Chapter 3
Brook endured Mason”sheat the entire day. Every time he touched or stood close, she wanted to damn her girlfriends and pull him into a quiet space to enjoy some of the passion they”d shared in the wee hours of the morning. When they arrived at the house, the look in his eyes nearly made her forgo the fellowship with her friends. But she felt too guilty at the thought of ditching them. They”d planned this trip a while ago, and she nearly didn”t make it because of work. They”d not all been together for some time. Unlike their college years, when they first met, work and relationships had kept them apart. Everyone couldn”t make it for the last two or three gatherings because of obligations. So, Kimber made the plans and made everyone promise to make this trip.
She did her best to stay engaged with the ladies during girl talk. Again, they all drank more than their share. Only, she sipped from the container and burned between the legs, waiting for a chance to slip away to the other side of the house. She”d been so happy to learn that the latch and his back-screen door were unlocked when the opportunity came to steal away. Brook found Mason passed out on top of the comforter and eased into the bed. Mason”s arms instantly wrapped around and held her tight. He chanted her name, which made her desire even more potent. The whiskey on his breath wisped across her face, and when she covered his mouth, the sweet-tart taste remained on his lips.
Brook took thoughtful measures to ensure Mason didn”t have to fight through clothes, releasing them to the floor before climbing into the bed. She stood wet and ready, hoping the wait for her reward would be short and sweet. When he sat up and squeezed her tighter, Brook rejoiced at the strength in his arms and the passion of his warm and succulent lips.
“Hmm, baby, I’ve been dreaming about you. I’m so relieved you’re here.” He kissed her long and strong.
”I could barely wait. I need you,” Brook uttered between kisses.
”I got you, darlin”. Come here.” With ease, he led her into a mind-altering interlude, using his hands and lips to whip her into surrender.
Brook answered each and every one of his sensual calls. She sprayed her legs and allowed Mason to nestle right between them. His erection pulsated at her wet opening, and Brook lifted as much as possible to feel him completely. From behind, she tried to move the shorts over his buttocks, but her arms failed to reach around long enough to complete the task. His mouth kept her occupied and, at the same time, detained. Moans filled the room, and the bed dipped at their every move. The creaking mattress joined the chorus of gasping, suckling, and groans; the melody took on a life of the age-old ritual of searching for and eventually finding that ultimate sweet spot.
Finally, Mason pulled away long enough to release the shorts and cover the silky, smooth, solid erection and gifted her with warmth and pleasure as he stroked her long and slow. She didn”t have control of the pace but tried to capture as much of him as possible with each dive. Her nails burrowed bottomless into his flesh with the hopes that the added pressure would force him deeper. The air between kisses remained minimal as if breathing had no place in this interlude. Brook sought that space that would release her from the flames now, churring even warmer than the first time.
He shifted, and for the first time, she felt the explosion so fiercely that the room spun, and there was nothing to hold on to. She fell fast and forcefully. The trapped scream lodged in her throat, released and was captured by Mason”s tight lips around hers. The spin eventually subsided; his powerful grip kept them meshed together, their breathing raggedy and loud. Mason whispered. ”You make way too much noise, darlin”. I”m sure your friends heard you.”
”If they did, they would be here trying to get some of this. But I promise you, they would have a fight on their hands.”
Mason chuckled. She felt the vibration of his chest straight through her. She loved the way Mason made her feel, but also the hardness of his body on top of her. Brook slid her hands down his backside.
“You’re terrible, Brook.”
“I’m not sharing.”
“Then you should practice being a little quieter.” He moved. “Here, I’m too heavy.” When completely at her side, Mason pulled her close. “I’m glad you’re here, darlin’.”
This time, Brook spent the entire night with Mason. She”d slipped out before, but the thought of not having him forced her to rethink the idea of leaving before sunrise. They talked and cuddled, then managed another round of lovemaking. Hungry for more of him, she re-engaged in an interlude just as light peaked through the doors and windows. Following wherever he led, she gave him a taste of his own kind of loving, and he willingly allowed Brook to have her way. Thoroughly sated, she kissed him.
“I’ll head across the way. We have plans for this morning.”
“You didn’t tell me when you’re leaving. I hope it’s not today.”
“No, not today. For me, it’s early Monday morning.”
“And the others?”
”Saline leaves late tonight and everyone else early tomorrow morning. I could only get a flight back by spending most of my day in the airport. So, I chose to hang back for a little bit.”
“I’m relieved. At least I get to spend a little more time with you.”
“What are your plans today?”
”I have a gig this afternoon. You and the ladies should come out and hear our band.”
Brook sat up. “A band? I didn’t know you were in a band.”
”You”ll find I”m full of surprises, darlin”. Before you leave, you”ll be able to unwrap a few more.
”Well, how about we have a shower together, and you can disclose a few more of these surprises. Then, you can tell me about your gig today.”
“Lead the way.” He slapped her on the rump.
They took turns lathering each other. The hair on Mason”s hairy chest lay flat to the contours of his muscular physique. His stomach rippled with tightness, but it quivered when she ran her hands down the outline, clean down to the hairy patch that stayed hidden by his pants or shorts when dressed.
“Do you work out? How do you keep so fit?”
”We have a gym at the facility. I try to go every day I”m at work. It breaks up the long hours and offers some stress relief at times when dealing with challenging projects.”
“Well, you look great.”
“And you are beautiful. Come here.” He gathered her close as he turned his back to the down spray.
Her hair was already wet, dripping, and clung to her neck and face. Mason, with gentle fingers, moved strains of curly hair from her face, placing a kiss in each spot. Brook enjoyed pleasuring him the same way. The seductive touching escalated, but neither pushed it further. Brook hoped he would, but as fate would have it, she heard Kimber shouting her name.
”Brook! Get you fast-ass over here, or I”m coming in. You might have to share.”
Brook took one last long kiss before sashaying back across the patio, naked with her dress pressed against the front of her body. “I’ll see you soon, right?”
“Of course, sweetness.”
When Brook walked through the kitchen door, she was greeted by Kimber and Jasmine.
“Shameless.”
”Honey, if you knew how badly I needed that lay, or how good he is, you would not be screaming all this hate. Besides, you have a man, and you have a man.” She pointed to both friends. Now, me, well, I”m not getting much play.”
“All those men in your company, and you can’t get any of them.”
”Leftovers, my friend. Besides, they all tattle. New Glarus is too small. As much as I like our small town, I don”t want everyone in my business.”
”Why did you stay home again? You can do great things in New York, you know,” Kimber responded after pushing the brew button on the coffee maker.
”I”m doing great things in tiny New Glarus; thank you, and have a nice day.”
”All that pressure! Why aren”t you married yet? When are you going to start a family? Urgh! It”s too much! I love the fast life and access to restaurants and clubs,” Saline added.
”Says the party girl who can”t hold her liquor. Besides, we have restaurants and clubs, not as many or as spirited as your big New York clubs, but we can still have a nice time. The small-town life is what I know and love. There are so many other things to enjoy. Partying isn”t everything you know.”
“All work and no play make Brook a dull girl,” Saline countered.
“So, are you planning to drag Mr. Wonderful next door back to your small town?” Kimber asked.
“We’re just enjoying one another right now. No strings. As much sex as I can manage between now and Monday morning is what I’m shooting for.”
“I swear, you sound like a loose harlot.” Kimber pulled down several coffee mugs. “And, please, go put on some damn clothes.”
”Right now, you”re sounding like an old maid.” Brook turned to enter the open bathroom door. How do we get these other two up and out?” Brook nudged Christa first. We have hours left, sleepy heads. Get up.” She slammed the bathroom door and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair still looked like a wet mop, so she lifted the blow dryer and pulled a brush through it until the strands were silky, soft, and dried.
After they dressed and had coffee with fresh Danishes from the bakery around the corner, they all entered the super deluxe Uber and headed to Laplace near Lake Ponchartrain. Christa had the bright idea of ziplining across the Maurepass Swamp. Everyone had a choice for an activity they would partake in, which was her choice of adventure. The other four fussed among themselves but finally succumbed to the suggestion. After all, they all picked an activity.
”It”ll be great, thrilling! You”ll enjoy it even if it kills you,” Christa promised.
“I bet,” Jasmine snarled.
This morning was the final of their planned activities. Luckily, with the help of Mason, three of the four activities were knocked out the previous day with the help of his friend, Alex. Once they reached the range, they decided what course they would all take. No one was allowed to take a different or shorter option. They were hoisted up a cypress treetop laced with gray moss and placed on a suspension bridge at the highest point of the 60-foot high platform. The musty swamp air and the creepy sounds of the weirdest animal noises Brook had ever heard in her entire life filled their senses.
“Are we sure about this?” Saline asked.
”Zip it, city girl, and let the man strap your harness,” Christa ordered.
All secured and snuggly fastened in their equipment, they donned colorful helmets. The guide tested the lanyards and harnesses for the last time. ”Everyone ready?”
“Somebody call my momma and tell her what happened if I don’t make it.” Jasmine made the sign of the cross before blowing a kiss to the sky.
”So dramatic, really? Come on, you scary cats. We got this.” Brook found courage, pulling on the straps across her chest to calm her steady nerves. ”I”m ready!”
”Get set, ladies. You”ll feel a slight pull as you”re released. Remember, don”t twist in your line, and don”t panic if you do. The lines will right themselves. Enjoy the scenery, and see you on the other side.”
And before anyone could protest, they were released into a downward descent. All five released a brief scream, followed by laughter. “Wee!”
They witnessed the beautiful and unfamiliar scenes of nature”s finest as they traveled. Along the ride, Christa spotted several alligators sunbathing along the river bank. ”Look! Oh my god, I hope this thing doesn”t drop me,” she screamed above the wind and crackling of the line. They lifted their hands in the air together and then formed hand hearts in a choreographed attempt when they reached what was instructed as a picture-taking opportunity. ”Yeah,” Brook relaxed and enjoyed the ride. As the ride continued, they also spotted white tail dears and a school of opossums rattled by their loud chatter and screeching; they scurried into a nest of grass and bushes. By the time they reached the other side of the ravine, they were lowered into a sand pit and met by guides who helped release the straps on the lines.
“Wow, that was great!” Saline squealed.
“You, Miss Doubtful!” Jasmine slapped her a high-five.
“My legs feel like rubber. Oh my, but I enjoyed it,” Brook admitted.
The others were delighted with the experience. ”I would do it all over again if I had to,” Kimber confessed.
They excitedly chatted about the tour the entire way back to the house. They noisily entered the rental. Brook slowed, glanced at the door to the opposite side of the house, and wondered if Mason was home. Even in the excitement of their tour, the laughter, and girl talk, Mason remained weighty in her thoughts, the feel of his large hands dragging down her back, gripping her ass, and squeezing her into his intense dive. The scent of their lovemaking each time tended to fuel loud moans and the light grating of his unshaven chin along her neck and breast. Lost in those thoughts, Brook startled at Kimber”s hand on her shoulder.
“Come on, lil’ girl. We’ve got hours left before Saline leaves.”
“I know,” she sighed and moved into the house.
They spent the remainder of the afternoon eating a meal ordered from one of the corner restaurants and planning their next getaway. Brook wanted to sneak away to the other side of the house but fought her urge. Besides, Mason was likely already gone to get to his gig. When it was time for Saline to leave, they all walked her to the car and hugged her goodbye.
“I miss you already,” she sniffled.
“We miss you too. Safe travels.” Kimber hugged her a long time before Brook pulled her away.
”Alright, you. Give someone else a chance.” She hugged Saline next. ”Be safe, and I”ll see you in a couple of months.” Brook planned to travel to New York for a conference.
“Don’t forget, you’re staying with me.”
“Okay. That will be fine, even though I’m giving up a five-star hotel, paid for by my company.”
“Girl, who needs spas and fancy chicken?”
They all laughed. After the goodbye hugs, Saline slipped into the back seat and waved.
”Call us when you make it home,” Christa instructed.
“I will,” she promised.
The remaining crew stood, locked arm in arm, and didn”t stir until the car moved out of sight. Sighing with tear-stained faces, they returned to the house and prepared for the Ponderosa Stomp Festival. Mason explained that it was an artistic takeover of local bands, natives of Louisiana, with music ranging from jazz to rock-n-roll, country and swamp pop, Zydeco, and everything else. The festival also offered a range of New Orleans-style foods from participating restaurants and vendors. His band played at 6:00 o”clock, and Brook had every intention of being there, on the front row, by the time the band strung its first chord.
They arrived, and Mason met them at the music hall entrance, filled from front to back and packed with people. He greeted them with hugs; he captured Brook”s lips for a savoring but brief kiss. They pressed through the crowd as Mason held her hand tight, making a surmountable opening for their passage. Strings of lights neatly spun by poles and hung high added a warm glow to the event space. Music filled the air, as did the chatter of patrons and the spicy aroma of Cajun fare. When they finally made their way to open seats with reserve placards on the back of them, Mason pecked her lips one last time.
“I have to do some sound checks before we’re on. I’ll be back shortly.”
Brook nodded, warmly touching his face. The seductive smile scarily touched her. Had she fallen for this guy? They were supposed to keep things casual and light-hearted, have fun, and enjoy the physical attraction, but now, something grabbed her, and suddenly, she couldn”t shake it. This was different from the plan when they decided to visit.
Brook watched him weave through the crowd. Kimber touched her arm, much like she’d done earlier this afternoon. Kimber grinned, bobbing her head up and down to the music. Reluctantly, Brook smiled back, but she didn”t quite feel the joy. She glanced at her watch. Mason had precisely one hour before they entered the stage. Hopefully, he will have time to come back before then.
Fifteen minutes later, he reappeared, and Brook stood to greet him. She entered his embrace and wrapped her arms snuggly around his waist. She trembled, but she hadn”t meant to show such vulnerability. He pulled away and looked down, one hand cupped her face. ”What”s wrong?”
Brook turned away before looking up again. She smiled, but the lines told a half-truth and didn”t fool Mason in the least bit. He whispered next to her ear, ”Tell me, darlin”. Please, mon cher.” His Cajun accent seemed thicker than she”d ever heard before.
Instead of answering, Brook dropped her head into his shoulder. In response, he tightened the hug and swayed from side to side. She didn”t care that her friends watched. Instead, Brook enjoyed the warmth of Mason”s embrace. And without warning, he pulled away with Brook clutching one arm, marching through the crowd without informing the others of their destination. They rounded the corner, headed behind the stage platform, and didn”t stop until he drew her close again near a makeshift trailer. Tears stood in her eyes, but Brook didn”t want him to see them.
When Mason lifted her face, the uncooperative tears streamed down her face.