The List

I laughed so hard I blew the candle flame out. Auggie seemed quite proud of herself and I realized then how much fun she could be. I traded stories.

“Father came to school just once — for my graduation. I think he thought I might be lying about being there and wanted proof. Anyway, I knew he was coming and decided I wouldn’t walk with the class, but didn’t tell him. I waited and watched for him and when he finally showed up and took a seat, I took one two rows behind him. When it came time for my name to be called, they skipped me and went to the next person. He instantly recognized the gap.”

Auggie’s eyes were wide. “What did you do?”

Giving her a good squeeze, I laughed. “I stood and screamed, clapped and cheered. When he whipped around and saw me sitting in regular clothes in the audience, I thought he would burst a blood vessel. All he could think of was that he’d just paid for all that education — med school and all the other little doctorates — and I’d never gone to a single class, but had probably partied the entire time.”

“Oh, Worth, you’re awful! Mine was unintentional, but what you did was deliberate. Don’t you ever get tired of manipulating people?” she asked, not laughing the way I’d hoped she would.

Time to change the subject. “Not when it comes to manipulating parts of you!” I said and pulled her onto my lap. I kissed her forehead, petting her hair which was as rich as a pelt.

“Seriously, Worth, have you always been such a manipulator?” She looked up and those gorgeous green eyes swallowed me whole.

“My whole life. It’s who I am, honey. I calculate the odds and if I don’t like them, I change them. You know, in many circles that’s considered a talent.”

She stiffened and pulled away, her eyes still glued to mine. “Not in my circle. Why do you suppose Ford is who he’s turning out to be?”

“Don’t go there, Auggie. Ford may have a few rough edges that school will straighten out in him, but overall, he’s a great kid.”

Her entire body softened as she leaned against me again. “I know. I love him too.”

“Would you like to have another baby, Auggie?”

“Oh, Worth, I’ve thought about that. Especially the last few days when Ford was getting ready to go. I guess if it happens, I’m fine with it, but if it doesn’t, I can be fine with that too.”

That wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear. I wanted to have several children with Auggie. I’d spent a good part of my life carrying the heir mantle and it was far too heavy for one person. Better that it’s shared.

To that end, I slid my hand down her blouse and caressed her breasts. She twisted on my lap and leaned upward to kiss my chin. She laid against me like that for a long time; as a child would lie in a parent’s lap. I sensed that she was troubled, needed reassurance, and wanted to rebuild a sense of trust with me. I knew I hadn’t always kept my promises to her, that I’d left her alone much of the time. I knew that I could be a bit selfish with my time — the curse of anyone who is very dedicated to their work. She was very understanding about it, but that didn’t help when the other half of the bed was nothing but cold, crisp sheets. She didn’t realize that when I was away on business, I missed her just as much, if not more than she missed me. She had Ford and the house and all the familiar trappings of her life. I had only myself.

That’s when I realized she would no longer have Ford or Carlos. She would be alone. “Auggie?”

“Hmmm…”

“Would you like to travel with me when I go on business trips?” I asked, thinking it would give her some purpose.

“Not really,” she answered slowly. “Someone has to stay nearby in case Ford needs something and then there’s the farm to run. I’m really more comfortable in familiar surroundings.”

I understood and actually expected her reply to be close to that. She was an original, Auggie was. She wasn’t impressed by titles, money, power or possessions. She was only looking to be content and left to her independence. That’s the least I could give her. She would find something on her own that would interest her, I knew it in my heart.

I picked her up and carried her to the doorway to the cabin. I set her down and patted her butt. “Go down there and get into bed. I have to check on a couple of things and will be down shortly.” She nodded and started down the steps.

I made sure the anchor was secure and that the keel was locked into position. It was too shallow where we were anchored to lower it. The safety lights were on so any other vessel that came across us in the night would see us. The gauges were all spot on and everything was tidy and secure before I went below deck.

Auggie was waiting for me in the stateroom, ensconced in the bed and I could tell she was freshly showered. I crawled into her space as though joining her in a pod. I couldn’t get enough of her scent, her breath, the softness of her skin. I wanted to carry her inside me wherever I went.

She folded her arms around my neck and one hand began to stroke my cock. It was a matter of moments before I was hard, but I wanted to take my time with her. She was so vulnerable, lonely and a little afraid. I treated her as I’d seen her do many times with colts. I petted her arms, careful not to invade her feminine space too quickly. She kissed me and while I kissed her back, I held off any overt advances until she was relaxed in my arms. I’d brought some oil; essence of lavender and put a few drops in my hands. I began to massage the backs of her calves, a place where she was well-muscled from riding. She groaned at the pleasurable feeling and I extended it to her feet, careful not to tickle her. I knelt between her legs and she let me lift each foot in turn, massaging the rich oils into her soles and between her toes. I looked up and saw that she was lying with her eyes closed, her head flung slightly back. Her thick, luxurious hair was spread over her like a coverlet and her nipples rose between the strands, pink and begging to be kissed.

Despite the throbbing of my penis, I held back and continued massaging up her inner thighs, a finger gently, but not deeply, delving into her from time to time. The intrusion, however welcomed, was unexpected and her nerve endings were on alert, making each thrust a delightful surprise.

My broad hands spread out upon her hips, their flare perfectly fitting into my flattened palms. More oil here and I pushed my hands around until her ass was cradled in them. Gently, I pulled apart the cheeks of her ass and gently followed that with a fingertip of oil, massaging gently into that tender skin. In response, she wriggled upon my finger, setting my cock afire with the need to feel her upon me in the same way.