The Rock Season by R.L. Merrill

girl who acts like she’s enjoying it, she’s probably a fucking mess because of some asshole who came before you. So just keep that in mind the next time you call someone a pussy for actually giving a shit what their partner thinks and feels. Trust me. Sex is much better when it’s mutually enjoyable.”
    Patrick was scowling at me. “How the hell do you know so much about it? You never seem to be with a woman for long. You never bring them around here.”
    Peter laughed. “That’s because he knows better than to bring them around here. You should hear Grandma Samadi getting after him about great grandbabies.”
    He shook himself and I laughed. “I’ve had a few relationships, but the older I get, it’s harder to find someone who wants the same things I want. The last girl I dated ended up fucking someone else because I was ‘spending too much time with my family’.” Their faces fell and I knew I’d struck a nerve.
    “That’s bullshit! Didn’t she know about Pops?” Patrick’s face turned red at that statement.
    I nodded and said, “Some people only care about themselves. I don’t want that for you.”
    Peter was sitting on the arm of the couch and he crossed his arms over his chest. “Aaron you do more for everyone else than you do for yourself. You deserve someone who takes care of you for once.”
    My little brother’s words warmed my heart. I hugged them both, taking care to get them as sweaty as possible. They slugged at me in return and I kicked them out before we started really brawling.
    I took a hot shower, my muscles still shaking a little from my workout, my hands shaking from thoughts of my Pops, my breathing shaky from thinking about Stevie. But then I smiled. Only one more night to go and then I’d see her. My body instantly warmed to the idea of being close to her again. When she rested her head on my shoulder, I wanted to pull her in and hold her close, offer her comfort. I just really didn’t want to blow this with her by getting too hot and heavy. I’d have to save the hot and heavy for times like these. In the shower. By myself. Thinking of her.

Chapter Nine
     
    Stevie
     
    “I’m trying to get the girls’ stuff packed right now. MIKE! Can you please grab the laundry out of the dryer? I think Serena’s blankie is in there and she won’t leave without it.”
    I heard him holler something back.
    “They’re yours! You left them here last weekend, REMEMBER?”
    I heard him chuckle over the evidence of their consorting he’d left behind.
    “That’s right! Now where was I...Oh, yes, miss baby girl! I am going to text you Aaron’s number so you can text him directly. I probably won’t have service in Alaska to be your go-between.”
    “I guess not. Thanks. For everything. I don’t know how I would have gotten through this...”
    She pulled me in for a hug at her doorway. I’d stopped by to see her before she left tomorrow. I was a little afraid for her to be gone, but I made sure I put on my big girl panties this morning. Well, at least the lacy ones with the satin ribbon. They made me feel better! It’s not like anyone else was going to see them!
    She pulled out her phone, made a stern mommy face and snapped a picture, then texted it to Aaron with the caption “You better take care of my girl!”
    I rolled my eyes. “Niiiice. Now you didn’t specify how he’s supposed to take care of me.” I wiggled my eyebrows at her and she slapped my ass.
    “Oooo, you bad girl! Seriously, though. Do you think you’re ready for that?” I shrugged. She raised an eyebrow. “Did you take any precautions?”  
    “At my last visit to the ob/gyn she talked me into taking the Depo shot. It’s working great, I barely get a period.”
    She nodded and I knew she wanted more info.
    “I don’t know if I’m ready for that. It’s been almost a year since I’ve had sex, Maryland! I don’t even know what to do anymore.”
    Her sly smile had me giggling. “I think he’ll know what