by Kinney Scott
Natalie began to gasp, attempting to find just the right angle to maximize the contact of his fingers on her internal nerves. He tasted her through the red trimmed curls at her entrance; gliding is tongue inside for a deeper taste of her arousal, and then flattened his tongue licking in long firm strokes.
Seth took complete control of her pleasure increasing the speed of his fingers, caressing her internally while nipping at her firm nub with the sharp edge of his teeth. One final pulse of his tongue sent her crying out, as she exploded into an orgasm that took all strength from her legs.
Carefully he lowered her to the bed while Natalie recovered from her mind-blowing orgasm. She looked up at him as he settled between her thighs and lowered his head, his lips meeting hers taking a tender kiss.
The rough material of his jeans drew a gasp from her throat, as he grazed against her sensitized flesh. She reached down to lower his jeans. He took hold of her hand carefully, and paused. “Are you sure, I’m ok if we stop here if you need to wait.”
“I don’t need to wait, I need you to fill me,” Natalie answered, completely sure about what she wanted. He stood at the foot of the bed, slid his jeans off, his erection jutted from his body as he kicked off his boxers.
After locating the condom he had stashed in his wallet, he tore open the square package. Natalie’s eyes were dark with anticipation, and perhaps a little concern. Watching him roll on the condom, she sucked in a breath and held it. She had not been with anyone in over a year, and Seth was big ...everywhere.
He lowered his body balancing his weight on his arms, which flexed as she stroked the corded muscles. The broad tip of his cock teased her entrance as she wrapped her legs around his, applying encouraging pressure to his muscular ass.
Watching her carefully to gauge her reaction, Seth slowly eased into her slick entrance, stretching her to accommodate him. Short measured thrusts pushed into her until he sheathed himself fully in her heat. Pulling back almost completely out of her again, he slid slowly in, bringing a gasp of pleasure from Natalie as the head of his cock slid over every sensitized nerve in her pussy.
Repeating this slow retreat and thrust, Seth began to sweat as he prolonged their climbs to release. The pace picked up and Natalie adjusted the curve of her back to increase the contact with Seth’s body against her swollen clit. “My god, Natalie, you are so tight, so wet, I don’t know how much longer I can last.” Seth’s balls drew up tight as he increased his powerful thrusts.
Natalie was close, and began to gasp, as her channel pulsed around him. “Come for me Natalie” he growled, and she responded with a keening cry as her blinding orgasm pulsed around his cock, increasing the tight sensation. He followed her immediately and swallowed her frantic pants in a kiss that mimicked the grinding of their bodies. Slumping forward, taking most of his weight on his forearms, Seth bit small kisses along her neck.
Hating that moment when he needed to pull out of her warmth, he stood to dispose of the condom. He asked if she wanted something to drink, “water would be great, Seth, thank you,” she said as she slid to her side in a cat-like satisfied stretch. Wearing his jeans low on his hips Seth got a beer for himself and an iced water for Natalie.
Lights from a truck crossed the windows as Kelsey pulled up to the house. Seth brought Nate her water, but found her sleeping in a curled position. He wrapped her in the comforter, put on his shirt and went into the living room as Kels came through the door.
“Seth, where is Nate?”
“Sleeping.”
“Great, do you have time to talk? Did you plan to stay tonight or are you taking off?”
“Let me say goodnight to Natalie, I’ll be right back.” She stirred slightly awake when he came in and kissed her. He whispered, “Natalie, I’ll call you tomorrow.” Seth sent a quick text in case she didn’t remember his goodbye come morning: I’m very tempted to stay curled up next to you, but you deserve to sleep. I’ll call you tomorrow.
Sitting on the couch with a beer, Kelsey carefully chose her words. Seth seemed more than interested in spending time with Natalie, but she knew his history. “What are your plans between you and Nate?”
“Plans take time. We haven’t known each other long enough to get that far.”
“Well here’s the deal Seth. She is just making the first steps in moving on with her life after her grandpa died. It took her a while just to get her feet under her and realize that she can pursue her own dreams.”
“I get that.”
“Please try not to be a setback for her. She needs freedom to explore her potential. Do you think you can keep this casual? Nate needs to be able to leave when you finish her house. She has done research and has a place lined up to set up shop this fall. Natalie needs this. We all want that for her.”
“We?”
“Me, Elsa, and until yesterday Kent.”
“She doesn’t even know Kent that well. What stake does he have in her future?”
“Kent was helping me out, making sure Natalie would be ready to take on the challenge of owning her home. He planned to help her learn to tow it, do maintenance, and I hoped, if they got along, have a little fun this summer. Casual fun, helping her confidently start her adventure after the build was complete. Definitely not making it painful or impossible to leave.”
“One person you haven’t factored into your scheme is Natalie. This is her future. You know my record. I didn’t stand in the way when my ex wanted to pursue her dreams in Portland. I also did not give up my life either. I will do all I can to make sure Natalie is ready to leave Ashwood.”
Seth took in Kelsey’s concern and saw the wisdom. “I don’t need to be tied to another person who can’t wait to see Ashwood in their rear view mirror. No worries, it will be casual, and when her house is done she will be free to move on.”
He wondered if his heart agreed. After only two days, saying Natalie would move on created a pit in his gut that gnawed. He had grown used to people leaving. Seth knew how to say goodbye.
“Thanks Seth. I don’t want to be that bitchy protective friend, but I’m leaving on Tuesday for a couple weeks and needed to clear this up before I left. Are we good?
“Absolutely, I appreciate your honesty. Natalie is lucky to have you watching out for her. I’m going to take off,” he said as he walked into the kitchen, dumped his half-empty beer into the sink, and exited out the kitchen door to his truck.
***
Tempted to knock on her door to wake her late the following morning, Kelsey was thankful when the aroma of coffee finally had her best friend moving. She emerged in an oversized t-shirt and shuffled onto the warn linoleum of the bright kitchen.
“Good morning. Are you glad you slept in?” Kels sat at the table, with a cup of coffee and sliced cantaloupe in a bowl in front of her. She stabbed a slice of the orange juicy melon, eating it while she flipped through the weather app on her phone.
“Yeah I feel great, but would love some coffee.”
“You should feel fantastic. Seth looked extremely satisfied last night. He left about the time I got home. Both of you were lucky I had to drive so many people home or it might have been awkward.”
Nate blushed, remembering every detail. “Yeah, glad you took your time, but I’m not sure we would have been aware if you had come home. Seth is a serious distraction.” Nate sipped some steaming coffee from a vintage mug. “When is the barbeque? Should we bring anything?”
“Why don’t we try to hurry and get ready? I’d like to stop at the farmer’s market and pick up some fresh produce to take to the party.”
“Great idea, I won’t take too long getting ready.” She jumped in the shower and decided to let her auburn-red hair dry naturally, the curls would cascade around her face. After choosing a summery dress, she put on a little mascara and was ready to head out the door.
***
Delicious aromas of smoked meat, fresh bread, waffle cones and coffee swirled together in the open air of the small farmers market. The high c
eiling of the arena like structure sheltered the vendors from sun or rain, but still welcomed the breeze to circulate among the various stalls and tables. Kelsey chose two flats of fresh-picked strawberries. She planned to slice the sweet red berries and add them to her Mom’s homemade vanilla ice cream that would be turning in the oak churn.
She could not resist eating some of the berries as she moved around looking for more fruit to add to the feast. Nate held two pink boxes one filled with a dozen cupcakes and the other a variety of muffins. “Do you think two dozen will be enough?” she asked Kels.
“Yes, everyone brings something, potluck style. Any extra, we can take home, but I might have to split one of those muffins with you on the drive up to the lake. Goldfinch Bakery tempts me every time.”
Stealing a strawberry from the flat Natalie popped it in her mouth, “These berries are perfect, and I bet there won’t be many more pickings this season. I love summer just for all the fresh fruit! ”
Nate spotted a table lined with flowers. Geraniums, petunias and fuchsias spilled out of pots filled with pink, yellow, and purple blooms. “Would your mom like one of these, I want to bring her a little gift today.”
“Mom would love that, do you want me to pitch in on the gift?”
“No, I’ve got it.”
After helping a customer, the petite girl working at the booth shifted their way, “Hey Kelsey, how is your summer so far? Is this Natalie? I was hoping to meet her.”
“Annie, hi. Summer is great. Are you and Amanda doing anything exciting, now that you’ve graduated?”
“Maybe, we are trying to put together a short road trip with two other girls. We may have to wait until August. Amanda is shooting a couple of summer weddings. We hope to pull something together later.”
“Nate, this is Annie. Natalie will be staying at my place all summer during the construction of her tiny house. Whitewater homes is building it for her.”
Annie didn’t even attempt to hide her jealousy, as her eyes narrowed, “What do you think of our little town? I bet a city girl like you finds Ashwood dull after living in Seattle.” She leaned in toward Natalie, “Amanda mentioned you already got to know her brother Seth.”
For a moment Nate wondered if she should abandon the flowers, but decided to try a soft approach, “Your flowers are gorgeous, and it’s really nice to meet you. How about you ring this planter up for me.”
Plastering a stiff smile on her face, Annie checked the price on the basket, “sure thing, happy to. I will carry this out to your car if you’d like, when you’re finished shopping.”
“I think we’ve got it,” Kelsey said as she stacked the pink boxes from Goldfinch Bakery on top of her flat of strawberries. “These won’t be a problem for me if you can carry the flowers, Nate”
“No problem, we can handle it. Thanks Annie, nice to meet you.” The girls walked out to Natalie’s truck arms piled high with flowers and food.
“I’m so glad you have the market here, it reminds me of Pike Place. Kels, did I pick up on a little jealousy from Annie?”
“Jealousy, you bet. Nothing like a small town girl sending a clear message that you invaded her turf. Don’t worry about it, Annie and Amanda are best friends. If I had to guess, Annie has had a crush on Seth or his brothers at one time or another. When Seth took you home from Northside Grill, everyone in town took note. The fact that he showed up at the river yesterday. That will get a reaction from more than just Annie.”
“How long does a newcomer have to live in Ashwood before they are accepted? Never mind, no need to answer that, I will be moving on in just a few months.”
“Don’t let a nosy jealous teen-age girl spoil your impression of Ashwood. Before you know it, you will be waving at half the town while you drive around.” Nate just raised her eyebrows, a challenge to this optimistic prediction, “I promise. We grow on you, like…moss.”
“When you put it that way, I look forward to it.”
During the drive to the Fisher home on Lake Osprey, Kelsey quizzed Natalie, helping her to recall the names of people she would meet.
No matter how she attempted to divert her mind, Seth constantly haunted her thoughts. “Hey Kels,” she asked, “Is there any chance that Seth and I can find a little privacy in this town? Just to see how things might evolve?”
“Honestly no, not a chance, not here in Ashwood, and especially not with Seth Michaels.”
CHAPTER SIX
The drive up to Osprey Lake took about a half hour. Dense Douglas firs gave way to pine trees as they veered east to a slightly drier area, tucked into the rain shadow of Mt. Adams. The sun seemed brighter, but the climb in altitude kept the air from becoming too hot. Turning onto a long gravel drive, Nate caught glimpses of a deep blue mountain lake dotted with cabins and docks. A few fishing boats floated on the glassy surface.
Taking a final turn onto a narrow track, a wide timber entrance gate towered above. A hand crafted log structure held a welded metal sign secured by a heavy chain. A black forged trout and a letter F for Fisher wove together to form a rustic family crest. Gazing up, Natalie’s mouth dropped open. “Wow Kelsey, what an awesome gate to greet everyone!”
“My Mom had a local craftsman design it for my Dad for his 60th birthday. It actually makes our place easier to find when we invite friends to the lake.”
Down the narrow lane, a field widened out where a few horses grazed. The two-story log house stood not far from the lake. A wide porch circled the entire home, with a stunning view overlooking the lake at the back. Extending out into the water, a large dock held a sturdy looking aluminum boat. Dozens of kids ran around playing a game of tag, two collies zigzagging among them nipping at their heels in an effort to herd the children.
Natalie stood back from the throngs. “Come on Nate, let’s give mom the flowers and take the food into the kitchen.” Mary spotted the girls, and rushed to greet them. “Hi Mom! Nate picked these flowers for you at the farmers market.”
The resemblance was striking. Mother and daughter both had the same white-blonde hair. Mary’s had begun to take on a touch of silver at the temples. Smiling the same stunning smile that her daughter had clearly inherited from her mom, she welcomed her guest. “Natalie, thank you, the flowers are beautiful.
Dale appeared, gave Kelsey a quick hug, and took the flowers from Nate. Her arms now empty, she was pulled into a quick hug from Kelsey’s Mom. “Welcome to our home Natalie, I hope you love it here in Ashwood.”
Like a bolt of lightning, two little boys ran up to Kelsey, grabbing her around the legs, nearly knocking her over. “Hey little bugs, did you get bigger again? Show me those muscles.” The boys flexed tiny arms showing off, “I can do five pushups Aunt Kelsey”, one called out followed by the younger, and “I can do five and five,” holding up both hands.
“That’s amazing, I can’t wait to see. Let me put the strawberries in the kitchen.” At the mention of strawberries both boys screamed and jumped trying to reach the flat.
Kent, coming to her rescue, reached over their heads to secure the food before it was knocked to the ground, “I got it Kels, go run around with the kids. They need to burn off all the sugar!”
Kent turned to lead the way into the large home, “follow me into the kitchen Nate. We can find a spot on the table for this pink box of…?”
“Cupcakes with tons of frosting.”
“Now you’re talking, I’m grabbing one immediately before the rug-rats find them.” She followed him into the kitchen, a central hub of activity. The farm sink looked out over the lake flanked by counters perfect for preparing huge family meals.
Facing the great room, a kitchen island overflowed with pies, cakes and cookies. Nobody would starve today. Looking around Nate wondered if the entire county might actually be here.
“Kent, how many of these people are part of the Fisher clan?”
“Most of them, believe it or not. There are a few strays here, like me, that the family has pulled in. I have been coming t
o their gatherings since Kels and I were in grade school.
When I was growing up it was just my Dad and me. He had to be gone a lot, driving truck, so they took me in when Dad was gone on the road.”
He noticed a look of sadness in Nate’s eyes. “Don’t feel sorry for me, I hate that. Growing up in Ashwood was perfect. Hiking, fishing, rafting as much as I wanted. I had far more freedom than most boys did, and I managed not to kill myself. I’ve been lucky.”
“Is your Dad here? I would love to meet him.”
“No, he is probably somewhere between Kansas City and Dallas. He takes longer routes now that I’m older. We still share the same house, but he is happier on the road.”
“If he makes it home this summer let me know, because I would like to meet him before I leave.”
“Sure thing, Nate. Come on, I’ll show you the property and introduce you around.” Kent’s smile put her at ease as he guided her by the small of her back out the door. Down by the shore she met a group of younger teens testing the cold lake, wading out a bit into the glacier fed water. The surface was clear and the shore rocky, covered with multi colored pebbles that appeared green, red and gold in the summer sun.
Gathered around a huge grill, Kelsey’s dad, Dale, was groaning about the state of local baseball. “At least they are finally striking the ball well,” an older man with a bit of a beer belly persisted. Kent approached with Natalie, and the focus shifted their way, as the group looked to meet the new kid in town.
“Hey Kent, who have you got there? Don’t be keeping all the pretty ladies to yourself.”
“I can’t compete with you, Ed. If you start flirting with Natalie I won’t stand a chance.”