Tenderness is a Dangerous Thing

Chapter 31: Botany Camp- The Hike

She tightened her grip slightly, stroking him faster still. Evan let out a deep groan as he climaxed, his body tensing beneath her touch. His released pulsed hot and thick onto her hand, coating her fingers. Anna watched in fascination as he came undone. His face contorted with pleasure. She continued to stroke him gently, milking every drop from him. When he finally relaxed, she slowly withdrew her hand. It was sticky with his semen, and she looked at it for a moment before bringing her fingers to her lips and licking them clean. Evan’s hazel brown eyes widened at the sight. “Wow, you are full of surprises,” he breathed out, a lazy smile spreading across his face. He pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply. Anna melted against him, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction at having pleased him so thoroughly. The moment was short-lived, as Evan stood up from the bed, pulled up his boxers and black shorts and said softly, “I got to get back to my room before someone notices I am missing.” Anna felt a pang of disappointment as he got up to leave. She did not want the night to end, but she knew he was right. They could not risk getting caught. She sat up, pulling the white bedsheets around her. “Okay,” she whispered, her voice soft with sleep and satisfaction. Evan leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. “Sweet dreams, I will see you in the morning,” he murmured. Anna watched him slip out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him. She flopped back onto her pillow with a contented sigh. Her body still tingling from his touch.

During the following week, Anna and Evan snuck around to make out. They rubbed up against each other like the horny teenagers they were, whenever the opportunity presented itself. And every night Evan snuck into Anna’s room, always leaving abruptly afterward. Friday night after thoroughly satisfying each other, Evan says, “Tomorrow is the camping trip, maybe we could have some fun there too.” Anna giggled softly against Evan’s chest, feeling a sense of playful mischief she had not known she possessed. “Maybe,” she whispered, tracing patterns on his bare skin with her fingertips. The idea of having more fun with him on the camping trip sent a thrill of excitement through her. The thought of being alone in the woods, away from prying eyes, was incredibly appealing. “What did you have in mind?” she asked, tilting her head to look at him. Her brown eyes sparkled with curiosity and anticipation. Evan chuckled, his hand sliding down to cup her bottom. “Oh, I have a few ideas,” he murmured seductively. “Maybe we can find a secluded spot by the lake and skinny-dip.” Anna’s breath caught in her throat at his suggestion. Skinny-dipping with Evan sounded like a dream come true. “And maybe other things too,” he added, his voice low and husky. With those mysterious words, Evan left to return to his room. As Anna drifted off to sleep, she could not help but think about tomorrow’s camping trip and all the fun they would have together.

The next day, after breakfast, the camp leaders gathered everyone and explained that in order to participate in the camping trip, campers would hike up the mountain with a tent and supplies. They gave everyone a tent, supplies, a map and a book for identifying edible plants. Then they explained that there were several trails leading up to suitable campgrounds on the mountain and that campers could identify, harvest and taste wild edible plants growing along the trails. Anna listened intently to the camp leader’s instructions, her mind already racing with thoughts of the camping trip and the plans she had made with Evan. She glanced over at him, catching his eye and sharing a secret smile. Outside the main campus, Evan and Anna stood at the large wooden gate, looking out at the towering, rugged mountain, which rose sharply into a brilliant blue sky scattered with soft, white clouds.

The steep slope was covered by a combination of jagged grey rock formations, patches of hardy alpine vegetation and clusters of evergreen trees. The summit forms a sharp, pointed peak that stood prominently against the sky. Sunlight illuminated the rocky cliffs from above, highlighting the textures of the stone while casting gentle shadows into crevices and gullies. The mountainside featured several natural ridges and valleys that created distinct routes leading upward. The foreground opened into a wide trail junction composed of compacted earth, gravel and scattered rocks. Large boulders lay near the base of the paths, while patches of grass and small wildflowers grown between the stones. Dense pine and fir trees frame both sides of the image, their dark green needles provided a rich contrast to the lighter rocks and sky.

The trail sign mounted on a thick timber post consisting of four horizontal weathered wooden planks stacked vertically, each displaying the name of a different hiking trail alongside a colored trail marker and directional arrow. The wood had a rough, aged texture with visible grain and knots. The four trails listed on the sign was: the summit view trail– marked with a blue diamond and pointing to the right; the pine ridge trail– marked with a green circle and pointing straight ahead toward the mountain; the rocky ascent trail– marked with a red triangle and directing hikers to the left; and finally, the forest loop trail– marked with a yellow square and pointing left toward a gentle route through the trees. Evan took out the map and traced the trail that would lead to a small lake on top of the mountain. They began hiking up the forest loop trail and Anna found herself walking beside Evan.

They fell into an easy rhythm, chatting about the plants they saw along the way. Anna pointed out a patch of wild strawberries, and they both stopped to pick a few, popping them into their mouths and savoring the sweet taste. The hike was strenuous, but Anna barely noticed. She was too focused on Evan and the promise of what was to come. As they climbed higher, the trail grew narrower, offering more privacy. Evan leaned close to her ear. “Almost there, can’t wait to get you alone.” he whispered. Anna’s heart raced at his words. She looked up at him, her brown eyes shining with excitement. “Me neither.” After a few minutes, Anna started to struggle with the heavy bag containing the tent. Evan easily took the bag from her and carried it for her. “You can thank me later,” he murmured. Anna smiled gratefully at Evan as he took the heavy bag from her. “Thanks, you are a lifesaver,” she said softly. He grinned at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Just wait until later,” he whispered, giving her a wink. As they continued hiking, Anna could not help but admire the way Evan’s muscles flexed with each step. He carried the bag effortlessly, as if it weighed nothing.

Finally, they reached the designated camping spot on top of the mountain. The sun was already low in the sky. It was a beautiful clearing with a stunning view of the valley below. Other campers who had hiked up the same trail started setting up their tents, but Anna only had eyes for Evan. He found a secluded spot near a grove of trees, beside a calm lake and dropped their supplies. A patch of low vegetation consisting of grass, moss and small shrubs covered the uneven ground. Evergreen trees with dark trunks and dense canopies surrounded the area. The lake shoreline was in front of them, transitioning into a narrow strip of rocky beach made up of small stones and pebbles. Beyond lies a perfectly calm lake whose glass-like surface reflected the deep blue colors of the sky. The water looked almost completely still, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. Across the lake, a further shoreline was visible as a dark, forested silhouette stretching toward the horizon. The dense tree line faded into the distance and above it the sky was painted in rich twilight blues with long, wispy clouds stretching diagonally across the sky. The remaining light from sunset had faded, leaving a cool, serene ambiance that contrasted beautifully with the tent’s warm orange illumination. The subtle gradient in the sky transitioned from a lighter blue near the horizon to a deeper navy overhead.

“This looks like a good place,” he said, looking around to make sure they were alone. Anna nodded eagerly, her heart pounding in her chest. Evan helped her set up her tent, and then he set up his own right next to hers. When he was done, he said suggestively, “I will not be using this, it is just for show. How about we collect firewood for later?” he asked, but he was already moving to collect wood.