Page 102 of Back To Our Beginning

He took even longer to suck the ice cream off the spoon.

My nipples were so tight they actually hurt.

Beau yawned. “I think I need another nap.”

He scooched down and pulled his pillow into his preferred position under his head and closed his eyes.

What the hell?!

Wait a second. I came here specifically to give him pleasure and make sure he got some rest. So, cool your jets, Avery. I put the empty carton of ice cream on the nightstand beside me, shoved the pillow down, planted my face into it, and began counting sheep.

Suddenly I was hauled into Beau’s arms, one hand cupping my butt, the other tangled in my hair. He was chuckling.

“You’re asleep,” I protested.

“Do you want me to be?”

“No.”

“Then let’s play.”

He didn’t have to ask twice.

An hour, two orgasms, and one ripped pillowcase, later, I was seriously considering awarding myself a medal. Bonus points for Beau now sleeping like a baby.

I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but tonight, everything was right in my world.

* * *

The next day, Ruby called and wanted to know if she could bring over homemade tamales and all the fixings for carnitas tacos. I just wanted to know who I had to kill. She explained she had enough to feed an army, so if I wanted to invite more people, I might want to consider doing so.

That was how I ended up with Kai, his fiancée Marlowe, Ruby, Beau and myself, all sitting around my backyard having margaritas after filling up on the best Mexican food I’d ever eaten. The evening was perfect, not too hot, not chilly, just a sultry Tennessee night with friends.

“How did you learn to make such good tamales?” Marlowe asked Ruby.

“Tia was one of my best friends growing up in LA. Her parents owned a Mexican restaurant. Tia and I worked there during high school and after we graduated. I worked in the kitchen,”

“With your looks, I would have thought you’d want to be a waitress for all the tips you could have made,” Marlowe said.

“Tia was the pretty one. And you’re right, she made bank.”

“Oh, you must have been one of those late bloomers,” Marlowe laughed. “I bet everybody’s eyes popped at your high school reunion.”

“Nope, you’ve got it all wrong.” Ruby smiled. It was a bright, phony smile. “This has been me since I was fourteen. Nothing much has changed.” She gave a short laugh and shook her head. “It’s easier for a girl like me in Tennessee, but in LA, I stood out like a sore thumb. I was not up to spec, if you get my meaning.”

There was an awkward silence where we could only hear my next-door neighbors' wind chimes, so I jumped in. “That was California’s loss and Tennessee’s gain. So, tell me, Ruby, how many more years until your ten-year high school reunion?”

“Five. Does anyone else want another margarita?” she asked as she got up with her half-full glass.

“I could use another beer,” Beau said.

“So could I,” Kai agreed.

“I’ll take a refill on my margarita,” Marlowe said.

“Why don’t I come in and help you?” I scrambled up from my chair and followed Ruby into the house.

“Do you need another margarita?” Ruby asked me.