I knew I fell more in love with her by the day. It was impossible not to when she looked so happy, living her life the way she enjoyed it. Avery had me wrapped around her little finger, and that would never change. Whatever made her happy, I’d continue to do it, so she stayed that way.
I didn’t care why or who made her smile like that tonight. Avery just deserved this happiness.
As it grew later and colder, Avery joined me by the fire. There were still a few people here, but everyone was tipsy at this point. When she snuggled into me, I stopped caring about all of them and kissed her cold hair.
Jack approached us with his own fresh light beer and a cup of wine for Avery. He and I both had a lot to drink tonight, and I was still nursing my last cider for the evening.
I wondered how much Avery had to drink, though I suspected it was less than us.
Jack sat down beside her, sipping his beer. “This is a fun time, Charlie. Thanks for setting it up.” He grinned at me as I nodded.
“It’s a Christmas tradition around these parts,” I replied with a smile. Jefferson even stopped by for a brief time, choosing not to drink so he could get home to Polly. “I knew I’d need a firepit here for hangouts like this.”
“I even helped with the extra lights.” Avery bragged beside me with a giggle.
“That’s right. Your help is irreplaceable.” I joked as she giggled again.
“How much have you had to drink tonight?” Jack teased her, smiling over at Avery. “Are you going to be okay getting home tonight? We might have to duke it out who gets to take her home, Charlie.” His tone was light, and I knew Jack meant as a joke, leaning my head back to laugh.
“You could both take me home,” Avery murmured as I froze for a moment. I shared a curious look with Jack that sobered both of us up, wondering just what Avery meant by that.
“What are you getting at, Avery?” Jack asked as we both looked at her.
Her eyes widened as if she realized how her words sounded, looking between us. “I didn’t necessarily mean that, but it’s not the worst thing that could happen.”
I thought ahead for a moment, knowing there were some open rooms tonight for any stragglers that drank too much at the bonfire. There was my cabin, but it required me to drive, and I’d never take that chance right now. Jack lived even further away than I did.
I might get a room either way, and my mind started racing with the prospect of sharing Avery with Jack. “I know there are some rooms available for anyone that drinks too much. Jefferson insists on leaving some available every year when we have this. I know I don’t want to drive to my place and Jack’s house is out of the question.”
“I know we can’t go to my house.” Avery agreed as we nodded, knowing that would be impossible.
“Are you sure about this, Avery?” As I looked at her, I wondered what would happen between us.
“I am. I care a lot for you guys.” She admitted, smiling at me. “I trust you.”
Even though the party seemed to die down, there were enough people to pick up. “I can get the coolers put away in Ciderworks and go get a room. I think this is over anyway, since it’s close to one.”
“Good plan. Text me the room number and we can meet you there.” Avery told me as Jack stood, offering to help me with the cooler.
“Hey, everyone. It’s fucking cold out here, so I’m going to call it a night. Take anything you want from the coolers before I store them away in the building.” I called out as people nodded in agreement.
People walked forward, grabbing what they needed to finish out the night as someone offered to stay and pick up the bottles. There was a strict rule about not leaving the property a mess and staff knew that.
“Thanks, Liam. I appreciate that,” I told him as he walked to the large garbage can to bring it closer. Jack and I carried the cooler to the cidery where I stashed it in the back of the building, my heart beating with anticipation.
I told him to wait for my text while we were still inside, and he went to join Avery by the dying fire. Locking up the building, I tugged on the door and walked over to the hotel, shoving my icy hands into my pockets.
It was still brightly lit for any stragglers, and I approached the front desk with a smile. “Hey, Brian. I hoped you had a key to one of the open rooms? I am not getting behind the wheel tonight and need to get some sleep before tomorrow. I haven’t put a bed in Ciderworks yet.”
“No problem. There are still a few rooms,” he told me, turning around to search the large cubby on the wall. “Here we are. One bed is good?” Brian grinned, and I laughed.
“Yeah, perfect.” I thanked him and took the key, making my way to the staircase to reach the second floor. I found the room and went inside, looking at the King-sized bed as I anticipated what would happen tonight.
It might sound insane that I was willing to share Avery, but I loved her. I wanted her happy and this didn’t sound like too much for me. I’d make sure again before things went too far but seeing Avery receive this much pleasure made me harden under my pants.
Fuck, I needed her.
I sent a message to her phone with the room number and walked to the window to look outside. I knew I’d been drinking a lot, and this might never happen otherwise, but I was ready for this.