Sexy Six

by Ahren Sanders

  With each stroke, I get desperate for release. We’ve had sex so many times, and each one has been out of this world. But today ranks up there at the top. I’ve never been this rough, and guilt creeps in until she starts talking.

  “Harder, Nick.”

  “Grace,” I ground out through clenched teeth.

  “Harder. Don’t stop!”

  I’m helpless to stop when she screams my name, clutching so tight my balls ache. I come hard, thrusting as deep as possible and feeling the release running through my veins. My vision goes black, and my head becomes heavy. I drop my face to her shoulder, loosening my grip on her hips.

  “I like the boots, Sweet Peach.” I finally find my voice. “Thinking maybe you should wear them more often.”

  “Miami is more stilettos and straps than cowboy boots.”

  “Let me rephrase. Maybe you should wear them more often for me.”

  “Is this going to happen every time I do?”

  “Oh yeah, if I have anything to do with it.” I raise my head, and something on the counter catches my eye. Streaks of pink cover the white surface.

  “Grace, baby, I think we made a mess.”

  She lifts her head and inspects her hand. “I think it happened somewhere between ‘harder’ and ‘don’t stop’. The pie was a casualty.”

  I stand, straightening us both, and bring her hand to my mouth. She lays her head against my chest, watching me lick the sweet dessert off every inch of her hand.

  “It’s almost as delicious as you.”

  She opens her mouth right as there’s banging, followed by a high-pitched, “Yoo-hoo! Anyone here? Sharon? Grace?”

  Grace’s eyes start to bulge, and she struggles to move. “Oh my God! That’s Mary Cobb,” she hisses, panic written all over her face.

  “Babe, I’m still inside you.” I wince when she pushes back on the counter and twists out of my reach. My cock bobs free, the cold air hitting it painfully.

  “Put that away. Get dressed!” She points to my dick.

  “Are you back here?” Footsteps sound on the wooden floors, getting closer.

  “Do something!” She waves her hands frantically. “I’m not wearing panties. I can’t face that woman.”

  “What do you want me to do?” I zip my shorts and make sure my shirt is straight.

  “Go stall her! She’s probably here to see you anyway. Please, Nick. I’ll save you as soon as I find my panties.”

  I spot the scrap of white on the floor and pick them up, knowing they’re ruined. “I tore them off you.”

  “Okay, well, go introduce yourself and give me a minute to clean up.”

  “Is anyone home?” Mary is no more than a few feet away, so I tuck the torn material in my pocket and go to head her off before she can enter the kitchen.

  “Hello?” I call out, walking to the dining room.

  Mary is not alone; she’s with who I assume is her granddaughter, the same woman Grace told me Pledge was caught with in the barn. I immediately feel dirty when she openly ogles me up and down then licks her lips hungrily. It’s probably meant to be sexy, but she fails. This woman has ‘skank’ written all over her.

  “Hi, I’m Nick.” I go to Mary, offering my hand.

  “Nick! So nice to meet you. Sharon mentioned you and Grace were friends.” She puts emphasis on friends snidely. “I’m Mary Cobb, a dear friend of the family.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mary.” I try to pull my hand away, which only makes her clasp it tighter.

  “And this is my beautiful granddaughter, Sheri Cobb.” Mary takes my hand and places it in Sheri’s. I grit my teeth to keep from cringing.

  Right on cue, Grace’s voice sounds behind me.

  “Mary, what a surprise! I didn’t know you were coming over this morning. Mom already left for the festival. You should have called, and I could have saved you the trip. Hello, Sheri.” Grace’s southern drawl is back and sugary as ever. There’s a bite to her tone.

  I’m able to get my hand free, so I step back to put my arm around Grace, folding her close and kissing the top of her head. It’s an intimate move, meant to send a message.

  Move on, Mary. I’m not just a friend.

  Mary’s eyes widen then flash with annoyance before she speaks. “Well, we’re here now, so why don’t we all ride to the festival together.”

  “That’s so kind of you, but we’re not quite ready to go yet.”

  “We can wait a bit. I’m sure Nick wouldn’t mind hanging out with us while you do whatever it is you need to do.” Mary gives her a dismissive wave. “And besides, you know how parking is a nightmare.”

  Grace tenses, digging her fingernails into my lower back, then clears her throat with a gargled sound.

  “Actually, Nick and I have a designated spot at the Mayor’s office, so parking is not a problem for us. But before you go, let me give you your dishes from last night. They’re back in the kitchen.”

  Grace doesn’t wait for another retort, turning and heading back to the kitchen. I follow, feeling the heat of her irritation, and mentally tell my dick to calm down. The passive aggressive Grace is another turn on.

  She grabs the bag from the sideboard and hands it to Mary, who followed us with Sheri on our heels.

  “What in the world happened in here? Is that your mother’s famous peach pie?”

  “It’s the remains. I clumsily dropped it on the counter, so I need to do some damage control.”

  “Oh, lord, that’s awful and will take forever. Why doesn’t Nick ride with us? We’ll make sure he gets to your parents.”

  Now, I’m the one getting annoyed. This old bitty won’t take a hint.

  “That’s a great idea. We can show Nick around town. He’s got to be bored out of his mind watching you fix your mistake.” Sheri steps closer, doing that lip-licking thing again.

  A low growl escapes from Grace, and when I glance at her, I brace myself. The claws are coming out.

  “Nick, baby, this is that southern hospitality thing I was telling you about. Everyone is always showing so much kindness. Mary and her friends making us a welcome dinner last night, and stopping by unannounced today. Just last year, Sheri was gracious enough to show my friend, Pledge, around the pecan property. He had a terrible problem in his pants, and she helped him out. He was able to release some pressure. It was awfully gracious of her to step up to the plate. I did feel bad, though. Grandpa completely got the wrong idea and shot at him.”

  “Grace Rae!” Mary sneers.

  “Oh, that’s not all.” Grace squints at me with an evil glint in her eye, her lips starting to twitch. “Pledge called me a month later and told me Sheri was kind enough to give him a gift… the kind of gift that requires a doctor’s visit, an antibiotic, and a soothing cream you apply down there.” She points to my groin.

  I know this last part is not true, but Grace pulls it off without a hitch.

  “How dare you! That’s a lie!” Sheri screams.

  “Grace Rae, what has gotten into you?” Mary clutches her neck in horror. “Sharon and Carl would be ashamed!”

  “I’m sorry, Mary. What did I say?” There’s so much saccharine and sarcasm in Grace’s tone, I lose my battle to keep a straight face.

  I drop my chin to my chest and laugh quietly.

  “We’re leaving! I can’t believe the way you’ve treated us.” Mary stomps out, motioning to Sheri to follow.

  Sheri spins around but stops, eyeing the kitchen island. She looks between us and the pie suspiciously. “That’s a fucking handprint.”

  At this, Grace bursts into a fit of giggles and leans into me for support. I hold her close and hope like hell we have time before Mary gets to Sharon and Carl.

  Because I’m going to fuck Grace again. This time, I’ll move the pies.

  “The dog and pony show over?” Roy grumbles, watching another guy walk away from our table with my autograph and a dozen selfies. “Ridiculous.”

  “It’s okay. I don’t mind.”

&nb
sp; “I do! I’m here to watch football, drink beer, and relax. These fools are aggravating me.”

  “Everyone aggravates you. It doesn’t take much,” Logan mutters. “Maybe you should stay home.”

  “And ruin tradition? No way. Not happening.”

  “Touché.” Logan tips his beer before taking a long gulp. “Besides, with Grace and Six being two hours late, he kept a lot of eager townsfolk waiting.”

  He doesn’t even try to hide the implication behind his statement. Grace was able to cover for us well, explaining to her mother the issue with ‘dropping’ the pie and Mary’s uninvited arrival. Sharon seemed okay, but all the Monroe men clearly weren’t fooled.

  As a precaution, I sent Shaw and Mathis a message with the exact address of Roy in case he did kill me and bury me in his back yard. Even though every second with Grace this morning was worth it, I was afraid of Roy’s reaction. So far, I’m still breathing easy, but the day isn’t over.

  When we finally got here today, Grace walked me around to the vendors and introduced me to tons of people. I’m used to getting attention, but it wasn’t me who these people wanted to see. Grace is loved in this town, everyone referring to her as the ‘Peach Princess’ and asking about her gallery. After an hour, she brought me to this sports bar, where she explained the men spent most of the day.

  It was then I became the center of attention, meeting the men of Thomasville. It was all going smoothly until Roy had enough of the constant interruptions of his football games and ran the last guy off. Grace was right; the Monroes are the aristocrats of this town. Even with Carl being the Mayor, it’s obvious Roy holds the most respect.

  I peer across the street and see Grace laughing with a bunch of women who appear to be our age. One of them hands Grace her baby, which she cuddles close, kissing its forehead.

  My heart swells, watching her interact. A sense of déjà vu overwhelms me, remembering Bizzy with Brayden the first few times. It’s a beautiful sight. But with Grace, it’s more of a longing. I think about what kind of mother she’ll be.

  Mother to our children. Our children…

  When I learned Shaw was going to be a dad, a sense of panic took over, not only because of his stupid mistake, but because the thought of kids scares the shit out of me. But reconnecting with Grace has changed things.

  Now, I know I want it, and it’s time I make my intentions known. I clear my throat a few times and sit up straight, inhaling deeply before looking at Roy. He observes me closely, doing the opposite. He sits back, planting his feet firmly on the ground, and crosses his arms.

  Carl walks in and shakes a few hands before sitting at the empty seat at our table. He reaches into the bucket of beers, picks one up, and loosens his tie.

  “I’m done for the day. Last contest judged. What’d I miss?” He tips his bottle to the screen.

  “You’re just in time to watch pretty boy squirm,” Roy tells him with a sinister grin. “Been waiting for this since you drove up to my house.”

  Carl whips his head to me, his expression changing. “How long are you going to play football?”

  It seems like a weird question, considering I’m about to spill my guts about planning a future with Grace, but I answer honestly. “As long as I can. Barring injuries and the league, I think I have at least another ten years.”

  Logan whistles low, shaking his head. “Mom’s not going to like that.”

  “So ten years of Grace not coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas?” Carl goes on.

  It clicks then; my team schedule will always have me playing on these holidays. They’re thinking about the future, too. I swallow hard, careful of how I answer.

  “Jesus Christ, you were laid out by a two-hundred-and-ninety-five-pound lineman the other night. Now, you look like a scared jackrabbit!” Roy fires off, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

  “You can visit us. I’ll buy us a house big enough for everyone to stay as long as you want.”

  “Do you want children?” Roy’s face remains stoic.

  “Yes.”

  “How many?”

  “However many Grace will give me.”

  “You know I shot at the last man Grace brought home. He was a piece of shit walking. He didn’t deserve to breathe her air. I know why she did it. It was clear she didn’t have any interest in him, so I took great pleasure in ushering him off my property with a few rounds.”

  “Not to sound violent, but I’d have probably been in jail after knowing what he did to her. He’s a stupid dickhead. Lucky for me, he was long gone before I found her again. But if he wasn’t, it wouldn’t have stopped me.”

  All three of them seem to like the response because the mood at the table lightens, Carl relaxing in his chair.

  “That’s it?” I’m pretty sure these men have been practicing this since Grace was born.

  “There’re a few things you need to promise me, boy, and I’ll take your word as your honor.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You’ll love her like she deserves. Never hurt her.”

  “Easy, done.”

  “There’s a peach tree in the back of the orchard. She and her grandma loved that tree. Grace wants to get married under that tree.”

  Easy again. “Done.”

  Roy shares a look with Carl, and the hair on my neck starts to pickle.

  “Last thing, Grace has dreams, big dreams. I’m aware she gave up a lot to be here with me because she’s stubborn and insisted I needed her. She was right, I did, but I’ve regretted a lot since I lost Kayla. You need to promise me to make her follow those dreams.”

  “I’m a little lost here. What am I missing?”

  “Grace has talent, big talent. She’s been wanting to get into this elusive Art Program for most of her life. She’s got a good chance to get accepted. Don’t let her turn it down,” Logan explains.

  “Why the hell would I do that?”

  “Because Grace loves hard. She’ll sacrifice for those around her. My baby girl is in love with you, and the last thing she’ll want is to be away from you.” Carl’s words hang in the air as all eyes stay on me.

  “One thing to know about me, Carl, is that I love hard, too. And Grace is no exception. If she gets into the program, I’ll make sure she goes.”

  “We’re counting on it.”

  Chapter 20

  Grace

  “Delivery for Grace Monroe.”

  “Right here.” I meet the delivery man halfway and take the box out of his hands. “Do you need me to sign for anything?”

  “Once I get it all. There’s more in the truck.”

  “More?”

  “Yes, more.” He goes to the black van and returns with an enormous bouquet of flowers and a picnic basket.

  I sign and he leaves before I open the card nestled in the flowers.

  Thank you again. The weekend was perfect.

  Love,

  Nick

  I open the box and let out a loud laugh at the new number six jersey. Unlike the flowers, this card is written in his handwriting.

  Since your other one was ruined, I figured you needed this for the game this weekend. I’ll imagine you wearing it.

  Love,

  Nick

  Flutters start in my stomach as I open the picnic basket and start taking out the items. High-pitched giggles pour out of my mouth as I take inventory. Four bottles of wine, a large fruit and cheese tray, and all my favorite snacks.

  It’s probably self-explanatory, but I tried to get all the things you love. Think of me while you enjoy. Have I mentioned how much I’m beginning to dread away games?

  Love,

  Nick

  Yes, Nick, you’ve mentioned this a few times, I think to myself. Truth is, I dread away games, too.

  I line up the cards on the counter and re-read them over and over again, my heart swelling at his signature. Love, Nick.

  There is no doubt in my mind I’m head over heels in love with Nick Bennett. I think I always have b
een. At first, the feeling petrified me. It was too soon, but now, it feels right.

  So, so right.

  “Did you change your birthday and not tell me?” Logan comes around the corner, seeing the mounds of gifts on the desk.

  “Nope.” I gather the cards and slip them into the picnic basket.

  “So what’s all this?”

  “Nick leaves for Buffalo tomorrow morning.”

  “So?”

  “So he wanted to surprise me with a few things.” I shake out the new jersey, showing it to Logan.

  “Are you kidding me? This is the sorriest show of masculinity I’ve ever seen.”

  “Logan!”

  “I’m sorry, Grace, but really?” He palms one of the lilies, shaking his head.

  “Why are you being so snarky?”

  “I’m being real. He’s giving the rest of us a bad name.”

  “Maybe you should take notes. This is called being romantic.”

  “Romantic my ass, this is bonafide whipped.”

  “Romantic.” I click my tongue on the ‘c’ to emphasize the word.

  His lips twitch, trying to hide his smile. “I’m kidding with you, Grace. I like that he puts that goofy grin on your face, even if he does need to get his head in the game.”

  “His head will be in the game by the time it starts on Sunday. I can guarantee it.”

  “Good, you coming over to my place to watch it?”

  “Sure. Is Melanie going to be there?” I ask flippantly, trying not to sound too nosy.

  “She’s invited.”

  “Want me to call and ask her?”

  “Not really. If she wants to come, she will.”

  “I don’t mean to pry, but are y’all on the outs?”

  He shrugs, avoiding eye contact.

  “Logan, look at me.”

  He does, his playful mood from earlier now gone. “I don’t know what to say. I thought about what you said on the plane, and I do like her. She’s a cool girl, and I like spending time together. Do I picture a future? Yes, I’d like to. But I think I hurt her feelings.”

  “So apologize.”

  “I tried, but it was a disaster.”

  “Oh, lord, what happened?”