Read Online Castles Burning Part One by Nicole Ryan - Free Book Online

know.” I smiled at her and as Alex came sauntering sleepily into the kitchen I poured him a cup of coffee as he plopped down on the barstool beside Christie before yawning noisily and scratching his head before kissing her sweetly on the cheek.
    “What’s the plan for today?” He asked sipping from his cup.
    “I think we should go fishing, it’s sunny.” Christie offered brightly.
    “That would be fun,” I agreed, “cold though.”
    We spent the afternoon on the water, bundled up in sweats and jackets, eating fruit, cheese and smoked salmon, and drinking beer. Usually, Aden liked to drive the boat too fast, but since it was cold, he didn’t want the wind freezing us all. Instead, we left the boat floating and Aden sat under a blanket with me. Alex and Christie made out indiscreetly on the other side of the boat under their own blanket. I placed my head on Aden’s shoulder as we watched the sky change from blue to a vibrant orange, and finally to a deep red. I took a deep breath, I’d missed the clear, clean air in Washington, it was fresh, and satisfying.
    When the sun was below the waterline , and the air turned from chilly to outright freezing we made our way back to the house, we didn’t catch a single fish, but we didn’t mind, we had enough food in the kitchen to last the week. As we made our way up the sun bleached steps to the deck the first few sprinkles of rain made their way down. As they landed on the dry sand and pavement it lit the air with the smell of my childhood. Of all the places I’d seen and lived there was nothing that smelled as wonderful as this. Leaves, rain, moss and the sweet, delicious smell of the last bit of blackberries lingering in the air, the smell of my childhood, the smell of adventure and youth, the smell of happiness.
    After a long day on the water I decided to take a nice bath, the soak tub really was exquisite, small jets sent the water against my skin with just enough force. Aden made his way around the corner and sat on the edge of the tub, smiling down at me as h e took the loofa in his hand, dipped it into the warm soapy water, and began to massage my shoulders.
    “Alex told me something about Christie.” He said.
    “What is it?” I asked.
    “She wants to watch me train you.” His voice was low.
    “I know, she told me earlier today. I think she wants to find a way to channel her impulses.”
    “I think so too. Alex has wanted to get her into it for a while, he even came with me to a couple of my meetings but then he just quit coming. I don’t think he knew how to bring it up to her.”
    “Meetings?” I asked.
    “Yeah, there’s a group of people here who have similar interests as you and I, couple times a month we all get together to learn safety and techniques. Some of them are into swinging too.”
    “Oh.” Jealously seethed through my veins and I fought to keep them at bay, though I felt the flush creeping up my neck.
    “So, what do you want to do? Let her watch?” He asked.
    “Actually, the idea is really hot to me,” I told him, chasing the bubbles with my hands. “I do want to, if you’re comfortable. Do you want to?” I asked turning my face up to him.
    “ I think so. When do you want to do it?” He asked, his face was serious, and betrayed no emotion.
    “As soon as possible, tonight, if you want.” I said, looking away, embarrassed by how turned on at the thought I was.
    “I’ll run to the store.” He said, laughing as he made his way out of the bathroom.
    “Take Alex wit h you!” I hollered from the tub, grinning from ear to ear.
    ***
    I hopped up onto the pool table, and pulled my hair back into a pony tail. The felt surface was slightly rough and scratchy; the trim was cold against my naked flesh. It had been a long time since I felt this pounding in my chest, the excitement fluttering in my tummy and anticipation coursing through my veins. Aden stood before me, bare chest and feet, his black jeans unbuttoned and hanging