Dream Girl

Chapter Seventeen

Ashlyn frowned. “What's wrong? Is this not good for Rocky?"

"It's awesome,” he said in a choked voice, his face strained. “You're awesome."

She smiled up at him. Rocky had finished, so she dumped the last drops of water onto the grass and snapped the bottle closed. She stood up and brushed blades of grass off her knees.

They wandered around, enjoying the warm sunshine and all the activity. Zach stopped at the Surf Coast Brewery tent to see how things were going.

"Need any help?” he asked the two girls working there.

"We're good,” they said, happily serving beer to customers.

"This is Ashlyn Farrell,” he introduced her. “Ashlyn, meet Melissa Jackson and Ava Cooper. Ava's our sales and marketing manager, and Melissa is our salesperson."

Ashlyn smiled and shook hands with the other women, trying to study them covertly. She had been looking at everything in both their hard drives. These two both had access to Surf Coast's product development information. Ava was the one whose asset tracking had showed some large credit-card purchases recently, which had raised a flag for the investigators. Melissa was the one who seemed to be very religious.

Melissa was young and pretty, dressed in cropped pants and a snug halter top. Ava was older, maybe late thirties, also nicely dressed in a short skirt and T-shirt. Although the clothes were casual, Ashlyn recognized them as expensive, as was the gold and diamond jewelry at her ears and neck. The two women were busy serving customers, so she didn't have a chance to talk to them.

Rocky lost the Best Smile contest to an adorably cheerful Pomeranian in a close competition.

"I love your smile, buddy,” Ashlyn consoled him and gave him a hug. Zach tossed him a biscuit, which he eagerly devoured. Then Ashlyn noticed all the water bowls placed strategically around the grounds.

"I guess Rocky didn't need a water bottle after all,” she said, indicating a bowl.

Zach pulled her up against him for a quick, hard kiss. “Rocky loves his water bottle,” he said fervently. “He'll get lots of use from it, not just today."

She smiled at him. Her heart melted a little bit at his words and his kiss. He was just the nicest guy.

They wandered up to the stage and found a place to sit and listen. The grass was cool and prickly beneath Ashlyn's bare thighs, and she tugged her skirt down. Zach held up a hand to his friends on stage as they finished a song with a crashing chord.

"Zach! Dude! Get up here!” called one man. Grinning, Zach shook his head.

The man jumped off the stage and strode over to them.

"C'mon man,” he said loudly, laughing and slapping Zach's back. “One for old time's sake.” He slipped the strap of his guitar over his head and held it out to Zach.

Still shaking his head and laughing, Zach let himself be pushed up on stage. To Ashlyn's amazement, he strummed some chords, checked out the guitar with a few riffs—and he was actually pretty good.

After conferring briefly, the band started to play, Zach appearing very comfortable on the stage. Actually, he was smiling broadly, getting into the music as the song went on, having a great time.

Ashlyn laughed out loud. What a guy.

At that moment, Connor dropped to the grass beside her.

"Oh, you came!” she said with delight, putting a hand on his shoulder. “I'm so glad!"

Connor looked at her, and a reluctant smile tugged the corners of his mouth.

"Look!” she pointed. “Zach's up there playing."

"What an asshole.” Connor shook his head. “He's such a show-off.” But he smiled and nodded to the beat as the tempo increased and the song finished loudly.

Connor and Ashlyn clapped enthusiastically, Rocky's leash draped around her wrist, and then Ashlyn put two fingers in her mouth and whistled, drawing a startled grin from Connor.

Zach returned, laughing and breathless. “You're crazy!” Ashlyn said, also laughing. “I didn't know you were so good!"

Zach shook his head and settled down beside her to listen to the music, one hand on Rocky, the other warm on her bare knee. He was close enough for her to smell his male scent, and she longed for him to slide his hand higher on her leg. Of course he couldn't—they were sitting in the middle of a crowd. But that didn't stop her from wanting it.

After the Brewmasters finished their set, they strolled back to see how the girls were managing at the Surf Coast Brewery tent.

"Hi Connor,” Melissa said, with a smile for him that set Ashlyn's senses on alert. She looked between the two of them and felt ... something. Some kind of tension. Connor was frowning; but then, he was always frowning lately.

"We're almost out of beer!” Ava gasped, handing two plastic cups to a man. “And we don't close for another hour!"

Zach and Connor exchanged a look. “I'll go,” Connor said. He glanced at his watch. “I can be back in twenty minutes."

"I'll come with you,” Zach offered. He turned to Ashlyn. “Sorry, sweetheart. Do you want me to take Rocky?"

"No, of course not! I'll look after him. Go!"

She waved them off. The two tall, good-looking guys made quite a sight sprinting to the parking lot. Ashlyn noticed Melissa watch them leave, then turn back to serve more beer.

She wandered happily around, watched the Best-Dressed Dog competition and the Tail-Wagging Contest, which had her laughing until her face hurt. Then she checked out the booth where kids were learning how to meet strange dogs. It seemed like no time before Zach was back at her side.

"You rock, sweetheart,” he said, kissing her appreciatively. “Didn't want to disappoint our customers. Hope we have enough now."

They went back to listen to more music, and Ashlyn ran into a girl she knew from school.

"Hi, Lisa,” Ashlyn greeted her.

"Hey, Ash!” Lisa said cheerfully. “How are you? Is this your dog?"

"No, it's Zach's dog.” She introduced Lisa to Zach and Connor. Lisa eyed the two brothers with interest and a warm smile. They chatted about the picnic for a few moments, and then Lisa murmured in Ashlyn's ear, “Is he taken?” She jerked her head toward Connor.

"Uh...” What to say to that? But Lisa apparently didn't care and hooked her arm though Connor's.

"Take me over to your beer tent,” she said, smiling up at him. “I'd love a beer."

She was a really pretty girl, with long golden-brown hair, big brown eyes and a stunning body. Connor disengaged his arm from hers and gave a slight smile.

"Sure, I'll show you where it is,” he said and walked toward the beer tent, Lisa tagging along.

Zach looked at Ashlyn, who grimaced and hitched her shoulders.

Connor was back moments later, alone.

"They okay for beer?” Zach asked.

Connor nodded. “We'll need to help take the tent down in a few minutes.” The crowd was starting to thin out as events finished. The last band of the afternoon played on the stage.

Once again Ashlyn looked after Rocky while the guys helped pack stuff into a truck to take back to the brewery.

"You've been great today,” Zach told her afterwards. “What would Rocky and I have done without you?"

She grinned. “You'd survive."

He looked serious. “I don't think so."

Her heart squeezed.

Zach couldn't stop himself from watching Ashlyn with hungry eyes as she took off her skirt and top and stood there in a tiny bra and panties. God, she was gorgeous. Her body was lean and smooth, lightly tanned to that golden honey color. He swallowed hard.

They were in his bedroom changing their clothes.

"Stop staring,” she told him with a smile. “So what will we be eating tonight?"

"A friend of mine is a chef in Santa Barbara, and he's doing the food as a contribution to the shelter. His cooking is incredible."

"Good, ‘cause I'm starving."

"Get changed.” She jerked her head towards him, and he realized he was still standing there, admiring her.

"Sure. No problem.” His baggy cargo shorts dropped to the floor in a flash, and he whisked his T-shirt over his head. Her eyes darkened as she looked at him, and he moved purposefully towards her.

She put a hand on his chest. “Easy, buddy. We're going out."

"Lots of time,” he said softly, looking at the curve of her breasts. He bent his head and kissed the top of one breast, gently sucking the soft flesh there. She gave a little moan.

"Zach.” She ran her fingers through his hair. He buried his face between her breasts, inhaling her scent. She smelled like strawberries and warm sunshine from being outside all afternoon.

He slid his hands down her smooth waist, around to cup her behind, and pulled her against him. Her skin felt so good against his as he kissed her, a long, deep, full-mouthed kiss. He thrust his tongue in, stroking her. Her mouth was delicious, warm and sweet.

She melted into him, her arms around his neck, and her breathing quickened. He wanted to touch her everywhere; his hands roamed and stroked and gently squeezed.

He lifted his mouth and they looked at each other, panting, wide-eyed. Then he pushed her backwards. She took several stumbling steps back, Zach holding her up until she hit the wall of his bedroom. Jesus, he had to have her. Right now, fast and hard.

Pressing her against the wall, he put his hands on either side of her shoulders and his mouth took hers again, hot and hungry. He ate at her mouth, long devouring kisses which she returned, almost as desperate as him.

He was so hard and full he hurt. He pressed into her rhythmically as he kissed her, wet, hot, consuming kisses. Then he reached down and lifted one knee, giving him access between her legs. He could smell her, and he thrilled to know how he could arouse her. With his other hand, he pulled aside the tiny strip of fabric between her legs. It was wet, and so was she, as he slid his fingers over and into her.

His hard cock throbbed, pressed against her, and he bent his knees and pushed up and into her. The angle wasn't perfect, given his height, but she grabbed his shoulders and tried to lift herself against him to let him in.

As he thrust, her head fell back against the wall with a soft thunk. He looked at her face—cheeks flushed, eyes closed, mouth open. She rolled her head slowly side to side against the wall as he took her, driving hard, pumping fast until heat rushed over him and he was coming. At the last second, he realized he'd forgotten to glove up, and with fumbling, urgent fingers he pulled out. Hot semen spilled over his hand and Ashlyn's tummy, and he slumped against her, his head pressed to the wall beside her head as he shuddered through his release.

"Sorry, sorry,” he muttered a moment later. “I forgot protection. And you didn't come."

Her hands stroked over his damp back. “It's okay,” she said softly. “I don't need to come every time. It's still good."

He drew in several deep breaths, letting her leg lower to the floor, still pressing her to the wall.

When he drew back, he ruefully surveyed her sticky stomach and his hand. “Oh, man,” he groaned. “I'll get a cloth.” He went into the bathroom and ran water over a washcloth. Returning, he dropped to his knees in front of her and gently washed her smooth belly, and then pressed a kiss there. He looked up and met her gaze, her gentle hands in his hair, and kissed her again. Then he rose and tossed the cloth into his hamper.

Ashlyn went into the bathroom. He heard water running, and she emerged looking adorable and sexy in her underwear. She retrieved her black dress from where it hung on his closet and slid it over her head. Zach would have given just about anything to toss her on the bed and climb in there with her instead of getting dressed and going out, but duty called. There was a time when he would have given in to impulse—okay, never mind, he'd just done that by fucking her up against the wall. He grinned.

But seriously, he was doing damn good in the restraint department. He hadn't yet told her he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Hadn't confessed his love for her. Connor'd be proud of him.

He pulled on a pair of black pants and debated over a shirt. He really did not want to wear a tie. Lots of guys would be in suits, but it never bothered him to look different, so he grabbed a silky knit shirt and tucked it into his pants.

Ashlyn was watching him dress, and he met her gaze.

"You look very handsome,” she said, coming over and running her hands over his shoulders. “Very buff."

That sounded good. He flexed his shoulders and pecs, and she grinned as she felt his muscles.

"Let's go,” he growled, turning her and pushing her out the door.

She, too, looked awesome, the black dress hugging her curves, showing off her toned and tanned shoulders and arms. The spiky-heeled shoes reminded him of their adventure at Klub Kink, and he felt himself getting hard again. Jesus. He had a perpetual boner around her.

"Connor, you coming with us?” he called when they left the bedroom.

"Are you the DD tonight?” Connor asked. He came out of his own room looking very presentable, having shaved and changed. Unlike Zach, he wore a dress shirt and tie.

Ashlyn smiled at him. “You look great,” she said. “Nice tie."

"Thanks.” He seemed surprised by her compliment and adjusted the knot.

"Yeah, I'll drive,” Zach said.

"Good, ‘cause I feel like getting totally shit-faced."

Zach and Ashlyn shared a look of mild concern, but followed Connor out to Zach's SUV.

The membership of the elegant Country Club was made up of the wealthiest people in Rocky Harbor and the surrounding area. “Are you a member here?” Ashlyn whispered to Zach as they waited in a short line to get in.

Zach snorted. “Nuh-uh. I never really got into golf."

"That surprises me,” Ashlyn teased. “You do everything else."

"Golf's too tame for me.” He shot her a wicked grin. “Extreme sports are more my thing."

He handed over their tickets, and they walked into the large banquet room that had been set up with various stations for eating and tasting. The very expensive admission included food and samples of wines and beer, as well as a generous contribution to the shelter.

"There's Tyler,” Zach said, nodding. He took Ashlyn's hand and dragged her along as he made his way through the crowd.

"Tyler!” he called. A tall, dark man looked in his direction and broke into a big grin.

They greeted each other with back-slapping hugs.

"This is Tyler Gregg,” Zach said. “Ashlyn Farrell."

"Oh, I've seen you on TV,” Ashlyn said, with a star-struck smile. Oh oh. Tyler had women all over him, all the time. Talk about a chick magnet. Luckily he was happily married, but Zach couldn't help but be just a tad annoyed at Ashlyn's reaction to his friend. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her to him to remind her whom she was with.

"Nice to meet you.” Tyler flashed white teeth.

"Is Chloe here?” Zach asked.

"Yeah, she's here somewhere,” Tyler said. “Over there. She's ticked because she can't sample any of the wine."

Zach raised a brow in question, and Tyler grinned. “Yup, she's pregnant."

"Congratulations, man!” Zach slapped his back again. “Wow!"

"When is she due?” Ashlyn asked.

"In September,” he replied, looking proud and happy.

They talked for a few minutes, until Tyler had to get back to work.

"His food is so good,” Zach said. “Some time we'll have to drive up to Santa Barbara and have dinner at his restaurant."

"That would be nice,” Ashlyn murmured, not as enthusiastically as Zach would have liked. He'd noticed that any time he mentioned doing something in the future, she got kind of quiet, and he wasn't sure why. It bugged him.

Connor joined them, and they moved around to the different tables. At the first table they sampled tuna sashimi with yuzu sauce and a slice of jalapeño, served with Gold Coast Pale Ale.

"Awesome,” Zach said approvingly. “The spicy jalapeño brings out the citrus character in the beer."

"A good, clean match,” Connor agreed. Ashlyn gave a baffled smile.

Moments later, they sampled roast lamb accompanied by baby carrots and pureed parsnips. To go with it was Surf Coast's Oak Aged Beer.

"What's so special about this?” Ashlyn asked, sampling the beer. It was different—the carbonation was lighter and crisper.

"It's aged in oak barrels,” Zach explained. “Something new I wanted to try. This is our first batch. I think the oak gives it hints of vanilla and toffee and citrus."

Ashlyn nodded as if she knew what he was talking about.

"The lamb brings out the beer's savory characteristics, and its caramel sweetness accentuates the rich, roasted flavor of the meat."

The three of them turned in surprise and found Tyler standing there grinning.

"Couldn't have said it better myself.” Zach toasted him with his beer glass.

"That beer is great,” Tyler said with a nod of approval. “You need to keep making that."

"Thanks.” Zach grinned.

"Are you going to enter it this year in the Great American Beer Festival?"

Ashlyn looked from Tyler to Zach with wonder.

"Oh yeah,” he said. “This one's a winner."

"All your beers are winners."

"Well, that one I made from pumpkin last year didn't do so well..."

"Pumpkin!” Ashlyn gasped. “That's crazy!"

Zach shrugged. “I like to try new things. And I actually liked it. But not many other people did."

They smiled at each other, something passing between them, warm and connecting.

As they finished samples of cheese, a cute little brunette approached Connor.

"Hey, Connor,” she said warmly. “How are you?"

Connor returned her greeting, but appeared unsure of whom the girl was. “We met at a party. I'm Misty Earl, a friend of Leanne's."

"Oh, yeah.” Connor's scowl didn't seem to deter her.

"I heard about you and Jessica,” Misty said sympathetically, putting a hand on his forearm. “That's too bad."

Zach watched her hit on his brother. Didn't seem like Connor was too interested, though, as he brushed her off—and not with a lot of finesse.

"Word is out you're on the market,” Zach told him, repressing a grin.

"Fuck off,” Connor snarled and went off for more beer.

Zach shook his head. Ashlyn stood there, nibbling her bottom lip, her eyes full of concern.

"He'll be okay,” he told her. “Come on."

Zach knew lots of people there and, social animal that he was, he spent the evening mingling, introducing Ashlyn to everyone, keeping her close at his side. But fun as the party was, he couldn't wait to get Ashlyn home and into his bed. He wanted to make her come, feel her tumble in his arms as he pleasured her, making up for earlier when he'd selfishly taken his own satisfaction up against the wall.

To Zach's amusement, Connor was fending off another woman when he went to find him to leave.

"If you're not ready to leave, I'm sure you can find another way home,” he suggested wickedly to Connor.

"I'm ready,” Connor snapped, and he left the girl standing there without even a goodbye.

"You don't need to be an asshole,” Zach muttered to him as they walked out.

"I really don't give a shit."

Again, Zach noticed Ashlyn looking fretful as they walked into the dark parking lot. Connor's misery really seemed to get to her. He was glad that she cared about his brother that much already ... it could only mean she cared about him too.