Chapter 3
While the girls are away…
Tyler
Colt is stoking the fire, while I sit in a nearby recliner looking around at the décor. Throughout the years we’ve added personal touches, as well as a ton more taxidermy. “I guess Van is going to stay pissed at me all weekend?”
“Are you at all surprised?”
An air-filled cackle comes out. “Not in the least. Chicken shit. Clowns are cool. They’re cute, especially when they ride tricycles and honk big red horns.”
“What’re you, five?”
“I’d like to think I stay young for the kiddos. Not everyone can relate to mac and cheese and chocolate milk.”
Colt, like always, shakes his head and continues the task of making sure the fire heats the cabin for the whole night. We’ve woken up many times to a freezing house. “It’s supposed to rain tomorrow, so I suggest you find a way to make peace with Van. Knowing her, she’s probably scheming on how to pay your ass back.”
“Oh, I’m ready for her. I’m always ready. I brought a bag full of tricks just in case.”
I can tell Colt is contemplating whether that’s true or not. What he doesn’t know is that there’s more in store for him as well. All I have to do is wait and bide my time until he’s vulnerable, and then I’m going to strike like a viper.
“You up for a game of cards?” Colt asks as he sits down on the other recliner. Picking up my beer, I finish off the last of the foam at the bottom and stand to head over to the refrigerator for another.
“We should probably head down the hill and get that wood loaded up before the girls get back. I mean, they’ll wonder what we did all day if not.”
“Miranda might expect you to do your chores like a good little boy, but I’m here to relax.”
I stop walking and turn to face him. It’s so obvious he may as well have it written across his face. “What’s up with you lately? You’ve lost your, hmm, what would you call it, southern charm?”
“Nothing. All is good.”
I can spot a liar from a mile away. “What gives? It must be juicy if you’re not telling me. You got eyes for another?” I’m joking to get a rise out of him. Colt is a one-woman man. He’s proven that. It still doesn’t prevent me from giving him a hard time about it. Anything I can do to irritate him.
“It’s none of your damn business,” he offers. “Just leave it at that.”
“It’s Van.” I know she’s not sick. We come visit every year when she has her annual tests done. Van would tell me if something was wrong with her or the kids. We talk just as much as Colt and I do. She’s my morning call when I’m heading out the house. Miranda likes to sleep until the sun is up, now that most of the time I’m just supervising over the ranch. Van keeps me filled in with her family drama, and I do the same with mine. Our parents are getting pretty up there in age and we like to be informed. Besides, I’d like to think she’s one of my best friends, alongside Miranda and Colt.
“It ain’t Van. Unless she’s keeping a secret from me, it’s not my wife.”
“So it’s something,” I continue to dig.
“Just stop asking. I’m not talking about this. It’s nothing anyone has to worry about.”
My brain goes right to the one topic Colt has always been uncomfortable about sharing. Then a light bulb flashes above my head, theoretically speaking of course. “You’re having trouble getting it up aren’t you?”
Colt abruptly stands then proceeds to head outside without a single explanation. When I realize I’ve hit the nail on the head I’m faced with backlash as to what it means and how hard it must be for him. I’d only been partially joking when I was digging for the truth, but this is big. It’s like the end of his manhood. There’s no consoling a man who isn’t able to use the most important part of his body. Being like a brother to me, I can only feel his pain. If this is what his problem is, it’s no wonder the guy is losing his shit over every little thing. I’d be a wreck. I’d have to be put in a mental institution that played twenty-four-seven porn until my shit figured out how to operate again. This isn’t a laughing matter.
Colt is standing at the far end of the wrap around porch looking out into the woods. If he wanted a view he would have gone out on the back deck, so I know this is only to get away from me. “Look man, I didn’t mean to ruffle any feathers.”
“It is what it is, cuz. What am I supposed to say?”
“Well, if your dick isn’t working…”
“It’s not just that Ty. It’s not something I want to talk to Savanna about. She’s got enough going on than to worry about me. I can live with it. It’s just pissing me off more than anything, because I know what she’s going to say. She’s going to blame herself. She’ll probably want to go to therapy and talk to some stranger about how my dick isn’t working. Then other people will find out. I’m not in the mood to be the brunt of everyone’s jokes. I’m pissed you know.”
“Are you telling me Van has no idea?”
“We’ve been busy. When we were intimate I did other things and told her I was tired. She doesn’t know.”
This is bad. I’m not sure what to say to a man who has lost his ability to perform. My dick and I have the perfect relationship. I keep him happy and he keeps me happy. “If you don’t use it you’ll lose it, that’s what they say right?”
When he faces me I can tell it wasn’t the time to offer some humor. He’s right it’s not funny, but I’m not comfortable with this. It’s only natural I’d try to joke my way out of the conversation. “Have you gone to the doctors?”
Colt nods. “He said it happens to a lot of men my age. He wanted to prescribe me pills, but I really ain’t into walking around with a hard on for three hours.”
“Yeah, I heard you’re a minute man.” Another inappropriate comment. “Err, sorry, dude.”
“You can’t help it. I know you’re reeling. You’re probably exploding inside because you now have a lifetime of cracks at me.”
“Man, I wouldn’t do that to you.”
“You used to tell your daughter that we had erectile dysfunction. You probably made this shit happen.”
We both sort of guffaw. “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Without a dick a man is…” Stopping myself from another foot in the mouth, I decide to console him. “It’s probably stress.”
“The doc said that much. I figured coming up here for the weekend might help.”
“Wait,” I pause, “you were going to get it on in the room next to me and my wife?”
He rolls his eyes. “Like you’ve never forced us to listen to your asses. We would have been discreet and courteous. I just need some time to figure this out. It’s going to kill me to tell Savanna.”
“You think she’ll leave you for a younger guy?”
He shoves me. “Shut the hell up!”
“She won’t. To be honest, she probably wouldn’t care. To Van, love isn’t about sex. Besides, you don’t need me to tell you that there’s lots more to making love than sticking it in.”
“All I want is to make my wife happy. Right now, I can’t give her everything, and it’s killing me. I’m on edge. I try to keep it to myself, but it’s weighing heavily on me. It’s a part of me. How would you feel?”
“I told ya. I’d be committed.” I wait a moment. “But it’s not the end of the world, Colt. It’s not. You have it all, man. You’ll find your groove and get it back.”
“Not with your help. I don’t need porn or strippers. I need some alone time with my wife. That’s all.”
I hold up my hands. “Your secret is safe with me. I won’t say a word.”
The girls return to the cabin just as the sun is setting. They’re high on life, shimmering skin and all. We took it upon ourselves to prepare supper, consisting of roasted venison on the grill with peppers and potatoes. The four of us sit down at the table and pray before digging in. I’m not sure why, but I can’t get Colt’s dick problem off my mind. I keep looking at Van and wondering how she’d take the news. She’d be concerned. She’d want to get a second and third opinion and then Colt’s private business would be spread around town like a wild fire.
Miranda sits across the table from me. She’s giving me this look, the kind that implies she’s up to something naughty. Of course I picture it being something we’ll get into later on and my mood starts looking up. Then I glance over at Colt. His defined jaw chomps on the meat as he chews. His eyes are focused on his food, his head low. He’s quiet. Too quiet. When I bring my eyes up to see Van beside me, she’s staring at her husband. I know better than to think she’s not onto Colt. Whether he suspects it or not, she’s fully aware something isn’t right with him.
I clear my voice to grab their attention. “So, What’s going on with the fundraiser? Are the kids handling everything this year?”
“So far,” Van acknowledges. “Shalan is having some well-known singers join her for a concert. They’ll be donating all of the proceeds to the fundraiser. She’s got the twins and Cole working on T-shirt designs. I made it a point to remind her that I’ll need to make the final decision. Knowing the boys, they’ll put something vulgar about tits all over them.”
“Isn’t it about saving the tits?”
“It’s about curing cancer actually.”
“My bad. Tits, Cancer, it’s all important to me.”
Van smirks and takes another bite of dinner. “What did you two do while we were gone?”
Colt takes the lead. “Got the tree all cut up and the wood stacked to cure for next winter. Made the dinner you’re eating. Hung out and enjoyed the quiet.”
“We got massages and manicures,” Miranda announces while showing off her petite fingertips done in a bright pink color.
I flash them my hands and speak in a high-pitched voice. “So did we. We took mud baths in the nude and then Colt and I laid out on the large rocks watching nature all around us. We were hip to hip, embracing our manhood in the wild.”
“Yeah, what he said,” Colt adds with a chuckle.
Miranda, my beautiful spunky wife finds this entertaining. “Sounds hot. Two burly men becoming one with nature.”
“Yeah,” I start. “Kind of like that ape porn everyone saw Jax watching.”
Colt puts his fork down. “You’re making me lose my appetite.”
“You started it,” I remind him.
“Let’s just say we all had a nice relaxing afternoon. No details needed,” Van offers to settle her husband’s weak stomach.
It’s quiet again, and I feel my cheeks heating up when I think about the embarrassing secret Colt is keeping from his wife. If she only knew. If I could joke about it maybe it would lighten the mood. But I can’t. There’s no way I can break my promise to my cousin. “So, speaking of stomach aches, Colt, did you ever get that colonoscopy?”
His dark eyebrow lifts with an accusatory stare, like I’ve gone from one sick topic to the next. Somehow dinner conversations always turn to shit by dessert. It’s not even intentional.
“Just asking. Old people talk about doctor visits.”
“Are you implying we’re old?” He questions.
“We’re all getting up there. We’re grandparents. I’m not ashamed, because with age comes wisdom, right honey?”
“That’s right, darlin’.” Colt chippers up after her comment.
“I was thinking I might do some fishing tomorrow morning. You girls want to take the pontoon boat out? It won’t be that cold.”
“We were planning on tidying up the place. Maybe the two of you could go out instead. Bring home some fish to cook.”
“Or none,” my wife says while scrunching up her face. “All you ever catch is catfish and I hate it. It’s so…”
“Fishy,” Van finishes for her.
“We’ll only bring home Bass.”
“I brought chicken for tomorrow,” Miranda reminds us.
Chuckling alongside Colt, I offer my wife a compromise. “We’ll fish and cook what we catch. You silly women can eat your chicken.”
Miranda and Van look at each other again. “He’s about to say it,” Miranda assumes.
Van nudges her and they take the liberty of using my famous words. “If it smells like fish eat it.”
It was meant to be funny. I say it every time someone fishes, but when they mock it, it’s not as appealing.
After a few games of Rummy, we retreat to our separate rooms for the night. Miranda smells so good from being at the spa that I can hardly wait to get her undressed. It never fails. On the weekends, our house is filled with grandkids, so this trip is a nice reprieve.
Miranda heads into the bathroom, while I prepare the bed for some action. Ripping off the comforter, I toss it on the floor and tug down the sheet so it’s more welcoming. Then I strip down to my birthday suit, jump on the bed, and prop my head up with my elbow. For an added bonus, I bring one leg up and pose.
It takes her forever, but Miranda comes out of the bathroom is a sheer robe. She stops dead in her tracks and gives me a once over, her eyes scanning my most prized possessions. “See something you like, cougar?”
She takes her hand like it’s a claw and waves it in the air while making an animalistic growl. “Momma’s coming over, and you better be ready.”
The robe falls to the edges of her shoulders and I take her in. She’s just as beautiful as the first time I laid eyes on her naked body. I still think about the younger years when we were just kids. Falling in love with this woman was the easiest thing I’ve ever done in my life. There was no warning. I fell so hard. She made me a desperate teddy bear. To this day she’s everything I’ve ever wanted. She keeps me grounded, and I keep her begging for more.
“Stop teasing me.”
She pulls the robe down just enough to where it won’t fall. Opening it around her waist, she rocks slowly like there’s music playing. “Like what you see?” Her teeth glide over that puffy bottom lip and I’m rock hard and ready for her to pounce.
Reaching out for her, she slaps my hand away. “Naughty boys don’t get to be in control.”
“Why was I naughty?” I inquire, desperate to rectify the situation. My balls are throbbing as I stare at her exposed pussy. It’s calling me like a little kitty, meow, while I salivate at the idea of feasting on her familiar skin.
One knee comes up on the mattress and she begins to crawl in my direction. Then her robe falls off her arms, the smooth of her skin glowing off the dim lighting in the room. As she begins to climb overtop of me, I watch her biting her lip, waiting for my next reaction.
Taking both of my hands, I run them up her thighs, until I feel her trembling beneath them. I continue until I reach the soft skin leading to her ass, and guide her movements. Knowing she’s ready to go is tormenting the hell out of me, because I know if I try to reverse rolls she’ll punish me. I hate waiting. I’m like an impatient kid at Christmas. I know the presents are in the next room but if I peek I can’t have any of them.
I slide my fingers over her pussy just to satisfy the curiosity I already suspected. She’s so ready for me. Her body rocks in a slow groove against the back of my fingers, tempting me to slide them inside her tight walls.
Miranda lets out a little whimper when my fingers enter her. I move my hand slowly as I use my thumb to circle her soft clit. Her head draws back, her eyes closing. “Tell me how bad you want it, baby.”
I cover her mouth as soft cries escape her lips, doing my best to be quiet in case Colt and Van can hear us. Her eyes meet mine with a drunken gaze while her tongue draws over her lips, wetting them. “Don’t make me beg.”
Miranda wastes no time making sure she has my undivided attention. As she hovers over me, she bends her torso forward and drags her tongue over my open mouth. “Touch me, Ty.”
Sliding my hands up her perfect waist, I cup both breasts in my palms. Without much force, I pull her down closer in order to take one into my mouth. I suck on one nipple, making it hard against my lips. As I tickle it with my tongue, I lift it just enough that she can do it with me. Our bodies are rocking as we kiss and lick simultaneously, more moans and pleasure-derived hymns sung as I continue. I want her so turned on she withers the second I enter her tight channel.
Next thing I know she’s guiding me there, putting enough pressure that I’m unable to resist. The moment it happens I realize the teasing only put me at a disadvantage. I’m not sure how much longer I can take how good this feels.
Miranda rides me like I’m a wild stallion. Her body bucks against mine with her arms in the air. Before I know it, we’re both making sounds we can’t control. I manage to last a good twenty minutes, okay, probably more like ten, before she collapses on top of me the moment my body freezes and releases all I have to offer.
We’re doused in sweat as we lay there together. I tap her on the back twice, giving a silent signal for her to move over, but she doesn’t go anywhere. “Just a couple more minutes, Ty.”
“Baby, I’m sweating my balls off.”
“They could stand to lose a little weight. They’re all droopy.”
My lip curls. “Woman, you can’t dis the balls like that. They have feelings.”
She takes her pillow and crashes it over my face. “Shut up and go to sleep or that will be the last time I ride you this weekend.”
With her threat simmering in my head, I submit to her and roll to my side of the bed. With my back turned to her, I smile like that little kid who snuck in the cookie jar. There’s more coming if I can behave.
Fingers crossed.