Chapter 18 - The trip I
Leon
Today is the big day!
I’m so excited! How do you spell excited?
E.X.C.I.T.E.D !!!!
I’ve been up since five on this beautiful Thursday morning repacking the duffel that I initially packed on Tuesday.
Yep, it’s not easy to find clothes that are sexy and also comfortable enough for hiking and camping.
I must’ve changed about fifty outfits at this point.
I have one of everything now, just in case.
I’m supposed to pick up Dex at nine, which is less than an hour away now.
Luckily, I went to pick up the rental car yesterday afternoon so we’re all ready for the drive this morning.
Unlucky that I didn’t spend the night with Dex again, since he also needed to pack and we decided it was best to spend the night apart and reconvene in the morning.
One of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard. Clingy, who?
We’ve spent the past couple of weeks essentially glued together.
After my birthday weekend, which was the best in my life and will probably remain so, unless Dex decides to propose to me on my next birthday.
Life goals, I tell ya. I met his friend Macy for a bit one day when I was picking him up from work, who is a five nothing sweet angel pie of a girl.
Really didn’t get why Dex kept saying she was the devil, but I’m chalking it up to an inside joke between them.
We went on another three dates since, but have been spending most nights together regardless, either here or at his place.
There’s nothing I love more than wrapping my arms around Dex and spooning him to death until the morning.
I know I run hot during the night, but he doesn’t seem to mind one bit, whenever he just snuggles deeper into me.
I swear, this is actual Heaven. He’s been super careful not to push me for anything sexual since I told him I thought I was demi, but he really shouldn’t have bothered.
Because I quite literally cannot get enough of the man.
And I think the feeling is mutual, judging by the little sighs he gives me when I sink into him, like the missing pieces of a puzzle, finally complete.
I run through the mental list I have for the trip.
My duffel is on the lighter side, but I bought a shitton of supplies for the trip.
First off, I bought another tent, since the one I had since high school was a bit shabby.
Plus, considering I’m taking Dexter camping for the first time, I needed to up my game.
Something tells me Dex is not the type that would enjoy a sleeping bag straight on the cold ground, so I ended up going full glamping at this point.
I have a sleeper tent big enough to walk into, with the best insulation money can buy.
I also bought new rolled-up mattresses, plenty of pillows and blankets, enough to build a small fort, as well as a nice galaxy lamp we can place inside for some mood lighting.
I wasn’t kidding when I told Dex I’ll think about everything.
With it still being early September, the temperatures should be fine at night even without a tent, but I’m not taking any chances.
Sure, it sounds like a bit of an extravagance to spend an insane amount of money on a camping trip, especially since the actual camping part will be one night out of the three.
I booked a lovely bed & breakfast for the first couple of nights, located close to the trails on Rock Oak Preserve I plan to take him out on.
It’s my favorite trail around, leading up to the Ashokan Reservoir.
When I was younger, my family and I used to go all the time in summer and I’ll always cherish the memories.
There are also some other beautiful sights around that I can take him to, like Onteora Lake and some other trails.
Time to make some new ones with Dex as well.
Looking at all the stuff that’s now taking up ninety percent of my living room, I realize I need to make two trips down.
Better get a move on, since I don’t want to be late to get him.
God, I hope there’s no heavy traffic. I’m hoping I can be at his place in about thirty minutes.
We’ll still have a good two and a half hours more of driving from there until we reach the inn and I want to take him out a bit today as well.
I get everything down and packed in the trunk in record time, like a fucking tetris champ.
There’s no space left, but Dex can put his bag in the backseat.
I got a spacey Jeep to ensure I could pack all this shit and also be able to take it on some of the dirt roads.
To be honest, if you put the backseat down, you could probably make a bed in the trunk.
I might do that actually, before we settle in the tent.
Make a makeshift bed out of the blankets and pillows and just stargaze.
So many good ideas, I can’t wait. This is going to be epic!
Of course, I hit traffic and I’m five minutes late, when I see that Dex is already waiting in front of the building.
He’s dressed in designer jeans, a black T-shirt and black Nikes, holding a small silver carry-on in one hand.
God, he’s too beautiful for words. And dressed completely inappropriately for hiking.
“Hey babe, sorry I’m late.” I tell him and move to hug him quickly. My eyes dash from his face to his clothes to the carrier.
“No worries. I didn’t wait long, just came down myself. Can’t wait to hit the road.” He says with a big smile and I’m more in love than I’ve ever been.
“Yeah, all ready to go. Except, just checking one more time that you definitely have comfy clothes for hiking? And good hiking boots?” I ask, not feeling too confident judging by what he’s currently wearing.
“Yes, Leon. I also got the five text reminders you sent me this week. I bought new boots and read up on hiking. I know it’s best to break them in before, but I didn’t really have the time.
I did wear them around the house for a bit, but I got them in half a size bigger and I also got some thick socks, so hopefully that helps. ” He tells me, looking a bit unsure.
“You did good. I have plasters and a first aid kit just in case, but we’ll take plenty of breaks between hikes and I’ll carry you if your feet hurt.” I punctuate with a kiss on his forehead.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Leon. I’m a grown man and I was walking a lot when I was younger. I’ll be fine.” He tells me, but his small smile tells me he might enjoy being carried a bit.
“Ok. And the clothes? You got good, worn stuff that feels comfortable?” I eye his outfit a bit, hinting at the fact that designer might not be the most appropriate.
“I have some good options in here, but I don’t own a lot of worn stuff to be honest. I changed my wardrobe completely a few years ago and it mostly consists of suits I wear to work, which I take good care of.
Don’t worry about me though, if I can be comfortable in a suit for twelve hours a day, I’m sure I’ll make it work with jeans, T-shirts and Henleys. ”
“Ok, ok. Sorry, just want you to feel good when we’re out.
Also, just for future reference, a backpack would be better than a carry-on, since we’ll need to take this with us from the parking lot up to the camping spot.
But I can probably stuff some of your clothes in my duffel this time, just for the one night. ” I tell him softly.
“Shit, I didn’t think about that. Next time I’ll buy a backpack.” He says and I preen at the ease with which he said next time. There’s nothing that I wish more than having all of his next times.
“Good, ready to go. I spoke to the inn this morning and let them know we’ll be there before noon.
They have a surprise for us when we get in.
” I say as I place his carry-on in the backseat and run to open his door.
He rolls his eyes at me, but his smile betrays him.
I get his seatbelt on and steal a few kisses before running to take the driver’s seat and putting it in gear.
We actually make pretty good time, since not a lot of people are commuting after 9am on a Thursday.
It’s almost noon when we get in and are greeted by a lovely lady in her sixties in a long green sundress who introduces herself as Stacy and tells us she runs the place alongside a handful of other employees.
As she gives us the room key and leads us to the first floor, I admire the cozy vibes this place is giving.
The walls are decorated in forest greens and soft pinks, which work great together.
The room is large, a king four poster bed in the middle with two wooden bedsides and small golden lamps placed on top of each.
The room has a floral wallpaper with more of the green and blush colors that predominate throughout the inn.
There’s a small balcony beyond the sheer flowy white curtains that overlooks the forest beyond, lined with potters filled with Chrysanthemums and Hydrangeas.
It’s a beautiful room and was quite frankly a steal for two nights here.
While I’m still looking around, Stacy tells Dex that she’ll leave us to unpack, but has everything ready to go downstairs when we’re ready.
I left most of the supplies in the truck, only bringing my duffel and Dex’s carry-on.
I bypass him putting away his clothes in the chest of drawers that doubles as a TV unit and go to check the bathroom.
I specifically requested this room because of the extra-large bathroom that has both a walk-in shower and a large tub that seats two.
Well, two regular-sized humans would probably fit fine, but Dex and I might struggle.
No worries, I’ll just drape him over me.
Not like I want to take a bath with him and not touch him. Ha, ridiculous!