Chapter Six
For the most part, Brett enjoyed the hike and picnic at the lake. The guys were rowdy and a little bawdy, but they were friendly and welcoming, too. Most of them did their best to include Brett and draw him into conversation.
Brett noticed they even tried to engage Karissa, too, not that it worked very well. She responded with clipped, often one-word answers. Her distaste for the men was on clear display. Any real conversation from Karissa was reserved for Tabatha and Tyler. Even Trina and Preall were beginning to be given the cold shoulder.
On the hike back, Brett did his best to keep her from clutching his arm or holding his hand, but she was damn persistent. He enjoyed talking with Luther about possible houses to drive by, and while he wasn’t much for cooking, he found Deke’s enthusiasm engaging. Jason and Trina’s sibling teasing was also entertaining as hell as they tried to embarrass each other in front of their significant others.
When they reached the trailhead, Brett took advantage of the restroom building and hit the head. He sighed deeply as he relieved his bladder. After shaking off and tucking himself away, Brett eyed his forearm as he washed his hands, wondering if he would end up with bruises from Karissa’s claws.
Claws. Ha. That’s exactly what they feel like, too.
Shaking his head, Brett exited the small room. The bright afternoon light made him squint. He blinked quickly, trying to get his eyes adjusted to the change from the dim stall.
Brett barely made out the broad shadow before he slammed right into it. Bouncing backward a step, he tried to keep his balance. Knowing there was a cinderblock wall to his left that hid the two doors from view, Brett rocked that way with his arm out to catch it.
“Woah, easy, Brett.” Two strong hands wrapped around Brett’s upper arms, helping him steady.
Recognizing Nedrick’s mellow tenor, Brett relaxed in the other man’s grip. His eyesight finally cooperated, and he peered at Nedrick. The man stood about the same height, but there seemed to be a wealth of strength in his wiry body.
“You okay?” Nedrick asked, worry filling his brown eyes. He squeezed Brett’s left upper arm lightly while rubbing a palm up and down his right. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
Brett quickly shook his head. “I’m good,” he assured. Seeing the concern in Nedrick’s eyes, he took a swift glance around before quietly asking, “Were you hittin’ on me earlier, while changing the tire?”
Nedrick smiled. “Yeah.”
“And at the lake?” Brett had been pretty darn sure when Nedrick had knelt next to him. Even he wasn’t that oblivious. “Pretty sure you were then, too.”
Nedrick’s smile widened into a broad grin, and his brown eyes twinkled. “And hell yeah.”
“Why?” Brett cocked his head. He didn’t get it.
“Because I’m attracted to you, Brett,” Nedrick replied. He raked his gaze over Brett’s body in a way that even he couldn’t miss. “You’re handsome, sexy, and I want to know more about you.”
“Hey, where’s Brett?”
Wincing upon hearing Karissa’s voice drift through the air, Brett sighed.
Nedrick chuckled softly. “Don’t worry,” he rumbled, leaning closer. Lowering his voice, he whispered, “Our time will come soon enough, handsome.”
Then, to Brett’s shock, Nedrick leaned in and pecked a kiss to his lips. The feel of his surprisingly soft lips were there and gone so fast that if Brett had blinked, he surely would have missed it. With a wink, Nedrick released him and headed into the stall that he’d just vacated.
Brett touched his fingertips to his lips in amazement.
Did that just happen?
Except, Brett knew that it had. He rubbed his palm over his belly as he turned and headed away from the building. His stomach felt as if a dozen butterflies flitted within, and he realized that he had a chubby... again.
Damn. That’s weird.
Except, the man’s lips hadn’t felt anything like what Brett had thought a guy’s mouth would... not that he’d thought about it often. As he strode back toward the waiting group, he wondered if that was just a fluke. The touch had been there and gone so fast.
Would it be different if the kiss had been more?
Then Karissa bounced up to his side and grabbed his arm again, and Brett figured there was no point in wondering. After this outing, he doubted Karissa would leave him alone long enough to find out.
This is going to be a long week.
*
As they hiked along, Brett knew Karissa was pissed at him. The prior evening, he’d once again refused to sleep with her in her tent. He just didn’t see the point in leading her on. Once they returned to campus, Brett hoped to never see her again except in passing when hanging out with Tyler and Tabatha.
Glad to see her true colors before anything went any further.
The hike they’d chosen today was quite a bit more difficult than yesterday’s stroll. They were working their way through a forest with some pretty steep inclines. The group was minus Paolo and Jamie, as Paolo had to work. He was a firefighter, Brett found out. Instead, they’d been joined by Luther’s cousin, Leopold— just call me Leo —as well as Leo’s partner, Jerry. While Leo was a friendly guy with a ready grin, Jerry seemed quite reserved while cute, and his shy smile was achingly sweet.
Of course, Karissa had made another under-the-breath comment about another couple of fags .
With the way Luther and Leo had scowled at her, even though she’d been a good twenty feet away, Brett felt certain that they’d heard her. Leo had kept Jerry away from Brett unless Karissa was up the trail farther, chatting with Tabatha. It was during one of those times that Brett learned Jerry owned and operated a horse stable.
“Do you rent horses?” Brett asked. “I haven’t been on a horse in years.”
“We do,” Jerry replied with a shy smile. “We even offer guided trail rides. Maybe you and your friends”—his attention flickered ahead to Karissa before returning to Brett—”well, some of your friends would like to see the mountains on horseback instead of hiking.”
Brett understood the small man’s concern. He’d obviously picked up on Karissa’s rather toxic vibe, too.
Nodding, Brett told Jerry, “Hell, even if it’s just me, I’d be interested in at least getting on one in an arena.”
“You know Ned would go with you,” Leo stated with a grin. “He’d be happy to—”
As if she realized someone was talking to Brett about Nedrick, Karissa cut off her conversation with Tabatha to stop and wait for Brett to catch up. Her green eyes were narrowed just a smidge as she eyed them. As soon as she was close enough, she took Brett’s hand again.
“Watcha talkin’ about?” Karissa asked.
“Horseback riding,” Brett answered honestly.
“Ugg, why’d you want to go near those smelly animals?” Karissa turned her nose up as if she could smell something nasty right that second. “They’re big, dumb, and dangerous.”
Forcing a smile, Brett told Jerry, “I’ll grab your number and talk to you about it later.”
“Sounds good.”
Leo was the one who replied. Then he used his hold on Jerry’s hand to slow them both, falling into step near Luther and Deke.
“No, really?” Karissa demanded, scowling at him. “Why were you talking about horses with that fag?”
“Damn it, Karissa,” Brett snapped, unable to help himself as his neck began to heat from embarrassment. “Watch your damn mouth already.”
Karissa rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”
At least she shut up.
A moment later, Preall called from near the front of the group. “We’ll stop and rest just up ahead for a few minutes. There’s a great view to enjoy.”
“Good,” Karissa huffed, a whine filling her tone. “I could use a break, and my feet are starting to hurt.”
Brett wasn’t certain who behind them said it, but he wasn’t the only one who heard a guy say, “That’s what you get for hiking for long periods in boots that aren’t properly broken in.”
Karissa scowled over her shoulder for a few seconds before snarling, “Whatever.”
Just as Preall had promised, when they reached the plateau, the trees thinned to reveal an expansive clearing with a great view. Brett was impressed. They’d climbed much higher than he thought they had. The thick trees had hidden just how far up they were.
Standing with the others, Brett breathed in the fresh mountain air as he enjoyed the panoramic scene. He surveyed valleys and ridges of trees as far as the eye could see. There were even a few spots of blue, telling him where rivers ran.
“Gorgeous,” Brett murmured, taking it all in.
“Why thank you,” Karissa purred into his ear. “I think you’re pretty hot yourself.”
Brett barely refrained from doing his own eye-roll.
As Brett stood there, he felt his bladder twinge. He glanced around, wondering if he could step away and find a handy tree or bush. Spotting a likely clump of smaller evergreens, Brett started that way... with Karissa following, of course.
Once Brett had nearly reached his intended target, he tried to extricate himself from her hold. “Let go for a sec.”
Karissa gripped his arm tighter. “Why? Where are you going?”
Pausing, Brett pointed at the cluster. “I’m going to step behind a tree and take a piss.”
“Fine.” Karissa curled her lip in disgust as she grumbled, “But don’t be long. I don’t wanna be stuck with all these fags by myself. Hurry up.”
While Brett figured he shouldn’t have been so blunt, he wasn’t prepared for Karissa’s sharp shove. He stumbled sideways a few steps and between a couple of bushes, their brambles catching the skin of his calves. Brett hissed and moved a few more steps without looking where he was going, and the earth fell away from beneath his feet.
With a sharp yell of surprise, Brett felt himself falling. That lasted only a couple of feet, and he landed on his ass. The momentum kept him moving, though, and he slid who knew how long until the ground gave way again.
Brett tried to grab onto a branch, but it broke. Careening down a sharper embankment, he flailed, trying to catch himself, only to slam his left arm against a set of jagged rocks. Pain erupted through his limb, and he instinctively tucked it close just as his feet hit soft dirt. The soil didn’t hold his weight, and Brett barked another cry as he found himself tumbling into darkness.
When Brett finally stopped moving, he lay still in stunned silence on the earthen floor. He breathed slowly, trying to get his racing pulse to slow. Once he felt ready, Brett slowly eased into a sitting position, tucking his left arm to his chest, doing his best to ignore the pulsing ache radiating through it. All that did was make Brett aware of the myriad of other painful cuts and abrasions riddling his body.
Bowing his head, Brett focused on just calming himself. Slowly, he moved the rest of his limbs, and relief flooded him when he found everything else seemed in working order. After a few moments, Brett realized he heard the sound of several people shouting his name.
Relief filled him. Right. I’m not out here alone.
Even though his head was spinning, making his stomach twist uncomfortably, Brett tipped his chin up and hollered back. “I’m here.” He rubbed his temple with his right hand for a couple of heartbeats before adding, “I’m in a hole.”
A second later, Brett squinted up at the light filtering through said hole and made out the shape of someone’s head and torso. He lifted his good hand. “Here.”
Immediately, the torso turned into a lithe body as someone dropped into the cave with him. He landed in a crouch, making it look so easy. Then he straightened and rushed to Brett’s side.
“Brett, baby,” Nedrick cried, dropping to his knees beside him. He held his hands up as if he wanted to grab him, but he hesitated, clearly uncertain where to touch him. “Are you injured? Where’s it hurt?”
“Guess I look about as bad as I feel,” Brett muttered, offering a wry smile.
Nedrick frowned, sweeping his gaze over him again. His attention snagged on how he was holding his left arm. “Broke, you think?” Nedrick pointed at it.
“Yep, pretty sure,” Brett confirmed, grimacing. “Can’t use it, but I can wiggle my fingers. Sorta feels like when I broke my leg playing football in high school.”
Grimacing, Nedrick nodded. “Then you won’t be able to climb out yourself.” Resting his left hand lightly on Brett’s knee, he gently cradled Brett’s jaw with his right. Nedrick peered deep into his eyes. “Did you hit your head? Think you have a concussion?”
Brett hummed. “Got a hell of a headache, so probably.”
“Okay.” Nedrick leaned forward and kissed his temple. “Don’t worry. We’ll have you out of here in no time.”
Nedrick didn’t seem to need a reply, for which Brett was grateful. His mouth was suddenly dry, and he felt the unmistakable urge to puke. Grimacing, Brett did his best to fight it.
Jumping to his feet, Nedrick moved to stand beneath the opening. That was when Brett noticed another person peering down at them.
“We’re going to need a rope with a plank for Brett to sit on while we haul him up,” Nedrick told him. “He’s broken his wrist. Can one of the guys run down the trail until he gets service and call Lark?”
“Will do.” Brett recognized Preall’s voice. “I’ll send Leo. He’s fast. It might take us a bit of time to get enough rope or vines to fashion a sling for him, though.”
“Thanks, man, and I get it,” Nedrick replied. “Will you toss down the first aid kit and a pack with some water and trail mix or jerky or something?”
“Will do.” Preall pulled away and said something to someone else, but Brett couldn’t make it out. A second later, he reappeared, holding something over the opening. “Heads up.”
A second later, Nedrick caught whatever Preall dropped. He set it aside, and Brett recognized the white cross on the large red bag. Nedrick caught something else, then turned and headed toward him. After placing the backpack on the ground, he returned to get the first aid kit.
“Sit tight, guys,” Preall told him. “We’ll have you out as soon as possible.” After a second, he added, “If you need anything, Michel will be close enough to hear you holler while the rest of us search.”
“Thanks, Preall,” Nedrick called before returning to Brett’s side. “Damn, you’re pale,” he murmured, kneeling beside him. “Let’s get ya a sip of water.” He grabbed the backpack and opened it, pulling out a water bottle. After cracking the seal, instead of handing it to him, Nedrick cradled the back of Brett’s head and held the bottle to his lips. “Just a little now.”
Brett didn’t fight him and took a small sip, then a second one. Even as he appreciated the cool, refreshing liquid sliding down his throat, he felt his bladder twinge. He grimaced as discomfort of a different nature flooded him.
“What is it?” Nedrick asked quickly, perhaps spotting his wince. “What’s wrong?”
Nedrick rubbed his thumb over the skin under Brett’s ear, sending tingles across his skin. They trickled south, which just confused his dick as he started to plump in his shorts. The sensation of unexpected arousal warred with his bladder’s need for relief.
“Brett?” Nedrick urged.
“Well, I was heading into the trees to take a piss when Karissa pushed me,” Brett explained, finding his tongue. Feeling his cheeks start to heat with embarrassment, he admitted, “Um, and I really still need to go.”
“Karissa pushed you?” Nedrick growled, his eyes narrowing with anger flashing within them. “I’m gonna wring her—”
“Hey, uh, let’s not, huh?” Brett quickly cut in. “Just let it go.” Shifting his weight, he glanced toward the wall and judged the distance. Maybe he could slide to it and use it to stand. “Just gotta—”
Nedrick’s eyes widened a second before he nodded. “Right, right.” He swept his gaze over him. “I’m sure you’d rather stand to do that. Let me help you to your feet.”
As Nedrick wrapped his arm around Brett’s upper back and helped him to his feet, he felt his bladder clench again. While he wasn’t a religious man, he prayed to whatever deity who might be listening that he wouldn’t embarrass himself.