Vivian Arend - Rising, Freestyle

“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.

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.”

She smirked. “Anyway, he finally stopped being a chicken and kissed me. Never slipped me any tongue, much to my dismay, but he held the back of my neck, and I think I nearly came from that alone. It was as if I’d stuck my finger in a light socket and gotten an electric zap that went all the way down to my toes.”

Derrick laughed as Nathan pretended to be electrocuted, shaking his limbs and torso rapidly. Melanie smiled happily at Derrick, her body warm and intimate with his. She reached for his hand, linking their fingers together.

Derrick basked in the obvious connection she was making with him.

“I’m sorry I ruined all your teenage fantasies.” Nathan winked, then poked the fire thoughtfully.

Her tongue slipped out to moisten her lips a second before she spoke. “Well, we all have to grow up sometime.”

She turned and brought her lips next to Derrick’s. The warmth of her breath washed his cheek, and she brushed her lips against him before whispering in his ear, “I want to make love to you by the fire.”

Oh hell. His dick flashed to rock hard, the images of flickering light dancing over her bare skin driving up his lust. “And Nathan?”

She drew back far enough to look Derrick in the eye. “I want him to take pictures. For his book.”

Was it hypocritical his mind protested the idea of being on display like that while he longed to see her naked in the firelight? “Of us making love? That sounds rather kinky.”

Melanie rolled her eyes. “Well, I don’t want to make a porn flick, but if he can take pictures and make them—presentable—I’m game. If he’s interested.”

A sharp gasp escaped Nathan. “Are you serious?”

Melanie nodded. “Serious. Nat—” She paused, then the rest of her words rushed out. “I’ve thought about it all evening. I like you, and you turn me on, but it’s Derrick I want to be with.”

Derrick’s heart swelled. Her confession made everything that much brighter.

Nathan touched his fingers to her cheek. “And I have no trouble with that. Honest. I like you too, and I understand.”

She broke free and stood, stepping to the edge of the firelight and grinning at them both even as her chest continued to heave. “Tell me what to do.”

“Monkey, you’ve just made my year. Let me grab my camera bag.” Nathan leapt up and scrambled toward his gear. Derrick glanced at Melanie thoughtfully.

“You sure about this?”

She nodded. “I’ve been trying to force another panic attack, and it’s not happening. Being with you two has been perfect. Since this photo shoot means a lot to Nathan, I thought this might be a good time. I loved those shots he showed us earlier. I really, really want to try this.”

Derrick leaned back on the cushioned log, letting his admiration for her show. “Then I really, really want to see you naked.”

She looked out from under hooded lashes. “Even if it means you might be in some of the shots?”

Nathan had said all the pictures would be theirs to veto. “I get to make love with you. How could there possibly be a downside to this scenario?”

He stripped off his T-shirt before rising to his feet and reaching out a hand. She slipped into his arms so perfectly, the soft flannel of her shirt teasing his naked chest as he held her tight to his torso. One hand he spread wide over the curve of her lower back, with the other he reached up and caught her neck. Nibbling along her jaw, sneaking up on her lips to make her his. It was going to be his touch that took her all the way to paradise.