The tiny cabin felt smaller with the bunk beds and added dresser, but they’d make due. At least now every single person had a place to sleep alone if they wanted to. Not that she wanted that to happen, but practicality said there would be nights when someone didn’t feel well or when one needed to stay up late in the shared space. In the new house they planned five bedrooms for the first wing while leaving space for another wing of bedrooms and storage rooms. They’d have more house than they’d know what to do with.
Duane’s even breathing caught her attention away from the house and gave her all the plans she needed to finish the day. She gingerly sat on the couch, trying not to jostle him. As much as waking him up with a sexy gesture would have been ideal, it was better to wake him in an expected way. She ran her hand up his arm, the coarse hairs there protecting skin that needed milder soap and lotion after months of harsh treatment.
His warm skin against her hand spread heat through her body. He was so different from Thomas and Paul, yet she wanted him so much. Kissing in the hospital…sitting in his lap and feeling so close had taken him from a possibility she wanted to someone who had claimed possession of the piece of her heart she’d left for him. She gently massaged his tight shoulder muscles. More than anything she wanted him healthy. Eating her food with pink cheeks glowing with health and laughing with her.
His eyes flew open, but where she expected the confusion he sometimes showed when startled, his eyes were clear and locked to her.
He turned to his back and propped on his elbows. “You’re so fucking gorgeous.”
She wondered when she’d get used to his cursing.
He winced. “Sorry. I’m trying to be better with the cussing.”
She didn’t want to be his mother or boss. She crawled further onto the couch, choosing him as her place. She stretched on top of him and ran her hand over his shaved head. “I know you will. I’m really not worried. I’m a big girl. A little colorful language won’t kill me. Tell me more about this gorgeous thing.”
He settled his hands on her butt. She cocked her eyebrow. He squeezed.
“You have a fantastic ass.” His fingers lingered, petting her backside through her jeans.
“Hmm, that makes me wonder now about all the errands you sent me on while you were in the hospital.”
“I do love watching you walk away,” he replied. “Sometimes you being close was torture. You smile and…damn it, I think you mean it. Even if you’re not necessarily happy, when you smile…”
He trailed off and she pressed a kiss to the side of his mouth. “Finish it.”
He blushed. “When you smile it warms me up. It’s like something good in you is coming out and you’re sharing it with me. Yeah, you smile at other people but you smile differently for me.”
Her heart melted into a puddle. She pressed another kiss to his cheek and held it there for a long moment, so grateful he saw so much in her. He said he was cracked, broken even, but he felt very deeply. If he felt her now when they were so new, then there was room for more.
“I don’t know how well I’ll do, but how would you feel about giving the bed a shot?” he asked.
Mary wanted to, but instead, she got up and moved down his body, pressing kisses on his chest. He held himself taunt even as she undid his belt, button, and zipper. If they were going to initiate their physical relationship while he had medical barriers, she was going to stack the deck in his favor. She tugged down his pants and whistled when the full length of his penis came into view. From the twins she’d already been introduced to pleasure in variation, but Duane offered something different again.
“You’re going to have to be patient with me.” She licked his long, slim cock from the balls to tip. “This is going to take a while.”
She wrapped her lips around the head of his cock, rolling her tongue around the soft skin. His erection stayed light, not the rigid hardness she usually saw when eye to eye with a penis. She kept up gentle pressure, sucking and rubbing in long motions. Duane shifted, but she didn’t give up and refused to rush. She massaged his thighs while taking his dick deeper into her mouth. She couldn’t hope to take it all, but let it butt against the back of her throat, mimicking what she wanted to do.
She sped up her mouth and clenched her pussy when he started lightly thrusting with his hips. He’d become harder, longer, and when she gazed toward his face, his pale cheeks were flushed. She let loose of his dick with one hand and took off her panties, tossing them across the room. She focused on his cock again, using both hands to gently twist the shaft as she sucked hard on the tip.
He reared up and caught her under her armpits. When she would have kept sucking and exploring, he pulled her up his body until she straddled him. His fingers tangled at the hem of her shirt before he jerked it over her head. He attacked her bra with the same ferocity until she sat naked on him.
“Condom,” he said through gritted teeth.
She sank down on his cock, the new length and differences shaking her to her core. “On the pill. Sweet holy…jeez.”
She didn’t wait for him to reply or set the rate, couldn’t with her pussy already clenching and aching. She swiveled her hips, moaning at the deep satisfaction building with only penetration. She sat straighter, arching her front to him. His hands settled on her breasts, squeezing hard on the fleshy sides while his thumbs worked over her nipples.
Heat flooded low and she rocked her hips, trying to satisfy the need dragging at her body. She tried to sit up as she rocked so she could have his hands, but she couldn’t get enough. She collapsed down, holding tight to his shoulders so she could thrust harder. She gritted her teeth and squeezed her thighs, searching for the orgasm’s trigger so close, but out of reach.
Duane threaded his fingers through her hair and brought her face to his, devouring her mouth in a hot kiss. He thrust his tongue between her lips as he picked up the pace from the bottom. He shifted a little and then pushed up harder. She gasped, the slight change enough to send the hair on her neck standing on edge. He grabbed her right leg and pulled it forward until her foot touched the floor, giving her more leverage. She humped faster, meeting his longer motions with short, choppy ones that made her pant.
She threw her head back, wanting the pleasure that was so close, but infuriatingly out of reach. Duane’s fingers sank into the flesh of her ass, pulling her harder and even faster. The rhythm she’d built collapsed under his strength. For a split second her heart raced at the thought she might not make it over the edge.
She bit her lip, trying for some control, but his hands moved again, this time his fingers caressing her crack. The added layer of stimulation threw her into orgasm without warning. She flung her head back and yelled, the pleasure slamming through her in hot waves. Duane cursed and hot wetness hit her thighs. She fell onto his chest, her heart pounding and sweat rolling from her brow.
She rubbed her forehead to his shoulder, realizing she hadn’t bothered taking off his shirt. She wished she had, so she could press her naked body to his.
“It worked.” His words rumbled deep from his chest. “Thanks for being patient with me. You’re an amazing lover.”
She nodded. “Yep, sure am. How long until I can entice you into the bathtub?”
He froze. “For both of us?”
“Yep.”
He surged to his feet so quickly she held on tight and giggled through the last of her orgasm glow.
“Let’s go.”
Chapter 22
Paul couldn’t believe he’d had to fire someone for stealing. A little honesty, that’s all he needed. It was bad enough to lose someone when they had other opportunities, but theft bugged the hell out of him.
Now he was down two guys, had an expansion to start, and fall repairs and chores to finish up before the snow fell. He also needed to get a few cows delivered, hay out, and…hell, if the list got any longer he was going to start looking like Duane with no hair.
He sat back in his chair and tossed aside the
hay order. He didn’t even remember taking the message down, but he could barely remember his name. The barn door squeaked, reminding him he needed to oil everything before winter came and locked up all the dry-as-dust hinges. He hoped whoever was coming had a beer. He looked at the clock and realized it was barely one in the afternoon. Hell, at least he didn’t really intend to drink.
Mary and Duane stepped into his office, not a beer between them, but each wore jeans and work shirts. Mary’s dark curls were hid beneath a red bandana and though Duane looked as gaunt as usual the paleness had been replaced with a flush Paul figured could be from two things, but considering Mary’s lips looked plump and rosy, he’d attribute the glow to a little fun.
“What’s up, guys?”
“Give us a list,” Duane said. “Mary said you’re swamped and shorthanded. We’ll take the piddly shit that needs to be done so you can do the big stuff.”
“You don’t have to,” Paul replied, still uncomfortable with the idea of Mary doing any hard work. He smiled, though he didn’t feel any real pleasure. “I’ve got it handled.”
“Sure you do.” Mary sauntered into his office. “Now make a list or I’m going to just start doing stuff. You know me, Paul Paraby.”
“I do, Mary Paraby, but I don’t want you in the barn or swinging a hammer or slinging hay. We’ve talked about this.”
She rolled her eyes. “Quit. Duane is as protective as you are. Do you really think he’ll let me break my little self? Seriously, I can only imagine how obnoxious you guys will be when I get pregnant.”
The bottom dropped out of his stomach.
The terror must have shown because Mary patted his cheek. “Don’t worry, big boy, the condoms and pill are doing their job. Now, work. I need an oil can. I can do the doors and windows. Duane needs to build some muscle so let’s give him sweeping.”
She threw his already overwhelmed mind for a loop. Work, pregnancy, oiling—he gave up. “All right, do whatever you want. I can use the help. Please don’t do too much, Mary.”
“I won’t.” She kissed his cheek where she’d patted. “You’re doing a fantastic job. I’m very proud of you. Payroll is done and your paperwork for your meeting tomorrow is in your briefcase. The chicken you like so much will be ready in a few hours. Now. Oil can?”
* * * *
His body ached, but Paul had to admit he’d actually made headway, something he hadn’t been able to do in weeks. Sure, some chores remained, but he’d caught up with hay orders thanks to Mary and Duane jumping in for the everyday chores, including keeping his remaining two hands busy. They weren’t lazy, but they were young and needed direction. Since he hadn’t had to babysit, he’d called in the hay orders and delivered the cows he’d been sitting on for too long. Bank account flush even after paying the bills, his stress level eased. He’d find new hands in no time now that he could pay them.
He kicked off his shoes at the door of the outhouse. He’d shower before dinner and hope it woke his ass up enough to enjoy the evening. With Duane home, he wanted to be on his A-game to help out if his cousin needed it or to put out any emotional fires that might spark thanks to a new addition. He pulled up his shirt as he opened the door. It could still be a long night.
The sound of running water made him groan. He should have been paying attention. The contractor who built the cabin swore the separate bathroom was the only way the plumbing would work properly. Paul just knew the arrangement caused more headaches than he cared to deal with. The new house wouldn’t have this sort of inconvenience.
When he pulled his shirt over his head, he found the small area more occupied than it had ever been. Duane leaned against the wall near the only window, arms crossed over his bare chest. Thomas sat in the wooden chair Mary had added not long after moving in, and behind the shower curtain, Paul could only assume Mary washed.
Thomas and Duane frowned and maintained their distance from each other.
“What’s up?” he asked.
“Mary told us to come in here, she figured you’d come in.” Duane stayed against the wall. “It’s nice in here now, that’s something, at least. We took a bath earlier, so I’m not dirty. What the fuck are we doing here?”
“We’re waiting for Mary to shower because she asked us to.” Thomas cocked his head and a grin replaced his frown. “Mary is in the shower.”
Paul kicked off his jeans and Thomas did the same. Duane stayed by the wall.
“There’s not enough room for everyone,” Duane said.
“Yes, there is,” Mary called. “It’s about time someone figured it out. A girl can only wash her hair so many times, you know.”
Paul laughed and whipped back the curtain. Mary’s wide open arms welcomed him in. She ran a soapy washcloth over his back right off. He groaned and leaned his arm against the wall. The layers of the day fell away and his cock sprang to life.
Thomas looked in a moment and frowned. “Yeah, Duane’s right. Not enough room.”
Mary stomped her foot, slipping before catching herself on the edge of the tub. “Damn it. This is supposed to be sexy.”
Paul scrubbed soap through his hair, thankful to at least get a shower if nothing else. Mary grabbed a towel and marched out of the shower.
“Where are you going now?” Thomas called after her.
“To bed. Get scooting.”
She slammed the bathroom door. Paul rinsed the soap from his hair and looked out the curtain. Thomas and Duane were frozen in place, both looking worried and unsure.
“What the hell, guys? Do you two need a gold engraved invitation?”
Duane shrugged. “I don’t know how well I’m going to be able to do anything.”
“Holy shit, if you can’t think of a way to pleasure a woman with something other than your dick the military fucked you up worse than I thought.” Paul grabbed the washcloth. “I’ll be a few minutes.”
He pulled the shower curtain. The door opened and closed. Paul didn’t know if throwing Duane into the mix so soon was the way to go, but Mary seemed to want it. He hoped Duane could enjoy physical intimacy and could add to the group, had no doubt in top form he would, but medicated and tired…
Paul turned off the water and shook droplets from his hair. They’d make it work.
* * * *
Mary thought facing the three men in bed issue head-on would prevent any awkward starts. If she initiated, she could set the tone. Her tactical error in the shower left her shaken. She slammed into the house and stomped to the kitchen. The freshly frosted cupcakes were for dinner. She unwrapped one and shoved it into her mouth. The bathtub was tiny, damn it, she and Duane had barely fit. Of course they would protest. She chewed the sweet treat, grateful for the distraction. A half empty bottle of wine sat on the counter. It tempted her, but the door opened before she could pour a glass.
Duane and Thomas entered, shirts off, tops of their jeans unbuttoned. The cupcake turned to dust in comparison to what they offered. She wanted to cover them in sprinkles and lick until only withering masses of sticky, satisfied man remained.
Thomas strode across the room, the bulge of his dick showing against his open jeans and black briefs. He picked up a cupcake and smeared the top against her chest. She gasped as his tongue quickly followed. Duane hung back near the sofa, but Thomas licked the frosting and dragged his tongue to her nipple, treating it as if it too were covered in sugar.
He lifted her around her waist, walking her backward until her shoulders touched the sheets of the bed. She frowned and twisted, having expected the quilt. Instead she found the blankets pulled back and Duane naked beside her.
“Hi, there.” She stroked the side of his face. “I like having you here.”
“Yeah, well, I like it too.” He kissed her while Thomas continued devouring the frosting in long licks.
Duane’s tongue parted her lips, tracing the top and then the bottom before diving in and tangling with hers. She’d taken the lead earlier, but she liked having him take charge as well. With b
oth of them so close, she divided her attention to each, one hand on Thomas’s shoulder, the other rubbing Duane’s smooth head.
Duane pulled away. She grabbed him tight in protest, but he continued. Thomas stood as well. She stared at the two, standing at the foot of the bed, leaving her alone.
“What the heck, guys?”
Thomas peeled off his jeans. When he bent over to do his socks, Duane moved back onto the bed, but with his head toward the foot, facing her with a smile. She pushed up on her elbows and wiggled her eyebrows at him. “Well, well, well. What did you have in mind?”
He wrapped his fingers around her ankle and tugged her down on the mattress. She giggled when he lifted and flipped her until she straddled his chest. He pulled her closer until the wet pad of his tongue licked across her clit. She shivered, but quickly moved her focus to his cock. The stimulation earlier seemed to really help, so she wrapped her fingers around him and gently massaged.
The bed dipped as Thomas sat, splitting her focus again. Duane’s mouth worked around her pussy, not lingering on her most sensitive parts, but kissing and licking at the creases of her legs. She gritted her teeth, knowing full well she’d need more soon.
Thomas stretched out beside her, propped up on his elbow and used his other hand to nudge her chin toward him for a kiss. She rubbed Duane, but kissed Thomas. He stroked her back in long, slow motions, taking deeper strokes at her ass. She moaned into his mouth as his tongue dove deeper at the same time Duane’s pushed into her pussy.
The combination sent hot arousal to her vagina so quickly she winced, worried about Duane’s reaction. His open mouth latched around her opening and he sucked, the noisy appreciation reassuring and erotic. His tongue darted in again as Thomas squeezed her ass.
“How’re you doing?” Thomas asked between hard pecks down her neck.
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