Camp Hardwood by Alexa Riley
Chapter Seven
Tia
My eyes widen when I listen to Sadie tell me how Van punched Jack in the face. She’s so animated, her hands flying everywhere as she acts part of it out. She’s standing on the other side of the counter giving me the scoop and I kind of wish I was there to see it. Jack had a punch to the face coming but I just hope Van doesn't get in trouble over it. Jack is the type that would go crying to the cops or Van’s mom or dad.
“He told everyone about Jack running his mouth too. That little shit took off running to hide from all the girls.” Sadie rolls her eyes so hard it looks painful. “Jack is hot but he is such a douche cannon. He doesn’t even have to open his mouth and you know that.”
He reeks of pompous jerk and I think being cute went straight to his head. The girls around Camp Hardwood aren’t buying what he’s been trying to sell so I guess everything he said was all talk. I’m not usually the one to be told all the gossip but this is big news. I’m a little surprised Sadie is standing here telling me this, but it’s probably because it has to do with me. The girls in camp are sweet to me because I make treats for everyone, but now that I think about it, Piper is the only one I really talk to beyond normal superficial stuff. I overhear them gossip but it’s never to me, and I don’t know if that should hurt my feelings or not.
“You should’ve heard what he said he saw you and Van doing.” That’s all it takes and my face lights up with a flash. “I mean, even if it’s true, who wouldn’t do those things with Van?” Sadie wiggles her eyebrows. “Guess I just never thought of him as a dominant, but now that I think about it…” She taps her finger against her lips.
“Please don’t think about it.”
I don’t say that because I’m embarrassed about what Van and I did but because I don’t want anyone thinking of my Van in any way that’s sexual. He’s mine and only I get that part of him. It’s special and reserved for only me. It’s why no one has noticed it before, even though that part of him has been lurking below the surface his whole life. It’s a part of who he is and the same thing I crave. I might have let my mind do too much wandering today and I’ve been coming up with lots of ideas about the two of us. It’s why we’re meant to be.
“I mean, I’ve read it in books. My mom thinks she has them hidden in the garage in an old box.” Sadie smirks. “Finding that box was the jackpot to understanding my lady business.” I snort as she leans closer. “So you and Van. That’s real?” She gives me a wink. “I mean, he’s been telling people that you’re a thing, but I didn’t pay it much attention. I thought maybe you were, like, saving it for marriage or something so I’ve been trying to be respectful about what I say around you.” Her eyes search my face and I can tell she’s trying to be nice.
“I’m not a nun,” I laugh.
No wonder the girls never tell me anything, but before today I was close to being a nun. Not in my mind but in my body. No one ever touched me until Van got his hands on me. He touches me everywhere and it’s only a glimpse of what’s to come. I can still feel it humming along my skin and I’ve been waiting for him to turn up again today. I want him to pull me off somewhere and have his way with me again.
“So you’re saying part of what Jack said might be true?”
“Take your cookies, Sadie.” I push the Tupperware tub toward her and she snags it off the counter.
“I’m just teasing you. Have fun,” she says before darting off and leaving me in the kitchen alone.
My mind goes back to Van and if he might be in trouble for punching Jack. What do his parents think of all this and what Jack might have told them?
It doesn't seem right for Van to have to fess up to what we did. We didn’t do anything wrong. We were both willing and of age. But his mom and dad might have something to say about it; I never really had to deal with caring what my parents thought. But Van cares about them and so do I. I want them to like me.
I shut down the kitchen and debate what to do as I walk toward my cabin. I want to see Van so badly my body aches for it.
I notice the main office door is closed and I wonder if Van is in there talking with his parents. I keep walking and almost make it back to my cabin when I decide I’m going to go back and see. I don’t want him to have to talk to them alone. But before I can turn a hand comes down over my mouth. I don’t scream as the scent of Van surrounds me and I smile against his palm.
“I need another taste, darling,” he says into my ear before pulling me off into the woods. He keeps his hand over my mouth and whispers close to my ear. “Are you going to scream?” he asks, and I shake my head. I can feel his erection against me and I know that this is the beginning of a game we’re about to play.
“What if I want you to scream?” His hand drops from my mouth and he kisses the soft skin of my neck. “Scream my name while I make you cum?”
My whole body lights up with desire as he presses his hard, muscled body to mine.
“I’ll do anything you ask me to,” I admit, bending to his command. Only a simple touch and I’m wet with need. Every desire I’ve ever had for him comes rushing forward and my body aches for him to give it release.
“You’ve been fighting this,” he reminds me and I start to drop my head, feeling ashamed. “I’m sorry, darling.”
I turn in his arms and his finger goes under my chin to make me look up at him.
“I didn't mean it like that. I’d be a liar if I didn't admit it hurts when you pull away from me, but I’ve been letting things settle for you. I know this is a lot to take in and I didn’t want to overwhelm you.”
“I’m just scared,” I admit. “But not of you.”
“I know.” He leans downs, brushing his mouth to mine. “It’s my job to show you that you don’t have to be scared.”
“I trust you.” As I say the words I realize just how true they are. He keeps showing me exactly why he’s so perfect for me and that this is meant to be.
“Good. Because I’m taking you home.”
He grabs my hand and we walk to his cabin. He has no idea what the word home does to me.
