Chapter 68
The gravel road crunched beneath the tires as Jake's car pulled into the clearing, the dense forest opening up to reveal a spacious campsite surrounded by towering pines. The air was crisp, the late afternoon sun streaming through the trees and casting golden streaks on the ground. Wendy hopped out first, her hands on her hips as she surveyed the area.
"Perfect spot," she declared, already pulling a folded tarp from the trunk.
Lily slowly climbed out of the car after Jake, keeping her eyes down and her body angled slightly toward her best friend. Jake, noticing her quiet mood, gave her a nudge with his elbow.
"You good?" he asked under his breath.
Lily nodded quickly, her ponytail bouncing as she grabbed her backpack. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said, her voice a touch too light.
Alexa, Mason, and Gabriel arrived in the second car. Alexa stepping out in her hiking shorts and cropped top, carrying a basket of snacks she'd insisted on bringing.
"Okay, team," she chirped, setting the basket on the picnic table. "We've got work to do if we want to have this set up before sundown."
Mason, more laid-back in his approach, gave a casual wave and strolled toward the fire pit, tossing a bag of firewood onto the ground.
As the group began to set up camp, Lily worked furiously to avoid Gabriel. Every time he approached to hand her somethingâa tent pole, a bag of marshmallowsâshe found an excuse to move.
"Can you hold this for a second?" Gabriel asked, offering her the end of a rope he was securing for the tarp.
"Oh, actually, Jake needs me toâ" she began, pivoting toward Jake, who was untangling a mess of cords by the car.
Gabriel frowned slightly but said nothing, watching her walk away. He turned to Wendy, who was tying a knot with practiced efficiency. "Is she okay?"
Wendy shrugged without looking up. "You tell me," she muttered, leaving him to puzzle over the answer.
Jake, meanwhile, caught Lily's arm as she came up beside him. "You don't have to stick to me like glue, you know," he teased quietly.
"I'm not sticking to you," Lily replied, a little too defensively, her cheeks reddening.
"Sure," Jake said, smirking. "But I'm going to shut my mouth about it because I like it."
Lilyleaned in closer as he wrapped an arm around her and kissed her cheek. She buried her face in his shirt before lifting her gaze and catching Gabriel's eyes over Jake's shoulder. Her tummy dropped and she immediately shut her eyes.
As the others set up their tents, Lily kept moving from one task to another, her hands always busy, her steps always deliberate. But it was impossible to ignore Gabriel entirelyâhis presence lingered like static in the air.
At one point, as the sun dipped lower, she found herself too close to him again, their hands almost brushing as they both reached for the same lantern. Her breath hitched, and she immediately stepped back.
"I think Wendy needs help with the fire," she blurted out, spinning on her heel and leaving the lantern in Gabriel's hands.
Gabriel's gaze followed her retreating figure, his jaw tightening. Whatever was going on with her, he wasn't sure if he was more frustrated or curious.
By the time camp was set up, Lily was exhausted. She sat next to Jake by the fire, her posture stiff, her laughter forced every time he cracked a joke. Across from them, Gabriel leaned back against a log, his eyes flicking to her every so often, quiet and unreadable. Wendy kept the conversation flowing, obliviousâor perhaps just pretending not to noticeâthe unspoken tension between the two.
After the last marshmallow was toasted, Alexa retreated ot her tent and slowly one by one everyone turned in for the night. Lily let out a sigh of relief as she rose from the log she had been sitting on and turned toward her tent.
The small tent was dimly lit by a single lantern, casting a warm glow over its cramped interior. Lily sat cross-legged on her sleeping bag, brushing her hair with slow, deliberate strokes. Her oversized sweatshirt slipped off one shoulder, and the loose strands of her hair framed her face as she tried to focus on anything other than her racing thoughts. The muffled hum of the campfire conversations outside had died down, leaving the night quiet except for the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind.
She was sharing the tent with Jake for the weekend. It was her first time sleeping next to a boy. Lily's tummy tightened every time she thought about it. Her heard was begging to spin froma ll the different through spinning through her head. By the time she finished brushing her hair, she tossed the hairbrush across the tent in frustration. Camping was proving to be more stressful then she had anticipated.
With a sigh, Lily tugged her ponytail loose before gathering her hair back up again. Jake's footsteps crunched softly outside the tent before the zipper slid open. He ducked inside, carrying a faint chill from the night air with him.
"Hey," he said softly, giving her a warm smile as he eased the tent flap closed behind him.
"Hey," Lily replied, her voice light but guarded. She set her phone aside and tucked her legs under her, watching him as he settled into the tent.
Jake moved easily, like he belonged there, and it made her chest tighten. He was wearing his usual flannel and sweats, his messy hair falling into his eyes as he dropped onto his sleeping bag beside her.
"You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.
"Yeah, fine," she said quickly, forcing a smile.
Jake stretched out, propping himself up on one elbow as he looked at her. "You've been quiet tonight," he said, his gaze soft but intent. "I figured you'd be the one cracking jokes and keeping everyone awake."
Lily laughed nervously, toying with the edge of her sleeve. "Just tired, I guess."
"You sure?" Jake asked, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His hand lingered for a moment, his touch warm against her skin.
Her breath caught, and her stomach twisted. She knew that lookâsoft, steady, and full of unspoken words. It wasn't the first time Jake had looked at her like that. Lily felt her heart begin to flutter as she recognized where his thoughts were headed.
With a small smiled, Lily pulled back slightly, her heart pounding. "I, um, I need to check on something outside," she blurted, scrambling to her feet before he could say anything else.
Jake frowned, sitting up. "What? It's late. What do you need to check on?"
"The fire," Lily said quickly, zipping up her hoodie. "I think Wendy left it too high, and I don't want it to burn out or something."
Jake raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "I'm pretty sure Mason doused it before he went to bed."
"Still, I'll feel better if I check. And I need to borrow some hand cream from Alexa too, " she said, ducking her head and grabbing the lantern. "I'll be right back."
"Lilyâ"
"I'll be quick," she interrupted, stepping out before he could protest further. The cold air hit her like a wall, and she took a deep, shaky breath, steadying herself.
As she stood outside in the dark, pretending to inspect the fire pit, she glanced back at the tent. Jake's silhouette was visible through the fabric, still sitting where she'd left him. A pang of guilt hit her chest, but she pushed it down, focusing instead on the cool, grounding feel of the night air around her. She just needed to wait a few minutes before he fell asleep.
Lily wrapped tightly around herself as the night's chill seeped into her skin. The flames had burned down to glowing embers, their faint warmth doing little to ease the unease twisting in her stomach. She stared into the fading light, lost in her thoughts, when a faint rustling sound came from the tree line.
Her head snapped up, her heart leaping into her throat. For a moment, she couldn't see anything in the darkness beyond the fire's glow. Then, Gabriel stepped out of the shadows, his tall frame bathed in the soft moonlight.
"Lily?" His voice was low and cautious, carrying a hint of concern.
She stiffened, her fingers tightening around the edge of her hoodie. "What are you doing out here?" she asked, her tone sharper than she intended.
"I could ask you the same thing," he replied, stopping a few feet away. His dark eyes scanned her face, his brows furrowing. "Are you okay?"
Lily hesitated, nodding quickly. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said, her voice clipped. She turned her gaze back to the fire, her posture rigid, hoping he'd take the hint and leave.
Gabriel didn't move right away. She could feel his eyes lingering on her, searching for something in the silence. Finally, he sighed and walked over to the supply crate near the picnic table, rifling through it for what he needed.
Lily stayed rooted by the fire, her back to him, the tension in her body growing with every second he remained close. She could hear him moving around, the faint clink of tent stakes and the soft rustle of fabric as he gathered supplies.
"You've been quiet tonight," he said after a while, his tone casual but laced with curiosity.
She didn't respond, keeping her focus on the glowing embers.
"Lily," he said softly, his voice carrying that infuriating mix of patience and persistence.
"I'm just tired," she mumbled, brushing a stray hair from her face.
Gabriel didn't press further, but she could feel his gaze on her as he straightened up with his things.
As if things weren't bad enough, the soft crunch of footsteps behind her made Lily glance over her shoulder, her stomach dropping when she saw Jake stepping out of their tent. The dim glow of the fire reflected in his eyes, which immediately darkened as they landed on Gabriel. His expression hardened, and for a moment, a shadow of something cold and possessive crossed his face.
Lily's chest tightened with unease. She didn't need to look at Gabriel to feel the tension in the air. Her fingers instinctively curled into the hem of her sweater, bracing herself for whatever was about to happen.
Jake approached with deliberate steps, his usual easygoing smile absent. His eyes briefly flicked to Lily, then back to Gabriel, his jaw tight. Without saying a word, he stopped beside her, his hand sliding to her waist as he turned her to face him.
"Hey," Jake said softly, though his tone carried a weight that made Lily's pulse quicken. Before she could respond, he leaned in, pressing a kiss to her lips.
The kiss was firm, bordering on forceful, and far too public for Lily's liking. Her heart raced, not from affection but from the awareness of Gabriel standing just a few feet away. She pulled back slightly, her cheeks burning, but Jake kept his arm around her, his grip firm.
"You ready to come back to bed?" Jake asked, his voice low and steady, but there was an edge to it she couldn't ignore.
Lily hesitated, glancing at Gabriel. He stood frozen by the supply crate, his hands clenched around the gear he'd been gathering. His dark eyes burned into her, his jaw tight.
"Yeah," Lily murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jake smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. He laced his fingers through hers, gripping her hand tightly as he turned and led her away from the fire.
Lily glanced over her shoulder briefly, catching a glimpse of Gabriel standing frozen by the fire, his face a storm of barely-contained fury. His hands clenched at his sides, his knuckles whitening against the fabric he was holding.
The silence felt heavy, suffocating, as Gabriel watched Jake guide Lily into the tent and zipped it closed behind them. The glow from the dying fire flickered across his face, highlighting the tight set of his jaw and the way his dark eyes blazed with frustration. His hands were still clenched around the gear he'd been gathering, his knuckles pale against the worn canvas.
He tried to ignore the gnawing unease twisting in his gut, but the image of Jake's smug expression as he led Lily away replayed in his mind, fanning the flames of his anger. The possessive way Jake kissed her, his hand gripping hers like she was some prize to be claimedâit all left Gabriel with a bitter taste in his mouth.
The worst part was the way Lily had looked back at him, even for just a second. The hesitation in her eyesâit was enough to make Gabriel's chest tighten. But she'd gone with Jake anyway, leaving him standing there in the cold, stewing in his own frustration.
Unable to stand still any longer, Gabriel turned on his heel and strode toward Wendy and Alexa's tent. The soft murmur of voices and rustling fabric came from inside, but he didn't hesitate as he crouched by the entrance and unzipped it just enough to get Wendy's attention.
"Wendy," he said, his voice low but insistent.
She glanced up, startled, and frowned when she saw him. "What do you want, Gabriel? It's late."
"Lily's looking for you," Gabriel said.
Wendy's eyes narrowed but she didn't argue. She unzipped her sleeping back and pulled on her boots before stepping out, leaving Alexa scrolling on her phone in her sleeping bag.
Gabriel stepped back and watched the girl climb out of the tent. He waited until she turned to face him to reveal the truth.
"I need a favor," he said, glancing over his shoulder toward Jake and Lily's tent before turning back to her. "You need to get Lily to sleep in here with you tonight."
Wendy blinked, clearly confused. "What? Why?"
"Just... make something up," Gabriel said sharply, his tone betraying the impatience simmering beneath his calm façade. "Say you need her to stay with you, or that you're feeling sick. I don't don't know, make something up. Just don't let her stay in there with him."
Wendy's eyes narrowed, her expression shifting to one of suspicion. "Again....why?"
He hesitated, his jaw tightening as he searched for the right words. "She looked really uncomfortable with him."
Wendy studied him for a moment, "You could have asked your sister."
"She would ask too many questions," Gabriel said.
"Jake is Lily's boyfriend," Wendy reminded him. "It's fine for them to share a tent. Mason doesn't seem to care. Why do you?" then sighed, her annoyance evident.
"Because I do," Gabriel brows furrowed. "Are you going to help your friend or not?"
"I don't think she needs my help."
Gabriel's jaw tightened, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface as Wendy crossed her arms, clearly not budging. He stared at her for a long moment, his dark eyes narrowing.
"You really can't see it, can you?" he said, his voice quiet but laced with barely restrained anger.
"See what?" Wendy shot back, her tone sharper now.
"The way he acts around her," Gabriel muttered, glancing toward the tent where Lily and Jake were. "He doesn't give her space to breathe. I'm not imagining it. And I know what he's going to try this weekend wih her."
Wendy arched a brow, her skepticism clear. "Gabriel, Lily would tell us if something was wrong."
"Would she?" Gabriel asked, his voice low and tense. "I don't think she would."
That seemed to give Wendy pause, but she still looked hesitant. "Even if that's true, you can't just barge in here and expect me to fix it. If she needs help, she'll ask."
Gabriel exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. He hated this.
"Just get her out of that tent tonight. That's all," he said. "And if she's truly fine then she won't come. But if she's unsure, you know she will follow you out."
Wendy looked at him, her gaze searching his face for a long moment. "You care about her," she said finally, her voice softer.
"Like I would for any human being," Gabriel said.
Wendy sighed, her shoulders slumping as she relented. "Fine."
"Thank you," he muttered, stepping back as Wendy turned toward Jake and Lily's tent.
Gabriel lingered in the shadows, his hands clenched into fists as he watched Wendy approach the tent. His heart pounded in his chest, the unease inside him refusing to settle. As much as he hated asking for help, this was the only way he could ensure Lily would be okay tonight.
Back in the tent, Lily could feel the heaviness of the silence, the weight of Jake's gaze on her as she sat on her sleeping bag.
"Sleepy?" Jake asked.
Before she could answer, there was a soft rustling at the tent flap, followed by Wendy's voice calling her name. "Lily? Can you come here for a second? I need to talk to you."
Lily blinked, glancing at Jake in surprise. His jaw tightened, but he didn't say anything as she got up and unzipped the tent, stepping out into the cool night air. Wendy stood there, looking perfectly fine despite her claim of needing help.
"What's wrong?" Lily asked.
"Come on," Wendy said, looping an arm around her shoulders. "I need you to keep me company tonight. Tell the loverboy to keep himself warm."
Lily paused for a split second before looking over her shoulder.
"Unless you don't want to......" Wendy waited.
Lily swallowed, her gaze flicking toward the tent she'd just left. The lump in her throat grew heavier as she thought about Jake, his overly sweet demeanor feeling suffocating in hindsight. She let out a quiet sigh, her decision made. "I just need to grab my phone."
Wendy grinned, stepping aside. "I'll wait here."
Lily nodded and turned toward her tent, slipping inside quickly to avoid any questions from Wendyâor any second thoughts. The familiar smell of Jake's cologne hit her as she crouched to grab her phone from the corner of the tent. She glanced up to see Jake shifting under the sleeping bag, his head lifting slightly as his eyes focused on her.
"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
Lily tried to keep her tone light, casual. "Wendy's having some girl problems," she said, tucking her phone into her pocket. "She asked me to stay with her tonight."
Jake frowned, propping himself up on one elbow. "Girl problems? Can't Alexa handle that?"
Lily forced a small smile, her heart pounding. "She asked me specifically. I'll be back in the morning, okay?"
Jake's lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't argue. Instead, he sighed and flopped back onto the sleeping bag. "Fine. Go keep Wendy company."
Relieved that he didn't press further, Lily stepped out of the tent, clutching her phone tightly as she rejoined Wendy, who raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"All good?" Wendy asked, starting to walk back toward her tent without waiting for an answer.
"Yeah," Lily said, her voice quieter now.
As the two walked away, Gabriel stayed in the shadows, watching. He saw the way Lily's shoulders relaxed and how her steps seemed lighter, less hesitant, now that she wasn't heading back to Jake. A faint sense of relief coursed through him, easing the tightness in his chest.
But even as his relief settled in, his anger lingeredâcoiled and readyâtoward Jake, who he couldn't shake the feeling was taking something from Lily she didn't want to give.
___________________
Wendy and Mason
Wendy lay on her back in the dimly lit tent, the soft glow of her phone illuminating her face as her thumb scrolled idly through social media. The muffled sound of Alexa's soft breathing and Lily's occasional sighs filled the air, their sleeping bags rustling as they shifted in their sleep. The tent felt small and cozy, yet suffocating all at once. Wendy's mind wandered as she scrolled, barely paying attention to the endless stream of posts.
Her finger froze when a new email notification slid across the screen. Her heart leaped up as she read the subject line: "Study Abroad Application Status Update." A sudden tension filled her chest as she tapped it open, her pulse quickening.
The words blurred for a moment before sharpening into focus:
"We regret to inform you that your study abroad application has been denied due to insufficient documentation and unpaid fees."
Wendy sat up abruptly, her sleeping bag rustling loudly. The cold rush of disbelief washed over her as she read the email again, her fingers trembling slightly.
"No," she whispered, barely audible, her voice shaky. She blinked rapidly, her throat tightening.
Feeling the weight of panic creeping in, Wendy threw off her sleeping bag as quietly as possible, careful not to wake Alexa and Lily. She grabbed her boots and phone and crawled out of the tent into the cool night air. The stars blinked faintly above, the world silent except for the soft rustle of trees.
She took a deep breath, dialing her dad's number with fumbling fingers. It felt like forever before he picked up.
"Wendy? What's wrong?" came Tom's groggy voice. "Why are you calling this late?"
"Dad," she said, her voice cracking despite her effort to stay calm. "They denied my study abroad application. They said I didn't have enough documentation or fees paid. IâI don't understand. I thought you said you took care of everything."
Tom's voice on the other end of the line was hesitant. Wendy stood still under the stars, clutching the phone tightly to her ear, her breath fogging in the crisp night air. She could hear the sound of her dad shifting uncomfortably before he finally spoke.
"Wendy... honey," he began with a sigh. "I must have forgotten to submit the fees and the paperwork. I thought I had time, but with everything going onâyour mom, the new babyâI just... I got overwhelmed."
For a moment, Wendy couldn't speak. The words didn't make sense, like they belonged to someone else's life. Her chest tightened, and she blinked back the sudden sting of tears.
"You forgot?" she echoed, her voice trembling. "Dad, how could you forget? IâI reminded you so many times!"
"I know," Tom said. "I'm sorry, honey. I know how much this meant to you, but things have been so chaotic lately. Between the doctor's appointments and trying to keep everything at home together..."
Wendy didn't hear the rest of what he said. The words blurred together in her mind, drowned out by the sound of her own disappointment. She bit her lip hard, trying to keep the tears from falling. She had been so excited, so hopefulâfinally a chance to leave, to do something just for herself. And now, it was gone.
"You promised," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was counting on you."
"I'm so sorry, sweetheart," he said softly. "I'll figure something out, I promise."
"If you were busy then why didn't you just say so?" Wendy asked. "I....I could have done everything on my own."
"I should have," Tom sighed. "I'm sorry, honey."
But Wendy shook her head, even though he couldn't see her. She pressed her free hand to her mouth to stifle a sob. She didn't want him to hear her break down. He had already let her down enough.
"I need to go," she said abruptly, not waiting for a reply before ending the call.
Standing alone under the night sky, Wendy felt hollow. The dream she'd been chasing, the opportunity she had worked so hard forâit was gone because of his carelessness. She wiped at her face angrily, her tears hot against her cold skin.
She thought of all the times she had defended him, all the times she had believed in him. And now, all she felt was heartbreak and a bitterness that settled deep in her chest. He was supposed to come through for her, but he didn't. And it cost her everything.
Wendy stormed into the forest, her fists clenched tightly at her sides, her breath coming in sharp, uneven bursts. The crunch of leaves and twigs under her boots seemed too loud in the stillness of the night, but she didn't care. She needed to get awayâaway from the tent, from her dad's voice still echoing in her head, and from the crushing weight of disappointment pressing against her chest.
The faint gurgle of the stream grew louder as she pushed past the underbrush, the moonlight filtering through the trees guiding her to the familiar spot. The stream shimmered faintly, its soft, rhythmic flow offering a sense of calm she desperately needed.
Wendy dropped to the ground by the water, her knees drawn up to her chest. She stared at the stream, willing its tranquility to seep into her, but it was useless. The tears she'd been holding back spilled over, hot and relentless, streaming down her cheeks.
Her shoulders shook as she cried, her sobs quiet but raw. All the frustration, disappointment, and heartbreak she'd been swallowing now poured out in waves. She buried her face in her hands, trying to muffle the sound, even though no one was there to hear her.
Or so she thought.
The rustle of leaves behind her was so soft she almost didn't notice it. But then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of movement.
Mason.
He appeared like a shadow in the moonlight, his tall frame stepping carefully over the uneven ground until he reached her. Wendy froze for a moment, hastily wiping her face with the sleeves of her jacket.
"What do you want, Mason?" she muttered, her voice hoarse.
Mason didn't reply. He didn't ask if she was okay or press her for an explanation. Instead, he simply lowered himself onto the ground beside her, close enough that their shoulders almost touched.
He stretched his long legs out in front of him and leaned back on his hands, his gaze fixed on the stream. The silence between them was heavy but oddly comforting.
Wendy stole a glance at him, expecting to see pity or concern in his expression, but his face was calm, unreadable. His presence wasn't intrusiveâit was steady, grounding, like he understood she didn't need words right now.
The knot in Wendy's chest loosened just a little. She turned back to the water, her tears still falling but slower now, less desperate. And Mason just sat there, quiet and still, as if he had all the time in the world to wait for her to find her own calm again.
The two of them sat by the stream in silence, the world around them painted in muted shades of moonlight and shadows. The soft gurgle of the water and the occasional rustle of leaves filled the quiet, but Mason didn't move or speak. He sat as still as a statue, his presence grounding Wendy even as the storm of emotions continued to swirl inside her.
Time seemed to stretch, the minutes blending together. Wendy hugged her knees to her chest, staring at the shimmering surface of the stream. Her sobs had long quieted, leaving behind a hollow ache that weighed heavily on her chest. She wasn't sure how long they'd been sitting there when she finally broke the silence.
"My dad forgot to pay the fees for my study abroad program," she said quietly, her voice cracking. She didn't look at Mason, her eyes fixed on the water as if it held the answers to everything.
Mason didn't respond right away, but she didn't expect him to. He shifted slightly beside her, his movement slow and deliberate, as if to remind her that he was still there.
Wendy exhaled shakily and continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "He... forgot. And now it's too late. I missed the deadline."
The words felt bitter on her tongue, but she forced them out anyway. Her nails dug into the fabric of her jeans, her grip tightening as the rest of the truth spilled out.
"He's having a baby," she said, her tone hardening. "With a woman young enough to be his first bron daughter.....That's why he forgot." Her voice cracked again, and she blinked rapidly, her vision blurring with fresh tears.
Wendy bit her lip hard, trying to hold herself together, but the hurt and betrayal surged to the surface. "I trusted him. I trusted him to handle this, just this one thing. And he couldn't even do that. Heâ"
Her words faltered, but Mason didn't interrupt. He didn't offer platitudes or try to tell her it would be okay. He simply leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and let the quiet between them stretch out again.
Wendy peered at the water, her chest tight and her mind racing. After some time, she wiped her face with the back of her sleeve and glanced at Mason.
"You don't have to sit here," she said softly, her voice shaky.
Mason turned his head slightly, his dark eyes meeting hers. "I know," he said simply.
That single, steady reply brought a lump to Wendy's throat. She looked away quickly, her chest aching with gratitude and sadness all at once.
The stream kept flowing, unbothered by the weight of her words, and Mason stayed right where he was.
The clouds in the sky moved at snail speed, drowning the world in darkness before pulling back like curtains for the moonlight. The cool air dried up the tears on Wendy's cheeks and after a few more minutes, she looked at Mason once more.
"What are you doing out here?" She asked.
A small smiled crossed Mason's face. "I came out here for a swim," he said, tilting his head toward the water, his voice low and even, blending seamlessly with the quiet hum of the stream.
Wendy blinked, caught off guard. She turned to look at him, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. "A swim? At this hour?"
Mason shrugged, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. "Couldn't sleep. Figured the water might help....and then I ran into you."
Wendy stared not knowing what to say.
"You should come," Mason whispered, leaning closer.
Wendy glanced at the stream, the moonlight casting ripples of silver across its surface. "I can't," she muttered. "I don't have a bathing suit."
Mason didn't respond right away, and for a moment, she thought he might tease her. But instead, he leaned toward her, his movements deliberate and slow.
Before she could say anything else, he pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the side of her head. The warmth of his lips against her temple was unexpected, sending a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cool night air.
Wendy froze, her breath catching in her throat as her heart thudded painfully against her ribs. The gesture was so simple, so gentle, yet it felt like it carried the weight of a thousand unspoken words.
Mason pulled back without a word, his expression unreadable, and stood up. He stretched briefly, his movements fluid and unhurried, then stepped toward the water.
She watched as he peeled off his shirt, tossing it carelessly onto the ground before removing his shorts and walking into the stream with the kind of quiet confidence that always seemed to surround him. The water glistened against his skin as he waded deeper, the ripples breaking around him like they were welcoming him in.
Wendy stayed where she was, hugging her knees to her chest, her mind swirling with emotions she couldn't quite name. She kept her eyes on Mason's back and away from his lower half as his naked form disappeared into the dark water, his figure merging with the shadows of the stream.
For a moment, she feared he had disappeared into the darkness. Her heart began to pound as she craned her neck to let her gaze skim the surface.
"Mason?" Wendy pushed herself onto her knees, ignoring the way the pebbles dug into her flesh.
The water rippled and Mason raised his head from under.
"Yeah, baby?" He smiled, gentle and soft.
"Don't do that!" Wendy complained, raising to her feet and moving to the edge of the water.
"I won't if you come in," Mason said.
Wendy stood at the water's edge, arms folded tightly across her chest, her scowl aimed directly at Mason. His soft smile and easy confidence annoyed her just as much as it calmed her. The moonlight reflected off the rippling stream, casting silvery highlights across his wet skin as he floated effortlessly in the current.
"I'm not coming in," she muttered, though the words didn't sound as convincing as she hoped.
Mason tilted his head, the water lapping gently at his shoulders.
"I'll behave," he said, his tone teasing. His dark eyes stayed on her, glinting in the pale light.
Wendy bit her lip, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. The night air felt heavy against her skin, but Mason's words echoed in her head, stirring something restless inside her. She glanced at the water again, her scowl softening as the idea took root.
Before she could second-guess herself, she made up her mind.
With a sharp intake of breath, Wendy straightened and reached for the hem of her shirt, tugging it over her head in one swift motion. The cool air prickled her skin, but she didn't stop, quickly peeling off her bra and the rest of her clothes. Leaving them in a pile by the stream, Wendy pushed her hair behind her shoulder and turned toward the stream.
The air seemed to thicken as Wendy stepped forward, the cool water rippling softly around her bare legs. Every step felt like an eternity, the quiet hum of the forest amplifying the sound of her shallow breaths and the soft splash of the water.
Mason didn't say a word, but she felt his eyes on her like a tangible weight. His silence was heavy, charged with something that made her pulse quicken. She glanced up at him, her cheeks warming despite the cool night air. His expression was unreadable, but his dark eyes glimmered with an intensity that made her stomach flip.
The moonlight bathed her skin in silver, highlighting every curve, every step she took. Mason's gaze never wavered, his usual teasing smirk replaced by a quiet reverence that caught her off guard. For once, there was no playful banter, no sarcastic remarksâjust the moment hanging between them like a thread stretched taut.
The cold water climbed higher as she waded in, her breath hitching with the chill, but Wendy kept moving forward. She was hyper-aware of everythingâthe way the stream kissed her skin, the soft rustle of the trees, and the magnetic pull of Mason's presence.
When she finally stopped, the water lapping at her waist, she realized he had drifted closer, his movements so subtle she hadn't noticed. The space between them felt fragile, like the current could dissolve it at any moment.
Her heart pounded as she met his gaze, the shadows of the night making his eyes impossibly deep. He didn't move, didn't reach for her, but his quiet presence was enough to make her breathless. She felt exposed, vulnerableânot just physically, but in the way he looked at her, like he was seeing more than she was willing to show.
She forced herself to exhale, the shaky sound breaking the silence. "Happy now?" she muttered, her voice softer than she intended.
Mason's lips curved into the faintest smile, his expression softening but losing none of its intensity.
"Getting there," he murmured, his voice low and warm, wrapping around her like the water.
The tension between them was electric, yet neither of them moved. It was a moment suspended in time, the moonlight, the water, and the quiet pull of unspoken emotions drawing them closer. Wendy wasn't sure who would break the spell first, but for now, she let herself get lost in the quiet gravity of his presence.
As the last of the clouds drifted away, the moonlight skimmed across Wendy's skin as she stood waist-deep in the stream, water rippling softly around her. Mason's eyes traveled slowly, almost reverently, taking in every detailâfrom the curve of her shoulders to the delicate dip of her collarbone and the gentle rise and fall of her bare chest. The water clung to her like a second skin, catching the light in shimmering trails as it moved with her.
Wendy shifted under his gaze, her arms brushing against the water as if she could push away the vulnerability coursing through her. She didn't dare meet his eyes, unsure if she'd find the teasing smirk she'd expected or something else entirelyâsomething heavier, something that matched the fire that burned quietly beneath her skin.
She let out a shaky breath and pushed herself forward, breaking the tension as she began to swim. The cold water wrapped around her body, its icy touch sharpening her senses. Her arms cut through the current, her movements steady as she slipped further into the stream's embrace.
Behind her, Mason moved silently, his eyes still following her every stroke. The water rippled as he began to wade after her, his form cutting through the moonlit surface with quiet ease. He didn't call out to her or break the silence with words. Instead, he followed, his presence a steady, grounding force that lingered just behind her.
Wendy could feel him there, his quiet attention pressing against her like a weight she couldn't ignore. She turned her head slightly, catching a glimpse of him through the dark waterâhis shoulders broad, his movements deliberate, his gaze fixed on her as if she were the only thing in the world worth watching.
She dipped her head beneath the surface, letting the coolness wash over her, and when she came up for air, she found him closer than before. Mason treaded water silently, his dark eyes still holding that same intensity, his presence unshakable.
Neither of them spoke, the quiet of the forest and the gentle sound of the stream filling the space between them. It wasn't just the chill of the water that made Wendy shiverâit was the quiet tension that simmered just beneath the surface, the kind that refused to be ignored no matter how far she swam.
The water around Wendy stilled as she paused, catching her breath in the cool night air. Her hair clung to her damp skin, droplets running down her neck and shoulders, but her focus was entirely on Mason. He moved toward her, his strokes silent and smooth, cutting through the dark stream with an effortless grace that made her pulse quicken.
Before she could process it, he was there, so close she could feel the warmth of his body even through the cold water. His hand brushed against her waist under the surface, the touch firm but gentle, and her breath caught in her throat. The current swirled around them, but Mason's grip was steady.
He didn't rush, his eyes locking on hers as he guided her legs to wrap around him. The sensation sent a rush of heat through her, her heart hammering wildly in her chest as their bodies met. Her legs hesitated for only a second before settling around his waist, her body drawn to him as if by some magnetic force she couldn't resist.
The hand on her waist tightened slightly, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. The world around them seemed to fadeâthe sound of the stream, the rustle of the trees, even the cool bite of the waterâall of it dissolved as Mason tilted his head, his dark eyes searching hers one last time for any sign of hesitation.
Then he closed the distance.
His lips met hers in a kiss that was slow and deliberate, yet impossibly intense. It wasn't rushed or frantic, but it carried a weight that left her breathless. The water lapped gently at their skin, but Wendy barely noticed. Her hands found his shoulders, her fingers curling against his damp skin as she leaned into him, losing herself in the warmth of his kiss.
Mason held her close, his other hand moving up to cradle the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her wet hair. The kiss deepened, a silent exchange of everything they couldn't say aloud, and Wendy felt her chest tighten with a mix of emotionsâvulnerability, desire, and something softer that she wasn't ready to name.
The world felt impossibly small in that moment, just the two of them, tangled together in the moonlit water, the rest of existence fading into the background.
Wendy's breath hitched as Mason's hand settled on her waist, steady and strong beneath the water. She was acutely aware of the way his body pressed against hers, the heat of his skin even through the coolness of the stream. The steady thrum of her heartbeat roared in her ears as her legs remained wrapped around him, drawing them impossibly closer.
The quiet intimacy of the moment wrapped around her like a cocoon, and every nerve in her body was suddenly alive, hyperaware of every point of contact between them. His chest brushed against hers with every shallow breath he took, his hard muscles shifting subtly under her fingertips as she held onto his shoulders.
But it wasn't just his strength or the feel of him that made her pulse raceâit was the unspoken intensity beneath the surface. Her body responded instinctively to Mason's hard body, a flush of heat spreading through her despite the chilled water around them. Her breathing grew uneven, her skin tingling with a sensation she couldn't suppress, even if she'd wanted to.
Mason shifted slightly, and the faintest, unmistakable evidence of his arousal pressed against her, sending a jolt of electricity through her. The realization hit her with a mixture of surprise and thrill, her stomach tightening as desire coiled low within her.
Her gaze flicked to his face, searching for a reaction, but Mason's dark eyes were locked on hers, intense and unyielding. He wasn't embarrassed or hesitant. Instead, there was a quiet confidence in the way he looked at her, like he knew exactly what she was feeling because he felt it too.
The air between them was charged, heavier than before, and Wendy's chest tightened as she let herself drown in the moment. Her body responded instinctively to his, a silent acknowledgment of the connection simmering between them. She didn't need to say a wordâeverything she felt, everything they both felt, was already written in the way their bodies gravitated toward each other under the moonlit stream.
As Wendy bucked her hips forward, the water rippled around them. A low groan escaped Mason as his hand moved to her ass and he pushed her forward. His feet found solid ground and he blanched himself as quickly as he could.
"What's the matter?" Mason grinned as Wendy felt his cock rub against her pussy. Her mouth opened in a silent moan and her gaze found his. She curled her fingers on his shoulder as Mason moved her once again, letting his rock-hard cock rub against her pussy.
"Mhm," Wendy whimpered, her nails scraping Mason's shoulder.
"Oh, you like that?" Mason chuckled. "You like the way my cock feels against you, sweet girl?"
Wendy swallowed and pulled herself closer, seeking pleasure as her legs tightened around him. She began to roll her hips forward as he captured her lips once more and bit down on her bottom lip.
"What do you want, baby?" Mason asked, running his tongue up her neck and whispering in her ear. "You want to ride on my dick, sunshine?"
Wendy, drunk with the unbelieve pressure rising within her, nodded.
Mason's grin spread as he watched the way Wendy moved her hips against him. He silently lowered his hand between them and found her swollen bud, rubbing against his cock and throbbing.
"Ahh," Wendy gasped as Mason pressed down on her clit.
"Ahh," Mason chuckled, teasing her playfully as he dipped his mouth and kissed her harder.
Wendy's breathing labored as Mason's fingers slid inside of her. She pulled back to give him space as he picked up a rhythm, torturing her underneath the water.
"Look at you," Mason whispered, his mouth moving over her chest and kissing her breasts before biting her hard nipple. "I barely touched you, Wendy."
"Why...." Wendy tried to speak breathlessly. "Why are you being such an ass?"
"Because it's so thrilling to see my firecracker disarmed before me like this," Mason said. "Where's that smartmouth now?"
"Mason!" Wendy moaned and rolled her head forward, dropping it onto his shoulders as his fingers picked up speed and he began to rub her bud.
"Speechless?" Mason lifted her ass to give himself more space. "Fuck, Wendy. I'm four fingers in right now."
Wendy gripped his shoulder and began to move up and down on his hand. The water rippled around them as small waves crashed against their bodies. Wendy's chest began to bounce, slapping against the water as Mason watched her, his mouth sucking on her chest, biting on her skin until she was marked.
After a few short seconds, Wendy clenched around Mason's hand and his grin spread. Wendy's breathing grew uneven, her legs tightening and her head swaying.
"Oh, baby," Mason cooed in a mocking tone as he kissed her neck. "You ready to cum for me? So soon?"
"Mason, shut up," Wendy hissed as she gripped the wet hair on the back of his neck and tilted his head back until she was kissing him.
"Be nice or I'll stop," Mason warned her.
"Don't you dare," Wendy bit his lip. Mason chuckled as his hands slowed and Wendy gasped. "Mason...."
"Ask nicely," Mason chuckled, the sound driving Wendy crazy as the sweet pain in her began to peak. "Say please Mason."
"Please, Mason," Wendy moaned.
Mason smiled. He picked up his rhythm once more and watched as Wendy began undone under the moonlight. She was so fucking beautiful to him and he wanted to bury himself deep inside her tight little cunt until he was too tired to move.
But tonight was for her and her only because she needed to know she was a priority too.
The camping trip has just begun.