Page 32 of Wrangling Nash

“It’s something he picked up a year ago. He said he always wanted to brew his own beer, so my dad bought him a kit and some tools for getting it started on his 21st birthday. But what Clay really meant was he’d always wanted to get into making his own whiskey. Somehow, his attempt at a smooth whiskey turned into moonshine, and he’s been stuck making it ever since, infusing it with different flavors and having his friends be his testers.” He chuckled, “And we’ve been getting messed up on it ever since, though I stopped drinking it a few months ago.”

“I should have taken that note and not gotten into it myself.”

Nash raised his eyebrows as he leaned in closer, “there are other things you can get into instead tonight.” His eyes were dark and heated, and though the sun had started to set, I could feel my entire body begin to flush. It was like our blood was in sync, our desire for one another defying physics.

“I like it when you turn pink at my words,” he said, his finger gently brushed the exposed skin on my neck.

“Nash,” I said, pushing him away.

“Why do you care if my brothers find out that we’re hooking up?” he asked, looking dejected. “Are you that embarrassed of me?”

Why did I care?

“I just don’t want them to get the wrong impression. I’m only here for eleven more months...” my voice trailed off as Nash watched me closely.

“So is your only concern the fact that you’re leaving?”

I nodded, though in my heart, I also knew telling his brothers would make this thing I felt between us real which also meant that when it ended, I couldn't pretend like it hadn't happened.

“I might be country, but I’m not slow. I can tell that you feel this just as much as I do. And I’m not going to mince my words, Jovie, I know you’re leaving, but I’m alright with a slow burn, friends with benefits relationship for the next eleven months. The question is, are you okay with that?”

Was I okay with that?

I had a life to return to in Houston, one that did not and could not include Nash. Having Nash to spend my nights with and hook up with after working on the ranch would certainly solve my loneliness problem and help pass the time I needed until I could get back to 'my real life,’ but would I be able to separate my heart from my head and keep this to strictly a physical relationship?

I sure hope so.

“Friends with benefits for the next eleven months?”

Nash stretched out his hand, “I sure as hell hope you make it these eleven more months, because I think we’re just getting started.”

I bit my lip and took his hand in mine, but as soon as I did, Nash grabbed me, pulling me onto his lap and wrapped my legs around his hips. “Hey!” I shouted, but it was too late. Nash had my waist in a vice with his thick grip and he wasn’t letting go.

“Hey Wylie, Clay, do either of y’all care that Jovie and I are hooking up?”

Clay’s eyes went wide as he looked between us. “No shit. Thought you had a thing for me, Jovie?” he said with a teasing grin. “I'm happy for you two.”

Wylie waved his hand in the air, “no one gives a damn, Nash. I knew it this morning when you came out of the guestroom with your lousy acting job and Jovie looked like she’d just had her biscuits buttered, though I’m sure Nash wasn't good at whatever he did to you, Jovie.”

I smiled, expecting nothing less than Wylie.

“See, told you they wouldn’t care.” Nash said with a grin as he pulled my face close, crushing my lips with his in a kiss that made my heart squeeze in a dangerous way.

When we broke away, I sighed, resting my head gently on his shoulder as I breathed him in, the scent of sweat and chlorine covered his skin, and I felt my heart fall a little more for him.

Only eleven more months of this.

Chapter 27: Jovie

Nash gently kissed my shoulder as he spooned me from behind.

After a few more hours swimming with his brothers, we’d retreated to my bedroom, unable to keep our hands off each other as Nash eased into me once again. It’d been different this time, now that our arrangement was out in the open. I’d thought the sex had been passionate the night before, but Nash was insatiable tonight and we’d gone three rounds until his cock seemed to hit the pause button, as he pulled me close.

“Tell me about your mom,” I whispered into the dark.

“She was incredible. A kindergarten schoolteacher. The kindest woman I’ve met. You know how some people think they are good listeners but don’t really hear you when they claim they are listening? Well, she was an amazing listener and heard you, too. I wish that Clay had gotten to know her in his teen and adult years,” he sighed. “I have a lot of regret around how I handled things after her passing.”

“You did the best you could. You were grieving, too,” I reassured Nash.

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