Mark stood up to hug yet another great aunt at yet another family gathering. It had been two years since the last time he was here. From what was said; last years was very uneventful, mainly just the older crowd talking about the good old days. Nah, last year Mark went to Australia and backpacked the east coast. He was shocked to bump into his cousins in Sydney. Ben and Sam still looked the same, except for the matching wedding bands that his dad made him get up at 4 am to drive into town for. And the thanks he got for that was he couldn't give the Best Man's speech. One comment about his new wife's hot ass and the plug was pulled. The three of them had a lot of fun in Sydney for the four days their paths crossed. The hours were spent feeling the lay of the land and the nights were spend it dives and underground clubs or going back to the motel for some hot fun. Well, Mark assumed by the wall he shared with them that there was a lot of hot fun going on.
He however could not be bothered. Something that happened at that wedding two years ago changed him. Mark could no longer find the pleasure in a night in some nameless body's arms. His friends even went so far as to say Mark was developing a type. He always denied it, however he knew it was true. His last few attempts at a relationship went horrible. Physically they were all knockouts, and curiously, all dark brown hair and light blue eyes. They always got a rise out of him below the belt, but none of them made him feel anything extraordinary. None of the women challenged him or would shove him butt first into a swamp or pour beer down his back if he was being a jerk. At the last thoughts, Mark's mind drifted to where it always went...Amanda. That weekend two years ago was very unusual and surreal, but the time he spent with her was more meaningful then any of the food named bimbos he last spent any time with.
"Well if it isn't the ol' coyote looking for some scraps." A low voice called from behind.
Mark whipped around to see Ben grinning from ear to ear. "How's it going cuz." He gave Ben a masculine combo of hug and back pat. "Fire still going?"
"Take a look yourself!" Ben smiled at pointed behind him.
Mark turned to see a very pregnant Samantha hugging his mother. "You knocked her up?" The words tumbled out as Mark felt a hard slap to the back of his head.
"That's my wife you're talking about. But yeah, she is pregnant, twins." Ben admitted; smiling like only an expectant father can.
Mark took in the rest of Ben, his relaxed posture and confident smile, spoke of a man that was truly happy.
Good for him
. Mark thought to himself. He was still watching Sam when she began to move along the path with his mom. Behind her stood Amanda. If Sam was ever the Betty, Amanda was now the Veronica. In the last two years, she shed the last of her baby fat and grew another four inches. Her striking Celtic appearance and flawless complexion depicted a woman who had recently turned nineteen and step into her new skin. Sitting and talking with Amanda was one of the few times he could say he connected with someone. Family, friends, co-workers, didn't matter; he could not find many who actually got his sense of humour. Mark watched as Amanda scanned the crowd of bustling relatives. When her eyes finally locked with his, he was met with a look of suspicion. At that his lips turned up in a confident smile. "What is it that you think I am up to?" Mark hollered while he swaggered over.
A dark brow arched at the response. "When you're around it can't be good." She replied.
Mark came to a stop in front of her. He took in her stance. The look was a cross of defiance and relaxation. "You filled out well." He grinned.
Amanda shot him a murderous look. "Cut the bullshit. You're happy to see me and you actually want to give me a hug."
"I am happy to see you, wish I could see more of you." He winked. Mark picked up Amanda and swung her around, not stopping when he heard her squeal of surprise.
"You're a jackass. Just because Sam wanted to go pickin' from the family tree does not mean I have any intention of doing so." She warned.
"Then don't pick the fruit, just squeeze it for firmness." Mark grinned. He missed this banter. She was the only one who did not try and smile politely or just walk away. She gave as good as she got. She was right, she was nothing like Sam. Where Sam was always extroverted and athletic, Amanda was always introverted and graceful. Sam did sports while Amanda danced. They got along as sisters do, their differences in lifestyles help keep the aggression out.
"I should warn you. I think they plan to make you Godfather. I am going to be the Godmother. Something about Australia has made them talk about you differently." Amanda eyed him.
"Oooh Godfather, eh? Does that mean I will get to wear a pinstripe suit and boss everyone around?" Mark's eyes went to the swollen tummy attached to his cousin. The idea of being in charge of two orphaned babies sounded like a bad chick flick to him.
"Wow I think I just saw honest fear! Do kids frighten you? How do you know you're not a daddy already?" Amanda threw at him.
Mark was getting tired of the stud jokes and he could think of one way to make them end fast. Doing a quick glance, he could see the light blue, girl cut, board shorts were covering tie up bikini bottoms. Glance at her neck made clear the ties keeping her bikini top up. With no pockets to be concerned about, Mark knew what he was about do was very dangerous yet very safe.
