Page 23 of Living at 40

“What the fuck, man?” he says, scrambling from the bed to get me away from him.

“Just wanted you to dream of me tonight,” I tease, lifting my hand just under my chin and wiggling my fingers.

“If you kissed him, I’d never unsee that,” Anna admits.

“If you kissed him, I’d dream of you both,” Autumn states, and I turn to her, uncertain if she’s serious or joking. Her wide eyes and lips still-moist from my kiss tell me she’s teasing. Nipples peak through her thin sleep shirt, hinting at how turned on she is, and I want to tackle her to the bed, tug up that tee and suck at those breasts like a starved child.

“Jesus,” Mason huffs while swiping a hand through his hair several times, mussing it up.

Take that, pretty boy. I turn my attention back to him until the corner of his mouth curls. He knows he’s getting to me. He also knows I’m not giving up. I am more than just that funny fat guy. I’m more than a sweet personality. I can be everything to her, and with that thought, Autumn Kulis becomes a quest.

+ + +

The next morning, after a long run, I finally settle down a bit from the night before. After a quick jerk in the shower and a second time in bed, I fall asleep restless and unsatisfied. It isn’t that I want to claim Autumn, but that I want the chance to get to know her better. As my best friend’s younger sister, it’s as if she’s been in my life but not really a part of it. I know things about her, but I don’t know her outside of the café owner and the desire to be a mother. I’m pulled to her in a way I can’t understand but want to explore.

Still, there are so many questions. Why does she want to go it alone? Why is she alone? From the things I know of Autumn, she’s loyal as hell to her family and a natural nurturer to her niece and nephews. My own Lorna couldn’t stop talking about her when I went to say good night. Autumn apparently promised the two girls she’d take them on a special girls-only day trip this week. She’s also capable of running her own business, making her self-sufficient and independent.

This quandary about her finds me in line at the Crossroads Café again, impatiently waiting my turn to approach the counter and greet her good morning. To my surprise, Mason’s voice wafts over the subtle chatter in the crowded space, and I glance around to find Autumn standing beside him near the cream and sugar bar. Stepping out of line, I cut through the waiting people to edge closer to them.

“Hey,” I greet, looking from Autumn to Mason. He lowers his head, shaking it side to side, while Autumn returns my greeting.

“Good morning.” I watch her chew her lower lip, and my mouth waters for another taste of her. She’s the cream and sugar supplement I’m no longer allowed in my coffee goodness. “Out for another run?”

My sweat-soaked tee gives away the obvious, and compared to Mason’s untucked polo and khaki shorts, I’m a hot mess. Swiping a hand over my hair does nothing to improve my appearance.

“Mace, you’re up early,” I comment. Slowly glancing at me, he nods.

“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and satisfied.” I don’t bother to correct him that the last word should be wise. He tips up a brow, insinuating his morning wood, and I’m grateful I’m not drinking coffee yet as I might puke.

“I think it’s—”

“Don’t bother correcting him,” I interject over Autumn and direct another glare at Mason. “What are you doing here?”

Lifting his cup, he answers the obvious.

“Logan, let me get you a coffee, too.” Autumn reaches out to touch my bicep and then slides her hand down to my forearm before releasing me. With a satisfied grin, I thank her and turn back to Mason.

“Dude, do you need to be so obvious? If you get any closer, you’ll piss on her, and that will probably just piss her off,” Mason snaps as soon as Autumn steps away.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I ask, knowing it’s more than just the coffee in his hand.

“Look, not everything is about you or her, okay?” The sharpness to his tone surprises me, and I lean back a bit, staring at one of my best friends in a battle of strong wills. Autumn interrupts our linked glare when she hands me a coffee.

“I remembered you ordered the dark roast yesterday.” She smiles up at me, and I swear my heart flips over like a happy pup wanting his belly rubbed.

“Thank you.” Stepping forward, I lean my cheek next to hers, brushing my scruff along her soft skin before pressing a kiss to her jaw. She blushes as I stand straighter, and Mason shakes his head again.

“I’ve got to get back to work,” she says, hitching a thumb over her shoulder, and Mason and I lift our to-go cups in tandem, saluting her.

“We’ll talk later,” Mason states, and I wonder what he means, but Autumn’s eyes flick from him to me, and she fights the curve of her lips. Yeah, I definitely want to kiss her again, and something tells me she might want me to kiss her, too.

Following Mason’s lead, we exit the café.

“What was all that about?” I snap as we turn to the side street, and Mason stops beside his sporty car.

“As I said, not everything is about you.” He opens the driver’s door but sets the to-go cup on the roof and rests his elbow on the doorframe.

“Okay, then talk to me. What’s going on?” The shift in my voice has him leaning over the door, open as a barrier between us.