Tenderness is a Dangerous Thing

Chapter 28: Botany Camp-First kiss

Anna’s breath caught in her throat as Evan’s hand moved higher up her thigh. His touch was firm and confident, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. She knew she should tell him to stop, that his was getting out of hand, but the words would not come. “Fun?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. The idea of having fun with Evan was both exciting and intimidating. She had never done anything like this before. Evan nodded, his hazel brown eyes locked on hers. “Yeah, fun.” His thumb hooked under the hem of her shorts, grazing the sensitive skin just above her knee. “You deserve to let loose a little.” Anna felt herself leaning into his touch, her body responding instinctively to his gentle caress. She wanted to feel his hand on her more, wanted to experience this new kind of excitement he was offering. “Okay,” she breathed out, giving him permission without really thinking about it. “Show me.” He cupped her cheek with his big, warm hand and leaned forward to kiss her. Her eyes fluttered shut as his lips met hers. The kiss was gentle at first, a short press of his mouth against hers. But then it deepened, his tongue tracing the seam of her lips, asking for entrance. She parted her lips with a soft sigh, allowing him to explore her mouth. His kiss was confident and demanding, yet tender in a way that made Anna’s heart race. She had never been kissed like this before, with such intensity a passion.

Her hands came up to rest on his shoulders, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. She felt like she was drowning in the sensation, lost in the feel of his lips on hers and his hand cupping her cheek. When they finally broke apart for air, Anna was breathless. Anna’s lips felt swollen and sensitive. She looked at Evan through heavy-lidded eyes, her mind reeling. Evan just looked at her with a smug smile and licked his lips. “That... That was...” she started, unable to find the right words. “Incredible... I know,” he said confidently. “How about I stop by your room tonight, after the lights are out–” he suggested seductively. Anna’s mind went blank at Evan’s suggestion. Him, coming to her room? Tonight? The thought sent a thrill of excitement and nerves through her. “Tonight?” she repeated, her voice barely a whisper. She knew it was crazy, that she should say no, but the memory of his kiss just a second ago still lingered on her lips, and the idea of more was too tempting to resist. Evan nodded, his thumb gently stroking her lower lip. “Yeah, I will make sure no one sees me.” His hazel brown eyes gleamed with mischief. “What do you say?” Anna bit her lower lip, trying to think rationally. But all she could think about was the way his hand felt on her thigh right now, the pressure of his lips against hers. She wanted more of that feeling. “Okay,” she agreed, her voice trembling slightly. “But... Be careful.” She did not want him to get into trouble because of her. “Don’t worry sweetheart,” he said arrogantly.

After the other groups finished their research, another camp leader took the group of campers into the greenhouse and showed them the variety of edible plants and explained the many uses of the plants. The large, elegant greenhouse was filled with a wide variety of lush plants. The structure was spacious, with a high arched roof made almost entirely of glass panels supported by a framework dark-painted metal beams. Sunlight streamed through the galls ceiling and walls, illuminating the interior of the greenhouse with soft natural light while casting long geometric shadows across the pale stone pathway that ran through the center. The greenhouse is organized around a broad central walkway that extends towards a archway covered in climbing vines and greenery in the distance.

On both sides of the walkway are densely planted garden beds bordered by low stone edging. The beds overflow with vegetation of varying heights, textures and shades of green. Large tropical plants with broad, glassy leaves dominate some sections, while delicate flowering plants and splashes of purple, pink and red throughout. Several potted plants sit near the edges of the path, their terracotta and ceramic containers blending naturally with the garden. To the left, a massive hanging fern cascades downward in thick layers of vibrant green fronds and around it smaller flowering plants and leafy shrubs create a layered arrangement. Climbing vines also ascend parts of the greenhouse walls, softening the metal framework with natural growth.

The right side of the greenhouse contains an equally dense collection of plants, though the foliage is slightly taller and more tropical in appearance. Large elephant-ear-like leaves, bushy shrubs and clusters of flowering plants create a rich tapestry of textures. The planting beds appear carefully maintained but intentionally abundant.

Around dinner time, everyone gathered in the cafeteria, a big empty hall, with white and red tables and chairs bolted to the grey wood-patterned vinyl floors, where bright red rectangular inlays are scattered throughout the flooring, matching the color of the seating. The tables are long, rectangular, light grey cafeteria-style units with evenly spaced circular, bright red stools attached along both sides. The walls of the cafeteria were painted primarily white, with a bold horizontal stripe pattern running around much of the room. A thick black stripe sits above a wider red stripe. White support columns were positioned throughout the space, wrapped in the same red and black banding.

Anna got a tray of vegetarian food, freshly grown on the campgrounds. When she went to sit down at one of the tables near the windows that overlooked the field, Evan immediately went to sit beside her, with a tray of his own. Anna felt a flutter of excitement as Evan sat down next to her. Throughout the day, she had caught herself sneaking glances at him, remembering their kiss and the promise of tonight. Having him so close now made her feel warm and tingly inside. “Hey,” she said softly, smiling at him. “Did you enjoy the greenhouse tour?” Evan shrugged, picking up his form, “It was alright.” He took a bite of his food, then leaned in closer to her. “Can’t wait for tonight,” he murmured, his voice low and husky. Anna’s heart skipped a beat. She looked around quickly to make sure no one was listening in. “Me neither,” she whispered back, her cheeks flushing. They have their dinner in comfortable silence, occasionally exchanging glances and small smiles. Anna found herself watching the way Evan’s jaw worked as he chewed. The way his large hands held his fork and knife.

“I hear there is going to be a slide show later, about foraging and ethnobotany.” Evan said casually, not looking at her, but observing the hall instead. Anna’s eyes lit up at the mention of the slide show. “Oh, that sounds interesting! I have always wanted to learn more about how different cultures use plants medicinally.” She turned to Evan, a hopeful expression on her face. “Do you want to go together? We could sit in the back row,” she suggested shyly. The idea of being alone with him in a dark room was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Evan finally looked at her, a smirk playing on his lips. “Sure, why now? It will be more fun with you there.” He leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms behind his head, so his shirt rose up slightly, exposing a sliver of his well-toned stomach. “Maybe we can sneak in some kisses during the boring parts,” he suggested playfully. Anna giggled softly, feeling a rush of warmth at his playful suggestion. “You are terrible,” she whispered, nudging him gently with her elbow. As they finished their dinner, Anna found herself looking forward to the evening activities more than ever. When Anna had finished her food and Evan had finished eating — despite there still being food left over on his plate — he took both their trays and disposed of them, without saying a word.