by Jessica Yeh
“I wanted to go find the lake and sit by the water for a bit. Maybe meditate, do some yoga, go for a swim…” She trailed off as she listed the possibilities.
“Yeah, that one definitely won’t be joining you for that, then.” Emma pointed a finger at Avery.
“Hey,” Avery exclaimed indignantly. “I resent that. I may not be able to swim, but I’m becoming quite the yoga guru. Tell em, Kadence.”
“Of course, Avery. Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Kadence grinned with a wink as the entire circle broke into chuckles.
Avery didn’t mind the teasing though, because after they settled and the laughter died down, Kadence’s hand found a place on Avery’s knee.
***
After lunch, Kadence found a secluded area by the lake and perched on one of the large rocks that had been smoothed by the lap of water. Avery had intended to draw a little and hopefully speak privately with Kadence. But as she approached, realizing how peaceful Kadence looked in the serene landscape, she felt as though she was intruding. She pivoted to return back to the tent, only to stumble on a fallen branch, the wood breaking apart with an ear-splitting crack.
“So, you decided to join me, after all,” Kadence said without opening her eyes.
“How’d you know it was me?” Avery asked astonished, if not incredibly impressed.
“I didn’t.” Kadence inhaled for a beat, holding it as Avery counted out three seconds in her head, before exhaling. “Just hoped.” Her eyes fluttered open.
Avery blushed, watching the corner of Kadence’s mouth quirk upward. “Oh. I, umm, I was going to sketch the scenery. Is it cool if I join you?”
“Of course. Please do.” Kadence gestured to the space beside her.
Avery situated her supplies, flipping her sketch pad to a clean sheet of paper. Her wrist flicked as she made long, quick strokes on the page, outlining the clusters of trees and their reflections dispersed across the lake’s clear surface. Her eyes darted back and forth between the landscape and the tablet in her lap. About a dozen exchanges later, she noticed Kadence peeking at her. She ceased the scratching against the page.
“Umm, is this bothering you?”
“No. I just like watching you work.”
“Okay. As long as it’s not distracting.”
“Oh, it is.” Kadence smiled. “But it’s a welcome distraction.”
Avery nearly dropped her sketch pad in her flustered state. “Look, Kae, about the kiss. I—”
Her words were cut off by rustling from behind them. Both women straightened. “Uhh, Kadence?” Avery hissed, eyes trained on the bush as she shifted closer to Kadence. “What are the possibilities of that being a snake?”
Kadence crouched up. “Snakes aren’t that loud.” She inched toward the source of the sound as though she were being tossed into a horror movie and their demise was descending upon them. Why was Kadence walking toward the potential source of danger?
“Kae, come back. It could be a bear.”
“Bears don’t live at this altitude,” Kadence reasoned, taking another step closer. “Besides, it’s a commercial campground. There’s no way the park rangers would allow people to stay here if there were bears.”
“Kadence,” Avery yelped as a fuzzy creature darted from the shrubbery, rushing between Avery’s legs. The telltale pattern of gray and black fur grazed against her shin. Avery rushed to Kadence, grasping her arm as the critter ascended up a tree. The reaction rendered a laugh from the all-too-calm woman at her side.
“Aww,” Kadence cooed. “Not a fan of baby raccoons?” She nudged Avery’s side and she flinched in response to the ticklish sensation in her ribs.
“Stahhpp!” She groaned in embarrassment, burying her face in her hands. “I wasn’t scared. I was just taken off guard.”
“Mmhmm.” Kadence scoffed. “Just like the snakeskin.”
“No. Not like the snakeskin.”
“There, there. I’ll protect you, little one.” Kadence readjusted Avery’s hat with a pat to her head. Delicate fingers wrapped around her hands, tugging them away from shielding her reddened cheeks. “I know what will make it better.” She smiled, pulling Avery back toward the lake. She retrieved Avery’s sketchpad from where it had been left on the bank, placing it on the rock she had been sitting on. She then proceeded to strip.
Fuck. What is this? Shit. Look away, Bennett! Look away! She ripped her gaze away with such monumental effort, she deserved an award for it.
“Avery?”
Avery chanced a glance at the gorgeous figure in just a black sports bra and matching black underwear.
“You coming?” She waded into the water, nodding at Avery’s still dressed form.
Yes. So hard. “Um, Kadence, what are you doing?” Avery squeaked, lungs fighting for even the slightest bit of oxygen.
“You want to prove that you’re brave, right?” Kadence mused. “Come on then, I’m going to teach you how to swim.”
Avery’s eyes widened, hands hovering at the hem of her own T-shirt.
“Let’s go, Ms. I’ve-Never-Skinny-Dipped-Before.” Kadence dipped into the water until only the skin above her collarbone was exposed.
Avery’s eyes immediately betrayed her, following the sight.
“I’m already cutting you a break since we’re in public.” Kadence cocked a brow, challengingly. “Otherwise, we’d be naked.”
Fuuuuccckkk! Mustering up every bit of strength, she relented, shedding her clothes and slinking toward the shore. The soft pull of the waves lapped at her toes.
“A little farther,” Kadence encouraged, swimming back toward her, holding out a hand. Droplets of water tracked down her abs. If Avery’s grip was a bit too tense, Kadence didn’t say anything. Instead, she pulled her deeper into the lake until her chest met the crest of the water.
“There you go.” She beamed. “Now lift your feet off the ground and start kicking them.”
Avery did as she was told, treading for a few seconds before having to place her legs back onto the ground.
“Nice.” Kadence nodded in approval. “Now, add your arms like this.” She demonstrated the movements for Avery to mimic.
Avery tried to follow, but quickly found herself sinking. Kadence moved toward her, catching Avery before her mouth could fill with water, arms secured around her waist.
“Good effort.”
“Yeah, right.” Avery rolled her eyes. “I told you, I can’t swim.”
“You’re not that bad,” Kadence said, unfazed by her stubbornness. “Just need a little more practice.” She gave Avery’s hips a squeeze.
It was then that Avery realized their position. Her arms were wrapped around Kadence’s neck as she held her afloat. And the amount of clothing between them or rather, lack thereof. Come on, Bennett. Make a move! “You’re not bad yourself.”
“Focus, Avery.” Despite Kadence’s scolding disapproval, there was still a rosy hue to her cheeks. She waded deeper into the water. “Let’s see if you can do this again. Let yourself relax.” Kadence relinquished her hold. Avery sputtered water into the air, splashing about. Slender arms swiftly returned to her sides while rich laughter rang across the surface of the lake.
“This is cruel and unusual punishment.” Avery huffed at the grinning instructor. “I’m so glad you find my misery amusing.”
“Just a little.”
“Well,” Avery said, frowning. “I can’t help it if I like it better on the ground.” She realized the unintentional innuendo when Kadence cocked a brow with a devious grin. “Okay, listen.” Avery narrowed her gaze, though their position compromised her ability to truly remain serious. “I stick to the ground. I enjoy having my feet balanced on the ground. It’s nature. I’m a grounder.”
Kadence chuckled. “That is not a real term.”
“It is in baseball.”
“Yeah?” Kadence readjusted her arms to hold Avery tighter as she smirked. “And what base are you trying to get to, exactly?”
Avery wrap
ped her legs around Kadence’s waist. “I think I’m pretty content with this one.”
Smiling, Kadence carried her as they waded around the lake, water helping her remain buoyant. A comfortable silence fell between them. Avery pressed her forehead to Kadence’s, content to just look into her eyes.
***
They remained in that position until all of their body heat was pulled away with the current and they shivered. The two returned to shore hand in hand.
“We should probably change into some warmer clothes.”
Was that an invitation? Are we at that point yet? Avery swallowed. “You go ahead.” She gestured to their shared tent, not wanting to pressure Kadence into changing at the same time.
“You sure?” Kadence asked, eyeing Avery’s goosebump-covered skin.
“Yeah.” Avery nodded. “Go ahead.”
“Okay. I’ll be quick.”
Kadence emerged minutes later in a large pullover, leggings, and slipped back into her sneakers.
“You’re up.” She climbed into the hammock while Avery took her turn. She returned to find Kadence with her eyes closed, face tilted up to the sun and hands propped behind her head. She looked so soft and beautiful, and most of all, cuddleable.
Avery cushioned her knee into the sway of the hammock, feeling the feminine curves next to her. Everything happened in a flash from there. The fabric swung sharply, causing her to tumble out, a body falling atop her in the process.
“Shit. Are you okay?” Avery immediately rolled off the previously dozing woman, now fully awake.
“Yeah.” Kadence propped herself up on her elbows. “Umm, what was that about?”
“It seemed a lot cuter in the movies.” Avery pouted, cheeks burning. “And a lot easier.”
Instead of annoyance, Kadence beamed. “So, you wanted to cuddle?”
“Maybe?”
Their giggling subsided, and the space between them shifted. Before she knew what she was doing, Avery leaned forward and connected her lips with Kadence’s. Kadence stiffened, and Avery immediately pulled away.
Had she misread? “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m so sorry. We never talked about the last—”
Kadence didn’t let her continue with her doubts, cupping Avery’s face with both hands before kissing her again. Firmer, yet softer. Avery relaxed, the slightest smile on her lips as their lips moved in sync. The press was gentle and comforting, their touches growing surer as they progressed. Her heart started racing and butterflies erupted from deep in her stomach.
“Don’t apologize,” Kadence said, when they finally broke apart, eyes still closed. They fluttered open as she reached for Avery’s hand, pressing the trembling palm to her chest. Brilliant green exploded from behind her eyelids, glowing in the sun. Avery’s breath caught.
“Especially not for doing this to me.” She pressed her hand on Avery’s, allowing her to feel the rapid thrumming of her heart, leaning in for another mind-reeling kiss.
“So, this is okay?”
“Definitely.” Kadence pecked her lips. “But I’d much rather we not do this on the ground.”
“Aww. But I kinda like it on the ground.” Avery wiggled her brow teasingly.
“Get off.” Kadence laughed, pushing up to stand. They repositioned themselves in the fabric, enjoying the intimacy between them as they napped under the sun. They remained that way until a pressure in Kadence’s bladder forced her to untangle from their warm press of skin.
“I’m going to the bathroom,” she said, placing a quick kiss on Avery’s forehead. “Holler if you need me.” She barely made it ten yards away when Avery let out a piercing scream. Kadence started at the sound.
“Avery?” Kadence turned on her heel in a frenzy. “What? Is everything okay?” She rushed back, skidding to a halt, almost colliding into Avery in the process.
Avery wedged her lip between her teeth. “Yup. Just checking to see if you were being serious.”
Green eyes rolled to the back of her head. “You’re such a dork.” Kadence laughed before turning to go back down the trail.
“Kadence, wait.” Avery tugged her wrist.
Kadence tilted her head in confusion, noticing the vulnerable expression on Avery’s face, a complete contrast to the cocky jokester from before. Avery dropped her wrist, wringing her hands in her T-shirt.
“I…I really do need you.”
Kadence softened as she a step forward, tilting Avery’s chin up to meet her gaze. “You have me, Avery.”
Chapter Twenty-five
A SHRILL CRY ALERTED them of approaching hikers. They had settled back into their cocoon, only awakening upon their friends return. Kadence sat up in an instant while Avery yawned lazily and stretched.
“How was the hike?” Kadence asked, before noticing Jayce carrying Lola on his back. “Is everything all right?”
Jayce nodded. “Lo’s got a weak knee and it decided to give out so we figured it would be best to come back earlier.”
“Here,” Avery piped in from beside her. “Take the hammock.”
Jayce assisted her into a lying position. He then climbed in, perching next to Lola’s leg, massaging it lightly.
Kadence smiled in adoration at the couple, as Avery shuffled closer to her side. Their eyes met.
Emma placed her hands on her hips. “Okay. What’s up with you two? Avery’s been acting weird all week, and now you are, too. Are you two fighting again or something? Because I swear to God, I won’t be able to—”
“Calm down, Em. It’s okay,” Avery jumped in. “We’re not fighting. Far from it.”
“Right. We’re getting along quite nicely.” Kadence flashed a smile in Avery’s direction, the pair sharing a fond gaze.
“Okay.” Emma eyed them skeptically. “I’m gonna figure out whatever it is you’re hiding eventually.” She shrugged before heading off to find her boyfriend.
“That girl goes from zero to one hundred eighty in a second.” Avery chuckled, shaking her head.
“And you don’t?”
“I can.” Avery spun around to give Kadence a view of her backside, attempting to twerk obnoxiously.
Kadence chortled, shaking her head. “Dork.”
Avery stuck her tongue between her teeth, squinting her eyes before lifting her hat, taking a bow. She placed the hat on Kadence’s head before wandering off to spend some time with the rest of the group.
***
“So, what did you two get up to while we were gone?” Melody nodded her head toward Avery, currently making some strange sort of gesture, hands flying wildly around her face as she spoke enthusiastically with Lola.
Kadence watched with endearment as the injured woman threw her head back, laughter escaping into the air. The pain etched into her features dissolved with the sound. Avery beamed and Jayce gave her a grateful smile in return for making his girlfriend feel better.
“Hello?” Melody waved her hand in Kadence’s field of vision. “Earth to goo goo eyes.” Her sister snapped her fingers, drawing Kadence out of her daze.
“Sorry.” She cleared her throat. “I spent the afternoon doing some meditation then I tried teaching Avery to swim.”
“Oh, yeah? And how did that go?” Melody gave Avery an incredulous glare.
“It went well.” Kadence hoped Melody wouldn’t ask for any further details.
Instead, the older woman pressed her lips tight as she gave a disbelieving nod. “And can she swim now?”
“Umm.” Kadence fiddled with her fingers. “No, not quite.”
“Well, then, what kind of shit instructor are you?”
Kadence flushed as her sister sniggered in amusement.
“Oh, I know. You were just trying to get her wet.”
Kadence’s jaw plummeted to the ground. “Melody!”
Her sister cackled. Kadence burned brighter than a tomato, heat creeping up the back of her neck, all the way to the tip of her ears.
“Oh, my god! Your face right now,” Melody gasped, tears formin
g in the corner of her eyes.
Kadence hadn’t heard Melody laugh like this in so long. And if Avery, and by extension, herself, were to be the reason for it, then so be it. She brushed off her sister’s lewd comment, diverting the subject to the afternoon’s events. “Anyway. How was the hike?”
“It was good, the weather’s nice and the trail wasn’t too harsh. Probably going to try again tomorrow or something. Give Lola a night to recover and see how she feels.”
“That’s probably a good idea. They’re going to the wedding together, right?” Kadence nodded toward the couple in the hammock.
Lola was poking Jayce in the side, her boyfriend entertaining her behavior for a few seconds before finally grasping her wrist, pulling her upright until they were face to face. Lola then proceeded to stick her tongue out, licking his nose as he pulled away with a groan. His features scrunched in disgust as he wiped off the offending spit with the back of his hand. Lola crowed with laughter and Jayce rewarded her with a kiss.
“Yeah.” Melody snorted, having also observed the entire exchange. “I thought they were just friends with benefits but I guess some things change.”
“They do.” Kadence’s gaze lingered toward Avery.
“Ya know, they’re almost as nasty as you two.”
“Hey!” Kadence frowned. “Avery and I are not nasty.”
“No. Just gross.”
Kadence gave sister a shove. “We aren’t even dating.”
Melody rolled her eyes. “You two skipped dating and went straight to domestic. You practically live at her place. And she’s your date to the wedding. That is what people usually call dating.”
Kadence couldn’t deny her sister’s claims. “Speaking of the wedding. It’s in a month. Can you believe it?”
Melody groaned. “Don’t remind me. I feel like there’s still so much to do.”
Kadence placed a reassuring hand on her sister’s knee. “We’ve pretty much gotten everything taken care of. Dresses should be coming in within the next week. You and Jordan already took care of the caterer. I spoke with Ramona, everything’s all set to be delivered and prepped the day before. And the venue deposit was already put down by Jordan and his mom weeks ago.” She continued to check off the list mentally in her head. “Everything else, April’s handling.”