Owen

By Alora Kate and Sarah Darlington

When a beautiful woman grabs you, presses her soft lips to yours, and strips off all her clothes ... you don't think, you act.

I had no idea my brother came early with his girlfriend to our family's cabin.
I had no idea she wasn't just another girl I'd picked up at the bar.
I'd been drinking.

These were all excuses. And by a stroke of luck, no one caught us together, and Joslyn didn't seem to notice the difference between me and my twin. So maybe all is right with the world. Maybe I can pretend nothing happen and move past this.
Except...I like this girl.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kate Darlington
• Release date: Sep 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386888451

Alora Kate

"I hear voices in my head and I love that its totally okay." - Alora Kate  Alora Kate is a multi-genre author who likes to be bold and original; stepping outside of the box and bringing her readers fresh characters from all parts of life. She’s a mother, college student, photographer, and graphic designer. She resides in northern MN with her son, where she plans to stay for a long time despite the cold winters. 

Book preview

Warning.

This is your warning

Dedicated to anyone with a dream.

CHAPTER 1: JOSLYN

I can totally pull this off.

Running my hands through the strands of my brown hair, I glanced around the dark room to make sure all the candles were lit and­­ everything looked perfect. Tonight—the darker the room, the better I felt. And a few candles gave it just the right vibe.

It wasn’t like I hadn’t had sex with my boyfriend, Jeff, before. It was just . . . the sex was boring. Predictable. And I had yet to reach an orgasm.

Tonight that would change.

Tonight, I would seduce him.

Tonight, I hoped I could kick-start our sex life.

Or at least try.

The few beers I drank gave me the confidence I needed. I thought with us being away from home—in this mansion nestled in the mountains—would help us break away from the monotony.

The door creaked open.

Here goes nothing.

I had to act before I put any more thought into this.

Jeff poked his head into the room. I rushed him, pulling his arm and dragging him inside. Stepping out of my shell, I roughly pushed his back against the door. In a move I hoped looked sexy, I pulled my oversized T-shirt up over my head and dropped it to the floor. I was completely naked and had recently visited the salon where I’d boldly waxed everything. I stepped forward, slipped my hand behind his neck, and slammed my lips to his. It took a few seconds for him to kiss me back, but when he did . . .. Fuck, did he kiss me.

Hard.

Oh God. Yes. This is what I’d been waiting for.

My back arched deeper into the kiss and a soft moan escaped my mouth. His hands grabbed my ass and he squeezed hard, something Jeff rarely did. Anything different meant I must be doing something right. I slid my hands under the bottom of his shirt, helping him take it off. So many times he’d leave it on during sex.

Not tonight.

Tonight, I wanted him completely naked.

I wanted to feel his skin against mine.

I wasn’t looking for slow, sensual love.

I wanted more. I wanted something different.

I wanted hot, rough, uninhibited fucking.

And I think I was finally about to get it.

We stumbled to the bed together. He gently pushed me down, making a smile spread across my face. Through the surrounding darkness, it was hard to look into his eyes completely. If I had the balls, I would have said something, because for a minute I wanted to see him, but I didn’t want to break the atmosphere I’d already set. Hopefully, he wouldn’t revert to our typical night in bed.

Maybe all it took was a little push?

Maybe all this time Jeff just needed a little extra motivation from me?

I felt my heart swell. We matched so perfectly outside the bedroom. Now, finally, we would match inside it too.

One minute I was on my back, the next I was on my knees, and he was sliding inside me.

Oh God, yes!

Fast. Hard. Rough.

I started this. But, surprisingly, he seemed to be taking control.

His hand slid down the middle of my back, and I laid my head on the bed and let him take me. I wished for a minute I could kiss him again, but I wasn’t going to complain. I just wanted him to fuck me, and he was doing just that.

I gripped the sheets in my hands. It didn’t take long. A minute later, I cried out when the most intense orgasm of my life shot through my body. My lips tingled, my knees went weak, I saw stars and rainbows and fucking fireworks. Jeff came with me, inside of me, whereas he typically liked to pull out. An extra step he liked to take, even though I was on birth control.

Fuck, I didn’t care what he did. Tonight was amazing. And in the afterglow of what had been the best sex ever, I smiled and shoved my head onto the pillows after he pulled out. It was everything I wanted. Jeff waited a moment and then disappeared. I knew he liked to clean up afterward, so I pulled the sheets up and decided I was going to sleep naked tonight because I was ready for another round.

***

Joslyn, wake up.

I rolled over and blinked my eyes open.

Jeff stood at the edge of the bed, buttoning up the light gray shirt I’d gotten it for his birthday a few months ago—his favorite.

Morning, I said softly, watching him grab his watch from the nightstand.

You should get ready. My parents will be here in an hour.

Okay. I wrapped the sheet around me and smiled up at him.

You seem happy.

I am. I leaned up to kiss him, but he turned his face away and my lips landed on his cheek.

You haven’t brushed your teeth yet.

What?

After last night, I thought maybe he’d be eager to have another round of amazing sex again since I’d fallen asleep before round two could happen. But this morning he was back to acting like his normal self again.

Had I been stupid to think things would be different after one night?

My heart burned.

He turned, walked across the room, and paused when he got to the door. Make it quick. I want to have the kitchen cleaned up before my parents get here.

The door closed. I lay back down on the bed, realizing I was sore and tender between my legs. Jeff never made me feel that way, which was a sharp contradiction to his attitude this morning. It was almost like he was acting as if nothing had happened between us.

But it did.

It wasn’t a dream.

Something like this couldn’t happen and we not talk about it. Later tonight I’d make sure we discussed this—or at least, I hoped I could muster the courage to confront him about it.

I showered and tossed my hair up. There was no point in makeup while on vacation, so I skipped it. Yes, I was meeting his parents for the first time, but I knew they liked me because I’d chatted with his mom several times on the phone.

As I left the room, I glanced down the hallway and noticed a few more doors, which didn’t surprise me because Jeff said it was a ten-bedroom house. His parents owned it, and they vacation here a few times a year which was why we were here for Christmas—it was their family tradition.

Sadness washed over me for a brief second. I had no family, hadn’t had a family for a long time, and even then, we never had any traditions.

I descended the large oak staircase slowly, with my eyes wide and admiring—because a house this beautiful deserved to be admired. I could hear voices downstairs somewhere. And that was what I was doing when a man came rushing past me, leaving a scent of fresh cut wood behind him, along with two very large dogs. I quickly scanned them. The larger one was white with hints of black patches, and the other one looked like a wolf. They followed him obediently down the stairs and out of sight. The man had short black hair, just like Jeff’s. He looked to be the same height and even though I only had a view of the back of him, it was enough to tell me that it was probably Jeff’s twin brother, Owen.

Owen wore dark-washed blue jeans—something Jeff would never be caught wearing—with a slightly wrinkled white T-shirt. Jeff said he was an asshole and not to worry about him or his attitude while we were here. Jeff would never talk about him, and when I asked in the past, he always changed the subject.

I found Jeff in the kitchen, sliding a pancake onto a plate with bacon and scrambled eggs—just the way I liked them. He smiled at me, and I picked the plate up and set it on the table.

Thanks, honey.

Welcome, you want coffee?

Yes, but I can make it.

It’s in the pot.

I smiled.

We had a good morning routine down. I cooked during the week because of his schedule, and he cooked on the weekends. He said he’d cook today since his parents wouldn’t allow it once they were here.

We ate in silence while he flipped through the newspaper. Then I cleaned up just in time for his parents’ arrival. He ran outside into the snow to help with the luggage while I waited nervously by the door. I’d never met anyone’s parents before because Jeff was the only man I’d ever dated seriously. Before I met him, I dedicated all my time to school, then to work, and never had time for a serious boyfriend. In my limited experience, I’d never met a man so accommodating and considerate, and within six months, we were living together.

As soon as I opened the door and his mother cleared it, she engulfed me in a hug. Joslyn, sweetheart, it’s so good to meet you in person.

You also, Mrs. Banks.

She pulled back, smiling at me. It’s Susan, sweetheart. She pinched my cheek. You’re just adorable. I always wanted a girl.

She did, Jeff said, setting down a couple of suitcases.

Had bad labor with the two of them. So bad that I couldn’t have kids after that.

I’m sorry.

Don’t be. They were a handful, but God knows I love them.

I couldn’t imagine Jeff being a handful.

So dear, she said, pulling off her coat and hanging it up on an empty hook by the door, you like the house?

Yes, it's lovely.

Jeff give you a tour?

I’ll show her today, Mom, he said behind her.

No, it’s okay, I can do it.

How about later? his father Jacob asked, taking off his coat. I’d like to get to know our dear Joslyn. He also pulled me into a giant bear hug. I already felt like part of the family. It was all so nice, I almost felt a little teary eyed as he released me. Let’s play cards!

We played cards last night, Jeff mentioned standing next to me. I won 4 to 5.

Fresh start, Susan said. We’ll pay something different.

Where’s Owen? Jeff asked, slipping his hand around my waist.

You know Owen, I’m sure he’s around here somewhere.

I saw him, I answered

Jeff glanced down at me. When?

He passed me on the stairs this morning with his dogs but didn’t acknowledge me.

Sounds like my brother. Jeff kissed the top of my head. Can’t count on him for anything.

Not this year, Jeff, Susan warned before she walked off.

You boys better keep your shit together, Jacob added, eyeing Jeff. It’s time to move on and get over what happened.

Whatever, Jeff mumbled.

We settled into the living room where I stayed quiet while they caught up. Jeff was a forensic accountant for the FBI and even though it sounded special, like it was a top-secret job, he always told me that it was boring and all he really did was push paper around. Occasionally, he has to testify if needed on special cases, but he’s always led me to believe it was just like any other normal job. Right now, his parents were trying to get a little bit of information out of him, but I knew Jeff and he wouldn’t say anything. He couldn’t, and I’m sure his parents knew that and were used to it, but wanted to try again, anyway.

When he kept dodging their questions, they turned their attention to me.

How’s work, Joslyn? Can you sign something to me? I’ve always wanted to learn that language.

I replied by signing while I spoke, I would love to teach you.

I love it. Can you do that all weekend?

Mom, Jeff spoke before I could reply, we’re on vacation.

But it looks like fun.

I don’t mind, I said squeezing Jeff’s hand.

Good, it’s settled. I’m learning sign language.

Over the next hour, we decided not to talk about work for the rest of the vacation. We planned our days and activities, which felt a little overwhelming. I’d never been skiing before and felt out place having to take a lesson for it, and we weren’t even on the mountain yet. This was his family, their time, and now, for some reason, I felt like an outsider. I was dating Jeff, but never once had we talked about taking it any further.

Jeff, why don’t you call your brother and see where he’s at?

No, thanks. He stood and walked out of the room and his mother followed him.

Don’t worry about it, Jacob said after they disappeared. Boys will be boys.

Okay, I answered. Although, I’d always hated that saying, Boys will be boys. A part of me desperately wanted to know what had happened between Jeff and his brother. I wished I had a sibling. I wished I had a family. Jeff had both, and yet, I kind of felt like he didn’t fully appreciate them.

But it is weird Owen isn’t here, Jacob added.

Why?

For one, he lives here and for two, I texted him and told him we were almost here. He chuckled. He’s not much for cards or hanging with the family. I think he loves those dogs more than he loves us.

Jeff doesn’t talk about Owen.

Jacob nodded but kept on with his spiel. He takes care of the house year-round for us.

Wow, must be nice to live in this house year-round!

That’s nice of him.

He’s a good guy.

I wouldn’t know, I answered.

The feud goes back to when the boys were in high school. Not clear about the details but ever since senior prom, the boys have been at war. I wanted to know more but couldn’t ask because Jeff walked back into the room.

Want to go into town? Jeff asked.

I’d love to.

***

I finished putting my spring bouquet mix of flowers into a vase when Susan walked into the kitchen.

How was your trip into town?

Lovely. And it was. The town was small, but full of little shops owned by real people, not corporate mass chains. I could see myself visiting every year to take it all in over and over again.

Nice flowers.

Thanks. Jeff grabbed them for me.

He’s always had great taste.

I put the flowers in the middle of the island and smiled at them. Jeff bought them, but they were more my idea than his. They were lovely, and I