“Five fucking years,” I mumbled under my breath in complete disgust at myself.
“What did you say?” she asked, pulling away slightly and looking up at me.
“Nothing.”
Ashlyn stepped out of my arms and busied herself with making breakfast. I watched her like a hawk, and I couldn’t help but notice the sideways glances she would give me. I knew she was overthinking everything. This woman had completely opened up to me while staying at my place, and I was afraid that once she was back in her apartment the walls would go back up. I couldn’t let that happen. Last night something shifted between us. I knew it, and so did she, yet she was here fighting it.
“I’m heading down to Lilac Cove for a couple of days.”
What the fuck? Where had this come from? This was the first I’d heard her mention going down the coast. I poured both of us a cup of coffee and handed one to her. She impassively took the cup and lifted it to her mouth.
“Are you running to hide from me?” I asked and took my own sip.
“Josh, I’m not five. I’ve got a photo shoot down there for the blog.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yes.”
“Will you be back for the engagement party on Saturday?”
“Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Now that Ky and Eden are back in town, you need to tell them about Lachlan. No more hiding.”
“I know. I will.”
“Are you still going as my date?” I asked with a cocky undertone. “I didn’t order a new shirt for no reason?”
“I can’t leave a guy desperate, so yes, I will accompany you,” she replied sarcastically. “But no more kissing or touching. I am a guy-free zone.”
I wanted to make a comment and remind her of how she was withering below me just hours ago, how she begged and came around my fingers not once but three times, but I thought I better not test my luck.
“Whatever you say, Ashy. Whatever you say.”
Ashlyn had been gone for three days, but my apartment continued to tease me with her scent. Every room I stepped into, the ghost of her remained.
The past two days had revolved around work and preparations for the engagement party. Every morning I’d wake up to an email from Eden, giving an update and asking for my opinion on things. I wasn’t exactly sure what help I was being. I thought my role would be helping set up on Saturday, not helping her decide between a chocolate or vanilla cake. Seriously, where the fuck was Ky in all these decisions? Eden didn’t take too kindly to me suggesting a marble cake of chocolate and vanilla, so now I wasn’t being asked for my input on what my mom called the crucial details, and it was fine by me.
When I finally made it to Mom and Dad’s after work on Friday, I stepped into an empty house, and the silence was welcomed. I couldn’t stop thinking about Ashlyn. I craved her like never before. One taste ignited the addiction that had been dormant for five years. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and collapsed onto the couch. I scrolled through my messages until I got to the last text from Ashlyn, and began typing.
Just arrived at Mom and Dad’s. I’ve missed your cute little ass in my apartment. Hurry up and get here.
Her response was immediate.
How are the stress levels of Kyden? Is Eden running around in a panic yet? I’ll be there tomorrow. Something came up and I can’t leave yet. Stop thinking about my ass. It’s not happening again Joshua.
Fucking Kyden.
Telling me not to think about your ass is like telling me not to breathe. Are you trying to kill me Ashy? Team Joslyn! xx
The grey bubble danced on the screen, telling me she was tapping in a response. I was eager to see what she would say to the mention of Joslyn.
LOL Team Joslyn. P.S. no kissing means no kissing in text messages as well. No xx on the end of messages Crawford. See you tomorrow.
Fuck my life, this girl was going to put my life in complete disarray. I just hoped to Christ that both her and I could handle it.
I WALKED THROUGH THE side gate of the Crawford’s family home, and the twinkling garden lights grabbed my attention. The warmth of the late spring air caressed my bare shoulders and caused my curled hair to dance on my back as I made my way to Ky and Eden’s engagement party. After spending three days in Lilac Cove, I was ready to let my hair down, relax, and enjoy my best friend’s special night. I also had a confusing but exciting buzz swimming through my body at the thought of seeing Josh again.
“Finally, the maid of honor arrives.”
I stopped mid-step and turned around to find Eden dressed in a beautiful, light pink, knee-length dress, rushing toward me with a beaming smile. The happiness covering her face was intoxicating, and I couldn’t help but return her smile.
“Ahh, the beautiful bride-to-be,” I replied, and graciously accepted her hug. When she pulled away, her eyes traveled over my body, taking in the blue dress that clung to my every curve and the killer silver heels that I had purchased just the night before on a last minute shopping trip.
“He is going to die when he sees you,” Eden said, winking at her suggestive words.
Who was she talking about? Holy shit, did she know about Josh and me?
“I have no clue who you’re talking about,” I said, trying desperately to hide my fear of being found out. A glass of champagne was thrust into my hand and, the moment the bubbling delight hit my lips, I felt the first signs of ease sweep through my tense body.
“Well, don’t you two look absolutely stunning?”
Sue Crawford was the kind of mother every girl dreamed of having. She made me feel a part of the family the moment I first met her, and treated me like I was one of her own. Every birthday I’d receive a heartfelt gift, and every Christmas I’d be invited to the Crawford family get together if I didn’t already have plans with Austin. I’d also randomly get text messages from her to check in on me. She had been more of a mother to me in the five years I’d known her than my own mother had been to me since I was born.
“Hi Sue,” I offered with a bright smile.
She wrapped me tightly in her arms and squeezed before stepping back. “It’s been too long between visits, sweetie. We have so much to catch up on,” she said lovingly.
“Life’s been a bit crazy lately, but it’s starting to settle down now,” I replied.
I lifted my glass of champagne to my lips and glanced around the backyard. Whether I wanted to believe it or not, I knew I was searching for Josh. Yet he was nowhere to be found. The backyard looked like a spring wonderland, with glittering fairy lights, white tables and chairs sporadically placed under trees, and an impromptu dance floor that had been placed near the pool and was waiting to be filled with guests. Eden’s parents sat at one of the tables with Grandma Crawford and Eden’s best friend from San Fran, Colby. That man did things to my lady parts. I was pretty sure it was the tattoos and the reputation of being a raging bull in bed that got to me—the whole rock star fantasy thing. Other guests were mingling, and laughter and good cheer decorated the air.
“The boys were here all day setting it up. The fairy lights are all thanks to Josh. He wanted everything to be perfect for Ky and Eden. That boy constantly surprises me with the greatness of his heart. I wish he would show it more often,” Sue said tenderly.
“He is definitely the king of surprises,” I choked out.
“That he is.” Her smile enlightened her face. “He’s in the kitchen. He will be excited to know you have arrived.”
I didn’t have time to say another word before Eden rejoined us and her hand grabbed mine. Before I knew it, I was being pulled by an overeager best friend toward the steps that led into the house, and back to Josh and the unknown.
While I was gone, we texted each other constantly. There were times when Josh randomly slipped in something to remind me of the three orgasms he had given me and what would forever now be known as the Triple Delight. The thought alone made my body tingle in remembrance of his golden f
ingers. My vibrator would have a hell of a lot to do to meet my newfound demand for multiple orgasms. What happened couldn’t happen again. No matter how much my body wanted it, my brain was telling me no. He was my friend, Mr. Commitment-phobe, the taker of my virginity, and now the owner of my multiple orgasm V-card. He was Josh. Random girls, casual sex, and, as he said before, he was a cliffhanger and I was a happily-ever-after. If I could just switch off my needy body and the fantasies, everything would work out just fine.
As Eden and I stepped into the brightly-lit kitchen, the deep rumblings of conversation halted. Josh, Ky, and their Dad stood in the center of the room, all dressed immaculately in suits, and each with a glass of scotch in one of their hands. It should be illegal for a family to have those kinds of genes. Mr. Crawford had it going on, with salt and pepper hair and piercing green eyes, and I didn’t hide that fact that I found him handsome. I particularly enjoyed freaking out Josh and Ky with my thoughts on the matter.
Eden crossed the kitchen and wrapped her arm around Ky’s waist, while I stood frozen under the intense gaze of Josh. His eyes roamed freely over my body, taking in my silver heels, my bare legs, and my tight blue dress before he finally met my gaze. No matter how hard I tried to ignore it, I would never become accustomed to the feeling of being under Josh’s gaze.
“Thanks for coming, Ash,” Ky announced happily.
I broke my stare from Josh and smiled at my best friend. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Ky and Eden fell into conversation with Mike Crawford, and my eyes reverted back to Josh. My mouth instantly went dry as I had a chance to really look at him. He looked good. Too damn good. He was dressed head to toe in the dark charcoal suit with a powder blue shirt to match my dress, but had left it opened at the neck and decided against a tie. His hair had the just-got-fucked look that I loved, and the nail in the coffin was that he had stubble and looked like he hadn’t shaved since I left. He was a walking, talking, aphrodisiac.
He looked back at me with an impassive face, but I couldn’t ignore the twitch of his lip as he tried to hide a smile. As if I was watching in slow motion, he crossed the kitchen, his eyes firmly locked on mine, until he was standing before me. When his eyes dropped to my lips, I swear my entire world spun out of control. It had only been three days since I last saw him, but it felt more like a year. I had the nervous energy, the excited rush of blood through my system, and the need to touch him to make sure he was real. It was confusing the hell out of me. I was a walking contradiction. I needed him to stay away, but I wanted nothing more than to be completely engulfed by him. His arms wrapped so softly around my shoulders and pulled me toward his chest. It wasn’t anything shocking for others to see me and Josh hug. We were friends, and friends hugged. My hands gripped the bottom of his jacket as the warmth of his body made mine go slack against him.
“You look beautiful, Ashy. Fuck, it’s good to see you,” he whispered into my ear, sending a shiver of warmth down my spine.
As quickly as he pulled me into his arms, he stepped away, and I felt the loss of his warmth immediately. I turned to the counter, grabbed my glass of champagne, and tried to get hold of myself and my traitorous libido. Fuck, I felt like a horny fifteen-year-old girl that the star quarterback just said hi to in the hall.
“How was Lilac Cove?” Ky asked, and I was thankful for the distraction.
Having spent three days in the beautiful beachside town, I felt refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world. I didn’t know whether it was being removed from constant reminders of Lachlan, or waking up to the smell of the ocean, but I felt better than I had in a long time. Lilac Cove was the kind of place where you had no reason to do anything but relax and get lost in the seaside vibes that hit you as soon as you drive into town. It was so far removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city. I would always be a small town girl, even if I didn’t want to believe it. I’d only just returned, but I couldn’t wait to run away there again.
“It was amazing. I swear I’m going to move down there when I have kids,” I replied wistfully.
The sound of someone choking quickly filled the room. I knew exactly who it was, and I couldn’t help but smirk. Everyone turned to look at Josh, but his gaze was set firmly on me.
“Yes, Josh, some people do think about the future, and not just who they are going to have sex with on the weekend.” I smirked, shooting him a raised brow.
Ky coughed through a laugh, and Eden’s giggle told me she agreed with my statement.
“On that note, I’m going to see where my wife is. It’s good to see you, Ashlyn,” Mr. Crawford announced, and kissed my cheek quickly before leaving the room and disappearing outside.
“You’re a spitfire, Ashy,” Josh said when his Dad left.
“Don’t deny that’s what you love about me.”
“I’ll tell you what I love, you’re hot little as—”
“You two bicker like brother and sister.” Ky laughed, slapping Josh on the back and shooting me a glimpse of his million-dollar smile.
No! No! No! Ky did not just refer to Josh and me as brother and sister? Jesus! That was wrong on so many levels. Now, I was very open to a lot of things, and I’d try everything once, maybe even twice, but kissing and being finger fucked by my brother was not one of them. That was horrendous and nightmare inducing. My cheeks flushed, or did I go pale in disgust? God, what was happening? I avoided making eye contact with anyone. Thankfully, Josh and Ky started talking amongst themselves, and I focused on the illuminated numbers displaying the time on the microwave.
“How about we go and mingle? Colby and Blake want to say hi to you, and Tori should be arriving any minute,” Eden suggested, breaking my stare.
“Yes!” I said a little too eagerly. I had been here for less than twenty minutes, and I was already losing it. Colby and Blake would be a perfect distraction, although I was sure Tori’s attention would be squarely locked onto Josh.
Ky’s words circled in my head, and the inappropriate nature of them was too much to ignore. I pushed away from the bench that I’d been leaning on and headed to the back door.
“Let’s go, little sister,” Josh said softly from behind me. He placed a hand at the small of my back and didn’t remove it as I descended the steps.
I shot him a glare over my shoulder when we hit flat ground, but he didn’t remove his hand. “You did not just say that,” I spat incredulously. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Oh, I said it alright.”
I tried but failed holding in my chuckle. “You disgust me.”
“I didn’t disgust you when I had my tongue in your mouth and my fingers deep inside your pussy the other night. How many times did I make you come?” His breath was hot on my ear as he leaned in, and I felt his chest brushing my back. “Fuck, you are beautiful when you come undone. I cannot wait to see it again.”
It was official. I was about to have a spontaneous orgasm in front of the Crawford family. I was going to be that girl who lifted her dress, pushed her panties to the side, and begged a man to take her without any thoughts of the consequences. How can he make me completely come undone just by talking? I had absolutely no hope in the world.
“Leave her alone, Josh.” Eden laughed casually, as if I was dealing with his usual teasing and not his suggestion of touching me again or sharing his lavished memories of our recent tryst. She slipped her hand into mine and pulled me across the yard away from Josh. My heart thundered in my chest. I hoped Eden couldn’t feel how clammy my hands were, but good lord, I couldn’t ignore the wetness pooling between my legs from his dirty words.
“Ky and I have a surprise for you tonight,” Eden announced in a singsong voice that was bubbling with excitement. She was glowing with delight, and her eyes shone with eagerness at whatever the surprise was. I couldn’t think of anything they could surprise me with besides . . .
“Are you pregnant?” I screeched, causing the people in close vicinity to direct their attention to
us.
“Jesus, Ashlyn. No, I am not pregnant!” Eden shot back. Her hands swung wildly around as she twisted to the crowd that gawked at us. “Nothing to look at here, people. No baby on board.”
I laughed at her response, and grabbed her hand to gain her attention. “Well, if you aren’t pregnant, then what could you possibly do that will surprise me?”
“Give it time, my friend. It’s going to completely rock your world. We have been planning it for a while now.”
I was about to push for more info, but was halted by the arrival of Tori. She rushed across the yard and pulled Eden in for a hug, before offering me air kisses. All I could think about was her admission of giving Josh a blow job, and how it had been all a lie.
“Sorry I’m late. My flight was delayed, and then the driver got lost. But I’m here now, and I’m so ready for tonight. Where’s that handsome fiancé of yours and his gorgeous brother?” Tori asked and started looking around the backyard for Josh and Ky. “There they are. If you’ll excuse me, I just have to go and speak to Josh about a text he sent me today.”
Tori rushed away, and I watched as she walked straight up to Josh and wrapped her arms around him. Immediately, his eyes flashed to mine and I looked away. I would ignore the feeling of my stomach sinking, and I would certainly not get lost of thoughts of why Josh was texting her. I turned my back to them and got lost in a mindless conversation with Ky and Eden. Colby soon joined us, and rested his arm around my shoulders. Tori and Josh were soon forgotten, as Colby told stories of life on the road and his latest run in with a groupie called Shannon, who had decided that she was destined to have his children.
“Looks like Tori has found her guy for the night.” Colby laughed beside me, and I inwardly groaned.
“Those two have history,” Eden declared. “She definitely has her claws into him, and won’t stop until she has him.”