Page 11 of Buddy System

It’s obvious she knows it’s not just Skyler who needs a break from worry and pain. He probably needed to work when he felt up to it so he had a purpose, but now these guys need to find themselves. It’s also pretty obvious that Skyler doesn’tneeda job at his parents’ business. He’s doing quite well on his own. I wonder how that happened. It certainly wasn’t from a soldier’s pay.

Chapter

Ten

Levi

When we get backto Skyler’s house, he asks us, “Anyone feel like a quick soak in the hot tub? I know I do.”

Brooke sees me smiling at the idea. “Sure,” she tells Skyler. “Let’s go get changed.”

“Anyone want a beer or a soda? It can get kind of warm out there.”

We both opt for a beer, but when we get some privacy, Brooke asks, “You’re not on any pills right now, are you?” I shake my head, wishing she wouldn’t baby me. I can’t be mad at her though. I know I’m not supposed to mix pain pills with booze.

By the time we are changed and make it outside, Skyler is already in the hot tub with three bottles of beer in an ice bucket on the table alongside him. The jets are bubbling, and he looks relaxed with his head back and his eyes closed. When he hears us, he looks up and smiles like he’s the most contented man on earth. I can see him checking out Brooke in her bikini, and I see that she’s blushing. I’m a little turned on by this, to be honest.She’s chosen her skimpiest bikini, which is actually a thong, so her amazing ass is totally on display.

There is a short ladder to get into the tub, and I’m a little worried about navigating it well, so I let Brooke hop in first and offer me her hands to steady my climb. I noticed Skyler taking in the sight of her behind before she got into the water. I make it up the steps alright, but as I stretch my leg over the top and into the tub, even as I hold onto Brooke’s hand, I lose my balance for a split second. Skyler hops up to assist us, but I correct myself enough to get in without incident. Brooke, however, completely loses her balance as I sit down. She crashes backward into Skyler, trying to break her fall by putting her hand back, and by the look on his face, she plants it right on his dick. Then she winds up somehow sprawled across his lap. Did I mention her bikini is athong?

She laughs as Skyler automatically puts his arms around her, asking, “Are you okay, Brooke?”

I’m sure they’re wondering about the look on my face as Brooke starts to disentangle herself from Skyler. I say to them in a soft voice, “Stay there for a minute, Brooke. You two look so beautiful together.”

Brooke immediately asks, “Are you sure you didn’t take a pill?” She’s terribly confused, but I can see she’s unconsciously settling into his embrace. I imagine the feel of his warm, hard chest, his slippery skin against hers, and…oh wow! I’m getting hard. This is great!

“Do you like being in Skyler’s arms, Brooke? Tell me honestly.”

“Levi! He, um, feels nice, but I’m kind of awkward with this. I’d like to come over and sit onyourlap.” Then as she sits up straighter, she gets a surprised look on her face and exclaims, “Oh!”

Skyler looks embarrassed and says, “I haven’t had a mostly naked woman on my lap in ages. Sorry.”

“Nice,” I tell them with a grin. “So why don’t you let him give you a kiss before you move away?” Skyler is shocked. I nod at him in what I hope is an encouraging way, so he gives her a polite peck on the cheek and helps her up. He does give her butt a quick pat as she steps over to me. She looks over her shoulder and gives him an unreadable look.

I reach for her and drag her between my legs. She feels so good. I’m also hard, and I know she feels it because she gives a little gasp, she grinds on me, then turns and wraps her arm around me, whispering in my good ear, “There you are. Welcome back.” I wish my hip were up to having her sit on my lap, but this closeness is almost as good.

Skyler is unusually quiet for the rest of the time we’re soaking. I don’t know if I pissed him off or he’s tired from our long day of driving. For some reason, I can’t take my eyes off of his chest and arms. He looks fantastic, even with a messed-up shoulder. There’s no doubt he’s a great looking guy, though I’ve tried hard not to think about it before.

Brooke wisely scoots away and sits on the bench beside me. It’s not like we could do anything in front of Skyler, even if this is the first complete erection I’ve had in forever. But when that idea pops into my head, I find myself feeling things below the belt again. Finally, I say aloud, “Skyler, thank you. This is the most relaxed I’ve been since coming home from Walter Reed. I’m starting to feel more like myself again, and we’ve only been here for a few hours.”

He smiles kindly and answers, “Honeybee Hollow will do that to you.”

“It’s more than that,” Brooke adds. “Being around you has a lot to do with it too, I imagine.”

He just nods, leans back, and takes a swig of beer. Then he tells us, “If you like, we can all have breakfast in the morning at Hot Stuff. My friend Juni owns the place, and she makes incredible coffee and pastries. I think you’ll like her.”

A stab of jealousy zings through me. Where did that come from? “Girlfriend?” I ask, trying to keep the snark out of my voice.

Skyler laughs and answers, “Hardly! She’sverytaken. They’re building a house on the land next to us that I sold them recently—and made a killing on the price, I might add.” He gestures vaguely in the direction of the construction site. “I didn’t need that much property, but I wanted some funds to make investments. Anyway, they’ll be neighbors when the house is done—not that you’ll be able to see the house from here. There’s plenty of space in between.” He doesn’t elaborate anymore about it but says instead, “Guys, I’m exhausted. I’m going to have a quick shower and head to bed. Your room ought to have everything you need, but let me know if I’ve forgotten anything. And there are tons of clean towels in the bathroom cupboard. You can turn off the hot tub jets with that blue switch over there.”

He climbs out, and I find myself checking out his legs and ass as he makes his exit. What is wrong with me? Then I realize Brooke is doing the same thing, so I smirk at her, and she mouths at me, “What?” Sure, honey. Take in the sight. He has all the goods in all the right places.

“Hey, Skyler, do you want me to do anything special to lock up the house?” I ask as he wraps a towel around his waist.

“Nah. I usually don’t even bother. But if it makes you feel better, you can lock the door. Night. I’ll see you whenever you get up.”

Chapter

Eleven

---