Blue Iris Ranch (Closed for cnuveau)

[cnuveau]

With James' lips just inches from Layla's it felt like the inertia of the moment was pulling him in and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Almost imperceptibly, his lips moved closer to hers as he felt the warmth of her breath wash over them.

"James... I..." Layla breathed, her voice coming out shaky and uncertain.

The sound of her voice seemed to break the spell that he'd found himself captured by and the reality of what he was about to do hit him hard.

"Ummm, sorry." he stammered out as he took a step back unpinning her from the wall he'd backed her into. His cheeks blazed a bright crimson and his heart continued to race as he turned the knob on the water valve stopping the flow.

It would have been so easy to give in to what he knew they both wanted. Just a subtle movement forward to feel her soft lips against his but he knew it would only further complicate an already difficult situation for her. He knew that's not what she needed right now even if both of their bodies were screaming out for it.

"We should get dried off and get something to eat." he said, finally breaking the awkward silence.

 

[sweetlilith]

What just happened?

The thought echoed through Layla's mind as she stared at James, her face nearly burning from the near kiss. She had been so close to feeling his lips against hers, and then he had stepped back, apologizing as if it was somehow his fault. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of confusion, frustration, and disappointment.

Taking a deep breath, she nodded in agreement and made her way into the stable with Luna. She put the horse away, and pulled some towels from a storage cabinet. Scrunching one against her hair, she brought the other one to James. "Here." She held it out for him to take.

As he dried off, she couldn't help but watch him out of the corner of her eye, still trying to process what had almost happened between them. She knew that they had almost crossed the line, but she wasn't certain she would have regretted it. The way he had looked at her, the way he had felt against her... It was all so real and intense.

They made their way back to the house, still silent as they tried to sort through whatever happened between them, and she shivered as her body began to chill from the damp clothes. She pulled her boots off at the door, not wanting to track water and mud into the house, and she finally found to courage to look at him again. She opened her mouth to say something, but immediately shut it, shaking her head as if she changed her mind. "You can help yourself to anything in the kitchen. I'm gonna take a quick shower to warm up," she said instead of the million other things that swam threw her head.

 

[cnuveau]

James could tell that Layla rattled by what just happened. So much of him wished he'd just given in to his desires and just done it. Instead, by choosing not to, he seemed to have created a palpable awkwardness between them.

"You can help yourself to anything in the kitchen. I'm gonna take a quick shower to warm up,"

There was a distant tone in her voice like her thoughts were somewhere else. James wanted to stop her and explain but his words failed him as she made her way down the hallway and into her room.

Still preoccupied by what happened James retreated to his room to grab a quick shower and put on some dry clothes. Walking through the doorway he absentmindedly swung the door closed behind him. As the latch made contact with the door frame the momentum of the door faded causing the door to bounce back open a few inches.

As the warm water cascaded down his bulky frame, James' thoughts returned to the possible solutions he'd propose to Layla. As he thought through the options he began to mentally rank them and discard the ones that either went too far or weren't workable. Turning the shower off James wrapped a towel around his waist. He couldn't help but feel like there was something he was missing. As he mulled through it his mind was drawn back to the tax filings he'd reviewed the night before. He hadn't thought much of it at the time but the more he thought about it the more it struck him as odd.

James raced out of the bathroom to the desk where the folders still laid and began shuffling through the receipts still only wrapped in his towel.

 

[sweetlilith]

Layla's thoughts drifted as she showered, her mind still reeling from earlier. She couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if she had just given in to the desire that seemed to be burning between them, closed those couple inches and pressed her lips to his. As the water cascaded down her body, she let out a sigh, wishing she could feel his touch again.

While drying herself off, she heard the shower in James' room also shut off. The house was quiet for several long moments before she heard the creak of the floor and then the soft pad of his bare feet on the wood floor rushing around in his room. What was going on?

She couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, wondering if he was having similar thoughts as her. Maybe he was feeling guilty or confused as well. Layla wrapped her towel around herself, tucking the corner in at the top to secure it under her arms, and made her way into the hallway. As she neared James' room, she heard him mumbling to himself. She paused outside the door, realizing it was cracked open.

She couldn't quite make out what he was saying, but his tone sounded urgent. Her curiosity getting the better of her, she slowly pushed the door open a little wider, peeking inside. He was leaned over the small desk, wrapped in just a towel as well. His back was to the door, and she couldn't help but admire the muscles in his back as they flexed and tensed with each movement. His broad shoulders tapered down to a trim waist, and she could see the definition in his arms as he reached for something on the desk.

Her gaze drifted down, taking in the way his towel hung low on his hips, revealing the faintest tan line. She couldn't help but wonder what he would look like without the towel at all. The thought made her heart race a little faster. She wanted nothing more than to step into the room, close the distance between them, and see what he was looking at so intently.

But something held her back. Was it fear? Shyness? Or maybe it was just the lingering uncertainty from their earlier encounter. Whatever it was, she couldn't quite bring herself to move forward. Instead, she turned to leave him to whatever he was working on. As she turned, she bumped the door, causing it to rattle and brought his attention to her.

Layla stared at him wide-eyed. "I... Uhm... Sorry." Her face was hot, she knew it was bright red as she desperately searched for an excuse as to why she was standing there.

 

[cnuveau]

The sound at the door startled James and he turned to find Layla in the doorway with a towel wrapped around her too. His eyes drifted up her toned legs then to her eyes taking in the sight of her before excitedly calling her over.

“Look at this! I’m not sure why I missed this last night. Maybe because I was tired but over the last 3 years the cost of your supplemental feed has skyrocketed. This is way more than inflationary impacts.”

As Layla leaned over the desk next to James her wet hair brushed across his bare shoulder causing a shiver to pass through him. James shuffled back through the receipts showing her the escalating costs.

“If you weren’t tracking it carefully I can see how you’d miss it but these costs are nuts.”

What the receipts showed was a cost escalation that amounted to several thousand dollars a year as if she was slowly being squeezed.

James looked up just as Layla did and found himself once again inches from her face. His eyes fixed on hers as they froze for a moment. A lump in his throat formed and he swallowed hard trying to force it away. For the second time in the last hour he found himself facing the temptation he knew he should avoid but this time he lacked the will to pull away.

Reaching up he brushed his fingers through her damp hair then leaned in, pressing his lips to hers.

 

[sweetlilith]

She caught the movement of his eyes drifting over her before beckoning her into the room. She hesitated, now all too aware that neither of them had clothes on. But something about the way he looked so intent on whatever it was he wanted to her that made her push past that. Slowly, she stepped into the room, the cool air brushing against her damp skin. James turned back to the desk, gesturing for her to have a look at the papers.

As he launched into his finding, she moved closer, leaning over the desk with him, her hand holding to her towel where the corner was tucked in at the top. Her breath caught as she saw the numbers he was pointing out. It did seem odd that the cost of her supplements had risen so drastically. If those numbers had gone up by such a sizeable amount, where else were her costs skyrocketing?

The two looked up at each other at the same time and time stood still for a moment. Her breaths became quick and shallow as their gazes locked, and she felt herself growing warmer under his intense stare. As if in slow motion, his fingers through her hair and then his lips were on hers.

She felt herself melt into the kiss, her body responding to his touch in a way she hadn't expected. His hand slid down to her lower back and pulled her closer. She reached up, her fingers tangled in his damp hair, pulling him even closer, her lips parting as he explored her mouth with his tongue. Their kiss deepened, and she could feel the heat building between them. She pressed herself tightly against him, feeling the firmness of his body against her own. She wanted more, needed more, but then, suddenly, he pulled away, breathing heavily, his eyes searching hers.

She knew she should say something, they were in a precarious position. But Layla couldn't deny the attraction that had brought them to this moment; all she could focus on was the way he made her feel, the desire coursing through her veins. "James," she managed to say, her voice breathy. "Please don't say you're sorry. I wanted that."

 

[cnuveau]

When James pulled Layla’s body to his he was achingly aware that the only thing between them was a loosely fastened towel. His hand gripped the fabric at the small of her back, his passions urging him to tug at it and remove it from her. Abruptly, he loosened his grip and pulled away.

"Please don't say you're sorry. I wanted that." Layla breathed out as she held his gaze.

“I want it too. More than you can imagine.” He said, still breathless as he pulled her body against his. “I just don’t want it to get in the way of me helping you.”

James let his forehead rest on her shoulder for a moment as he gritted his teeth and grappled with what to do. He wasn’t quite sure why he was fighting it so hard or what he imagined the downside to be. Slowly he lifted his head from her shoulder then gazed into Layla’s eyes again.

“Fuck it!” He whispered as he leaned in to kiss her again.

Their mouths explored each other’s in a frenzied kiss as he began to back her slowly towards the bed. The backs of her legs made contact with the mattress and Layla began to lower herself to sit on the edge of the bed as James moved to sit beside her.

As they continued to kiss James’ fingers trailed down Layla’s neck then traced across the edge of the towel hanging precariously across her chest.

 

[sweetlilith]

Layla felt a surge of relief hearing him say that he wanted it too, never fully knowing if he felt the same till then. Still, he seemed to fight a war within himself. The right decision would have been for them to step away to cool down. The right decision would have been to keep things professional. But what she wanted more than anything was to feel this overwhelming need for him, to be consumed by his touch.

"Fuck it!"

Oh thank God.

As their lips met once again, she let out a soft moan, her fingers exploring the skin of his shoulders and chest. He deepened the kiss, his tongue dancing against hers, and her body tingled with desire as he walked her backwards towards the bed.

James' fingers trailed a path down her neck, and goosebumps spread across her skin in their wake. His hand moved lower, brushing against the towel that was slowly sliding down her chest. She shivered, her breath catching in her throat. His touch was electric, sending shockwaves of desire through her. The towel untucked from itself with little effort, and fell away, revealing her bare breasts to his gaze. He cupped one of them in his palm, his thumb rubbing over her nipple, and she gasped sharply, pressing herself against his touch.

 

[cnuveau]

James felt the towel fall away and his hand quickly moved to the newly exposed flesh. He felt her nipple stiffen as his thumb brushed across it enticing him to continue to trace light circles around it as he slowly lowered her to the bed each coming to rest on their sides as he took in the exquisite sensation of her warm skin pressed to his.

James lifted his hand to cradle Layla’s cheek as he lightly nibbled her lower lip then kissed his way down her jawline. A soft whimper escaped her lips as his hand moved from her cheek down her side then to the small of her back pulling her body tight against his. His hardness strained against the towel now loosely draped over his hips.

Any lingering doubts he might have had about what was happening seemed a distant memory as he leaned in rolling Layla onto her back and lowered his lips to her breasts.

 

[sweetlilith]

As James' lips closed over her nipple, Layla arched her back in a moan, her fingers tangling in his hair. His tongue swirled around her sensitive peak, sucking gently as he continued to stroke and roll her other nipple with his thumb. She could feel the heat rising between her legs, a desperate ache building deep inside. His free hand slid down her body, tracing a trail of fire over her stomach and hip, until it reached between her thighs. His touch was so gentle, so careful, as if he didn't want to push her too far, too fast. His fingers dipped between her folds, teasing her, and she shifted her hips, pressing against his hand, begging for more. His name broke on a moan as his fingers found her clit, sending a jolt of pleasure straight to her core.

Her hand saught out the towel that was barely hanging on his hips and tugged it away. She traced her fingers over the firm planes of his abdomen, feeling the muscles beneath his skin flex and move. Her hand wrapped around him, and he was so hard, so ready for her. She gave him a squeeze, eliciting a groan from him that sounded so primal.

 

[cnuveau]

James was moving slow making sure he didn’t push things too far but it was quickly becoming clear that it wasn’t a concern for Layla. His fingers trailed slowly down her stomach then parted her folds as her hips flexed, inviting his touch. Her soft moans urging him forward as his began to tease her clit.

As she tugged his towel away then wrapped her fingers around his stiffening cock he let out a low groan from deep within him.

James lifted himself until he was kneeling on the bed then guided Layla up toward the pillows and fully onto the bed. Her outstretched arms wrapped around his neck and pulling him to her as he positioned himself between her thighs. He kissed her deeply again as his anticipation peaked then looked into her eyes as he guided his cock between her moistening folds.

He gradually worked deeper and deeper into her with each shallow stroke until she’d taken his entire length. Hilted deep inside her he held motionless for a moment savoring the sensation of her warmth wrapped tightly around him before beginning to slowly rock his hips delivering long firm thrusts into her.

 

[sweetlilith]

As James' weight settled between her thighs, she pulled him to her, closer. His thrusts were slow and deliberate, each one pushing deeper and deeper till their groins met, his skin warm against hers. He held still for a moment, and the feeling of him filling her was so intense, so right, it made her head spin. She threaded her fingers through his hair, tugging gently as she met his gaze. His eyes were dark and intense, boring into hers, as if he was trying to see every thought, every feeling that was running through her.

His hips moved in slow, long, but firm thrusts, and Layla felt the head of his cock brush against a spot inside her that seemed to steal the air from her lungs with each stroke. His lips and tongue trailed a hot path over the skin of her neck, collarbone, chest, as he continued to thrust deep inside. She wrapped her legs and arms around him, pulling him closer to her still. She could feel the muscles in his back tensing as he fought for control, his ragged breaths hot against her neck.

Her body arched upward, meeting his thrusts, and her nails dragged red lines across the skin of his back and shoulders as she sought the release that was building inside her. James' thrusts grew faster, deeper, harder, as he sought the same release, and she could feel the tension coiling tighter and tighter inside her.

With a gasp, Layla came, her body tensing around him, her inner muscles squeezing his cock in a powerful spasm. His name was torn from her lips as she felt the hot, sweet rush of pleasure wash over her, her juices coating them.

 

[cnuveau]

The sensation of Layla's nails dragging across the back of James' shoulder's sent shockwaves down his spine. The way their bodies moved together and fed off the other's seemed far more like a well practiced choreography than the first encounter that is was. James felt the tension building inside of Layla as her muscles tightened around him.

"Ohh James!" She moaned out as it hit her. The rush of her juices becoming audible as he delivered his final thrusts into her shuddering body. As his own body began to quake James thrust deep into her one final time then, with a low groan emanating from deep within him, released stream after stream of his hot cum into her depths.

James hovered over her for another few moments as he kissed her tenderly then fell to her side as the room fell silent. Wrapping his arms around Layla he pulled her close feeling her damp skin against his.

“That was…… wow!” were the only words he was able to muster in the moment.

 

[Winchester3030]

Great story! More please!

 

[sweetlilith]

Their bodies were slick with sweat and their breaths tangled together as he fell to her side and pulled her close. "That was... Wow..." She repeated in a breath, her voice hoarse from exertion.

They lay together for a long moment, and she lightly trailed her fingers down James' chest, down his stomach, then back up his arm, feeling the curves of his muscles beneath his skin. She tilted her head and their lips met once more. This kiss was different, more tentative, less urgent. It was as if they were exploring each other now that the heat had been satisfied.

As they slowly came back to reality, the weight of what they had done settled over them like a heavy cloak. Layla didn't know what this meant for them now. She bit her lip, feeling a wave of emotions wash over her, and she was unable to sort through them all. She didn't want to, she just wanted to enjoy the moment with him.

"I've never... I mean, I didn't..." Her voice trailed off, and she tried again. "It just... it felt right." James' deep brown eyes held her gaze, and there was a tenderness there that made her heart ache. "And it still does," she added as a smiled tugged at the corners of her lips.

 

[cnuveau]

James knew that what just happened complicated things. Up until now he’d always been able to resist the urge to cross that line with his clients but Layla seemed to be a temptation too strong to deny.

“It did, and does feel right.” James agreed as his fingers lazily traveled across her skin.

“This isn’t something I’ve done before.” James continued feeling like he needed to convey that he didn’t make a habit of this sort of thing. “It just that…..”. His voice trailed off as he searched for the right words “I feel that you and I are alike in more ways than you may realize. You see, I grew up on a ranch about 45 minutes from here. I wasn’t in a position to save my families ranch.” His voice was thick with sadness and regret as he spoke. “It’s why… me here…. helping you…… it brings back a lot of emotions I thought I’d left behind.”

James squeezed Layla tighter in his arms as he closed his eyes and tried to retain control of the emotions that were beginning to surface.

 

[sweetlilith]

Layla listened to James' story, her heart aching for him. It was as if he'd just let her see a piece of his soul that he'd kept locked away. The words he spoke were raw and real, and she found herself unable to speak for a moment. She nestled closer, her hand running through his hair, feeling the rough texture beneath her fingers. "I'm sorry," she whispered, not sure what else to say.

She knew her family's ranch wasn't the only one struggling in the area, with a handful selling off to commercial companies. It made her feel... Seen, that he understood her position in a deeper level, and like she truly had someone in her wheelhouse. Layla took a deep breath. "I think that's why... why we understand each other. Because we've both been there, and we both want so desperately to save what we love." She paused, searching for the right words. "I know it might not seem like much, but I'm grateful for your help, grateful that you genuinely want to help."

 

[cnuveau]

As they laid there holding each other James’ mind wandered back to the discovery he made before all this started with Layla. As razor thin as the margin’s were in the ranching business the escalating costs had to be a significant factor in what she was now facing. Were these in line with the industry? Was she being gouged because there were limited options? He needed to start putting together some answers to the questions that were starting to stack up.

“Let’s make some lunch.” He said finally unable to push the thoughts out of his mind.

Layla went to her room to get dressed while James pulled on his jeans and grabbed his laptop. He made his way to the kitchen and set up on the island and started to dig into the Secretary of States website looking at the registered principals for the local feed store and getting a list of the property transactions over the last couple of years. His antenna’s were up and he sensed there was something more than meets the eye with what he was seeing.

 

[sweetlilith]

Layla could feel as he pulled back control over the emotions that swept through him when he mentioned that his own family had last their own ranch, and wheels started turning in that mind of his about how to make sure that didn't happen to her. James seemed to be a man of action, and she appreciated that about him. He appeared to have this constant confidence, so sure of himself, but there was a vulnerability there too, that she'd seen in those moments when he'd let his guard down.

At the mention of lunch, Layla made her way back to her room and got dressed, pulling on wearing a pair of faded jeans and a soft blue cotton blouse, and tied her mess of curls back into an attempt at a braid. On the way to the kitchen, she changed out the sheets and mattress cover in his room with a fresh set. She tossed the used sheets into the wash, and wandered to the kitchen.

There she found James hunched over his laptop, his brow furrowed in concentration, wearing just a pair of jeans, his chest and abs bare. The sunlight streaming in through the windows cast a warm glow over his skin. The sight made her heart skip a beat, and she felt a blush creep up her neck. He glanced up as she approached, his brown eyes sparkling with determination. She cleared her throat, trying to ignore the fluttering in her stomach. She opened the fridge and pulled out two bottles of water, setting them on the counter beside him. "I'll make us some sandwiches. Turkey okay?" He nodded, his focus back on the laptop screen.

"I've been looking into some things," he said, setting aside his laptop. "I think there might be more to this situation than we originally thought." He paused, either trying to find the right way to phrase things or considering how much to share. "The feed store and some of the other businesses in town seem to be owned by the same people. And there have been some... Interesting property transactions going on."

Her heart skipped a beat as he laid these facts in front of her. "What does that mean, then?"

"I don't know for sure," he replied, "but it's something we should look into. We can't just assume everything's above board. Let's head into town after lunch. I want to start talking to some people, see if anyone else has noticed anything strange going on."

 

[cnuveau]

The more James thought about it the more convinced he became that making any changes right now would be useless until they were certain there wasn’t something else at play. If his suspicions were correct it would be nearly impossible to keep up with a concerted effort meant to squeeze Layla and the other land owners out.

As they ate James noticed Layla’s eyes occasionally drifting down his bare chest making him suddenly conscious of the fact that he didn’t put a shirt on.

“Sorry, guess I’m underdressed.” He said with a sheepish grin.

Layla’s eyes again wandered down his body then back to his. “I’m not complaining.”

After lunch James returned to his room to finished getting dressed while Layla picked up in the kitchen. They walked out onto the porch and found the cool morning air had given way to the warmth of the afternoon sun. They climbed into James’ SUV and lowered the windows as they started off down the gravel drive.

James was still processing what he’d learned before lunch when they pulled on to the main road leading to town.

“Have you heard the name Walt Anderson?” He asked, finally breaking the silence between them.

 

[sweetlilith]

Layla thought for a moment, trying to place the name. "I... Think so? He owns the largest ranch in the state, right? And he's pretty well-connected politically. Why do you ask?"

James glanced at her briefly before looking back at the road. "He's more than just wealthy and politically connected. His fingers are in almost every business in this town, including the feed store."

Layla listened and tried connecting the dots mentally. Was he systematically buying up all the land around the town, driving people out, and making sure there's no one left to stand in his way? If that was true, then they were dealing with a powerful, ruthless man who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

As they drove into town, she looked around, her eyes scanning the familiar buildings and people. Everything seemed so normal, so peaceful. It was hard to believe that anything sinister was going on beneath the surface. But the more she thought about it, the more she remembered little things that didn't quite add up. The feed store, for instance. She'd always thought it was odd that it was owned by someone who didn't live nearby, but it was still run by the original family. And then there was the real estate agent, who had been pushing her so hard to sell her land. It all seemed like a concerted effort to force her out.

 

[cnuveau]

It was just after 2:00 when James pulled up in front of The Outpost. Best he could tell it was the only bar in town and he figured it was the best place to start seeing what they could find out.

Though it was still early in the day the gravel parking lot was littered with old pickup trucks and flatbeds.

“Seems like as good a place to start as any and I could use a beer.” James said as he put the car in park and turned off the engine.

Layla looked around and saw some familiar trucks. “Yeah, I usually avoid this place but if you’re with me it should be ok.”

As they walked in the door a man’s raised voice could be heard over the din of the jukebox playing.

“You hold out all you like but I’m no idiot. I’m done with all this!”

James’ eyes had just adjusted to the dim light of the bar when he saw the man standing up from his bar stool then storming out into the midday sun. As an outsider James knew better than to start prying into the business of people he didn’t know. He looked over at Layla.

“You know him?” He asked motioning subtly to the man who was just being yelled at.

Layla nodded seeming to understand what James was asking then made her way to the bar and took the seat next to him before James slipped into the stool on the other side of her.

James motioned to the bartender for a couple of beers as he tried to act uninterested in what was happening around him.

 

[sweetlilith]

Layla felt a slight surge of adrenaline as James pulled the SUV into the gravel lot of The Outpost. During the week it was frequented by farmers and ranchers and those who ran co-ops out in the hills as a place to discuss business over a beer, and the weekends by the younger crowd looking to blow off steam after working in the sun all week. The air inside was thick with cigarette smoke and the smell of stale beer. She glanced around, recognizing some of the faces, but also noticing the undercurrent of tension that seemed to be running through the place. She didn't find herself at the bar much anymore, mostly due to nearly always working, and due to a few experiences when someone drank a bit too much and the alcohol made them forget how to respect her space.

She watched as Luke Sherriden stormed past them, and she nodded to James. Luke had been one of the first people she'd met when she'd moved here. He was a decent enough man but lately, he'd been acting strangely. She hadn't had a chance to actually speak with him anytime recently, but something just didn't seem right.

As they waited for their beers, Layla glanced around the room, noting the reactions of the people around them. Some looked sympathetic, others disapproving, and a few looked almost amused by the outburst. She wondered what had caused Luke to lose his temper like that. Was it just stress from the farm, or was there something more going on? Just as she was also catching some glances in their direction, no doubt because of the 'new-comer' she was sitting with, the bartender slid their beers across the worn wooden bar. Layla took a sip, letting the cold, amber liquid wash down her throat. She glanced over at James, wondering what he made of it all, but his face was carefully neutral, unbetraying of his thoughts.

She leaned in, speaking quietly, "I've known Luke for a while. He's always been a bit of a hot-head, but he's not usually like this." She took another sip of her beer. As they continued to watch the scene unfold before them, Layla couldn't help but wonder what secrets this town held, and if she was ready to uncover them.

 

[cnuveau]

“Guess that’s another one gone.” Elis Walter’s said from the barstool next to Layla after the shock of being yelled at by Luke had faded.

Layla turned to see Eli’s staring at the bar shaking his head. “What happened?” She asked, leaning in towards him.

Elis looked up and recognized Layla. Though they hadn’t really been close acquaintances, he’d met her a few times and seen her around town.

“Luke’s been on the edge for a while now struggling to stay afloat.” Elis started out staring at the beer in front of him. “It just seems to be getting hit with one thing after the other the last few years. Then this morning he finds that Foot and Mouth is spreading through his herd. That hasn’t been around here in years.”

James listened passively to the man as he explained what was happening. The revelation sent chills down his spine when he thought about how vulnerable the herds really were if someone was intent on causing havoc.

 

[Winchester3030]

Looking forward to more