Chapter 9

9

Beau

I have my clothes laid out for dinner tonight. Knowing Autumn will be there, I'll put a little extra effort into my appearance. I can't deny ever since I saw her eyes lower over my naked chest at her house the other day, I've been imagining what her hands would feel like running over my body. I've also released all my sexual frustration in the shower lately; a man has to be able to greet his family without a huge hard on. Not a good look.

She's all I can think about. But why now? Is it because she's recently become available after so long?

Georgia-Blue is always talking about the right time for things, and situations playing out when they're ready. Maybe there's some truth to her woo-woo after all.

Autumn was so freaking cute when I was over at her house. I know it took a lot for her to swallow her pride and let me help her, but I'm glad she did.

I know I'm not just imagining the chemistry we both felt. And I'm pretty sure she was checking me out when I had to take my muddy tank off.

If I'm not mistaken I'd say she liked what she saw. I may be a little leaner than my brothers, but I still work out and like to keep my body healthy. I liked her looking.

She's always had a rocking bod. It's not like I haven't noticed. My aching dick can testify to that.

Even thinking about her now as I strip for the shower; I'm rigid and ready to go.

I guess it couldn't hurt to bang one out in the shower. It's not like anyone can hear.

My wing of the house is almost a separate part of the main homestead. It's like a casita, but still attached to the main house.

I have my own large gaming area and main bedroom with a spacious ensuite. There's a small kitchenette where I have the basics, but I can use Mom and Dad's kitchen when I need to, plus Mom's cooking is way better. I also have a large living area with a sectional couch and a big mounted flat screen TV, and my art studio which doubles as a garage; I dabble in anime and illustration on the side.

It's nothing serious but I enjoy it, and lately I've got a new muse or two and it may have something to do with Autumn and her cat. Yeah, I can't exactly draw Autumn as a fearless warrior queen without her trusty cat-lion sidekick.

Of course, nobody knows anything about what I'm up to all hours of the night. I've been cheating on gaming with illustrating and it's all thanks to her.

I walk toward the shower, grabbing hold of myself and give my length a tug or two.

I mean, it's not like she's going to know I jerked off thinking about her…

I couldn't believe it when she made that joke about Only Fans. I haven't been able to stop thinking about what her one-woman-show-just-for-me would look like.

I love lingerie so I wouldn't be able to get enough of seeing her in some sexy, lacy number, sprawled out on my bed… What would she look like in nothing at all?

Oh Lord. Perfection, I'll bet.

I blame it on Fletch this time, he texted me yesterday to cancel our drinks night because he has the flu. So there's been no scoping the local bars or getting lucky for me.

I turn on the taps and wait a second for the water to heat. My dick in hand and my thoughts all over the place when it comes to Autumn and her body.

She's a sexy woman who could have any guy she wanted, whether she chooses to believe it or not. So I'm kidding myself if I think this could go further. She wouldn't be into a geek like me in that way. If she was, she'd have made a move by now, wouldn't she?

I mean, yes, she was flirting back, and when we hugged at the creek she didn't pull away immediately; she held on. Okay, we had a moment, but it hardly means we're going to start something.

The hot water feels amazing as I step into the shower. I let the spray hit my shoulders as I rest my palm against the tiles, gyrating my hips to the beat of my strokes while I think about her hot body wrapped around me. Her soft, olive skin brushing against mine. Her perky breasts nestled into my hands. I squeeze my eyes closed as I envision what it would feel like making her wet and sliding into her from behind with her hands splayed out on the shower wall.

How tight would she feel claiming me and clamping around my cock? We'd be so good together, Hell, she'd probably teach me a thing or two. Taking her to my bed would be too much, but I'd make it so good for her. I'm by no means a selfish lover, and with a body like hers I know I could dine on her sweet, sexy body and ride her to orgasm over and over.

How the heck would she even sound, moaning my name between her perfect lips?

I pull my dick harder and my hips move faster. I glance down to watch myself. God, how I wish it was her. I wanna know all the ways she loves it. Would she let me ride her hard? Does she like it slow and sexy? On top? On the bottom? In my bed? The shower? Outdoors? The possibilities are endless.

I groan as I feel my balls pull. I'm so damned close it's ridiculous.

I only need to think about her bare tits bouncing to our thrusts and I'm nearly done. I'd bury my face right in there, tugging at her nipples and then suckling each one, teasing with my tongue as we both ride out our orgasms together.

The lure of that scene is just too much as my body stiffens and I come undone, groaning as I shoot my load into my hand. The pulses of my release vibrate through my body, my growl rumbling as I breathe heavy. When I've milked every last drop, I wash myself off and try to shake away the vision. Because I know that's all it is.

A fantasy.

Maybe one I've just created, but again, we're friends. We can't be more.

People always say friends can't be lovers and be friends again. Now I see what they mean. If I had Autumn in my bed, I know I'd never be able to go back to being "just friends."

Even if we wanted to be, I'm reminded about that whole arranged marriage thing that I just don't get. Her family are nuts. Who has rules like that? I mean, it's not like she's going to stay single forever; it will happen sometime if her family has anything to do with it.

But the thought of anyone else with her — of anyone else having her — makes my blood boil. It's the same reaction I had when she made that joke about Only Fans.

I want it to be me. I don't want to be witness to another schmuck coming along that doesn't deserve her. And maybe I don't either, but I would always treat her right.

I'd never hurt her, cheat, or lie.

If only we weren't best friends… And her family weren't so hell bent on her marrying someone pre-arranged.

Her dad isn't all bad, in fact, he's a pretty good guy and we've had some great conversations whenever we've met. Her mom I try to avoid where possible. She's the one that seems to have all the control, while her dad kinda goes with the flow. I've met her Grandma once, too, and despite the fact she's set in her ways, she was a charming lady. I almost find it hard to believe she'd have these archaic rules in place for her granddaughter. I know she wants what's best for her, but that's not how anyone does things anymore.

She was married to Autumn's grandpa for fifty-odd years before he passed away and they didn't meet each other until their wedding day. I guess sometimes it happens.

Maybe people get lucky, I don't know.

I guess that's where her gran's thinking stems from. And I get that she doesn't want Autumn to struggle. But she wouldn't have to do that with me. I'd make sure she had everything she ever needed and treat her right.

As I dab on some of my favorite new cologne, Sauvage by Christian Dior; a heady mix of mandarin, sandalwood, cedar, and vanilla, I know I'm putting way more effort in than I ever have before.

I dress in a pair of Levi's, choosing a dark blue corduroy button-down as my shirt of choice and a pair of Nikes. I glance in the mirror; I don't look too bad, even if my hair isn't sitting right. I've been sporting some scruff on my face lately, not a crazy beard or anything, but enough to look like I'm not fifteen. I decide to keep it and not shave tonight. I remember one time Autumn saying she liked men with some facial hair.

I quickly text Fletch on the way back into my room because I need to meet with him this week to discuss our findings on the new app since he had to cancel Saturday. We've both been doing a tonne of research.

Me

Yo, bro. I hope you're feeling better. If you're free this week let me know so we can grab that drink

I don't know how bad his flu was so I don't expect an immediate response. However, I do need to touch base with him on a few things and while I'm at it I upload one of the glitches I found to see if he can help. He's always been better at the more technical side of the app.

Me

Let me know if you can figure this out. I think I've exhausted every avenue trying to fix it

I head on out to see if Mom and Aunt Patti need a hand with anything and at least try to be useful before everyone arrives; like set the table or something.

I peeled some potatoes earlier before I snuck off to have my shower and let off some steam. One thing is for sure, the smells coming from my parents' gourmet kitchen are gastronomical.

"Hey, son." Dad is chalking up his pool cue in the expansive games area off the kitchen while Uncle Jack takes his shot when I walk in.

"Hey Pops. Uncle Jack."

"Beau." Uncle Jack stands upright after sinking his ball.

"Are you getting Dad into a bind again?"

"Something like that." Uncle Jack chuckles.

"Nothing I can't get out of!" Dad frowns while Uncle Jack lines up his next shot.

They've all recently retired, my parents only a few months ago. Dad and Uncle Jack took over the legacy from my grandfather and his brother decades ago. My great-grandfather set the wheels in motion with the distillery back in the day, and my dad and uncle learned from the ground up, just like we all have.

Aunt Patti is the only one who is regularly helping out at the distillery whenever she's needed or when we're short staffed. They all still keep a hand in any major decisions being made, like Brooklyn's new Moonshine blend he's just perfected and launched. He had an idea last year to introduce new flavored blends of bourbon with coffee, caramel and vanilla hues. He's been secretly experimenting and now they're the talk of the town.

The family all had to vote on whether the new collection would go ahead, and after Gray and Brooklyn came up with a marketing plan, it's safe to say this will pay off nicely.

Mom and Dad have been planning a big European vacation as well, but they keep putting it off. It makes me wonder if they think the place will fall apart without them. I think they're waiting now until fall. Once the new wedding venue is underway and they know it's all running well, I think they'll breathe a little easier.

Dad has definitely been enjoying his retirement so far, and loves being out on the golf course and tinkering around the farm. He was happy to hand over the reins to Gabe.

It still makes me laugh all those months ago last year when Gray and Gabe were at each other's throats about who would be the next CEO. Gray had just moved back from Nashville to Stoney Creek during his bitter divorce.

He'd run his own music advertising company for years, and came back and forth to the distillery when he could. Whereas Gabe has never left the place. He's always been here, noon and night every day of his life, really throwing himself into work when his ex-wife left him with Trinity nearly six years ago.

It was always assumed Gabe would take the helm, but Gray toyed with him just that little bit extra because he's the eldest brother and all, making Gabe believe he wanted to be CEO when really he was just trying to get a rise out of him. They made up after their feud recently, and Gabe finally realized all Gray really cared about is building his two-story house on his beloved Coyote Run . He nicknamed the parcel of land our parents gifted him many years ago, and has almost finished building his dream house.

The feuding was all before Hartley came along of course, and now she's the center of his world. Gray was unhappy for so long, it's good to see him smile again. And Hartley adapted really well since she moved from Boston to take over her dad's law firm in town.

"Could you be a sweetie and help Georgia set the table?" Mom says right before yelling, "Georgia! Come and help your brother, please!" She gives me a swift kiss on the cheek and dumps a stack of plates into my arms.

"Sure, Mom. Now, are you expecting an army? Or just the Bassett's and their friends?"

"You know how she is," Dad hollers, lining up his shot and pocketing his ball.

It's fierce competition over there so I start walking around the table, with no sign of Georgia-Blue coming out of her wing, and set the plates out. Georgia takes so long to get ready to go anywhere, even a family dinner in her own home. She's a southern princess through and through.

I still secretly think she has a thing for Hudson. They both act like they can't stand each other, and annoy one another endlessly with jokes and jibes, but I'm sure she has a soft spot for him. Call it twin-telepathy, but they seem to put an awful lot of effort into pretending to dislike one another.

"I guess there's a few of us tonight." Aunt Patti walks over with Mom's special cutlery box that they gifted to her and Dad on their wedding day.

I eye it suspiciously. It doesn't come out all that often, certainly not just for your average Sunday roast. "Is there something going on that I don't know about?"

Mom taps her nose and I know right then that she's holding a secret. And it's gotta be something big. Especially when the real crystal wine glasses come out from the top shelf.

Aunt Patti is humming a tune as she places the water glasses out and starts putting the cutlery on each place setting.

"Are you gonna tell me, Aunt Patti?"

"My lips are sealed." She gives me a wink, but it's clearly something she's happy about. She's practically bouncing off the ceiling, just like Mom.

"I guess I'll know soon enough. I'm not a betting man, but this smells a lot like one of my brothers knocked up their girlfriend."

"Beau Clarence Bassett!" Mom gives me a stern look. My mom is a tiny woman with dark hair and fair skin like Georgia. She's an angel through and through; we couldn't have asked for better parents growing up. But she also has a little feisty side here and there, especially when we cuss.

Hmm. It can't be that then, Mom would be bouncing off the rooftops if one of her kids were producing anymore grandchildren anytime soon. I don't think she'd be able to keep it in check.

"Fine. I'll wait for dinner." I give Aunt Patti a wink. Looking at how happy she is, I think I am almost on the right train of thought. Something is in the air and it sure as hell just ain't the special roast…