Page 45 of Smut Lovers

Chapter Seven

Moorely

I t had been less than a day since I’d left Moorely’s tiny house to meet Aspen for his return home. I’d kept my word and stayed at Moorely’s for an entire day. She had the annoying habit of changing the subject any time he broached the idea of continuing to talk after I’d left.

Despite our occasional disagreements, I started to see her as more than just Aspen’s younger sister. Beyond her incredible body and the amazing sex we had. This woman was funny, sarcastic, and smart.

She finally admitted what she’d been doing the night I’d caught her sneaking out of the window in the alley. I had to admit I laughed for almost an hour at the idea of her prick of a boss finding micro-penises all over his office for weeks on end.

After spending my last day in town with my parents, I wanted to say goodbye to Moorely and let her know I planned to keep in touch.

Unfortunately, when I pulled up to her house, I spotted a familiar vehicle in front. Aspen was there. “Shit.”

I pulled up next to his truck, because he likely already saw me. The front door opened at the same time as I opened my car door. Aspen came out with Moorely right behind. She glared at me from behind her brother’s back.

Geordi lumbered past Aspen’s legs. His grumbling bark was friendly enough. It was the giant shepherd that leapt off the deck to greet me. That was the problem. Rather than being in guard mode, Scully greeted me like the old friend I supposed I was after a day in her presence.

Double shit. Aspen’s greeting of confusion hardened into something else. I didn’t want to dissect what it was. “Hi, Scully. Thanks for not putting her onto her guard around me this time, Mo. I’d rather not shit my pants again.”

Surprise, confusion, and relief crossed Moorely’s features before it smoothed into understanding. By the time Aspen glanced her way, she was smirking at me. “Sneak onto my land and you meet my guard dog. I don’t apologize for that.”

“Wait, you snuck onto her land?” Aspen's guarded expression relaxed a bit.

“To be fair, I thought I was on your land. Scully here apprised me of the fact I was, actually, not on your land.” I fought the urge to pet the dog currently sitting right in front of me. “I was flat on my back before I knew what hit me.”

“Of course, he would have gotten the same treatment if he’d been on your land. We don’t take well to trespassers. Scully, Komm.” Moorely didn’t bother to see if the dog obeyed. Of course she did. Her training was excellent.

“What brings you by?” Aspen still seemed suspicious.

“I’m on my way out of town. You weren’t at home, and I didn’t see your truck at your parents’ house, so I thought you might visit Mo.” It was a weak ass excuse, but the best I could come up with.

“We said goodbye when you left.”

“I wanted to see Geordi again. Call me a softie, but he wormed his giant way into my heart.” I stepped onto the first step to be eye level with the bully.

I scratched behind his ears. The big dog groaned in appreciation.

I didn’t notice that Scully huffed my way, seeing as I’d basically ignored her.

“I plan to be back before the season starts for a few days.”

“Really?” Aspen sounded genuinely surprised. “You usually use your last few days pre-season somewhere warm.”

“I’ve spent five years away,” I admitted. “I didn’t realize how much mountain air and dark skies relax me. I’d forgotten it’s home.”

Moorely scoffed.

I glanced sideways at her for the briefest second before straightening to look at my best friend.

Damn it, this was my best friend and the things I’d done with his sister were close to criminal in the bro code.

But I wouldn’t know if it was worth it unless I got to know her more.

To convince her I wasn’t what she clearly thought I was.

“And I didn’t get to really see you this time. ”

“You would have if you’d come to Cabo with me.” Aspen chuckled, extending his hand. “We can go again in a couple of months.”

“Nah. Home and mountain air are what I need. I’ve gotten enough sand in places it shouldn’t be on my previous vacations.” We clasped hands, clapping each other on the back.

“Keep me posted, then. Moose, don’t you have anything to say?”

“Sorry I almost ripped your head off.” Moorely’s lips twitched in a hint of a smirk. “And that I let you stay on your back as long as I did.”

“It’s a pain I’d suffer again.” And again, and again, and again. “Maybe I’ll see you next time I come back, and we can do without the attack dog?”

“No need. You’ve never given me time before, and I’m sure there are others that would be happy to fawn at you.”

I pursed my lips, but nodded briefly. I’d have to do better convincing without Aspen nearby. “Suit yourself. See you later, hoser.”

“Back at you, asshole.” Aspen chuckled.

I scratched Geordi between the ears. “Be a better guard dog, all right?”

Moorely turned her back on me before I could say another word. I let it go, climbing in my rental to get on the road. I let it go for the entire nearly two-hour drive to the airport. I let it go through baggage check and TSA. I let it go until I took a seat at my gate.

Then I flipped open my phone and sent a text.

Me: Miss me yet?

Moorely: Sorry, who is this?

Me: You know who it is. I added my name to your contacts.

Moorely: Fine. What are you doing?

Me: Keeping a promise. I told you I wanted to stay in contact, and I do.

Moorely: Don’t do this. We both know it was a one-night thing.

I shook my head, staring at her words.

Me: You’ve made me not want to be a one-night guy.

The three dots appeared, then disappeared. Silence. That was fine. I’d keep texting, reminding her until she understood. I’d given up the one-night-stands last year. Now I had even more reason to stick to my guns.

Moorely Sky Conway.