Aiden and I have seen Quintin only once since our first meal with him. Despite my opposition, I know that there needs to be another interaction with my neighbor. We offer for him to join us at the cafe and Quintin quickly takes us up on the offer once he receives our invite. We allowed him to pick lunch or dinner and we end up meeting in the afternoon, just after the lunch crowd dies down. Conversations are similar to when we were at his house, light without much prying. Before we part ways, Quintin comments about seeing us again, but doesn’t state as to how soon or when.
Since the trip to the reserve when Aiden got to met Trudy’s family, he’s been with me all the time. If I leave, he leaves. If I stay, he stays. One would think that we’d drive each other nuts after a while, but we seem to actually get along better than ever. If I need some down time, I just head into my bedroom and lock the door. We fuck like rabbits, usually at least two times a day. There are only about five days in the month where I won’t do anything sexual with him and he’s actually really sweet during that time. He doesn’t ask for help and insists that he’s cool with it, but offers to massage me each day. I've come to recognize the difference between when he touches me when it means he’s horny and wants to have sex verses when it’s sweet and sincere. During those days, Aiden takes care of his own needs, and I’ve even caught him masturbating. There did come a point where I let him stick a finger in my ass while we were having sex in his shower. Let’s just say, he was a happy camper — as was I. Our sexual exploration with each other has grown. We’ve come to watch porn together on occasion too, commenting on our preferences. Eventually, I allow him into the back door completely — something I’ve only done with a boyfriend from college.
Aiden and I fall into an easy routine. If we’re in public, we change up what we do from day to day for our activities, making it so we aren’t predictable to anyone. Our routine includes aspect of us being together from when we wake, to eating, and if I cook, he cleans and vise versa, all the way down to when we’re in public or just hanging out around the house. I’ve caught him anticipating my needs on occasion, knowing when I would need a mug for some tea or when to hand me a bottle of beer rather than a glass of something else.
He still tries to get me to cuddle or sleep with him in his bed after we’ve had sex. Aiden also pushes to get me to let him sleep in my bed, but I won’t have it. I don’t care if he means sleeping next to each other through the night or sex, it’s not happening in my bed and the same goes for my shower. There’s a line that I don’t want crossed. I need something that’s still all mine and not something that anyone can taint or claim.
A few weeks later, as the summer starts to come to a close, Quintin randomly appears at my front door with flowers, a bottle of wine and a case of imported beer. Thankfully, Aiden is with me, making it less awkward. Had I been home alone, the door would have stayed shut. Aiden insisted on us greeting him, which he does with anyone who comes to the door aside from our scheduled guests. Quintin’s gifts seem like another so-called peace offering, but Aiden and I know that there’s something more to his behaviors.
Since our last meal with Quintin, which makes a total of three, Quintin’s habits haven’t faltered. He continues to be gone the majority of the days, most likely at the country club. Aiden curses under his breath from time to time, stating that there’s got to be a way in, even a way to get Quintin to invite us. I refrain from commenting on the one way I know to get us in because I’m not interested in helping the Feds any more than I have to, let alone have more chances of seeing Quintin.
I manage to get away from the house early one morning before Aiden wakes, needing to get over to the reserve and touch base with Trudy's family. My phone buzzes several different times after getting back into range in the afternoon, letting me know that Aiden and Trudy have both called and texted multiple times. I text Trudy back, letting her know I’m good, but ignore Aiden’s messages. By late afternoon, I arrive home to a worried Aiden.
“Where were you, Pix?” Aiden presses.
“Out,” I state, pushing past him as he blocks the doorway into the house.
“Where?” he presses.
“That’s none of your business,” I reply.
“Hi, Laurie,” Esther greets when I enter the living room.
“Hi,” I say sweetly, hugging her. I move to greet Gerald, Trudy, Marcus, and Jacob while I continue to ignore Aiden.
“We thought you forgot about dinner,” Gerald teases.
“Never,” I reply, opening the fridge and removing the food I had already prepped yesterday for our meal.
Aiden continues to pry while I ignore him as Trudy and I get the oven heated. Gerald and the boys help each other with setting the table while Esther sits with the dogs on the couch. Everyone chats casually as if the tension between Aiden and I doesn’t exist, knowing not to stick their noses in the middle of it.
As we clean up from dinner, Trudy discretely slides an envelope in my direction. “Thought you might want to consider going this year,” she states quietly.
“Nope,” I say, taking the envelope that is marked with a single emblem and my name hand written. I quickly rip it apart several times before tossing it in the trash.
“It might be fun to go this year,” Trudy coaxes. “You’d at least have Aiden to go with you.”
“Not interested,” I confirm.
“Okay,” Trudy sighs.
I get out the smaller dishes for dessert as Trudy finishes putting the dirty ones in the dishwasher. Aiden pops in and out of the kitchen area, helping with the last few things that need to be put away.
“So?” Trudy asks when no one is in ear shot.
“So, what?”
“When’s the wedding?” she says with a giggle.
“Excuse me?” I scoff.
“Please,” Trudy comments. “You two are living together. Have been for months and you have yet to kill him.”
“So.”
“So, it seems like things are going well,” she pushes.
“They’re okay,” I return coolly.
“They’re better than okay,” Aiden comments, wrapping his arms around my waist. His lips press into my neck, deliberately seeking a reaction.
“Stop,” I direct.
“No need to be bashful with us,” Esther states. “We’re family.”
“I’m not bashful,” I challenge.
“What’s wrong, Pix?” Aiden searches.
“Nothing,” I sigh.
“Relax, baby,” Aiden encourages, massaging my shoulders.
I remain quiet, finishing the last few things that need to be done before we can have dessert and play games.
The night continues with all of us around the kitchen table, playing one game after another and stuffing our faces with more food. Laughter and smiles reverberate off the walls as the sun begins to set. Gerald gets a small fire going in the chimney since the evenings are getting colder here in the mountains. The one thing I miss of Florida are more months with warmer temperatures.
Everything seems peaceful until the sirens are heard in the distance.
“Looks like we should head out,” Gerald suggests.
“It’s not safe to go out once the alarms sound,” Marcus reminds.
Our town is known to have some rough winds and storms from time to time throughout the year. The only time the fire department sound the sirens is to warn everyone to stay indoors.
“We’re only a half mile away,” Gerald reminds.
“Don’t worry about it,” I inform.
“Do you want me to drive them home, baby?” Aiden questions sweetly.
“No,” I huff, getting up from his lap.
“You sure?” he checks.
“Yeah,” I say, knowing what tonight will bring.
“Want some help with the blowup beds?” Trudy checks.
“Sure,” I reply. “Gerald and Esther, you can have your usual room.”
“Sounds lovely dear,” Esther replies. “Thank you.”
&
nbsp; I smile and nod to her and Gerald.
“Trudy, you can have the other room and the boys and Paul can be out here in the living room and the workout room,” I mention.
“I’ll take the workout room,” Paul states, obviously wanting to stay near the gear.
I nod in agreement while purposefully avoiding looking at Aiden, knowing that the’s grinning about the sleeping arrangements. Trudy and I get a blow up bed situated just on the other side of the short wall that divides the living room and workout room for Paul, giving him some bit of privacy. Marcus and Jacob help us rearrange a few pieces in the living room for their blowup beds. They used to be able to sleep on the couch, but they’re too big to be comfortable on it now.
By eleven at night, Aiden and I bid goodnight to those who are still up and make our way to my bedroom with the dogs. Without even looking at him, I know that he’s grinning from ear to ear. Once the door is locked behind us, I pin him to the door.
“I like where you’re going with this, Pix,” Aiden teases.
“Let’s get one thing straight,” I direct. “You’re sleeping on the floor.”
“What? Why?” he whines.
I cock an eyebrow.
“Is there another blowup bed?”
“Nope,” I return with a grin.
“Not happening, Pix,” he denies.
“Unless you want to have a fight and sleep out on the couch, then, you better keep quiet,” I inform.
“But, it’s cold,” Aiden whines playfully, tugging at my arm after I turn away from him.
“I’ll give you a pillow and blanket,” I state.
“Baby, come on,” he coaxes.
“Don’t,” I command, heading into the bathroom.
“Please…” he challenges, wrapping his arms around me from behind.
I shake my head as I try to get my toothbrush.
“It’s just one night,” he presents.
“You already had that,” I remind.
“That time didn’t count,” he counters. “You needed to be monitored after the incident.”
“Not happening,” I share.
Aiden doesn’t push, but he does deliberately stay close to me in the bathroom. When I pretend to leave, he follows, and I’m quick to dart back inside, locking the door before he gets a chance to come back in. I need to pee and there’s no way I’m doing that in front of him. I have yet to do it and I don’t plan on it. He, on the other hand, has tried it once or twice with me right after having sex.
When I return to the bedroom, I find him wearing nothing but his underwear and lounging on my bed. “Off,” I command.
“We both could get off,” he offers.
“Nope,” I say, pointing to the floor.
“Pix,” he whines. “Baby.”
“I told you not to call me that,” I say, launching a pillow at his head.
“What crawled up your ass,” he teases.
“Not you,” I bite back a little too playfully.
“You like it,” he quips.
I move to the closet and grab him two blankets.
Aiden doesn’t comment further as he sets up himself on the floor.
The dogs join me in the bed, whimper just once as if to ask why Aiden isn’t joining us. They stop on command and the room is silent other than the sound of the rain slamming against the house. My gaze drifts out the skylight window, being soothed by the sights and sounds before me.
Forty Six - Aiden
I wake to a warm body overtop of me and the faint sound of two dogs breathing. Her lips greet my neck, causing my hands to instantly slide up her thighs and grab a hold of her ass to make sure I’m not dreaming. Keeping my eyes closed, I let her body move freely as I take in the scent of her arousal. My body feels stiff, and it takes me a moment to remember where I am.
“Mornin,’ Pix,” I greet after she kisses me several times.
Laurie moans into my mouth as her tongue dives deeper. She breaks momentarily, removing her top before smashing her lips back down against mine.
My fingers trail up her back, yanking her body closer, needing to feel every inch of her skin. Shifting, I roll until she’s under me and I quickly remove my shirt. My head darts to the right for a second when I realize that there’s barely any light in the room. Rain continues to spray against the window and the sun has yet to rise.
“What?” she whines when I stop kissing her.
A thought pops into my head. “You can have me on one condition,” I say.
“What?” she gasps, shocked by my words. “Shut up and fuck me.”
“No,” I argue.
“What?”
“I’ll fuck you…give you what you need…on one condition,” I state. My mouth returns to her body, desperate to get as much contact with her, knowing that she’s going to turn me down.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” she balks.
“Orgasms for time in the bed,” I explain.
“No,” she counters.
“Fine,” I laugh, pulling away from her.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she questions.
“You want me? Then, you need to let me finish the night in your bed,” I mention.
“No,” she objects.
“Then, no,” I bite back. “I’m not just some fucking sex toy.”
Laurie studies me for a few beats. “Do you have feelings for me?” she checks.
“No,” I deny. “I’m just tired of being used. I’m human. It’s not fun always catering to your needs. What about my needs?”
“What needs?” Laurie chuckles. “You’re a man. You just need food, sleep, and sex.”
“I’m not a piece of meat,” I challenge. “I’m not just here at your discretion.”
“Fine,” she snaps. “What do you want?”
“I want a warm bed,” I say.
“All the beds are taken,” she reminds.
“There’s plenty of room in that one,” I say, pointing to hers.
“No,” she counters.
“Fine,” I reply. I grab the pillow and a blanket and head toward the door, hoping she’ll stop me.
“Wait,” Laurie calls in a whisper.
My hand freezes on the door knob after cracking it open a few inches. I don’t move, waiting to see if she’s serious.
“Fine,” she huffs, gently pressing the door closed.
I take an extra second before turning around, not wanting her to see the smile on my face at winning. “You sure?” I inspect.
“Yes,” she says tentatively.
Dropping the pillow and blanket, I scoop her up into my arms, carrying her over to the bed.
“No sex,” she states. “Just sleeping.”
“What? Why?”
She glowers at me.
With a chuckle, I say, “Sure. If you think you can keep your hands off of me.”
“I can,” she replies with a snarky tone.
“Need I remind you that you’re the one who was waking me up for sex?” I goad.
“Shut up,” she commands.
I laugh.
We get comfortable under the covers where Laurie purposefully keeps at least a whole foot or two away from me. I know she’s tiny to begin with as well as the fact that the bed is a king, but seriously?
“Why are you all the way over there, Pix?” I ask.
“No sex, no touching,” she informs, placing a pillow between the two of us.
By morning, I wake to spooning Laurie. I savor every moment of it, knowing that she’s going to freak out when she finally wakes. She did manage to roll more toward my side of the bed, placing her just past the middle of it.
The rain didn’t stop until about eight in the morning. Instead of going for a run, Laurie, the dogs, and I checked out the yard to see what trees or branches may have fallen as well as clean up anything that might have moved from the winds. Everything is pretty much secure in the greenhouse and only two of her raised garden beds tipped over. Once everyone is awake, we have breakf
ast and then make our way over to the Lenards’ house to make sure they didn’t sustain any damage. Trudy calls after the boys and her leave, informing that their home didn’t sustain any damage either. Paul texts, assuring that there isn’t anything that needs to be cleaned up at our house.
After having lunch with the Lenards, Laurie and I make our way over to the cafe to double check on things. The staff confirms that there isn’t any apparent damage, but Laurie wants to see for herself. The town is pretty quiet other than the deputies and fire department making rounds and assisting with a few downed power lines. Good thing Laurie has solar panels and a backup generator, because half of the town’s power is out since who know’s when. Most homes have backup generators too, but many of them have yet to be self sufficient like Laure’s home or the cafe. Since many of the businesses are waiting for power lines to be fixed, the cafe is packed full of patrons.
We make it back to the house just before dinner. Trudy has sent some food back with us as our meal so we don’t have to cook. Just as we’re about to sit down to eat, the house system goes off. Laurie and I both move to check it and notice a black Lincoln town car idling in the driveway as a man dressed in a suit approaches the door. On the second ring, Laurie greets the man.
“Good evening, Ms. Breitsprecher,” the older gentleman says. “I hope that I’m not intruding on your evening.”
“No,” Laurie says calmly.
I question her reaction, wondering if she knows the man.
“We know that you haven’t attended our events the past few years and wondered if you'd received the invitations successfully,” he states.
“I’ve gotten them,” Laurie replies.
“Ah,” the man acknowledges. “Well, the Welles weren’t sure, so they wanted to have me hand deliver this one.” His hand reaches forward, offering her a small, white envelope.
Laurie takes it hesitantly. “Why?”
“Why what?” he searches.
“Why do they want me to attend?” she inquires.
“They don’t tell me, miss,” he replies. “I’m just the butler.”
Laurie nods but doesn’t comment.
“It’s a matter of how one presents themselves that influences an invitation,” he adds.
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