Inheriting Trouble (In Ashwood Book 1)

by Kinney Scott

  “Seriously, not putting on gear that has been marked.” Kels joined in, finally recovering from the shock, brought on by Mark’s unique charm and killer smile.

  “Lost here guys, fill me in.” Natalie looked between them, hoping for an answer.

  “Water is cold even in a wetsuit. Almost everyone has warmed up with their own liquid heat.” He looked at Natalie trying not to laugh, as her mouth dropped open.

  “Really? Even you Kels?” she asked.

  Kelsey just shrugged, “I would never use a borrowed wetsuit. It’s kind of like borrowing underwear. Good thing you love me so much Nate, since you are using one of mine.”

  “Disgusting. I promise not to pee in your wetsuit Kels.”

  “Let’s just see how cold you become tomorrow, you just might change your mind.” Mark added with an infectious laugh.

  The pizza arrived, and Mark got up to let them eat. Natalie stopped him, quickly asking, “Join us if you want to Mark. We’ve got plenty.” Mark looked at Kels, to see if she was okay with the new arrangement. He didn’t want to intrude, but after meeting Kelsey gorgeous blonde, maybe he did.

  Before he could leave, Kels grabbed his arm to pull him back to his seat. The contact sent a zing of sexual awareness between them. This weekend just got a little more interesting, Mark thought. Just to be sure, he pushed his leg up against Kelsey’s. Again, there was that connection. It had not been his imagination. Kels sent the confirmation when she made another, not so subtle, contact of her own.

  Kels and Mark each ordered another beer, Natalie a soda. She didn’t mind being the designated driver. What she did mind was the feeling that she was becoming a third wheel. While Mark ran to the bathroom Kelsey leaned in to whisper, tipping a bit off kilter, “Natalie, this guy is seriously hot, why didn’t you tell me about Mark?”

  “Yeah, I guess he’s good looking. My thoughts are on Seth. I guess I’m immune?”

  “How do you feel about be going for it? After all I’d just be crashing on your couch anyway.”

  “Wow Kels, are you sure? I really don’t know Mark that well. He seems to be kind of a player.”

  “Let’s just say, Nate, your summer, had way more action than mine. I just wanted to make sure you aren’t interested in him.”

  “Not at all. Just be careful Kels. You can always visit again in a few weeks, and see if there is still something between the two of you.”

  Kelsey levelled a glare at Natalie, “I don’t need judgement from you Nate. Did I ever pitch you any shit where Seth was involved?”

  Natalie backed up in her chair, giving herself space. Maybe Kels had downed one too many beers. This reaction, it pissed her off. Nate took a moment to draw in a deep breath. “Kelsey, no judgement. None at all. Have a good time, and let me know what your plans are. No matter what, I’m here for you.”

  “Sorry Natalie, I didn’t mean to come off as bitchy.”

  “It’s okay, Kelsey. I want you to have a terrific weekend on the coast.”

  Mark returned, finding that the last few pieces of pizza had been boxed-up. “Looks like we are ready to roll. Hey Natalie, I talked to the manager, he said I could leave my truck here, if you don’t mind be bumming a ride back.”

  “No problem, Mark. We are ready to leave if you are.” Natalie grabbed the pizza box, and headed for the exit. Kelsey and Mark seemed to be lagging a bit behind. Plans seemed to be gelling between them.

  Immediately after arriving back at Driftwood Shores, Kelsey grabbed her backpack, gave Nate a quick hug, and wandered off with Mark. As she watched them disappear into the drizzle that had settled in for the evening, Nate shrugged and chose to be thankful. At least she would get a good night’s sleep. If Kelsey had stayed at her place, they would have just stayed up all night talking.

  Natalie went inside, brushed her teeth and got comfortable in her loft. Her book sent her mind drifting toward Seth. Grabbing her phone she quickly sent a text, are you awake? A few seconds later Seth called.

  “Hey sweetness, I didn’t expect to hear from you tonight. Did Kelsey crash and burn?”

  “No, she hit it off with a guy who lives here at Driftwood Shores.”

  “The surfer? What was his name, Mitch?”

  “Mark. He is supposed to take us surfing tomorrow, but we will see how that works out. They both might be sleeping in, after tonight.”

  “Wow, I know you were looking forward to catching up with Kelsey. Are you good with this?”

  “Sure, I mean, I don’t know this guy very well. I’m a little concerned that he will be an ass, after he gets what he wants. I hope Kels doesn’t expect much.”

  Seth felt sort of crappy, having been that guy in the past.

  “I guess I could have visited this weekend, after all. I’m sorry I’m not with you right now.”

  “That’s all right. How are plans going for the Boise trip?”

  “Wade runs everything so efficiently, it should be easy. Last week I stopped by his brewery. He is running out of room at the location near his home. If he expands distribution beyond the local area, he will need to relocate. A taproom may need to be added. Fans of his beer expect that.”

  “Sounds expensive.”

  “Very expensive. I think he may need to approach some investors.”

  “Did he ask you to invest?”

  “No, not yet, but I may offer.”

  “Let me know. Maybe I could kick in some funds too.”

  “Really? I wasn’t expecting that. I was just letting you know what thoughts are currently keeping me awake at night.” Seth waited. He could sense a shift in Natalie as she spoke in a deeper tone.

  “Well, babe, I know what keeps me awake at night. And it’s not the thought of a beer taproom.”

  He heard her shift on her bed. Soft blankets making a rustling sound immediately had his attention. “Anything I can do right now to help with that?”

  “As a matter of fact, I was going to ask you, what are you wearing?”

  “Damn. Woman. Give me a second. I want to get comfortable.” Natalie blushed when she heard the zipper of his jeans snick down, the sound making her immediately wet. “Listen carefully, Natalie, are you in your loft?”

  “Yes.”

  “Just panties and one of those teeny tank tops on?”

  “How did you know?”

  “Imagine I’m right there with you. I can see you all spread out. Messy hair, cheeks flushed.”

  “Damn, yes. I think you’ve installed hidden cameras.”

  “Now, get into your bedside table, and take out that sexy toy I know you have out of sight.”

  “Really?”

  “Don’t make me wait.”

  “Yes, Seth.” He could hear the drawer glide open, as her breathing kicked up a notch.

  “Got it.”

  “Turn it on, low setting. Shit, I’m hard as stone already. Put your phone on speaker. Set it on the pillow next to you. You will need both hands.”

  “Okay Seth, you’re on speaker, I’m ready.”

  “Shimmy those panties off, and tell me how wet you are.” He waited while she pulled her legs out of her panties. Her breathing hissed at her own touched.

  “So wet.” She moaned.

  “Dip a finger in, Natalie, pump it a few times.” Seth gripped himself, stroking as she moaned in pleasure. “Now babe, taste your arousal.”

  “It’s sweet.”

  “Of course, you’re sweet. I could feast on you all night.” Natalie heard him moan, she longed to touch him.

  “Seth, pull harder for me. Do you have that delicious bit of cum pearling?”

  “Fuck yeah,” he growled. “Pick up that toy, babe, I’m going to tell you exactly how I wish I could use it on you. Natalie, are you ready?”

  “So ready.”

  “Dip the tip into your wet pussy, not too far.” He heard her moan over the phone, “now, take your hot slick arousal and press that vibrator to your clit. That bundle of pleasure is begging for my attention.”

>   She followed his instructions and moaned, “Oh god, oh god.”

  “Dip in deep this time, and pinch your nipple. Faster babe, with each pump of that vibrating cock, I want you to pull on the tip of your beautiful breast.” Their incoherent moans, mingled with the sound of the vibrator and the muscled stroking of his shaft.

  “I need to cum Seth. Can I touch myself?”

  “Not yet, I want to make sure you explode. Keep that toy buried deep in your pussy.”

  “Yes! So good, mmm. Almost there, Seth.”

  “She could hear him stroking his shaft, his breath catching along with hers.

  “Now lick your fingers to touch yourself. Use your slick, wet fingers to stroke your clit babe. That toy, is it buried deep?

  “Yes, yes,” she panted. Natalie pump it hard, ride the vibrating length.” As she obeyed, her breathing stopped. She sucked in, and held her breath. A moment later, her high-pitched wail sailed over the phone.

  He owned her orgasm, and looked down to watch his own cum sail half way up his chest. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.” Drawing out the pleasure, Seth and Natalie rode out the duration of their shared release. Her breathing slowed as she settled into the relaxed satisfaction. In that moment, he seemed so near.

  “Thank you, Seth.” He could hear the rustle of her sheets as she snuggled in. “I’m going to hug this pillow and dream of you tonight.” Her voice had gone airy with sleep.

  “Natalie, just leave your phone on for a few minutes. I want to hear you next to me. I’ll end the call after you fall asleep.”

  “Mm-hmm”, she whispered. He lay there listening, knowing she was nearly asleep. Longing for her warmth, he closed his eyes to imagine her next to him. In a dreamy voice, so incredibly soft he could scarcely hear her, “I love you, Seth,” floated over the connection. Time stopped, he waited. Every cell in his body longed to hold her. As her breathing sunk into a deeper cadence, he finally answered, “I love you, too, Natalie,” and ended the call.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Bang, bang, bang! Who was pounding on his door? He groaned and buried his head deep in his pillow. It was Saturday, damn it all to hell. He just wanted to sleep in. Seth rolled over. His clock read 10:02. Maybe they would go away.

  More knocking, bang, bang, bang! “Just a minute, I’ll be right there!” He hollered as he pulled on jeans, leaving his boxers on the floor, where he shed them last night during phone sex with Natalie. He grabbed a t-shirt, but pulled the door open before managing to put a shirt on.

  “Chelsea, what are you doing here?”

  “Hello to you too, Seth.” Her eyes drifted down. “Looks like you’re happy to see me.”

  “You woke me up, morning wood. It has absolutely nothing to do with you.”

  “Really, well you could at least play along, and give me credit for good timing.” She pushed past him, walking into his kitchen, helping herself to some orange juice.

  He followed her as she made herself too comfortable in his home. “Again, Chels, why are you here?”

  “Sweet man of mine, I heard through the grape-vine that your summer fling has flung. About time, don’t you think? Finally, we can pick up where we always do. I haven’t been tied up and twisted by you in way too long.”

  Seth stared at her. Standing in front of him was the same Chelsea he had always known. Body toned, the glow of a tanning membership on her skin, perfectly straightened bleach blonde hair, and nails recently manicured. He felt nothing. Absolutely no connection. He could not even recall how it felt to want her.

  Turning away, he put water and coffee into the coffee maker. The aroma of the rich roasted beans reminded him of Natalie. The contrast between these two women, oceans vast.

  Without makeup, Natalie looked just as delicious as those nights when she decided to get dressed up. Each curve and sway of Natalie’s body, from the mounds of her creamy breasts to the rich supple line of her hips, called Seth to lick and caress. Every wave of her and curl of her naturally golden-red hair needed his touch.

  “Seth, do you want breakfast first? What I have in mind might require some extra stamina.” Chelsea asked peeking over her shoulder.

  “Not going to happen Chelsea. You can leave, now.”

  “What the fuck, have you lost your balls to this girl? She is long gone and still has her talons into your dick. Give it up, Seth. We both know what kind of kink you need.”

  “Chelsea, while that sales pitch was tempting, I will die of blue balls before you ever get access to them again. Get. Out. Now.”

  Her manicured fingers curled into fists that gripped her bony hips. “Fine, great, don’t bother to call. When you see me around town with my friends, I will be looking down my nose at you. Do not even think about crawling back. You have needs that this new chick will never figure out. Have it your way. Seth, you were always destined to rot away in this shit hole of a town.”

  “The door Chels, don’t let it smack your bony ass on the way out.” His front door slammed hard enough to rattle the windowpanes in his house. She stressed the engine of her puny sporty car, attempting to spin the tires on the gravel drive. Seth laughed, loud and long, a satisfying outburst from the bottom of his soul. How did I waste so much time on that self-centered bitch?

  The coffee maker began to make that familiar steamy sputter. He grabbed his cup, and spotted Natalie’s next to his in the cupboard. All he wanted was Natalie.

  Seth sent a quick text, Sleep well, babe?

  Natalie: Only could have been better with you here in bed with me.

  Seth: I enjoyed last night.

  Natalie: That was so much more exciting with you in charge.

  Seth: I aim to please.

  Natalie: I’d better go. Kels is coming in from the waves, to give me a chance on the board. I can almost hear the theme from Jaws.

  Seth: Have fun.

  She sent a little heart emoji, which tempted Seth to respond that he loved her. Not yet. That had to happen in person. The next moment he had Natalie caged in his arms.

  ***

  Mark appeared to have a genuine interest in Kelsey. Once Natalie realized this, she tried to relax and attempt to enjoy the surfing lesson. He willingly shared his obsession with knowledge, skill and patience but Natalie constantly struggled. Cold, bruised, and battered, Natalie left the waves to Kelsey and Mark, promising to return soon with a picnic lunch.

  Kels, of course, picked up the basics naturally. Her toned athletic body popped into position, knees bent, finding that perfect balanced spot on the board. Standing on the firm sand, Natalie watched the dance of the boards across the cresting waves. Mark’s strong body communicated with the surf. His slicing fluid motions seemed tethered to Kelsey as well. Stunned by the raw beauty she stood transfixed on the pair until the cold pushed her indoors.

  While Natalie put together the basket of sandwiches, chips and drinks, a car drove up. Peeking outside, Natalie screamed, “Ben! Oh, what a surprise.”

  “I hope you don’t mind, I was sort of lonely in Portland. When I got in my car, and took a drive to check out the lay of the land, I found that the miles between you and me kept shrinking.”

  “New town, not knowing many people yet, I get that. Really, it’s great to see you.”

  “I don’t need to crash here tonight, Kelsey is here right?” Ben said, planning to find a hotel close by.

  “Well yes and no.”

  “She met up with a guy who lives just down the street, a surfer. In fact they are out on the waves now.” Ben deflated a bit in front of his sister. He cared about Kelsey, but his timing was constantly off. “Sorry, Ben.”

  “Hey, it’s cool. My hesitation changed Kelsey’s confidence in me. I wondered if a committed relationship would be a problem for her. Especially since you and Kels are so close.”

  “I wish all men were as smart as you.” Right now, he felt like a fool. Natalie hugged him tight, “Ben, how about you join us for lunch? We can drive right out on the beach, and sit in the back of my truck while you f
ill me in on everything about your move to Portland.”

  Natalie handed him the large basket of provisions. She always made enough food for an army. They tossed a big blanket in the bed of her truck, and took the access road to the beach, driving directly onto the sand.

  White, foam-capped waves stretched across the flat gray sand. Two things struck him. The waves were larger on the Pacific, and the sand a darker shade of steel grey. Ben looked forward to taking in the sunset. He recalled childhood memories, stunning shafts of golden light as the sea swallowed the glowing disk of the sun into liquid depth.

  Spotting her, Ben groaned. Clad in a black second skin, Kelsey looked like an athletic ethereal goddess on the board. He simmered with slow burning anger. Damn it, she had hit the sheets last night with this beach bum.

  Natalie spun the truck around, tailgate facing the surf. From the waves, Kelsey spotted two people emerging from Nate’s ride. Who was that with Nate? Long legs, dark shades, and short blonde hair reflected the filtered sun. She knew that powerful stride. Ben. Her concentration lost, the board shifted beneath her and she tumbled into the surf, taking a solid hit to her shoulder when the board found her body. That was going to leave a mark.

  Ben jogged out, concerned. He saw Kels bob up in the water, thumbs up, the universal I’m okay signal. The shaggy haired surfer effortlessly rode the wave within a foot of Kelsey. “Are you good?” He checked her for any signs of problems. Well, at least he’s not a complete dick. Ben’s fist tightened. Mark lowered the zipper on the back of her wet suit as his fingers inspected her upper body.

  Ben could not look away as Kels stood close, using Mark’s thick bicep to steady her legs. The surf buffeted them against each other in the churning waves. Mark looked her over, but Kels shrugged off the minor injury. Passing inspection, she jogged a few feet across the surf, and scooped up her bobbing board, still leashed at her ankle.

  Mark glanced onto shore, and finally noticed the man on the beach with Natalie. Must be Seth, he thought, quickly covering the distance between them. Nate and the blonde guy walked up to Kelsey. He wondered why Kels seemed suddenly nervous.