Thanking Bud

By Marie S

After leaving Egan and Bud to work the afternoon at the stable Jessica slipped in the back door at Lachlan and Ashley’s house, into her room to get the clothes she’d need and back out through the kitchen to join Marie at her house for the afternoon.

She wanted to give Lachlan and Ashley as much privacy as she could without making them worry. Jessica put a post-it on the refrigerator explaining that she was going to be with Marie for the afternoon and then riding and having dinner with Egan.

She knew Ashley could read between the lines and wouldn’t expect her home tonight. That was if things went as Jessica hoped and she and Egan were planning. Almost from the moment she’d met him she’d been more physically attracted to Egan than any other man she’d ever met.

It had been scary and almost overwhelming for her at first. She smiled as she slipped into the truck aside of Marie.

“Okay, what is that little knowing grin?” Marie asked as Jessica threw her bag in the back and fastened her seat belt. Jessica had already filled Marie in on Egan and her plans for the evening.

“This is going to sound crazy. And I sure wouldn’t thank Bud for socking Egan in the jaw. But I do owe Bud some thanks.” Jessica grinned again.

“Do elaborate. This sounds like it’s going to be good. And will probably make Bud grumble.” Marie laughed even though if it truly would make Bud grumble she was the one who had to listen to it.

“You know how attracted I am to Egan? And how that has overwhelmed me some?”

“Yes, when the two of you look at each other I’m afraid there might be spontaneous combustion.” Marie giggled as Jessica rolled her eyes.

“It was so sudden and so fast. I think Egan has exactly the same reaction. He knows what he wants. And that would be me.” She blushed, but also had a very pleased expression on her face before she continued.

“Because it has been scary and overwhelming to deal with these wild emotions and attractions I felt like one moment I’m jumping Egan and the next running away.”

“The jumping part sounds much better.” Marie giggled until Jessica gave her a mock stern look. She got very serious. “I understand. Please continue, Jessica.”

“You’re nearly as bad as Ashley today, Marie. Shame on you.”

Marie shot her a look of shock. “Never will I be that hopelessly romantic.” Although she knew very well that Ashley had a way of winning you over to the light side.

“Ha, you should see what you and Bud look like together to the outside observer.”

“I’m sure the absolute picture of proper decorum.” Marie almost made herself choke. If Jessica hadn’t been strapped in her seat she’d have fallen to the truck’s floor. “Now, please continue. I didn’t think anyone told a story slower than Bud does. I practically have to pull the information from him.”

“I’ll bet that’s the part he likes.” Jessica giggled.

“Jessica!”

“Yes, cousin dear. Where was I?”

“Oh, my, God. You are worse than him and Ashley combined, Jessica. You were about to get to the part where you might have to thank my loving husband for being such a pain in the ass as a wedge between you and Egan.”

“That’s right.” Jessica’s blue eyes sparkled with mirth. They both pitched to the left as the truck hit another rut on the lane. It was impossible to miss them all.

“Seriously, Marie, I’m not scared or overwhelmed any more. Bud’s meddling caused enough delay to Egan and me that his direct attentions are no longer making me skittish at all. I’ve gotten to know Egan well enough that I’m ready. My affections and emotions for Egan have equaled or maybe even exceeded the attraction.” She felt her face flush bright red.

“If that’s at all possible as attractive as Egan is.” She glanced over at Marie. “I am falling in love with him, Marie. Is it possible to find a man where the physical and emotional attachment and attraction are both as strong as one another?”

Marie smiled and conjured up a picture of Bud in her head. She nodded. “It’s most definitely possible, Jessica. Your first time, huh?”

“Oh, yes.” She sighed with a dreamy look on her face.

Marie swore that’s how she must have looked after she and Bud started dating. She’d never known it could be so overwhelming and wonderful at the same time either.

“Ok, it sounds like both of you are ready to take this to another level. So, I’ll put on my nurse’s cap and ask. Are you ready to practice safe sex? You should be prepared in case Egan isn’t. He strikes me as a rather spontaneous cowboy.”

Bud had never been prepared for pregnancy prevention or safe sex when they were dating. It had always fallen to her. Actually it had since they’d been married too until he stopped her from using her diaphragm a couple of weeks ago. She’d just gotten over her period so she hadn’t gotten pregnant yet.

“I started on the patch a couple of weeks ago. So I should be protected by now. Isn’t that what you said?” Jessica actually had come to Marie to ask her opinion on what form of birth control might work best for her since she hadn’t been on anything the day when she and Egan first went riding to the pond. Another reason to thank Bud.

“Yes, you should be getting good pregnancy prevention by now, but what about safe sex and disease prevention? You know your sexual history, but do you know Egan’s?”

“No, that certainly hasn’t come up between us. I’d imagine he hasn’t lived the life of a monk or celibate.” Jessica laughed.

“Now that truly would be a shame and a waste of a gorgeous man. I think you can count that out. I will give you condoms. I have all flavors, colors and sizes from the clinic. We hand them out free there.”

Jessica blushed prettily. “I think I’ll skip the flavored ones today.” And her face flushed deeper. “And I’ll need large or extra large.”

They both dissolved into laughter as they pulled up to Bud and Marie’s house. After unloading the luncheon supplies and washing the dishes Marie showed Jessica her bowl full of wrapped condoms. She looked at Marie in wonder.

“I didn’t know they came in so many different kinds. Have you and Bud ever used these?” Jessica was enjoying their conversation. She’d never had such an open discussion about sex and protection with anyone before. And she’d always been able to talk openly to Marie.

“We have from time to time for fun. We did more when we were dating and first married. Of course from the time we started trying to have a child we stopped. We are trying again.” Marie smiled and said a small prayer of hope.

Jessica nodded and then realized Marie said she and Bud were trying to have a baby again. She thought that would scare everyone in the family after what had happened. Jessica wondered how Bud felt about that.

“Are you sure it’s okay…for you, Marie?”

“I’m positive, Jessica.” She put her hand gently on her arm. “My doctor has given me the go ahead that I’m healthy and ready to have a baby. If the doctor had told me the risk was too great I wouldn’t have tried. And Bud certainly wouldn’t have wanted to try. He’s still a bit reluctant although he made the final decision for me to go off birth control.”

Jessica had a feeling Bud was more than a bit reluctant by the change in Marie’s voice, but she knew Marie wouldn’t be trying without Bud’s full commitment. That was simply the kind of couple they were from what she’d observed.

She could only hope that someday she would have a relationship as strong as Marie and Bud’s. She’d never told Marie how much she admired them. Jessica gave Marie a hug.

“Someday I hope I can grow up to have a relationship like you two.” She smiled at Marie. Jessica had no qualms admitting that she was practically an infant in the world of man and woman relationships. She’d dated in college, but had been so wrapped up in her studies in both high school and college that she could officially have been called a bookworm or a nerd.

“You will, Jessica. There is no hurry. You just turned twenty two. Your real life as a woman has just begun. You’re so ready to explore and grow. It’s time to spread your wings, little bird. Fly free and safe.”

Marie felt Egan was the man for Jessica to do that with. She had a feeling it was the first time that Jessica would truly be with a man. Whatever experiences she’d had in the past were with boys when she’d been a girl. Egan was most definitely not a boy. He was all man. No wonder he’d overwhelmed Jessica at first.

A laugh escaped from Marie. “Isn’t it ironic that Bud has been sticking his big feet in where they didn’t belong and his meddling has resulted in you being sure that Egan is the man you wanted to be with in a physical and emotional way? Boy would that piss him off.”

The two girls giggled in agreement and Marie showed Jessica the rest of the condoms. Jessica chose about six and then reached for one more of the flavored variety.

“Well, you never know.”

“That’s true. And remember you can always get more from me when you two need them.”

Jessica nodded and looked down at the brightly colored packets in her hands. She felt a flutter of nervousness while thinking about simply getting through the first one. Hopefully Egan didn’t think she was a dud. She had a feeling he had a lot more experience than she. In addition to him being a few years older than her.

“Did you feel nervous being with Bud at first? He was older than you and since he’s also a cop, I’m assuming he was more experienced?”

“And don’t forget that Bud was married before. Remember I went to parochial school and to a girl’s high school and even a girl’s college in nursing school. You could say Bud had a lot more experience with women than I did with men. A whole lot. And it didn’t matter at all to Bud. He was gentle and patient. And it really is something like riding a bike. You get better with practice and don’t forget what you’ve learned.” She grinned.

“Egan is a good man. He’ll be gentle and patient too and he won’t care at all that you don’t have a lot of experience. You’re who he wants. All the other stuff won’t matter and will fall into place. Enjoy yourself and enjoy Egan. I don’t think that part will be hard to do.” The man was an absolute dream to look at and she liked him very much too.

“So, while Bud and Egan are finishing their day of male bonding and Bud will be won over to accepting all things Egan with Jessica, you can help me get things ready for dinner. We’ll make enough for two meals so you’ll have dinner that will just need to be heated for you and Egan and I’ll have dinner ready to cook for Bud.” Marie looked at Jessica conspiratorially.

“And then we’ll fill up the big tub with a hot bubble bath and sit in there with a glass of wine and enjoy our soak. We’ll get all pampered for our evening with our special men. Once it’s time I’ll drive you over in the truck and Bud will drive me home. You’ll have the truck to drive home in the morning.”

“This will prevent Bud from lingering around to possibly ruin any of this evening’s plans for you and Egan. And it will save Bud from having to be banished to the couch for the night. I do have plans with Bud tonight and I really don’t want him ruining our plans either. How does that sound, cousin?”

“Oh, you’re good, Marie. Scary good. And it sounds like a fun afternoon leading to a wonderful evening and night.” Jessica crossed her fingers.

Marie grabbed Jessica’s hands in hers and pulled her to her feet. “It will be, Jessica. Let’s get started in the kitchen after you’ve stowed those in your bag.” She nodded to the condoms.

The girls prepared an easy and fabulous meal. They then did their soak in the tub with a glass of wine. Marie had planned that to help Jessica relax. She was still a bit on edge and the wine seemed to relax and mellow her out.

Finally at 5:30 PM the girls climbed into the truck with half the food to drive to the stable. Marie thought Jessica looked beautiful. She had such clear creamy skin. They’d found a pretty lace blouse for her to wear with her riding pants and boots. Her red hair was in a French braid down her back. She couldn’t wait to see Egan’s reaction to Jessica when he saw her.

They drove first to Egan’s cabin to drop off the food. Luckily Egan kept it unlocked and Dog must be down with Egan by the stables as he wasn’t guarding the cabin. Ashley seemed to be the only one that Dog would do anything for besides Egan.

When they arrived at the stable Bud and Egan were cleaning up for the day. They had just finished with repairs on the last outside wall. Marie could tell they were laughing and joking as the girls drove up. That was a good sign and Marie and Jessica glanced at one another with a smile.

Marie called out to them as they alit from the truck.

“Hello, Bud and Egan. It looks like you’ve gotten a lot of work done today.”

“Hi, Hon. Yeah it was a great day of work…” Bud trailed off as he saw his wife. She looked like a million bucks. No more like two. And the closer the women got this fresh clean smell that Bud loved on Marie preceded the girls. Bud was hot, thirsty, tired, hungry and now horny with one look and smell of his wife. He perked up immediately.

“Are you making dinner tonight, Hon?” He looked her over from head to toe. She was wearing a form fitting dress and showing a bit of her luscious boobs. In fact he noticed that her clothes were clinging in all the right places as he eyed the curve of her hips and ass.

“Dinner is all ready to go. It’s waiting for you to get home, take a shower and relax. We’ll be ready to begin.” She raised her eyes to look up at him through her eyelashes. All the promise they’d discussed earlier was right there on her face.

Bud swallowed. “Then what the fuck are we waiting for?” He looked her over again. This time brazen with his wandering eyes. “You wear that for me?” He leaned in to catch her scent. “You look and smell good enough to eat.”

Marie gave him a direct smile. “I certainly hope so. And there’s no one else I’d wear this for.”

Bud leaned in the rest of the way and kissed her. The kiss was loving and familiar, but much chaster than his eyes raked her and where his thoughts were going.

“You could help me with my shower. I have a few sore muscles that could use your special attention.” His eyes were completed focused on her cleavage.

“I think I can promise to give every muscle in your body my special attention, Bud.”

Bud threw down the rag he’d used to dry his hands. He grabbed her hand in his.

“C’mom then. Let’s get the hell out of here.” He led her toward his truck.

“Goodnight, Jessica and Egan. See you tomorrow. Have fun.” Marie called to them. She noticed they were slow to answer and already wrapped up in one another. As she looked up at her loving, intense and powerful husband, she could understand that. She could forget everything around Bud when he was like this.

“G’day, Marie. Thanks, mate.” Egan sounded very distracted.

“Thanks, Marie. And thank you, Bud. Good ni...” Jessica’s response was cut off by Egan’s lips kissing hers.

Bud grunted a response that consisted of a nod of his head and a ‘night.’ And then he froze with his hand on the door as he was about to help Marie into his truck.

“What’s she thanking me for?”

“For giving her time to make up her mind, Bud. Now let them go on their horse ride before it gets dark and you were about to take me home.”

Bud knew something was hinky and his eyes narrowed at her for a moment. Her words got through to him again as he realized Marie had emphasized the words ‘take me.’ He lifted her up into the cab and boldly brushed his hand up her smooth soft leg under the hem of her skirt.

His voice came out with a growl. “Oh, I’m about to take you alright, Hon. I’ve been thinking about it all afternoon.” Bud was a man whose blood was up for his wife.

What Marie and Jessica didn’t know was Egan had talked to Bud about Jessica that afternoon as they worked. They’d come to a form of agreement or at least grudging acceptance on Bud’s part that Egan would be seeing Jessica.

While Bud didn’t think Egan’s intentions were entirely honorable toward Jessica, his feelings were clear and it was obvious he cared a lot about the girl. And Bud respected that Egan brought the subject up. He wasn’t asking for Bud’s permission to see her, but he was explaining how he felt. Bud knew that wasn’t easy for men like he or Egan to do.

And even though Marie had intentionally distracted him when she’d gotten to the stable and done a damn good job of it, Bud had seen Jessica. She’d looked beautiful and could see nothing but Varner and he the same for her. Nothing was going to stop these two from being together.

In fact nothing was going to stop Bud from his intentions. He’d driven the truck down the lane on the way toward their house and suddenly stopped in a wooded secluded area. He turned off the engine and put the truck in park. His hand reached beneath the front of the seat and pushed it back. Marie’s hand had been rubbing his thigh. It stilled.

“Why are you stopping, Bud? We’ll soon be home.”

Bud reached over and unfastened her seat belt. He picked her up and placed her on his lap facing him. Marie gasped with surprise. His hands were on her hips. Just as suddenly he reached up and drew the zipper down the back of her dress.

Marie steadied herself with her hands on his shoulders as her knees settled to either side of his hips. The small straps of her dress slipped down her arms to uncover her naked breasts to him. He drew the straps off her arms and bared her to the waist.

“I knew you had nothing under there.”

His big hand reached out and cupped one of her breasts. Bud’s mouth followed to draw the other nipple between his lips. He sucked long and hard on it until Marie’s eyes closed and her head fell back as he feasted.

“Bud.” There was longing as she entreated him to continue. Not to stop. “Bud.”

Bud lifted her in his powerful arms and swept the dress down off her body. He tossed it over the seat. He growled again in displeasure when he saw the lacy wisp of panties in his way. As quickly he removed them and they sailed over the seat to join her dress.

He settled her back on his lap…just where he wanted her. Bud drew in a deep breath of her fresh clean scent. She wasn’t going to stay clean for long. He’d wash her later as she washed him. Now it was time to take her as she’d asked. And Bud did just that.