Family Ties

Chapter 12

By the time the game was over, the crowd had dwindled down to a sparse few who were lounging around bonfires in small groups scattered all over the beach. Lizzie, Beth and the guys were gathered around a nice sized fire that was set well away from the others. They were all lounging on blankets while roasting hot dogs, marshmallows, and in Richie's case, any flammable litter he could find to skewer with his stick. While Alec, Jon, David and Tico immersed themselves in business and band talk for a bit, Richie simply sat nearby listening while messing with his new pyro toy. A boyish smile played on his lips and a childlike gleam lit his eyes as he watched first a foam cup, then a snarl of plastic wire disintegrate on the end of his stick.

Lizzie and Beth sat across from the men and a bit away from the other women. Both girls were caught up in trying to decipher the strangeness of the day. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something was definitely changing between her and Richie. She hoped the change she was sensing in him meant that he was beginning to see her as more of an equal now, a woman, more mature. He was still the same sweet as can be happy joker. He still spoiled her. All day long he'd been as attentive to her as ever. None of that had changed at all yet, sometimes, when he looked at her today, she'd felt as if he were looking at her with the eyes of a man instead of a friend.

Don't get your head in the clouds Liz just cause you want something doesn't mean you'll get it

She sighed and turned to watch him across the fire. She stifled a laugh at his pyrotechnic antics and wondered how he could possibly be 30 years old. He certainly wasn't acting very adult like at the moment. She let her eyes roam over him freely now that he wasn't looking her way.

He sat with one long lean leg lounged out straight in front of him. the other was bent and his arm rested casually there. She smiled recalling the way he still towered over her. When he'd slung his arms around her today she'd felt so safe, so sheltered. She hadn't wanted to leave the circle of his arms. What started 4 years ago as a little crush had now developed into total adoration. There was nothing she wanted more than Richie as her man, her lover.

Like that's ever gonna happen! Get real! Even if you manage to seduce Richie which is a long shot to begin with, there's still mom and dad and Dave and everyone else! There's more to think about than just your own need to get off ya wanton little hussy!!

Lizzie growled and picked up the bag of marshmallows lying near here. She defiantly crammed them into her mouth in an attempt to clear herself of her dead end fantasy.

Beth was sitting quietly a few feet from Lizzie. She had thrown on light jacket and sat with her legs pulled up, her arms wrapped around and her head resting on them. Today sure was strange.

Hell Beth, you're probably just imagining it 

She felt such a spark when she was around Jon. When they touched it was like a jolt of electricity coursed thru her. She'd watched his eyes intently and was so sure she'd seen the recognition of attraction register there. She couldn't have been imagining it!

I sure as hell didn't imagine his hard on!

She chuckled softly as she remembered the feel of him beneath her and look of discomfort on his face. She knew how he felt. When he'd pulled the old lotion trick she'd been all to happy to oblige, but once his hands had started their masterful ministrations she'd been in heaven and hell all at once. She'd dreamed of his hands all over her body and the reality of it, no matter how innocent, was so much better than what her mind had cooked up in the darkness of her lonely nights.

She knew Teek had noticed the aura around her and Jon. He hadn't been pleased. He'd snapped at her more than a few times today. It irritated her beyond all reason.

When is he gonna just realize I'm a woman now? He can't protect me forever!

She glanced over at Jon as he stood talking with the guys.

He's so handsome...God! I sound like a freakin' sap! But I can't help he's just sooo.... OH SHIT! He busted me!

Beth lowered her eyes then gave a lightning quick glance back up to see him smiling her way. Her heart fluttered as she smiled back then heard Lizzie's angelic voice pipe up "So what you think they have planned for us?"

Beth shrugged "Dunno Its hard to tell what they have up their sleeves, but knowing them it will be cruel and unusual punishment" she said with a wry laugh.

Lizzie laughed and said with sarcasm" Yea! the slave drivers "

The girls fell into amicable conversation speculating about the coming week and complaining about how achy and sore they were from the game. They forgot their misgivings about the days oddness and simply enjoyed each others company.

Richie's infatuation with his pyro contraption wanned and he rose from his spot walking to join the guys. He was watching Lizzie out of the corner of his eye. She had just thrown back her head laughing at something.

Her laugh should be bottled up and sold as a cure all I swear!

He still couldn't believe that this sensual and flirty blond bombshell was Lizzie. He'd always known she was going to be one hell of a heart breaker, but never in his wildest dreams did he think she'd turn out to be so damn exquisite.

I think it's my heart she'll be breakin this summer.... I hope Dave brought a fully loaded shotgun and keeps it pointed straight at my balls!!

As the conversation drew to an end Jon watched Richie and followed his gaze to Lizzie and Beth.

Damn Beth! So fuckin' hot! Got me tied up in knots!

He shook his head at his own almost uncontrollable urge to drag her off and seduce the hell out of her. He slide his eyes to Teek. He stood rubbing his chin as he thought of his options.

OK, so I could just ask her out, do things right... maybe Teek wouldn't be such a pit bull then? nah... he'd still be chompin' at the bit..

Jon sighed and grabbed a beer. He cracked it and drank deeply.

If it were anyone but Beth I'd just feed her a few shots then fuck her senseless...but not Bethy.. she deserves better than that and if I want her, I have to give her the best, she's one girl who's worth it.

Satisfied with his decision he sipped his beer and turned his attention back to the dwindling conversation.