I studied him from a distance. He had his sport coat and tie off, his shirt was unbuttoned halfway, and his sleeves were rolled up. He held a beer in his left hand and threw his head back in laughter at something Travis said. “Oh,” was all I could say. A slow grin spread across my lips. God, he was beautiful when he smiled. I wished that I could hear his laugh but we were too far away and the music was pulsing loudly. My head was definitely starting to spin.
“Shots!” Sienna called out. Oh, no more shots, I thought. I followed in tow behind them as we made our way to the bar. We were fast approaching Travis and Avery. Just Perfect, I thought. I stood at Sara’s flank as Sienna ordered us a round of shots.
“You’re wearing too many clothes, Kitten,” Travis smirked at me. If you only knew what just happened. I shrugged and stepped to the far side of Sienna. We all downed our shots and I was glad to have my buzz back.
“She’s just getting warmed up, aren’t ya Aria?” Sienna winked. I smiled and nodded but deep down I felt like a prude. I was trying to wrap my head around all of this.
“Sweet Jesus,” a voice rippled toward me. I glanced up to see him eyeing me from head to toe…twice. “You are exquisite, Kitten. What’s your name?” he asked.
I introduced myself and studied him. He was a younger version of Avery but he had blue eyes. Colt snuck up behind Sara and planted a soft kiss behind her ear. I watched as her eyes filled with love and I was instantly jealous.
“Down boy,” Colt said. “Sara, Aria, I’d like you to meet Pierce, Avery’s brother.” His eyes devoured me and I unconsciously took a step back. He wasn’t as reserved as Avery.
Maya approached Travis and wrapped her arms around his chest and slipped her hands into his half unbuttoned shirt. She was topless too, with a neck full of beads. She’d been busy.
Sean came up behind Sienna and lifted her onto the bar. She let out a squeal of delight and laid back. The bartender poured her a shot and Sienna held it in her breast. Sean moaned and rolled his eyes back in his head as Sienna poured salt over her nipples.
“God, woman, you’re beautiful, and all mine,” Sean growled in delight, licking the salt off of her breasts. He let his mouth fall around the shot glass and tipped his head back, letting the liquid fall back in his throat. He pulled the glass from his mouth while Sienna held the lime in between her teeth. Sean ran his tongue between her breasts then her neck then let his mouth fall over hers. I fidgeted nervously and watched as all the couples, half-naked women, and Avery huddled near the bar, grinning at the seductive scene in front of them.
Sean helped Sienna off the bar and my new crowd of friends fell into small talk about their classes. I had done my second shot in the last fifteen minutes and set it down when my eyes flashed to Avery as he laughed at Colt’s joke. My mouth curved up into a smile. I had gotten my wish.
Avery’s eyes flashed to mine. “A beaded necklace for your thoughts,” Avery said leaning in towards me, dangling an emerald green beaded necklace over his fingertip.
“I’m just taking it all in,” I said, trying hard not to squirm under his stare. He lowered the necklace over my head and let his hands brush over my shoulders. I shuddered under his touch. His eyes danced as they took me in.
He lowered his head to my ear. I could feel the heat of his body next to mine.
“I apologize if I offended you this morning,” he breathed. I just stared up at him.
“You didn’t,” I answered.
DAY FOUR:
THURSDAY EARLY MORNING
THE BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY
It was 5am when I tied up my running shoes, stretched, and followed a wide trail into the woods behind the Kitten cabins. The trees brushed by me quickly as I pushed myself to sprint the first mile. Then I backed off some and fell into my usual pace, trying to unwind from the stress that this new place had brought me. It was day four and I still hadn’t been able to relax enough to cum in front of Colt and Sienna. At this point, I didn’t know if I ever would.
I distanced myself from my thoughts and continued running another mile and a half to a clearing with a large circle of neatly groomed orchids and woven ivy when I heard footsteps coming toward me. My stomach knotted up as Avery approached from the other direction. I waved politely as he passed by and circled back in the direction that he originally came. He was surprised to see me at first then his delicious lips curved up in that smile that made me weak in the knees. I almost stumbled on another tree root as my thoughts filled with nothing but his chiseled body. I was usually a well-coordinated woman. Why was I going weak-kneed every time I saw him?
I pushed myself harder and looped around the trail that brought me back around heading in Avery’s direction, trying hard not to think of his hungry eyes and the way he looked at me last night at the Theme Party. I pushed on toward his direction but his stride was too great, the thick forest already swallowed him up. I finished another mile, which left me spent. I moved into a clearing and stopped for a moment. I let my hands fall to my knees to catch my breath. Gracious hands handed me a bottle of ice-cold water. I should have been startled but instead I composed myself and stood upright. I took a swig as Avery studied me. I ran my arm across my brow to wipe the sweat away and tried to slow my breathing so I could speak.
“Hi,” was all I could manage to say. He chuckled as I regained my breathing. “Thanks for the water.”
“You’re welcome, Aria.” His voice was like a red velvet cake dipped in delicious chocolate. I stared up at him, speechless. “You better walk with me before you cramp up. That was a pretty hard run. Working out some issues? I always find running helps me clear my head. How about you?”
I realized I was holding my breath and let out a huge sigh. “Always.”
“You never turn your mind off for a second, do you?” he teased, walking toward the direction of a large cabin laid with tall windows and ornately carved doors. I followed behind him and frowned knowing that was true.
He glanced at me sideways. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No, you’re right. I’m working some things out. Running helps me think. I can just shut out the world, only concentrating on my feet hitting the ground.”
I studied him. He was wearing black running shorts that rested just above his knees and no shirt. I looked at his chest and suddenly I couldn’t form a thought. I walked beside him in silence as we approached a cabin. He looked over at me.
“You are sworn to secrecy from this moment on. What I am about to show you could potentially wreck havoc if you mutter a single word of it to anyone at camp. I mean it. Don’t get drunk and blab my secrets to everyone. Okay?” he said.
“You don’t trust too many people do you? Why is that?” I asked.
“I’ve been burned before, that’s all I’m going to say.” He stopped to wait for my response.
How cliché. “I will not tell a soul. I promise.” I wanted to tell him he could trust me. But for some reason I didn’t think it would matter. Avery had been hurt. That much was true. But seeing the vulnerability in his eyes, I realized it had to be brutal. Maybe it was just women, in general, that he didn’t trust. My heart ached to help heal him.
Avery escorted me into his very large two-story timber frame cabin that left me at a loss for words. It had floor to ceiling windows. It had a wide-open floor plan with a touch of rustic mixed with contemporary. It was decorated exactly like I would do it. The first thing I noticed was the large fireplace in the living room inlaid with stone from floor to ceiling. There was a large black leather L-shaped couch and matching oversized chairs. We walked down the hall and he showed me two spare bedrooms fully furnished, his office, a game room with a pool table, dartboard, foosball, large monitors for gaming, card table, and a fully stocked bar. My eyes landed back to the pool table – oh do I have thoughts about that pool table – me naked on it, for starters. My mind took me away to the image of him kissing me everywhere and my face heated instantly. He cleared his throat and headed toward the kitchen. Th
e layout was very modern in here also, the appliances were stainless steel but with a 1940’s retro style. So, even though they looked and functioned in a very modern way they looked liked they belonged in a very high-end hunting cabin. It was awesome.
“You like to cook?” I inquired.
Avery smiled softly. “When I have time. Yes. It’s a passion of mine.”
To the right of that was the dining room – all of it was an open floor plan decorated in dark walnut. We stepped to the large spiral staircase that matched the exposed beams of the cabin and moved onto the balcony. We passed the laundry room on the way down the hall. He opened two black double doors and I followed him into a large bedroom. I swallowed nervously and waited near the doorway. I glanced around his enormous room and took in his king-sized, elevated platform bed in the center. A large flat screen was on a nearby wall. A true bachelor’s dream. What enamored me more was the breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
“My room,” he breathed. I looked to see his chest rise and fall quickly and all I wanted to do was wrap my arms around him and calm his anxiety. He looked lost for a moment then turned toward his long walk-in closet. I stepped into the adjoining bathroom with French doors and I melted on the spot. Lavish garden tub, dual sinks, open shower with dual showerheads. Control panel on the wall for temperature control. I peered upward to see skylights above me. He had this designed so nature was all around us. It really brought the outdoors inside.
Avery stepped into the doorway and pulled on a plain grey t-shirt and I stepped back into the bedroom, thinking he needed a moment. A warm hand embraced mine and pulled me backwards. He stepped in front of me. I looked up at him. Suddenly, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else in the world. He lowered his face to mine. He brushed his hand over my reddened cheek and studied my face. His eyes lingered on my lips and I was begging for him to kiss me. His breathing was fast like mine. I was certain he could hear my heart pounding in my chest. God, I wanted him. I had never wanted anything more in my life. But he stepped away and whispered, “I’m sorry. I keep touching you without your permission. I apologize for that.” My hope crashed down around me.
“Anytime you want,” I blurted out the words before I could stop myself. “I mean you have my permission anytime you want it…I mean…uh…never mind…I mean you don’t have to ask…umm…apology accepted,” I said, nodding my head his way. Ugh, I’m such a dumbass. Get it together girl. I’m so lame…so lame. Then I smiled a very fake wide smile toward him and cocked my head slightly to the side. Apparently, my super cuteness worked because Avery didn’t answer but just flashed his megawatt smile and took my hand.
“Have breakfast with me,” he asked.
“I’d love to.”
I tried to hide the frown that had replaced my shit-eating grin as he let go of my hand and stepped to the intercom. He pushed the button and spoke into it. “Daniel, there will two for breakfast and I’ll take it lagoon side.”
A deep voice acknowledged Avery’s request and we walked through the tall glass windows to his back deck and down the large staircase. The sun was just rising over the horizon and bathing everything in its golden glory.
We passed the in-ground pool but we didn’t stop at the pool’s edge. He continued through the yard down a narrow path that led to a small lagoon at the base of a mountain. I heard the roar of gushing water as we approached.
“Look there,” he leaned into me and I breathed in the smell of Avery’s cologne mixed with sweat. My heart skipped a beat as I stepped through the wooded forest and stood before a most beautiful sight. I was surrounded by nothing except nature, trees, sunlight, and a breathtaking narrow waterfall. Time stood still as I felt encased in all of nature’s beauty. I looked up at the sky past the thick maple trees that hid us from the rest of the world.
Avery pulled out a chair at the small rustic iron table and I sat down on a plush cushion. “What do you see?” he asked, scanning the forest landscaping.
I wanted to say, the sexiest man I had ever known, but I didn’t. I took a moment to look around at the vivid, magnificent scenery that only the Allegheny Mountains had to offer. I noted the vast wall of wild orchids next to us at the breakfast nook. Next to it was a queen sized outdoor mattress encompassed in wild orchids. A calming peace fell upon me and suddenly I knew there was no other place I’d rather be. My heart ached with wanting. I wanted to spend every minute here with him. I wanted to be the one that made him happy, to make him smile, to make him laugh. I wanted to be the one that touched not just his heart, but also his soul. I barely knew him, yet I never felt more at home before.
“Home,” I said, wishing I hadn’t. My eyes flashed to Avery’s as he sucked in a breath. His eyes lit up then a soft smile spread over his lips. What the hell was wrong with me? The man hadn’t even kissed me yet. He seemed like he wanted to when we were standing in his bedroom but I could tell he was scared. That much I could see in his eyes. I wondered then – did he always hide this side of himself from the world. Why was he showing me? This was the most romantic place I’d ever been and I was here with Avery. What more could a girl want?
I was thankful when a short bald man stepped up to the table with a heaping tray. He set down two ice waters, two orange juices and two covered platters.
“Thank you, Daniel. This looks great,” Avery said taking off his lid to his breakfast. Daniel lifted the lid of my platter and set it to the edge of the table.
“Enjoy, Miss…?”
“Aria,” I said. “Of course…Miss Aria…Sir.” Daniel flashed a look toward Avery and nodded then turned away. I’m sure he didn’t approve of me. I blinked and tried to take in the lavish breakfast that he served to me as Avery sat across from me just out of reach. The stack of French toast was drizzled in strawberries and syrup, and on the side was crisp bacon. I tried to hide my squeal of delight but it was written all over my face. I glanced up to see Avery grinning at me as I dug in. I took a bite. Jesus, the syrup was warm. I moaned in delight.
Avery stopped mid chew and locked his eyes on mine. His gaze was interrupted as his eyes drifted to the right and I followed his gaze to a radiant blue and black monarch butterfly. A warm feeling fell over me thinking of his words bedside the lake the first time I met him – a beautiful butterfly, and she has me hypnotized.
We watched it hover directly over us then it landed on the dome plate cover. Its wings pulsed for a moment.
His eyes softened as he looked at me. “Beautiful butterfly,” he breathed. I smiled nervously. We drew our attention back to the butterfly now stilled. It waved its wings then rose up and fluttered away. Our eyes never left it until it faded into the blue sky.
“Is any of this real?” I chuckled nervously. I could feel Avery’s eyes on me as I ran my hand over the soft petals of white and fuscia that rested in the vase at the center of the table. “Wild Orchids. Don’t tell me you love gardening also?” I said.
“Some secrets even I will never tell,” he teased.
“So, tell me a secret Avery,” I said looking into his green eyes.
He blinked and I could see him trying to hide his surprise. “I already gave you one. Well, two actually,” his eyes sparkled. His look would haunt me for a long time. I wrinkled my eyebrow at him in confusion. He looked around at his paradise. “Where I live inside my camp is one and the camp itself is number two. You should come horseback riding sometime. It’s wonderful riding through the mountain trails.” He was trying to change the subject.
“Fair enough. Tell me something else I don’t know,” I said chewing another bite of French toast.
“I was an architecture major. Still working on it, actually,” he said taking another bite. “Your turn,” he said looking at me with hope in his eyes.
“You don’t like to talk about yourself, do you?” I asked.
“Look who’s talking,” Avery said with a wolfish grin. I narrowed my eyes at him as I took a few more bites then set my fork down. I couldn’t eat anymore. I was
too nervous. Okay, Avery. Have it your way.
“My favorite meal is steak. My favorite sport to play is gymnastics although volleyball is a close second. My favorite sport to watch is football. I think basketball is boring. I love running, hiking, and riding four-wheelers. I love to dance. I drink beer really fast when I’m nervous, I like wine when I want to be social, and I have found that whiskey is becoming my new spinach. Sorry, I know, I just used a Popeye reference. I can’t help it; my dad loved the classics, Popeye, Road Runner, Bugs Bunny and The Three Stooges. My first pet was a kitten named Knuckles.” Avery’s eyes lit up in humor. I shrugged. “I was five. Anyways, I love the sound of an acoustic guitar. My favorite band is Three Miles Out,” I rambled nervously, trying to keep to a general topic. He was right. I didn’t like to talk in depth about myself. It was easier when I didn’t. People couldn’t judge me. “My favorite actors in order from oldest to youngest are Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Vin Diesel, Anne Hathaway, & Mila Kunis. I have both read and seen Pride & Prejudice more times than I can count, and I’m secretly in love with Mr. Darcy, and I’m a nursing student. I love medicine. But my true passion is to someday write a novel. Your turn,” I said all breathy.
Avery raised both eyebrows. “You’re a hopeless romantic through and through aren’t you?” Avery reached down to pick a long branch of pink and white blossoms from beside us. He leaned closer to me, our eyes locked in a stare. “Close your eyes, Aria,” his sultry voice said.
I hesitantly closed my eyes. I felt the gentle caress of soft silk brush across my forehead. Then he trailed downward over my nose and I inhaled, smelling the sensual scent of the wild orchids. I tilted my head back and he traced the petals gently over my lips and down the length of my neck. And then it was gone.
“Aria. Or as Mr. Darcy would say, Miss Aria,” he said in a seductive voice. My eyes fluttered open to his heated stare. Oh my. That sent quivers down my spine. Suddenly, I could imagine him saying my name as he cried out in an orgasm and it left me breathless.
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