Watch Out For Briars

A romance story for the Nude Day Story contest. I had been sitting on this idea for awhile, wondering what it needed, and then I realized the answer was a nudist twist! Enjoy!

* * *

"So what do you think?"

Barrett's hands were shoved in his pockets as he walked around the kitchen. His lips were pursed, his eyebrows bunched together. He headed for the tall windows that surrounded the dining nook, although the space could really be used for anything. There was a separate dining room if you wanted to be formal about it. Really, this house had no shortage of space.

"I think... that I need to make an offer." His face broke into a big grin.

I nearly went weak at the knees. Not only would this be my biggest commission ever, but my God, Barrett was gorgeous. I considered myself reasonably attractive, but even just having Barrett's eyes on me for a few fleeting seconds was enough to make me blush.

"Great!" I chimed, trying hard not to sound desperate. "We'll get the paperwork drawn up."

Admittedly, I had never heard of Barrett at first. My boss had mentioned that a best-selling author was looking for a spacious, secluded home, and my first thought was, "Please let it be Thomas O'Malley!" But no, my favorite popcorn thriller author wasn't the one moving to Middle-of-Nowhere-Maine, but rather, one very sexy, very intriguing historical fiction writer.

I never imagined I'd be the one to give him the grand tour. I never imagined I'd be the one quivering in this damn kitchen like I had never seen a hot guy before. I was in my mid-thirties, for God's sake, and there I was, acting like some horny teenager.

"It's really just what I'm looking for," said Barrett, as we headed back to the living room. "No neighbors, lots of trees, lots of quiet."

I nodded. "A perfect creative space."

Barrett pushed his fingers back through his dark brown hair. It was thick and wavy, with a slightly messy look to it. "God, I'm excited." His bright green eyes focused on me, and he wiggled his eyebrows. "Yeah, yup. This place is mine."

I laughed. "I like the enthusiasm. We do have a few other interested--"

"No, no," Barrett said, cutting me off. He was grinning. "Chelsey, scare them off for me, won't you?"

"I will do my very best."

I locked the house up, and the two of us headed for the front porch. It astounded me that someone could so easily afford a place like this. It was the most stunning home I had ever seen around here, a modern log cabin that housed five bedrooms, three and a half baths, and a living room bigger than my apartment. It had built-in shelves that I was insanely jealous of, because they'd be perfect for my book collection.

A brand-new hot tub sat on the massive back deck, which jutted out so far it seemed to extend straight into the trees. The place was an incredible forest getaway, with pines towering around the whole house. Summer sun came through the branches, and Barrett closed his eyes like he was warming his face.

"I've had enough city life." He hummed happily. "THIS is the best way to live."

"I agree. There's nothing like being in the middle of nature, away from it all."

I wondered what Barrett would do with this whole house. He had mentioned early into our tour that the house was just for him. It was a little obnoxious, truth be told, that he was snatching up such a massive home. But then again, maybe he was planning on settling down in the next few years. Maybe he had visions of a wife and kids and a spare room for all their friends.

I shook Barrett's hand and waited for him to pull out of the long, winding driveway before I got into my own car. I looked at myself in the rearview mirror, finding that my lipstick had smudged at the corner. I groaned and wiped away the dusty pink that was smeared onto my skin. Had it been like this the whole time?!

Great. What a perfect impression.

* * *

The Edible Arrangement arrived a week later. I knew right away it was from Barrett, and the card confirmed it.

"Chelsey," I read aloud as my coworkers gathered around, "thank you for helping me find my dream house. I hope this brightens your day. Cheers, Barrett."

I took a chocolate-covered strawberry and bit half of it between my teeth. What a nice guy. Part of me was sad I would never see that house again, though. It was so nice to drive up into the woods and spend an afternoon with my high heels click-clacking over the exquisite floors while my mind played through a fantasy where the house actually belonged to ME.

Two weeks later, another package arrived for me at work. It was a small, heavy box. When I opened it, I saw a copy of Barrett's latest book--"Battle Eternal"--and I smoothed my hand over the cover. I had never read any historical fiction before, but I would give it a shot for him.

I flipped through the pages, reading excerpts here and there. Then my eyes landed on the message scrawled on the flyleaf. I assumed it was just an autograph (which felt a bit presumptuous, if I were to be honest), but when I looked closer, I saw that I was wrong.

"Chelsey," Barrett had written. "Forgive my overstepping. But I'd love to take you out on a date sometime. You've been in my head since that first showing. If you're not interested, that's okay. If you ARE interested, here's my cell. P. S.- I'm loving the house."

Underneath, he had signed his name in a very swirling, author-like way.

My heart was pounding hard now. I hadn't experienced a romantic giddiness like this in years, and I was relishing in it.

I managed to wait until that evening to text him. My hands were shaking as I typed out a text to him. I had been single for over a year, without so much as one date. It had been my choice, and I'd been loving my single life, but now the thrill had taken over. I pictured myself out with beautiful Barrett and his huge, adorable smile.

"Hey Barrett," I typed. "It's Chelsey. I got the book and your note. Very sneaky. Very cute. I'd love to go on a date with you."

He wrote back almost instantly. "Perfect! Tomorrow night? There's a place in town called Walker's--have you heard of it? I thought we might do dinner there."

"Absolutely! That sounds perfect."

"I'll make a reservation for 7:00."

Everything felt like such a whirlwind. I didn't even know what I was going to wear. I went to my closet and began pulling out skirts and dresses. It was going to be hot tomorrow, so I definitely didn't want to overdress.

I put on a flouncy floral skirt and a cute white top to match. I pulled my blonde hair away from my face, debating on whether it would look better up or down. Then I remembered my white wedge sandals in the closet and threw them on. I surveyed myself, pleased with what I saw.

I was also pleased the next evening when I showed up at Walker's for my dinner date with Barrett. He was dressed in a pair of sharp, well-fitted jeans and a short-sleeved button-up. His hair was less messy today, coifed with hair gel.

He looked fucking good.

He grinned when he saw me, outstretching his arms for a hug. I breathed in his cologne as he wrapped his arms around me.

"It's great to see you again," he said, opening the door to the restaurant and ushering me through. "And you look gorgeous tonight."

"Thank you." I beamed. I already felt so warm and flustered, filled with nerves for the date.

We were seated at a table in the far back corner. Candles were lit on the table, and the mood of the restaurant was romantic and moody. I had never been to Walker's before, despite living in Ridgewood for several years now.

"I'm so glad you're loving the house," I said, browsing the menu in front of me. "What's your favorite part?"

Barrett looked off into the distance, thinking. "Honestly, the deck is so nice. I like to sit out there and write, especially in the morning with some coffee. It's a dream."

"Do you write every day?"

"Yes, even when I don't feel like it. It's the only way I can stay on track."

I blushed. "I did look up your library. You have written a LOT of books."

Barrett looked, for the first time, bashful. "I know. I'm a fast writer. Sometimes I wonder if I'm too fast. I see the way other novelists write. Maybe I should slow down, take my time."

"If it works, it works," I said with a shrug.

I was surprised how easy it felt with Barrett. We ate our dinner and as Barrett paid the check, I wondered what would come next. Would he invite me back to his place? (The answer to which I had already determined would be "not tonight.") Would he ask me on a second date? (The answer to which I had already determined would be "YES!")

"Which book was the first best seller? Which one was the one that jumpstarted your writing career?" I asked.

He sent me the link to his first hit.

"It might not be your speed," he said. "I don't know what you usually read."

I thought about the cheesy thrillers and mysteries I consumed as much as air. I was going to tell him I read a little bit of everything, but instead, I opted for the truth.

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with those!" said Barrett insistently. "Reading is reading."

I looked at him, surprised. I thought a successful writer would be more pretentious or something, but he wasn't. He seemed so normal for someone with such an interesting job.

Barrett walked me to my car, the summer breezing wrapping around us.

"This was really fun," said Barrett, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a smile.

"Yes, it was. Thank you for dinner."

"Do you want to come back to my pl¬--"

"Yes," I blurted out. "Wait, I mean, no. I mean, yes. Actually. Yes."

Barrett's laughter sputtered out over his lips. "Chelsey, it's fine if you don't want to. You're allowed to say no."

I let my shoulders fall away from my ears as I forced myself to relax. "I do want to."

We took separate cars, and when I got inside mine, nerves and excitement flooded me. This was really happening. Okay. I took a deep breath. My body felt hot and on edge. I hadn't realized until that very moment how much I missed sex, how badly I craved it.

I had never seen the house in the dark before. Moonlight was creeping over the top of the trees, a white glow above the pine boughs. I parked my car next to Barrett's, and he was smiling as he stepped out of his.

"You aren't allowed to judge my décor choices," he said, as I followed him to the front door. "I'm just a single guy, doing my best. But I'm open to suggestions."

"Noted."

But there were no suggestions or critiques necessary, because Barrett had decorated the place beautifully. Everything was done in shades of brown and green, bringing out the home's rustic feel. I loved the plush leather sofa, a caramel-y color that housed a few hunter-green pillows. A massive cowhide rug sat sprawled underneath a heavy wooden coffee table. It did NOT look like a single man's home.

"You don't have, like, a secret wife?" I said, half-joking.

Barrett laughed. It was a good laugh, a real and hearty laugh. "No. But is that a compliment? You like the place?"

"It's amazing! Seriously, you did an awesome job." My eyes wandered to the shelves that I had been jealous of. Unsurprisingly, Barrett had filled them with books the way that I would have. I walked over with my head tilted so I could see the titles.

"Don't judge!" he said behind me.

My eyes widened as I saw two Thomas O'Malley books. I never expected Barrett to have read such ridiculous, cheesy thrillers.

"O'Malley?" he said, as I turned to look at him, grinning. "Hey, like I said, reading is reading."

We moved into the kitchen, where Barrett uncorked a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. He held up an empty glass, looking at me inquisitively, and I nodded.

Barrett opened the back door, and I saw that he had added amazing wicker furniture to the back deck. We sank into the soft cushions, and I audibly groaned. This outdoor sofa was more comfortable than my BED.

"Mmm, this is so comfy," I said, sighing. "You did good, Barrett. You did good."

We clinked our glasses together, locking eyes as we sipped. My belly was a tangle of nerves as Barrett leaned in. I watched as his face angled to the side, his gaze moving to my lips.

When we kissed, it felt exactly like I'd hoped it would. Every nerve ending in my body seemed to spark alive. It was a gentle kiss that started off softly but quickly deepened into something more. Our tongues slid into each other's mouths, and it was Barrett who ended the kiss first.

"I hope I'm not moving too quickly," he said, studying my face.

I shook my head. "Not at all. It feels really good."

We put our glasses of wine onto the coffee table, and then everything shifted. We started kissing again, this time with more intensity. Barrett's hands ran through my hair as I positioned myself onto his lap. Maybe it WAS too fast. I didn't know, but I didn't care. All I knew was that I needed him, and quickly.

Barrett pulled off my shirt, his eyes landing on my bra. I was wearing my pink, lacy, low-cut bra reserved for special occasions, like potential sex with a hot author in the most beautiful house I'd ever set foot in.

"Gorgeous," he said, running his hands along my cleavage and gently squeezing. He was staring at me so admiringly.

He reached around and unhooked my bra. The second that my breasts were free, he tossed the bra aside and leaned in so he could suck on each nipple. One of his hands was on the small of my back, holding me in place.

My eyes fluttered as pleasure rolled through my body. His tongue was lavishing each nipple, pulling my breasts into his mouth. My pussy clenched in response. I could feel shivers travel over all of me, my skin breaking out into goosebumps.

Barrett stood up then, and I couldn't help but squeal.

"Barrett!" I gasped, as he held me against him, my legs wrapped around his waist.

"I've got you."

He carried me into the living room and gently put me down on the couch. I watched with heavy eyes as Barrett pulled off his shirt, then his pants. He stared into my eyes the whole time, an intense gesture that made me feel a fresh rush of heat in my body.

He dropped to his knees and pushed my thighs apart. Then he pulled down my thong. I was trembling for him, eager and needy for the next part. His expression was smoldering as he slowly lowered his face between my legs. I was positioned at the edge of the couch, which was plush and deep.

"Fuck, Chelsey," he muttered.

I inhaled sharply as he sank into my pussy. His tongue pushed down against my soft folds, my entrance, and then up to my clit. My hips rolled up against his mouth, and I let the pleasure shiver through me. He was so good at that, so good at tonguing my sensitive, protruding clit in a way that made me melt. He was enthusiastic as he pleasured me. I loved his soft moans, the little growls I could hear gathering at the back of his throat.

"Holy shit," I panted, my words coming out choked. "Barrett!"

I couldn't help it--I was tugging at his hair, my orgasm breaking open inside me. My body bucked up off the couch, and it was Barrett's hands that kept me down and spread open. My pussy tightened, and every inch of me felt warm and electrified. I could feel each muscle group tensing and relaxing, and then finally, after what felt like a lifetime, I was settling down once more.

When Barrett finally pulled away, he looked up at me with a delicious smile on his face, and it made me blush.

"I... really needed that," I said breathlessly, sitting up straighter. "It's been a while." I regretted admitting that the second after I said it.

"For me, too. An embarrassingly long time."

"Really?" I was skeptical about that.

But I didn't have time to pry any more, because my focus was now on Barrett's cock, which he had just pulled out of his black boxer briefs.

I pulled Barrett into me, his cock bobbing by my face. It was a very sexy cock, with a slight upward curve and a thick head already dripping with precum by the time my tongue wrapped around it.

"Fuuuuck, yes," he breathed. "You're amazing."

I slowly slid my mouth all the way down the length of him, taking him as far into my throat as I could. I managed to get most of his cock in my mouth, and once he was there, I began to bob my head up and down.

Could it really be true? Could Barrett be in the middle of a dry spell like I was? I realized how much of a pedestal I had put him on. Yes, he was a famous author with a beautiful house, but he also went months on end without sex and read trashy thrillers and--

"Come here," he said suddenly, his cock popping from my mouth. "Can we go up to the bedroom?"

I nodded. I swear my heart was in my ears. I was aching for him, and strings of wetness were dripping from my pussy as we walked up the stairs and to his bedroom.

It was interesting to see the house filled with things. Barrett had worked fast--there were already several frames of art on the walls, and the bedroom especially surprised me. The bed was a beautiful blend of navy blue and brown, with a plush rug underneath a sturdy-looking mahogany bed.

I laid down on my back and wrapped my arms around Barrett's neck. I felt bold, which took me by surprise. Somehow, this wasn't awkward at all. It was just natural and so damn hot.

"I want you," he said, crawling on top of me.

"The feeling is mutual."

We both watched as Barrett guided his cock into my pussy. He went slower than he needed to, but I didn't mind because I loved feeling every inch of him slowly enter me. My jaw went slack as newfound pleasure surged up in my core. My shoulders rolled back, and I started to moan as Barrett's cock disappeared fully inside me.

He leaned over top of me and began to thrust, pumping into my pussy in slow, deep strokes. He looked down at my face, and I had never seen him appear so undone before. I loved that I could have that effect on him.

"Chelsey," he panted, picking up the tempo.

My heart fluttered at hearing him say my name. What was about it hearing your own name during sex? It was perfect. I wanted to hear it a million more times.

"Barrett," I said, equally breathless.

"Hold onto me."

I wrapped myself up in his arms and, keeping his cock firmly inside me, Barrett rolled us over so that I was on top.

I felt shy at first, too exposed in this position. But Barrett's wide eyes and sounds of astonishment encouraged me. I grinded against him, his cock deep in my wetness. When my legs started to tighten (because let's be honest--I wasn't used to being in this position), I leaned forward, and Barrett took over.

He fucked me from below so intensely that the bed rocked below us. He held me tightly against him, with me moaning right into his ear, as his cock plunged into me again and again.

Barrett finally slammed into me one final time, and I could feel his release filling me. Our bodies were hot and sweaty, but I didn't even care. Our breathing was mingled together in a mix of sighs and groans and pants.

I lay on the bed after that, while Barrett went to get us glasses of water, for which I was grateful.

"I turned the AC up, too," he said, blowing a breath out over his lips. "We really worked up a sweat. Well, I did, at least."

I laughed. "It's okay. I won't judge."

"Oh, thank God." Barrett took a long drink of water and then said, "What are you doing tomorrow?"

I thought about it for a moment. "No plans, really. Was just going to do some errands."

"So... I might be able to tempt you to stay the night?"

Another giddy feeling was bubbling up inside me. I let my smile grow big as I answered, "Yeah! I'd like that."

* * *

The next morning, Barrett wasn't in bed when I woke up. I had had the deepest, best sleep of my life. I didn't know whether it was because of Barrett's impressive mattress or the amazing sex, but either way, I felt more well-rested than I ever had.

I pulled on last night's outfit, minus the bra and panties, and headed downstairs.

"Um, hello?" I called out, but there was no answer.

When I turned the corner into the kitchen, I saw him. The back door was open, with the blinds pushed aside. I had a full view of Barrett, standing completely naked as he took off the cover to the hot tub. Morning light was shining straight down onto him, in yellow-white rays.

I watched the way he moved as he pulled the cover aside, his ass cheeks flexing as much as his arms. God, he really did look so good.

He reached in with his hand to test the temperature, and then he lowered himself into the water. It wasn't a graceful movement, but it was charming to see him like this--relaxed and ordinary.

"There you are!" he said, finally turning to see me standing inside. "Come on, sleepyhead!"

I walked over to stand in the doorway, shielding my eyes from the sun. "Is this your morning ritual?"

"Sometimes. Wanna join?"

"Naked?"

"Sure! Why not?"

I laughed. "Okay, okay." I looked around as though there were people watching me before realizing there was no one. This was as secluded as I could be.

"I promise," said Barrett, "that no one is creeping in the trees."

I took off my clothes, moving quickly over to the hot tub. I know we had just had sex the night before, but it felt different now in the light of day. Everyone's imperfections were so much more visible the morning after.

"If you're uncomfortable, we can get out." Barrett pushed his fingers through the water. "I don't want you to think I'm some weird naked pervert. Although I do love being naked."

I let myself relax in the hot water. The morning air was slightly cool, and the breeze felt nice against my face.

"I'm jealous," I said, my eyes closed as I leaned my head back. "This is the life. You're so damn lucky."

Barrett made a noise, the tone of which I couldn't place, so I opened my eyes. "Sorry if that was..." I trailed off, searching for the word.

"No," he said emphatically. "You're fine. Now come over here."

He was smiling at me genuinely, so I moved over to sit in his lap. I looked past him at the tall pines and the birds dancing across the sky.

"So are you just always naked when you're at home? Or is it reserved for hot tubs only?" I asked cheekily.

"Oh, I am usually always naked. I love it. I even love naked hikes. Did you know there's a whole group of people who do naked hikes together?"

My eyes widened, and I pulled back to look at him. "What, like a sex thing?"

Barrett snorted. "No, not like a sex thing. Although I'm sure for some people, it might be. It's just nice to get out into nature in your own natural state."

I contemplated this. I didn't consider myself prudish by any means, but I couldn't imagine walking through the woods with a bunch of naked strangers.

"Can't you get in trouble for that?"

Barrett shrugged. "We usually go pretty remote or on someone's private land." He paused and then said, "There's actually one this afternoon. I was planning on going, but honestly, I'd rather hang out with you."

"No, go!" I said. "I'll take off. You shouldn't miss out on this, um, naked hike just for my benefit."

His green eyes were looking into mine. Smile lines were etched into the corners, and when Barrett wiped his hand down his face, drops of water clung to his nose. "Would you want to check it out with me?"

"The naked hike? Um. Huh."

"You also don't have to be fully naked. But you definitely have to be okay with seeing naked people."

I thought about it for a second. I hadn't done anything so crazy in a long time. In fact, I couldn't remember the last time I'd experienced anything that rattled me. I'd been living a pretty soft life for the last year, and it was wonderful, but maybe it was time to step out of the box. Meeting Barrett felt like the beginning of something.

"Okay, fuck it," I said, squealing as I moved, antsy, around the center of the hot tub. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god."

"We'll have to go get you some shoes to wear."

"I have gym shoes in the trunk of my car," I said. "Will they be okay?"

Barrett grinned. "Yes. We tend to stick to paths and trails. Otherwise things can get a bit dangerous with all the sticks and thorns and stuff."

"It sounds like there's a story there," I said, stifling a laugh.

We got out of the hot tub and made iced coffee while Barrett told me about an unfortunate incident involving a briar patch and his poor balls. I was in tears by the end of the story, and Barrett playfully glared at me as I laughed at his pain.

I used his shower to wash up, which felt more intimate than anything else somehow. Being surrounded by all the mundane details of his life, like his body scrub and razor, seemed so raw and voyeuristic.

Barrett had given me clothes to wear. I tossed on the old t-shirt and rolled the workout shorts up three times at the waist before heading downstairs.

"Whoa," I said. "What's all this?"

There was a big plate of sandwiches on the table, along with a bowl of fruit salad.

"Lunch!"

I was impressed, almost to the point of suspicion. What was Barrett's red flag? What was the deep, dark secret that would eventually resurface and blindside me?

"I have a question about this naked hike," I said, as we both sat down and began to eat. "Aren't you worried about being recognized?"

Barrett shook his head. "No. Authors never get recognized by their appearance. Plus, I wear sunglasses and go by an alias. Do you think you can remember to call me West?"

"West?" I said, half-laughing. "Why did you choose West?"

Barrett shrugged and popped a grape in his mouth. "I always thought it was a cool name. I used to consider using it as a pseudonym."

"Should I have a fake name too?"

"Ooh, now THAT'S fun. Did you have something in mind?"

"Pick for me." I propped my head up on my hands and batted my eyelashes. "Make it good."

"Sapphire. Because of your eyes. They're gorgeous."

I could feel the color rising to my face. It was cheesy (the name) but I liked the thought behind it, and the compliment. "Sapphire," I repeated. "Sapphire and West. We sound like some amazing characters."

There was an hour to kill before the naked hike, and I was getting more nervous by the minute. So Barrett took me through the extra rooms of the house, asking me for advice on what he should do with the spaces.

"This is going to be my guest room," he said, opening a door to the next-biggest bedroom on the second floor. "But right now, it's a storage unit, as you can see."

I walked over to the pile of things strewn out on the floor and looked down. "Is this the next great novel?" I asked, pointing to a huge pile of papers tucked in an overflowing envelope.

Barrett cleared his throat. "Well, first of all, I'm a modern man. I don't write my novels by typewriter and candlelight. Second of all... no. That's, uh, a bunch of old paperwork that needs to be filed somewhere."

I looked at him questioningly but didn't press him. It was clearly something he didn't want to talk about.

"Alright, so what do you think?" asked Barrett. "The bed should go right here between these windows, right?"

I nodded. "Definitely." I thought about all the times I had recommended certain room layouts to my potential buyers. I was an expert at telling people where a couch or bed should go. "The natural light in here is amazing. You should get some plants."

"Thaaat's a lot of responsibility." Barrett smiled at me and took a step closer.

I expected a kiss but instead, Barrett reached out and ran his thumb over my bottom lip. He looked down at me, his gaze holding mine. Sunlight streamed in through the curtainless windows.

"I don't think we have time for..." Barrett trailed off.

Part of me wished he would say we could skip the naked hike and stay home and fuck. But another part of me was now totally intrigued by the hike, despite my nerves.

An hour later, I was being introduced as Sapphire to a group of people who were all in various stages of getting undressed. I didn't know where to focus my attention, so I made sure I just looked at everyone's faces. It was a group of six people aside from "West" and me, and they ranged in age from early 20's to early 60's.

"Welcome, Sapphire," said the group leader, Dan, the oldest member. "I know it's not the most traditional way to meet someone." He stuck out his hand and the smile on his face was friendly and charming.

Barrett looked at me and gave me a reassuring wink and nod. I watched as he started to undress, putting his clothes in the backpack he was wearing. I took off my shirt and then my skirt. I was going to leave it at that, but the energy was contagious, and I was feeling bold. So I unhooked my bra, making Barrett's eyes widen in surprise.

"Are you sure?" he mouthed.

I gave him a sheepish look and nodded.

I was fully naked now, except for my sneakers. There was something very freeing about it, about feeling the breeze on my bare skin, about being so open in front of total strangers. I felt sexy. I felt wild.

"So, West, how did you and Sapphire meet?" asked a woman named Tanya. I briefly looked down at her bare ass, which had a heart-shaped tattoo on it.

"Uh, we actually met at a bookstore," said Barrett, before I could answer. He flashed me a smile. "Yeah, we were waiting in line to get our books signed by our favorite author, Thomas O'Malley."

"That's so damn cute," said Tanya, looking at the both of us.

I bit my lip. "It was very cute indeed."

We moved through the small dirt path toward the sound of rushing water. This place wasn't cleaned up very well, so there were lots of briars and brambles along the way. It was easy to see that the path wasn't traversed very often.

Barrett was bringing up the rear.

"You okay back there, West?" I called out, pushing aside a low-hanging branch.

"Yup!" I could hear his feet snapping over the sticks on the ground. I wondered if he was checking me out as we walked.

When we reached the river, everyone stopped for a water break. I was surprised that I didn't feel the need to cover myself now that we had stopped moving. I was at-ease.

"Sapphire," hissed Barrett. "SAPPHIRE!"

I realized he was talking to me, and I swiveled my head to see him gesturing for me to join him at the edge of the forest.

"Are you having a good time?" he asked, cupping my face in his hands.

"Yes, actually." I was buzzing. "This is the craziest thing I've done in a long time."

I had barely got the words out before Barrett was bending over to kiss me. It wasn't a shy kiss, either. His tongue was in my mouth, and I was opening my lips wider in response.

"Come on," he said, pulling away. "Let's go off on our own little adventure."

I held Barrett's hand as he quickly shouted out a quick excuse to the group, letting them know we needed to head back early. No one seemed to mind. It turns out that most naked hikers are pretty easy-going.

I let Barrett lead me back up the path for a few minutes before he finally veered off and took me over to a huge rock. It was smooth and massive, with moss covering the top.

"Chelsey," he said, pulling me in by the waist. "What if we fucked right here?"

I swallowed hard. "Let's do it."

Barrett didn't need me to say anything else. We began to make out wildly, tossing our backpacks onto the ground. As we kissed, Barrett gently pushed me up against the rock and slid one hand between my legs. He started to rub my clit, warming me up for him. I rolled my hips against his fingers, excitement rushing through me.

When his fingers moved lower to my entrance, he groaned when he realized that I was already wet for him.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of a twig snapping nearby. "What was that?" I hissed, ready to cover myself up.

Barrett looked around. "It's nothing. It was probably just a squirrel. Do you want to go back to the house?"

I shook my head and took Barrett's hard cock in my hand. "No. No, I want to keep doing this."

I began to stroke him, looking up as Barrett's face melted with arousal.

He spun me around so that I was bracing myself against the rock. I arched my back, sticking my ass out, and then I moaned as I felt the head of Barrett's cock against my pussy. Inch by inch, he slid himself inside me.

"Fuck, West!" I cried. "God, you feel good."

"Mmm, Sapphire, you feel incredible."

His hands were on my waist as he began to pump into my slit with steady thrusts. It all felt so unreal: the sunlight cutting through the trees, the fact that we were naked in the middle of the woods, and the fact that this was happening with Barrett at all.

I threw back my head and let myself lean into my wild animal side. I made noises I had never heard myself make before, and my knees were getting shakier by the second as Barrett fucked me harder and harder.

"Just like that," I gritted out. "Yes, yes, yes!"

Barrett's cock was hitting the perfect, sensitive spot.

"Don't you worry," he growled. "I'm not fucking stopping."

I was absolute putty.

When I came, I howled and cried up to the open sky so loud I swore that all the nearby birds lifted off from their branches. Pleasure radiated from my pussy, spreading through me down to my toes. My wet slit clenched down around Barrett, and the waves of arousal just kept coming. I indulged in every single one, relishing this perfect moment.

"Sapphire, baby, can I cum for you?" said Barrett, and I could hear the desperation in his voice.

"Fill me up, West," I said breathlessly. I was still shaking from the climax.

He didn't last long after that. Barrett slammed his cock into me one last time, his load flooding me deeply, and held me close. My body was leaning back against his as his cock twitched in my pussy. I had never experienced sex like this before, and I wanted more and more of it.

Finally, Barrett let me go. I turned around to face him, and the expression of awe that he wore matched my own.

"You're amazing," he said, pushing his fingers through his hair.

We drank water and leaned up against the rock as we caught our breath.

"We should head back unless we want to risk the others catching up to us," said Barrett. "Wanna keep going?"

I nodded and followed him on the path. We were walking in shared silence.

"I was sick, you know," said Barrett suddenly. "Like, really sick. I don't want to get into it. But there was a time when I didn't think I was going to be here anymore. That's what they told me, anyway. All those papers in my house? It's all my old medical shit."

"Oh, Barrett." I felt terrible. "I'm sorry. I'm REALLY sorry."

He turned around to look at me with a small smile. "Nah, it's okay. It's okay now, at least. But yeah, that's when I started to really get into my writing. I started to focus on what was important. I said, 'fuck it' and decided to start naked hiking." He laughed at that last part.

I nodded in understanding, even though he couldn't see me. "I get it. I totally get it. That must have been so scary."

I was still thinking about this as we got back to Barrett's house. I wanted to know more, of course, but I didn't want to question it.

We left our backpacks at the door and got into the shower together. We didn't talk, only washed off the day's events from our skin. We lathered each other up and took turns under the water. When we were done, we wrapped ourselves up in towels and lay on Barrett's bed.

"I promise I'll let you go after this," said Barrett. I could hear him stifling a yawn as he spoke. "But do you want to have a nap with me?"

"I," I replied, curling up against him, "would love a nap with you."

* * *

ONE YEAR LATER

Barrett wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed my forehead. I felt sweaty and disgusting, but I knew he didn't care.

"You guys are really precious, you know that?" said Tanya, sipping from her water bottle. Her skin was golden and glistening in the sun.

Barrett and I looked at each other, beaming. I worried sometimes that we were too cheesy for the group, and this hike was especially cheesy because I had officially moved in to Barrett's house the weekend before. It felt amazing to have my things in his home, to be in such a beautiful space with such a beautiful person.

"Yeah, do you guys ever argue?" asked Dan. His hand was on his hip with one foot propped up on a rock, leaving little to the imagination.

"No," said Barrett, shaking his head. "No, Sapphire and I get along great, right, babe?"

"We really do, West, don't we?" I opened up my backpack, setting it on my bare thighs. "Does anyone want a protein bar?"