Rising, Freestyle: Xtreme Adventures, Book 2 (12 page)

Each other.

The boards were solid under her back, the sun heated their naked skin. The summer-turning-to-fall scent floated past on the light breeze. All her senses seemed to be turned on high, even the taste of the air more robust than usual. She should have been cold with all her exposed flesh, but there wasn’t an inch of skin that wasn’t steaming hot.

She opened her eyes to meet Derrick’s, and this time, it was the tenderness she saw that made her dissolve. The physical connection between them was good, but it was that something extra that made sex magical. Tipped her over the edge, made her fall in headfirst, her body’s response pulling him along, her heart succumbing as well.

Nathan remained motionless, indecision locking his limbs. Hard physical need urged him to follow—to demand more from Melanie. He’d barely gotten a taste of her, and what he’d experienced wasn’t nearly enough.

But when she twined herself around Derrick and the man carried her away, Nathan hesitated. This wasn’t about him, never had been. The whole insane scenario had been for Melanie’s sake.

He collapsed back onto the grass, arms flung to the side, willing the blood that had pooled in his erection to vanish. Pleading for the images in his brain to fade enough he could get to his feet without the violent desire to interrupt the lovers and throw himself into the action again.

A slow roll allowed him to crawl to his knees, then fight his body to vertical. There was a distinct lack of blood in his brain as he found himself picking his way through the woods toward where they’d made camp. Responsibility motivated him—he needed to make sure Melanie was okay. He hadn’t believed the idea was a great one in the first place. Letting her know he was attracted to her? That was easy. But Derrick should have known Melanie wasn’t the type to want to fool around. This could have been a huge mistake, no matter how much he’d enjoyed touching her. No matter how much more he wanted to experience.

He pushed aside a branch and froze. He’d been a fair distance behind, intending to give them space, let them settle and talk things through. Only the sight that greeted him wasn’t the two in deep conversation, or Melanie in tears. Instead her naked body was arched in ecstasy as Derrick lapped at her pussy like a starving man.

Nathan had forgotten that part of the discussion.

Her moans of delight did what Nathan thought was impossible—made his dick hard again. She’d teased him unintentionally all day, but seeing her spread out and in physical rapture?

He stepped back into the shadows and rubbed his palm over the fly of his pants, attempting to soothe his aching hard-on.

The erotic tableau before him evolved again. Derrick thrust into Melanie’s sweet body, and by instinct Nathan’s hips jerked.

Fuck it.
He lowered his zipper and pulled out his cock, finally able to see straight as the pressure eased. There was nothing to distract him as he stared, mesmerized, letting the semen escaping from his cock ease his hand on his shaft. There was nothing light and delicate about his touch. He bucked into his fist matching the tempo of Derrick’s hips, and with everything in him, Nathan wished he could feel Melanie surround him. Experience her wet heat, the tight pressure squeezing on his cock. Touch her body and let her muscles drag him over the edge.

It was dirty and gritty, being a voyeur, and yet he couldn’t tear his eyes away. So much for apologizing for his earlier behaviour—he was ready to explode just imagining being intimate with her. Thrusting like a madman into the woman who had taunted his dreams.

Derrick rearranged Melanie’s limbs, and the view got even better. Nathan had a clear visual line on every plunge, every snap of Derrick’s hips against her ass. The sounds she made were enthusiastic and vigorous, carrying on the air to where he stood.

It wasn’t enough. He wanted to be the one making her moan. Sucking on her breasts, licking in endless circles over her skin until she screamed in pleasure. He closed his eyes and thrust harder, his balls dragging higher to his body until the spark of fire flashing up his spine exploded out his cock.

Holy. Crap.
Nathan pumped into his fist, strands of semen spurting out to coat his fingers, splay over the plants at his feet. His legs grew shaky, and he barely managed to catch hold of the nearest tree to keep upright.

Of course that was the moment Melanie shouted, Derrick’s cry overlapping hers only a second behind. Nathan automatically thrust again, even with nothing left to spill. Feverish heat raced over him, all sweaty and sticky and void of all mental ability.

What the hell had just happened?

Nathan staggered a pace or two, propping his back against a tree. His breathing was ragged. His softening cock hung in the air while his pants flapped around his knees. There was a sweet twittering as birds floated past. Branches wiggled—probably from a squirrel or some other kind of small animal. He was surrounded by the freaking animal kingdom, and he’d just shot his brains out the end of his dick.

“I am so fucked.”

Nathan forced himself upright. Scrambled to put everything in place. Finding his footing wasn’t as easy, then he remembered the equipment still left at the boulder. He should go back. Retreat and gather their gear. Give Melanie and Derrick time to clean up and get themselves together.

That’s what he should do, but the temptation to witness the conclusion of the story was too great. He twisted and stared at the picnic table. Derrick had pulled Melanie to a sitting position, and they were kissing tenderly, bodies still joined. The portrait was incredible—sexual, explicit and affectionate all at the same time.

An unfamiliar emotion stabbed deep. Even as Nathan admired how well the lovers suited each other, while he appreciated the esthetic beauty of the contrast of feminine and masculine bodies, the ache inside had nothing to do with missing a great photo op.

Nathan whirled. He staggered unsteadily for a second before catching his balance and making his way back to the boulder to gather their abandoned equipment. Maybe if he kept himself busy he’d be able to ignore the truth. Wanting to have more physical contact with Melanie was explainable, both from the perspective of their past history and general male admiration for a beautiful woman. But it was the unmistakable signs that the other two were falling in love that made him insanely jealous.

He was honest enough to admit that while he didn’t want her forever, the connection Derrick and Melanie shared was looking more desirable than he’d ever imagined.

Chapter Eight

Epic: A really big adventure.

Derrick sent Melanie into the tent to find clean clothes while he wrapped a towel around his hips. He got a big pot of water boiling and laid out supper supplies. Cleaning up from their escapade would be a little tougher in the outdoor setting than it would have been at home with hot showers, but the whole experience had been too spectacular to complain about the extra work.

A soft cough brought his attention to the edge of the clearing where Nathan stood, hands full of gear. “Is it safe?”

A mix of guilt and gratitude washed over Derrick. “Nate. Come on. I’ve got things started for our meal.”

He gestured toward the table and Nathan deposited the collection of belongings they’d left behind.

Derrick smiled with approval as he picked out Melanie’s top. “I didn’t expect her to go for it that quick,” he confessed.

“So, everything’s okay?”

The unusual tone in Nathan’s voice drew Derrick’s attention upward. The other man’s bright smile was absent, and Derrick hurried to reassure him. “Everything’s aces. Mel’s great, and I have no issues. You?”

Nathan glanced toward the tent before sitting on the bench and speaking quietly. “She’s an incredible woman, Derrick, and I can see why she means so much to you. That indomitable spirit I always admired—she’s still got it.”

Pride and possessiveness swelled in Derrick. “Her fears are being taken down one by one. You did a good thing earlier. Thank you.”

Nathan snorted. “Trust me, it wasn’t a hardship.” He paused, although Derrick could see he longed to say more.

“What?”

“Is that it? I mean, how do you expect me to act for the rest of the trip?”

Oh hell.
“Like do I assume you’re not to touch her anymore?”

Nathan nodded.

It only took a moment to consider. “You know what? I don’t think I’m the one you need to ask.” God, this was tough. Derrick wanted nothing better than to say hands-off, but the reasons he had suggested this scenario in the first place still applied. Once was not a cure. And he had to admit, it had been pretty hot seeing Melanie that turned on. “Keep playing it by ear. I’m not going to kill you in your sleep, and if Mel wants this trip to continue with both you and I paying attention to her—I’m willing to give her what she wants. You?”

The playboy’s grin was back, even though the smile didn’t seem to reach Nathan’s eyes. “As long as she’s willing. I find I’m a glutton for punishment.”

The zipper on the tent opened and both of them swung to look. Melanie’s hair stuck up in a tousled mess as she poked her head out the front flap. Her gaze snapped to Nathan, her cheeks flushed bright.

Derrick waited. It felt like he’d been doing a lot of that lately.

“Can I have a washcloth, please?”

Nathan rose and stepped to Derrick’s side. “I’ll take over supper prep. Give her a hand. Can I use a little of that water as well?”

Derrick nodded, pouring a container half-full and adjusting the temperature with cold water from another jug on the ground. “There’s another bowl in the rubber tote by the table. Help yourself. Just give us a few minutes.”

He left the tent unzipped to let in more light and allow the fresh breeze to play over them. Melanie waited with her arms curled around her legs, the vivid red spots on her cheeks making her look healthy and full of life.

Derrick stroked her cheek, loving how heat radiated off her. “Lay back, sweetheart, and let me help you.”

The washcloth remained warm even after he wrung out the moisture, and as he slid it over her, she relaxed on the sleeping bag, a contented expression playing over her face. One long, satisfied sigh escaped her lips. “That feels marvelous.”

“How you doing? Did I wear you out?”

“Not completely. I’m still up for more climbing this evening.”

He rinsed the cloth a few times, enjoying the chance to wash every inch of her so intimately—her total trust in him clear as she watched him intently.

“I told Nathan the rest of the trip—what happens is up to you.”

“I heard.”

Derrick put aside the cloth and lay next to her, his head supported on an elbow as he stared admiringly into her face. “Is that okay?”

She nodded, then pulled him down for a slow kiss that reassured him the fires between them weren’t going to stay banked for long.

They dressed, crawled out of the tent, joined Nathan at the table—all normal activities and far more comfortable than it could have been. Melanie laid a hand on Nathan’s shoulder for a moment before seeming to change her mind and wrapping him in a huge bear hug. The man’s pleased smile lifted Derrick’s heart.

Whatever happened, they were all in it together.

After a bite to eat, they went back to climbing. Nathan snapped photos. He stopped at times to join in and attempt a few moves. They talked non-stop—about Nathan’s previous assignments, his travels. Derrick shared climbing stories. Melanie’s laughter flowed easily. The whole situation was easy and comfortable, like three good friend sharing time together. Nothing more than casual hugs and easy caresses occurred between them, but more importantly in Derrick’s mind, Melanie allowed pictures to be taken regardless of whether her scars were in the picture or not.

She was slowly accepting. Hesitantly opening up more.

They called it quits for the day when the sun started to fade around eight, and made their way back to the campsite to grab a snack.

The discussion ebbed and flowed. Derrick rearranged one of the logs in the fire. Bright sparks flashed upward, and Melanie
oohed
in delight. Derrick took his seat on the blanket they’d draped over the ground, and she crawled into his arms. Quiet peace settled as he stroked her hair and the back of her neck. Streaks of brilliant sunset filled the western sky, and the red glow of the fire added a layer of intimate relaxation to the setting.

He squeezed the arm he’d wrapped around Melanie’s shoulders then turned to face the other man. “Spill the beans, Nate. You never did explain how you ended up in the middle of a game of spin-the-bottle with Melanie.”

Nathan shook his head, firelight reflecting in his eyes. “Stupidest move ever. I was back from college for the holidays and wandered downstairs to discover Katy’s Christmas party had devolved to the point of darkened lights and giggles in the corners of the room. I slipped out of sight as fast as I could, but I didn’t know they were doing some weird variation on the kissing game. They had planted girls in each of the downstairs rooms and blindfolded them.”

Melanie held up a hand in protest. “We were trying to make it less embarrassing for the people who didn’t get picked to be kissed. It was your sister’s idea.”

Derrick laughed. “Let me guess. You walked into a room and found Mel.”

Nathan swirled a finger around his head, as if wrapping it with something. “And they’d covered her eyes completely, so she had no idea it was me and not one of her teenage boyfriends.”

“That’s what you thought,” Melanie muttered.

“It’s true. You finally squeaked out like a mouse and asked why I wasn’t kissing you.”

“Not a mouse. Just trying not to give away I knew it was you. Because there was a slight chance you might kiss me if you
thought
I didn’t know it was you.”

“Bullshit.”

Melanie slapped Nathan on the knee. “Dude, none of my ‘boyfriends’ were old enough to have five o’clock shadow. Plus there was that scent—probably only deodorant, but I knew the type you wore. I smelled it the instant you opened the door.”

Nathan groaned as he rubbed his temples. “Shit.”