Our bodies were covered in a sheen of sweat. Chests heaving up and down as much-needed air was dragged into our lungs. Wrapping me arms around his neck, our eyes met. No words needed to be spoken. It was just the two of us in this organic, raw moment of vulnerability.
He was mine.
I was his.
Forever.
We stayed at the hotel Friday and Saturday night, and returned to my folks’ lake house on Sunday morning, at my mother’s request. She felt terrible for pushing us to a hotel, even though I told her it was fine. We would all spend Sunday at the house and then home Monday morning.
“Trevor give you a call at all this weekend?” Tripp asked, casting his line out.
“Only a couple of times to say everything was okay.”
My father leaned back and let out a contented sigh. Glancing over, I asked, “Dad, why are you wearing that vest?”
He glanced down to his new life jacket that the guy at the sports store had talked him into buying.
“It’s a flotation device, son, that was made for fishermen. See how thin it is. Just in case something happens, and I’m thrown from the boat, it will inflate, roll me over and make sure my face is out of the water.”
“You plan on falling out of the boat anytime soon?” Steed asked as the rest of us chuckled.
“You’re dad’s right. Safety should always come first.”
We all turned to look at Jonathon, who also had the same damn vest on, looking like a fucking idiot doing the twinsie thing. “Says the kiss-ass who bought one too,” I replied.
Jonathon glared at us. “I’m not a kiss-ass. I happen to believe in safety and being prepared.”
Wade laughed. “So the fact that John bought one didn’t factor into your purchase at all, huh?”
My father turned to Jonathon, clearly amused at where this was going. I think he loved giving his son-in-laws hell even more than we did.
“No, it didn’t.”
“Come on, Jonathon,” my father said. “Let’s call a spade a spade. You’re kissing my ass.”
Jonathon’s mouth dropped open. “I’m not!”
“If the shoe fits, dude,” Steed added.
“Why would I need to kiss his ass? I’m already married to Waylynn, and we have a baby. That makes no sense.”
My father chuckled and shook his head. “Alright, boys. Let’s leave Handy Smurf alone. I’d rather focus on Gutsy Smurf here.”
All of us froze, especially me.
“How in the hell do you know about the Smurfs?” I asked, my face draining of blood. I was probably white as a ghost.
My father pointed to Tripp. “Your brother filled me in.”
Steed and Mitchell both laughed, as did Jonathon and Wade.
“I still never got my name. Did I?” Mitchell asked.
“Dude, you’re Tracker Smurf, the whole cop thing,” Wade replied.
“I think I should be Brainy,” Tripp said.
My eyes darted around the boat until they landed on Tripp, who was doing his best to hold back his smile.
“What’s mine?” Wade asked. “Did I ever officially get one?”
Snapping my head back to him, I was about to answer when my father did. My father, of all people!
“Wade, I think you’re Narrator Smurf. You sit back and take it all in and retell it better than the rest of us.”
I swear to God, Wade’s fucking chest puffed out. “Narrator Smurf, I like it.”
“No, I do the names!” I called out.
My father scoffed. “Not anymore. You’re tainted. You’ve become one of us. Honestly, I think you’re better suited as Jokey Smurf instead of Gutsy Smurf.”
All the men in the boat fucking pointed to me and let out a “Yes!”
I shook my head. “I do the names!” I shouted.
“Papa Smurf has spoken, dude, let it go,” Jonathon said with a shit-eating grin. Being the kiss-ass that he was, he had to agree with my dad. Well, fuck that.
Walking over to him, I pulled on the yellow cord and his flotation device inflated, causing him to stumble back and go right over the side of the boat and into the water.
Raucous laughter filled the boat as I looked at Jonathon struggling in the water. When he glanced up at me and shot me the finger, I gave him a smile and returned the gesture.
“Looks like it works, Dad.”
Two months had passed since that incredible weekend up at the lake house. The days were still hot, but the occasional cold front would gave us a few degrees’ reprieve. Maebh and I had tried to spend as much time together as we could, but it seemed like something always came up to keep me at the bar late or her at the restaurant. Her father had returned to Ireland two weeks ago, so either I would stay at Maebh’s place, or she stayed at mine. That was something I wasn’t about to miss out on, regardless of our schedules. I needed her in my arms when I fell asleep and I needed to be inside her first thing every morning. It was going to kill me when she headed back to Ireland for a few days.
“It’s packed in here tonight!” Trevor shouted over the live band.
Nodding, I took in the bar. “I’ll take it because it’ll be quiet before you know it.”
Tourist season was nearly over, and soon things would calm down, but Friday and Saturday nights were still busy.
“Warning at your nine,” Trevor stated.
Glancing to my left, I saw two women sitting at the bar eye fucking the hell out of me. Shit. I recognized one of them. I’d fucked her about a year ago. Walking over, I gave them both a polite smile.
“What can I do for you ladies?”
“Both of us, at the same time,” the red-haired girl shouted, causing the guy next to her to glance our way. I gave him a grin and looked back at them. Groaning inwardly, I reminded myself not to use that phrase ever again when asking women what they wanted to drink.
“What would you like to drink?”
The blonde whom I had been with pouted. “Cord, don’t you remember me? I’m back in town visiting my aunt, and this is my cousin, Roni. You looking for a fun time this evening?”
The fact that she was willing to have a threesome with her cousin made me want to gag. “Sorry, I’m off the market.”
Her eyes widened. “What does that mean?”
Roni leaned in and shouted, “I think he’s saying he has a girlfriend.”
The blonde—what in the hell was her name again?—glared at her cousin. “I know what he’s saying.”
I let out a sigh, “So, ladies, what can I get you to drink?”
The blonde leaned forward. “Your cum when I blow you again in the back room.”
And that was it. I tapped the bar, said goodbye, and walked away.
“Ross, you want to take the two down at the end?”
Ross had been with me since I opened. One of the best bartenders around. He gave me a knowing smile as he glanced over my shoulder and headed that way. Ever since I had started dating Maebh, Ross had come to my rescue a number of times. Hell, I hadn’t ever realized how many women in this damn town I had fucked in the back room of this place until they all started asking for repeats. It actually made me shiver anytime I thought about it.
My phone vibrated in my back pocket. Pulling it out, I smiled when I saw her name.
Maebh: Is it too late for pie? Can you break away?
Looking around, I saw that Trevor, Ross, and Tammy had the bar covered. Motioning to Trevor, I held up my hand and stuck up one finger.
He laughed and shouted, “Make it two unless you want her to think you can’t last long.”
It was only nine and for the bar to be this busy was a good thing, but it was still early, and that meant it would be a long night. Breaking away for an hour was something I needed, or I would be crawling into Maebh’s bed around three in the morning…and I really needed to see my girl.
Me: I’ll meet you over at Lilly’s in five.
Maebh: See you there!
I served a couple of a guys who walked up to th
e bar and then made my way to Tammy.
“I’m heading out for about an hour. If you need anything, call my cell.”
She nodded while mixing up a drink. “Where you going?”
I looked at her, my brows pinched together. Since when did she become my keeper? I’d noticed a change in Tammy ever since Maebh and I had started dating. I was beginning to wonder if the gossip Maebh had heard from my two waitresses called for a little sit-down meeting with the manager of my bar.
Fuck. That was the last thing I wanted to do. Tammy was damn good at her job, but if she did have a thing for me, that shit needed to be aired now. She needed to know there was no chance in hell I’d ever hurt Maebh.
Ever.
“I’m meeting Maebh over at Lilly’s, if you have to know.”
Her face flushed, and she got what I meant.
“Sorry, have a good time,” she said. “Everything is fine here.”
Pushing my hand through my hair, I tried to brush off my agitation toward Tammy. Jumping over the bar, I made my way through the crowd, saying hi to friends, asking folks if they were enjoying themselves, and trying to push away the unwanted advances of strange women. I made my way to my office to grab my things.
Shit. Since when did women feel like they could grab your junk without asking? By the time I got to my office I wanted to spray my body in disinfectant. I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. I’d changed the last few months and it was all due to my beautiful, dark-haired girlfriend.
Grabbing my keys and wallet from the safe, I locked my office door and went out the back. I’d have to walk down the back alley, but it was better than making my way through the sea of grabby hands.
Turning the corner, I headed up the street toward Lilly’s. My chest was doing that crazy flutter it always did before I saw Maebh. I figured it would settle at some point, but it only seemed to be getting stronger. So were my feelings for her. I didn’t think I could keep falling in love with her, but I was. Every touch, smile, laugh, roll of her eyes when I had to make her repeat something, made me fall even harder.
Right as I stepped up on the sidewalk, a familiar face was in front of me. My feet stopped instantly.
“Cord Parker! Oh, my God! I was just coming to the bar to say hi!”
Kylie Burks.
The only other woman I had ever had sex with more than three times, was standing in front of me. My eyes took her in. She had changed some, but she was still a beautiful woman. Not as beautiful as Maebh, but I certainly saw why I had no problems going back for more.
“Kylie, holy shit. What are you doing in Oak Springs?”
Last I’d heard, she’d married the guy she had started dating in college. Of course, I hadn’t known she’d had a boyfriend back then. She’d come home over the holidays and we would hook up. I was completely unaware that she was seeing someone the last two years of college. I’d hated that she had lied to me. If there was one thing I wasn’t, it was a cheater. I had pushed her away right then and there and denied her anything sexual, and she flipped out on me, only to come back the next day and say she was sorry. In her own words, sex with her boyfriend at school was dull and boring, and when she was around me she couldn’t resist.
“I’m here for Missy Miller’s wedding. She and Mike are finally taking the big step.”
I nodded and was surprised when she threw herself into my arms and whispered against my ear, “Fuck, it’s so good seeing you.”
Returning the awkward hug quickly, I stepped out of her embrace and gave us some distance.
“You too. I heard you got married.”
She nodded. “Yep. We live in Nashville. My husband’s a record producer. Works with some big names. I actually got to meet Garth Brooks.”
My hands slipped into my pockets as I nodded politely and said, “That’s pretty cool.”
“What about you? I heard a rumor someone finally caught your eye. Say it isn’t so. The single women of Oak Springs must be devastated.”
I let out a chuckle. “Not a rumor. I’ve been dating someone for a few months now.”
Her eyes widened. “Wow. And you’re only with her? I mean, committed just to her?”
My brow lifted. “That’s usually what dating means, Kylie.”
Her face flushed and she looked pained—as if the memory of that day I walked out of her bedroom hit her again. I had called her a cheater and a few other harsh words that I almost regretted.
“I’m happy for you, Cord. I’m glad you found someone who has made you want to settle down.”
Rocking on my heels, I smiled. “She’s amazing.”
Her smile grew bigger.
My eyes drifted past Kylie when I felt her. Maebh and Amelia were walking toward us. Maebh wore a concerned look, even though I could tell she was trying to hide it. I sure as shit wasn’t about to introduce her to my old fuck buddy, so I looked at Kylie, cleared my throat and said, “Listen, it was good seeing you. Tell Missy I said congratulations.”
She seemed a bit surprised that I was ending our conversation so abruptly, but I didn’t care. I had to get as far away from Kylie as I could before Maebh and Amelia caught up to us.
“Yeah, I will, and it was great seeing you too, Cord. Maybe next time I’m in town we can meet for dinner.”
Frowning at her, she added, “With my husband and your lucky lady.”
With a nod, I replied, “Yeah. Maybe.”
Walking around her, I headed straight to Maebh. Amelia and I stole a quick glance and the look she gave me said Maebh had already asked who Kylie was. Shit. I hope Amelia told her Kylie was an old high school friend.
“Well, do I get the pleasure of two beautiful women and pie this evening?”
Amelia punched the side of my arm. “Not tonight, big brother. I was helping Maebh with some things before she has to head out of town.”
My stomach felt like a hundred-pound weight settled in the bottom of it, and my smile faded.
“I hate that you’re going to be so far away,” I grumbled. I was positive I also wore a fucking pout, especially from the way Amelia was trying to hide her laughter.
“I’m parked right here, so I’m taking off. Try not to let your lip get stuck out, bro.”
“Ha ha,” I replied, kissing my sister on the forehead. “Love you, Meli.”
Her eyes were soft as she said, “I love you too, Cord.”
“Bye, Maebh. Let me know if you need any help at the restaurant while you’re gone.”
Lifting her hand and waving it, Maebh replied, “I will! Thank you for helping me with inventory!”
We watched as Amelia got in her car and drove off. Facing Maebh, I pulled her to me and planted a kiss on those soft, pink lips. “You sure you want some pie? I can think of something else we can do instead.”
Her hand came to my chest where she curled her fingers into my shirt. “My place or yours?”
“How about Mitchell’s old place?”
She looked at me with questioning eyes. “I have the key to Mitchell’s place. He hasn’t put it on the market yet to sell it. We can fornicate in there.”
Maebh giggled and nodded. “Okay!”
Damn, I loved this carefree side of her. If I had it my way, I’d fuck her in every single place we stepped foot in just so I had a memory of her beautiful face as she came.
“Will Mitchell be upset?” Maebh asked, waiting for me to unlock the door.
Glancing over my shoulder, I replied, “What Mitchell doesn’t know, doesn’t hurt him.”
I laid in bed and stared at the ceiling. Glancing over at the clock, I sighed at the time. Three-thirty. Closing me eyes, I thought back to earlier this evening when I saw Cord with Kylie Burks. I knew I shouldn’t have pressed Amelia for information, but I couldn’t stop meself. Now it was all I could think about.
Walking out of Aisling, I looked across the square and saw Cord. I smiled, but it faded when I saw a woman walk up to him. They spoke for a few seconds before she threw herself into his arms.
>
“Amelia, who’s that talking to Cord?” I asked as we crossed the street. There was a large, darling park in the middle of downtown Oak Springs, and it gave the area such a sweet country feel. It made me think of home.
“Oh…that’s Kylie Burks.”
I looked at her. “Who’s that?”
“Ah, just someone Cord knew in high school. They were close friends.”
“What does close friends mean?”
She shrugged, and I stopped walking. “Amelia, what does close friends mean? Did they date? Cord told me he’s never had a girlfriend before.”
With a long sigh, her eyes bounced back to Cord and this Kylie girl. “He really needs to be the one to tell you about their, um, arrangement.”
Me stomach dropped, and I felt a lump in me throat. “Arrangement? Amelia, please tell me.”
She looked everywhere but at me.
“Did he have sex with her?”
Amelia let out a snort. “That’s putting it mildly.”
I frowned, and she groaned. “They were fuck buddies all through high school and most of college. Never exclusive, by any means, but they couldn’t seem to not…you know…”
Me face felt hot. “Fuck?” I asked bluntly.
She looked at the ground and kicked at something that wasn’t there. “Yeah, but Maebh, that was long ago, and they were both young. I’m sure she’s just here visiting someone. She doesn’t live here anymore and hardly ever comes to visit.”
“Her family is still here?” I asked as we started walking again.
“Yes, her parents and a brother. She lives in Nashville now. Her husband is some big time producer.”
Relief washed over me. “She’s married?”
It seemed to wash over Amelia, as well. She lit up like this was the ladder to get her out of the hole she had dug. “Yes! They met in college. I think her junior year. That was when Cord…well, when he ended their ‘arrangement.’”
“He ended it? Why didn’t she, if she was dating someone?”
Amelia shrugged. “You’ll have to ask him.”
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