Page 26 of Thick Girls Take Chances

Leaning forward, he kissed me on the cheek and stepped back while I opened the door. He nodded then turned and walked back to the truck. I watched as he slipped behind the steering wheel and waved before closing the door.

I filled a tumbler with ice and added water then headed up to my room. After setting the drink on my desk, I walked into the bathroom, plugged the tub, and turned on the water. After hiking, not to mention all my other activities, a good soak will feel good.

Digging through the welcome basket Aunt Winnie made me, I found Epsom salts and tossed two handfuls into the water. Just for good measure, I added a few drops of lavender essential oil. Soon a scented steam filled the room. I stripped then stepped into the water, taking time to adjust to the heat. My low moan echoed through the room as I rested my head against the edge of the tub.

I closed my eyes and thought about the day. When Max invited me out for a hike, I never expected to end up at his place having sex…three times. Well technically two and a half, I guess. I’d shocked myself with that. Oral sex has never been high on my list of things to do, but it seems that’s changed. It seems a lot has changed.

My mouth curled into a smile at that last thought. After years of no sex, what I’d expected to be awkward was an amazing experience. I have Max to thank for that.

He mentioned more than once that he wants to get to know me better and see where this can go. I’m all for the former but not sure about the latter. After all, I have a life on the other side of the country. But I’m not going to obsess about that right now. I’ll just enjoy spending time with Max and take things as they come.

I flexed my pruney fingers and decided it was time to get out. After pulling out the stopper with my toes, I stood, then stepped out of the tub and wrapped myself in a fluffy robe.

I studied my reflection in the mirror as I towel-dried my hair. I’m sure my rosy glow isn’t only from the hot bath. There’s nothing like great sex to add color to your cheeks.

Rummaging through the welcome basket again, I found the bottle of lotion and slathered it all over my damp skin. Once that soaked in, I shrugged into a comfy T-shirt and joggers.

I walked across the room and settled into the chair behind the desk. Opening my laptop, I clicked on the file I’d started for my new book. The notebook where I’d “semi-plotted” sat open next to my right hand. I looked down at it and deciphered my handwriting then set my fingers on the home keys and started to type.

Max

I finished mixing the concrete and set the hoe down in the wheelbarrow. I’ve wanted to get a cement mixer for years, but Pop likes to do things the old-fashioned way. I tend to pick my battles and that one didn’t make the list. Besides, it’s a good workout.

“You done over there?”

“Yep.”

I tipped the wheelbarrow forward and rolled it over next to where he’d just finished putting in forms. Grabbing the shovel, I filled them with concrete until the bucket was empty. While I mixed a fresh batch, Pop pulled the screen board across the forms with a back-and-forth sawing motion, evening out the concrete, and removing the excess. Then he picked up the flattening tool and smoothed the surface while I poured the next batch.

We repeated that process until fresh sidewalks lined the front and side of the house.

I hosed out the wheelbarrow while he finished up.

“What kind of sandwiches do we have?” he asked when he was done.

“Ham or roast beef.”

I took his tools and cleaned them off then handed him the hose and picked up a towel to dry my hands.

We have about thirty minutes until the excess water is forced to the surface of the concrete and Pop can joint and edge it. I pulled two folding chairs out of the bed of my truck and set them up. He took a seat as I rummaged in the cooler. I held up one of each sandwich.

“Roast beef.”

I handed him the sandwich and a bottle of water then sat and dug into my own.

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Winnie’s niece.”

“Yeah,” I said, then took a big bite.

“Guess you like her.”

I nodded as I chewed and swallowed, then took a drink. I’m not sure what this conversation is about. In all the years I’ve lived here, Pop has never commented on who I “spend time with.” Other than stating he thinks there’ve been too many, that is.

It must be because of whatever the thing is between him and Winnie. He probably thinks he’ll be in hot water with her if I do something to screw up with Eve. I decided to set his mind at ease.

“I like Eve. She’s really great and fun to hang around with.”

He grunted and finished his sandwich.

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