I force my shoulders to loosen. “Sure.”
“I just need to change.”
“No rush. Take your time.”
It comes out a little too fast, but she doesn’t seem to notice. She’s already heading for the shelter. The second she disappears inside, I turn and move—faster now.
If I hurry, I’ll have a few minutes. And right now, that’s exactly what I need.
I take the path at a quick pace, leaves crunching underfoot as the trees close in around me.
This is ridiculous. It was a haircut. That’s all. Her standing close, her hands in my hair, that faint scent lingering in the air—none of that should’ve been enough to throw me off like that. And definitely not enough to leave me dealing with this massive hard-on.
By the time the trees thin and the clearing opens around the freshwater pool, my pulse is still running too fast. The water lies dark and still beneath the late afternoon light.
I step off the path and move behind one of the trees near the edge, putting solid distance between me and the trail. For a moment, I just stand there, breathing, trying to get a grip.
Because if she shows up while things are still like this, there’s no explaining it.
I could get in the water and wait it out, but I don’t trust my cock to go down.
My rigid length strains against the fabric, desperate for release. I fumble, pushing down the waistband of my shorts, my fingers trembling with a mix of anticipation and fear.
My fingers wrap around the base, sending a shock of sensation through me. A sharp hiss escapes my lips.
No time to go slow and savor it. I spit into the palm of my hand, and I’m off like a racehorse at the sound of the shot.
My breath comes in ragged gasps as I imagine her—her body beneath mine, her legs wrapped around me. I can almost feel her, soft and warm, her hips meeting mine as she begs to be fucked harder.
My hand moves faster, my grip tightening as the pleasure builds, a wave gathering strength, ready to crash over me.
My muscles tense, my abs clenching as my release approaches. I bite down hard on my lip, tasting blood, as I pump harder.
“Oh fuck. Come on. She’ll be here any minute.”
I imagine her lying on her back beneath me, looking up, a smile on her face because she’s happy.
With one final, powerful stroke, I come, my body convulsing as thick streams spill onto the ground, my cock pulsing with the force of it.
When it’s over, I lean back against the rough bark for a second, dragging a hand through my freshly cut hair.
Okay. Good.
The edge of it fades, leaving me steadier than before.
I push off the tree and head to the pool, crouching to splash cool water over my face and neck. It helps clear some of the fog.
By the time Charlotte gets here, everything should be back to normal. No weird reactions. No spiraling thoughts. Just a swim.
I hear movement on the path behind me. I straighten, wiping my hands on my shorts as I turn.
Charlotte steps out of the trees, and for a second, my brain doesn’t quite register what I’m seeing.
The shirt she had on earlier is gone. In its place is one of Tara’s swimsuits—a revealing red bikini.
Oh, fuck me.
Sunlight catches along her stomach as she crosses the clearing. Her hair hangs loose, falling down her back.
