Chapter 3 Austin "Probably sneaked off for a quickie in the woods."I placed the wood I was carrying next to the fire pit and stretched my stiff shoulders and arms. "Ugh, you're so gross," she said, stacking her wood next to mine. As I swatted away the little flies buzzing around, I glanced at Elizabeth. "Maybe they went fishing. Let's go find them," she pouted. "No, let them enjoy some alone time," I smirked, "Trust me, neither of us needs that picture seared into our brains." "Stop it." A laugh rumbled out of my chest as I saw the look of disdain she sent my way. I knew which buttons to push to annoy her, to get my favorite reactions from her. It's messed up, but I get off on the way her eyes glitter right before she explodes. I'm pretty sure they'll do the same when she comes. She doesn't know the dirty thoughts running through my mind. No one knows, except for me. Maybe my mom, if she found out, she would be heartbroken. So I couldn't risk sleeping with Elizabeth. It would tear my whole family apart. I'd be betraying Travis' trust, ruining my mother's second chance at love and most of all, I'd be risking losing Elizabeth. One night of pleasure wasn't worth it, especially since I knew I would only want more. I knew myself too well, one taste would never be enough for me. I kneeled beside the fire pit, building it up as I tended it to. I could feel her eyes on me as I stoked the fire into a small burn, feeding it the branches we collected until it was a good size. If I happen to bend my arm a little more, then it will happen. I have to make use of what I have. I knew how to seduce women. They loved my good looks, flocked around to me and I'd learned to use that to my advantage but I was never interested in them. The only woman I wanted was the one I absolutely couldn't have. "Can you teach me how to make a fire?" 'she asked after a moment's silence, pointing to the fire pit. I raised my eyebrows and joked, "What, finally decided to give up all that kindle theory?" She rolled her eyes a little, "I just thought, maybe it could come in handy. What if one day I'm alone in the woods?" Like I'm always gonna let this happen. "Ok, sit next to me." I tapped the big rock next to me and motioned for her to come closer. She obeyed, eyes wide and curious. I smiled and began to show her what the best tinder was. Although I had absolutely no need to touch her, when the opportunity presented itself, I took it. As she picked up a branch, I put a hand on her shoulder and nudged her arm with my arm. She froze. I could feel the tiny goosebumps that popped up on her smooth skin. Her thighs began to rub gently, and I wondered if she had been wet for me. Damn, my pants feel tight right now. "You should start with small bits, like these twigs. Dried bark works too," I explain, placing the twigs in the center of the fire pit. "Then, you need to add some larger branches like these." I arrange the branches in a teepee shape around the twigs. "Once the small ones catch fire, layer in the bigger logs." I place the logs carefully around the structure, making sure air can still circulate. "Don't let the big pieces choke out the smaller ones." Beth observed carefully, mentally repeating every detail. My lips were close to her ear, and her cheek reddened under my instructions. She secretly brushed my arm with her finger, thinking I wouldn't notice, but it only made me want her more. My body aches from her touch. How would she react if I took her lips right here and now? No, stop thinking, this won't end well. But I didn't mind enjoying the time she was in my arms. We started the fire, and then I began teaching her how to manage it properly. "Don't throw all the wood into the fire at once, add it slowly. If you don't, it could be dangerous." She nodded seriously, looking very earnest, which made me want to protect her even more. It also made me want to bend her over the biggest log and fuck her hardly. My body aches from her touch, and my heart longs for her to be by my side. But I had it all under control before. But this time, it was very primal, and it was as if at some point I started to get impatient. It scared me. Before I can do anything I regret, a scream comes from the lakeside. It's my mom. Beth and I quickly exchange a look, then she stood up from the firepit and ran toward the lake. Even though she was ahead of me, I easily caught up with her. If I weren't so worried about my mom, I wouldn't have done this, but this time, I surpassed her and ran ahead. When we reached the small path leading to the edge of Lake Hoo, I saw Travis helping my mom walk toward us, limping. Not long after, Beth caught up with me. "What happened?" I ask. "Grace twisted her ankle. She slipped on a stone or something when she waded through the water. I'm not sure if it's broken or just sprained. Sorry, Austin, I didn't take care of her properly." Travis looks frustrated, but I know that the reason he didn't catch my mom in time is because he has spent too many years behind a desk. He has been working hard for our family. I glanced at her feet to check. She was holding all her weight on her right foot, her left looking red and swollen. "I'll help you." I walk over, trying to take over from Travis. "I'm fine." She refuses my help. Her face is creased in pain, and her eyes are slightly red. "But you look like you're hurt." I reach out to help her, but she waves me off, trying to maintain her dignity. "I'm just a little clumsy, don't worry, I'll make it over." She breathes heavily, beads of sweat dotting her forehead. Despite her injury, she still tries to force a weak smile. But she's a terrible actress. Beth stands by, biting her lip, looking very worried. "Maybe we need to get an X-ray." Mom shakes her head. "It's just a twisted ankle. We'll rest here for a bit, then continue to the camp." I shake my head, certain that she doesn't know what she's talking about. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!