The Ocean Between Us (Benton Creek Series Book 1)

by Delisa Lynn

  Clive: You don’t remember what I like? Damn, I need a new best bud. LOL

  Me: Seriously, just text me what you all want. We’ll be there in about an hour.

  Clive: Y’all had your quickie, didn’t you? Fuckers.

  Me: We’ll be there soon, text me the order, or I’ll get you a fish sandwich and mayo.

  Clive: That’s just nasty, you know I hate that shit. Okay let me see what Gem wants and I’ll text you back.

  ***

  About two hours later, we’re pulling up in front of the house. We stopped and got sandwiches and at my parents’ house to check on Bristol. She loves spending time with her grandparents. I knew they would fall in love with her the minute they saw her. Who wouldn’t? She is a mixture of Hend and I both. She is full of questions too, which is a good thing. I love that she is so curious about everything. I can’t be mad that I missed out on some of her life, since it was as much my fault as it was her mother’s. I’m here now and I will not miss any more than I have. This wedding can’t get here fast enough, I am ready to give both of my girls my last name.

  “About time. I thought I was going to have to go get my own lunch after I moved all of your stuff.” Gemma strolls down off the porch and pokes me in the chest. “Just so you know, you’re moving all my shit into my house.”

  “Oh damn, I forgot your sandwich.”

  “Don’t you even play like that, Castings. I am tired and hungry. You don’t want to mess with a girl and her food.” She snatches the bag from my hand while Clive tries to conceal his laugh. “You better not be laughing at me. I’ll eat yours too and go fry you a fish sandwich.”

  “Not laughing at you, babe, laughing with you.” He kisses her cheek and she stiffens. He must sense it too because he steps away from her and reaches for the bag.

  “Thanks for lunch!” He smiles, digging in for his ham and Swiss sandwich.

  “Anytime. We really appreciate both of you. We couldn’t get anything done without you two.”

  It’s true. We really couldn’t; they’ve helped us so much. The wedding is in two days and I leave in nine. Inside I’m freaking out, just not letting Hendlee see it.

  “Dude, you know I will help however I can. I had a lot of vacation to use, so I decided to use it while you’re here. When does Sago arrive?” Clive asks, munching on his sandwich.

  “He’ll be here tomorrow, most likely. You’ll like him, he’s a character for sure.”

  “Awesome. I heard Arie will be here tonight. She’s been gone almost as long as you have,” he says around his sandwich.

  Shit, I really forgot that she was coming. When Hend mentioned having an extra bridesmaid I never thought she would choose her. Not that I don’t like her, she’s a good person, but we kind of fooled around when we were younger.

  “Yeah, I heard she was coming.”

  “You aren’t thinking about that football game, are you?” Clive raises his eyebrows.

  “Yep. I need to tell Hend.” I pick up a beer from the cooler and set off to find Hendlee and Gemma, who I locate in the kitchen.

  “Hey, handsome, was this the surprise?” Hendlee waves around at all the appliances I had installed this morning. “I love them.”

  “I was hoping you would.”

  “They’re perfect. I was thinking maybe we could paint the kitchen these two colors.” She holds up two paint swatches, one gray and the other a lighter gray.

  “I’m okay with whatever you want, baby.” I kiss her cheek. “Listen, I kinda need to speak with you in private.” I nod toward the back door.

  “Didn’t you two just screw like an hour ago?” Gemma rolls her eyes. “Hurry up, I’m not doing all the work while you two get your freak on.”

  We both laugh and walk out onto the deck. I look out at the land. It’s beautiful. I can’t wait to get some cattle and some horses. We’re going to get married over by the barn. I lean against the banister and Hendlee stands on the other side. She bites the inside of her jaw, and I can tell she is nervous.

  “What’s up?”

  “C’mere, sweets. Don’t stand so far away.” I reach for her hand. She takes mine and steps closer. “I, uh, wanted to talk with you about…um…Arie.”

  “I already know,” she says. “She told us the night it happened.”

  “Oh.” Well this was a lot easier than I thought. Hendlee doesn’t look pissed at all. “It was nothing and it was so long ago.”

  “I know. You don’t have to tell me. I asked her to be in the wedding because honestly, she’s my only other friend. I thought about asking my cousin Rea but wasn’t sure if she would be able to come on such short notice.”

  “It’s okay, as long as you’re cool with it, I am too. As I said, it was a long time ago, and we didn’t actually sleep together.”

  Her face scrunches and she cocks her head to the side. “You didn’t have sex with her?”

  “Nah, we just fooled around. She…” Awkward. “She, uh, gave me a blow job after the football game one night.”

  “Well then, looks like she lied to us. She told us that you two had sex.”

  “I think Clive can vouch for me. He was there and I told him what we did right after.”

  “No need. I believe you and I don’t need to be reassured. Arie has always been known to tell white lies, and looks like this was one of them. Besides, you both were, like, fifteen. It doesn’t matter. Now let’s get back inside before Gemma hangs us both.”

  “This was awkward.”

  “Que, I know that you have a past. I also know that you’ve slept with half of Benton Creek.” She laughs and opens the door.

  What the hell? Have I slept with that many girls? Nah, I really haven’t. I start thinking about all the girls I’ve been with. Maybe I…Nope this is pointless. I’m just going to pretend Hendlee didn’t just call me a man-whore to my face.

  Once inside, I lean against the counter and cross my arms over my chest. “Gemma, do you think I’m a man-whore?” I ask with a straight face.

  She pats me on the chest, “Yup. Well, you were a man-whore, before my friend over there sank her claws into you.” She laughs in my face. “Did you really think you weren’t? We also know that you slept with Arie.”

  “I didn’t sleep with her! Jesus, did she tell everyone that I did?” I run my hand over my face. Clive walks into the kitchen and I plead, “Tell them that I didn’t fuck Arie.”

  “He didn’t fuck her,” he says bluntly. “She sucked his dick.”

  “See? Now I wonder who else she’s lied to.”

  “It’s okay. I honestly didn’t think you did. She just kept saying you did,” Hendlee says, and Gemma nods in agreement.

  “All right, are we going to get the rest of the stuff from the truck, or sit here and try to remember who shagged who?” Gemma claps her hands together. “Once I get you in this house, I can move into mine.”

  She skips through the house humming.

  “Is she drunk?” I ask Hend.

  “No, she’s just excited and I’m happy to see her this way. Gem’s right, we need to get all of my stuff in here. We have her to move next. The wedding is in two days. And I can’t wait to see you in uniform.”

  “I can’t wait to see you in that dress that you won’t let me see.” I squeeze her hips. “I love you so much, Hendlee. I’m so thankful you came back into my life.”

  “I was always here, I was just waiting for you to come back to me.”

  “I’m so glad I did. I think I knew deep down that someday we would cross paths again. I dreamed of you so many nights, so many days I wished I could call you and tell you how much I missed you…missed us.”

  “Not a day went by that I didn’t think of you, Quaid. You’ve always been the only one for me, and although Jason was in my bed, he wasn’t in my heart. He wasn’t who I gave my all to.”

  “Thank you for allowing me back after all this time.”

  “No, thank you. Thank you for giving us an incredible daughter and thank you for giving
me the life I’ve been dreaming of.” She kisses me tenderly.

  How the hell did I get so lucky? In the last five years, I was able to see parts of the country that I’d only dreamt about seeing, and now I’m able to come back home and marry the only woman I’ve truly loved. My heart, my soul, my life.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Girls’ Night Out

  Hendlee

  Tonight us girls are heading out for a night on the town, while the guys are doing the same. Arie texted me last night and said she couldn’t make it. Luckily my cousin Rea was able to get a flight out and come stand in for Arie at the wedding. I think it was for the best considering Arie lied about her and Quaid. I will admit, I was relieved when he said he didn’t sleep with her. We finally got all of mine and Bristol’s things moved into the house, and we also got all the painting finished late last night. Quaid’s parents have been keeping Bris so we could get the house done. She’s going to love her bedroom. Quaid painted it just the way he thought she would like it. I can’t wait for her to see it.

  “I’m not sure if I want to hang out with the guys tonight. Why can’t you and me just stay in bed?” Quaid says into my ear.

  “We can’t stay together the night before the wedding. It’s bad luck. Now get up, so I can.” I playfully smack at his shoulder.

  “I’m going to shower, and so are you.” He picks me up and throws me over his shoulder, nipping at my thighs with his teeth.

  “Quaid, put me down!” I yell. “I have to pee!” He sets me down.

  “Where are you ladies planning on going tonight anyways?”

  He is leaning against the doorframe, his feet crossed at his ankles, and he is naked. I stare at him, thinking about how he makes me feel when he’s inside of me.

  “Are you looking at my dick?” He chuckles.

  “Um…no, I was…yes. Yes I was.”

  “Can you go for round two?” He raises his brows. “I know I can.”

  “No, I have to get ready. Go, I can’t shower if you’re in here.”

  “Why do you always say that?” He walks closer to me, reaches around me, and turns the shower on. “Let me shower with you, please?” He pokes his bottom lip out.

  “Fine, you crybaby, but no shower sex.”

  “Suit yourself. I just wanna shower with you.” He steps in.

  He embraces me, and I lift my legs around his waist. His lips crash into mine and he pushes us against the tile. He kisses from my lips, down my neck, to my collarbone.

  “Mmm,” I moan.

  “Oh you like that do you?”

  I feel his cock slide through my wetness.

  “Told you I wanted shower sex.” He smirks and slams into me.

  “Oh, God! Yes!”

  He pushes my arms over my head as he thrusts into me. My head rolls around the cold tile. He dips his head and takes a taut nipple in his mouth.

  “Feels so good,” I mumble.

  “Jesus, you’re soaked,” he says and I realize we haven’t even made it under the water yet. That’s what he does to me, he makes me come in ways I didn’t even know I could.

  ***

  “Y’all have way too much sex,” Gemma states as we enter the bar.

  “I guess we’re making up for lost time.”

  She came over today and walked in on us while we were having sex in the kitchen. This was after the shower sex, and I was already dressed. He tackled me at the breakfast bar.

  “I’m teasing you. I’m really happy for you. You deserve this more than you realize. That man has wanted to marry you as long as I can remember.”

  “Yeah, I just wish that things would’ve been a little different. Ya know?”

  We take a seat close to the pool table.

  “I know exactly what you mean. Does Rea know where this bar is?” She flags down a waitress.

  “I texted her the address. She said she’s been here before.”

  Rea is my cousin from my mom’s side. I’ve never really talked to anyone from that side other than her and my Aunt Bea. I’ve tried keeping in contact with Rea since she is the only blood family I have left.

  “Oh good. So Sago…” She stops and smiles. “Is he hot?”

  “I knew you were going to ask me that. He is cute, that’s all I’m saying.”

  “I guess I’ll see for myself, tomorrow. Speaking of, did you get yours and Bristol’s dresses in order?”

  “Yes, I’m picking them up from the seamstress in the morning. I’m not going to lie, I’m so nervous.” I feel better just saying it aloud. The waitress sets our drinks down, and I down mine and feel the heat from the vodka. “Damn that was good.”

  “Don’t be nervous. I’ll be next to you the entire time. We’ll order another round. Did you catch what bar the guys were going to?”

  “Some strip club in Earlville, I think.”

  Her head snaps up and she frowns. “What? Clive didn’t tell me it was a strip club.”

  “Quaid says Sago found it online and suggested they go there. I don’t mind, I trust him.”

  “I know you do. Okay, enough about the groom to be. Let’s get our drink on. When Rea gets here, we’ll move on to the next stop.” Gemma orders us more drinks.

  “So where is it we’re going?” I have asked all week and she keeps ignoring me.

  “You’ll see. Let’s shoot some pool while we wait for Rea.”

  We stand and my legs feel a little wobbly already. Just with those two drinks. I’m a lightweight.

  “Rea! Over here!” I yell when I see her looking around the bar. “You look so good!”

  She looks so different than the last time I saw her.

  “Thanks, so do you. Look at your hair, you got it cut.” She hugs me. “Oh, Gemma, love that dress!” She pulls us into a group hug.

  “Thanks, Rea, it’s so good to see you,” Gemma gushes. “Are you still seeing that lawyer?”

  “No, we broke up months ago. He was too clingy. He would call me while I was at work, in class, gave me no space whatsoever. I cut him loose.”

  “Good, you didn’t need a man like that,” I tell her. “Let’s get you a drink. Gemma has other plans for us, but she won’t tell me what they are.”

  “You’ll see soon enough.” Gemma hip checks me. “Now get this woman a drink, and we’ll head outta here.”

  “Tell me this, does it involve naked men?” I wag my eyebrows.

  “Ha! You’ll just have to wait and see!”

  “You’re ridiculous.” I toss a napkin in her direction. “But I love you.”

  “Okay, let’s go. I have a car waiting for us.” Gemma grabs mine and Rea’s hands and pulls us through the door.

  When we get to the car, she blindfolds me. “I don’t want you to see where we’re headed.”

  “Are you serious? I hate things over my eyes, and you know this,” I whine.

  “Don’t be a baby. It won’t be for long, I promise.”

  She helps me into the car and climbs in next to me. “You’re going to love this next stop. I can’t wait!”

  “So will we see any naked men, tonight?” Rea says in a singsong voice.

  “I hope not.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Gemma Shay Stone, if you hired strippers I will slit your throat.”

  “You wanna go to jail for murder on your wedding day?”

  “I don’t want to see any schlongs other than Quaid’s.”

  “Didn’t we agree you wouldn’t use that word anymore? It really doesn’t fit your vocabulary.”

  “Y’all are crazy. I just need to see some naked men ASAP,” Rea says.

  “I’m going to be pissed if we are seeing some.”

  Don’t get me wrong, I love some eye candy, however, the thought of a man other than Quaid dancing around my body half naked makes me feel nauseous.

  Gemma smacks my leg. “Looks like Rea and I will be having fun while you cry in the corner.”

  “You’re such a bitch. I’m filing for a divorce. I guess I’ll suck it up and go wherever
you take me.”

  “That’s my girl. Now sit back and sip on this.” She places a drink in my hand, and my lips struggle looking for the straw. I take a sip and gag.

  “What the hell is this?” I can feel my lips going numb.

  She giggles. “Just some whiskey and a few other things. ‘Gemma special’ is what we’ll it.”

  “I think I’ve had enough of it,” I say with a laugh, though I take another sip.

  “Just drink up, you’ll need it.”

  Jesus, where is she taking me? She’s starting to freak me out.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  This Night Just Got Better

  Quaid

  Sago and Clive have kidnapped me and are taking me somewhere, and they won’t tell me where. I’ve already had a few beers in me and I’m ready to have more. I see that we are pulling up to a log cabin, and I wonder if there will be strippers. Clive has kept a tight lip about the night, so between him and Sago, it’s hard to tell what’s going to go down. I look around and don’t see any other cars. We all get out and walk up to the porch.

  “Whose place is this?” I ask.

  Clive smiles and unlocks the door. “Welcome to mi casa.”

  “This is your place?”

  “I bought it a few months ago. I was keeping it on the down low. Have a seat. Would you like a beer?”

  “Sure,” I say.

  “I’ll get us some. The other guest will be here soon.” He disappears into the kitchen.

  A car pulls into the driveway and I see a tall redhead get out. He got us fucking strippers. Hendlee isn’t going to be happy about this. Hell, I would much rather be spending the evening with her. She’s all I need and want.

  “Looks like your guests are here, Clive.”

  He walks back into the room with some beers and a bowl of chips. “Perfect timing.” He claps his hands together and walks over to the door. “When they come in don’t say a word.”

  He wants us to sit here and be quiet? I take a pull from my beer and sit back, crossing my legs. Sago looks at me in surprise. I shake my head, because I am just as confused as he is. When the door opens I see the redhead more closely. She looks so familiar, I just can’t place her. Once she gets in the door my eyes land on the person behind her. Hendlee is blindfolded and has in earplugs. Her blonde hair is pulled up on top of her head and she’s wearing a navy blue dress that clings to her hips, and a pair of black high heels.