Zach (Torey Hope: The Later Years #3)

by A. D. Ellis

  She leaned in and kissed him.

  The three of them enjoyed the refreshing iced water in the shade of the patio.

  “So, before we head up the hill, let me tell you a bit about lasagna gardening.” Ann seemed to recognize she’d found a kindred spirit in her love of gardening with Zoey.

  “Lasagna gardening is an easy no-dig, no-till organic gardening method that results in rich, fertile soil. The name ‘lasagna gardening’ has nothing to do with what you grow in the garden. It refers to the method of building the garden, which essentially is adding layers of organic materials that will ‘cook down’ over time, and provide rich soil for your plants. This method is great for the environment, because you're using your yard and kitchen waste and essentially composting it in place to make a new garden.” Ann spoke knowledgeably and with enthusiasm.

  “I’m sold already! Can we see your garden now?” Zoey was practically bouncing on her chair.

  “Let’s go.” Ann placed the three empty glasses on a small cart and started up the hill toward her garden.

  Over two hours later, sweaty, dirty, and happy, the three of them returned to the patio.

  “Let me get everyone another glass of water.” Ann quickly disappeared into her home, returning a few moments later with freshly poured glasses of iced water.

  Zach had to admit, it was one of the most refreshing drinks he’d ever tasted.

  “Ann, I can’t thank you enough for showing me everything here today. Your patio and garden are amazing. I have enough pictures and notes to keep me busy for the next several months.”

  Zoey smiled excitedly and elbowed Zach in the stomach. “And this guy has the job of building me some raised garden beds so I can get started right away.”

  **********

  Once they were back at the hotel, the exhaustion from the day set in.

  “Let’s shower off the garden grime and take a nap.” Zach made the suggestion knowing Zoey was tired, and because he wanted them to be able to enjoy the last night of their weekend without being worn out. Plus, he had every intention of wearing her out in other ways.

  “Sounds like a great idea.” She walked to the shower and turned in on. Walking back to stand by the bed, she slowly stripped her sweaty clothes from her body.

  Turning on her heel and heading to the shower, she glanced over her shoulder with a grin, “I may need some help, if you know of anyone interested.”

  He swore she purposely swayed her bottom more than usual as she walked away from him. Groaning deep in his chest, he quickly removed his clothing and all but ran to the bathroom.

  Climbing in the shower behind her, he gathered her in his arms.

  “I think I may be able to be of assistance.” He gruffly whispered in her ear.

  Giggling, she turned in his arms, “Oh, good, I’m glad it’s you. I don’t let just anyone help me with my showers.”

  Kissing him, she laughed when he growled.

  “Damn straight no one else is helping with your showers.”

  Several steamy minutes later, right as the water began to run cold, they climbed from the shower and stumbled to bed. For two hours, they slept cocooned in their blissful, exhausted state.

  Chapter 10

  “Well, well, well, what are the chances of seeing you two here? Is it a family reunion? A kissing cousins convention?” The smarmy voice from behind him crawled up his neck and made him want to come out swinging.

  Turning around, gripping Zoey tighter to his side, he faced the jackass who had spoken.

  He didn’t automatically recognize him, but he felt Zoey stiffen in his arms.

  “Hi, Jason. What are you doing over here?” Zach noticed that she didn’t acknowledge the douche bag’s reference to them being cousins.

  “Oh, just came over to get a taste of something bigger and better than Torey Hope. You know I’m not really cut out for the small town life. As soon as I’m done with school, I’m out of there. In fact, I’m already taking extra classes at the local college so I can get my degree quicker.”

  He looked at Zach with a sneer. “I’m going to be a chiropractor, making tons of cash, and I’ll need a physical trainer on my team. Zoey and I have talked about partnering up and starting a practice.”

  “No, Jason, YOU talked about doing that. I told you I was quite happy with my work at The Center+. And after the weekend Zach and I have had, I’ve got even more plans for programs at work, so I definitely have no reason to leave The Center+ or Torey Hope.” She gripped Zach’s hand in hers.

  “Do the good folk of Torey Hope know the esteemed sales manager at The Center+ is seducing under aged girls? I wonder how the town would feel to know a name they trust is getting down and dirty with a young, impressionable girl, especially a cousin.” Jason’s lip curled as he made his threatening remarks.

  “Listen fuck head…” Zach started.

  “I got this, Zach.” Zoey kissed his cheek, and then turned her fire towards Jason.

  “Listen, Jason. I told you a long time ago that you and I could be friends, but that was it. You’ve known for several years that I love Zach and that we aren’t blood related. In regards to your slimy little threat, we are 100% within the law and statutes in the state of Illinois. The legal age of consent is 17 and that’s the age I happen to be. So, you need to take your ridiculous threats and move on. Enjoy your break from the small town life; too bad you’ll always be the small minded type.”

  She turned away quickly, grabbing Zach’s hand, and led him into the diner where they’d stopped for dinner.

  Zach couldn’t resist turning around and flipping Jason the bird before laughing and following his favorite girl into the restaurant.

  **********

  “Oh! The nerve of that asshole! I’m sorry if I went off a little too much. I just get so angry when a guy can’t take no for an answer. He’s been bugging me about going out with him since junior high. Once I finally got him to believe I didn’t want to date him, he started in on the ‘kissing cousins’ thing. I even went so far as to show him a family tree to prove we aren’t related. So, I guess now he’s going to focus on the age thing.” She threw the menu down, and growled.

  “Hey, pretty girl. First, you were great out there. Second, settle down, don’t let that prick get you so upset. Third, we know we’ve done nothing wrong. So even if he were to go tell the whole town, we’d know we are within the law and he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. Plus, we come from families who are the cornerstone of Torey Hope. Jason and his family are wannabes. I’m glad to hear he’s going to leave town soon.” He reached over and smoothed her hair behind her ear.

  “Ready for a big, greasy cheeseburger?”

  She laughed, obviously trying to let go of her anger.

  “Yes, with fries and a milkshake. I’m not going to let him ruin our last night here.” She looked at the menu briefly and smiled broadly when the waitress came to take their order.

  **********

  “So, I know this whole weekend has been a surprise for me, but I think I have a surprise for you too.” She blushed and glanced at him shyly.

  “Really? What’s your surprise?” Zach couldn’t imagine what she could have to surprise him with, but he was anxious to find out if it made her turn such a gorgeous shade of pink.

  “Um, wow, this is sort of embarrassing. Actually, maybe I shouldn’t tell you, I don’t want you to be mad at me.” She worried that pretty lip between her teeth.

  “Oh no you don’t. You can’t blush and bring up a surprise and then go back on it. I’d never be mad at you. What did you do?” Zach captured her around the waist and pressed her against the wall.

  “Well, I may have asked Kendrick…” She started.

  “Oh, hell. This should be good.” He laughed and kissed her neck.

  “I may have asked Kendrick for ideas of things we could do without going all the way.” She looked at him with worry.

  “And?” Zach could only imagine what his crazy cousin had suggested.
<
br />   “Well, I didn’t have time to look at the bag he gave me. I just stuffed it in my bag and brought it along. I thought maybe we could take a look at what he sent.”

  Zach threw his head back, laughing.

  When Zoey looked at him like he was crazy, he just shook his head.

  “Remember that text I got from Kendrick earlier and I said I thought he had texted the wrong person? Well, all it said was ‘You’re welcome.’ I didn’t get it at the time, but I do now.”

  They both laughed.

  After they each took quick, separate, showers, they piled onto the bed with the bag of goodies from Kendrick.

  Sitting cross-legged, observing the bag hesitantly, they laughed nervously.

  “Well, let’s see what Kendrick has packed for us. Honestly, I’m a little frightened.” Zach winked at her, and reached an arm slowly into the bag.

  Pulling out a piece of paper, Zach unfolded a note. It was written in two separate scripts, so he knew two people had written on it. He laid it on the bed so they could both see it.

  Scanning the paper, it was evident that Kendrick had written the first three-fourths of the letter, but Sawyer had added something at the very end.

  They each took a deep breath and began to read the portion from Kendrick.

  Well, well, well, my little cousin Zoey Belle has grown up so fast. One day she’s asking me to cook her hotdog over the campfire, the next day she’s asking me for things she can do with Zach’s hotdog. They grow up so fast.

  I asked Decker and Sawyer to help me with this project. Decker shook his head and declined. Sawyer pretty much refused, although he did throw in one item I think Zach may be extremely interested in.

  I’ve labeled each item with title and use. If the item isn’t in its original package, don’t worry, it’s been cleaned and sanitized. Kidding, kidding….mostly.

  At this point, Zoey and Zach nearly choked on their laughter.

  “Oh my God, did he pack USED items?!” Zoey was incredulous.

  “We’re talking about Kendrick, depravity and debauchery have his picture next to them in the dictionary.” Zach shook his head at the ridiculousness of his cousin.

  But, he knew Kendrick meant no harm. He probably knew they wouldn’t use any of the items. They turned back to the letter.

  So, I’ve included a variety of toys. Some meant for Zoey and some meant for Zach. Some are a little more tame, while some much more outlandish. Yes, I’ve used almost all of these at some point. You’ll have to guess which is my favorite. Let me know which you like best, or find most intriguing, and I’ll get it for you as an engagement gift.

  They continued laughing, but both were putting off opening the bag out of sheer fear and embarrassment.

  “Maybe we should just leave the bag closed?” Zoey suggested.

  “No way, now we have to follow this through. He probably thinks we won’t open the bag, or we’ll be intimidated. We’ve got to at least go through the bag, and maybe try out something tame so he doesn’t get one over on us.”

  They resumed reading the letter, finding a brief sentence from Sawyer.

  So, I don’t have a lot of experience with sex toys for girls, but I DO have some expertise in what guys like. So, I included a brand-new, unopened, unused item I think Zach will find extremely useful. Enjoy, Cuz!

  Zoey looked intrigued, Zach felt his stomach plummet as he wondered just what a homosexual man would consider a good sex toy for him and Zoey to use.

  “Okay, let’s get this show on the road.” Zach nodded to Zoey to indicate she should pick something from the bag.

  Adopting her best Vanna White, television announcer persona, Zoey pulled out a cardboard box. Reading the sticky note, she said aloud:

  This is a pocket rocket. It’s brand new. If you do nothing with the rest of what I’ve lovingly packaged here, please consider using this.

  Zoey bit her lip as she looked at the box. It was just plain cardboard. Zach could tell she was curious, so he nodded at her.

  Blushing, she opened the box and removed the device. Palming it in her hand, she looked it over.

  Watching her study the inconspicuous toy made Zach very aware of certain parts of his anatomy. How he would get through her inspecting more outrageous items, he had no clue. Kendrick was going to pay for this.

  “Well, I think we can keep this one on the ‘maybe’ list.” She smiled shyly, reached into the bag again.

  “He’s packed them sort of in an order, so I’m just going to go through what comes next.”

  Zoey pulled the next item out, and began to read.

  This is a butterfly. It’s awesome, but it may make Zach look bad if you use it before you use him. So maybe save it for later. You can have this one, it’s only been used once.

  Zoey squealed as she dropped the toy.

  “Eeww, I don’t care if he boiled it, there’s no way I’m using that.”

  Zach chuckled, “I’m pretty sure Kendrick knows we won’t be using most of this stuff. He’s just giving us both a hard time.”

  Nipple clamps, and a coil of cotton rope and blindfold came next. Zoey dumped the nipple clamps with the butterfly. She studied the rope and blindfold. Placing them gently to the side, but not with the ‘no way’ items, she blushed.

  “Maybe one day. Not now, but I’m not saying never.”

  Zach knew he was going to make a mess of his shorts before the night was over.

  A pair of edible panties and whipped cream came next. The panties joined the ‘one day’ pile. The whipped cream won a spot in the ‘maybe’ pile.

  She hesitantly inspected the next item and read the note.

  This is a butt plug. Likely way too advanced for you. But, the girl who wanted me to use this on her really liked it.

  The butt plug zinged through the air as Zoey hurled it against the wall.

  “Kendrick Robert Jordan! You better HOPE you didn’t really pack a used butt plug in that bag!” She yelled to no one in particular but laughed as she did it.

  Leaning across the bag to kiss her, Zach laughed too. “I want to say he’d never really do that, but I can’t say it with 100% certainty. We all know how Kendrick is.”

  Pulling the last item from the bag, they realized it was the addition from Sawyer. Zach’s mouth dropped open as Zoey read the sticky note penned in Sawyer’s script.

  This is a prostate stimulator. Zach, I’m assuming you’ve never had a prostate orgasm. Use the lube included in the box, let Zoey do the work. You just lie back and enjoy. You’re welcome.

  Expecting the toy to immediately go in the ‘no way’ pile, Zach’s eyebrows raised a good three inches when she bit her lip and confidently tossed the box into the pile with the vibrator and whipped cream.

  Holy shit.

  **********

  “So, pretty girl, you really want to use all those things?” His voice sounded hesitant.

  Biting her lip, Zoey nodded slowly. The little imp.

  “It’s only three items. And it seems like we can share in the fun. After all, I don’t want this to be only about me.”

  Thinking maybe he could distract her, Zach pushed the items from the bed and rolled her under him. Kissing her thoroughly, he felt the shivers in her body as his hands traveled up her torso.

  “Just making sure there’s no miscommunication here, Zo. We can play around, but no actual sex tonight.” He spoke gruffly, part of him wanting badly to throw his morals out the proverbial window, but he let his tongue trace her neck, making goosebumps appear along her skin.

  “We’re on the same page. But I very much want to use those toys if you’re game.”

  Grabbing the vibrator and whipped cream, he placed them on the bedside table.

  “In due time. Patience is a virtue and all that.” He smiled smugly at her.

  After a sensual stripping of her clothes, he removed most of his, leaving his boxer briefs on in hopes of containing his raging desire. And also in hopes of protecting his virtue from the toy Sawyer had
packed.

  “Mmmm, I’m thinking a Zoey sundae sounds pretty tasty right about now.” He laughed and licked his lips in a cartoonish way.

  When he’d applied the whipped cream to all of her most delicious parts, he began to systematically remove each dollop with his lips and tongue.

  When his tongue reached her very center, he reached for the vibrator and paused long enough to look askance up at her from his position.

  Nodding her head in assent, he tore the box open.

  Several moments later, Zoey whimpered as he moved up her body to lick the last of the sticky whipped cream from her mouth.

  “You’re beautiful when you let go like that, pretty girl. I can’t wait to see it happen when it’s me instead of that pink rubber toy.”

  She giggled, completely sated.

  “I’m going to pay Kendrick back by describing, in great detail, how much I love that vibrator. In fact, I’m going to really play it up regarding all the toys.”

  Zach threw his head back and laughed.

  “Yeah, that would serve him right. The more details, the better.”

  Zoey rolled over and ran her nails down his chest.

  “I think I’m still in the mood for something sweet. Where’s that whipped cream?”

  Losing the battle to keep his boxers on, he lifted up slightly so she could get to what she was seeking.

  After applying the whipped cream, Zoey sat back on her heels and admired her work.

  “It’s so pretty, I almost hate to eat it.” Her voice held a teasing tone.

  “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, Zo.” His voice was strained, but he didn’t want her to feel forced.

  “I didn’t say I didn’t want to.” She spoke softly as she lowered her mouth to the mound of whipped cream.

  Going slowly, she experimented with different things, and he was sure to let her know what felt best. When he was within moments of it all being over, she stopped and looked up at him seductively.

  “I really want to try that thing Sawyer sent.”

  Oh, hell.

  “I don’t know, Zoey, that’s not really something I’ve ever had a desire to try.” His voice was laced with equal parts hesitation and desire. He knew with little prodding she could talk him into just about anything at the moment.