AUTHOR'S NOTE: Dooubbblleeee prizzeeesssss! Two updates today! Hope you all enjoy!
Also, just for anyone who is interested, I can add some details to other couples upon request. G-M rating, I don't have any issues with it.
For example (M rated), if anyone is invested in an in-game rival couple making their appearance and getting stumbled upon in "comprisable" situation, let me know!
Another example (G rated) could be non-mature scenes like dates, ect.
Of course, T rated would be anything in between, I guess. Just let me know if you're interested. Give a shout out for your favorite pairing, hahaha. Anyways, on with the show!
xxxxx
Owen and I had gone our separate ways in the morning. He was sweet, kissing me and promising to see me later on. Before we parted ways, he asked if I could feed Chloe Lunch while he was in the mines. He was going to work later in to the afternoon than usual so he could get a bigger pay out. Understanding why he would need the extra funds, I agreed to take care of Chloe. I felt bad that Owen would be skipping lunch, though.
Keeping in mind that I had to go see Chloe around noon or so, I planned out my day. That morning I needed seeds. After grabbing my payment from the shipment box at home, I had planned to go get them. Someone decided to get in the way.
"Yo, Angie!"
Luke came running up the path towards me, axe absent but a jar of honey in hand. I waved awkwardly. He was way too happy to see me. Couldn't say I'd ever seen him quite so happy to see his girlfriend. Not that I blamed him, but...
"Angie, look what I found!" He boasted. "It's honey!"
"So it is...how nice."
"This stuff will give you energy. You should try eating some. Farm work has gotta make you tired."
Luke handed me the jar and I accepted it with a meek smile. I could eat it, I guess. I didn't feel right taking the gift but at least it was something small. It wasn't like he came waltzing up to me with fancy flowers or something expensive. I could appreciate something small and thoughtful. I didn't need jewels and gold like some did.
"It was hard to get that. I had to run- er I mean fight the bees."
Luke was so proud, embellishing his quest to forage the honey from a nearby tree he'd chopped down. Although I knew he was exaggerating to impress me, I also realized that chopping down a tree was no simple feat. Perhaps too much effort had been placed on fetching me the gift. That didn't sit well with me.
"Actually, Luke...if it was so difficult to get maybe you should give it to Selena."
"Babe, that's for you though."
"Don't call me that..."
Holding out the honey, I expected Luke to take it back. He didn't take it back, instead he frowned. His golden eyes saddened and he scuffed the soil with one foot. Hands in his pockets so he couldn't take back the gift, I was left to stand there with it.
"...is everything okay, Angie?"
"You tell me."
I wasn't happy with Luke. The more I thought about it, the more annoyed I became with how he let his girlfriend treat people without saying anything. Namely, me. Not only that, but also the way he didn't seem interested in fixing the situation. He clearly wasn't compatible with her. Instead of handling that, he was always trying to get my attention.
"What do you mean?"
"What do you think I mean?"
"...Iunno...but I feel like you've been avoiding me or somethin'."
I gave his words some thought. For someone so aloof I guess he was observant. I averted my eyes then nodded to assure him he was correct. That hit him hard. With hurt overcoming his features, Luke looked away. His eyes were set on my fields where seeds still needed to be planted.
"Why would you do that, Angie? I thought were friends."
"We were, until your girlfriend found out about me." I explained as gently as I could. "I don't think she likes me hanging around, Luke..."
"I like you hanging around. You're nice."
He sounded so sincere, and I didn't think those golden eyes of his could muster the spite to play me. I felt almost as if I were looking at a child. He was just so straight forward and hurt. I couldn't imagine someone like him truly enjoyed having an overbearing, rude partner. I didn't blame him for trying to hang around me. I would have taken anyone over Selena.
"That's really sweet, Luke. Selena's your girlfriend though and I don't want any trouble."
"… We can still be friends."
"Somehow, I don't think Selena appreciates you having female friends."
"I don't care. I can be friends with whoever I want to be friends with. I want to be friends with you."
There was an awkward silence, Luke waiting for me to say something. Nothing came out of my mouth for a bit. Saying what was lingering in my mind, finally, I shook my head.
"I don't want any trouble. I just moved here. I don't need it."
" Friends don't cause each other trouble. That's not what they're for."
"… I'm not friends with Selena."
"You don't have to be. I'm really not even friends with her... she doesn't like anyone."
"Okay, you see... that's not very reassuring."
Luke insisted I not worry about anything. I wasn't convinced, as bad as I felt for him and his situation. I agreed to still be his friend, regardless. Problem was, Luke still wanted to hang out. I wasn't ready for that. I wanted to get my work done then spend the day with Owen.
"You never told me when you were free. Think we could hang today?"
"I have to go buy some seeds and then I have to water them." I excused, gesturing to the large barren field. "...it's big and it's a lot of work and I don't know if I'll have the energy afterwards to go do anything."
There was some truth to what I said, the field was a lot of work and took time. But, I knew damn well that it was a cheap cop out. As Luke looked at me with disappointment, I felt my guilt worsen for not being totally honest. I didn't think it could get much worse.
"So, for today, I'm going to have to decline. I am really sorry, Luke. But, you probably have to get work done today, too. I'll let you get to that..."
"My dad doesn't make me work on my birthday."
Evidently, it could get worse. The situation could get so much worse. Just like that, I was horrified and felt like the biggest asshole ever.
"It's your birthday?" I asked him meekly.
"Yeah. I'm twenty-two today." Luke replied, smiling just at the corners of his mouth.
"Oh, well congrats. And, uh, happy birthday."
Luke thanked me, but it was kind of glum. His half smile held up, his stare holding eye contact. I knew what he was going to say even before he said it. I braced myself.
"...still a 'no' for hanging out?"
…
I wound up relenting to Luke and letting him come along with me to get some seeds. Owen wasn't out and I guiltily hastened my steps outside the shop in case he happened to have come up for something last minute. And when we passed the mines, the paranoia worsened. As did my guilt. My situation did not look too good.
I wasn't cheating or anything, I didn't even like Luke like that anymore. Yet I still felt like I was doing something wrong by hanging around him. Owen wouldn't care. He wasn't hostile towards Luke. They were civil. A question I raised to myself just then was whether Luke really had no clue Owen and I were thing or if he was pretending to be clueless...
There was that guilt again.
At the Reynold's, Ruth wasn't at the counter. I rung the service bell once, looking around wearily. Having Luke there with me made me feel better for the sake of not being alone, but I became antsy as no one showed up to serve me. I hated the Reynold's shop. When someone did come to the counter, it wasn't Ruth. It was Anissa.
"Hi Anissa... where's your mom?"
"She's down at the docks picking up my little brother." She answered me simply, smiling faintly. "Daddy's down there with her too, so it's just me here for now."
Relief washed over me and Anissa did not fail to notice. With her being so...gentle mannered... and her father not around, suddenly the shop didn't feel so tense. It was odd, horribly odd. It got stranger as she perked up and asked what I needed.
"Lucky you, hm? Mother keeps our client's orders on record for a few weeks at a time. Do you need your last order? Or are you rotating crops this time? That's good for the soil if you can't afford fertilizer yet."
"Rotating crops, huh? That sounds good but I was hoping to get my previous order."
"That's fine, just plant the crops in different spots this time, get the nutrients moving around."
Anissa began packing away the seeds I needed in to a bag, humming lightly. I casted my eyes aside to Luke who shrugged. Anissa was being really nice. Owen was right. As Anissa near finished the order I requested, she spoke up again.
"My brother does deliveries, you know. Next time you need seeds you can just call him up. He'll come running right to you. You won't have to come see us anymore. It'll make your life a lot easier, I suggest you use Taylor's service. No delivery fee."
"...I thought you guys still delivered. I've seen Craig dropping seeds off for people's gardens and whatever. Everyone knows you guys deliver. Angie didn't? No one told her?"
"I'm sure Angela would much prefer my younger brother coming up to her door."
I didn't have anything to say against that and I just cleared my throat. Anissa's vibrant red eyes looked right at me, serious for a moment. She was quick to ignore Luke's remark. Luke had stepped away to look at a crate full of the Farm's special spinach anyways, apparently it was a product that they canned each Fall and sold year 'round..
"When you call be sure to ask for Taylor." She suggested, emphasizing the name. "If you ask for Taylor, Mother or I will send him to you. Just be sure to ask us for Taylor. He'll be there and back before you know it. He's a good boy, no trouble."
"I'm sure he is. Er, thanks for letting me know."
My items were rung up and I paid. Anissa worked the register and shut the drawer, smiling again but her eyes darted to the door. She was urgent all of a sudden.
"Take care of yourself, Angela. It was nice seeing you. Go take care of those seeds."
"Um, likewise..."
Luke opted out of buying the spinach, recalling he still had a few cans at home. With my purchase in hand I prepared to leave, but the door opened. In came Anissa's parents with a young blonde kid, the spikey up do sticking out wildly.
"We're joyed to have you home, Taylor. Look, there's Sissy."
The child couldn't have been any older than maybe ten came running in when he saw his big sister. He hugged her and she smiled so wide, rocking him side to side suddenly distracted. Ruth saw me and greeted me, appraising the seeds I'd told her I needed.
"A shame I hadn't been here. Did Anissa ring up everything you needed?"
"Yeah, I have everything, I need. She was great."
"I'm glad to hear that. Aren't you, Craig?"
Craig had been looking at Anissa, then shifted his eyes back to me when addressed by his wife. He scoffed. Out of nowhere he seemed so pissed.
"You have one job, Anissa. How hard is it?"
The brunette woman narrowed her eyes. Ruth clucked her tongue and swatted Craig. The blonde man grumbled and jerked his arm away from her. Taylor looked between his parents with clear discomfort.
"Craig Reynold's..." Ruth warned.
"Whatever. Just get this slut out of my shop. Tell her to take her boyfriend with her... whatever number this one is."
My eyes flew open wide at Craig's retort. Aghast, I couldn't retort. Luke's face scrunched in utter confusion. For a guy who could effectively chat your year off, Luke went mute. It was impressive, really.
"What?" He questioned.
"Yeah, this one's a floozy. I saw her kissing the blacksmith, Kid. You're better off with that real prize you've got yourself. Leave the scraps for the dogs. No good picking from the left overs."
At that point Ruth really whacked Craig good and told him to go get something done instead of running his mouth like a fool. An ignorant one at that she was sure to add
"I'm just saying. At least his woman is content with one man. Frigid or not, she looks good and is loyal. This one, she's here with one today and the other the next."
"You are absolutely ridiculous." Ruth scolded him. "How dare you say something like that to her. What this girl does is her business, regardless. She's young. She has friends. Now, mind your own business."
"No one needs that many friends..."
After a last say, Craig stalked off. Anissa had disappeared with Taylor sometime before, presumably to shield him from their father's behavior. As Craig disappeared in to the house he could be heard calling out for them.
"There's work to be done! Where have you two gone off to?"
Ruth apologized to me as I stood there, visibly shaken. As Craig hollered at his kids she shook her head and ushered me off. She went to go investigate her family as Luke took me gently by the arm and guided me outside. I didn't know what to say, and neither did Luke.
I was supposed to hang out with him, but I was too stunned. I asked him politely to leave me be for the morning as I worked on my field. I assured him he could come back when I was done. It wasn't like I could have actually done anything with him while I had work to do, anyways.
He hesitated, but Luke followed orders and left. When he was gone, I planted the seeds in a fog, near robotic with my movements. I finished the seeding and watering and took my place at the riverside, pole in hand as I fished. I was so distracted that when someone called out to me, I hadn't heard them.
It was Luke again. He came and sat next to me, asking me how my work had gone. I shrugged for response. Luke looked back at the field, seeing all that I'd done and whistled lowly.
"You're real good at this."
"Thanks..."
"I mean it. The last farmer we had didn't even stick around to get her own farm. You've got this down nice."
Luke told me about the previous applicant for my job, Molly, and how the project that was my house was actually supposed to be hers a couple years back. Just like I recalled Owen telling me, the funds weren't available and the project was called off until Hamilton could supply the money. But, Molly left before they could do that. Then that money sat waiting for the next applicant.
"I remember when we got that call from Hamilton that we needed to get back on the project, I was psyched."
"Is building houses fun or something?"
"Sure, but I was more excited because we'd be having someone new around. This place is nice and all but nothing ever seems to change. Gets boring."
A fished hooked my line but when I went to pull it up there was nothing. I let the hook sink back in to the water and stared down at the water. Luke went quiet, the river flowing by my feet and splashing lightly. When he decided to talk again, it wasn't something I anticipated
"Craig is mean. I don't believe none of that junk he said about you." Luke stated seriously. "I want you to know that. He's just an ass. No one likes him. He's a liar."
Peeking at Luke through my peripheral vision, I saw him watching for my reaction. He reached out and touched my shoulder.
"Molly didn't like the Reynold's house... no one does. I'm surprised Taylor came back. He'd been off with some relative for a while. Poor Kid has to deal with his dad now."
"Was Craig why he left?"
"I think so. I mean, why else would he leave? He left,Molly left... Anissa is always with Dr. Jin. Something's up. That guy is crazy. He doesn't know what he's talking about half the time."
Luke's explanation wasn't comforting but it did help me sort some stuff out. If a kid didn't want to stay a home, that wasn't a good sign.
"Seriously, I don't think you're a slut or anything."
"That's good, because I'm not."
I knew I wasn't a slut, but thinking back on my loose moment with Owen left me feeling like I was lying to myself. It was ridiculous. I wasn't a slut. I was grown, I could do what I wanted. I didn't need anyone telling me what was okay and what wasn't.
"If anything, I think you're great, Angie."
"That's nice of you."
"I mean it. Really. You're so nice."
Luke smiled fondly.
"Selena isn't nice to me like you are. She's always calling me stupid for being 'goofy' or whatever. I'm just trying to have fun. I'm not hurting anyone... but I feel like I need to change sometimes. Youdon't make me feel that way. You just laugh when I'm silly."
Luke's sudden confession pulled at my heart strings. It must have been awful to have someone constantly scold you for being yourself. He was right, it wasn't like he was hurting anyone. He was being himself. I didn't know him well enough to defend him, but he couldn't have done anything so horrible to justify Selena being so frigid. She was like to everyone, Luke couldn't have been to blame.
"You're fine the way you are." I assured him. "You don't need to change for me. You shouldn't have to change for anyone."
I went to smile at Luke but was caught blindsided as he tried leaning in to kiss me. I reared back almost fell in the river. Thankfully, I hadn't. I had dropped my pole instead. I reached down quickly to catch it before the water washed it away.
"Angie-"
"Luke, I think you should go."
'"But I-"
I was insistent, pushing for him to leave. Luke got in close, ignoring my demand.
"Angie, I like you so much."
"That's great but Selena-"
"I can break up with her. She doesn't have to come between us."
I shook Luke off and stated loud and clear that he leave.
"We're friends, Luke. That's it. Please go home."
"… can I please have a kiss?" He pleaded. "Just a kiss on the cheek? Friendly, I promise."
"You're being impossible right now."
"I've never been kissed by someone nice like you before...it's my birthday. Please?"
Knowing better than do to it, I did it anyways. I sighed and gently pecked Luke on the cheek. Giving him a warning eye, I reminded him it was just friendly. He was not to tell anyone it happened. Anyone.
"I promise. Thanks Angie. You made my birthday special."
Xxxxx
"What are you up to, Hun?"
"Staying inside because it's all gross and sticky outside."
Chloe sat in front of her T.V in her room when I had come to check on her. She looked over at me and scrunched her nose at my dirty work clothes.
"That's why I don't want to go outside." She specified, eyeing my sweaty self. "The first week of Summer is horrible."
"You're right. It is. If I could stay inside all day and watch cartoons I would. I have to do my job, unfortunately."
Chloe pouted at how awesome it would have been if I watched cartoons with her all day. I asked if Chloe wanted Lunch because I could start it for her. She shook her head, claiming she wasn't quite hungry yet.
"Hun, it's almost one. You're not hungry?"
"Uh-uh. I had some pudding earlier for a snack."
"Oh, I see. You need to eat some real food soon, too. I'll go start making some sandwiches and when you're ready for yours it'll be there."
By the time I had made it to the kitchen and had the sandwiches made, Chloe suddenly had her appetite. I shook my head as she came running in to eat. Cheeks full, she swayed about as we ate. The phone rang as we ate and Chloe looked at me.
"I'm not allowed to answer the phone." She explained. "Owen says it's for grown-ups."
"I don't live here... I'm not sure if I should either."
" Just do what I do, let it ring. Owen will check the message later."
When Chloe ran off after Lunch to resume her television, I settled on cleaning up the kitchen. I washed up the sink and the dishes Owen had left from the morning before moving my way to the table to sweep up the crumbs Chloe had left.
It took me over two hours to clean up because I'd gotten carried away with little nooks and crannies as I went along. Eventually I wound up grabbing the spray bottles and rags, wiping down all the surfaces while I was at it. Next was the mop. I'd even gotten the oven.
Owen was busy with work and a kid, I could see why he didn't have the time to fully clean the kitchen. It wasn't filthy, but it needed work. I could already hear him telling me I didn't need to clean the kitchen. Oh well, I'd already done it.
When the kitchen was cleaned, I was anything but. I worsened, my clothes going from smelling like farm to smelling like farm masked with cleaning solution. I needed to wash off. Off to the bathroom and the clothes I wore dropped to the bathroom floor and I showered, doing my best not to vividly recall my time spent with Owen in the tub. That failed, it was all I thought about.
Getting out of the shower and in to Owen's bedroom was like jumping from the frying pan in to the fire. I dried off and dropped my towel, feeling rather risqué for prancing about his room naked looking for something of his to wear. I found the drawers he kept his underwear in, grabbing the first pair I saw. The plain t-shirts he owned were one drawer below it. Dressed comfortably, I went to check on Chloe again before running the washing machine. The clock said it was approaching four o'clock and I wondered when Owen would be back.
I got bored of watching T.V as I waited for him to come back from work. Being nosey, I began snooping around his room silently as I could. Last thing I needed was Chloe to overhear drawers opening and shutting, then her going on to tell Owen in her innocent little kid nature.
It wasn't like I was looking for something in particular, I was just curious and spurred by boredom. Although I wound up finding his weights under his bed, those weren't particularly interesting. Well, the muscles they had produced were but that was a different story.
When giving up, I resorted to looking through his closet. He had a lot of black muscles tees and then long sleeve shirts for what I assumed would be good for Autumn weather. He dressed like a mine worker, nothing special. Lots of denim and black. Heavy boots lined the bottom of his closet, one pair of sneakers.
Something that did catch my attention, however, was a button up shirt in the far end of his closet. It was bright white, hardly worn. The piece looked almost new just no tag on it. Looking around wearily as if Chloe would walk in on me, I removed my t-shirt off.
Unbuttoning the white shirt, I slid my arms in to it. The white hem of the formal shirt showed just a peak of the red boxers I'd borrowed. Buttoning the shirt up, I looked at myself in the vanity mirror. I'd seen plenty of movies where the woman tried on a man's dressy shirt then acted all enamored by his smell and the feel of his clothing. I used to think it was ridiculous... used to.
The shirt had Owen's smell, the closet having soaked the fabric with it despite being barely worn. It did feel nice on me. And dare I say it, I felt kind of sexy. The shirt covered me to mid-thigh, sleeves so big that I had to roll them up to my elbows. Bending at the waist, I looked at my rear to see if any of it showed. It didn't, had to lift the hem.
Unbuttoning the shirt to take it off, I near laughed at myself. I was being silly. Three buttons down and I heard the doorknob rattle. I called out for Chloe to wait just a second but the door was already opening. And the person was not Chloe.
"Hi..."
Owen blinked three times, what he was seeing not yet catching up to his brain. He looked up from my calves to where I had the top three undone buttons, the shirt still parted there. I quickly brought the separation in fabric together, hiding the tops of my breasts that had been peeking out.
"Hey there."
"...You're back."
"I am."
Covered in dirt and dust, Owen had clearly been on track to go shower. I had effectively distracted him. My face got warm as he stared at me. When he pointed out the shirt my face was burning.
"That looks nice on you."
"I'm gonna take it off. You can go shower. I'm sorry for touching your clothes..."
"You don't have to take it off. Is it comfortable for you?"
"Yeah, it is but-"
I sputtered my answer, looking away from Owen. He gave my calves one last look before excusing himself to go shower. I facepalmed when he left, cursing myself for being dumb. I should have known he'd be coming in soon. I really should have known. What was I thinking?
Urgently I changed back in to the t-shirt I'd been wearing, hanging the button up back in the closet. Guiltily sitting on top of Owen's bed as I mulled over my mistake, I forgot he'd be needing his room back to change. He emerged with a towel around his hips... very low on his hips.
"You took the shirt off."
"Yup, and you're naked. I'll step out."
My planned exit was somewhat self-sabotaged. I had meant to make a casual exit but hit my toe on the way, stumbling. Owen caught me and I was face to face with his damp and fragrant chest. Pulling me up, Owen kissed me on the mouth.
"You don't have to go."
"I'd feel better if I did...really."
"I'll be done in a minute then."
With his promise, Owen let me leave and I shut the door. Instead of waiting for him to change I went to check on my laundry. It was time to move it to the dryer so I gathered up the wet clothes from the washer to move. I couldn't move my stuff to the dryer, I discovered. Owen had Chloe's clothes sitting there.
Dumping my clothes back in the washer, I grabbed a basket and began folding the little pink clothes left in the dryer. I kept bending down grab them until eventually I had everything. At least, I thought I had everything. With one tiny sock in hand, it's partner was missing. I pursed my mouth and bent deep in to the dryer's cavity to look for it.
A hand appeared on my hip as I spotted it stuck in a crevice. I paused at the large hand that rested on me. Slowly, I came back up with the sock to reunite it with its other half. Behind me, lips appeared on the back my neck.
"This is where you ran off to?" I was questioned playfully. "I said I'd be done in a minute."
"I had to move my laundry."
With the dryer empty I moved my wet clothes, all too aware of the abdomen pressed so closely to my back. Then there were lips touching the side of my face as I reached to start the dry cycle. A click and the machine began moving, and Owen was whispering.
"Why did you take the shirt off? I liked it."
"I shouldn't have gone through your stuff-"
"That's the last thing on my mind."
Picking me up suddenly, Owen had me in his arms and he was walking back towards his room. He slyly checked to make sure Chloe was occupied then swiftly carried on to his room once he saw she was glued to the T.V screen.
"What are you doing?" I asked him as he swung the door behind us, my arm reaching out hastily to grab the door before he could close it. "Owen-"
"Shh, relax."
Owen removed my hand from the door and closed it, locking it. I was nervous as he set me down on the bed. As I sat up to get comfortable, Owen's massive body was crawling over me. With a contained yelp I put my and hands and feet on his chest to keep him at a distance.
"Hey!" I scolded him. "No, no no."
"I'm just coming in for a kiss, let your guard down."
Doing as I was told, I lowered my legs back to the bed and moved my hands from Owen's chest to his shoulders. Swallowing thickly as he came down to press his lips against mine, I felt my thighs twitch as he gently parted them so he could rest his hips between them. Nestling me down in to the mattress under him, Owen opened his mouth upon mine.
Minutes of kissing passed, my mind gradually worrying over Chloe in the house less and less. We just kissed, my head going foggy with the passing intimate moments. Lips became lightly wet with our saliva, smacking so gently with the back and forth pecking. Tongue crept past tongue and I squeezed my legs around Owen without meaning to. Before I realized what I was doing, I had been rhythmically squeezing my thighs around him, my fingers squeezing his shirt tightly between my fingers.
"That's so sexy." Owen mumbled against my mouth. "Mmm."
I gasped at my actions, quickly letting go of the grip my thighs had on my boyfriend. Owen placed one hand on my outer thigh and urged it in close again. His lips trailed down to my neck where his soft kisses tickled.
"Last night..." He began, stopping to groan for a moment. "I've been thinking about you all day, Angela."
"H-Have you?"
"Oh, yeah. Like you wouldn't know."
Fingers crept up over my stomach, rubbing over the fabric. Owen looked over my clothed torso, eyes then dipping down to where the shirt had ridden up just so, revealing a flash of red. With a sparkle in his eye, Owen reminded me his favorite color was red.
"Vain much?" I joked trying to draw attention away from the building sexual tension.
"Vain?"
I pointed to Owen's red hair and he chuckled.
"I couldn't care less about my hair. I like the way red looks...especially on you."
"It's your underwear..."
"And it looks better on you."
Being the underwear was so loose and boxy on me, I couldn't take his statement to heart. I gave him a weird look and he took my chin in his fingertips.
"Don't take yourself so seriously." He advised. "Go with it. You look great."
A peck to my throat and Owen lingered there, hands wandering around. He grazed my covered hips and slid down to the skin of my thighs, feeling around. The lips on my throat suckled so faintly and I giggled nervously as the delicate skin between my thighs was now being sought out.
Owen slipped his fingers up the opening of one leg, tracing the velvety skin right between my thighs. Had he crept higher he could have been acquainted with something soft, warm and wet... and because of that I snatched his wrist impulsively to stop him from possibly venturing any higher. At that he was startled, then he arched a brow.
"Nervous? I wasn't aiming that high." He assured me, keeping my stare as my fingers refused to let go of him. "… do you not want me to?"
"It's not that I don't want you to. I-"
Owen waited patiently for me to explain. I couldn't. I wound up staring at him helplessly with my red stained cheeks and wide brown eyes. Smiling nice and easy, Owen removed his hand. I didn't have to do anything I didn't want to, he promised me.
"I'm sorry if I'm getting too comfortable." He apologized, looking sheepish. "Heh... last night just has my mind in the gutter. You're such a tease."
"You just said I didn't have to do anything I didn't want to."
"You don't. Not trying to guilt you, I loved it. You looked great on top of me like that..."
My hands came up to cover my chest although I was in fact, dressed. Owen's interest was still undeniably peaked. Literally so as I could feel that his bulge had made itself known against my leg. Looking at him I contemplated what I would do.
"Do you... want me to take my shirt off?"
"It'd be even better if you went and put that other one on for me, again."
"Owen..."
Touching my face with ease, Owen insisted he was serious.
"Please? I want to get a good look at you this time."
Miraculously I managed to get myself up off the bed and to the closet. Owen had sat up to let me go, watching closely all the while. I opened his closet with trepidation, glancing back at Owen for reassurance. He nodded, sitting up with a hand on his knee expectantly. As I removed the shirt from the hook I lost my nerve.
"Don't look at me."
"Angela, I've seen what's there already."
"I can't change if you're looking right at me. You can look after."
I got my way, Owen turned his head away like a gentleman. Checking to ensure he was keeping his word, I pulled my t-shirt up over my head. To make sure Owen wasn't somehow cheating, I tossed the shirt at him. To my relief, he hadn't flinched. Meaning, he hadn't been peeking .
"Tease." He chuckled as the shirt hit his lap. "Now I know you're standing there half naked."
"I was making sure you weren't peeking."
"I'd never peek, not without permission... well, that's not entirely true."
While getting one arm through the shirt I questioned what he meant.
"The hot spring changing screen only offers so much modesty..." He revealed, clearing his throat. "I may or may not have been unable to help myself."
"I may or may not be able to relate to that so I'll let that go."
"Oh?"
"I've incriminated myself enough."
I turned my back a precaution but knew how silly I was being. He had seen everything. When I got the shirt all buttoned up I rolled up the sleeves like I'd done before and stepped towards Owen. Touching his shoulder, I tapped once. Owen turned his head with eyes open and nodded appraisingly.
"Give me a little spin. Let me get a good look at the back."
Turning around, I showed Owen. He ran his hand down my back, smoothing out the material. The heat of his hand seeped through the fabric, teasing my skin as he ventured down to the modest curve of my bum.
"May I?"
"Sure..."
Squeezing briefly, Owen ventured lower and brought his hands up under the shirt. He squeezed my rear again, tapping the flesh there with an open palm. When he let the hem of the shirt drop I turned back around to face him, getting pulled down to his lap in the process. His fingers circled the buttons at my chest, caressing them and looking over the button trail with clear interest.
I knew what he wanted. As Owen resumed kissing my neck over the collar of his shirt, I brought a hand to the very top button and scratched with a fingernail. Owen's eyes darted down to see what I was doing, breath held in anticipation.
"Let me see." He murmured in to my skin as I made no move. "It's alright."
The first button came undone with an inaudible slip of the plastic through a slit in the fabric. I kept going at an aching pace, unintentionally drawing out Owen's patience. His tongue wet his lips when I made it to the third button.
"Let me do it."
"Huh?"
"Let me undress you."
I didn't fight his hands as he layered over mine. He brushed my hands aside and slipped the rest of the buttons from their confines. The fabric parted with ease and Owen delicately slipped the shirt down to the bends of my elbows, my bare chest exposed. The chill of the air conditioner brought my nipples to a peak, the pink buds firm and tightened.
"You're beautiful, Angela."
I was kissed, Owen burying his long fingers at the base of my hair, he held my bare chest to his. The muscle tee he wore rubbed the tips of my sensitive nipples and I squirmed in his laps as his tongue slipped past mine I could feel wetness beginning to seep from the shaven slit of my labia, a gentle trickle forming as my clitoris pulsed.
Just as we'd done before, I began mimicking the dry grinding from the previous night. Owen rocked his hips with mine, watching as I approached my limit. I was determined to cum but found myself struggling as I met eyes with him. I stopped moving, catching my breath.
"Were you close?"
I nodded as I got off of him, plopping down on the bed. Owen turned on his side to face me, catching as I shyly hid my chest from him. Lying flat on my back, I tried closing the front of the shirt for some modesty while I gathered myself. But, Owen brushed my hands away and his began caressing my chest.
Gentle, he squeezed one breast and he began lightly pinching the firm bud of the other. I had to admit Owen's boldness was arousing. Even as he dominated the situation he was so cautious and gentle. As he tweaked my nipples alternately I pressed my thighs together. Owen instructed me to raise my arms and I did, giving him room to feel around as he pleased.
He sidled in closed to my side, leaning his head down to pepper my breasts with kisses. The wet suckling to my chest was wonderful and I was tempted to reach down and alleviate myself. I wasn't quite a bold person so I didn't despite how much I itched for touch. Owen had his own temptation, fingers stroking and lingering over the elastic waistband at my hips.
He traced shapes there, dragging his fingertips back and forth. Occasionally his callous would catch my soft skin, making me gasp and anticipate the next time it would happen. The steady squeezing my inner thighs pushed me towards edge again, a needy whine trapped in my throat and threatening to pass my lips.
I didn't think I could contain myself any longer. Thoughts of reaching my hand down to put an end to the arousal passed my mind over and over again. Owen's mouth was gentle but relentless. My virgin body was on overdrive. Just as I thought I was going to lose it, Owen's lips were outside the shell of my ear.
"I want to touch you." He whispered huskily, his hot breath hitting me. "I'll make you feel good, I promise."
"Please do!"
My head tipped back in rapture as Owen slipped his entire hand under the elastic waist of the red boxer briefs, a hot palm coming down to my intimate flesh. He felt the apex of my legs in his hand before bringing a finger to the wet slit he'd been so curious about. Tracing up and down he gathered up moisture and dipped inside, moving carefully.
The tip of his middle finger made contact with my clitoris, wasting no time in beginning to stroke it and tease it. Going in circles he traced the silky bead repeatedly, his body tensing as I whined high in my throat helplessly at the sensation of his touch between my legs.
"Owen!" I gasped.
"I know." He grunted back at me, lapping one of my nipples. "Oh, Angela... say my name again."
With my arms above my head I grasped at a nearby pillow, fiddling and clenching at the case. My hips shifted, moving with Owen's touch. With my abdomen tightening and my thighs beginning to quiver, I gave Owen what he wanted.
"Owen...a-ah..." I moaned quietly, his fingers quickening pace. "Owen, I'm right there. Don't stop. Please don't stop."
My boyfriend proved to be a gentleman, doing as he was told. He kept his touch consistent, watching as I fell apart at his literal fingertips. My entire body tensed and my lips fell open. As sound began to slip, Owen's mouth came crashing down on mine, muffling me. I came, his fingers still moving to stimulate me. With slowing fingers, Owen eased me down from my climax and pulled out of my underwear.
His finger was wet and shimmering when he pulled it out. I figured he'd go wipe or wash his hands, but to my astonishment he brought that finger to his mouth and sucked it clean. I couldn't hide my utter embarrassment. Owen was much suaver with the ordeal.
"You taste sweet."
"Good to know?"
"Would you mind if I...?"
Owen moved down to my waist and I squeaked, clamping my thighs firmly shut.
"I do mind!"
He tried coaxing me to part my legs but I was adamant that was not happening.
"I aim to please, Angela."
"I am not ready for that! That's too-too..." I struggled to articulate. "Just too embarrassing. Way too personal."
"That's a shame. I think it's be pretty sexy if you let me. But, good things come to those who wait."
Bringing me in close to ride out my afterglow, Owen wrapped a bicep around me to cuddle. It should have been relaxing, but the hot and hard throbbing mass that poked me wasn't what I considered tranquil. I cleared my throat to bring attention to the issue.
"Owen, you're still, you know..."
"Are you ready to keep going?"
"I'm sure what you mean by 'keep going' but I'm not ready to go any farther."
"I never said you had to."
Touching my hand, Owen guided it closer to his pelvis.
"I'm fine with heavy petting. I'd never ask you to do something you don't want to." He promised, voice soothingly soft. "It's too much, I get that. You're not obligated to even return the favor if you don't want to."
"...I didn't say I didn't want to."
The reveal intrigued Owen, but he didn't jump at the opportunity. Instead, he brushed my bangs back and asked what I wanted to do. Swallowing my anxiety, I reached over and touched his tented pants. His dark pajamas did well to conceal the dampness there, about a quarter sized spot where the fabric had become slightly sticky.
Without looking at Owen or down where my hand was wandering, I summoned up the courage to reach inside. My eyes landed on Owen's chest where I wound up resting my head, too shy to look at what I would be touching. Leaving his erection where it was, I felt around for the opening of his underwear, making contact with his cock that had slipped its head out.
I'd never given much thought to what it would be like touching a penis for the first time. It wasn't anything spectacularly special, but the soft, firm feel of it was interesting. Something so solid, yet it was silky and plush with the skin around it.
"You're pretty big." I commented, clearing my throat. "Or at least it feels that way."
"You can look if you want to."
"..."
"See for yourself. It won't bite."
His playful remark prompted me to raise my eyes up to look at him. I was embarrassed but still managed to have it in me to roll my eyes at him. A white grin spread across Owen's face, his way of showing me our intimate moment wasn't meant to be uncomfortable.
"Don't take this so seriously." He advised. "It's just us here, we're harmless."
He made it easier for me to truly take a calming breath and peer down where my hand had disappeared. Sitting up, I leaned over Owen to ease the waist of his pants down. Getting them down just far enough to free his cock, I had proved my own suspicion. Owen was hung.
"Wow."
"I'm flattered you think so. He's not the best-looking guy, but-"
"Pft."
Only Owen could make such a situation and make me laughing during it. Penises weren't the most visually appealing things and the fact that Owen could acknowledge that about even his own was both funny and comforting. He didn't expect me to swoon and fawn over the appendage between his legs, but he could appreciate my reaction to it.
"See? Not that serious. Come here."
My hand was guided to his length as Owen initiated a deep kiss. Not knowing what I was doing, I stroked him up and down. Between our kiss and my touch, Owen didn't have any complaints. He was perfectly content. Carefully I touched him, paying some attention to the way he reacted.
His hips jutted in to my palm, my skin becoming wet with the wetness leaking from his tip. It seeped between my fingers, slicking down his skin. Originally the skin of my hand caught on him a little, even without callous. But, his natural lubrication made it easier to stroke him.
My body seemed to relax with Owen's as I stroked him. I wasn't overly paranoid of doing something wrong because he made it feel like I couldn't get it wrong. Even in such close, heated proximity, Owen still managed to give off that protective and safe feeling only an older sibling truly could. Owen, he was laid back. And I couldn't have been any more grateful for it than in that moment, alone.
"You've got it." He encouraged me as I touched him, squeezing down towards his base with my fingers grazing a well-trimmed mound of red public hair. "Aw yeah, just like that Angela."
"I'm doing this right?"
"Perfect."
Confident that I was at least doing it right, I touched Owen with a firmer grip. The pressure elicited a grunt from him and I froze, thinking I had caused him discomfort. He insisted I keep going, urging my fingers to close around him firmly again.
"You've got it. That's great."
I followed Owen's cues until he was smothering my mouth with his, groaning lowly at my touch. I got no warning when he came, just the sticky splash of hot, white cum released in my hand. Owen let loose a long breath, shoulders lax as he let the afterglow settle in.
Pulling my hand away with his essence, I looked around for a box of tissues or something so I wouldn't have to walk out in to the hallway and risk running in to Chloe. How I'd explain away the pungent, white substance in my hand was beyond me.
The sounds of the nightstand drawer being pulled open drew me from my thoughts as Owen reached in a got out a box of tissues. He handed me a few and took one for himself. Cleaning up, Owen kept an ear out for Chloe.
"I can hear her television." he announced. "Thank the Goddess for cartoons."
"She must be watching cartoons all day. It's too hot to do anything."
"Getting lonely on the farm?"
I admitted that I was getting lonely without Chloe running around and chatting my ear off while I watered the crops. Owen thought that was cute. As he pitched the tissues in the trash and readjusted himself back inside his pants, he brought me down to his chest.
"Too bad you don't have any animals, She'd be there in the dead of a blizzard, ha."
"I've saved enough for a coop, you know. I'm thinking of having one built."
"Oh, yeah? What's stopping you?"
"… I don't have enough for the chickens and food yet."
Owen nodded in understanding, beginning to play with the ends of my hair.
"You could always build it, anyways. By the time the project is finished you may get lucky."
"The next harvest won't be ready by then."
"There's always the mine..."
"You and the damn mine. Not all of us are suited for that on a regular basis."
Shrugging his shoulders, Owen agreed.
"I think you did well the other day. Doesn't hurt to keep trying." he suggested. "Build the coop. You'll get your chickens in there."
Xxxxx
I took Owen's advice a few days later and went ahead to build the coop one morning. I wasn't so sure how I felt actually making such a large investment but he was confident it would all work out. At that point it wasn't about the funds, I'd scrounged up more from taking Owen's offer to go down to the mine again.
Funds sorted out, I approached the Carpenter's shop early in the morning. As the door rang to alert my presence, I winced. I didn't exactly want an announced entrance. But, I sure got one.
"Luke, boy! Go and check the front. I'm in the bathroom!"
Dale hollered from the bathroom where he apparently was. It was kind of funny, but I wasn't thrilled to see Luke. I still felt weird from our prior encounter. Luke remembered it well but was still happy to see me. When he saw me, he smiled and came in for a hug. I impulsively stepped back, arms held up to his chest, which hurt his feelings.
"S-Sorry Luke, I didn't mean to-"
My sentence was cut short as I laid eyes upon Bo who had walked in on the awkward moment. He'd been mid whistle and stopped, eyes shifting between my hands on Luke's chest and Luke's slightly hunched posture where he'd been ready to hug me.
"Ahem... I'll just uh... step outside..." Bo coughed, hastily making his way past us to leave the shop. "...Your dad wants you to gather lumber today, Luke. Your girlfriend's mom needs her roof fixed before the storms start hitting...she keeps calling."
"Alight, Bo. Cool."
"'Kay'. Hi, Angela... good to see you."
Waving with one hand meekly, I nodded.
"Hi, Bo. How are you?"
"I'm great, thanks for asking." The teenager responded, looking away from me to Luke. "So yeah, Luke. Your girlfriend's Mom... don't forget."
Bo left with a final wave to me, leaving Luke and I on our own.
"What brings you here so early, Angie? Did you come to see me?"
"Not exactly. I need something built."
"Like what?"
"A chicken coop..."
Luke's eyes lit up.
"A coop? That's child's play!" he boasted, suddenly excited. "I'll let Dad know."
"...should I stick around? Or?"
"If you want to hang out we can."
"I meant to talk the project over with your father."
" Dad hasn't been drinking his prune juice so he's gonna be a while sittin' on the toilet like that."
I couldn't help myself and busted out in laughter. I guess Dale was still struggling with constipation... the poor guy. How bad I felt stood no chance against how funny I thought it was. Luke eased at the sight of me smiling and laughing.
"Luke! You better not be foolin' around!"
"I'm not! Angela's just laughing 'cause I told her you haven't been having your prunes like Dr. Jin told you to!"
I balked at Luke bringing me up and swatted him. He chuckled and Dale could be heard getting defensive from the bathroom.
"Angela, I will have you know I eat plenty of fiber. I don't need prunes."
"Beer doesn't have fiber, Dad."
"Luke! You have work to do!"
It was obvious how flustered Dale was from his tone of voice. I stifled my laughter for his sake, Luke not being as considerate.
"I'll go chop some lumber now, Dad. Don't push too hard while I'm gone."
"Boy, when I get out of here you're in for it."
Luke winked, ushering me out the shop. I was laughing as we left, feeling at ease with him for the first time in a while. The carefree laughter was cut short as Selena stood in front of us, hands on her hips. Bo looked over but said nothing, going about doing the lumber inventory.
"Having fun, Luke?"
"Of course. I always do, you know that."
"How nice. While you're here laughing it up with your little friend, my mother is besides herself stressing over the roof. The wind can't blow without it rattling. You need to go fix it."
Selena was pissed, eyes glued to Luke. Her finely manicured nails tapped along her exposed skin, the polish catching the light.
"It's only a matter of time before a typhoon hits. It's fucking Summer, you know that. Now go do your job."
" Alright, Alright...I'm going. Cool it."
"Excuse me?"
Beginning to fume over Luke's response, Selena's eyes narrowed. Luke scoffed in annoyance and raised his hands agitatedly.
"What? What?" Selena instigated. "Something you want to say, Darling?"
"It's first thing in the morning, why are you being a bitch this early?"
Taking my cue to leave, I went to walk past Selena. She narrowed her eyes to slits and blocked my path. She glared down at me intimidatingly, Selena wasn't very tall for a woman, but she had a few inches on me. I was only about five foot five inches.
"What's wrong? Got somewhere to go all of a sudden?"
"I have work to do, excuse me."
"If you're on such a tight schedule, the hell are you doing sniffing around my man? Yeah, I'm on to you, you little slut. Fuck off. He's mine."
I balked at her vicious bark. Selena put her hands on me, shoving me backwards. I stumbled and nearly lost my footing. She stepped in closer and I defensively shoved her back.
"Don't touch me!" I snapped at her. "Keep your hands off of me! Who do you think you are?"
Smack
A sharp, stinging sensation blossomed along my cheek. Selena had slapped me hard. When struck I lost my balance and landed on my ass along the dusty ground. My eyes watered immediately. Meeting eyes with the angry woman, I had nothing to say. Having been seething, Selena now smirked, cool and collected. Pure satisfaction.
"I'm better than you." she answered, maliciously with her nose pointed down at me. "Get over it. I suggest you do it soon because I'm not going anywhere."
The whole interaction happened in what felt like the blink of an eye. I was so stunned from the strike I could not physically gather myself to speak or stand up.
"Angie-"
"Luke, her name is ANGELA. If you want to nickname her build her a fucking doghouse like she deserves. Since she likes sniffing around you so much, go ahead. Build her a dog house. Put it outside the damn shop for all I care. "
As my body began catching up to me, the first sensation that consumed me was my chest warning me I was going to cry. Before that could happen, Bo had stepped in. The teenager stepped between Luke and Selena, wrapping his arms around me and gently trying to ease me back to my feet.
Luke glared at Selena, his usual joyful features contorted in anger. He bent an inch to try and help me up but before he could even touch me Selena was barking again. Wasn't having any of it.
"Leave her. Do not touch her."
"You can slap her across the face like a psycho but I can't help her up?"
"Leave her where she is or we're through."
Shrugging his shoulders, Luke threw in the towel.
"Fine. We're done then. You can go home."
"You're so stupid."
Selena wasn't impressed in the least, but she laughed. It was condescending and bitter. Luke didn't care.
"You think everything I do is stupid. For once I'm confident you're the stupid one."
" Fine, keep that ugly fucking farmer for all I care! She came from the city and probably has a nasty disease from whatever guy was desperate enough to touch her. Enjoy that. You're both disgusting."
Selena stormed off, tan faced red from raising her voice. Bo had left me to sit on the ground, watching carefully to ensure Selena wasn't coming back before he resumed trying to lift me to my feet. I was dead weight as he tried coaxing me up. When Luke tried, Bo stopped him.
"You've caused enough trouble for her."
"I didn't hurt Angie, Selena-"
"Selena was your girlfriend. You're responsible for letting this go too far."
Bo came down to crouch by my side, asking if I wanted to go home. I withheld from crying, just barely meeting his eyes with mine before there were footsteps approaching. We all raised our heads towards the entryway.
In came Owen with Chloe, inquiring about the commotion they could hear from down the way at their shop. Both of them looked aghast to see me sitting on the ground. Little did I know, I had a big, red hand print on my right cheek.
"Angela!"
Chloe came running over, her brother walking in much slower. He surveyed the scene far too quietly. Small arms threw themselves around me and I brought my arms up to hug Chloe back.
"It's not nice to hit..." Chloe mumbled sympathetically. "You should tell Mayor Hamilton to put them in time out."
"Who hit her?"
Somehow, I knew Owen already had a clear idea who had hit me. He stilled asked, gauging Luke for a response. Luke looked shameful and coughed up the name.
"Well, Selena's gonna get a little more than a time out. We're taking this to Townhall. And if you're really my friend or Angela's you'll have our back when they ask for a witness. "
"You can count on me." Bo promised, interjecting as Luke stood silent. "I saw Selena slap her with my own eyes. She started it."
As Owen came in to help me up off the ground, Chloe stepped away to let him. She didn't want to let go of me, but she did so with the understanding I'd be in hands she trusted. Her big brother's. Owen took me by the shoulders and I looked up at him with watery brown eyes, doing all I could not to break down crying right there.
"Come on, Baby. Everything's okay."
"Did...did you just call Angie 'baby'?"
"Yup."
Luke couldn't seem to make the connection. He blinked and you could see the gears turning in his head. Owen got me up off the ground with ease, Chloe's little hands coming out to brush the dirt off the back of my thighs.
"Wait, are you and Angie really-?"
"Uh-huh."
Owen responded to Luke's questions, blunt and curt. Like he didn't want to even talk to him. Luke tried to apologize for what happened, offering to buy dinner for us all later on after work.
"We can go to the Inn." He offered. "My treat."
"You've treated Angela here to enough for one day."
xxxxx
