The Scars Keeper

by Scarlet Wolfe

  “She’s the virgin. Not you, so man up and calm the fuck down,” I mumble as I try again to spread out the sheet. This seems wrong. She deserves to be on a real bed.

  “Hey, I hope you’re Hayden in there and not a bear. I hear we have one in the area now.”

  Avery.

  Hurriedly, I climb out from the tent.

  “Hi.”

  As always, she’s stunning. I can almost see through the white sundress she’s wearing. It’s the same dress she wore beneath her graduation gown earlier today.

  The short sleeves hang off her smooth shoulders, and the dress has little pink and purple flowers on it. All she changed were her shoes, opting for purple flip-flops instead of heels.

  She rubs my arm. “Are you OK? You look a bit frazzled … and sweaty.” She lowers her head to look inside the tent. “You got a girl in there already?”

  “No, I was trying to get the bed made–I mean, the air mattress.” Gliding my hands through my hair, I grip hold of the back.

  She drops her duffle bag and cups my cheek.

  “Aww, are you nervous?”

  “I guess a little. Mostly, I’m frustrated for suggesting the idea of camping. I feel like your first time should be on a real bed. Maybe we should stay in my room. You’d be more comfortable—”

  “Stop. If you hadn’t suggested we camp in the woods tonight, I would’ve.” Holding her arms out, she directs attention to different areas of our circle clearing.

  “I couldn’t feel safer than I do here in these woods with you. This is our place, Hayden. I wouldn’t want my first time to be anywhere else or with anyone else. I think I need to give you your graduation present so you understand how much I mean that.”

  Reaching behind her neck, she grabs hold of something and pulls it over her head. As she holds it out, I notice it’s a thin piece of black leather tied into a necklace, and a key is hanging from it. She places it over my head and straightens it at my chest.

  “That’s the key off of the journal you gave me. Of course, it was only an embellishment, and doesn’t open anything, but it’s to remind you that you are who I tell all my secrets to. It says that I trust you more than I trust anyone else in the whole world.”

  As she presses a hand over it at my sternum, she blushes and gazes straight into my eyes. “It sounds corny, but you hold the key to my heart. You’re the only one who has taken gentle care of it.”

  Enveloping her in my arms, I brush my lips along hers. The tips of her long locks brush over my wrists behind her back as I push her pelvis against mine and feel her body close.

  “I love you.” Resting my head against hers, I think about all she’s given me in return for helping her. She has no idea how much she’s bettered my life. She took away the loneliness.

  “I love you, too. I have one more gift for you.” Squatting down, she rummages through her duffle bag before handing me something square that’s wrapped in shiny silver paper.

  I smile and open it. It’s a double 5 x 7 frame. A selfie we took of us on the dock is on the left, and in the frame on the right is a handwritten paper. At each corner are little nature drawings. There is a pinecone, tree, bird and bench.

  “I want to read it now.” Her skin becomes rosier as she looks to the ground. I take her hand in mine and hold the frame up close.

  Every few breaths bring with them the sweet aroma of honeysuckle. The plants’ balls of tangled vines huddle on the outskirts of our hideaway, soaked from the brief rain shower that fell moments ago.

  As we sit on the tattered bench, our bare toes slide along the aged soil beneath our feet.

  Shoulders brushing …

  Pinkies touching …

  Our crush for one another is unveiling itself beneath the afternoon sun. Allowing my head to fall against his toned bicep, I savor from his t-shirt the lingering scent of rain.

  The fabric peppered with droplets of water grazes my cheek, and I breathe in the smell of pine needles that have fallen into his wavy hair from the trees above.

  A twig in his hand is drawing a line on the thigh of his blue jeans, the back and forth motion hypnotizing, words needless and serenity endless.

  Hayden is my link to nature. He is my earth, and I long to be rooted in him.

  Getting choked up from her words, I clear my throat.

  “Avery, thank you. These are the greatest gifts anyone has given me. I don’t know what I could give you in return that could mean this much.”

  “You can make love to me tonight. That’s something I will never forget.”

  Avery

  Hayden is trying his hardest not to cry. He hugs me again, and once he pulls away, I see he’s managed to keep the tears from slipping.

  The sun is setting, but enough light shines between the trees to make them shimmer over his dark irises.

  “I want to get inside the tent,” I murmur before I feel my face flush scarlet yet again. It’s probably going to stay that color the rest of the night and in the morning, too, when I get to wake up by his side.

  He smirks and pulls the flap back so I can step inside. I take my duffle bag with me. The orange and grey tent is medium size, and the full mattress leaves only about two feet of walk space around it.

  “I was fighting with the sheet when you showed up.”

  “I’ll help you.” We secure it in place, and he adds what looks like the black comforter from his own bed over top. My knees are resting on the side of the air mattress as I admire him on his knees across from me.

  “I see you changed out of your dress clothes. It was nice admiring you in a tie.”

  “Aside from my mother’s funeral, I’ve never worn one.” He’s in black sweats now and a light grey t-shirt. I see a dark grey hoodie in the corner of the tent similar to the one he let me keep. That seems so long ago.

  “I was going to bring beers to celebrate our freedom from high school, and to help lighten the pain of your first time, but I don’t want alcohol making your decisions tonight.”

  I’m nervous, but I can’t show it since he’s worrying about me too much already. Throwing the comforter back, I kick off my flip-flops and stretch out on the sheet.

  “I’m not changing my mind, so lie down and kiss me already.”

  The distinct line of concern etched on his forehead deepens, but his eyes relay desire now rather than worry.

  Stretching a hand over his back, he pulls off his t-shirt, and lord, he’s gorgeous. The construction job he’s been giving more hours to has given in return more definition and size to his biceps and shoulders, his pectoral muscles and abs, too.

  After reaching into a backpack on the floor, he tosses condoms next to it, and I can’t help but look to them as the pilot light on my nerves becomes lit.

  Sinking his knees into the mattress, each move brings his virile body nearer until he can take hold of my dress and lift it over my head.

  As his eyes drag along my skin, air rushes inside my lungs, and I feel lightheaded for all the right reasons. This is it. I’m certain he should be my first, and I’m praying he’ll be my last.

  He falls next to me on his side and moves the hair that’s resting over my chest to behind me. His fingers skim over my shoulder before he presses his heated lips to the same spot.

  I hear his choppy breaths as his wet mouth migrates closer to my neck. With one hand, he manages to undo my bra behind me. He pulls it out from between us and tosses it off the bed. My eyes tilt up at him, and he’s staring at my chest with a smile.

  “Your sexy legs have competition for the finest asset award.” He palms my breast, and my lips part. “These most definitely win the grand prize. Wait, your shapely ass should be in the running, too.”

  “Mmm … I hope you’re going to judge it next.”

  His hand wastes no time snaking behind me to clench my behind. He growls under his breath, and when he pulls his hand back, his fingertips skim over my hipbone, causing me to flinch.

  They hook over my panties next, and he inches
them downward until I assist by kicking them free. The lacy fabric rakes along my toes at the foot of the bed, reminding me they’re off and I’m naked.

  My nerves are bubbling with anticipation, my head spinning with excitement, and the curiosity makes my hands itch to touch him.

  I’m sprawled out on my back as he drinks me in with his smoldering eyes. His heart is hammering, and his tongue slips over his lower lip to wet it.

  “You’re gorgeous and also nervous.”

  “You’re right. I’m nervous because I’m ready and happy and excited. I could go on and on about how you make me feel, but right now it’s only fair I get to see you naked, too.”

  I reach for his sweats, and without hesitation, he yanks them off. His eyes return to mine, but he’s smirking because he knows I’m going to take a peek at what’s below.

  Like the other times I’ve seen it, I’m still surprised over how hard and long it is. I can’t imagine how that’s going to fit inside of me, but my friends swear it will.

  Palming my breast again, he massages it before he tugs lightly on my swollen nipple. His tongue sails over it and swirls around the tip, and my stomach is swirling, too, from the intense sensations.

  My body’s remembering the other times his mouth has made it feel sensational, and it’s craving more, so I moan, begging for him to continue.

  “Hayden.”

  “Avery,” his husky voice utters. “You like this.”

  “Yes. Please don’t stop.” My pelvis thrusts upward as I thread my fingers through his hair and pull on it. He becomes more excited, too, and sucks and nips, his tongue giving me what I yearn for.

  His hand travels between my legs and fingers slip inside of me effortlessly. This causes him to groan and press his head against my chest.

  “You’re so ready for me.” He lifts up and kisses me, a fervor taking control. His mouth is urgent, yet his fingers move leisurely inside of me, attempting to be gentle.

  His body rocks against mine in rhythm, revealing what he desires next, so I pull my lips free and gasp for a breath.

  “I’m ready to feel you inside of me. Ready to be as close to you as humanly possible.” Rolling away from me, I hear him tear open a condom wrapper.

  While he sits up enough to pull it down over his length, a breath billows from his chest. He shifts back and lays his body over mine.

  The necklace I gave him hangs between us, signifying our unwavering union, and as he regards me, a gaze revealing his urges and love shines through. I hope my eyes are projecting love in return, along with my willingness to give him all of me.

  “Stop me if you need to. I’ll go slow.” His hands burrow in my hair, and his lips press to mine before he eases into me.

  I feel the tip, and then inches of him. He crosses through something that stings and burns. I clench his shoulders, and he stills.

  “I think that should be the worst of it,” he mumbles before he peppers my face with light kisses.

  “Move again. Painful or not, I want to feel all of you.”

  He does as I say, and once he’s rocked against me several times, the stinging eases some. His forehead presses to mine, his groans feeding me his sizzling breaths. Our kisses are brief as the tingling sensations consume and steal the air from our lungs.

  Pleasure courses through me with each thrust, the fiery boil rising to the surface where we’re skin to skin; a furnace of combustible heat and love.

  “Hayden,” I utter breathlessly. My entire being is bathed by our indestructible bond, leaving me wrapped in one magnificent experience I can hardly bear.

  Easing his head back, his eyes beckon me to hang on to him as he pushes deeper and takes us to a peak of euphoria. My fingers tangle in his messy hair as I cry out from the aching blend of pain and pleasure.

  After our orgasms subside, he moves his body down to rest his head on my chest.

  “Your heartbeat … I can hear it so clearly. It’s pounding fast, baby.”

  “That’s because you’ve shown it all the reasons to beat.”

  Hayden

  I manage to hold onto the travel mugs of coffee and the bag of donuts while I unzip the tent. I snuck out this morning to get breakfast for Avery and me, but I imagine the zipper woke her when I left. It’s loud among the stillness of the woods.

  As soon as I’m inside, Avery sits up. Her smile is radiant, and she’s cute with her long, thick hair a mess. She begins forcing her fingers through it, trying to untangle the strands.

  I hand her a mug. “Good morning. I brought donuts, too. I’m pretty sure Jewel caught on that we’re back here, so a fresh box of them were waiting on the kitchen counter.”

  “She’s so sweet, and I love how laid back she is. My mom needs to hang out with her. Maybe it would rub off.” Avery shivers as she takes a drink.

  “You’re cold.”

  “Yes, so please return to this, uh, flattened bed and warm me up.” She giggles as she checks out just how flat the air mattress has gotten.

  “Are you sore this morning?”

  “A little.”

  “Then maybe I should stay at the end of the bed. It was painful enough being against you when I woke up.”

  “I’m not hurting that bad.” She stretches over the mattress to peek down at the floor. “There is one lonely condom left. We can’t leave it feeling unwanted, so please come back to bed and warm me up. I’m freezing.”

  After taking a quick drink of coffee, I strip down and join her under the blanket. She grins bashfully and touches me on the spot, eager as ever.

  I suck in a breath from how cold her hand is, but my dick catches on real fast as the friction from her palm warms it, and I think I’ll be enjoying “morning Avery” as much as my nighttime girl.

  ***

  “That was fun,” she says through uneven breaths. “I’d say I’ve been missing out, but I wouldn’t change waiting to share my first time with you. My only times.”

  I brush hair from her face and frown.

  “After being with you, I’d go back and change things. I’ve only been with a few girls, but I’d wipe the slate clean before you if I could. I want you to know that.”

  “The past is behind us. I’m only thinking about the present and the amazing future we’re going to have together.”

  My lips press to hers. “You’re who’s amazing, and I can no longer call you Trouble.”

  “Oh, I don’t know about that. I’m gonna be a huge distraction now while you’re working. Don’t fall off a roof or anything.”

  She giggles, and as I fantasize about all the fun we’ll be having this summer, I can’t help but suckle her bottom lip and pull her body to mine.

  “I told my parents yesterday that I’m getting a summer job. I could tell Dad was struggling not to lecture, but he said he was good with it as long as I fit time in for tennis. I’d lose my mind sitting home while you’re at work.”

  “I think that’s a great idea.”

  “I’ll save the money to use at school this fall.”

  Nuzzling my nose at her neck, I breathe in the lingering scent of flowers and berries and mutter, “Thank you for giving me purpose. I thought I’d lost it for good when I moved here.”

  “We were meant to find each other, and after what we shared last night, I don’t think anything could separate us.”

  I squeeze her tighter, feeling the same way and hoping it’s the truth.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Two Months Later

  Avery

  After leaving my job at a jewelry store in the mall, I drive to the park where my family is waiting for me.

  “And the working girl arrives,” my mom says before she stands from the picnic table and hugs me.

  “Sorry I’m late, everyone.” I give a light wave to my family, and Hayden’s and Madison’s, too, as they eat under the shelter house they rented for our college going away party.

  Yes, my parents insisted on it, and Wayne and Jewel were happy to join in, along with M
adison’s parents, who mine know well.

  “The girls at the store gave me gifts and said their goodbyes, so I didn’t feel like I could rush off.”

  “That’s considerate of you,” Dad says. “Fix a plate and join us.”

  Coming up beside me, Hayden brings me to his side and kisses my cheek.

  “I’m glad you’re here. Your parents are drilling me about my past. It’s freaking me out. Fix your food and please entertain them.”

  I giggle. “Sure. Give me a minute.” My parents think Hayden moved here to help Wayne with his business and to attend college, so that’s how it must stay.

  Madison strolls up next to me at the food table, and when I glance to the long row of picnic tables pushed together, I see Hayden has moved to the other end to sit across from Keegan.

  “Girl, Beth’s fried chicken is the bomb. My mom made you your favorite hash brown casserole and cheesecake, so dig in.”

  “I can’t believe we’re moving to Bloomington next weekend.”

  “I know; it’s exciting. Now that Keegan’s going to IU, too, we’ll all be able to chill together. I want to yell ‘ha!’ to Blake. He thought his best friend was joining him at UofL, but I won that battle. No way in hell do I want the two of them alone at that school.”

  “Agreed. That’s asking for relationship trouble.” Piling the last of the food on my plate, I turn to her.

  “OK, I guess I’ll go let my grandparents interrogate me about anything and everything in this sweltering August heat. Rescue me in fifteen.”

  “I got your back.”

  ***

  “We survived,” I say with a sigh as Hayden drives me home in my car. He pats my leg.

  “The countdown is on.”

  “Six days. I wish you could go to IKEA to shop with us on Thursday, but don’t worry, I’ll get anything I think you’ll want for your dorm room.”