Page 113 of Almost Rotten

Chapter forty-eight

Sawyer

The sun has been set for a few hours now, but the fire Noah started offers plenty of light. The chill in the air has enough of a bite to it to make me shiver on occasion, inspiring Mercer to hug me tighter each time I tremble.

The night is deliciously chilly, but I’m warm in Noah’s thickest flannel (which he insisted I wear) and wrapped securely in Mercer’s arms.

The scents of fresh air, burning wood, and fallen leaves mixed with the crackling from the fire create a lovely sensory experience. It’s a quintessential fall night.

Mercer’s guitar rests on the ground beside us. He played for about half an hour before he abandoned it and dragged me into his lap.

We shared a joint. Noah’s still nursing his first beer.

None of us is eager to turn in, despite how late it’s getting.

I want to savor this. Commit this night to memory.

Everything shifted this weekend. Right here, at this orchard, with these two men is exactly where I want to be.

“Noah looks lonely.” Fingers toying with the hair at Mercer’s nape, I nuzzle into his neck.

“He does,” Mercer agrees. He tucks my hair to the side and brings his lips to my ear. “Why don’t you go keep him company?” he suggests, nudging me with his nose.

I rise slowly.

Mercer swats at my ass.

I turn to give him a cheeky grin, then saunter over to the other man.

“Wait,” Mercer drawls. “Come back.”

I freeze in my tracks and peer back at him.

His face is screwed up in a pout, his mouth agape, one hand extended in my direction. “Clearly I’m more than a little stoned. I didn’t think through the repercussions of letting you go.”

I snort, whipping my hand over my mouth to stifle the sound.

A large hand wraps around my hip and pulls me closer.

“Hi, honey,” Noah purrs.

I sink into him without hesitation, straddling his lap and draping both arms over his shoulders.

“Hi, handsome.” I rub my nose against his, then lean in for a kiss.

Our mouths connect slowly. There’s nothing rushed about the kiss. I take my time exploring, biting down on his bottom lip and teasing his tongue with mine.

He kisses me back with his whole body, strong hands smoothing up my spine and fingers weaving into my hair, putting me right where he wants me.

A cold breeze swirls around us, making me shiver once more.

A huff cuts into the night behind us, and a moment later, Mercer’s shadow looms over us.

“Now I’m feeling excluded,” he practically whines.

Noah chuckles, the low timbre of his laugh reverberating through my chest. He tips his chin toward his best friend, grinning. “Quit your bellyaching and get over here, then.”

A giggle escapes me.