by Joel Skelton
Another round of laughter exploded from Alex.
“Someone’s laughing at poor Binky,” Harper sniveled even louder.
“That’s because Binky is a moron and very forgetful.”
“A moron? Did you just call me a moron?” Harper stepped back, appalled.
“I did. But in a loving, tender kind of way, Binky.”
“Well, okay then, I guess.”
Ian and Alex watched as Harper carefully folded the tarp up for storage. “We’re open now. The Palisade Cabins are open. But hey, I have an idea.”
“Did you hear that, Alex? Bink has an idea. Let’s hear it, Bink. What’s your idea?”
“Takeout! Ta-da! How about Alex and I make a run into town for steak takeout?”
“Steak takeout? You mean like in a bucket or something?” Ian laughed. “With a couple sides of coleslaw?”
“No, silly. Like I call the…. Alex, what’s that supper clubby kind of place on our side of Duluth?”
“Pickwick?”
“That’s it! I’ll call Pickwick and have them package it all together for us. I’ll order the ‘we just opened our resort cabins meal’ for three. Big steaks, baked potatoes, salads….”
“That sounds awesome.” Alex was pumped.
“Works for me. I’ll hold down the fort.” Ian slapped Binky’s butt, sending him on his way.
“Oh, that reminds me….” Harper stopped midsentence.
“Slapping your butt reminds you of something? This should be good.” Ian chuckled, looking over to Alex.
“I thought it reminded me of something, but Binky is a moron. So never mind.”
“Okay.” What the heck was that one all about? “Well, I’m going to run up to the house for a minute. Call me when you guys decide to leave, and I’ll come back down.”
Tonight needed to be special. Ian decided they should dine at the table. He carefully went about setting it, chuckling when he remembered the erotic penis napkin fold Andy had taught him one night when they were three sheets to the wind. Perfect! He’d just finished putting the water glasses on the table when Harper called to tell him they were headed into Duluth.
“Okay, hon. Drive safely. I’ll head down to the office in a minute.” Wineglasses. Alex can pour his Dew into a wineglass if he wants. Ian surveyed the table. The penis napkins were definitely the perfect touch. He giggled.
As he walked back to the office, the surrounding beauty stopped him in his tracks. This is paradise. Leaves were beginning to explode everywhere he looked. And the smell of spring: intoxicating. The shadows were long, signaling the end of the afternoon. What a gorgeous day. To pass the time, he reviewed the software lesson he’d just gone through with Alex. A thought occurred to him. How many hours would he have logged in this office when it was all said and done? Would it be hundreds? Thousands? The cabins, the grounds, already seemed like home to him. He couldn’t wait for the first time they were up and running to capacity. The bustling activity. The aroma wafting through the air from all the different kinds of dinner being cooked on the grills he’d designed. The sound of happy, maybe even tipsy voices as they enjoyed their time away from home in the garden paradise he’d created. Life is good.
He’d just completed a trial run of the “check-in” program when he heard the sound of a car pulling up outside. That was fast. Wow! Car doors opened and slammed shut. The sound of a child’s voice confirmed for him it wasn’t Harper and Alex. Seconds later a little girl, maybe six or seven, appeared outside the screen door. “Hellooo,” she said.
“Well, hi there. What’s your name?”
“Tiffany.” She smiled and rubbed her nose against the screen.
“Tiffany? Wanna hear something funny? I know another Tiffany, but she’s bigger.” Much bigger. He chuckled. “Do you want to come in?”
“I can’t. Not until my daddy and mommy come.”
Adorable. A moment later Daddy appeared. “It’s okay,” he instructed her, “you can go in.”
The little girl and her father entered the office. A split second later, Mommy joined them.
“Welcome to the Palisade Beach Cabins. I’m Ian. Can I help you?” Wow, was that ever strange to say.
“We were just driving by”—Dad moved to the side to allow Mom to join him—“and saw your sign. You’re open, right?”
“We opened today. Your timing is perfect.”
“You have a beautiful place here. Just beautiful.” Mom was impressed. Sweet!
“What are your rates?” Dad didn’t appear to take into consideration how taken Mom was with the property. He was all business.
“Here, why don’t you take a look at this.” Ian reached under the counter and pulled out one of the newly laminated price sheets Harper and Alex had created. “This should tell you everything you need to know.”
He was thankful for the pricing cheat sheets. Although they’d discussed the rates back and forth, honestly, he couldn’t recall what they had decided.
“This works.” Dad nodded his approval, handing the sheet over to Mom. “Preseason rates apply?”
“Ah, sure.” Ian, stop sounding so tentative. Check the damn sheet yourself if you don’t know.
“We drove up from Iowa this morning. Thought we’d just wing it.” Mom giggled at how adventurous she thought they were being.
“Really? That’s a long drive. My partner is from Iowa.”
“What do you think?” Mom smiled her answer back to Dad. “Can we look around a minute?” Dad guided Mom toward the door.
“Sure. I tell you what, talk it over and I’ll pop out in a minute with a key to one of our cabins. Maybe that will help you decide.” Ah yes, he was hitting his stride.
After a few minutes, he grabbed the key to Cabin 10, their finest, the one closest to the palisade, and headed out the door. The family had strolled down to Cabin 1 and were inspecting the firepit. “What do you think so far?”
“This works.” Dad’s vocabulary left something to be desired. He’s kind of cute, though.
“Great! I grabbed the key to Cabin 10. It’s the one closest to the Palisade. Follow me.” Ian led the family down the woodchip path. Tiffany. He and Harper would have a good laugh over that one.
“Who does your gardening?” Mom asked when they’d reached the cabin.
“I do most of it. I’ve got some help.”
“I wish I could get my garden at home to look like these.”
“Here we are.” Ian held open the door. Even though they’d left the windows open for a few days, a hint of fresh paint lingered in the air. He followed the family in. “The cabins are basically set up like your standard motel room.” Ian recalled Tiffany’s selling points when she’d shown the cabins to them the first time. “The bathrooms have been upgraded this year. You have satellite television. We also include complimentary charcoal for the firepits, and,”—Ian focused the last part of his pitch on little Tiffany—“we have little S’more kits as a thank-you for staying with us. Each room has a list of amenities and cleaning services we provide. The office is staffed twenty-four seven. I’ll wait outside.”
This was fun. What were the odds that after only having the sign uncovered for an hour or so, they’d snagged their first customer? Or at least it looked like they did.
“Any chance you have a cot or a small bed for the girl here?” Dad had one final hurdle for Ian to hop over before he’d commit.
“We do. I have a few cots and extra bedding up at the office. We’ll be happy to set it up for you and make the bed while you enjoy the grounds.”
“We’ll take it.” Dad was sold. Mom was all smiles, and Tiffany—where was Tiffany?
“Did we lose Tiffany?” Ian asked as they waited outside the cabin.
“She had to tinkle,” Mom informed him.
“Oh, I understand. So, Cabin 10 for one night, is it?”
“Three nights.” Dad confirmed this by a brief smile directed at Mom.
“Great,” Ian said when Tiffany had joined them outside
. “I’ll need a major credit card, and we’re in business. We’ll charge you with one night now, and the remainder will be charged to your card when you check out.”
Ian was processing the card when Harper and Alex pulled up. “There you go. Follow the road behind the office, and it will take you down to Cabin 6. I’m afraid you’ll have to walk the rest of the way to Cabin 10. Will you need help?”
“We’ll be fine.” Dad took his receipt and led the family to their car. Seconds later, Alex and Harper came bounding in the door.
“Don’t tell me….” The prospect of having their first guests this early in the game was clearly something Harper hadn’t counted on.
“I know, I can’t believe it. And guess what? It’s not just one night. They’re staying for three.” Ian could hardly believe it himself. He’d had visions of weeks passing by without any bites. “Alex, can you run one of the cots and bedding down to Cabin 10 for little Tiffany? And ask if you can make up the bed for them. We’re all about service here.”
“Tiffany, are you kidding?” Harper chuckled. “Please don’t tell me she’s….”
“Nope. She’s too young to be sportin’ floaters. Oh, and don’t forget to bring them a S’more kit. They perked right up when I mentioned it.”
“I’ll run the food up to the house. Alex, meet us there when you get the…. Do our guests have a name?” Harper looked in the direction of Cabin 10.
“The Bergstroms, from Ames, Iowa,” Ian announced proudly.
“Ames, Iowa? Way to go, Iowa!” The significance of their first guests being Iowans delighted Harper.
Alone in the office, Ian placed a card on the desk informing anyone who happened by to call his cell and someone would be right down. When he got up to the house, Harper was well on his way to having dinner organized.
“The table looks great, hon. I’m lovin’ the provocative napkin design. Let’s hope young Alex doesn’t mess himself. Do you want wine or beer?” Harper had already poured himself a glass of wine.
“I’ll take wine too. Wow, those steaks look wonderful. What a great idea.” Ian surveyed the extravagant takeout Harper was plating.
A few minutes later, Alex showed up at the door with a couple of Dews in his hand.
“How’re the Bergstroms?” Ian asked, pouring his wine.
“The Bergstroms are well. He’s kind of grumpy, but the mom and the little girl are very nice. They’re off for a walk. I showed them how to light the grill and made up the cot.”
“Perfect, Alex. Tonight’s a special occasion, what with our opening up the joint and having our first guests. Would you like a glass of wine?” Ian held up the bottle for Alex to inspect.
“Naw, I’m good. But thanks. Wow, dinner looks incredible. Can’t wait.”
“We don’t need to wait. Let’s chow while the food is still hot. Alex, there’s sour cream and butter for your baked potato on the table. Here’s your porterhouse. Wait, this isn’t a porterhouse, it’s half a cow.” Harper handed over a plate with a piece of meat on it the size of Texas. “And for you, Ian, the petite filet and cottage cheese with a peach half.” Harper slid a plate in his direction with the largest filet on it he’d ever seen.
“Holy shit! This looks awesome.” Ian carried the plate and his wine to the table.
“Here’s to the first day of business, and hopefully not the last,” Harper toasted.
They managed to empty a bottle of wine during dinner. Alex decisively proved his eyes were not bigger than his stomach, being the first of the three to reach the clean plate club.
“Wow, that’s seriously impressive.” Ian picked up Alex’s empty plate on the way into the kitchen for another bottle of wine. “We’re going to have to warn guests with small animals to make sure they’re kept inside with this guy around. They could end up being a little midnight snack.”
“I couldn’t stop.” Alex chuckled. “That was the best steak I’ve ever had. Thanks, guys.”
“Thank you. It’s great having you on board. We really appreciate your effort and hard work to help make our dream come true.” Harper pushed his chair back, tossing his mangled dick napkin onto his plate.
“Me too. I’m done.” Ian coaxed, nurtured, and released a monstrous belch, declaring a total contentment even he found impressive.
“You and I are going to have ourselves a little talk about your table behavior.” Harper tried valiantly to keep a straight face but lost the battle. “It’s disgusting.”
“Sorry, hon. Sorry, Alex, if I offended you in any….” Belch! “Dang, sorry again.” Belching was a habit, and he’d need a more convincing argument against it before he’d consider doing away with it. And it felt good.
“What should we do now? Wanna play a game or something?” Harper looked across the table to see if there was any interest.
“Would you guys mind if I excused myself?” Alex began busing their table.
“You don’t have to do that. Just leave it and relax,” Ian protested.
“You guys relax. I’m going to go back home and hang out at the office. I think someone should be there in case our guests need anything.”
“Okay, but we’ll take turns evenings like we discussed.” Ian felt a pang of guilt for giving up so easily, but he was looking forward to some cuddle time with his partner.
“Sounds good. Thanks again for the awesome meal. Have a good night, you guys.”
“Night, Alex. I’ll have my cell by me if you need to get ahold of us for any reason.” Harper stood and gathered up the napkins when Alex was gone.
“You have that look, Ian.”
Ian knew he had that look. He’d lusted after Harper all day, and now, with nothing else left in his way, it was time to act on his relentless desire. “How about we grab our wine and start out on the screened porch. Once the sun sets, we can move upstairs and, let’s see, what are you in the mood for tonight? Should I introduce you to my Harry Belafonte? It has aspects of my Tina but with a Caribbean flair. And there’s a calypso finale that will shiver your timbers. Trust me, you’ll like it.”
“You know me, I’m willing to try anything once.” Harper grabbed the bottle and his glass and led the way. “Hey, you know what I’d really like to do?”
“What’s that?” Ian was right behind him, watching his hot butt shift from side to side. Daddy needs him a piece of that tonight.
“Can I talk you into a slow dance out here?” Harper stopped in the middle of the big open porch.
“Hmm, with or without clothes on?”
“I have a feeling I’m in for one hell of a night.” Harper grabbed him and pulled him in for a kiss. “All good things come to those who wait.”
“Oh do they, now.” He reached down between Harper’s legs, confirming what he already knew. “Sure. I’d love that. You want me to put on some music, or do you have something in mind?” Ian placed his wineglass on the bar.
“I’ve got it covered. Be right back.”
A few minutes later, Sinatra oozed out of the speakers. Ian could feel himself begin to leak. Sex with Harper hadn’t lost an ounce of its passion or satisfaction. It kept getting better and better as time went on. He loved how willing his partner was to try new things. How Harper, like him, tended to approach making love with an element of athleticism. They could bounce a bed around a room with the best of them.
“There, how’s that? You like?” Harper waltzed back in and retrieved his glass and sipped.
“Would you allow me the pleasure of this dance?” Ian did his best to bow with grace.
“I would be delighted to accept, Lord Hardenlong. Come here, you goof.” Harper took him by the hand and led him into the middle of the room.
Our first slow dance.
It felt awkward in the beginning, but relinquishing his need to lead, Ian relaxed into his handsome man’s arms, resting his head on Harper’s chest as he was gently waltzed around the room. “Oh yeah, you definitely know what you’re doing,” he purred when Harper reached around and cupped his bu
tt in both hands.
“There’ll be more dance lessons, if you’d like.” Their lips met; their bodies swayed back and forth.
“Harp, do you think we’re luckier than most?”
“What do you mean?” Harper squeezed his cheeks, drawing him up tighter to his body.
“I mean, well, I can’t imagine being happier.”
“Ian, my love for you, it’s so intense. I think about you constantly.” Harper eased Ian’s head off his chest and lifted Ian’s face up to meet his own.
“Is it possible to cum just dancing like this?” He probed Harper’s lips with his tongue until they parted, allowing him to push deeper.
Harper paused, allowing the kiss to intensify. When they finally released, his eyes were moist. “It’s possible, when your dancing partner is a hot little number like you.” Harper guided him back into the dance.
“Our first day in business. Pretty cool, huh?” Ian savored the sensation of Harper caressing his butt, dancing him around to the rich, masculine sounds of Ol’ Blue Eyes.
“I think this is going to be a wild ride, Harp.” Ian snuggled his head on his partner’s chest but wasn’t allowed to keep it there. Harper reached down, guiding him by the chin until their lips met again.
“Can I drive tonight?” Ian had plans.
“Of course, just don’t speed.” Harper gave his butt a hefty squeeze.
“I won’t. Promise.”
Ian was surprised when Harper suddenly broke their embrace. “We have an audience.”
He looked over to see the little girl, her face covered in S’more, staring at them from the pathway.
“Just a guess, but could this be Tiffany Two?”
“Bingo.” He walked over to the screen and asked, “Tiffany, do your parents know you’re here?”
Tiffany turned in her tracks and sped off toward the cabins.
“Do you think I should follow her back?” Harper walked over to the screen to see if he could spot her on the trail.
“Naw, it’s still light out.” He grabbed his partner’s hand, pulling him back into the center of the porch, and whispered, “Hell, maybe Mom and Dad were hiding in the next bush.”