Fall was a magical season in Skarsen County. The colors were vibrant and full of all manner of oranges and reds. The ground was crisp and crunchy under the heavy thud of boots and rakes.

Jacob Mercy was busy raking the leaves from in front of the loft house, readying it for the new guests that would arrive late that night.

"Hey!" He turned to see his wife walking towards him with two mugs clutched in her hands. She was wrapped in a burgundy silk robe and nothing else. Her freshly painted toenails stood out against the dirt path. Breath misting in front of her in the autumn air as she shivered.

"Morning," he greeted her with a smile. "Did I wake you?" He rested his arms over the rake.

She shook her head, the mushroom brown waves were kept up in a messy bun with baby hairs framing her bare face. She didn't need makeup, she was naturally flawless with pale skin and a spray of freckles over her nose and chest. "No, I just came out to help." She offered him the mug and he took it, bringing it to his nose to inhale.

"Mmm, I needed this." He took a big gulp of the coffee as she brought her tea to her lips. "You don't need to help, though," he told her after another sip. "Everything inside is done, I'm just raking up the leaves that blew over last night." He propped the rake against the stained wood walls and took a seat on the rocking bench near the doors. "Beth?"

She came and sat beside him with her mug of herbal tea. "What?"

"Do you ever miss the city?"  His big green eyes were set on the horizon. The sun was fully visible over the tops of the fall foliage and cast a golden glow over the farmstead. The cows moved lazily about the open fields, with the sheep and goats, grazing in the morning light.

Beth smiled knowingly. "Why? Tired of not fitting in?" She playfully nudged his arm. "I thought the point of starting this place was to be away from everyone. Not worrying about opinions or being looked at differently," she reminded him, lifting her mug up to punctuate her words. They had always been judged to a certain degree wherever they lived. If it wasn't for their plant based lifestyle, it was for Jacob being black and Beth being white. Jacob's own father was white, his mother black. He and his sister, Denise, looked like living wax figurines with their perfect light brown skin and brilliant green eyes. It was such a beautiful blend of ethnicities to see, and Beth envied their perfection.

He laughed lightly with a shake of his dirty, hat covered head. "No, it's not that. I just meant, do you ever miss it? The city life? You know, we used to go out to the clubs and attend gyms. Do you ever miss it?" He pressed. A frown began to form on his full, dark lips.

"Of course I do." She furrowed her thin brows at him. "I miss living with my mom and her taking care of me, too." He looked over at her, taking in her sarcasm. "I love our life. I love you. I don't care where we live as long as I get to watch you rake leaves every morning with your shirt off," she teased and leaned over to trail her hand up his chiseled abs.

Jacob smirked and flexed his stomach out of habit. His caramel colored skin stretched taunt over his muscles. "Oh yeah?" He turned to face her as she rubbed circles over his chest with her thumb.

Beth bit her bottom lip. "Yeah," she breathed and leaned in to close the distance. Jacob readily latched onto her, grasping the back of her head to bring her closer. She moaned into the kiss as he shifted to hover over her. The bench creaked and tapped against the remodeled barn walls as he rocked his hips between her thighs. The sounds she made beneath him had him hardening and straining against his jeans.

"Shall we christen the guest house?" He muttered into her chin as he nipped his way along her jawline.

"Jake!" She giggled. A sharp gasp escaped her heart shaped lips when he reached that sweet spot at the hollow of her throat.

"Or," he drawled into her chest, "we could do it right here." He nibbled at her bust while it heaved deliciously up and down. He loved the way he could make her feel. The way she made him feel.

"Jake," she breathed into his hair, "what if someone comes?" She looked down at the long and winding driveway that lead through the trees, all the way to the main road that took them into town.

"I'm hoping it's you that does." He dropped to his knees in front of her with a devilish glint in his bright eyes. His coarse black hair tickled her legs. She sighed in content as he kissed up her leg, lifting her robe as he went, and spreading it wide enough to see her nakedness underneath.

"Shit," she gasped when he pressed a wet kiss between her legs. He suckled the little bundle of nerves until she was a panting mess and her robe had fallen away completely. The cold air blew past her body and sent goosebumps rising up all over. "Jake," she moaned as his tongue flicked over her entrance. Her nipples hardened into little rose colored buds as the breeze whipped by her.

"I'll warm you up, baby." He stood up and she leaned in to unbutton his jeans. He watched her intently until they began to slip off his waist and settled around his ankles. His navy blue boxer briefs did little to conceal the erection beneath. He let one hand palm himself over the briefs. Beth licked her lips, waiting for him to tug them down.

"Is that for me?" She brought her hand up to rub against him.

"Always," he said softly and pulled the waistband down to allow himself to spring out. She gawked at his size, taking him into her mouth for the briefest of moments before he shoved her back onto the bench. She sucked in a breath when her back hit the wall, but he was already on top of her. Swallowing her moans and cries of pleasure as he entered her.

She was soaking wet, ready for him as she always was. He pushed into her until he couldn't anymore, relishing in the sounds she made for him. The bench slammed into the wall and echoed around the farm. The sound of her inching closer to her orgasm filled his ears and urged him on.

"Harder," she mewled into his ear. He picked up his pace and pounded into her, sweat beads forming on his brow and back. Her painted pink nails dug into his flesh, gripping and clawing at him desperately.

"Fuck Beth!" He growled and shut his eyes. He rammed into her over and over again, chasing his high until he felt himself bubbling over the edge.

She looked up at him with her big blue eyes hungrily. "Cum for me," she moaned and it was all he needed to let go. He pushed into her one last time, filling her. He collapsed beside her on the bench as they both fought to catch their breaths.

"I love you." She laid one arm over his chest.

"I love you too," he panted out, a tired smile crossing his face.

···················

"What time will our guests be arriving?" Beth queried with a quick glance down the darkened driveway. She had lined the fences with pumpkins and wrapped fairy lights around the posts to help light the way and give it a bit of an autumn aesthetic.

"They just said they'd be here in the evening. They're traveling from out of state," he explained, wiping his mouth with a napkin. Beth had made his favorite for dinner. Mashed potatoes, garlic roasted cabbage wedges, steamed squash, and copious amounts of red wine to wash it all down. Their black lab was chewing on a rubber ball in front of the roaring fireplace.

"Cerberus!" He called and the dog trotted happily over to him, accepting the greasy fingertips greedily. Jacob patted his head with a smile and wiped the slobber off his hands onto his pants.

"Well it's already dark. I was going to take a bath and get ready for bed," she mentioned after a long sip of wine.

"I'll be in as soon as they show up. I'm sure it won't be long," he assured her. "I'll feed Romulus and Remus on my way."

Beth nodded absentmindedly, sipping at her glass and watching the silhouettes of trees dancing outside the dining room window. The farmstead was blessed with beautiful views from every window at every direction. The sea of orange that stretched miles between them and the town served as a golden buffer from the real world. Now, it was a blackened ocean of wilderness that threatened to swallow up anyone who entered.

She stood and gathered the dishes up once they'd finished. Jacob reached up to give her a kiss on the temple when she bent down to collect his empty wineglass. "Dinner was delicious, thank you."

"Of course." She grinned back. "More wine?" She asked on her way into the kitchen. The open floor plan connected the two rooms and divided them only by a large kitchen island that doubled as a breakfast bar.

"Yes please," he replied smiling at her. Her hips swayed naturally in the taupe sweater dress she had worn for the day. Her undyed waves cascaded down to the small of her back and swished side to side as she walked.

Beth dumped the dishes into the sink to rinse them off. The bottle of wine was already close to empty and she'd need to replace it tomorrow if they were going to continue drinking at dinner every night. Her mother once told her that a glass of wine with dinner was healthy and good for the soul. She couldn't help but smirk at what her mother would think of an entire bottle with dinner the way her and Jacob drank it.

The glow of headlights began to emerge from the top of the hill, working down the driveway. She could hear the rumble of a truck as it drew nearer. "Do we know anything about these guests?" She spoke over the sink running. Beth shut it off and set the dishes in the dishwasher to run overnight and divided the last of the wine between their two glasses.

"They're from central Maine, or something like that. They're using the loft for the week. Arriving tonight and leaving next Sunday afternoon." He remarked from his seat at the table. His eyes watched the headlights travel down the winding driveway and only stood once the engine cut off in front of their porch.

"A week, huh?" She brought his glass to him. "Family vacation?"

"Maybe." He kissed her forehead and accepted the wine. "I never asked."

The heavy footfalls announced the guests before they even knocked. Jacob went to answer the door, Beth on his heels. She was the epitome of welcoming to all who visited their farm. He opened the door and pushed the screen away. "Jacob Mercy?" A man's voice greeted.

"Yes sir," her husband answered and stuck his hand out to shake the stranger's. "You must be Scott." The man chortled a response and Beth peeked around her him to see.

Three men stood on her porch in the flickering mosquito lights. "Honey, this is Scott Booth. He's going to be renting out the loft for the week," he introduced the two. Scott held out a hand to greet her properly.

"Pleasure to meet you." She smiled and placed her hand in his. She went to shake it, but he turned her hand over and pressed a chaste kiss to her knuckles.

"And you as well," he said casually. She felt a blush creep into her cheeks and retracted her hand. Scott stood a great deal taller than her and Jacob. Jacob was just an inch under six feet where this man towered at least five inches over. His shoulders were broad and a dirty white t-shirt clung to his torso. "These here are my brothers." He waved back to the two men standing behind him.

One man matched his height with a scruffy beard and balding hair that stuck out in random places. His eyes were dark and hooded, and he looked as though he hadn't bathed in months. "This is my older brother, Marshall," said Scott, gesturing to the tall man.

The other man was much easier on the eyes. His clothes were clean and he smelled of cologne. His eyes were large and soulful, though she couldn't tell the color in the porch light. He appeared to be significantly younger than the others and had a baby face despite the sharp angles and carved cheekbones. "And this is my baby brother, Billy." He slapped the man on the back and earned a grunt from him.

Billy waved sheepishly. "What brings you out to Mercy Farm?" She queried in a friendly manner.

"First day of huntin' season," Marshall answered for them. His thin lips curled into a devilish smile.

"Hunting?" Beth checked with a raised brow.

"Best time of the year," Scott beamed, showing his perfect white teeth. "If all three of us can bag a white tail we'll gladly give you a roast and some summer sausage." The offer was genuine and polite, but it made Beth grimace.

Jacob sensed her apprehension. "That won't be necessary," he stated.

Marshall laughed loudly. "I don't think I've ever met anyone to turn down deer meat," he commented and spit out a wad of chew behind him. It missed the bush and landed with a thick splat on the deck.

"We don't eat meat," Beth explained with a nervous giggle.

"Don't eat meat? What you live on a farm for then?" Marshall sneered a touch too harsh.

"Heel boy," Scott snapped at him before turning back with a smile.

"We rescue animals. Its more of a haven than a farm," she answered back with a bit of venom in her tone.

"Forgive my brother. He's very close minded." It was the first time she heard Billy speak up. His voice was quiet, scared almost. It was hollow, distant, and he never met her eyes. His gaze was set on Jacob, looking him up and down.

"Its okay. How about I get my shoes on and show you the loft? Beth here makes the best apple cider around and keeps the place stocked up on it," he informed them happily as he slipped into his boots by the door.

"If you need to add a kick to it, they sell local brewed whiskey down at Barlow & Sons," Beth added, determined to be gracious and upbeat.

Scott smirked at her, the slightest bit of white peeking out of the corner of his lips. "We'll be sure to try it," he said.

Jacob gave her one last kiss before joining the men on the porch. "I'll be back in a few," he promised and let the screen door shut behind him. She watched them walk across the way to the guest house. The motion detecting lights flicked on once they had reached the rocking bench.

She smiled to herself in remembrance of the morning they had shared on that bench. It felt dirty to think of those men sitting on it.

She sipped at her wine and watched her husband hand the keys over to the three brutish men. He crunched over the gravel, marching back up to the house. "I thought you'd be nose deep in a bath by now," he mumbled out, kicking off his boots.

"I was waiting for you." She bit her lip suggestively and took another sip.

Jacob chuckled and brushed her hair back behind her ear. His dark skin felt cool against her pale flesh from the night air. "Is that so?"

"No," she sighed honestly, knowing he could see right through her. "I didn't like the look of them," she admitted.

"Them? Why?" He furrowed his brows, ceasing his movements and letting her hair drop.

She shrugged, bringing her arms up to warm herself. Jacob shut the door and walked into the kitchen, gulping down big mouthfuls of his wine and rinsing out the glass. "They just...rubbed me the wrong way," she muttered, feeling ridiculous.

Jacob chortled. "Would you like me to rub you the right way?" He wagged his brows and she scoffed at his attempt at humor.

"I'm being serious," she snapped. "That guy was...off. I didn't like the way he kissed my hand either."

Jacob rolled his eyes and smirked. "Oh Beth, they're from a different area. That's probably just the polite thing to do when you're introduced to a woman. I think you're reading too much into it." He pulled off his socks and slumped onto the stool in front of the breakfast bar.

Beth shook her head. "Either way," she continued, "I didn't much care for it." She brushed by him on her way to the bathroom. "And I certainly didn't appreciate that older man's tone. 'Don't eat meat.' Who does he think he is? And they're going to be hunting?" She bellowed from the hall.

"Beth, we can't change the world. People hunt. It doesn't make them bad people, it just means they live a different lifestyle. Ours is different, are we bad people for it?" He challenged. Beth turned the faucet on in the bathtub and sprinkled in a few drops of lavender oil before sinking into it while it bubbled around her.

"That's a little different, Jake," she countered. "We rescue animals, we don't search them out in their natural habitat to slaughter them for a few steaks." She could hear him enter the bathroom, but refused to open her eyes. She let the aroma wash over her and calm her senses.

"Well we only have to deal with them for a week," he reminded her. "And its not like they'll be hunting on our property. Scott told me just now that they plan to go up in the hills early tomorrow morning to look for white tail deer."

"Good for them," she breathed out deeply.

"It'll be fine, honey. Just one week and then they're gone. Don't be so judgmental." He lightly flicked the top of her head.

"Hey!" She rubbed the spot he'd hit.

Jacob laughed and smiled at her. "Play nice with the guests. With any luck they'll tell their friends about us and we'll never hit another rough patch in our finances again."

She sighed, lowering farther into the tub until her chin was buried beneath the water. "Fine," she grumbled out, knowing he was right.