Cocktales

by The Cocky Collective

  As I graze the back of her neck with my fingertips, I ask, “Do you believe me? About your father’s farm? I need to know.”

  For some reason, it feels like the world stills its spinning. The rain beat down outside, and the horses shift in their stalls.

  Her big blue eyes study me as she worries her bottom lip. Even though her wide pupils and flushed skin tell me she wants this thing between us as much as I do, I know she’s putting her father’s farm first here. It’s one of the qualities I’ve always admired about her. She puts her family first. Always.

  After a beat—the longest one of my life—she nods yes.

  A shy smile surfaces on her beautiful face.

  That’s all I needed to know before my lips crash against hers

  Willow

  I’m wondering if I blacked out after my father told me about the foreclosure notice and I’m dreaming, because how else can I explain why Chase Carter has pinned me to a stall and is kissing the daylights out of me?

  But that’s what’s happening right now. His big hand is in my hair, his thick thigh between my legs, and his wicked tongue hot against mine

  And holy cow can this boy kiss.

  Except he’s not a boy anymore.

  No, the cocksure quarterback and star athlete I knew in high school is all man. A man who’s just admitted that he likes me. Something he never would’ve done in high school. Why would he when he had a bevy of hookups at his beck and call?

  Tall and broad, with surfer good looks and charm, Chase was every girl’s crush growing up. I was the new kid who never quite fit in, shuttling back and forth between my mother’s house in Austin and my dad’s farm every time they split up. Which was often. My parents were the talk of the town with their fiery blow ups and quiet reconciliations. So when Chase’s friends made snarky comments about my parents for their on-again, off-again relationship, I assumed he thought those things too.

  But now I’m wondering if I’ve been wrong about him all this time.

  He reaches down to cup my ass, hoisting me higher so I can wrap my legs around his trim waist, his mouth opening on my neck and sucking so hard, I feel my pulse hammer between my thighs.

  “Chase, if you give me a hickey, so help me, I’m gonna strangle you. I’m not your property. You can’t mark me.”

  He chuckles and presses his forehead to my shoulder. “You mean I can’t pee a circle around you and tell the guys that if they so much as look in your direction, I’ll beat their asses?”

  I shake my head, biting back a smile as he straightens.

  It’s been more than ten years since he played football, but he’s somehow even more handsome than he was in high school. His thick, dirty blond hair hangs tousled over those devastating green eyes, and his once lean frame has filled out with muscle from working on his father’s farm.

  Before I lose my nerve, I run my hand through his hair, and he closes his eyes and leans into my touch. God, I’ve always wanted to do this.

  His hair is damp from sweat and the thunderstorm that blasted him when the barn door blew open a little while ago, but it’s soft and smells like him. Like sandalwood and sexy man.

  “What am I going to do with you?” I ask myself. Because what does a woman do with the guy whose father is trying to foreclose on your family’s property?

  His gaze sobers and his eyebrows press together as if he’s considering my question. With mischief in his eyes, he answers seriously, “Hopefully, take me home and make me your sex slave.”

  On a sigh, I run my finger down his stubbled jaw. “You’re trouble, Chase, with a capital T. Always have been.”

  “Maybe,” he tells me quietly before claiming my lips in another kiss. “But I’d like to be your kind of trouble.”

  My heart flutters. Yes, I’m definitely still at my father’s house. Probably suffering from a brain aneurysm.

  A loud snort startles me, and I turn to see one of his huge horses eyeing us through the slats in his stall.

  Chase waves him off. “Nothing to see here, Blackjack. Move along.”

  With the moment broken, Chase lets me slide down his body until my feet hit the floor. After he steadies me, he straightens my skirt, and I’m touched by his thoughtfulness.

  When he takes a step back, I can’t deny I’m disappointed that he’s stopped touching me, but I try to school my expression. No sense in setting myself up to get hurt. After all, every girl in this town knows that Chase is a “for now” kind of guy, not a “forever and ever” sort of man. He’s just not the settling down type, and I can’t imagine burdening him with my tears and my problems would change that.

  His words rush back to me, giving me pause. I’ve always wanted you, Willow. You must know that.

  How is this possible? Was I so overwhelmed by my parents’ marriage drama that I missed Chase’s interest? I know I was shy in high school, but how did I miss something this huge?

  And judging by what Chase thrust between my legs a few minutes ago, huge is the right word to use.

  My eyes bore into the ground. I’m confused, turned on, and feeling more awkward than I have since I was a teenager. It was easy to put up a front and run my mouth when I thought he was an asshole like his friends. But present me with a sweet, thoughtful Chase who says he’s always liked me, and I can’t form sentences.

  Despite his previous admission, I’m still surprised when he threads his fingers through mine and walks me to the entrance of the barn, stopping to kiss my forehead.

  He reaches for his T-shirt, all the while watching me as he slips it on and stretches it over his broad shoulders. “Wait for me? I just need to do a couple more things around here before I head out. But I’d like to take you to dinner if you don’t have any plans.”

  When I agree and that heart-stopping smile breaks out on his face, I wonder if one of the worst days of my life has just turned into one of the best.

  * * *

  Willow

  We run through the rain without umbrellas, dodging puddles the size of water buffalos, and hop into his truck. We’re laughing and shivering from the sudden drop in temperature from the barn to the windy field where he’s parked.

  Water drips into his eyes, and he squints at me. “Guess I didn’t think this through too well. Sorry I don’t have anything to warm you up.” He peers into his back seat and riffles around, but comes up empty-handed.

  We’re drenched, and I feel bad that we’re probably destroying his expensive leather seats.

  “Do you think anything’s even open right now? It’s getting late. Bet the diner closed early when the downpour started.”

  He sighs as he heads down the driveway. “You’re probably right.” Pausing, he turns to look at me. “Rain check or … I could make us a pizza back at my place. If you promise not to strip me naked and have your way with me.”

  I snort and shake my head, trying my damnedest to ignore the electricity still zinging between us. “I could go for pizza.” And the nakedness too, if I’m being honest.

  A seriousness settles over his expression. “You know I’m teasing you, right? I’d never take advantage of you, Lo. You’ll always be safe with me.”

  I’m not going to hold the past against him. His cocky persona in high school made it easy to judge him, but he’s been nothing but sincere tonight.

  This time, I reach for his hand and give it a squeeze. “I wouldn’t be in this car if I didn’t feel safe with you, Chase.”

  We stare at each other a beat before grins break out on our faces. I feel like a kid in a candy shop. Giddy and light. Like anything could happen tonight. Oh Lord. What am I getting myself into?

  A few minutes later, we’ve reached his house on the other side of the property, and I’m momentarily struck by the stupidity of this decision.

  “We won’t … we won’t see your dad, right?”

  I think his father lives in the main house, a sprawling complex on the other side of the compound, but I can’t be sure.

  Chase shakes his h
ead, but then holds up a finger. “That reminds me.” He digs out his phone, punches a few buttons, and then switches the call to the speaker on the truck, so I can hear it ringing.

  A gruff voice answers. “You’d better be in jail right now to be calling me so late.”

  Chase sighs and taps on the steering wheel. “Sorry to disappoint you, Duke.”

  I freeze at the realization that he’s called his father.

  “Well, get on with it. I’m about to go to bed.”

  “I want you to cancel the foreclosure on the Summers property.”

  An unamused laugh rings through the vehicle. “Why the hell would I do that? Larry Summers is an ingrate. Late on his payments for as long as he’s owned that farm. It’s about time I got my hands on that property.”

  Chase frowns, sending me an apologetic glance. “You want me to compete next month, right?”

  “What’s this about? You know you can’t bow out now.”

  “Do you want me to compete at the Western Nationals or not? If you do, I suggest you find it in yourself to give Mr. Summers an extension on his payments.”

  Duke’s string of curses make me flinch, but Chase gives me a wink.

  I’m so stunned, my mouth falls open.

  Chase comes from a family of cutting horse breeders and is a champion rider himself, so I’m guessing that bailing on this event would be a big deal.

  When his father continues to balk, Chase sighs. “If the money is really the problem, then I’ll compete, but I’ll be giving you my winnings when I get back from Colorado, and you can send me the deed to the property. I’m sure I can cover whatever balance remains.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. What will you do with that land?”

  “I don’t plan on doing anything with the land, but I will be giving the deed to his daughter, Willow.”

  The wind could blow me over right now, I’m so shocked.

  When Duke’s curses fill the car again, something about being “pussy-whipped” and “head up his ass,” Chase cuts him off and hangs up.

  Without another word, he pulls into his garage. I follow him up into the house, all the while dazed from that conversation. Did this man really save my father’s farm? The one my dad slaved away over the years to keep afloat?

  Words escape me, and all I can do is stand there.

  A sense of relief passes over me. My dad isn’t going to lose his house. And this man, who I’ve been entirely wrong about for a decade and a half, saved him.

  My breath stalls as I process what just happened.

  One by one, low lights flicker on, and I hover in the hallway as he tosses his keys in the entryway bowl.

  His tidy bachelor pad is a spacious ranch with leather couches, a huge flat screen TV, and beige walls. It’s orderly and well cared for, but not homey. There are no photos of family and friends. No cozy blankets for nights binging on Netflix. No trophies, though I know he must have dozens.

  With a father like his, it’s no wonder.

  All of a sudden, I know what I want to say. What I need to say. “Chase, I’ll pay you back. Every penny that you give my dad.”

  He turns to me, and after a moment, the corner of his mouth tilts up. “Sure. Whatever you want.”

  Did he really agree that easily? This is so overwhelming. “Please consider this a loan, one that I’ll repay instead of my father.”

  With a sigh, he scrubs his face. “Lo, in case you missed this, I’m not hurting for money. I’ll never miss the winnings from that competition. What do I need? Another car? A new PlayStation? More clothes?” He shrugs. “If I know my father, he’s charged a criminal amount of interest on the money your dad borrowed. It’s okay if you want to think of this as the universe’s way of settling a wrong.”

  How did I ever think poorly of this man? My heart overflows with gratitude. I move closer to him and place my hand on his strong chest, my eyes filling with tears. “How can I thank you?” I swallow the fist-sized boulder in my throat. “This is the kindest thing anyone’s ever done for my family.”

  Those green eyes rove over my face as he lifts my chin up. “There is one thing you could do.”

  “Name it.” Chase could ask me to walk home naked in the rain, and right now I’d do it.

  “Think you could make me some of those pumpkin muffins you always sell at the farmer’s market?” He grins. “They’re always sold out by the time I get there.”

  I choke and blink back my tears. “You want my muffins?”

  “More than you know. I am dying to taste your muffins.” We’re both chuckling as he tugs my hair back and kisses me. Softly at first until he tugs me closer, and then I’m in the air and wrapping my legs around his waist. “But just so we’re clear,” he says between kisses, “I didn’t make this deal with Duke in order to taste your muffins.”

  I nip his bottom lip. “How about we not talk about our parents when you have your tongue down my throat.”

  “Deal.”

  We move through the house, but I’m too busy kissing his neck and clinging to him like a needy koala bear to pay attention. A minute later, we’re tumbling onto his king-sized bed and ripping each other’s clothes off. His jeans. My skirt. His T-shirt. My tank. Until all I have on is a sheer bra and boy shorts and his taut body strains against his gray boxer briefs.

  “Why Chase Carter, you look even better than my fantasies.”

  And he does. When I saw those abs in the barn, I knew I was a goner, but up close and personal?

  Divine.

  Not sure what’s making me so bold. I feel buzzed like I’ve been drinking. But I’m buzzed on Chase.

  Is this how every girl feels with him when they come here? Like they’re special? Like they mean something to him? Thinking back to how he dated other women over the years smarts, and I can’t deny the jealousy that shoots through me.

  I shake my head, refusing to let anything stop me from enjoying tonight. I have no idea if this will go anywhere, if what’s between us is more than just some intense attraction or blowing off steam, but I won’t allow the past or thoughts of what happens tomorrow morning ruin my night.

  He slides over me, all muscle and solid man, until we’re pressed chest to chest, and holy crap, he feels amazing. Between gentle sucks and licks to my neck, he whispers, “You have no idea how many times I’ve thought about you, Willow, but I can say that being here with you is definitely better than the fantasy.”

  If his goal is to melt me into a puddle, mission accomplished.

  I’m slammed with the realization that although I’ve known Chase for years, I don’t really know him. Not like this.

  His thick thighs slide between mine, and I moan and writhe against him.

  I let my hands wander over his smooth back. Over those wide shoulders. Into his unruly hair.

  When our mouths connect, that frenzied feeling intensifies, his slick tongue dueling against mine while he rocks into me, his steely length the perfect counterpoint to the beat hammering between my legs.

  “I can feel how wet you are through our underwear.” His gruff voice makes me shiver.

  “That’s because I’m about to combust.” I pant. “Why did we wait so long to do this?” I help him unhook my bra, loving how he groans when he grazes my nipple with his teeth.

  “No idea, but we’re going to fuck each other silly to make up for lost time. Pencil me in from now to Christmas.”

  I gasp, then moan as his hand reaches into my panties and glides against my wet skin, my eyes nearly rolling back in my head as he presses one, then two thick fingers into me.

  “Oh God.” I arch my back, my whole body buzzing and tight and so close. “I’m gonna come.”

  “That’s right, baby. Fuck my hand.” He thrusts hard while gently circling my clit, and I fly apart, my whole body pulsing.

  When he slides out of me a minute later, I’m immediately at a loss and reach for him as he rolls over. I don’t want to break this connection.

  His big arms wrap around me
, and I try to quell my gasping breaths when I collapse on top of him.

  “That was …” Amazing? Life-altering? With just his hand. I don’t have words.

  “Hot as hell.” He chuckles, and I grin against his neck that’s slick with sweat and rain and smells so damn good, I have half a mind to bite him.

  But there’s something I want to do more.

  Chase

  My breath catches in my throat when Willow sits astride me and smiles. She’s so fucking beautiful. Her black hair is tangled around her and those blue eyes twinkle back.

  She’s smart. Witty. Honest. My ideal woman, honestly. Most of my friends had boners for her growing up.

  For me it’s more, though.

  I stare at her, feeling like a teenager with his first crush and not caring that I probably have my feelings stamped on my forehead. Yeah, I like this girl. Always have.

  So when she leans down to kiss me and rolls her hips against mine, there’s one thing I need to know before we do anything else.

  “Lo, can I ask you something?” I plant my hands on her thighs to still her motion.

  She nods slowly, clearly caught off guard that I’m throwing on the breaks.

  “What was your beef with me in high school? Was it just that my dad was an asshole, so you assumed I was too?”

  Sure, I was a cocky little shit, but isn’t every hormonal guy at that age? I just want to make sure there wasn’t anything else. That I didn’t say or do something that really hurt her.

  I’m half aware that dredging up old memories doesn’t bode well for reaching that final act tonight, but I’m more interested in making sure we have a shot at more than a one-time hookup.

  She pulls the sheet to her chest and looks away, so I tilt her chin toward me.

  “It’s okay, Lo. Whatever it is, just tell me. I wanna know.”

  A long, quiet moment stretches between us, and finally she sighs.

  “Your friends were pretty vile to me in school. Called me trash and all kinds of … other things. When the whole town knows your family’s dirty laundry, I guess that’s par for the course, but it came at a really bad time for me, and I thought you must’ve felt that way too since those guys always followed you around.”