by Kaylee Ryan
“Sit wherever. Should be plenty of room,” Molly says.
I survey the area. Jake is sitting in an oversized chair; Molly joins him. Katherine and Todd are cuddled up on the love seat, so that leaves the couch for me, Rhett, and Gary. Gary is already sitting on one end, so I head for the middle. I figure that will be the most comfortable for everyone, and you know sitting between two sex gods for the night isn’t exactly a hardship. Maybe Rhett will be on his best behavior and not talk?
“Do you need any help getting the food out, Molly?” I ask before sitting down. Partially because that’s who I am, it’s what I do, and partially to delay taking my spot between Gary and Rhett, who is now sitting on the other end of the couch. The middle spot is nice and empty just for me.
“Nope, we’re good.”
Damn. Turning, I take the final steps and claim the center cushion.
“So, Saylor,” Gary looks over at me and grins. “Are you new to town? I don’t remember seeing you here or at the Corner Pocket.”
“Not exactly. I’ve been here a few months; the Corner Pocket is more recent though.”
“Nice.” He looks down at my chest.
I fight the urge to roll my eyes. I try to turn my focus to the television and the preliminary fights, but I’m feeling a little out of sorts. I’m mentally going through my head, making a list of what I need to do tomorrow when I remember I forgot Rhett’s clothes. Again. “Hey.” I turn to look at him. “I have your clothes; I keep missing you when you’re at the Corner Pocket. I meant to bring them tonight and I forgot.”
He reaches out and tucks an errant piece of hair behind my ear. “No worries, Short Stack. I’ll get them sometime.”
“Figures,” Gary mumbles.
“What?” I turn to ask him.
“Baxter got to you first,” he says grumpily.
“I’m not following,” I tell him.
“I’m starving. Let’s eat before the main event starts,” Jake says, standing. Everyone follows suit but me.
I hang back and let them go first. Rhett stands and offers me his hand. “You go ahead, I’ll let the crowd die down.”
Instead of walking away, he kneels in front of me. “If your ex keeps bothering you, let me know.” He taps the end of my nose. “Now, come and get something to eat. Whatever you had in that Crock-Pot smelled fucking incredible.” He grabs my hand and pulls me from the couch. He doesn’t let go as he guides me into the kitchen with the others.
Molly notices and raises her eyebrows in question. I give her a subtle shake of my head. She mouths the word later and finishes making her plate.
I’m standing just inside the doorway, waiting my turn. Rhett is standing beside me. I can feel the heat radiating from him. He still has my hand in his. I try to pull away, and he holds tight.
He leans down and whispers softly, “I thought you liked my hands on you?”
I bite my tongue to keep from telling him off, but also from the contact. I’m torn; my body is telling me his touch is a good thing, a very good thing. My mind is telling me he’s just another conceited asshole.
“So, Baxter,” Todd says. “How long are you in town?”
Rhett turns his head to answer him, and I take that as my chance to wiggle out of his hold. I step forward, and he releases me. Grabbing a plate from the counter, I start adding a little bit of everything. I avoid eye contact and pretend to be enthralled by my finger food choices.
That was my mistake. I’m in the middle of placing two cocktail wieners on my plate when I feel him.
“What you got there?” he asks, standing way too close, looking over my shoulder.
“Cocktail wieners,” I say.
He steps closer. “I like it when you talk dirty. Say it again, Short Stack.”
“I-I didn’t say anything.” My voice sounds breathy even to me. What this guy does to me.
“You said cock,” he says, pressing his into my back.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Thankfully, he’s behind me. I don’t need him to know how he affects me.
“I would give it to you, you know?” He leans in and places his lips next to my ear. “Do you want it, Saylor? Do you want my cock?” he asks cockily. No pun intended.
“Hey, Say,” Molly says. “Uh, sorry, I was just checking on you,” she says.
I duck under Rhett’s arm, something I should have done the minute he walked up behind me. “I’m good. I’m right behind you,” I say, walking toward her with my plate in one hand and a beer in the other. When I get in the living room, I heave a sigh of relief. Todd and Katherine are now on the couch. I make a mad dash to sit on the end. Leaving the open love seat spot for Rhett to sit beside Gary. The stars must be aligning in my favor tonight.
I face the counter, not looking at Molly. Jake would kick my ass knowing my cock was saluting his girlfriend—well, not Molly, but in her direction. Saylor, though, she’s got me hard as steel. She’s so damn easy to rile up. Molly interrupted what I’m sure would have been a sassy comeback. It’s probably a good thing she did. I shift my stance, and reaching down, I adjust my cock. Trying not to think about the throbbing in my pants, I fill my plate. Grabbing a beer from the fridge, I take a long pull.
“Baxter!” Jake yells. “Get your ass in here. It’s about to start.”
Thankful I wore a longer T-shirt tonight, I grab my plate and beer and head toward the living room. I’m expecting to be sitting beside her, so when I see that the only spot that remains is beside Gary, I grin. She could have sat next to him, but she chose not to. I’m not going to dwell on why that makes me happy.
Taking a seat on the love seat, I grab the pillow and place it on my lap. I set my plate on top of it as if I’m using it as a table. Thankfully, no one calls me out on it. Taking another pull of my beer, I let my eyes find her over the bottle. She’s focused on the television, not paying me any attention. At least that’s what she wants me and everyone else to think. I can tell by the pink of her cheeks that she’s not focused on the fight on the screen. She’s thinking about me. About my cock. Shit, as if on cue, I feel myself start to get worked up again. I’m going to have to carry this fucking pillow around all night.
When Jake starts yelling at the television, I turn my focus and keep it there. Me and the guys yell at the fighters and the announcers like they can hear us. We know they can’t, but it makes us feel better. Katherine and Molly get in on the action in between talking about which fighters are the hottest. Jake and Todd grumble, which causes Gary and me to laugh our asses off. All the while, Saylor sits quietly. She chimes in on her picks when the girls ask her, but for the most part, she just sits back and takes it all in. She’s laughing at our antics, and I like that. Her smile lights up her face, and her blue eyes sparkle, but there still seems to be something lurking just beneath the surface.
“Anyone need another?” Gary asks, holding up his empty beer bottle. After a chorus of yeses, he looks over at Saylor. “You mind helping me? I don’t think I can carry all of these,” he says with a laugh.
“Sure.” She gives him a polite smile and follows him into the kitchen.
The fact that he’s alone with her doesn’t sit well with me. “I need more of those meatballs,” I say, standing with my plate and heading toward the kitchen. Truthfully, they were great. I’m stuffed, but I’m willing to eat a few more just to see what they’re up to.
“We should go out sometime,” I hear Gary say as I walk in.
Not on my watch. “Hey, babe, I need more of those.” I point to the Crock-Pot behind Saylor. “They’re addicting,” I tell her. She looks up at me with an odd expression on her face. I’m sure it’s from the term of endearment. That’s not us; that’s not what we do. It just slipped out before I could stop it.
“Baxter,” Gary says with grit in his voice.
“Have you tried these?” I ask, ignoring the daggers he’s shooting at me. I get another big spoonful and add them to my plate. Instead of heading back into the living room, I lean ag
ainst the counter, cross my legs, and start eating.
“Here,” Saylor says, laughing. “You’re eating like an animal.” She holds up a napkin.
“What?” I say with my mouth full.
“That.” She points at me. “Chew with your mouth closed.” She holds the napkin up again.
I take it, letting my fingers brush hers. “Can’t help it,” I say, after swallowing.
“Were you raised with wolves?” she asks.
Gary snorts a laugh at the same time a round of “Ohhh’s” comes from the living room. His desire to see what’s happening is too strong, and he walks to the doorway to try to get a better look.
“You’re right,” I tell Saylor.
“About what? You being raised with wolves? I know better. Your grandpa is too nice for that.”
“That I’m an animal. I could show you sometime. Help you work out some of that aggression.”
“I don’t sleep with animals. I’m allergic,” she fires back.
“Hmmm,” I muse. “I’m sure a dose of petercillin will do the trick.”
She has just taken a drink, which was bad timing on my part because she laughs so hard she spits beer all over me. “I… I… I can’t.” She laughs. “Where do you come up with this shit?”
I fight hard to bite back my own laughter, keeping my face void of any emotion. “I’m telling you it cures what ails you. I think you should try it.”
“Try what?” Gary asks, stepping back into the room.
“Short Stack makes a mean apple pie. I was just telling her that peach is better. I’m trying to get her to let me try hers,” I say, not missing a beat.
Saylor just rolls those beautiful blue eyes, a smile tilting her lips. “We’re missing the fight,” she says, walking toward the living room.
“Really,” I say, following her with my plate of meatballs. “I want to try your peach,” I say, reclaiming my spot on the love seat while she takes hers on the couch.
“Fine, I’ll make you a peach pie. Can we watch the fight?” she asks, exasperated.
I fight a grin. She thinks I meant pie, and I kind of did, but in the back of my mind she’s the peach. Soft, pink, and I’m sure just as fucking sweet. I reach for the pillow and toss it over my lap. “You promise?” I ask her.
“Yes, Whiskey, I promise. Now hush.” She points to the television and turns her attention to the fight.
Pushing thoughts of her out of my mind, I concentrate on the fight. By the time it’s all over, the four of us guys are standing and yelling at the television. My guy, the underdog, won. “Hell yes.” I pump my fist in the air.
“Damn,” Gary mutters.
“What did you win?” Saylor asks me.
By the way I’m acting, you would think that I hit the fucking lottery. “Bragging rights.” I grin. “No better winnings than bragging rights when it comes to this group.”
“How old are you?” she asks.
I want to tell her that I can take her up to her apartment and show her that I’m old enough, that I’m all man, but I can’t. Luckily, Saylor turns her attention to Molly.
“Do you need any help cleaning up?” she asks.
“No, I got it. We all used paper plates, so it won’t take long. You headed home?”
“Yeah, thanks for having me.”
“You need a ride?” Gary asks, sliding his arms into his coat.
“No thanks.” She doesn’t tell him that she just lives next door.
Smart girl.
Saylor disappears into the kitchen with Molly. “Good to see you.” I shake Todd and Gary’s hands. Leaning in, I kiss Katherine on the cheek. “You get tired of this guy… ” I wink.
“That’s enough. We’re out.” Todd places his arm over Katherine’s shoulder and pushes Gary on the shoulder toward the front door. “Another fight in a couple of weeks, right after Christmas, we watching?” Todd asks.
“Let me check with Mol and I’ll get back with you,” Jakes tells him.
I stand back while he walks them to the door. I make myself useful and pick up a few random plates and beer bottles and carry them to the kitchen.
“What’s going on?” I hear Molly ask.
“What do you mean?” Saylor asks her.
“Rhett,” she says my name like that single word should tell all.
I thought I did a good job of hiding my reaction to her, but maybe not. I can’t let Saylor take the heat. “Ladies,” I say, announcing myself. “What can I help with?” I ask, tossing the plates and bottles into the trash.
“Thanks.” Molly motions toward the trash can and the deposit I just made. “We’re good.”
“I’m just going to leave this. I won’t eat these,” Saylor says, pointing to the Crock-Pot.
Molly laughs. “Jake’s got you covered there.”
“I guess I’ll get going.” Saylor leans in and gives Molly a hug. “Thank you again for having me.”
“You’re always welcome here, Say.”
“Especially when you bring meatballs,” Jake chimes in, resting his elbows on the counter.
“I’m going to head out too. Saylor, I’ll walk you out.”
“I’m fine. I have, what, thirty feet?” she asks, heading to the front door, I assume to get her coat.
“I’ll walk you,” I say again. “Thanks, guys, this was a good time.”
“Good to have you back. How long you staying?”
“Not sure yet. Gramps is doing better, but he’s not ready to go back yet. I’ll be here at least until after the first. I want to be here to see through the end of the year with the distillery.”
“Yay, you’ll be here for Christmas,” Molly says.
I smile at her. “Yeah, I’ll be here.”
“Bye, thank you,” Saylor calls out.
“Gotta go.” I wave and rush to the front door. Sure enough, she’s already outside. Grabbing my coat, I put it on as I jog after her. “I said I would walk you,” I tell her. My long stride catches up to her quickly.
“I told you that you didn’t need to. I live right outside their front door.”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s late and dark out, and you live alone, so yeah, I’m making sure you get in okay.”
“Are you going to check under my bed for monsters too?” she asks, full of sarcasm.
“Short Stack, are you trying to get me in your bed? You know I’ll come willingly, so will you for that matter.”
“You’re impossible.”
We reach the steps that lead up to her apartment. “Thank you, goodnight,” she says, looking up at me.
“I’ll walk you up.”
“Rhett,” she sighs. “This isn’t necessary.”
“Humor me.”
Her reply is to stomp up the steps. It’s dark, but the moon is bright, so I’m able to watch that tight ass of hers all the way up. It’s a show worthy of an Emmy. “Door’s locked,” she says, making a point to show me she can’t get in without her key. “You can go.”
“I’ll wait until you’re inside.” I stand there, my hands buried in my pockets to keep from reaching for her. Somehow, in between all our banter, she’s dug herself just beneath the surface of my skin. I can’t help but notice how beautiful she looks in the moonlight.
Once she has the door open, she steps inside and turns to face me. “Thank you, Rhett, goodnight,” she says softly.
“Anything for you, Short Stack. I’ll see you soon.” I didn’t expect the softness, for her to be nice. I was expecting snarky, sarcastic Saylor. This sweet version has me leaning in and kissing her cheek. “Goodnight,” I whisper before pulling away.
She looks up at me, and although I can’t see the ocean blue of her eyes, I can see the sparkle in them from the moonlight. Her lips tilt in a barely there smile before she turns to go inside. I stand there until I hear the lock click in place.
I’m halfway down the steps when I hear the door open. “Rhett,” she calls out for me.
I stop immediately, turn, and jog back up the st
eps, my dick hard as steel, hoping she’ll ask us to stay. But my heart is worried that something might be wrong once she goes inside alone. “Here,” she hands me a small plastic bowl with a Christmas theme. “These are for you and your grandfather. Please tell him I said hello.”
“What’s this?”
“I made cookies earlier. I have way too many. It’s a thank-you for making sure I made it in and for him, well, maybe it will cheer him up.”
This right here is what makes her different, what makes her stand out from all of the rest. She’s not out to get next to me because of my family name or the businesses. She doesn’t see me as a meal ticket. Saylor is good and pure down to her soul. Suddenly, I want to know everything about her. I remember Jake telling me she’s had it rough. What did her ex do other than cheat on her? It’s in this moment, standing outside her door in the moonlight, holding a bowl of her homemade cookies, that I vow to find out.
“Thank you, Say. Goodnight.” And because I can’t help myself, I lean in and press my lips to her forehead. She grants me another kind smile when I pull back before she disappears inside and engages the lock. This time, I stand there a little longer, holding that plastic bowl like it’s an extension of her. When the lights go out, I make my way down the stairs. She’s getting ready for bed, I can’t stand outside her door and imagine her getting naked. Nope, it’s time to head home.
The house is quiet when I get home. I don’t bother taking off my jacket as I make my way up to Gramps room with the bowl of cookies in hand. His door is cracked, and I can see the glow of the television. Quietly, I push open the door. “You’re awake,” I keep my voice low.
“Good thing or you would have woken me up.”
He’s still pissed, but at least he’s talking to me now. “Saylor sent cookies. I wanted to see if you wanted one.”
“Saylor you say?”
“Yeah, she was at Jake and Molly’s tonight for the fight. I walked her home, and this was her thank-you to me and a get well to you.”