6. Boone

Six

Boone

When I was younger, my parties were wild and often couldn’t be kept under control. I was known for throwing an insane get together, which would typically result in people I’d never met in my life showing up. Friends would bring friends, who would then bring another friend. I didn’t mind back then because it kept my social life exciting and constant. The more girls, the better the party always was. I’d indulge in a few different ones a night, earning the “bad boy player” badge and wearing it proud. It earned me a reputation in town when a girl would run home or tell their friends about us, and I’d end up breaking their heart. I was interested in a good time, nothing else.

Now that I was in my mid-twenties, I cared less about impressing people or being a part of a large social circle. I wasn’t focused on how many women I could get with a night. Today, I cared more about having my close friends together so we didn’t grow apart. A grown-up Cassidy get together looked more like a chill bonfire with some drinking, storytelling, loud music, and lots of singing.

“Boone!” Rhodes yelled from inside my cabin. “Where did you move the tequila?” Rhodes was my best friend from school and one of the other ranch hands. My other ranch hand, Logan, stood at the fire, poking it to ignite. Logan was a few years younger than the rest of us and was my ranch prodigy. I took him under my wing and showed him the ropes of ranching. Mac, my other friend from school, stood with him.

“The same spot it’s always been! Cabinet above the fridge!” I yelled back, jogging towards my front door. I went inside and opened the cabinet where I kept my shot glasses. Lining up four, I waited for Rhodes to pour tequila in each one. When each glass was filled, we each grabbed two and went to the guys outside. Handing off the shots, I held mine in the air as each person followed suit.

“To friendship and a good time!” I declared before knocking back the liquor. I let the warm tequila flow down my throat, burning as it went.

I placed my shot glass on the table next to my chair. I’d be needing it for later. Five chairs were placed around the fire, one more than our typical four.

“Is your new neighbor coming?” Logan asked, taking his seat between Mac and Rhodes, leaving the fifth open for Aspen, who happened to be next to me.

“I invited her, so we’ll see.” I laid back, my eyes landing on Aspen’s cabin.

Aspen Westgrove had been consuming my thoughts over the last week. I’d spent many nights laying in bed recounting how she climbed up on the ATV. The way her dress rode up her legs, her body pressed up against my back. If I thought about it long enough, I’d be sporting a hard-on in front of all my friends. Her scent still lingered in my nose. She smelled like blueberries. In that moment, I wondered if I had gotten close enough, would I have been able to taste the blueberries on her skin?

“When does she start working the stand?” Mac chimed in, taking a swig of his beer. “Monday morning,” I replied.

“She’s a sweet girl,” Rhodes replied. “My mom used to go to The Coffee Cup every morning. Always tried to get me to go in and ask her on a date.”

My blood pressure spiked, my heart beating in my throat. I felt possessive thinking about Rhodes and Aspen on a date, not that I had any right.

Spending time with her over the last week was nice. I helped her move out of her apartment and into the cabin. Stopping in frequently over the last week to make sure she had everything she needed, I wanted her to feel welcomed.

The Aspen I knew growing up was reserved and quiet, always with a book in her hand. Talking to her earlier today, I felt there was more underneath than she let people see.

I was attracted to her. I wanted to be the one to push her buttons and draw her out of the safe zone she created. Inviting her tonight was my first step towards that goal.

The universe must’ve been listening to my thoughts because Aspen’sed, cabin door open and it felt like time slowed down.

Aspen walked out and her change in outfit took me by surprise. She ditched her typical sundress for a pair of worn jeans and a green top that tied around her neck. The way the jeans fit her full hips made my mouth water.

I haven’t seen her in anything besides a dress or that sad excuse for “pajamas.” The same pajamas I can’t seem to get out of my mind. I burned the image of her nipples poking through the nearly sheer t-shirt fabric into my mind. That picture and some tequila shots may be all I needed to entertain myself tonight.

“Speak of the devil,” I mumbled, mostly to myself. Aspen was clearly nervous walking over to the empty chair next to me. When she sat, her feet were tucked under her as she clutched a pink Yeti cup.

Aspen spoke sweetly, “Hi everyone.” Her eyes moved around the circle to each person. The guys introduced themselves one at a time and offered Aspen a smile. She returned them all, taking a swig of whatever was in that cup. My money was on red wine.

The group sat around the fire, talking and telling stories. I could tell Aspen felt out of place at first; however as she sipped from her cup, she began to loosen up. Her demeanor changed and she spoke freely, seeming to lose her filter. I found out she loved animals, farmers markets, and stargazing. I tucked all of that information into my mental box.

With time, she fit in like she was meant to be here, volleying with the guys and making everyone laugh.

After about an hour of chatting, Rhodes stood up. “I’m going to get the tequila. We need another glass for our new friend.” Aspen’s cheeks were rosy from the wine, and the smile she wore was breathtaking.

“I’ve never had tequila before,” she confessed, looking at me.

“It isn’t that bad.” I leaned closer, whispering, “it burns, but you’ll get used to it.” Our faces were inches apart as she leaned towards me. Her eyes dropped to my mouth and mine to hers. I felt a pull, electricity bouncing between us.

Interrupting the moment, Rhodes came out with the handle of tequila and another shot glass for Aspen. We both sat straight up, acting guilty for no reason. Rhodes made his rounds to fill every glass. Aspen stared at the liquor in her hand, looking unsure what to do.

“On the count of three, we drink it. One gulp.” I held my glass to cheers and knocked hers against mine. Logan ran the count and, at three, we all threw it back. I looked at Aspen whose cheeks were puffed out, filled with what I assumed was the tequila. It took her a moment for her to swallow it all. Instantly looking at me, Aspen had a panicked expression on her face.

“Is it supposed to taste that bad?” She asked causing all of us to laugh.

* * *

Aspen was three shots deep and clearly feeling it. I was pretty tipsy too. Logan, Rhodes, and Mac all called it a night. After five shots of tequila and a couple of beers in the span of a few hours, they went into my cabin to sleep it off. They were on ranch duty tomorrow. I counted my blessings that I had off.

“This was fun. Your friends are actually nice,” she confessed, laying her head back on her chair. Glassy eyes meeting mine, “Thank you for inviting me.”

“Actually nice?” I repeated, teasing her.

“Well, I always thought you and your friends were intimidating. Penny and I made a pact to avoid you all.”

“A pact?” I put my hand over my heart, acting wounded by her words and Aspen giggled. Fuck , that giggle made my chest ache.

“Yes! The “bad boy” in high school, the womanizer. I wouldn’t dare go near you and risk being pulled into your whirlpool of sexy.” She waved her hand in a circle in front of me.

“All I took from that is you think I’m ‘sexy’.” I replied, using air quotes.

“I mean, you are ‘Hot Neighbor’ in my phone,” she quipped.

“Who on earth did that?” I asked in fake shock, “I don’t hear you denying it though.”

Aspen shook her head, looking up at the stars. “Your head is getting too big for your hat, Cowboy.”

I loved the sound of that nickname coming from her lips. The flirty tone she used made all my recent fantasies itch to come true. I followed her move, rolling my head so I could take in the sky, even though the prettiest view was sitting to my right.

“Let’s play 21 questions. I’ll go first,” she ordered, still looking up at the sky. “What does Boone Cassidy do for fun?”

“I like to tinker with things. I love anything with an engine, taking them apart to put them back together,” I replied.

“That sounds psychotic. Are you sure you aren’t a psychopath, should I feel this safe sitting out in the middle of nowhere with you?” I could tell she was joking, a smile tugged at her pink lips.

“I guess we will see,” I answered, firing off my question next. “If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?” It was basic, but I think you can learn a lot about a person from where they’d choose to go.

Aspen was quick to reply, “Easy, Ireland.”

“Why Ireland?” I followed up.

“No no no, one question at a time. It’s my turn.” She paused for a moment, concentrating. “What’s the riskiest thing you did as a kid?”

Riskiest? That was hard. If she had asked me the most destructive or reckless, I’d know my answer right away. After contemplating, I didn’t answer, instead I asked, “Do you want me to show you instead?” My ego hoped she’d say yes.

Aspen looked at me like she was trying to pick me apart, understand my intentions.

“Sure,” she exhaled, not seeming to think it over long. I stood up, stumbling a bit and put my hand out for her to grab.

When she placed her hand in mine, I pulled her to her feet. She swayed and smiled when she giggled. “I’m feeling that last shot of tequila. I think I like it.”

“Tequila has that effect on people,” I teased, unable to hold back a smile.

I led her with me, hand in hand past the cabins and into the woods. I didn’t tell her where we were going and she didn’t ask anymore questions. After a little walking, we finally arrived at an open swimming hole. I spent most of my summers here, swimming with my friends after most of our parties.

“What are we doing here?” Aspen asked when I let her hand fall. I took a few steps closer to the water. Spinning around to her, the moonlight lighting up her face.

“Have you ever been skinny dipping?” I replied. The look on her face told me everything I needed to know, definitely a no. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was about to be the first person Aspen would skinny dip with. Behaving myself wasn’t going to be easy.

ASPEN

Was it the tequila or did Boone ask if I’d ever been skinny dipping? I cocked my head to the side, taking in his masculine features. Boone was clearly feeling the liquor too. His hat was left back at the cabin which was fine with me because his hair was tousled perfectly. I had the urge to run my fingers through the thick strands of light brown. He stared back at me with his eyes glossy, reflecting the moonlight. That stupid grin was painted on his face as he reached behind his head and took off his black t-shirt.

Swallowing hard I answered, “No,” though, it came out more as a whisper.

“You asked me what the riskiest thing I did as a kid was. It had to be this. My parents were usually home for my parties, so there was always a chance of them coming out to shut us down. Who wants to be caught skinny dipping with a bunch of drunk idiots by your parents?” He had a point.

Boone toed off one boot then the other and tossed them to the side with his shirt. Watching as he undid his belt buckle, my body warmed and the same tingly feeling from the other day came back. Boone finally turned away from me, discarding the last article of clothing, which happened to be his underwear. He was a boxer guy, I liked that. I couldn’t complain when I got an uninterrupted view of his perfectly round ass. Boone’s hands covered his cock, cupping it as he moved towards the swimming hole.

Was I really going to do this? Was I going to follow Boone into the water, naked? I’d be taking all my clothes off with a man I barely knew. I had my answer. I would without hesitation.

Boone jumped in the water and went under. When he came back up, he swiped the hair backwards off his forehead.

It was now or never, I told myself. Before the little confidence I had went away, I removed my sandals from my feet and watched Boone float in one spot. Taking off my pants, I stepped out and tossed them in a pile next to his. I wore nothing but my hot pink thong and a halter top as I stared at Boone. I felt more powerful than before, which was ironic because I was wearing less.

With my body on display, I swore I saw his eyes darken despite the distance between us. Turning around, I removed the top and my bare breasts hit the air, sending a jolt of adrenaline through me. Glancing over my shoulder as I pulled down my thong, I caught Boone staring, only turning when we made eye contact. The bastard tried to pretend he wasn’t looking the entire time. I covered my breasts with my arm and jogged to the swimming hole.

Unlike Boone, I climbed in slowly, letting my body adjust to the water with each step. Boone turned back around to face me, and I instantly started laughing, “This is crazy!”

“Is it?” He asked, his head tilting slightly to the side like a puppy hearing his favorite word.

“For me, yes!” I said, wading through the water to put more space between us. “I don’t do things like this.” I was the “good girl.”

“Then why’d you get in?” Boone asked in an accusatory tone. It was a fair question. I didn’t retreat or come up with some excuse to not get in. I wanted to do it, so I did.

Shrugging my shoulders, I replied, “I think it was the tequila.” Boone let out a deep chuckle, his head falling back into the water. I laid back too, letting my body float.

“I bet this wasn’t what you had in mind for tonight. Swimming naked with your new neighbor,” Boone speculated.

“No, not at all. But, I can’t say I hate it.” Our bodies drifted closer, the space I had put between us nearly gone. I blamed it on the nonexistent current pushing my body towards his. As much as I thought I’d be a ball of anxiety tonight, I’d been proven wrong. I was at peace floating here with him.

I felt his fingers brush my hip, urging me to shift upright. Boone angled himself towards me, too, our bodies now vertical and inches apart. His hand found the small of my back, bringing me towards him. God, he felt so good against me. I ached for more. I craved to know what was running through his head.

On instinct, I put my arms around his neck. Boone slowly lowered his forehead, hesitating slightly before pressing it against mine. Our lips were centimeters apart, and I could feel his breath tickle my sensitive skin. What were we doing? was the question. Tequila , that was the answer.

Thinking back to the pep talk I gave myself in the mirror hours ago, I needed to take the risk and make the first move. I could blame everything on the wine and tequila pulsing through my system. This was my chance to be reckless and use the lowered inhibitions as a scapegoat.

I tilted my chin up towards Boone, the slightest shift caused our lips to brush. The faint touch caused an explosion of fireworks between us. What could’ve been a symphony of soft kisses turned into sloppy kisses and animalistic need. I ran my hands into his hair, grasping at strands between my fingers. He felt good pressed against my lips and he tasted even better.

The moment was infused with passion. Wrapping my legs around his torso, I pulled us closer. My bare chest was pressed to his; the friction against my nipples created a new point of pleasure. Boone swam us towards the edge of the swimming hole and my back slammed against the rock, breaking up the moment.

“Fuck, sorry,” he muttered, panting against my lips.

“Don’t worry, I can take it,” I whispered back.

Boone pupils dilated and he wasted no time coming back to me. My core throbbed as arousal rushed through my body. I never experienced want like this.

Our tongues mixed together, hot and sloppy as we moved against each other. A moan escaped my lips, I could feel Boone’s hard erection pressing against my front. I’d never wanted someone as much as I wanted him. I was a goner. All the self control I had dissipated. Sitting up higher, I placed both my hands on his face and gently bit down on his bottom lip, pulling away slightly.

The swimming hole was my protector. In here I didn’t have expectations to maintain, I could be raw and real. What went on tonight, stayed here. If I stepped foot out of this space, I was afraid I would wake up from this dream.

My breathing turned to heaving and the kisses lost their form. I was desperate for him in ways I’d never been before.

Boone pulled away unexpectedly, and I groaned in protest. “We can’t,” he confessed, pushing away from me.

Embarrassment flooded in, but the desire didn’t go away.

Now on his feet, Boone towered over me, solid man and muscle. He ran his hand down his face, stopping to cover his mouth and mustache when he muttered, “Dammit, Aspen.”

I pushed Boone’s chest slightly to create more space between us. I needed him to get away from me.

“Look, it wasn’t me who stopped,” I scoffed, showing how annoyed I was by the way things ended.

“Aspen, I —” Boone began and I wasn’t having it. He wasn’t about to give me some sob story or bullshit apology.

“Nope. Spare me the pity party for one. I don’t need you to justify it for my sake.” I made my way to the edge of the hole to sit down, using my arm to cover my breasts now that I was slightly above water.

Boone exhaled, running his hands through his wet hair because he was clearly torn up about the decision. There was a shift in the air. Unwanted tensions built, and not the sexual kind. Boone got out of the water, using his shirt to dry his legs enough to get his boxers and pants on.

When his boxers were on and his jeans sat unbuttoned on his hips, he turned back towards me. Boone brought his shirt at the edge of the water, handing it to me so I could also use it to dry off enough to get my clothes back on.

I didn’t want to let myself get caught up in the anxious thoughts and drown in regret, but I was having a hard time. The confident woman I saw for a moment retreated back into her shell. I’d let my wall down and look where that got me. Sexually frustrated and rejected by the hottest man in Faircloud.

We walked back to the cabins in silence. My mind was reeling. What started as a fun night, ended up with me feeling guilty, horny, and more attracted to Boone Cassidy than I was before. How was I supposed to keep coexisting when we were both so close to crossing the line? Not only was I now fighting my mind, but now I was going to have to fight my libido.

When we got back, neither one of us said goodnight. I found myself laying in bed, reliving the moments in my head over and over until exhaustion finally took over.