by Jacob Chance
“Maybe when we go inside, but I’m out here now. I might as well take advantage of the fresh mountain air. Besides, there’s something awesome about being outside at night when it’s snowing.” She holds her tongue out, catching an icy cold, fat flake like I used to do when I was a kid.
I chuckle, “What are you, five?”
“I’m remembering how much fun it is to play in the snow at night. My parents used to bring me outside to do some shoveling when I was old enough to stay up a little later. I always ended up making a snowman while they did all the work.” She smiles fondly reminiscing. “The next day when I’d see the snowman I made it always looked much worse than it had the night before. I don’t know if it was because I was tired and cold, or if it was because of the dim lighting. Either way, it looked bedraggled and barely standing.”
“What’s the plan, fellas?” Flynn forcefully crashes the palms of his ski gloves together making a loud clapping noise. “How are we going about this?”
Clancy steps forward studying the immediate area. “There’s a lot of snow to work with. Why don’t we build a wall over here to connect the two large snow piles. Once that’s done we can burrow tunnels through the middle of the snow heaps.” Clancy’s gaze swings to me. “What do you think, Archer?”
“I think that’s a solid plan. With the cold temps tonight and tomorrow, it will help our structures to be stronger.”
“Have you built a lot of forts?” she quizzes.
I puff my chest up. “Hundreds. The Archer’s are known for constructing solid frozen structures. We’re legendary in these parts.”
She whacks me with her palm. “Now you’re just teasing me.”
“I’m not lying about building hundreds or even being legendary. Maybe not legendary, but there are plenty of people who’ve witnessed our creations. My dad made one once that Donovan and I could crawl through.”
“I remember that,” Donovan joins in with a smile. “He even made stairs up to a slide we could go down.”
“No way,” Perri’s doubt is palpable.
“He really did. I was never so sorry to see the end of winter as I was that year,” I say wistfully.
“How old were you guys?” Flynn queries.
“We were just little ones, I might’ve been around six and Donovan five.”
“That sounds amazing,” Perri sighs.
“Let’s see how we do making our fort. Maybe we can put that one to shame.”
Chapter Twenty
Nolan
Perri runs her mitten along the top of the snowy wall, packing the loose flakes down and smoothing out the surface. “Just so you know, this is the first fort I’ve ever helped build. You’re popping my fort building cherry.”
I grin, glad to be teaching her something. “You’re kidding?” Digging my shovel into the pile of snow across from me, I scoop some up.
“Nope. Now, I feel like I missed an integral part of growing up.”
“Forts are a way of life for boys. I guess it’s different for girls.” I add the shovelful to the end of the wall that we’ve successfully constructed so far.
“Obviously, but I feel like I got jipped. What were my parents thinking? Isn’t this a life skill I need to know? Especially if I’m always going to live in Massachusetts. And how will I teach my kids to make one if I don’t know how?”
I don’t know why, but I like the thought of her with kids. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it. You’re getting a crash course right now and you’re doing great.”
She smiles at me. “Thanks. This is more fun than I thought it would be.”
“There’s something oddly relaxing about building a snow fort. It’s more challenging than a blanket fort. Have you ever made one of those?”
“That I have done. It seems my parents didn’t totally drop the ball.”
“My dad’s a kid at heart, so that’s why we have all the stuff we do. I swear he works hard just so we can have toys to enjoy.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a healthy attitude to have. Why work so hard if you can’t enjoy the fruits of your labor? And from what you’ve told me, it sounds like he still managed to spend plenty of time with you guys even though he worked a lot of hours.”
“Yeah, he always has. It’s nice to see him and my mom traveling together now that they don’t have to worry about us every second.”
She walks on her knees, moving over to a part of the wall she hasn’t packed down. “All I know is, whatever I end up doing for my work, I want it to be something I love and something I feel passionate about. I can’t imagine doing the same thing day in and day out for forty years and not enjoying it.”
“Me either. That sounds like hell to me.”
“Hey, less talking, more working down there,” Clancy hollers from the side wall of the fort.
“There are three of you guys and only Nolan over here. He’s doing damn well.”
“You’re there too.”
“I’m not much assistance at all. In fact, I’m only slowing him down. I’ll tell you what I can do well. I’m an expert at making hot chocolate. Would anyone like some?”
“Hell yeah,” Flynn pipes, raising his hand.
“Anyone else?” Her question is met with a chorus of “yes, please.”
“Okay, I’m going to go make myself useful. It’s getting a little too chilly out here anyway. I can barely feel my fingers.”
“There are extra mittens and gloves in the mud room. Help yourself to whatever you need.”
Perri rises to her feet, brushing the snow off the knees of her ski pants. “Anyone need anything else while I’m inside?”
“Can you add some Bailey’s to the cocoa?” Darren inquires hopefully.
She smiles. “Yeah, I can do that.” My eyes stay on her until she’s through the door.
“When are you going to ask her out?” Clancy leans on the handle of his shovel looking over at me.
“I’m not.”
“Why wouldn’t you? It’s clear you guys are attracted to each other.”
“She’s not my type.”
“Dude, she’s everyone’s type. She’s gorgeous, nice, and she can hold an intelligent conversation.”
“Okay then, I’m not her type.”
“Are you sure about that? I’ve seen the way she looks at you.”
“Girls like Perri don’t want a guy like me. And, honestly, I can’t afford any distractions. School and football kicked my ass the first semester, and my course load is stacked for the next one.” As the words leave my lips it occurs to me that I’m speaking nonsense. And I’m not sure for whose benefit. Perri would be the best distraction I could ask for.
“One of the benefits of having an intelligent girlfriend is having someone to help you with your work.”
“You’re crazy. She’s busy enough with her own stuff. What about you, Mr. Matchmaker?”
“What about me?”
“It’s time for you to take your own advice and find a girlfriend.”
He rubs the top of his glove under his bearded chin. “I’ve thought about it, but I’m not ready to spend all my free time with someone else. I like my down time too much.”
“Yeah, girls have a way of cutting into that don’t they?”
“They sure do.”
Perri returns a few minutes later with a tray of cups balanced on top. “I found these insulated cups in the pantry and they have lids, so the cocoa will stay hot longer.” She begins handing them out to Donovan, Flynn, and Darren. I can’t hear the words exchanged between them, but she’s met with smiles from all three.
Clancy rams his elbow into me. “Dude, you better make a move before one of those guys do.”
Scowling at the thought of any of them pursuing her, I drop my shovel and trudge through the snow to her side. She hands me a cup, her lips teasing at a smile.
“Thank you. Did you get warm?”
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that until I climb in bed, but I feel better t
han I did. I grabbed new gloves too.”
“Good.” I grab one of the two remaining cups and pass it off to Clancy before handing the last one to Perri. “Here, let me take this.” I tug the tray from her hand and walk over to place it next to the door. On my way back, I notice how all the guys, except Clancy have moved in to talk to Perri in the seconds I’ve been gone. What the hell? Maybe Clancy’s right and I need to stake my claim before I lose out on this fantastic girl. I’m apprehensive about asking her out, especially with this stupid auction thing hanging over my head. But the thought of her dating someone else makes me want to punch something or someone.
Three light raps on my door have my eyes opening to slits while I hold still and muse whether I imagined it. The knocking repeats, more forcefully this time and I call out, “Come in.” My eyes open fully as they lock on the door. Perri appears, backlit by the light in the hallway.
“Hey, is everything okay?” I sit up on my elbows, the comforter falling to my stomach, exposing my bare chest.
She closes the door behind her and approaches my bed. As my eyes once more adjust to the darkness, broken only by the television, I can see the light colored shirt and shorts she’s wearing.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m freezing.”
“Do you want me to turn the heat up? Or I could give you some pajama pants to put on?” I blurt out in a hurry to help.
She stops at the other side of my bed and raises the edge of the covers. “No. I want to sleep in here with you. Then I know I’ll be warm.”
Well, shit. I’m already getting warm just from her words. Especially certain parts of me. There might be smoke and a fire under the blanket once she’s in here with me.
How much of a dumbass am I for offering to turn the heat up?
Any other guy my age would jump at the chance to get Perri in their bed, and do anything they could to make it happen. But not me. I could give you some pajama pants to put on.... could I be more clueless?
She slips between the sheets and my heart stops before galloping like a wild stallion inside my chest.
“Come here,” I coax hoarsely, holding my arm out for her to lie on. She snuggles up against me and I cradle her close. Her head rests on my chest, using me as a pillow.
Her hand tentatively rests on my bare skin. Can she feel my heart thumping madly underneath her palm? Can she hear the erratic rhythm under her ear?
“Is that better?”
“Mhmm. You’re so warm.” Her fingers skim from my chest down to my ribs and up again sending a fresh blast of blood flow to my cock. I didn’t think it could get any harder, but I was wrong. If she stays with me all night, I won’t get a lick of sleep, but it will be worth the reward of having her in my arms.
I strum my fingertips slowly back and forth along her bicep, delving under the short sleeve of her t-shirt. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about our kiss,” I confess.
“Me either,” she whispers, and I sigh with relief.
Shifting my weight, I roll her to her back, hovering above her. “I want to kiss you again. And again. And again.”
“And again.” She smiles.
“I’m glad you see where this is destined to go.” Cupping her face with my palms, my thumb drags across the curve of her bottom lip. “You’re painfully beautiful.”
“Painfully?”
“Yes. Looking at you makes my chest ache from all the things I want.”
“What do you want?” Her trusting eyes stare up at me.
“I want to take you out on dates and kiss you whenever I want.”
“I’m okay with both of those things.”
“I want to sleep with you in my arms all night long.”
“I’m here, aren’t I?” Her expression is mischievous.
“I want to explore every inch of your body with my hands and then I want to retrace the paths with my tongue.”
“You can do whatever you’d like with me.” She raises her arms over her head in a pose of submission and I swallow convulsively, my Adam’s apple bobbing.
“Fuck, don’t say that.”
“Why not? Isn’t that what guys want?”
“I don’t know about other guys. But for me, when you say that, it’s the perfect melding of fantasy and reality. I don’t know if I can take it.”
“You might blow a gasket?” she giggles.
“Something’s going to blow for sure, and it’s not a gasket.”
“No matter what, I’m where I want to be, Nolan.” Her voice is a husky caress from my head to my toes. It’s sweet that she’s letting me know whatever happens is okay. I don’t have to be embarrassed about my lack of experience.
Her eyes look black in the dim lighting as I stare down into them. “There’s no place else I want to be.” Gripping the bottom of her shirt, I raise the material as high as it will go. Her tits are perfection, full and rose tipped. My head lowers, until my lips trail over each of her taut nipples. “I only want to be here with you.” I say the words against the generous curve of a breast.
Back and forth I skate my mouth over her sensitive skin, until my lips part and I suck a bud inside my mouth. She moans, arching her back and pressing a hand on the back of my head. Gliding over to the other side, I circle my tongue around the hard peak.
“Please,” she breathes. I draw the soft, rosy skin into my mouth and grind my cock into the mattress looking for any sort of relief from my throbbing hard-on.
I slip a hand between us, caressing down her stomach until my fingertips graze along the edge of her sleep shorts. Should I keep going?
“Don’t stop.” Holding my breath, my hand eases underneath the elastic. Creeping lower over her bare skin, my fingers are engulfed by damp heat. Sliding through her slit, I tease her opening, before dipping one finger inside.
Her pussy is slick, hot, and tight. I want to crawl up inside her and never leave. My chest aches with a longing that’s way beyond physical. She’s so beautiful lying here so trustingly. I’ll never forget this night as long as I live.
Christ, what would it feel like to have all that wet warmth wrapped around my cock? I’d probably blow after a handful of strokes. I slip another finger inside her, wiggling, and then pumping them. Carefully studying her face for a reaction, I want to know what brings her the most pleasure. She seems to like everything I’m doing and my confidence grows.
My thumb lands on her clit and she gasps. I chuckle deeply. “You like that, do you?” Taking my time, I draw achingly slow circles around the swollen flesh. She moans and raises her hips, signaling she wants more.
Her pussy, so soft, has me fighting to hang onto what little control I have left. Picking up the pace slightly, I continue to tease the bundle of nerves while her hands clutch my arm, holding me in place.
“I’m not going anywhere until you come for me.”
“So close,” she whispers, her tongue darting out to wet her lips. I move faster, applying more pressure, but not too much, and her hips begin to mindlessly rock. Her head’s thrown back, the elegant length of her neck exposed. My lips trace along the column leading me to claim her lips. Our tongues duel while my fingers strum her clit, driving her higher until she explodes and a violent tremor rocks her small frame underneath me. Her passionate cries are swallowed up by our kiss. Our mouths stay connected until every bit of her orgasm has been wrung from her.
Drawing back, I take in the pink flush of her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes that I’m responsible for. I made her come and I can’t wait to do it again.
Chapter Twenty-One
Perri
Holy shit. Where did he learn to do that? That was the most incredible orgasm I’ve ever experienced.
“If you’ve never done that before how did you get so good at it?” I look up at him, hovering over me with a smug grin on his lips.
“I watch a lot of porn.”
I scrunch my nose in repugnance. “Really?”
“No. Don’t get me wrong, I watch some porn, but that�
��s not how I learned. You can find anything on the internet these days and I’ve done a lot of research. I’ve been teaching myself and waiting for the right girl to use my education on. Just because I haven’t done much of anything sexual doesn’t mean I can’t make someone feel good.”
“You definitely succeeded in that. I’m interested to see what else you learned.”
He winks. “The best is yet to come, pun intended.”
Reaching between our bodies, I grip his steel hard length through his boxer briefs. “I believe it’s my turn now.” Burrowing my hands under each side of the material, I push them off his hips and use my feet to slide them the rest of the way down his legs. Balancing on his elbows, he kicks them off, leaving him naked. I shiver from the feel of his warm, hard body over me. Gripping his thick cock, I squeeze and he moans raggedly. It’s satisfying to know I can draw that sound from him. Is that the first moan a girl has wrung from him? I feel powerful at the thought and any inhibitions I have flee.
Sliding my hand up and down from the base to the tip, I smear the pre-cum oozing from him. A hoarse groan drags from his lips.
“Fuck, Perri. You’re going to kill me.”
“I don’t think anyone’s ever died from too much pleasure.” I stroke faster. I want to make him explode and blow his mind.
“I might… be the first,” he stutters. “Slow down.”
“I won’t slow down.”
“Please. I... don’t... want this... to end.” His breaths are labored and choppy. His hooded eyes stare down into mine as I stroke his cock. There are so many things I want to say to him. Things that have no place in this moment between friends. But I know one thing for sure, there’s no way we’re not going to do this again.
“Let go, Nolan. This isn’t a one time thing.”
His eyes shut as his cock begins to pulse his release all over my hand and stomach.
“Fuuuuck,” he groans, gasping to catch his breath. I release my hold on him and he rolls to his back, falling unceremoniously to the mattress beside me. “I’m dead. You killed me.”