made the table. The coffee was almost ready when Steve walked into the kitchen. The sight of him coming in and taking off his hat made her weak in the knees. She wanted to go over to him and jump up in his arms and kiss him. Steve must have seen something in her eyes because before she even took a step forward he shook his head ever so slightly. The door closed behind him and in walked Peter.  “Good morning,” you greeted them, grateful that you had not acted on your impulse. “Breakfast is almost ready.” They greeted you back and you turned to the stove to stir the eggs. Peter and Steve washed their hands and you could hear them talking about the farm and things that needed to be done. It seemed that they had a full day ahead of them before the cattle drive guest would arrive. Hearing their voices talking about the farm made you feel relaxed and happy. The tension between Steve and Peter seemed to have become less as well. You took that as a good sign. 

Steve came over to the stove and helped you put the breakfast on the table. Just as you were pouring your second cup of coffee, Nat came into the kitchen. She looked tired and you could almost feel the tension increasing in the room with every centimeter she came into it. You had set the table with a plate for her as well, even though you had not thought she would be up this early.  “Good morning,” Nat said and almost looked uneasy. Steve smiled and poured coffee into her mug. “This smells amazing,” Nat smiled thankfully as she sat down at the table.  “Y/N makes a mean breakfast,” Peter looked at Nat. “I know. I missed it while she has been here,” Nat looked at you.  “Well, then dig in.” You made a gesture to the food on the table. Everybody did, but you. Instead, you just looked around the table feeling content. You could feel Steve's eyes on you even before you turned your head towards him. His eyes met yours and you smiled at him. Under the table, he ran a foot up and down your leg. It was like he could not keep his hands - or in this case his leg - off you. It made you feel warm inside. The breakfast was pleasant and even though there was still some tension in the air, you decided to ignore it.

When breakfast was finished, Steve stood up. "Anyone up for a ride to check some of the property fences?" You could feel Steve's eyes on you, but you did not want to seem too eager.  “I still have some chores to do,” Peter looked almost smug.  “I am too tired,” Nat yawned. “I also need to rest my ass  for the coming week.” Steve chuckled at that. “Are you sure you still know how to ride?” Steve said teasingly and gave Nat a small nudge . “I mean, it's been years.” “Of course I am sure,” Nat smiled and pushed back at Steve. Peter looked at them and smiled.  “Nat has been out riding some with me,” you said and Steve turned to you. “Well, then I am not worried,” Steve put an arm around Nat, but still kept his eyes on you. There was a sparkle in his eyes and it was so hard not to go over there and just pull everyone into a hug.  “How about you, Y/N?” Peter asked. “You can go riding with Steve, as you have done most days.” You looked at Peter and felt a blush coming on. Even though you told yourself not to react. “I need to take care of the dishes,” you tried to keep the colour in your face down. “Same rules apply here, as in our apartment,” Nat said and you knew what she meant by that. “What?” Peter asked. “The one that cooks do not do the dishes and clean up after,” you said before Nat could answer.  “Exactly.”” Nat nodded at you and since you wanted to go with Steve you nodded. “I would love to go with you Steve.” You looked at him and saw his smile. “I just need to go up and get ready. Give me five minutes.”  “I will be waiting,” Steve smiled. Neither of them saw the looks that Nat was giving them, but Peter did. 

When you came down the stairs you could hear noises that you associated with doing the dishes as well as talking. Part of you did not want to interrupt what sounded like catching up between family members, but you knew that Steve was waiting on you. As you predicted, the conversation kind of came to a stop when you walked into the kitchen. Steve turned and smiled at you. It was a smile that lit up his whole face and made you feel warm all the way from your head to your toes. “Ready to go?” he asked and you nodded. You said goodbye to Nat and Peter. Outside you put your hands in your pockets so that you would be able to resist touching Steve or holding his hand. “I want to touch you so bad,” Steve got out when you were a few steps from the house.  “Same here,” you smiled at him. “I thought you were going to jump me before breakfast.” Steve looked serious, but his eyes gave him away. “If Peter had not been behind you, that was exactly what I would have done,” you laughed.  “I think that would have shocked him if he had seen that,” Steve laugh. You talked all the way to the stable, then inside the stables he stopped and looked at you. His face was more serious now. “How are we going to be able to keep this quiet for a whole week?” He looked down at the ground. “How am I supposed to keep my hands away from you?” You looked around and when you did not see anyone, you took his hand and dragged him into his office. He closed the door behind him and then turned you around so that you were pressed between him and the door.  “I know, I have been wondering the same.” You looked up at him. “I figured that we might have to sneak away for some alone time after we settle in for the night.” He nodded at this before he closed the gap between your lips. Your arms automatically went up around his shoulders and you hung on to him with all your might. Every kiss was addictive. It was as if you could not get enough of him.

There was a knock on the office door that made the two of you break apart. Steve went around his desk and you opened the door, to find Bucky outside.  “I will just go get the horses ready,” you said to Steve after greeting Bucky. You walked out and took a couple of deep breaths. That had been close.

Nat walked to the window to look after Y/N and Steve when they left the house.  “I see now what you mean about Y/N and Steve,” she nodded to where the two of them were talking and laughing. “I don’t think I have ever seen Steve smile as much as he does now,” Nat confessed.  “I know,” Peter smiled. “Y/N has a positive influence on him and she clearly make him very happy”. Something in Peter's eyes made Nat narrow hers. “What have you done?” Nat wondered and Peter just smiled. “Peter,” She warned and raised an eyebrow. Peter raised his hands. “I have not done anything,” he smirked. “Yet.” “Peter,” She said again and took a step closer.  “I have a plan for getting them together,” Peter still smirked and Nat turned to him. “You have?” Nat lifted an eyebrow. “How can you be sure they are not already together?” “Please,” Peter snorted. “We both know Steve and how slow he is with things. He needs to think everything through first and I am pretty sure he would not want to do anything that would make you uncomfortable.” Nat nodded, that was true. She had spent a lot of time lately trying to see Steve in another light. “Tell me about your plan,” Nat leaned a bit closer.

Just One Kiss Tag List:

@marvelettesassemblenow

@et-homephone

@couldabeenamermaid

Everything Tag list:

@buckysmischief

@allaboutthebooz

@dreamcatchernightsky

@leosandbuckysgirl

@stumbleonmywordsywords

@dontbescaredtosingalong

If you want to be added to this series tag list or my everything tag list, please let me know.

I am sorry if I have missed someone on the tag list. Life has been crazy lately and I just gotten back to writing again

[fangirlinsweden]

Just One Kiss

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader

Warnings: Slow burn, mentions of child abuse, swearing, mentions of deaths, accidents, blood, scaring, stalking, swearing, bullying, and sexist behaviour. Might be some smut as well (I think this is all)

Summary: You have been suspended from work and do not know what to do with yourself. Then in just a matter of hours, you find yourself on a plane to Montana to stay with people you have never met before. And as if that is not enough one of the men you are suppose to get to know is handsome enough to make your knees shake.

A/N: This story is loosely based on Susan Mallery's book "Kiss Me", which is a book I really love. I was reading it in the spring of, 2021 and the idea for this story started to form. I then went through a lot of shit and the story just stayed in my WIP folder. However, at the beginning of 2022 I started to get new ideas for the story and thought now or never. So here we are. I want to give a big thanks to @banditthewriter @kaunis-sielu @maw000 and @dreamcatchernightsky for their support! Also a big thank you to the incredible Cat for being my Beta reader.

Word Count:

Teaser

Part 1: I Can't Say No To You

Part 2: Cowboy, Take Me Away

Part 3 - Brighter Than The Sun

Part 4 - Unsteady

Part 5 - Obvious

Part 6 - Girls Like You

Part 7 - If I Was A Cowboy

Part 8 - Think About It

Part 9 - Have A Little Faith In Me

Part 10 - Give Into Me

Part 11 - Pushing Time

Part 12 -True Colors

Part 13 - Drive Me Crazy

Part 14 - Fall Into Me

Part 15 - The Good Ones

Part 16 - Nervous

Part 17 - Family is Family

Part 18 - Road Less Travled

Part 19 - Better With You

Part 20 - Trouble

Part 21 - Remember This

Part 22 - Caught Up In The Country

Part 23 - Mammas, Don’t let your babies grow up to be Cowboys

Part 24 - All the Small Things

Part 25 - Beautiful Things

Part 26 - All About You

Part 27 - Wrap Your Arms Around Me

Part 28 - Opalite

Part 29 -

Part 30 -

Part 21 -

Epilogue -

Playlist coming soon

[fangirlinsweden]

Just One Kiss: Part 16

Part 16: Nervous

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Warning: Secrets, tension, arguments, longing, lust

Count: about 6 500 words

Summary: You have been suspended from work and do not know what to do with yourself. Then in just a matter of hours, you find yourself on a plane to Montana to stay with people you have never met before. And as if that is not enough one of the men you are supposed to get to know is handsome enough to make your knees shake.

A/N: I do not know anything about the professions that are detailed in this story. I have googled most things I did not know and therefore there can be some inconsistency.

English is not my first language, so there will be mistakes.

And a big thank you to the amazing @dreamcatchernightsky not only for giving great support and helping me stay motivated but also for the amazing dividers for this story. You are AMAZING!

I also want to give a big thanks to @banditthewriter  & @kaunis-sielu & @maw000 for their support! Thank you!

And a big thank you to my incredible Cat for being my beta reader! As well as @dreamcatchernightsky

When Steve had seen Y/N laughing and mingling with his friends - no, more like his family - that night, something had shifted in him. She belonged here. Not only in his arms, no, she belonged here with him. During the time she had been here, he had seen her fit in every aspect of his life. Every aspect. With Peter. With his horses. With his friends. And with him. A part of him thought that coming from New York she would never manage to get through a single day on the ranch, but she had. Not only had she managed, but she had aced it. A part of him was worried about the cattle drive, but he was sure she would manage that as well, without any problem.  He also had to admit that after hearing her sing again, he had wanted to sit next to her and listen to her sing all night long. When he was admitting things, he also had to admit that he was jealous when Billy and Y/N had sung that duet. There had been so many feelings on her face, but then she had looked at him and all he saw was what he hoped was love for him. He was still mad at what she had found, but madder at himself than her. How could he think leaving all that in the open would go? Peter was supposed to come and get the papers for the cattle drive, but sending Y/N was not strange at all seeing as she was there to help out. If he was honest he also hoped that she had offered to get the papers to see him. Had he left the papers open and the computer on the spreadsheet to get caught? It was a question that had been spinning in his head the whole day. When he left the cookout to go to the stable and look in on the horses he had seen Peter and Y/N walking towards the house together. Laughing and having fun. He had wanted to join them, but he still had pregnant mares who could foal at any time and he would not be able to sleep without checking in on them. Then when he was finished he found Y/N on the porch and the angry he had felt towards her and the situation just disappeared. Hearing her say those things about him. How she saw him. It was like a dream. Someone he had feelings for saw him as this wonderful man, someone he wanted to be. Someone he had aspired to be. A man like the man his father had been. And she saw him like that. All these emotions came up inside him and all he could was the question he asked: “What am I supposed to do about you?” But the answer was more surprising. She wanted him to kiss her again. So he did that. He could not deny her. He wanted to get his lips on hers again and again again. When he had kissed her the first time it had been something he thought he could get out of his system. Just one kiss and then he was going to be able to forget about kissing her. But now all he could think about was being with her. 

A part of you thought he would not kiss you, but he did. There was a heat and need in the kiss that made your knees weak, but strong at the same time. Being like this in Steves's arms, being kissed, felt like being home and on fire at the same time. He had pulled you as close as he could and he smelled of horses and hay, which told you that he had been at in the stable after the cookout. The taste of him was addictive and you did not think you would ever get tired of having his lips against yours. Something started vibrating between you and Steve relised you.  “I am sorry,” he said and pulled up his phone from the pocket. He checked something and swore under his breath and it sounded as he also said something about a cockblock.  “I am sorry,” Steve pressed a quick kiss to your lips. “I have to go, Blondie seems to decide that this was the moment to start foaling.” 

“Don’t worry about it. Want any help?” you wonder. “No, not at this time,” Steve gives you a smile. “Go get some sleep instead.” He gives you another quick kiss and as he turn around to walk away, you could not keep it in. “As if I could sleep after that kiss,” you thought you muttered it, but Steve turned around looked at you. It made you blush. “Believe me you are not the only one affected,” Steve glances down and you see something that looks like an impressive bulge in his jeans. You gulp and Steve turns around and jogs to the stable. It was hard not following after him, but you were tired and did not want to be in the way in the stable. You saw someone walking from the workers barracks as well and took that as Steve would have company in the stable. Taking up your cup of tea and noting it was cold you walk into the kitchen and pour it in the drain. No more tea for you, what you needed was a cold shower to cool yourself down.

Steve was muttering all the way into the stable. He feelt bad about leaving Y/N like that on the porch, but he thought he was being honest with how she affected him at least. In the stable Steve walks directly to Blondies box and he saw how nervous she was laying down to immediately stand up again, which was not that easy beeing as pregnant as she was. Steve heard steps walking toward him and wondered if it was Y/N, but it was Bucky coming down the aisle.  “Is it time?” Bucky wondered. “Within the next few hours,” Steve looked back at Blondie.  “Need me to call Clint?” Bucky looked as Blondie once again layed down.  “Not yet,” Steve said and lead against to box. “We just need to wait and see what happens.” “Are you worried?” Bucky looked at his best friend. “Not as much as she is,” Steve made a nod against Blondie. “It’s her first foal and it’s scary. But I think it will go all right.” “That’s good,” Bucky looked at Steve again, slightly tipping his head. “What?” Steve wondered. “Do you have lipstick or something on?” Bucky smirked and Steve whipped his lips with his hand. When he looked down there was something kind of sparkly, pink like on his hand.  “Oh,” Bucky smiled and gave Steve a small push. “I take it things are going well with Y/N.” Steve cleared his throat and looked away. “Please don’t tell me you kissed someone else than Y/N,” Bucky narrows his eyes on Steve. “No,” Steve lifts his hands. “I kissed Y/N.”  “Good,” Bucky smiled. “I don’t want you to mess things up.” “Believe me when I say I dont want to either,” Steve admitted. Blondie whines and the both of them turn their attention back to her.  “You can go get some sleep if you want,” Steve tells Bucky when he jawns. “Are you going to go sleep?” Bucky asks Steve, who shakes his head. “Then I stay here with you.” Steve gives his best friend a smile in thanks. “I go get the cots,” Bucky says after a few minutes and walks away. Steve satys where he is, talking to Blondie. She seemed to enjoy hearing him talk to her. 

You woke up the next morning eager to see Steve, but was wondering if he even came in the night before. Maybe he had stayed in the stables again since you had not heard him come in and you had not really been sleeping. Instead, you had worried about telling Nat that you liked Steve. Who were you kidding, you more than liked him. Your thoughts had also been on Steve, a lot more than worrying about Nat, if you were being honest. Yesterday had been a rollercoaster and you wanted to talk about your feelings with him. To know where you stod before Nat came, but then everything happened. You finding out about Steve paying Nat’s scholarship and how he had started his breading because of that. Steve finding you in his office and gotten angry. And then to end the night getting kissed once again on the porch. Of course, you had also been thinking of Blondie and you had been fighting yourself about going to the stables or not, but you did not want to be in the way. Steve had said he got it, but maybe if he was still in the stable this morning, you could go there and see how it was going.

After getting ready for the day, you went down in the kitchen and started the coffe and making breakfast. Peter came in after a few minutes, looking as happy as he did the day before. “Good morning, Y/N,” He smiled at you and you smiled back. “Good morning, Peter.” “We got two foals last night,” Peter smiled and started setting the table. “Or technically one last night and one this morning.” “Oh,” you looked at Peter. “That is exciting.” “Steve is still in the stable,” Peter continued. “Clint just left.” “Did Blondie have a hard delivery?” You frowned thinking of the sweet, sweet mare. “No, Ember did,” Peter seemed to have a shiver going through his body. “Steve had to call Clint.” “Oh, no.” “Don’t worry,” Peter tried reassuring you. “It all went well. Steve caught the signs early so he called Clint in time.” “That’s good,” you breathed out in relief. 

When breakfast is finished you two sit down to eat, your eyes go towards the door a lot waiting for Steve to come inside. “Steve will probably not be in for breakfast,” Peter says when he see you glance towards the door for the tenth time. “He wanted to stay with Ember awhile longer to make sure everything is okay.” “He really should eat and get some rest,” you almost scolded.  “He places everyone and everything else before himself,” Peter agreed. “It’s always been that way, but more so since dad died.” You looked at Peter. His bottom lip kind of trembled.  “Peter, It will be all right,” you said. “After breakfast, I will go out with some food to him, and maybe I can get him to rest some.” “If he would listen to anyone it’s you,” Peter give you a small smile. You shrug, but go with it. Maybe it would make Peter feel more at ease. “What are your plans for today?” you ask Peter to change the subject. He go on telling you about the cleaning of the different guestrooms and toilets he needed to do, besides doing his normal chores. Everything needed to be ready for the cattle drive. Guest would start arriving the next day and Nat would be here later today, closer to the evening. But she would finally be here. You were looking forward to it. 

After breakfast, Peter helps you make breakfast for Steve to take to the stable as well as clean the kitchen. Then he sends you on your way.  Walking towards the stable you start second guessing yourself. What if Steve would be irritated that you came to him like this? Then you took a deep breath and told yourself not to project old boyfriends onto Steve. It was wrong to do so, and instead you should just see how Steve reacted. You had hard time believing that Peter would send you out like this if he did not think that Steve would appreciate it.  Walking into the stable you hear Steve’s voice before you see him. He is leaning against a boxdoor looking down inside the box. You can not hear what he is saying, but the tone is southing and loving. He must have heard you come in since he turn around and looked at you. As you came closer you saw how tired he looked, but he still gave you a big smile. “Good morning Sweetheart,” He said and it made your stomach make summersaults. He called you sweetheart. You smiled back. “Good morning.” You wanted to add Handsome, but did not know if that was the right thing to do. You stop infront of him trying to decide if you should kiss him, hug him or just let him be. Steve does not seem to notice your hesitation. Instead he bends down slightly and give you a light kiss on your lips that makes your heart beat a lot faster. It was a sweet kiss that was way to short, but it made you realise that this was certainly not only something from your end. A man like Steve would never toy with someone's feelings. 

“Mmm, I needed that,” Steve smiles at you and it makes you want to drop the basket in your hand and pull him closer to kiss him more. But you were there to get him to eat some and hopefully get some sleep.  “You are not the only one,” you wink at him and he cuckles. “I have some breakfast for you.” you lifted the basket.  “You are an angel,” he took the basket from your hands and pressed a kiss to your forehead. It made your heart flutter.  “Peter helped,” you committed and Steve nodded. “Let me introduce you to the two newest members of Rogers Ranch,” Steve said and placed the basket on the cot that stood by the boxes. He took your hand and pulled you closer so you saw into Embers box. In there she had a small chestnut red foal with two front socks. He was adorable and stood eating from his mother.  “Oh, Steve, He is gorgeous,” you breathed out. Ember look up at you and it was as she understood what you were saying. She looked a bit tired. “Peter said it was a hard birth.” “Yeah,” Steve rubbed a hand over his neck. “Two foals on one night was not what I had expected yesterday, but here we are. Come on.” Steve pulled you closer to him and put his arm around your shoulder and together you walked over to Blondies box. She greeted you with a neigh.  “Hey girl,” you coo as you come closer and look inside the box. In there was a beautiful palomino foal. You could not see whether it was a female or a male, but as you tried standing on your toes to see, Steve chuckled. “It’s a mare,” He smiled and placed a kiss at your temple. It made you smile. But a look at him, showed that he looked even more tired now than before. “Maybe I should have made mimosas for breakfast instead of sandwiches and coffee,” you joked and Steve just smiled.  “Sandwiches and coffee sound great.” “Then let’s go open that basket so you can eat it.” Steve nodded at that and together you walked over to the cot. Steve sat down before pulling you down beside him. The cot was surprisingly comfortable to sit on, because it did not look it. Steve opened the basket and took out a sandwich. He unpacked it and took a big bit.  “This is really good,” He said after he had finished chewing. He continued to eat and remembered something. “You never told me the names of the foals,” you commented. Steve looked at you and smiled.

“I thought that maybe you wanted to name them.” That left you speechless. It was such a sweet gesture and once again Steve showed you that he was different than any man you had ever met. Nobody had ever trusted you with something like that. “You really trust me to name your foals?” You looked at Steve as he took another bit of the sandwich. He nodded and when he saw you still looking at him with a face that must have been filled with disbelief or wonder he showed his shoulder lightly against yours. “I trust you,” Steve smiled and nodded towards Embers box. “So what is their names?” You felt your eyes get misty and stood up. Blinking away the tears in your eyes you walked over to Embers box and looked at her and her beautiful foal. He was sleeping in the other end of the box, Ember stood looking at him with what must be pride. You tried to come up with a name and then it hit you. “Blaze,” you said out loud and turned to Steve. He was looking at you with a big smile. “Ember and Blaze,” Steve said as to test out the names. You were waiting patiently for his response. “I love it. It fits his colouring.” You nodded. It really did. And Steve telling you he liked the name made you happy. Really happy. Steve nodded towards the direction of Blondie's box, so you walked over and looked at the other sleeping foal. Her colouring reminded you of a drawing you seen in a story book when you were little. The drawing had been of Rapunzel's golden hair and the only name you could come up with was Rapunzel.  “I can see that you have come up with a name,” Steve said beside you. Since you had been lost in thoughts you had not heard him come over. He stands behind you and puts his arms around you pulling your back to his front. Together you stand there looking at the sleeping foal. 

“I have a name in mind, but I don’t know if it’s a name that is any good.” You wanted to be honest. “Just say it,” Steve insisted. “Rapunzel,” you mumble. “Why would I not like that name?” Steve wondered and you bit your lip.  “I don’t know,” you admit.  “I like it,” Steve gave you a kiss on your cheek from behind. “Rapunzel and Blaze,” Steve said the names out loud and it made you smile. He yawned and you turned around, still being in his arms, and looked up at him. The smile he gave you was a bit sleepy. “Maybe it’s time for you to go inside and get some rest,” you suggested. Steve looked over at Rapunzel. “Maybe,” Steve admitted. “But I have lots of things to do.” “Steve, you need your rest,” you insist. “And you have employees that can take care of the ranch for a few hours.” Steve looked at you, but you stood your ground. “You are cute when you get annoyed,” Steve smiled. That made you almost melt, he thought you were cute. But he needed to get some rest. You lifted an eyebrow at him and he pressed a kiss on your forehead. “Okay, I go get some rest,” He promised. “I just need to talk to Wanda.” “Thank you,” you smiled and pressed a quick kiss on his lips. Together you packed up the basket and you went back to the house. But not before threatening Steve that you would come and get him if he did not go inside and rest soon. At that, he just chuckled and walked to talk to Wanda who just came into the stable. 

An hour later you sat down in the kitchen, Steve had come in and you had sent him up to bed. He had pouted that he was not a child and could take care of himself. Something you told him you knew, but that he needed to rest and take care of him seld. Then you told him that he would need all his strength and energy soon. He wiggled his eyebrows at that, but you blushed and reminded him that he was going to have 10 people coming for a cattle drive that would start in just two days. That shut him up. Your phone vibrated on the table and you picked it up. It was a message from Bucky. He had contacted a kennel a bit outside town that he knew had puppies. It was time to give Steve a puppy. It was what you had decided at the cookout. You were driving there to look at the puppies and talk to the breeder. Bucky wrote that you could drive there whenever you had the time and that you could borrow his truck. Since Steve was upstairs resting, you decided to try and go as soon as possible. You sent Bucky a text telling him to give you thirty minutes and then you went into the kitchen to see what needed to be bought since you were going out and it would be a good excuse in case Steve woke up and wondered where you were going. 

Half an hour later you were standing by Bucky’s truck as he gave you directions to the breeder. He also gave you their number in case you got lost. You thanked him and hoped into his truck and drove of feeling happy and hoped Steve would sleep until you got back. 

What Y/N did not know that Steve had just gotten out of the shower and he looked out the same moment as she jumped into Bucky’s truck and drove off. Since Nat was renting a car at the airport, Steve knew that Y/n was not driving to pick Nat up. So why had she just left? A small feeling of panic rose in Steve’s chest and he threw on a pair of pants and a shirt and ran out of the house. Putting on a pair of shoes, but his socks were still upstairs. Bucky turned around when he heard the door bang open at the house.   “Did I just see Y/N drive away in your truck?” Steve says as he reaches Bucky. “Well, yeah. She did not want to wake you up to ask if she could borrow your truck,” Bucky explained. It wasn’t really a lie, since she did not want to wake Steve up. “So I let her borrow my truck.” “I just got out of the shower,” Steve swept a hand through his hair. “I can see that,” Bucky nodded.  “Where were she going?” Steve wonderd and nodded towards the direction Y/N just have left. “I don’t really know,” Bucky shrugged. “She said something about having errands in town.” “And you never asked what or if she wanted company?” Steve frowned. “Steve, she is a grown woman,” Bucky chuckled. “I think she can manage alone.” “But she has never been alone here,” Steve tried to explain. There was a nagging inside his head. He did not like that she had driven off alone. Why did she not take Peter? Why had she not told Steve earlier in the stables she was going into town? Had something happened? “She is raised in New York,” Bucky smiled. “I think she can handle what Montana throws at her. And before you ask why she did not take Peter with her, you have him doing his choirs and cleaning the house for all the people at the cattle drive.” Steve nodded at that. It was true. He ran his hand through his hair again. “She also has all our numbers so if something happens she can call us,” Bucky continued and Steve nodded again.  “Now, go and get some rest,” Bucky pointed at the house and looked surprised after Steve when he actually turned around and went back into the house again. Bucky hoped that he went back in to get some sleep. His friend looked to be dead on his feet.  

A few hour later you were standing in the  store looking at things for the puppy. It felt unreal. You had just decided to make sure that Steve would have a dog again yesterday evening, and now you had one that Steve would get in one and a half week. The breeder and her husband had been amazing and you had gotten the pick of the litter. Anything for Steve Rogers, her husband had said over and over again. When you wanted to pay, they had insisted that you save your money. They wanted him to have a puppy, apparently Steve had helped them a lot over the years. First when their car had broken down and then when a tree had fallen on the outhouse. And the list went on and on. The breeder said that she had tried giving Steve a puppy last time she had a litter, but he had declined. He was not ready. They agreed with Bucky and you that it was time. 

Bucky had said that Steve had all the stuff left from his old dog somewhere in the house, but you wanted the puppy to have new stuff and Steve could use the old stuff as memories or when the puppy was older and not so inclined to destroy the other stuff with her sharp teeth.  “Y/N,” you heard a voice behind you. As you turned around you recognized the woman as Pepper, Steve’s friend who own the restaurant he had taken you to. “Oh, hi Pepper,” You smiled and noticed she had a handsome man next to him. “Tony, this is Steves's friend Y/N, Y/N this is my husband Tony,” Pepper said, but she put some extra pronunciation behind the word friend. It made you want to sink into the floor. “Nice to meet you,” you greeted Tony and he smiled and took your hand and shook it. “Like wise,” he said. “Are you getting a dog?” He nodded towards the leases behind you. “Oh,” you looked around to see who was near. Tony looked around as well. “It’s a secret,” you whispered. Tony and Pepper moved in closer. “We are good at keeping secrets,” Pepper smiled.  “I am getting Steve a puppy,” You explained and told them all the details. “That is wonderful,” Pepper smiled.  “Very thoughtful of you,” Tony agreed, but the way he looked at you was almost as he was trying to read your mind or soul. After a short while he smiled and nodded, as if he like what he saw or read. Somehow it made you feel happy, and not judged. As if Steve’s friend just had decided that you were good enough for him. It might sound stupid, since it did in your own head, but it meant a lot. It felt like approval. 

“What have you got so far?” Pepper beamed at you and you nodded toward the cart a little way from you.  “Were are you going to hid all that?” Tony asked and you bit your lip. “That is what I have been trying to wrap my head around.”  “We can take it,” Tony offered. “Just until the puppy is ready for delivery.” “Yes,” Pepper smiled and looked lovenly on her husband.  “Thank you, that would be great,” you smiled. Together you decided that Tony and Pepper would house the things for the puppy at their house and then help you with the delivery of the puppy as well. The clerk in the store promised to keep it quiet as well since she had heard most of the conversation. 

When you were finished with Pepper and Tony you drove to the grocery store to get some things for dinner that night. You wanted to make something special since Nat was coming. It might also be that you were feeling a bit guilty about having kissed her brother, multiple times now, without talking to her about it. Even if everything from that morning indicated that Steve wanted more than just friendship, you still needed to talk to him. If he wanted to be with you.. Well that would make you really happy. Then when you knew were you stood with Steve, you could talk to Nat. “Oh Y/N,” Mrs Bennet said beside you. “Just the person I wanted to meet.” “Hi, Mrs. Bennet,” you smiled politely, feeling a bit scared since Steve told you she was a gossip. “I don’t know if you have heard this,” Mrs. Bennet smiled. “But I am retiring in two months time and I think you should apply for the job instead.” You just looked at her with your moth open. “I mean you were so good with Billy from what I heard and Sam, I mean Dr Wilson said that he was impressed with your knowledge.” “Thank you,” You got it out before she continued talking.  “And having you here around would certainly help Steve continue smiling as I saw the other day. Just think of how loverly babies the two of you will have.” Your mind was screaming at you to get away from there, but where should you go? And how can you go from there without it becoming something to gossip about. “Mrs. Bennet,” you hear Peppers voice say and smile what you hope is a grateful smile in her direction. “Don’t badger the poor girl. Let her go one with her shopping in peace.” Mrs. Bennet nodded, but before she let you go she took your hand.

“Please think of what I said,” She smiled at you and the look on her face. It made you let her hold your hand. “Steve needs you more than you know, but don’t just think of that. This town need someone like you.” She gives you a small squize before she hurries along. “Thank you,” you breath out to Pepper when you see that Mrs. Bennet is out of earshot. “You are welcome,” Pepper giggles. “Just know she means no harm.” “I know,” you nodded. “I just did not know what to say.” “As she said, think about taking the job,” Pepper smiled and says good bye. You stand there watching after her. Stay here? Start working here? It would be a dream, but was it possible? And what would Steve think about it? You looked at the clock and realised it was well past lunch and you needed to get back to the Ranch. Not that you thought that Steve was still sleeping, no if you knew him, which you thought you did by not. He would be out working.  

Nat sat on the plane trying to keep her thoughts and emotions in check. She was worried about going back home. Back to the ranch. The only place besides the apartment she shared with Y/N that had ever felt like home. She had thought it would be easier to come back to the Rogers Ranch knowing that Y/N was there, but it was still hard. If she admitted it to herself she had been able to go back earlier in the week. Her meetings had been able to do digitally, but she needed the time to prepare. She knew that Bucky would be there. Working at the ranch as he had been for a while. It was no way she could keep her distance from him this time. Seeing him always made her feel hollow. He tried talking to her a few times when she was back, but she had not given him the chance. What could he have to say? He left. He gave up on their love years before and joined the army. Leaving her alone. She had headed to New York and become a successful lawyer, but still, she could not help but compare every man she had ever dated with the man she dated so many years ago. The man she thought she would end up marrying. Maybe it was time to have a talk to Bucky and leave it all behind, so she could go forward? Could she get over him? Would he have a girlfriend this time? He was a handsome man. Please don’t let her go there and he is in a relationship. How would she survive that?

Nat tried to think of something else. Y/N. That was a safe topic. Y/N sounded happier than she had in a long while when she talked to her. She sounded at ease. Nat knew that Y/n was dreaming of moving from New York and somewhere more quiet. Somewhere less stressful. And now that she was probably out of a job, she would probably do that. Right? Had she fallen in love with Montana? Would she want to move here? That was not something Nat had considered when she asked her best friend to help. What if Montana was not the only thing she had fallen in love with. What if Bucky and Y/N had fallen in love? Oh no. Nat clenched a hand to her stomach. How would she survive that? 

The belt light flashed on and Nat knew that they were to descend now. Then she had the drive to the ranch. She would be there in a couple hours and then she would have to deal with whatever happened. What was it her mother had always said? “Take it one step at a time and try not to worry about what happens next.” It was a good thing to remember. Y/N could have fallen in love with Dr. Sam Wilson. He was handsome and nice. And according to Peter, still single. Yes, Y/N had probably fallen for Sam. They would be great together. With those thoughts, Nat relaxed and starting to look forward to coming to the rance and here Y/N talked about being in love. If she was not Nat would just have to make Y/N see Sam more. Because if someone deserved to be happy and in love, it was Y/N. Nat did not know where she would be without Y/N. 

Nat took a couple of deep breaths as she drew to the small town. Almost home. She saw a lot of curious faces looking at the rental car. Some waved even though they did not recognize the car. Of course she waved back. She saw Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton walk hand in hand down the street, still looking like a newly weed couple, even if they must be over 80 years old and married for at least 60 years. It made her smile and her heart ache a bit. Why did it always feel like coming home driving into town like this. Nat knew that if she stoped, people she knew would stop and talk to her. As if she never left home. Whitin a few minutes she would probably hear all the latest gossip and then the gossip mill would go around saying that Nat was back in town. It made her smile. Years before when she left, that was one of the reasons she swore to never move back. The gossip and the everyone knows you, but now, it just felt safe and as something she been missing. In New York, nobody would stop her on the street to ask who she was. The only ones that stoped her were creepy men or people looking for a handout. Nat drow out of town and felt her hands get sweaty. Soon home. Soon. Just a bit more. 

When she turned onto the road up to the ranch she had to stop at the side of the road to breath. Why was she so nervous? She could do this. They knew she was coming and the last thing she wanted was someone coming down the road and seing her sitting her like a coward. After a couple of deep breaths she pulled out on the road again and felt herself smile you closer she came to the ranch. As the buildings started to appear she got a sense of ease. She saw cattle and horses. And there on the porch stood Y/N. It made something in her heart give a gick tug. Y/N looked as she belonged there. There on the porch. At the ranch. The closer she got, she saw a calmness on her best friends face that she had never seen before. That was something new. 

A couple of hours later, you stood on the porch when Nat's rental car drives up to the house. You had gone out with a cup of tea to calm down. The conversation with Mrs. Bennet in the grocery store was still playing in your head. She was fifteen steps ahead of you when it came to Steve and you. And you still have not talked to Steve about your feelings or his feelings. And now you needed to great Nat and pretend like everything was fine. Even if there was a relief of seeing her, you were also kind of annoyed with her. Since she had moved up her arrival day several times. 

"I thought you weren't going to come," you say and cross your arms over your chest. Nat laughs and runs up to the porch and hugs you tight. You hug her back. "I am sorry it took so long," Nat says and realising you. "I needed to get things done so I can be here for the next two weeks." “Nat,” Peter almost dreams as he comes running out of the house. Nat opens his arms and Peter runs right into them.  “Hey, Peter,” Nat says as she reliseas Peter and ruffs his hair.  “I missed you,” Peter can’t seem to stand still. “I missed you too,” Nat smiled. It gives you a warm feeling in your body. Somehow Nat seemed to fit in here more than in New York. She seemed more calm, and she just arrived. "Hey, Nat," a voice from behind you said. You turned around and there on the porch stood Steve. He had his hat in his hand. How was this going to go? You knew that the two of them had a rocky relationship. At least according to Nat.

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Just One Kiss: Part 12

Part 12: True Colors

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Warning: Some heartache, some confusion, sad memories, mental health issues, guns, death, stalking and I think that is it

Count: about 5 800 words

Summary: You have been suspended from work and do not know what to do with yourself. Then in just a matter of hours, you find yourself on a plane to Montana to stay with people you have never met before. And as if that is not enough one of the men you are supposed to get to know is handsome enough to make your knees shake.

A/N: I do not know anything about the professions that are detailed in this story. I have googled most things I did not know and therefore there can be some inconsistency.

English is not my first language, so there will be mistakes.

And a big thank you to the amazing @dreamcatchernightsky not only for giving great support and helping me stay motivated but also for the amazing dividers for this story. You are the BEST!

I also want to give a big thanks to @banditthewriter & @kaunis-sielu & @maw000 for their support!

And a big thank you to my incredible Cat for being my beta reader!

And lastly a big thank you to all you wonderful people who have contacted me the last month just to check in on me. You are amazing!

Steve sat in the barn in Blondie’s box trying to keep her calm. The foal was on the way and Blondie was a first-time mother. She was anxious and Steve was trying to keep his calm. But the signs were there that this was not going to be an easy birth. He had already notified the vet, Clint, that he might need to come over, but at the moment there was nothing Clint could do that Steve could not do. It was nice to know that Clint could be there in about ten minutes seeing as they were neighbours. When Clint and his wife had bought the small neighbouring farm Steve had been very happy, not only had he gotten great neighbors but also a vet that was close. Clint had been two years ahead of Steve in school, but they had still been friends. In fact, Sam, Bucky, Clint, and Steve had gotten in a lot of trouble together. Steve smiled at the memory. Even though they had all been doing their own thing when Steve's father and Melina had passed away, they had been there for Steve as much as they could. Sam had been in medical school and studying hard, but he came over as many weekends as he could and on holidays he always pitched in. Clint had been in the last stretch of his veterinary training, but he had tried to come over as much as he could as well. It was only Bucky that had harder times coming over to help since he had been in the army at that point. However, every leave he would come and visit Steve and Peter. Added to that, Clint, Bucky, and Sam’s parents had helped a lot, with advice, food, and things that Steve had not known anything about, like handling the school aspect of Peter’s life. In fact, the whole community had helped Steve a lot with navigating taking over the ranch and raising Peter. Steve was forever grateful and could not imagine living anywhere else. It also made him reflect over the last few years. Clint was happily married to Laura and they had one son, Cooper, but it would not surprise Steve if they had more soon. They were both devoted parents. Sam had taken over his father's practice in town and even though he was single at the moment, Steve could easily picture his friend settling down and having kids. Then there was Bucky, who was still reeling after all the things he had been through in the army. Steve tried to be there as much as he could, but he would never be able to completely comprehend what Bucky had gone through. However, working with the animals seemed to help Bucky with his PTSD a lot and it had given Steve the idea to hire more people who were ex armed forces. It had given him loyal, hard-working people and even though he had to teach most of them everything he knew and what they needed to know, it had all been worth it. Steve had thought about joining the army after his university time, but with his father and Melina dying he had taken over the ranch instead, at least 5 years ahead of schedule. But Steve had adapted. It had also shown him that his girlfriend at the time, Peggy, was not who he thought and he felt like he had dodged a bullet.

Blondie sighed and Steve looked over at her. It looked as if she was calming down some and teve hoped that meant good news. He leant his head against the box wall and wondered how he would stay awake. The day had been long and hard, and his mind had been on Y/N most of the time. On that kiss the night before. It had been life-changing, to say the least. He never felt the way Y/N made him feel before in his entire life. There was a connection between them that he could not explain. She also made him feel more alive than he had ever felt in his entire life, just by being there. It scared him, but he also liked it. It had also become apparent that people around him started to notice that something had changed for Steve. Bucky had commented while they were out working on the fence that day that Steve was quieter than usual. Steve had just shrugged it off with that he had a lot on his mind with Billy out of commission and the cattle drive, but his friend had not seemed convinced. Later when they had ridden back to the barn Steve could have sworn he felt Y/N near him and when he looked up towards the house, he had seen her standing on the porch. Looking like she belonged there. It had been like getting a kick in the stomach when he could imagine her being there on the porch after a long day forever. Just standing there waiting for him when he came home. It made him realise that he was falling for her and since she had kissed him back the night before she might have feelings for him as well. It made Steve smile big. But then he remembered. Y/N was Nat’s best friend and he did not want to cause any more trouble between him and Nat. All he really wanted was his little sister back. Which probably meant not starting anything with her best friend. Steve's shoulders sagged some. He had kept his distance from Y/N today and it had been hard, but maybe he should try and continue to do so tomorrow as well. Distance might keep these feelings at bay and he might not fall completely. Maybe if he remembered that Y/N lived in New York City and not here in Montana? That should help right? He could not leave Montana and she would probably not want to leave New York. So there. Settled, or at least that was what he told himself. They would never work living so far from each other.

There was a ringing sound that woke you the next morning. You sat up trying to locate the sound only to notice it was your phone. It was Nat calling.  “Hello?” you answered, feeling groggy. “Hi, Y/N,” Nat’s voice sounded surprisingly awake. “How are you this chipper in the morning?” you grumbled. Nat laughed at this.  “Y/N, it’s half nine here,” Nat commented and you sat up. You had slept in. Usually, you were up making breakfast by this time, since you learned from Peter the first day that they were usually out of the house by five to check on everything before they came in to eat breakfast around half seven.  “I slept in!” You jumped out of bed and started to undress from your pajamas and looked for what to wear. “So?” Nat wondered.  “I usually make breakfast,” you pulled on a pair of jeans. “They manage,” Nat tried to calm you down. “Yeah, I know. But they have more workload this week since one of the workers had an accident,” You tried to explain while dressing. “Wait, someone got hurt?” Nat sounded worried.  “Yeah, I thought you knew.” You found a t-shirt and put Nat on speaker. “No, I have been busy with work and have not checked in with any of you since we last talked,” Nat said with a shaky voice. “Who is hurt and what happened?” “Billy fell down a ladder,” you said and explained what had happened. Nat let out a shaky breath almost like a sigh, but you just figured she was happy that Billy was not hurt worse. “Lucky that you were there,” Nat said when you finished telling everything. “And you got to meet Sam. How was he?” “He is great,” you smiled and looked for a flannel. “He is a great doctor and I understand why Steve and he are friends.” “So…?” Nat said and you could hear it in her voice.  “I am not interested in Sam,” You almost groaned and pulled on your flannel. Socks. Where were your socks?  “Y/N,” Nat almost whined. “Nat, drop it,” you groaned and looked around the room. “To change the subject, what did you want, calling this early?” “Oh, right,” Nat said quickly. “I got a weird text from Peter that he needs to talk to me when I come to Montana. Do you know what that is about?” “Well, yeah, I think,” you admitted, thinking back on the conversation Peter and you had the day before. “But I will not say anything. That is Peter’s thing to talk about.” “Should I worry?” Nat sounded anxious. “Is it something serious?” “No.” You found the socks. “I don’t think it's anything to worry about.” “So how are you doing?” Nat changed the subject again.  “I am good,” you said and put the socks on. “How are you?” “I am good,” Nat answered and you heard voices in the background of Nat’s call.  “I need to go,” she said and the two of you said goodbye.

You hurried down to the kitchen only to find Peter pulling the eggs off the stove. “Good morning,” he smiled at you.  “Good morning,” you said back. “I thought I was going to have to go up and wake you,” Peter smirked. “Sorry, I must have shut off the alarm,” you explained, but Peter just shook his head and placed the pan on the counter. “Don’t worry.” Peter took out plates for breakfast. “You should sleep in. Nat always talked about how much you worked. You deserve some downtime.” “Thank you,” you smiled and noted that Peter only set the table for two people. Steve was not coming in for breakfast today as well. Was he avoiding you? You hoped not, but time would tell. Peter and you sat down to breakfast and you talked about the plans for the day. You were going out riding, going to the grocery store and you said that you wanted to check in on Billy. Peter talked about his chores and that he needed to start getting the rooms ready for the people who came for the cattle drive. They would be sleeping one night in the house, since some would be arriving from far away and so that the cattle drive could start early the next morning. “I think I should tell you that Nat called me this morning about a text you sent her,” you admitted as Peter and you were finished with breakfast. “I kind of figured she would call you or me,” Peter shrugged. “I guess you want to talk to her about what we have talked about regarding Steve and all that,” you said, not wanting to upset Peter. He nodded. “I did not say anything to her about what we talked about. I said that it was your thing to talk about, but she should not worry.” “Thank you,” Peter smiled. He stood up. “Thank you for opening up to me,” you said and stood up as well. “And for breakfast.” Peter nodded. You told him that he should continue with his chores and that you would clean up the breakfast before you took a ride.

After lunch, Peter and you were in Steve’s truck driving to town. You had asked Peter if it really was okay to take Steve’s truck, but Peter said that he had talked to Steve that morning about you going into town to shop and he had told him to take his truck. You stopped at the clinic first and together you walked into the clinic. Mrs. Bennet saw you walk in and gave you both a big welcoming smile. “Here to pick up Mr. Russo?” she wondered and you shook your head. “No, we are just visiting,” you answered, and then Sam came out into the reception area.  “Good afternoon, Y/N and Peter,” he greeted you. Both Peter and you greeted him. “I was just about to call Frank and say that Billy can go home today.” “Oh, well we can take him back to the ranch,” you offered and Peter nodded. “But can we just go grocery shopping first?” “Lets go talk to the unhappy patient,” Sam winked at you and you followed him to Billy’s room. “You are back so fast, Sam,” Billy said when Sam knocked and walked into the room.  “Well, you are my only patient at the moment,” Sam smiled. “I have a woman here who has offered to take you home.” Billy turned his gaze towards the door and saw Peter and you standing in the door. “Finally,” Billy sat up from the bed. “Let’s get out of here.” Peter and you laughed. “Can you wait another hour?” you asked and walked into the room. “We need to do some grocery shopping first.” “For you, I could wait for days,” Billy winked at you. Peter looked from Billy to you with an amused face.  “Only days,” you played hurt. “I am offended.” “I would wait for you for months,” Sam butted in. Peter started to laugh.  “Oh Sammy,” you joked and smiled. “I would wait longer,” Billy groaned. “If I was not so bored here.”  “We will try not to let you wait too much longer,” Peter replied. You decided that you would pick Billy up as soon as you finished shopping. Peter and you left and went to the grocery store. There you both ran into MJ and you told Peter that you would start picking up groceries while he talked to her. You wanted him to get some alone time with her, especially since you knew that he really liked her. While you were looking at the different sizes of tomatoes that the store offered a man in uniform came up to you. He had a badge that said police sheriff on it.

“I do not know you,” he said instead of a greeting.  “And I don’t know you,” you said before handing out your hand. “I am Y/N Y/L/N.” The man nodded as he heard the name before. “You are Nat’s nurse friend who is visiting the Rogers',” the man said. “I am Sheriff Fury.” “Nice to meet you, Sheriff Fury,” you greeted him. “Seeing as you are a friend of the Rogers',” Sheriff Fury said, “you can call me Nick.” You nodded and smiled. “Thank you,” you said. “I heard you took care of Billy the other day,” Nick continued. He was looking at you like he was reading your mind, before he nodded, seeming happy with what he saw. “Well done.” “What they say about small towns seems to be right,” you joked, trying not to read anything into the look he had given you.  “Sure are,” Nick nodded. “And we look after our own.” “I promise you, I am not here to make any trouble,” you assured Nick. He chuckled. “I am not worried about you,” Nick smiled, and it changed his entire face. “I am just saying that the Rogers' has had a tough go at it.” “Yeah, I know,” you said, not really wanting to go into things that were not yours to talk about with a stranger. Even if he was the sheriff.  “I am just saying after Sarah, then Joe and Melina's death,” Nick nodded. “Peggy leaving and that Sharon situation, things have been hard for Steve.” “Sharon?” you said before you could stop yourself. “Yeah, the housekeeper that Steve employed that fell in love with him and kind of ended up stalking him,” Nick said and you felt your eyes get bigger. “I take it nobody had told you anything about that yet.” You shook your head. “Well look at that, some people can keep a secret,” Nick nodded approvingly.  “Apparently,” you agreed and a woman in uniform came over. “Y/N this is Officer Hill,” Nick presented the woman to you. She nodded and said hello, before she turned to Nick. “There is a situation over at Karen’s Diner,” she said and Nick nodded. They said their goodbyes and left. You let out a sigh and then Peter came over to you. “I though he would never leave,” Peter said and you laughed. “Are you scared of the Sheriff?” you wondered. “No, not really,” Peter answered. “But sometimes he looks at you and it feels as if he is reading your soul.” You nodded. “Yeah, just what it feels like,” you agreed. “He also talked about someone named Sharon.” When you said that name it was as if Peter stumbled on the air.  “Oh, yeah,” he avoided looking at you. “Sharon.” He looked around the store.  “I get that you want to know more. But can we talk about this when we are alone?” He gave a nod towards the two older ladies standing by the potatoes. The way the looked over occasionally at you made you think they were looking for gossip and that was not something you wanted to give them, so you nodded and the two of you continued the shopping.

65 minutes since you left the clinic you park in front. Mrs Bennet smiled as you just walked through, and you were happy that she did not seem interested in gossiping with you. It had been enough to talk to Nick today. But maybe that meant she would gossip about you later. Not that it mattered, you told yourself.  “I thought you forgot about me,” Billy commented as you walked into his room. Peter had opted to stay outside and make sure that Billy had lots of space in the front passenger seat. “I was about ready to make a run for it.” It almost made you giggle. “I would never forget about you. Never,” you winked at him. “Ready to go?” Billy sat up and you walked over to help him stand up. But he gave you a look clearly indicating that he did not need any help. “I was born ready,” Billy joked and you smiled.  “Then let's go,” you laughed and together you walked out to the reception. You said goodbye to Mrs. Bennet who promised to tell Sam that you left. He was busy with a patient. When you turned back one last time you saw Mrs. Bennet wink at you. It confused you, but you decided to drop it. 

Billy looked happy to be sitting in the car back to the ranch. You drove carefully to make the ride as smooth as possible for him.  “I am not made of glass,” Billy joked when you slowed down for a pothole. “I know,” you glanced at him. “I just don’t want to give you more pain.” Billy shook his head and continued to look out the front window. A song you liked came on and you asked if it was okay if you increased the volume. Both Billy and Peter agreed. You started to sing with the song and both Billy and Peter turned their eyes on you, both with big smiles. When the chorus came on you really let go.

“One Mississippi, two Mississippi Three shots of whiskey Are you on your way? We're tipsy, baby, come kiss me I can't wait, I can't wait Mississippi, two Mississippi Three in the mornin' We'll be on our way So tipsy, can't stop kissin' I can't wait, I can't wait Forever”

After the song was over, both Peter and Billy applauded you. “Thank you,” you laughed. “She would make a killing on karaoke night,” Billy commented and Peter agreed. You pulled into the drive towards the ranch and shook your head. Karaoke was one of your favorite activities. In fact, you and Nat usually went to karaoke at least once a month with your friends Matt, Foggy, and Claire. As you pulled up outside the workers' barracks Peter told you that he would carry the food to the house and you could get Billy settled. Before Billy could protest, you gave him a pointed look. Peter got the groceries and walked off while you went to Billy’s side and helped him out of the truck. “Want to sit outside for awhile?” you asked and nodded toward the chairs on the porch on the workers' barracks. Billy nodded. Together you sat down looking at the cattle walking by the barn.  “Ready for the cattle drive?” Billy wondered and you shrugged. “I don’t really know,” you admitted. “I have never slept in a tent and even though I am used to riding horse, a cattle drive is completely new to me.”  “You will be fine,” Billy smiled. “Steve will not let anything happen to you. And Frank will keep you fed.” “I heard my name,” Frank said as he came from your right side. “I see she sprang you.” Frank nodded toward you. “She put me out of my misery,” Billy joked.  “He makes it sound as if he was dying laying there in the clinic,” you commented, and both Frank and Billy laughed. You saw Steve come going in a distance but decided to ignore it, just as you had the whole day when you have seen him. You had waved, but that was all. Now you did not wave, you were not even sure that he noticed the three of you. Instead, you tried keeping your focus on Billy and Frank.

Steve was walking from the stable after looking at Blondie. Still no foal and Steve knew that he would stay the night in the stable again. His mind went back to Y/N again. It was hard aviding her. It was as if she had a pull on him. He wanted to be around her. And then it was the fact that Steve was not used to women not demanding to know things. Not once had Y/N mentioned the kiss from the other night. Not once had she demanded an apology or wondered what they were doing. Besides her question right after the kiss, she had been quiet on the subject. Sure, they had not seen each other the day before. But she could have tracked him down and demand an explanations. She saw when he came back to the ranch. And today, he had been around and he was pretty sure that if she had asked anyone of the workers they would happily have helped her track him down. He almost stopped when he saw her sitting on the porch of the workers' barracks joking with Frank and Billy outside the door to Billy's living quarters. Thinking back he could not remember a time that Billy was so at ease with a woman. He was laughing and joking with Y/N and she was joking right back. Steve wanted to go there and find out what they were talking about, but at the same time he knew that it was a bad idea. He needed to keep away from her or else this would just become harder. She would be going back to New York in one and a half weeks. He needed to remember that. Steve continued to walk and tried not to look over at Y/N, but he heard her laugh and just like a moth to a flame his gaze went to her. Steve muttered under his breath and walked faster. All he needed was to get to his office and shut the door. He needed to forget her laughter and smile. Even if they lit up his life.

It looked like Steve was not coming to dinner that night either. Peter and you sat down to eat the food you had cooked together. You talked about the day and Peter grumbled about having to clean all the extra rooms in the house to make sure that the cattle drive people had somewhere to sleep. You did not give him any sympathy since he put himself in the situation. Then when you had finished eating Peter looked at you and was quiet for a few minutes. “You wanted to know about Sharon,” Peter shifted in his seat. “If you don’t want to talk about it it’s fine,” you said. “I think it’s good if you know,” Peter looked down at his plate. “You will hear a lot of talk about it in town and I think it’s better for you to know the truth.” You nodded. “When I was about thirteen Steve was really busy with the cattle and his horse breeding business really took off. He kind of juggled the cattle, the horses, and taking care of me.” Peter took a sip of water. “Our cleaning lady retired and moved to Florida; she wanted a warmer climate. So the house became messy and it was hard for Steve to do it all. He cleaned and washed clothes and all that when he should be sleeping. So some of the people in town decided that he should hire a housekeeper. Steve agreed reluctantly, he was not so keen on having someone in the house all the time but gave in. The town helped him find Sharon. She was this nice woman about Steve’s age. She cooked, she cleaned, she did the washing.” You nodded. “She seemed nice to everyone, but when I came home from school she was kind of mean. Sharon used to yell at me to do my school work, clean my room, and do my chores.”  “That was not her job,” you could not keep that comment from slipping out.  “No, it wasn’t,” Peter agreed. “But I did not say anything. I saw how Steve got to sleep and he had more time with me in the evenings. Then Sharon started to make smaller adjustments. Nothing big at first, but she changed some pictures around, and then she was talking about rearranging furniture and buying new furniture. Steve put a stop to it. He reminded her that she was an employee and that he and I liked the house as it was. If she wanted to make changes she could do that to her own living quarters, which were in the workers' barracks. She did not like that, but it all kind of died down after a while. Then she started making advancements against Steve. Flirting, staying later in the evening to spend time with him, and so on. Steve noticed that some of his clothes went missing, mostly flannels and t-shirts. He did not think anything of it at first, but then one morning. Sharon came into his room earlier in the morning with breakfast in bed, wearing only his flannel. He rejected her and said he was not interested in her. She kind of lost it, but Steve was calm and said they could forget it if she just backed off. Which she did. Until he came home a night about a week after. He was going up to his room with Bucky to get some clothes they were going to donate to this charity for veterans. Steve had a pile in his room. But when they walked into Steve’s bedroom Sharon was buck naked in his bed waiting for him. She even invited Bucky to join her. Steve tossed her the clothes that she left on the floor and told her she was fired. She threw a vase at Steve and then continued to try and trash his bedroom. Bucky called the sheriff, since both Steve and Bucky did not want to put their hands on her and possibly get charged. Nick showed up with Maria and handled it. He advised Steve to take out a restraining order against Sharon, but Steve just wanted her gone.” Peter takes a breath. He had been talking kind of fast. 

“You can slow down,” you tried telling him, but he just shook his head.  “It’s easier just telling you like this. It’s more honest,” Peter explained before carrying on. “For the next two weeks, Sharon showed up everywhere. In the stables, in the barn, when Steve was out riding, in our house. Steve called Nick and every time she was taken away. So Steve took out a restraining order against her. Then she started showing up in town when Steve was there. Always keeping her distance, but always keeping an eye on him. She even tried to intimidate women that Steve talked to. This included Pepper. Sharon was sure that Pepper was cheating on Tony with Steve and even tried to convince Tony. It did not work.” “What happened next?” you wondered. “Sharon showed up here after a month of stalking Steve with a gun in her hand,” Peter swallowed. “She was going to kill herself if Steve did not admit that he loved her.” “Fuck,” you muttered under your breath. “She was waving the gun around and it was a dangerous situation,” Peter swallowed hard. “Bucky had seen her arrive and called Nick. Steve was trying to get her to calm down, but it almost seem to make things worse. I was hiding in the stable, not knowing what to do. Then Nick arrived with Maria and Sharon got even more angry. She pointed the gun on Steve and said something about if he would not love her nobody else would love him. And she shot him, at the same time as Maria tackled her to the ground. Steve got hit in the shoulder, nothing serious, but it was scary.” You nodded. “It turned out that Sharon had a history of mental instability. Instead of prison, she was sent to a mental hospital where she still is to this day.” Peter let out a sigh, it almost sounded as relief. “That must have been really hard on you,” you said, and Peter nodded.  “I thought I was going to lose Steve as well,” Peter admitted. He looked down at his plate, but you saw that his eyes were a bit shinier than they usually were.  “It’s okay, Peter,” you placed a hand on his. “Things happen and it’s okay to react to them. Have you tried talking to Steve about this?”  “Yeah, we have talked about it a lot,” Peter looked up. “Steve knows what I saw and how hard it was for me. He even sent me to a therapist to talk about it.” “That is great,” you nodded and give Peter’s hand a squeeze. “I just wanted you to know,” Peter gave you a small smile.  “I appreciate it,” you smiled back. “And know I am here if you ever need to talk about anything.” “Thanks,” Peter said and then the two of you changed the subject. It seemed to be what Peter wanted, so you don’t insist on talking about Sharon or Peggy. Peter had been through a lot and he was still a great teenager. Steve had done a great job raising him, but you wondered if anyone ever told him that. Nat had never said anything about either Peggy or Sharon and you started to wonder if Nat knew? You dropped it and concentrated on getting Peter to relax again.

You looked out over the ranch, standing on the porch. The conversation after dinner was still very present in your mind and you could not seem to stop thinking about it. Neither could you stop thinking about Steve not coming in to rest again. It was starting to worry you. Peter had said this sometimes happened when Steve was busy, but did he eat? Did he get to rest? Did he sleep? You sigh thinking about going to look for him. You took a sip of your tea and thought of where Steve could be. Probably in the barn or in the stable because of the hour. Your heart ached. Not only for what Peter had told you at dinner about Sharon but also about what both Peter and Steve had gone through. Did Nat know all about this? She must know? Steve was stronger than you thought and all the things you found out about him pieced together a really different story than the one that Nat had given you over the years. You knew that Nat loved Steve, but she did not understand him. Maybe you did not understand him either, but you wanted to. If you could wish for something it would be to understand Steve more. You took a deep breath and your mind went back to the kiss two nights before. It had been mind-blowing, nothing you had ever experienced before. But more than that, Steve was like no other man you had ever met. He did things to you, just by being close. You had a strong suspicion that it was more than just lust. Feelings had started to appear. You missed him. His presence. His smile, his laugh. Everything about him. How were you supposed to leave Montana in less then two weeks, when you were pretty sure it meant you would be leaving your heart behind. Fuck, you were falling for Steve. Maybe you had already fallen for him. It got you kind of anxious and the more you thought about it you felt like maybe you should talk to Steve. He might have some feelings about it all. It was not as you were going to ask to move in. You just wanted to know if you were alone in this. And you wanted to make sure that he was okay. Seeing as he once again had skipped a meal. Frank had also said something about Steve sleeping in the stable last night when you had talked to him earlier. Maybe you should drink your tea and then go looking for Steve. You heard a creaking sound from the right of you and turned around.

Steve came out of the shadows. How long he had been looking at you was impossible to say. Maybe he had just come came in from the stables at that moment. “Good evening,” you said and turned back towards the ranch and took a sip of your tea. You needed to calm down. Just because he was here did not mean anything. He was not going to kiss you again. And you did not want to go off about him not taking care of himself. That was not your place.  "Nat does not need to know what happened," Steve said instead of a greeting.  You just looked at him not really understanding what Nat did not need to know about. Did he know about Peter telling you about Sharon? "I mean our kiss," Steve clarified. "Nat does not need to know about that."

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Everything Tag list:

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@allaboutthebooz

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[fangirlinsweden]

Just One Kiss: Part 17

Part 17: Family is Family

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Warning: Nerves, impatience, hard words, arguments (kind of) and loaded discussions

Count: about 4 500 words

Summary: You have been suspended from work and do not know what to do with yourself. Then in just a matter of hours, you find yourself on a plane to Montana to stay with people you have never met before. And as if that is not enough one of the men you are supposed to get to know is handsome enough to make your knees shake.

A/N: I do not know anything about the professions that are detailed in this story. I have googled most things I did not know and therefore there can be some inconsistency.

English is not my first language, so there will be mistakes.

And a big thank you to the amazing @dreamcatchernightsky not only for giving great support and helping me stay motivated but also for the amazing dividers for this story. You are AMAZING!

I also want to give a big thanks to @banditthewriter   & @kaunis-sielu & @maw000 or their support! Thank you!

And a big thank you to my incredible Cat for being my beta reader! As well as @dreamcatchernightsky

"Steve," Nat laughs again and walks towards him. Steve meets her halfway and lifts her up in a hug.  "Hey, little sister," Steve smiles, spinning her around. "Hey, big brother," Nat laughs and holds on close. Steve puts her down on her feet. "I know you missed me," Nat places a hand on Steve's shoulder.  "Yeah, I missed you just as much as I would miss hemorrhoids,” Steve smiled at Nat. She blinked at him before she said anything.  “Oh, you made a joke,”  Nat placed a hand to her heart. “Did it hurt? Why don’t you go sit down. Do you have a fever?” Nat places a hand on Steve's forehead.  “Really funny,” Steve rolled his eyes. Seeing them together like this was not what you had expected. All three of them were smiling and talking, and you felt a pinch of envy. They were siblings, how much Nat had said that they were her step-brothers, this interaction showed you just how much love there was between the three of them. They were family and there was a lot of love between them. You hear steps behind you and look over.

"Nat," Bucky smiles and looks at Nat like she is the only woman on earth.  “We are here too,” Peter states crossing his arms, but Bucky did not even look at Peter. “Hi, Bucky,” Nat smiles at him, ignoring Peter's comment. They are looking at each other and something clicks. That was why you recognized Bucky. Nat had pictures of him in your apartment and she had talked about James, the man in the picture. Steve had only referred to Bucky as Bucky, but you knew it was a nickname. James and Bucky were the same person. This made so much more sense all of a sudden. Nat and Bucky. Thinking about what you knew of Bucky and seen of him, you liked the idea of them together. Liked it a lot. However, you did not know what had happened between them. All Nat had said was that they had gotten in a fight and he had left. Now that you knew James was Bucky, you figured James leaving was when he joined the military. You needed to know more and hopefully, you could get more from Nat about it.

Nat and Bucky were just awkwardly looking at each other. Steve and Peter were both looking from one to the other. “Don’t I get a hug?” Bucky asked after clearing his throat. Nat looked over at Steve, who seemed to give her a small nod. Nat walked over to Bucky and gave him a hug. Bucky hugged her back, and the look on his face was pure love. It was beautiful and kind of sad at the same time. The urge to scream that they loved each other and should just kiss was getting stronger in you, but you still did not know what had happened between them. The hug ended and it got awkward again. Steve cleared his throat and Bucky quickly said that he needed to get back to work and he left them all standing there on the porch. Nat looked after Bucky before she turned back to her brothers.  “Let's go inside,” Peter says and takes Nat's bag. Nat nods and locks away from Buckys retriting form. Steve looks between Bucky and Nat, but doesn’t say a word. You follow Nat and Peter inside and can feel Steve’s presence behind you. He places a small hand on your back, almost like some kind of support. You still had not talked to him about your relationship or what it was between you. 

Nat stopped in the hallway and looked towards the kitchen. “It smells like carbonara,” She looked over at you.  “Well, I thought as a welcome home I should make one of your favorites,” you feel kind of silly. Especially when Nat almost winced at the word home. “I have missed your cooking,” Nat recovered fast.  “I can understand that,” Peter smiled, not noticing Nat’s reaction to the word home. But you had felt Steve stiffen beside you so you knew he saw it. “Y/N is an amazing cook.” “That she is,” Steve agreed and it made you blush. You wanted to look at him, but did not dare to. ' “The food will be ready in about one hour,” you said instead.  “Then I will go out and look at the foals,” Steve smiled and left. Nat sighed and looked after Steve. “Typical,” she mumbled under her breath. It made you turn to Nat. ‘Let's get your stuff up to your room,” Peter glanced at you and took Nat's bag before you could say anything. “I need to go back into the kitchen,” you were not sure you could keep what you wanted to say, but you knew you shouldn't say anything. And if you were with Nat at that moment it would not stay inside your head. She really did not see the real Steve. Peter and Nat went upstairs and you walked into the kitchen. You took a couple of deep breaths and promised that you would try and be understanding and patient with Nat, Steve, and Peter. This was a situation you had never been in, but you had seen all the love between them just minutes before and hoped that this cattle drive might bring them all closer together. 

Peter left Nat alone in her old room for awhile. Nat sat on the bed and just looked around. It still looked the same as when she lived here. Steve had keept it all. Not messed with a thing. Everything was as she left it. Her old clothes were in her closet. Her bathroom had the purple towels that she had picked out with her mother years before. They looked almost new, but they were clean. Why had Steve not made it into a guestroom instead? Nat knew there were plenty of rooms in the house, since the Rogers always hoped for a lot of kids, but still. It was clean, with new linens on the bed and flowers in a wase on the desk. When they had walked upstairs Peter had appologized for not getting her room ready for her, but clearly, someone had. Was it Y/N? 

The outside views still take her breath away, just as it had when she moved her with her mother. She remember that she been mad about moving from a city out to the country. But moving here was the best thing that had ever happened to her. It was easy to see now. She had gotten freedom with her own room, but also learned about responsibilities. They had been a family. Right around the time that her mother and stepfather died, she had been thinking about asking her stepfather about adopting her. She probably still had the papers in her desk. It made tears threaten to spill. She walked to the window instead of looking in the desk. How could she have stayed away this long. Every time she came here she felt right at home. By the barn she saw three men talking, it looked to be Steve, Bucky, and someone she did not recognize. Another worker probably. Looking at Bucky, was not as painful this time. When she had heard him say her name in that voice that she could still hear in her dreams. Chills had gone through her body and she had to try and keep it all in. How could he still affect her like that after all these years? When she turned and looked at him she really saw him. Gone was the skinny young man he was, instead was a handsome man with dark hair and those eyes that felt like they pierced your soul. Damn him for not getting ugly. Then when she hugged him. Fuck, all she could think of was he still smelled the same and that his arms still felt like home. She almost broke down then and there. She hoped nobody noticed, but Y/N had been looking at her funny. Did she understand that James and Bucky were the same? Nat knew she had talked about James when she got drunk a couple of times. Cursing his name and probably showing Y/N the pictures she kept hidden in her closet. In the box with all the important things from their relationship. She still could not let it go. Being here it felt as if it was a time not to push it away anymore. They needed to deal with their past and move on. Nat sighed and walked away from the window. She washed up and changed before going down to the kitchen to see if Y/N needed any help.

The dinner was lively with Peter doing most of the talking. He seemed happy to have his family gathered again. Steve and Nat made some small talk, but there was a stiffness there now, that was not on the porch earlier. When the dinner was finished Peter and Nat offer to clean the dishes, something you happily accept. Steve had disappeared immediately after dinner, and you wanted to talk to him. You tell Peter and Nat you were going to go outside and get some air. All you wanted to know was what the thing between Steve and you was. Were you just a fling? When you take a step off the porch a hand grips you tight and pulls you close and into the shadows. Before you can scream you hear Steve's voice.

“It’s just me Sweetheart.” It makes your heart beat faster, but for another reason.  “You scared me,” you want to sound mad, but you have a big smile on your face. “I was going to go out and find you.” “I see,” Steve smiled and bend down letting his lips hover just over your lips. “You wanted more kisses.” Then he kisses you. One might think that kissing Steve would not get better, not since the first kiss with him was the best you had ever had, but somehow it just kept getting better and better. You were on your way to losing yourself in the kiss when you remember why you had gone out to look for him. It made you almost whine since you really wanted to continue kissing Steve, but you needed to know what this was. What if he did not have feelings for you as well? You took a step back and ended the kiss. “Steve,” you looked at him and saw that he looked as affected by the kiss as you felt. “We need to talk.” “That doesn’t sound so good,” Steve looked at you and you shrugged.  “It depends,” you said and looked over your shoulder. “It depends on what?” Steve narrowed his eyes.  “Can we talk somewhere more private?” you wondered looking around. You were avoiding Steve's question since you wanted to talk alone. “I don’t want to get interrupted.” “Wait here for a few minutes, then come find me in the stables,” Steve nodded, not pressing you about the fact that you did not answer his question. You nodded and Steve disappeared in the shadows. 

In the kitchen, Nat and Peter are talking about school and things that have happened since they last saw each other. Things that they might not want to talk about on the phone. When they come into the subject of Y/N, Peter sees his chance.  “I really like Y/N”, Peter trying to be casual about it. “Yeah, she is really great,” Nat smiles. “She is much stronger than she looks and always cares about everyone. It often gets her hurt, but it's hard to be annoyed with it since she just is this amazing person. Sometimes it feels weird to admit that she is my best friend since we are so different. But I know that I can trust her and I know that whatever happens, she will have my back.” Peter nods. “She has really been a great help here,” Peter continues and Nat looks over her shoulder.  “Yeah,” She smiles. “I am happy to hear that.” Peter takes a few breaths then he says it. “Is Y/N single?” Peter asks and Nat turns around. “She is a little too old for you,” She answers and turns back to the dishes. “Not for me,” Peter says. “I have a girlfriend. For Steve.” Nat turns around again. “Let’s circle back to that girlfriend comment later,” Nat points at Peter. “Y/N and Steve?!” She lets out a laugh. She could not see that.  “You haven't seen them together,” Peter states. “She makes him open up. They talk. He laughs and smiles around her.” “What?” Nat’s eyes went big. “That does not sound like Steve.” She thought back to dinner and now that Peter said it, Steve had been smiling and talking a lot more than usual.  “Maybe you should try and see your brother for who he is,” Peter looks at the floor. “And not who you always thought him to be. He is not a villain and he is a great brother.” Peter hurries out of the kitchen not believing that he had stood up to Nat. What he did not see was Nat looking after him with an open mouth, not really knowing what just happened.

Meanwhile, you walked into the stable, you had tried walking as if you did not have any trouble in the world or that you were going anywhere special. But all you wanted was to get in there and talk to Steve. The stables were quite beside the horses and you did not see Steve. Maybe he was in the office?  Just as you were going towards his office he walked out of the office. You gave him a smile and he swept you into his arms and kissed you again. All thoughts about talking to him about what this was disappeared from your head and all you could think about kissing him and being close to him. Just him.  “I am sorry,” Steve smiled down at you when he step back. “Or I am not sorry, but you wanted to talk.” You took a deep breath to get your composure and so that you did not jump him. “We need to tell Nat about this,” you make a gesture between Steve and you. “This?” Steve smiled at you. 

Steve saw a lot of emotions on Y/N face. She looked unsure of what to say. She bit her bottom lip and he wanted to do the same. Bit her lip. Kiss her. She was like no other.  “I don’t know what to call it,” Y/N mumble. That made Steve realise he should not tease her. She seemed so unsure.  “I would call it a relationship,” Steve pressed a kiss to her brow. “And I was hoping you feel the same.” A big smile grown on her face and Steve felt as if he was being blinded by the sun. Y/N was breathtaking when she smiled.  “You would?” She asked and the happiness could be heard in her voice and in the sparkle of her eyes. “Yes,” Steve pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “Wouldnt you?”  “Yes,” she nodded and Steve felt some tension drop from his shoulders. How had he not noticed that he needed this conversation as much as she apparently needed? She put her arms around Steve and kissed him. He dragged her with him into his office. Or not really dragged, since she came willingly. Together they sat down on his couch, still, lips looked together. She had gotten a hand under his shirt and her fingers on his back were driving him crazy. He wanted her, but not like this. Not the first time. No, he needed a bed and a couple of hours without being disturbed for that. Or days. Days would be better.  Steve pulled away, but it was hard. Y/Ns taste was addictive and he knew now that he could be hooked for life. Hell, he was hooked for life.  “Not like this, Sweetheart,” Steve heard how rough his voice sounded. “Not the first time.” Y/N looked at him with big eyes and swollen lips. Damn, he wanted her almost as much as he needed to breath. She nodded and pulled at her shirt to get it back in place. By doing so Steve saw dark blue lace from her bra. He groaned out loud. “You are killing me,” Steve closed his eyes and tried to remember where he was and that she deserved better. Y/N giggled softly and Steve opened his eyes. “You think this is funny,” Steve lifted an eyebrow at her. “Yeah,” She smirked. “I am happy that I am not the only one who has trouble controlling myself.” Steve looked at her.  “I have no idea how to not touch you all the time,” Steve confessed and that made her smile bigger. “Then we are two,” She leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.  “We still need to talk about Nat,” Steve tried to keep his control and not take her there on the sofa. “Yeah,” Y/N said and looked down at her lap. She looked ashamed. “I want to tell her Sweetheart,” Steve lifted her head with a hand under her chin, so that she looked at him. She nodded. “But I wonder if it’s such a good idea to tell her before the cattle drive.” “I was wondering the same,” Y/N admitted. “You probably know just as me how she can get.” Steve nodded and sighed. “And it will probably not help that she hates my guts,” Steve rubbed a hand over his face, suddenly feeling very tired. “She doesn’t hate you,” Y/N quickly said. Steve looked at her and Y/N bit her lips. “She just… I don’t know. She is so set on who you are in her head that she can’t see the truth.” “Don’t I know it,” Steve nodded. “Sometimes I wonder if she would ever have come back here if it wasn’t for Peter.” 

Your heart was breaking at the look at Steve’s face. He loved Nat. It was obvious, but it hurt him a lot. The distance between them. In his mind she was her sister, there was no step or ex sister in this. You took his face in your hands and layed your brows against his brows. “Maybe this trip she will see past her feelings and the past,” you mumbled. “And really see who you are.” Steve nodded. “I still think you should tell her about how you paid for her scholarship,” you continued. Steve pulled back. “I don’t want her to be nice to me or make her change how she feels about me, because of that,” Steve draw a hand through his hair. “I want her to be my sister because she wants to, not because she feels like she ows me anything.” You nodded. It was something you can agree on. “I don’t want you to tell her,” Steve looked at you with puppy eyes. “I can’t promise anything,” you did not want to break a promise. “But I will try and keep it to myself until you tell her.” “I guess that is all I can ask,” Steve pressed a kiss to your lips and you pulled him closer. The two of you spent the next ten minutes kissing and fooling around on the sofa. It was hard to keep your hands away from him. 

Meanwhile Steve and Y/N were having a conversation in the stable Nat walked slowly up the stairs. The reaction Peter had in the kitchen to what she said about Steve gave her a feeling that what he wanted to talk about like he had texted the other day was about Steve. It was not something that she was really looking forward to talking about, but Peter had never snapped at her like that before. Something had changed and she needed to know what. Had something happened?

Nat pauses outside Peter's door and takes a deep breath before knocking on it.  “Come in,” Peter says from inside. Nat opens the door and walks inside. “Hi,” Nat felt a bit awkward walking into Peter’s room. Something she had never felt before. She noticed some changes in the room since she had been there last. Nothing big, just small changes. “Hi,” Peter looks over at her, but he almost seems hesitant.  “I feel like we should have that talk now,” Nat tried to not sound nervous. “Yeah, I guess now is as good a time as any,” Peter agreed and made a hand moment for Nat to sit down on his armchair. Nat tried to keep her expressions under control, but for the first time with Peter, she felt nervous. “I don’t like the way you portray Steve when you talk to people,” Peter moved around in his chair. “I feel like you have villainized him when he is doing the best he can.” Nat stood up. “Where is this coming from,” Nat crossed her arms. “Have Steve asked you to talk to me?” “No, he would never do something like that,” Peter’s voice got hard.  “You usually complain about Steve,” Nat went on, not really hearing Peters answer. Pacing in the room. “You say that he is strict and complain about his rules and how much you need to help.” “Yeah, but I am a teenager that is rebellion against my parental figure,” Peter glares at Nat. “You are a grown adult acting like Steve is some bad guy, which he is not.” Nat opened her mouth and then closed it. She had no response to that. “Instead of letting your mind be made up about Steve, maybe you should open your eyes and see him for what he really is and what he actually does,” Peter nods at Nat. “You would quickly see that the picture of him is wrong and that maybe it’s time to do something about it instead of just acting like a spoiled brat.” At the last part, Nat snorts.  “I am being a spoiled brat?” Nat asks. “Yes,” Peter nods not holding back now. “Steve would do everything for us, and do. More than you know.” “What has he ever done for us?” Nat crosses her arms over her chest. “Well, for me he has done more than I can list. A lot more,” Peter started to get annoyed. “For you, a lot more than you can ever know and things I cannot share. But to start off, he has made sure that you know that you can always come her. That you are always welcome. You also know that if you were every in any trouble he would drop everything to help you. Everything!” That makes Nat look up at Peter and realize that he was right. Had she been too hard on Steve? Was she projecting feelings on their relationship that he did not deserve? “Huh,” Nat sat down and felt as if she needed to reevaluate it all. Could she be so wrong? “That's all you have to say?” Peter wondered. Nat did not know how to answer that. “I need to think,” Nat admitted. She needed to process this and look back on her behavior. In the past.  “Well, I hope you do that and that you open your eyes and really see your brother,” Peter almost sighed. A tension he did not know he had in his body seemed to realise. Y/N had been right. He had needed to talk to Nat about all of this.  “So tell me about this girlfriend,” Nat said after they sat looking at each other for a while. Peter smiled slowly and told his sister all about MJ. 

Later in the evening Nat struggled to settle down in her room. It was quiet outside, but not in her head. Peters words were spinning around in there as well as the past. It did not help that when she looked around her old room and saw her past. How was Steve really? It all pointed that she had been so wrong about her brother. She had even looked back at old mail and message conversations where Steve invited her to come to visit or that he could send Peter to her. A couple of times Steve had also asked if he could come to visit. She usually said no, she was to bussy. Nat had to admit that she had wanted the relationship on her terms. But still, Steve and Peter had visited her a couple of times as a surprise. For her birthday and things like that. Part of her always thought that Peter had roped Steve into it, but thinking back, that could not be true. Nat sighed. 

She thought of the conversation she had with Peter. Had she projected her feelings of anger about Bucky on Steve? Did she even have to ask herself that? She knew it was true. A part of her always wondered if it was Steve that had stepped between them. Put a stop to their relationship. But that could not be, right? Steve would never do that. He wanted both her and Bucky to be happy, which meant he would never do anything to mess that up. How much damage had all her assumptions broken her relationship with her brother? Nat dragged a hand over her face. She needed to talk to someone about this. But the question was would the only person she could think of be up for it. Nat took out her phone and send a message.

I need someone to talk to.

The reply came fast.

Nat? Is anything wrong?

She did not really know what to write, everything was wrong. But not like that. 

I just need to talk with you.

She hold her breath and then the answer came. 

Meet me at the old oke tree, in fifteen minutes.

The answer made her smile. She could always count on him.

See you there.

Nat put on a sweatshirt and bruised through her hair. Apparently, she had dragged her hand through her hair a few times. She looked in the mirror and gave herself a nod, she could do this. Deciding to try and be as quiet as possible and not let anyone know she was sneaking out. She was not ready to talk to anyone but the person she would meet. The only person she knew that would give it to her straight and that was what she needed. 

Just One Kiss Tag List:

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Everything Tag list:

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@leosandbuckysgirl

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If you want to be added to this series tag list or my everything tag list, please let me know.

I am sorry if I have missed someone on the taglist. Life has been crazy.

[fangirlinsweden]

Just One Kiss: Part 15

Part 15: The Good Ones

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Warning: Secrets, arguments, talk about the loss of a dog, maybe kind of a threat, banter and anger.

Count: about 4 200 words

Summary: You have been suspended from work and do not know what to do with yourself. Then in just a matter of hours, you find yourself on a plane to Montana to stay with people you have never met before. And as if that is not enough one of the men you are supposed to get to know is handsome enough to make your knees shake.

A/N: I do not know anything about the professions that are detailed in this story. I have googled most things I did not know and therefore there can be some inconsistency.

English is not my first language, so there will be mistakes.

And a big thank you to the amazing @dreamcatchernightsky not only for giving great support and helping me stay motivated but also for the amazing dividers for this story. You are AMAZING!

I also want to give a big thanks to @banditthewriter & @kaunis-sielu & @maw000 for their support! Thank you!

And a big thank you to my incredible Cat for being my beta reader!

Steve came into the office and saw Y/N sitting in his chair. Something made him want to go around the desk, lift her up and place her in his lap. It was not something he should do, but he admitted he wanted to kiss her again. And again. He had thought that one kiss, just one kiss would be enough, but he could not seem to get enough of her. As he looked at her he realized that she did not look happy to see him. Instead, her eyes went from him to the papers on his desk. Fuck, what did she see? He tried to remember what papers were at his desk. Peter was going to come and get the papers for the cattle drive, but apparently, Y/N had come for them instead. Did she know someone coming to the cattle drive? An ex? The cheating ex?  “Are you all right?” Steve walked into the room and then he saw it. His computer was still open, and he knew exactly what it was open on. He really should have listened to Bucky, and started shutting down his computer. Was she going to yell at him? Steve was waiting for it, but Y/N was just looking at him, with big eyes and a kind of blank face. What was going on inside her head? Finally, she opened her mouth. “You started with the breeding to pay for Nat’s tuition and living expenses at university.” It was almost like she whispered out the words. It was not what he had been expecting. 

Steve looked almost like a deer stuck in headlights, but he still stood there right in the room. The door had closed behind him and it was something you were thankful for. You were pretty sure neither of you would want anyone to hear this conversation.  “You went through my papers?” Steve asked instead of answering. “The papers were under the ones that Peter had asked me to get.” You were not lying. “And when I was so shocked I sat down your computer screen light up on the document where you had the spreadsheets for all your horse sales. The numbers and paperwork don’t lie.” “That is none of your business,” Steve almost growled. You were safe with Steve and you knew that. He would never hurt you and his feelings in this were probably right. You had meddled in something that was not your business. But you just could not keep quiet. "You should tell Nat," you continued, even though a voice in your head told you to shut up. "Stay out of this Y/N." Steve turned around and left the office. You stood up. Part of you wanted to stomp your feet and scream at him to stop. The picture that Nat had painted of her brother became more and more wrong. You already knew it was kind of wrong. But this. This tilted that picture into the trash. The picture Nat had of him was not Steve at all. He was caring, loving and prioritised everyone else more than himself. The way he did with Nat and Peter. But also his workers. Did Nat know they all were ex forces? That he helped them get over their trauma and that the ranch was a safe place? Did she know that he helped other ranchers when they needed help? That he helped everyone? 

When Nat had been drunk a few years ago she had said that Steve started breeding horses because he wanted to spend less time with Peter and her. That he wanted to be more alone after their parents death. It had sounded wrong in your ears and now you know how wrong it really was. He had started selling his horses to pay for Nat’s education just months after her mother had died. He had started that scholarship that she thought she had lived on for all those years in school. There was no way you could keep a secret like this from Nat. And Peter. Did he know? There were so many questions and you needed to talk to Steve before you said anything to Nat. After taking a couple of deep breaths you decided to go out to look for Steve. But what you saw was Steve riding out from the stable on Shadowfax in hurry. Bucky came walking towards the barn. He looked determined. It made your stomach ache. Was he going to ask you to pack your bags? “Hi Bucky,” you said with a shaky voice.  “I don’t know what just went down between Steve and you,” Bucky stopped in front of you. “But I think he needs some space at the moment.” You nodded. It was not like you were going to take after him. “I was going to,” you admitted and Bucky smiled at you. “He has let you in more than anyone else I know.” Bucky put a hand on your shoulder. “Don’t let whatever this was get between the two of you.” You nodded and Bucky walked off. Contemplating what to do next you decided it was better to continue with all the set-up for the cattle drive. As long as Steve did not ask you to leave, then you would stay. You had promised to help and that was what you were going to do. A part of you wanted to call Nat and tell her about this now. But you needed to talk to Steve. This was something that really should come from him. It was time the truth came out. All of it! Remembering that you did not have the papers Peter had asked you to get you walked back into Steves's office and got them.

The day went on and you did not see Steve at all during the day. It was as if he was avoiding you, which was confirmed when Bucky came into the stable a few hours later with Shadowfax. The possibility of you being in the stable made him send Bucky. Part of you got mad at this. You were two adults, surely you should be able to talk about this. But another part understood and was sad. You had violated his trust. Those papers were something that Steve wanted to keep secret, not that you knew why, but he did. The right thing was probably to ignore that you had ever seen them and knew the truth, but it was not what you were going to do. You could not do that. Nat deserved to know the truth. Her image of her brother was so wrong and knowing the truth would probably help Nat understand more of who her brother really was. Steve and you really needed to talk. Even though part of you knew that your snooping and finding these papers probably meant that there would never be anything between Steve and you, it was a conversation that needed to happen. But the big question was if Steve did not tell Nat, would you tell her? It was a decision that you needed to make, but first, you needed to talk with Steve.

You walked over to the worker barracks with Peter that evening. He was playing the host and was going to introduce you to everyone. Had Steve talked to him? And would Steve be there? You really hoped so, since you were nervous. What if they did not like you? What if you made anyone uncomfortable? Seeing Steve, even if he was not happy with you at the moment, would help calm your nerves. It was strange to admit that to yourself. Steve was someone you felt comfortable and safe with, even after this short time and even though he was mad at you. All you hoped was that Steve and you could clear the air before Nat came the next day. 

When you came closer to the worker barracks you saw that someone had placed tables together so it became a long table. There were chairs around it and all around were string lights, giving off a cosy glow, even though it was still light outside. Music was playing low and Frank was at the grill with Billy grilling some meat. The smell in the air was making your mouth water. Peter introduced you to Pietro, who you already met. Then Peter introduced you to Luke and Jessica, two of the other workers at the ranch. There seemed to be something going on between them, but neither Peter or any of them said they were a couple. Who knew, maybe there was something brewing under the surface? Just by meeting the two of them you kind of hoped there was. They seemed like great people and seeing how at ease they were together made you smile. Peter and you stand there talking when Sam Wilson and MJ arrive. You had asked Billy if it was okay to invite MJ, but seeing the look on Peter's face, it might have been wrong. He looked almost like a deer stuck in headlights.  “I hope it was okay that I invited MJ,” you said to Peter. He gulped and whispered. “Do I smell okay? Or have something in my teeth?” He looked at you and you shook your head. “No, you look and smell great,” You said honestly. Luke and Jessica shared a look and Peter went over to talk to MJ and Sam. “That was really nice of you,” Luke said and you turned back to them. “What?” you wondered. “He did not smell or have anything in his teeth.” Jessica smiled and Luke chuckled. “Not that. That.” Luke nodded towards MJ and Peter standing talking. MJ smiled and gave Peter a hug.  “He likes her,” you shrugged. “But he has a hard time inviting her along. I just want to help.” Sam came over to the three of you. He cast a look over his shoulder at Peter and MJ talking.  “Oh, to be young and in love,” Sam joked and you looked over and met Steve's eyes. Maybe you were not young, but you were starting to think you were in love. He looked at you before he walked over to Frank and Billy by the grill. You took it as he was still mad at you. “You make it sound like we are old geezers,” Luke gave Sam a small shove.  “Aren't we?” Sam smiled and Jessica shook her head. “Talk about yourself,” you sassed. “I am on the right side of thirty.” That made Jessica laugh and Luke looked at her with a big smile. It was as if his eyes became lighter and a weight was lifted off his shoulders. “I like you,” Jessica said and gave you an approving nod. That made Luke smile even bigger. Jessica asked if you wanted a beer and you nodded. Together you walked over to the cooler and took a bottle each. “I have to admit,” Jessica said as she opened her bottle. “I was sceptical about meeting you.” “Oh,” you opened your bottle as well.  “But seeing you with Peter, Steve,” Jessica nodded towards where Steve was with Frank and Billy. “I have gotten another opinion.”  “I am glad to hear that.” You gave her a small smile.  “Just don’t hurt them,” Jessica took a sip of her beer. “I will try my hardest not to,” you said not really knowing who "them" was. Probably Steve and Peter, but also the rest of the workers. This did not just work buddies. This was a family.

You looked around at all the people at the cookout and smiled. Scott arrived with two dogs in tow and both dogs immediately ran over to where Steve was sitting together with Sam. They sat down in front of him with tails wagging and Steve started petting them, while he still held a conversation with Sam. Then you saw Sam standing up and walking over to Pietro and Wanda. Steve sat where he was, petting the dogs, and it looked like he was talking to them as well. He looked so at ease and happy. Bucky walked over to you with a beer. He saw you looking at Steve and shook his head. “I wish he would just get another dog,” Bucky admitted. “Sometimes it’s hard moving on,” you commented, taking a sip from your beer bottle. “Yeah,” Bucky agreed. “But it’s not good for him not to have a dog. He has several offers from breeders around and Wanda has offered to keep the puppy in the stable while Steve works in the beginning.” “Maybe it’s something he needs help with doing,” you tilted your head. “Perhaps,” Bucky nodded. “You probably noticed that he is not good at asking for help, but helps everyone around him.” “I have,” you looked over at Steve again and this time he looked up and met your eyes. There was no smile on his lips, and his eyes were hard to read. You looked away. “If there is anyone who can get through to him,” Bucky put his arm around your shoulder. “It’s you.”  “I don’t think so,” you tried saying it in a light way, but the words were heavy. “He is still mad at me.” “Steve is not the person to keep a grudge,” Bucky assured you. “He will get over it.” You nodded and Sam came over to you. "I did not know that you worked here on the ranch?" Bucky nodded towards Sam. "Since I am always patching you all up, I would say I work here," Sam smirked. Bucky just shook his head. They continued going back and forth with funny things that made you giggle. The banter between Sam and Bucky told you that their friendship was deep and great. Peter had told you that Bucky, Sam, Clint, and Steve had grown up together, and that kind of friendship that lasts so many years was not something that you had ever had until you met Nat. But now with Nat you had it. Someone you could rely on in every situation you found yourself in and here you were messing with her big brother. Messing was not the right word. Falling for him. You were falling for him. A glance at Steve showed you that he was still cuddling with the dogs, but Peter and MJ were with him now. They were laughing and talking. Even from this distance, you could see how relaxed Steve was. He was at ease, both with the dogs and with Peter and MJ. Another dog joined them, and even though Steve only had two hands he still managed to be in contact with all three dogs, giving them attention and love. That did it. You knew what you needed to do.  “Guys, I need your help with something,” you blurted out to Sam and Bucky.  “I am here for whatever you need,” Sam smiled and Bucky gave him a shove.  “I think I know where this is going,” Bucky smiled and there was a twinkle in his eyes. You just laughed. 

After everyone had eaten Frank came out with two guitars. He handed one to Billy and then sat down with the other. You should have known it was coming. Everyone gathered around and Billy made a hand gesture for you to come sit down at them. You nodded and walked over.  “Who is up for some music?” Frank asked and everyone sheered.  “Y/N here has a great voice,” Billy added and you could see everyone look at you. “But I wonder if you can keep up with me,” Billy winked at you.  “Bring it on,” You sassed and everyone around you laughed. Billy started playing a melody you knew really well. Frank started playing the same song and they complimented each other's playing better than some bands you knew. It showed that they played together often and knew each other well.  “Do you know it?” Billy asked and you nodded. Billy started singing and everyone went really quiet. 

“Tell me somethin', girl Are you happy in this modern world? Or do you need more? Is there somethin' else you're searchin' for? I'm fallin' In all the good times, I find myself longin' for change And in the bad times, I fear myself”

Then its your turn. You take a deep breath and start singing. 

“Tell me something, boy Aren't you tired tryin' to fill that void? Or do you need more? Ain't it hard keepin' it so hardcore?”

When the high notes came, you could feel all eyes were on you, but you ignored it and just gave the song your all. You could hear a gasp from Billy when you managed the high notes. You also saw some shocked faces around you, and some even had their mouths open. You eyes met Steve, as you continued to sing and there was a heat in his eyes that almost made it hard to sing. But you powered through.

When the song ended everyone started cheering and clapping their hands. Frank gave you an approving nod. “Wow,” Billy smiled at you. “That is some voice you got.” You just smiled at him.  “Anyone has any requests?”  Frank asked. A few requests were shouted out. Billy asked you which of them you knew. It seemed to surprise both of them that you knew them all. You sang songs by Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban and so many more. Everyone sang with you and Billy and it was a great happy mix, even if some people did not have the best voices. It was just amazing and loving. There had also been some dancing around while you had been singing, but you had not seen Steve dance. He had been sitting and watching you. More or less the whole time. You had felt his eyes on you, but you had ignored it.  Eventually you needed to take a break to drink some water, Sam had handed you a beer, but it was not what you needed. When you stood by the coolers taking a sip from an ice cold water bottle, Luke came over to you. 

“You have an amazing voice,” He said instead of a greeting. “Thank you,” you tried not to blush.  “I was wondering if you could sing another song.” He shifted some.  “If I know it, then yes,” You smiled, trying to get him at ease. “It’s one of Jessica's favorite songs,” he met your eyes and it told you everything you needed to know. “I think it's called Good Riddance by Green Day.” You nodded. It was a great song and you knew. “I know that one,” you took another sip of you water. “Let me check if Billy and Frank know it.” Luke nodded. You drank up your water while talking to Luke. He was really nice and funny. When he talked about Jessica, he seemed to be more at ease and his eyes often sought her out with all the people. You took another water with you and walked over to Billy and Frank who were talking to Sam. “Do any of you know Good Riddance by Green Day?” you asked. Billy shook his head, but Frank nodded yes.  “Are you up for playing it?” you asked Frank and he nodded. You sat down together and everyone seemed to notice that you were going to play again, because everyone came closer. 

Frank started to play and you looked up to see Jessica recognize the song directly. Luke placed a arm over her shoulder. You started to sing.

“Fuck Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go So make the best of this test, and don't ask why It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time It's something unpredictable But in the end, it's right I hope you had the time of your life”

You saw Jessica say something to Luke before hugging him close. The hug turned into a kind of slowdance that made you smile as you sang on. You looked around and saw some sway with the dance. Then you eyes found Steve. He was looking at Jessica and Luke with a smile on his face, and as if he could feel your eyes on him, he turned and meet your eyes. The smile disappeared from his face, and it made you feel sad. Just a day ago, he would probably have been smiling at you, but not now. You turned away your eyes and blinked away the tears you had been feeling wanting to be let out. Not now, you told yourself. Instead you continued to laugh, sing and spend time with the amazing people that Steve surrounded himself with for the rest of the evening.

Hours later you found yourself on the porch again drinking a cup of tea. You needed to calm down, but probably not as much as Peter needed to calm down. About an hour before you had seen MJ and him walk a bit away from all the people on the cookout. Something had made you watch where they were going and then you seen it. Peter and MJ kissing. They had both been coming back a little later, with matching big smiles on their faces and hand in hand. Peter had followed MJ to Sam’s car when he was driving her home. He had practically floated back to the house with you later, and all he could talk about was MJ, his girlfriend. It made you smile as well, but not as big as Peter. He had gone up to his room directly, probably to talk to his best friend Ned. But not before thanking you for inviting MJ both to dinner and then to the cookout. You sighed and took a sip of the tea. This day had been emotional and you still did not know where you stood with Steve. You never talked at the cookout, but your eyes met a few times. There were a couple of times that you wondered if you should walk over to him and talk about what had happened, but you did not want that conversation to take place in front of all those people. His family. It had taken you a while to understand that all of those workers were more than just workers. Steve had more or less adopted them. They were his family. You stood there looking out in the dark trying to wrap your head around what to do about Steve when he stepped onto the porch. His eyes were hidden under his Stenton and the dark. It was hard reading his expression. He stepped closer to you, and part of you wanted to run into the house and hide. What if he wanted you to go home? You had broken his trust looking at the papers in his office. But what he said took you by surprise. 

“I know I said that it was not a date the other day,” Steve walked even closer to you. “But I wanted it to be a date.” “Oh,” was all you could get out before he pulled you into his arms and kissed you. You threw your arms around him and kissed him back. This time you were going to decide when the kiss was over, not Steve. Maybe you should not have been kissing him at all, but you just could not seem to help yourself. You still had to talk, but this might be the last kiss and that made you pour every ounce of feeling and lust into the kiss. Then you broke the kiss and looked up at Steve. His eyes were dark and his pupils were dilated.  “I thought you were still mad at me.” It’s the only thing you could come up with saying. “I can’t seem to stay mad or stay away from you,” Steve said and lowered his forehead to yours. Once again his hat had fallen off during the kiss. You never seemed to notice when it happened. “It was wrong of me to look through your papers,” you said, since it was wrong of you. “Yes,” Steve agreed. “But you should really tell her,” was all you got out before Steve interrupted. “I have my reasons for not telling her,” Steve almost growled.  “It might be,” you tried thinking logically.  “But she really needs to know. She has the wrong picture of you. Who you really are.” Steve sighed.  “Maybe,” Steve mumbled.  “Or maybe you see me differently.” “It’s not just me then,” You argued.  “What?” Steve blinked at you. “Steve your friends, your employees, and the whole town sees you the way I do.” You tried making him understand. Steve started to shake his head but stopped. He looked at you. “How do you see me?” Steve lifted his hand. “No, wait, I don’t want to hear.” “I think you should hear,” you took a step closer and placed a hand on his chin, meeting his eyes. “Steve you are an amazing caring man who takes care of everyone you care about. You might be a bit quiet, a man of few words. But in all ways that matter, you show people how kind and caring you are.” Steve was looking into your eyes and you hoped he read the truth in them. “What am I supposed to do about you?” Steve muttered and leaned his forehead against yours again. You knew that it wasn’t really a question and that you really needed to talk about what had happened, but you could not stop yourself. “Kiss me again,” you smiled.  

Just One Kiss Tag List:

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Everything Tag list:

@buckysmischief

@allaboutthebooz

@dreamcatchernightsky

@leosandbuckysgirl

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[fangirlinsweden]

Just One Kiss: Part 10

Part 10: Give Into Me

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Warning: Some panic, but nothing major. Not that I can come up with

Count: about 4600 words

Summary: You have been suspended from work and do not know what to do with yourself. Then in just a matter of hours, you find yourself on a plane to Montana to stay with people you have never met before. And as if that is not enough one of the men you are supposed to get to know is handsome enough to make your knees shake.

A/N: I do not know anything about the professions that are detailed in this story. I have googled most things I did not know and therefore there can be some inconsistency.

English is not my first language, so there will be mistakes.

And a big thank you to the amazing @dreamcatchernightsky not only for giving great support and helping me stay motivated but also for the amazing dividers for this story. You are the BEST!

I also want to give a big thanks to @banditthewriter and @kaunis-sielu  and @maw000 for their support!

And lastly a big thank you to my incredible Cat for being my beta reader!

“They aren’t proud of you?” Steve wondered. “I don’t really know,” you answered. “But I doubt it.” “How can they not be proud?” Steve looked confused. “You help people every day. You are kind and generous. I mean you are even here helping strangers because your best friend asked you.”  “They don’t know I am here,” you admitted. “They don’t? How come?” Steve leant forward a bit more.  “They did not approve when I dropped out of med school,” you told him. “They cut me off and after that, we have not talked since. They are waiting for me to give in and go back to school and get a degree they can be proud off.” “But it's your life,” Steve tried to reason.  “I know. But they don’t really see it like that. They always wanted me to be a doctor, a lawyer, or something like that.” You shrugged, even though it still hurt. “It's what they have been schooling me to do since I was little. The only thing I really did for myself was ride horses. I managed to persuade them that owning and managing my own horse would look good in college applications, and they made me compete. I did both jumping competitions as well as dressage. When I dropped out of med school they took away my horse, Teddy, and sold him. I did not own him, my father did.” “That is awful,” Steve mumbled.  “It was the worst time in my life,” you admit. You could feel the tears building in your eyes. “It took me a while to find who it was that bought him, but when I did I got to see him a few times.” “Just a few times?” Steve wondered. “Yeah, it was a bit from where I lived and I did not have the money to go there,” you admitted, still feeling guilty about not seeing your beloved Teddy more than you did. “And then he was in an accident and broke two legs, so they had to put him down.”  “Oh, sweetheart,” Steve walked around the table and sank down on his heels beside you, and dragged you into his arms. You had not noticed that you were crying. Hugging Steve tight felt safe and warm. Then you realized that you smelled and still had blood on your pants. “I am sorry,” you said and tried to back up. “I am gross.” “I promise you, you are not gross,” Steve leaned back a bit and used his thumb to caress away a tear that was running from your eye. Your eyes met and you were so close together. All you had to do was lean a bit forward and your lips would be on his. You wanted that so so much. But you still did not know what Steve thought about you. Steve stood up and filled your glass with water. It was silent and then you knew that you wanted to share more with Steve. “I actually considered being a vet for a while, but I did not have the money and it was so much more expensive than nursing school.” You admitted. Steve turned to you and handed you a filled glass of water. “You worked and put yourself through school alone?”  “Yeah,” you nodded. “My father put a stop to me getting any funds at all. I had my savings account that they could not touch, but there was not that much in it. So I studied and worked two jobs for a while.” “That is amazing.” The look on Steve’s face made you blush. “I just did what I needed to do to get my degree,” you tried to shrug it off. You yawned and Steve stood back up and took away your plate. Somehow you had not noticed that you finished your meal.  “Maybe you should go get some rest?” Steve suggested when he came back over to you.  “I think I need a shower,” you countered. “And then maybe I can help Wanda with the horses.” “How about you take a shower and then take the day to rest,” Steve smiled but crossed his arms. He looked stern, even with that smile on his face. You stood up and felt how heavy your body was. Maybe it was not a good idea to argue with him. “A shower sounds nice,” you agreed. Before you could leave, Steve pulled you into a hug. It was not expected, but nice. He held on a bit longer than you were used to, but you did not mind at all. Being close to Steve always relaxed you and made you feel safe. You had no idea why, but you loved it.

Maybe you even loved him? Wait, no. You were tired. This was not true. Steve was a great man, but not… no. Not love. It couldn’t be. You argued with yourself and decided that it was not love. Just a tired head and the fact that you did not meet amazing men that often. Men like Steve. When the hug ended you quickly said goodbye and walked up to your room. Pulling off the jeans was kind of a struggle since the coagulated blood on them had kind of stuck to your legs. You looked at your jeans and wondered if you would have to toss them as well, but decided to wash them first before deciding. 

In the shower you almost cried out when the hot water hit the sore muscles in your back. When you were supporting Billy in the backseat of the truck you had not had the best position and it had started to hurt in your back. But you had sucked it up to make sure that Billy was in the best position. Now you paid for that. Reflecting back you also knew that you had used other muscles the last couple of days riding the horses and helping out. Being a nurse was heavy work, but apparently, you used different muscles. The shower helped you relax, but also made you more tired. You had thought about getting dressed and going out to help Wanda in the stable, but looking out and seeing that it was raining made you decide that it was better to stay inside. And wasn't that what Steve had told you to do? You took your dirty jeans with you downstairs to go to the mudroom and get a washing machine on, but when you walked in the washing machine was already going. You left the jeans on the floor, not something you normally did, but you didn't know where else to put them. Noting the time left on the washing machine you walked to the kitchen thinking there would be dishes to be done, but found that Steve had left the kitchen spotless. Not really knowing what to do, you decided to spoil yourself and read a book in the library. After browsing for a while you found a copy of The Princess Bride. It was a book you loved as a child and thought that it would be relaxing to read that again, while it rained outside. You walked over to the armchair closest to the big window and crawled up in it with your feet under you and started to read. The soft drumming of the rain on the window and the familiar words you were reading made you so relaxed that you fell asleep. 

The conversation he had with Y/N in the kitchen hours before still played in Steve’s head. She was more extraordinary than he had thought. All she had been through and she still was as amazing and compassionate. Maybe that should not have surprised him, seeing as she was Nat’s best friend, who had zero tolerance for fake people. He had been jealous before when he saw Frank and Y/N hugging. It was no use in trying to deny it anymore. And seeing her in Sam’s t-shirt had not helped either, but he knew that his friend had just made sure that she was covered and not having to go back to the ranch in dirty, bloody clothes. Steve had seen the blood on the floor in the barn and could only imagine how much must have gotten on Y/N’s clothes. Her new clothes. Steve swore under his breath. How had he forgotten that Peter told him that Y/N had bought some flannels, t-shirts, tops, and jeans so she had something durable for her time on the ranch. Just thinking about it made him remember her hot pink lacy panties that he seen when her jeans had split the other day. If he offered to buy her new clothes would she get offended? Steve was not sure. Maybe he should ask Nat? But asking Nat would mean that Steve would have to talk about Y/N with her and doing that might mean that Nat read more into it than there was. Right? Steve shook his head and decided to not think about it at the moment. He had a lot of paperwork to be done and seeing as Billy would not be working for at least a week, Steve needed to change the schedule as well. Added that they were going away on the cattle drive as well, he would have to see if some of his workers could consider working some extra hours to make sure that he always had workers at hand. It also meant that Steve would have to leave Scott at the ranch to help Pietro, Jessica and Luke, and that it would only be Peter, Nat and himself that handled all the people that came for the cattle drive. It would be rough, but manageable. Frank would still fix the food as decided, but he would have to make sure that Frank had a satellite phone so he could keep in touch with Billy. Steve knew that Billy and Frank were not only best friends, they were like brothers. Frank had tried to conceal it, but he was worried about Billy. Maybe he should just cancel the cattle drive? But that would mean that Peter would not learn his lesson. Steve stood up and started to pace in his office. Times like this he wished he could call his father or mother for advice, or his step-mother. But since they were all gone, he was alone to make the decisions. If people only knew how much he thought things through while making big decisions like this. If people knew how many nights he spent not sleeping, but wondering if he was making the best decisions for Peter and the ranch. Steve just wanted to make his father, mother, and step-mother proud and take care of the ones he loved. Steve ran a hand through his hair and sat down behind his desk instead and started with the schedules. 

A couple of hours later Steve went looking for Y/N in the house and found her in the library sleeping in his armchair. He looked at her and even though he wanted her to sleep, her position in the chair was not good for her back and neck. Her head was half leaning forward and she was kind of leaning against one of the sides of the chair. Steve walked over to her carefully and took the book from her hands. A look at the title made him smile. The Princess Bride. It had been one of his mother's favorite stories. He placed the book on the side table with a bookmark in case Y/N wanted to continue reading it later. Then he carefully lifted her out of the chair. She stirred some and turned her head into his flannel and sighed. It made Steve stop in the middle of a step and he looked down at her. Having her this close both felt so right and so wrong. The wrong part was that she was asleep and he did not actually have the permission to do this. He tried to tell himself that he was doing it for her own good and that he was not a creep. But standing and looking at her in his arms like this kind of made him into a creep. So he slowly started to make his way to the couch. When there he carefully placed her down. She stirred some again when he removed his hands, but she soon settled. He picked up a blanket from the other armchair and laid it down over her. It would have been so easy just to stay there looking at her, but that would really be creepy and he did not want to be that kind of man. Steve wanted to press a kiss against her forehead but decided that that might also be considered creepy. Instead, he took one more look at her, before he left the room. 

What Steve missed was the fact that until the moment Steve left the couch, Peter had been standing in the doorway, seeing it all. That means that Peter had seen how Steve’s gaze had softened when he saw Y/N sleeping in the armchair as well as how careful and loving Steve had been when lifting Y/N and later placing her on the couch. Peter had also seen the longing look in his brother's eyes, and determined that something was going on between Steve and Y/N. And if he was going to guess, they were on their way to falling in love with each other. Peter really hoped so. Y/N was amazing and Steve deserved to be happy. To find someone to spend his life with. Peter knew it had not been easy for Steve and he basically dropped everything in his life to keep the ranch going as well as raise him. Peter just wanted his big brother to be happy and Y/N seemed to make Steve happy. Steve was smiling more and engaging more. Peter wanted that for his brother. It also would feel better knowing that Steve would not be alone when it was time for him to go of to university. Y/N had shown herself to be a caring women, but she was also though and could handel herself. Peter was pretty sure she was perfect for Steve, now he just needed to come up with a way to get them together. Maybe Nat could help when she came? With that Peter hurried away as quietly as he could, before Steve saw him lurking and watching.

You woke up to the smell of food and your stomach growled. It took a few seconds for you to realise that you were not sitting in the big armchair anymore, but that you laid on the sofa in the library instead. Someone must have moved you here when you fell asleep. You sat up rubbing the sleep from your eyes and trying to orient yourself. What time was it? After finding your phone on the sofa table you saw that it was in the evening and that you had slept for a few hours. The smell of food and the hope of getting something in your stomach made you stand up and leave the library. When you came to the kitchen you stopped in the doorway. You thought it would be Peter cooking, but it was Steve. Seeing him in front of the stove made you feel something that you could not explain. But if you tried you wanted to be near him. You wanted to see him smile. Be the reason he smiled. Be healed in his arms. And so so much more. But if you were honest. Steve always did something to you. Steve must have sensed your presence because he turned around from the stove and saw you. “Hey,” he greeted you and smiled. “Hi,” you said back and walked into the kitchen. “Hi,” Peter said from the table. He had a big smirk on his lips. You had not noticed him at first. “Did you sleep well?” he wondered and you nodded.  “Yes, but I am pretty sure I fell asleep in the armchair,” you looked at Steve.  “Well, it did not look comfortable,” Steve tried to shrug it off, but you could swear his face became a bit red. “I just figured it would be better to sleep on the sofa.” Peter looked between the two of you still with that smirk on his face. You wondered why, but decided to drop it. “Thank you,” you said and walked closer to the stove.  “What are you making?” “Steaks, roast potatoes, and turnips,” Steve answered.  “It smells amazing,” you sighed.  “It’s ready in about five minutes,” Steve said.  “Great,” you said. “I will just go and freshen up.” Both Steve and Peter nodded and you left the kitchen. You had gotten a tingly feeling in your stomach when Steve admitted to carrying you from the armchair to the sofa. It almost made you wish that you had woken up, to know how it felt like to be carried like that. Or like you imagine that he would have carried you. You sighed and walked into the bathroom and washed your face with cold water, trying to make yourself a bit more awake. After giving it a few minutes you walked back to the kitchen just as Steve was pulling the food out from the oven. 

About two hours later you were once again standing on the porch looking out in the night. Since you already slept a few hours in the afternoon you had made yourself some tea to try and get tired. Peter had held most of the conversation during the dinner, asking you questions about being a nurse and how you knew how to handle Billy’s injuries. He had also asked Steve a lot of questions regarding the mares that were expecting and when Steve thought they would be born. Steve and you both answered the questions Peter had, but there were some strange vibes in the air. Maybe it was just your imagination, but you could swear that during dinner Steve would look at you and the moment you looked at him, he would look away. Had you done something embarrassing when you were sleeping? Like drool or moan his name? You tried to let those thoughts go, but they kept on coming back. The last thing you wanted was to do more embarrassing things in front of Steve. You felt there was a small tremble in your hands so you placed your cup of tea on the railing trying to get your mind to drop the subject of Steve. While lost in your own thoughts you did not hear the man in your mind walk out on the porch with a beer in his hand. It was not until he stood beside you that you noticed him. It made you jump high and you almost stumbled back. Steve took a hold of your arm. “I am sorry for scaring you,” he said and gave you a small smile. “It’s okay,” you said quickly before looking down at the floor. “I was lost in my own thoughts.” Steve put his beer on the railing and took a step closer. He lifted your head so that your gaze met his. The look in his eyes made you want to take a step back, but you did not. “How are you doing?” Steve wondered.  “I am good,” you answered, but Steve shook his head.  “You have been through a lot today,” Steve commented and you nodded.  “But I am used to things like this,” you tried to reason. “I am an ER nurse.”  “I know, you told Peter that at dinner,” Steve leaned his hip against the railing, so you matched his pose and did the same. You took hold of your cup of tea again. “I really thought I had said that before,” you admitted. “It’s not something I keep as a secret.” “But you do keep things secret,” Steve commented. “What do you mean?” you tilted your head. What had you kept secret? “You still have not told me how you can be here, away from your work this long,” Steve took a sip from his beer and you swallowed air. “All you said was that you needed to get away.” You nodded trying to find your words. “Is someone hurting you? Or have you just gotten out of a bad relationship? You can trust me.” At that moment you knew that you needed to tell Steve as much as you could. “I do trust you, Steve,” you said, placing your tea on the railing again. You placed a hand on Steve's arm. Then you took a deep breath and looked up into Steve’s eye. “To answer your questions. I got out of a bad relationship a bit over a year ago, but that has nothing to do with why I am here. Someone is not hurting me, but someone was hurting someone else. I can’t go into too much detail, but I can tell you I got suspended from work since I did not follow the hospital’s rules.” You took another deep breath and Steve moved closer to you, after placing his beer on the railing as well. “Nat wanted me to get away from New York to figure out my next step. In fact, you called her when I was sitting in her office trying to come up with what my next move should be.” Steve nodded and you wanted a hug desperately. 

“I am sorry for pressuring you to tell me,” Steve said and tried taking a step back. You tightened your hold on him and pulled him towards you. He came willingly and soon you were in his embrace. 

“You did not pressure me,” you mumbled against his shoulder. “I wanted to tell you from the beginning, but I've been trying to come up with how to deal with it all.” You took a step back, out of the embrace and immediately missed the warmth from his body. Once again you stood close together and this felt different then the hug before. A lot more different. You did not know what just happened, but Steve’s eyes trailed down to your lips and you licked them. Somehow Steve came closer again and you had no real idea what was happening between you. It was as you were drawn toward Steve. His eyes were yet again darkening but there was also some kind of softening in his face. Your thighs felt hot and it felt like you were shaking. This had never happened with a man before. At least not when you were not even touching. You took a deep breath and then his lips were on yours. There had been no warning, just Steve bending his head down and kissing you. It was not a perfect first kiss, your noses bumped, but Steve angled his head and then he pressed you back against the pole on the porch and kissed you. It was intense and heat generated from your lips throughout your whole body. The kiss was not too hard or too soft, it was just right. His body pressed against yours hard and you wanted to whimper at the heat coming from it. You hoped that he would not stop. But thankfully it seemed as if he would not. Somehow one of his hands had found its way to your hair and he pressed himself closer to you and by doing so you moved closer to the post. You wanted to come even closer if that was possible. You wanted to take off his clothes and run your hands and tongue all over his hard body. You wanted to feel his naked skin against yours. Steve demanded more access to your mouth by licking your upper lip. You parted your lips on instinct and his tongue met yours. Then it was all instinct, which was good since Steve blew your mind. He tasted like coffee and something more that you could not place. But it was sweet and sensual. And if he continued kissing you like this you would happily be naked there. Somehow he made you feel both weak and strong at the same time. You felt yourself tremble and heard a moan. Who the moan had come for you could not tell, but it was sexy as hell. Maybe Steve did not use his mouth a lot for talking, but he really could kiss with it. Maybe that was why he was such a good kisser? The more one talked the worse one kissed? That thought was driven away with the feel of Steves’s hand trailing up and down your side. You took one hand and caressed up Steve's spine to his hair. That felt like silk. You wanted to run both your hands in it, but then somewhere in the distance, you heard a horse neigh. It pulled you back to the present and seemed to do the same with Steve. He stepped back at the same second that you gripped the post behind you. You both were breathing hard, and it was nice to know that you were not the only one affected by that kiss. But you still could breathe. You stood there staring at each other not saying a word. Feeling as you needed to break the silence you said the first thing that came to mind. Steve’s hair was out of place since you had your hands in it. His lips looked a bit swollen and you figured yours looked the same. 

"Well, okay," you wanted to hit yourself or bang your head against the post. Why did you say that? Steve just continued to look at you. You swallowed. "Anything you want to say?" Any reaction would be fine right about now, but Steve just continued to stare at you. It made you feel annoyed. Did he do this a lot? Kissing women on his porch. Were you making a big deal out of nothing? Finally, Steve opened his mouth.  "I need to check something in the barn," Steve said. "Maybe it's best that you go to bed. You have had a long day and it's late." You blinked up at him. Was that all he was going to say? Fine then, if he was going to pretend nothing had happened, you could do the same. You only hoped that your trembling legs could make it inside the house. "Yeah, goodnight," you said as Steve nodded. He then bent down and picked up his hat. When had it fallen off? He stood up straight and put it on his head. He opened his mouth to say something, but then he closed it and left without another word. It was typical Steve, or at least you thought so. You took a couple of deep breaths before you turned around and went into the house. You did not close the door hard, Peter was in bed and you did not want to wake him up. As you walked up the stairs you tried to work up a case of righteous indignation, but it did not work. Instead, you thought about Nat's comment about Steve being a distraction and you had to admit that he was. More than you thought. He stirred something in you that had never been stirred before and that kind of irked you.

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