[5:00 PM – Whispering Pines Stable]
The breeze carried the smell of hay, leather, and horse sweat. Somewhere in the distance, birds chirped like they hadn't spent the last twenty years arguing over one tree.
Max stood by Chestnut's stall, holding a plastic grocery bag with a bold, angry "Carrotsss™: Now With More Crunch!" logo printed across it. She was feeding him one orange stick at a time, casually leaning on the stable gate with the same confidence people reserved for dive bars and bad decisions.
Chestnut chewed slowly, as if truly absorbing the gossip.
"So let me tell you something, Chestnut," Max said, offering another carrot. "Claire is losing her mind. Full-blown, soap-opera, vodka-and-manifesting kind of spiraling. She wants to go from cat ears betrayal to Hollywood perfume queen in forty-eight hours. One drunken monologue and suddenly, boom... trial shoot at the Titan Studios. She might end up on a billboard sniffing perfume and radiating vengeance. Which, honestly? Respect."
Chestnut didn't respond, but he did lean in closer. She handed him the next carrot.
"And get this. He's letting Claire chase the Hollywood dream while I'm still not allowed to drive even one of his ten different overpriced ego machines. Not even the vintage Porsche that just sits there looking sad and unthrottled. And I let him motorboat these two girls," She looked down at her boobs. "That's gotta be worth a joyride."
Another carrot disappeared into the horse's mouth, slower this time. Thoughtful. Judgmental.
Max continued, "But noooo... He wants me to learn how to drive properly in a Mini Cooper, then move on to a regular car, then an SUV, and so on, till I reach the highest level of driving. I have to take driving tests, get a real license. That's too much work, and you know how delicate I am."
She sighed.
"And you know what else?" She pulled out another carrot. "Alex. That man. That sexy, infuriating, emotionally repressed man... hides his birthday. Like it's classified nuclear information. You ask, and he just goes all 'What birthday?' Like he hatched from a misty fog holding a screenplay."
She paused. "And don't look at me like that, I know you get it. You don't even let strangers brush your tail."
From the other side of the stable, Caroline's voice floated over. She was speaking with the head caretaker, clipboard in hand.
"He's been eating well?" she asked, her voice gentle but firm. "No signs of dehydration or grain sensitivity? His back right hoof okay? Still stiff?"
The caretaker nodded. "Still a little tension, but he's good. Nothing alarming. We've been working on it slowly."
Caroline stroked Chestnut's flank affectionately. "Let me know if he needs massage therapy again. I'll call Anika. She still owes me two sessions after misreading his X-ray."
She gave the caretaker a professional smile and passed the clipboard back before walking toward Max, who had now somehow sat herself half-inside the stall, legs crossed, bag of carrots nearly empty, and Chestnut resting his head on her shoulder like they were in a Nicholas Sparks scene no one asked for.
"You're going to spoil him," Caroline said, folding her arms with a smile.
Max looked up. "He deserves it. He's emotionally supporting me through a modeling career I didn't ask for."
Caroline chuckled and leaned on the wooden rail. "You do realize the moment that ad airs, we'll be on every subway screen in New York and probably in other countries too."
"I know," Max said with a half-grin. "I'm gonna be like a sexy human pop-up ad. Only with freckles and sass. And you, the super dominating blonde with an attitude."
Caroline laughed. "I can't wait. It's insane how fast it's all happening."
Max gently nudged Chestnut's nose. "Yeah, well. At least we'll have this guy to keep us grounded. He doesn't care about lights or cameras. Just carrots and clean stalls."
Caroline scratched Chestnut's forehead affectionately. "He's got good taste."
Max leaned her head back against the stall wall and looked out past the stable doors, where the trees swayed and the world felt quiet for once. Her voice softened.
"I'm scared," she said.
Caroline didn't say anything right away. Just sat beside her, shoulder brushing shoulder.
"I know," she said finally. "I am scared too."
Max let out a breath. "But... it also feels like something's about to begin. Like something awesome and nerve-wrecking."
Caroline smiled gently. "That's what happens when you stop running and start saying yes."
Max glanced at her. "Deep talk in a horse barn? Who are you?"
Caroline nudged her. "Model-slash-equestrian-slash-philosopher. Deal with it."
Chestnut neighed softly.
Caroline's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, glanced at the screen, then looked at Max.
"It's him."
Max smirked. "Put it on speaker. I need to monitor this call for emotional manipulation and possible bribery."
Caroline rolled her eyes, hit the speaker, and held the phone between them. "Hey, Alex. You're on speaker. Max is here."
Alex's voice came through clear, casual as usual. "Perfect. Saves me from repeating myself."
Max leaned closer to the phone. "Proceed, Wilson. But know I'm judging everything you say."
Alex chuckled. "Noted. Caroline, pack your bags. We're going to Hawaii. Four days. Zero work. Just sun, sand, and you."
Caroline blinked. "Wait! Hawaii?"
"Yep. Jet's ready. We leave tomorrow morning. As for your work at the cupcake shop. You already have enough employees to cover you."
Max raised a hand like a student interrupting a teacher. "Excuse me. Hi. Person whose schedule remains tragically un-cleared here."
Alex didn't miss a beat. "I knew you'd say something. Max, you're next. After I survive four days of Caroline pretending she hates beaches while actually loving coconut drinks, you and I are going somewhere else."
Max narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Where?"
"It's a surprise," he said. "I won't be spoiling it."
Max squinted. "Are there horses?"
Alex paused. "There can be. But you're not driving anything. Not even a golf cart."
Max groaned. "Ugh, that's so not fair. Caroline gets beaches and cocktails. I get… horses and a revoked license."
"I didn't say horses were guaranteed," Alex said. "But your trip will be… very you. Just don't get jealous. Your turn's coming. I saved the boobelastic getaway for last."
Caroline laughed. "Max, he's basically bribing you with suspense."
Max crossed her arms. "I don't like suspense. I like shiny tickets and hotel bookings with my name on them and naked Alex on the balcony."
"You'll get yours," Alex said. "I promise. But first, I'm kidnapping Caroline. Thought I'd warn you before she vanishes tomorrow with no explanation."
Caroline smiled, trying to hide how fast her heart was pounding. "So this is real? We're really going?"
"Absolutely. I'll text you the list of things to pack. Mostly swimsuits. Maybe one dress. Maybe not. We'll be doing a lot of shopping, so..."
Max whistled low. "Damn, Wilson. That's bold."
Alex's voice softened a bit. "Hey, Caroline?"
"Yeah?"
"I need a break. You do too. Let's take one. Together."
There was a pause. One of those heavy ones that doesn't need explaining.
Max looked at Caroline and mouthed, "Say yes before I do."
Caroline shook her head, smiling.
"Yes," she said into the phone. "Let's go."
Alex let out a relieved breath. "Perfect. I'll pick you up at six. Be ready."
"Got it."
"Max?"
She leaned in again. "What?"
"I know you found my secret candy stash in the gaming room. Don't eat them all while I'm gone. And make sure to clean up and lock the place properly after you are done."
"No promises," she replied.
Then the call clicked off.
Silence.
Chestnut snorted, like he had an opinion but was too polite to share it.
Caroline looked down at her phone, then at Max. "Hawaii."
Max looked back at her. "Surprise vacation."
They stared at each other for a beat. Then, in perfect unison, they screamed like two teenagers at a concert.
Chestnut flinched and tossed his head.
Max patted his neck. "Sorry, buddy. Just some well-earned joy and slight romantic tension."
...
[Next morning – 9:00 AM] [Inside the private jet]
Caroline straddled Alex's lap, hands resting on his chest as their lips moved slowly, teasingly, like neither of them was in a rush to land or even breathe. His hands were around her waist, fingers tracing lazy circles on her lower back through the thin fabric of her dress.
She pulled back just an inch, her eyes locked on his with a little smirk tugging at her lips.
"This is how you start a vacation?"
Alex smiled up at her, eyes dark with amusement.
"You haven't even seen the minibar yet."
She leaned in again, brushing her nose against his before kissing him once, then twice, slow and firm. He tilted his head and deepened it, letting it linger. She tasted like cherry.
Caroline pulled back again, just slightly, lips still close enough to ghost against his.
"You do realize we haven't even taken off yet."
"That's why I'm trying to get ahead of the schedule," he said, voice low.
She shifted on his lap and bit her lip, feeling him respond under her.
"Overachiever," she whispered.
He slid one hand to the back of her thigh, pulling her just a little closer.
"Guilty."
She kissed him again, slower this time. His hands roamed upward, up her back, slipping under the curve of her shoulder blades.
Caroline broke the kiss with a soft breath and rested her forehead against his.
"I like this."
Alex ran his thumb along her jaw.
"Get used to it."
She gave him one more kiss before slipping back into his arms and settling against his chest.
His hand moved to her thigh, still warm, still possessive.
"11 hours till our destination," she murmured.
He cupped her cheeks and looked down at her lips. She also lowered her gaze.
"Then we better not waste a second."
The jet took off...
Alex leaned in, capturing her lips with his. This time, there was no hesitation, no teasing. His tongue slid against the seam of her mouth, seeking entry, and she granted it, a soft moan escaping her as their tongues met, dancing, exploring. His hands, still cupping her face, tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss.
Caroline's fingers found their way into his hair, pulling him closer, matching his intensity. Their breaths came in short gasps, mingling between kisses. He nipped at her lower lip, then soothed it with his tongue, earning a shiver from her. She pulled back, her eyes meeting his, dark with desire. She then began to unbutton his shirt without breaking their eye contact.
He watched her as she revealed more of his chest. Once the last button was undone, she pushed the shirt off his shoulders, her hands sliding down his arms, feeling the muscles flex under her touch.
She pushed him back on the couch, her hands firm on his chest. "Sit back and let me do the rest," she whispered.
Alex complied, leaning back against the soft leather, his eyes never leaving hers. She straddled him again, her hands trailing up his bare chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breath. His hands found her thighs, gripping them softly, but she shook her head. "No touching, not yet," she said, a playful smile tugging at her lips. He groaned softly, his hands falling to his sides, fingers curling into the couch. She leaned down, her lips brushing against his neck, feeling him shiver under her touch. She kissed her way up his neck, his jaw, his chin, then she moved down to his chest.
Her lips moved over his collarbone, tracing the line down to the center of his chest.
Alex's breath hitched as she continued her descent, her fingers following the same path, her touch feather-light and small wet kisses. She paused at the buckle of his belt, her eyes flicking up to meet his, a question in them. He nodded. She unbuckled his belt, then the button of his pants. She moved back as she hooked her fingers into the waistband of his pants and boxers, pulling them down.
His cock sprang up.
Caroline sat on the floor between his legs.
She ran a finger along his length, feeling him harden under her touch. He groaned, his hips lifting slightly, seeking more. She smiled, a wicked curve to her lips, and leaned down, her breath warm against him. She took him in her mouth, her tongue exploring, her lips tight around his cock.
"Fuck!" Alex moaned in pleasure.
Caroline's tongue traced his cock, from base to tip, before she took him fully into her mouth. Alex's breath hitched, his fingers curling into the couch as he tried to keep himself in check. She moved slowly, her lips and tongue working in tandem, taking him deeper with each pass. He could feel her breath, warm and steady, as she took him in, inch by inch.
She looked up at him, her eyes locked onto his as she took the cock deep into her throat. He groaned, his hips lifting slightly, unable to keep still. She hummed, the vibration sending a jolt of pleasure through him. She was teasing him, drawing out the pleasure, and he loved every second of it.
Alex's hands found their way into her hair, guiding her, but not pushing. She set the pace, taking him deep, then pulling back, her tongue flicking against the sensitive underside of his cock. He could feel the pressure building, the pleasure coiling in the pit of his stomach.
She looked up at him again and took the cock in fully, her nose pressing against his skin. He groaned, his grip tightening in her hair. She held him there, her throat constricting around him, before she pulled back, her cheeks hollowing as she sucked hard. Alex's hips lifted involuntarily, his grip on her hair tightening. She pulled back again, her tongue swirling around the head of his cock, teasing the sensitive spot just beneath the tip.
"Caroline," he groaned, his voice laced with warning and desire. She looked up at him, her eyes gleaming with mischief. She knew exactly what she was doing to him. She took him back into her mouth, this time her hand joining in, twisting and pumping in rhythm with her mouth.
Alex's breath came in short gasps, his body tensing as she increased her pace. He could feel the pleasure building, the pressure in his groin becoming almost unbearable. He looked down at her, her head bobbing up and down, her lips stretched around his cock, and it was his undoing.
"Caroline, I'm going to..." he warned, his voice ragged. She hummed in response, taking him even deeper, her hand squeezing the base of his cock. He came with a groan, his body convulsing as he spilled into her mouth.
Caroline's eyes widened, but she managed to keep up, swallowing every drop. Alex's body shuddered with the last waves of pleasure, his grip on her hair loosening. She pulled back, her lips glistening, and looked up at him with a satisfied smile.
"God! Phew!" Alex sighed in relief. It was as if all the stress just left his body, and he was floating in pleasure.
"Yum! Thanks for the dessert," Caroline said before licking the tip of his cock one last time.
Alex chuckled softly, still trying to catch his breath. "Anytime you want to have dessert, just say the word," he said, his voice still husky. Caroline laughed, climbing back onto the couch and snuggling up next to him. She rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat gradually slowing down.
"You know," she began, tracing circles on his chest, "I've been thinking about that proposal of moving in with you. You, me, Max, Scar, Lilly, and Rachel. We could live like a big and happy family."
"Sooo...?" Alex asked.
"I think it's a great idea. Everyone can live in harmony," Caroline's voice was filled with excitement, her eyes sparkling with the thought of their future together. "I mean, we've all been living together in one way or another for a while now, right? It just makes sense to make it official."
He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. "I'm glad you think so," he said, his voice soft. "I've been wanting this for a long time. Us, together, officially."
Caroline looked up at him, her eyes warm. "Me too," she said. "I think it's time we start looking for a place, don't you? Somewhere big enough for all of us."
Alex nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "How about we all sit together one day and decide on it? Maybe build a house?"
"Yeah. That's a great idea," She replied.
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