The Dirty Dozen: Alpha Edition

by Kay Maree

  “Bye, Griff.”

  “Bye, Autumn.”

  Turning, I walk down the path. I can feel her eyes one me, I decide to be brave and I turn back to face her. “Autumn, can I take you out on a date tomorrow night?”

  She stares blankly at me. She doesn’t say anything. The silence is deafening. Then she nods. “I’d like that.”

  “Great, I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  She nods and steps inside, closing the door behind her. Turning around, I walk back to my truck with a pep in my step and a smile on my face. This is my one chance to woo her, and I’m not going to let anything ruin this moment.

  CHAPTER TEN

  GRIFFIN

  It’s 7:00 p.m. the following day and I’m standing on Autumn’s front porch. I’m nervous as all hell. Taking a deep calming breath, I raise my hand and knock. It feels like an eternity until the door opens, and when it does, my jaw hits the floor. Autumn looks fucking stunning. She’s wearing an orange maxi dress that makes her blue eyes pop. Her blonde hair has been straightened and on her feet are blingy sandals.

  “Wow, Autumn,” I say when my brain kicks into gear. “You look amazing.”

  “Thanks, you look pretty good yourself, Doc.” I smile when she calls me Doc, up until now it’s always been Griff or Griffin—I’ll take that as a good sign.

  “Shall we?”

  “We shall.” She pulls the door closed behind her and links her arm with mine…just like we used to.

  Opening the door to my truck, she climbs in. Our eyes meet and something passes between us: a pull I haven’t felt in over twenty damn years. I wink at her, she rolls her eyes at me and laughs. Slamming the door shut, I walk around to the driver’s side and climb in.

  “So, where are we off to this evening?”

  “Well, I thought we’d grab burgers at the diner to start and then if you’re up for it, a round of mini-golf over in Hayden Lake.”

  “I haven’t played mini-golf in years.”

  “Wanna skip burgers and go straight to the golf? We can get something to eat there.”

  “Yes,” she eagerly shouts. “Let’s do that.”

  Pulling out of her driveway, I jump onto the highway and head over to Hayden Lake. We arrive about fifty minutes later. Autumn jumps out of my truck, excited for the evening ahead.

  We walk in and I pay for us. We grab our clubs and make our way over to the first hole. We have to wait as there’s a family of five in front of us. I groan, thinking we will be waiting forever for them, my groan earns me a smack in the ribs from Autumn and a stern look. From that look, I can see why Ollie is so well-behaved, Autumn is scary when she goes all mom-zilla.

  She turns to me and there’s mischief in her eyes. “So, Doc, wanna place a wager on our game?”

  “What did you have in mind?”

  “If I win, you take Ollie for the night so I can have some me time.”

  “And when I win?”

  She scoffs, “If you win, which is not gonna happen, you can choose anything of your desire.” Her words are laced with innuendo.

  Opening my mouth to answer, she presses her finger to my lips. “Ahh Uhh,” she shakes her head, “don’t tell me.”

  “You’re on,” I reply, stretching out my hand to her.

  We shake and she stares me in the eye. “You’re going down.”

  Shaking my head, I laugh at her enthusiasm. Looking up, I see that the family sped through each person and we are up. Being the gentleman that I am, I let Autumn go first. She manages to get a hole-in-one, and my mouth drops in shock.

  She turns to face me. “Did I not mention I’m a pro?”

  “No, you failed to mention that.”

  “Oops, my bad,” she playfully teases.

  Stepping up to the tee, I take my turn and miss the hole by a hair. Walking over, I tap the ball and it goes in.

  “Nice try, Doc. Seems like I’m winning.”

  “It’s only the first hole, it's anyone’s game yet.”

  “Yeah, it's mine,” she teases. She steps up to the second hole, and just like my first shot, she misses by only a fraction. This time I manage to get a hole-in-one.

  The scores go back and forth like this as we play. We throw cheap barbs at one another but most of all, we laugh and have fun; just like we used to.

  We are caught up on the thirteen hole, standing next to Autumn, I brush against her arm. She shivers at the contact but at the same time, an electrical current zaps between us. The air zinging with electricity.

  “So, Tiger Woods, where did you learn to play like this?”

  She laughs and smiles at me. Her smile slams into my heart, leaving me feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. “When I was at Indiana State there was one near the dorms, my friends and I used to hang there all the time.”

  “Sounds great. Wish I’d known this before I made a wager with you, but even if I lose, spending a night with Ollie is no hardship. He’s a great kid.”

  Again she smiles. “He sure is. He’s my everything.” She licks her bottom lip, my eyes watch the motion and my dick twitches in my pants, and then I start imagining her lips wrapped around me. Her head bobbing up and down as it slides in and out of her mouth.

  I’m snapped back to the present when she pokes me in the rib. “You’re up.”

  Shaking my head, I walk up to the tee and hit the ball. My mind is totally not on the game and I spectacularly miss, it actually takes me four shots to sink my ball. “Naw, tough break there, maybe you should stick to saving lives.”

  “There’s still five holes after this, I can still beat your sexy ass.”

  Her eyes pop open at my declaration. Walking over to her, I bend down and whisper, “Now take your shot so I can beat your sexy ass, fair and square.”

  She swallows deeply at my words, steps up, and takes her shot. My words must distract her because it takes her three shots to get the ball in.

  We continue to dig at each other and when we reach the last hole, Autumn and I are neck and neck. “It’s all down to this last shot.”

  “Bring it on, navy boy,” she taunts.

  “You are resorting to name-calling? Are you that threatened now?”

  She shrugs her shoulders at me. I step up and get ready to swing when I feel Autumn beside me, leaning into me. I can feel her warm breath on my neck, my dick pulses with want as she continues to torture me. “Hurry up and take your shot so I can beat your sexy ass.”

  Swallowing deeply, I take my shot without looking. Just like my first shot, I miss by a hair. “Naw, too bad, Doc. Let me show you how it's done.”

  Autumn steps up and with her eyes locked on me, she takes her shot and unbelievably, she sinks it in. She’s still looking at me when she smirks and cheekily says, “I think I won.”

  “Seems you did.”

  We stare at one another, the moment is intense and then she teases, “Loser.”

  “Still gracious when you win, I see.” We both laugh because she is far from gracious when she wins, but seeing the joy on her face right now, I’m happy to let her have her moment. We step closer together. It feels like she wants to kiss me as much as I want to kiss her. Just as I’m about to step forward, wrap my arms around her, and press my lips to hers. Someone behind us shouts, “Come on, guys, move along.”

  Stepping back, I bend down and pick up her ball. She links her arm with mine and we exit the course. As we are making our way back to the clubhouse, she looks up at me. There’s something in her gaze. “Seems you owe me a child free night.”

  “Seems I do.”

  We stop walking and stare at one another. Just like earlier, the air around us begins to sizzle and crackle. I think she’s going to lean over and kiss me, I really want her to kiss me when some kid behind us shouts, “Move out of the way.” Dammit, kiss blocked again.

  We pull apart and let the kids pass between us. Autumn purses her lips, and giggles. I love the sound of her giggle. Over the l
ast few weeks, I have noticed she’s giggling and smiling more and more…I really hope that’s because of me.

  The sound of kids laughing causes Autumn’s smile to widen. “We should bring Ollie here, he’d love it.”

  “He totally would.” I stare at her. “Thank you, Autumn.”

  “Why are you thanking me?”

  “For tonight. I haven’t had this much fun in years.”

  “Me either.”

  We return our clubs and as we are heading out, we decide to grab something to eat here at the putt-putt snack bar. She orders a hamburger with the works and I grab two hotdogs and fries to share. With our food in hand, we take a seat and dig in. She tells me about her life, reminiscing about her time with the guys since I left. We steer clear of the bad times she endured. The more I chat with her, the more I fall in love with her again.

  We finish our meals and I drive us back to Sandpoint. Just like while we were eating, we chat and laugh. It feels just like it did twenty years ago, and all the feelings I had back then are simmering to the surface.

  Pulling up outside her place, I get out and open her door. I help her out of my truck and we walk up the path. It's awkward suddenly. She unlocks the door and turns to face me, like on the path earlier, we stare at one another. I really want to kiss her, but after yesterday and her freaking out, I’ll wait for her to make the move. It seems like my wish is going to come true. She leans into me and kisses me on the cheek. “Thanks for a lovely evening, Doc.”

  She walks inside and closes the door on me. I’m disappointed I didn’t get a proper good night kiss, but all in all, this date could not have been more perfect, peck on the cheek and all.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  AUTUMN

  His cheek? Why did I kiss his cheek? I wanted to kiss him like he kissed me yesterday, but something overtook my body and I kissed his fucking cheek. “Man up, White,” I tell myself, as I strip off and slip into my pale pink satin boxers and matching lace cami. Climbing into bed, I lie back and stare at the ceiling. I play the evening over and over in my head, especially when he whispered into my ear. His warm breath set my insides alight, just thinking about that moment has my clit throbbing right now.

  My eyes drift closed and I slide my hand under my cami. Massaging my breast, I pinch my nipple and again my clit pulses. Sliding my other hand under the edge of my boxers, I rub my mound through the cotton of my panties. A moan slips free when I push the material aside and brush my clit with the pad of my thumb before sliding down my lips. I’m already wet and my finger slides in easily. I plunge my finger in and out, inserting another, brushing my clit with my thumb as I pull out.

  Squeezing my nipple harder, I roll the taut peak between my thumb and forefinger. The sensation between my thighs intensifies, and suddenly I explode around my fingers. I mumble Griffin’s name as I ride out my orgasm.

  Removing my fingers from my pants, I lift them to my lips and suck off my juices. Moaning when my tangy cum hits my taste buds.

  Rolling to my side, I blissfully drift off to sleep, sated and content after my amazing climax and perfect date with Griffin.

  The next morning as I sip my morning coffee, I think about the events of last night. The evening with Griffin was perfect in every possible way. We laughed. We had fun…and then I ended the night with a kiss on the cheek. What the hell, Autumn? As I take another sip, I scold myself internally. As soon as I closed the door, I should have swung it open, jumped into his arms, and ravished him. But something held me back. There’s still that lingering fear deep down he’s going to leave me again.

  Mom drops Ollie off just after nine and I decide to take him to the park. I need to get out of the house and keep busy…because my mind keeps drifting to a certain doctor. When I think of him, I become a horny bundle of nerves. I feel like I’m seventeen again when I think about him.

  Ollie and I spent the day out, just the two of us. I think it was the first Saturday he didn’t whine he couldn’t play ball with his friends. And no sooner had that thought appeared, Ollie sighed. “What’s up, buddy?”

  “I didn’t get to play ball today. Stupid arm.” He shakes his cast at me, which is now a neon green color. “My life is over,” he melodramatically says, and then he looks to me and there’s a strange looks in his eye. “You know what will make me feel better?”

  This should be good. “What will make you feel better?”

  “A ride in Doc’s truck.”

  And there it is. “Well, you can’t just invite yourself for a ride. That’s rude.”

  He nods his head. “Yeah, I know. You know what else would cheer me up?”

  “Knowing you, it will be food related.”

  His face breaks out in a grin. “Nuggets and fries and a milkshake might do the trick.”

  “Can we up it to cheese fries?”

  His eyes widen in surprise at my reply and a grin overtakes his little face. “Yes!” he eagerly shouts. He grabs my hand and drags me toward the diner.

  An hour later, we are both stuffed full. I’m glad for the walk home. Ollie and I exit the diner and we head home. We turn off Main Street and coming toward us is Griffin. Ollie immediately drops my hand and steps to the curb waving like crazy at Griffin. He pulls over and winds the window down. “Hey,” he gruffly says. That one word sets my insides on fire…I really need to get laid, I think to myself. Then I notice Ollie and Griffin are both staring at me. “Sorry, what did you say?”

  “Griffin wants to give us a lift home,” Ollie eagerly tells me. “Can we, Mom?”

  Looking to Griffin, I see him staring at me. His gaze is hungry, I feel it deep in my core. Nodding my head, I answer, “Sure, why not.”

  “Yessss.” Ollie fist pumps and immediately opens the back door. He climbs into the back, leaving me to sit up front with Griffin. Once Ollie is belted in, I climb in next to Griffin. He smiles at me and I swear my panties disintegrate. Before he pulls away from the curb, he winks at me. Shaking my head, I stare out the window. Ollie and Griff talk, but I don’t register anything they are saying. My mind is focused on the man behind the wheel. The more time I spend with him, the more I feel for him. He’s amazing with Ollie, seeing the two of them together makes me smile. Ollie clearly likes him, since he’s always talking about Doc, and if I’m honest with myself, my feelings for him are just as strong now as they were twenty years ago, well until he left that is.

  We pull up to our place. Ollie climbs out and runs toward the house. Mom and Dad are on the porch. They wave at Griffin, he waves at them, and we watch as the three of them head inside. He turns his attention back to me.

  Our eyes lock.

  The air in the car thickens.

  My heart starts racing.

  We stare at one another and it hits me. I’m meant to be with him. I want to be with him. The past is meant to stay in the past, and I’m meant look toward the future; a future with Griffin.

  Leaning toward him, I grip his cheeks and press my lips to his. He tenses up and I think maybe I’ve misread the situation, but then he kisses me back. He threads his fingers into my hair and tugs me closer to him. As our kiss deepens, I climb across and straddle him. It’s tight but I don’t care. All I care about right now is kissing this man.

  Our kiss is interrupted when Mom knocks on the window, and we pull apart. Each of us panting. Looking out the window, I see Mom standing there. A knowing grin on her face. Griffin lowers the window. “Carla, nice to see you again.”

  “Nice to see you too. Ollie is going to sleep at our place tonight.” She suggestively raises her eyebrows at us and adds, “Have fun, you two.”

  “Mom,” I scoff.

  She and Griffin laugh, while my cheeks darken in embarrassment. Climbing off his lap, I climb out of his truck and make my way over to Dad and Ollie. “You be a good boy for Nana and Grumpy.”

  “Yes, Mom.” He kisses my cheek and climbs into the back of Dad’s car.

  “About time,” Dad murmur
s before he kisses me on the cheek.

  “What?” I ask.

  “It’s about time you let him in.” My eyes widen at his words. “That man still loves you, Autumn. Don’t let the events of the past define your future. You deserve to be happy, and you are happiest when you’re with him. Always have been; always will be. He’s the yin to your yang, don’t let this second chance go.”

  I don’t get to say anything because he climbs into the car, starts the engine, and once Mom is in her seat, they drive off. I’m left standing on the driveway, replaying Dad’s words over and over in my head. Turning, I face Griffin as he walks toward me. Dad’s right, I do still love him, deep down I always have. I decide here and now, to not let the past define me. I’m going to jump willingly, take a chance.

  Walking toward him, I wrap my arms around his neck and press my lips to his again. He slides his arms around my waist, deepening the kiss and our connection. He taps my butt and I jump into his embrace. Wrapping my legs around him, I hold on and kiss him with everything I have.

  He walks us inside with me wrapped around him. Kicking the door closed, he heads into the living room and lowers himself down onto the sofa. With our lips fused, he shuffles back and I straddle him. I continue to kiss him and shamelessly rub myself on him. All the love and feelings I had for him all those years ago come crashing back into me like a tsunami. Wave after wave of emotion smash into me, and I could not be happier than I am right in this moment.

  Breaking our kiss, I stare into his eyes and it hits me, I still love Griffin Steel. Deep down in my soul, I think I have always loved him and I never stopped. “Since I feel like we should be honest, Griff, I never stopped loving you. You were my first love. You are my only love.”

  “I never stopped loving you either, Autumn. Being without you was hard, but it also made me into the medic I became. I threw myself into med school and the navy to keep my mind off of losing you.”

  He reaches up and cups my cheek. We smile at one another and at the same time, we both say, “Forever and eternity”