Chapter 1: Introduction
Josh glanced across the room to where Scott was engaged in a hushed discussion with Maryann, their heads close together and their eyes flitting to his every now and then. The two of them had started dating just a month ago—an honest-to-God relationship in all its awkward, fumbling glory. But tonight, at their usual movie gathering, Josh couldn't summon up even the slightest hint of jealousy.
He spotted Heather sitting on the couch, a sly grin spreading across her freckled face.
She was scrolling through Netflix, her fiery hair cascading over her shoulders. "You know," she said, not taking her eyes off the screen, "I've heard Yellowstone is beautiful this time of year."
Josh felt a warmth spread through him at the sound of her voice. He cleared his throat, trying to keep his tone casual. "Yeah, I've been wanting to check it out. Thought it'd be nice to get away from the city for a bit."
Scott chimed in, "And who knows, maybe we'll see some idiot trying to pet the fluffy cows."
"Do not pet the fluffy cows!" Maryann exclaimed "They have anger issues!"
"Don't worry Mary, we have 2 big strong men to protect us." Heather said as she playfully batted her eyes at Josh and sat next to him.
"No offense Little red, but if you pet a buffalo you are on your own." Josh said with a laugh.
"Awww, that's too bad. I was kinda thinking you were starting to like heather." Maryann strategically teased. She had secretly hoped her friends would fall for each other. She had been on cloud nine since she started to date Scott and wanted Heather and Josh to have the same happiness.
"Oh it's not that I don't like her. It's just that I know she's smarter than that so I would be suspicious that is was a setup."
"I'm not hearing much denial in that response. Heather I think you may have an admirer. Seriously, I think he might have a little crush on you." Maryann said as she nudged Josh playfully.
Heather looked at Josh, a coy smile on her lips and her hazel green eyes sparkling with mischief. "Who could blame him? what's not to love?" she replied, a warm blush stealing over her cheeks as her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary. Josh swallowed hard, suddenly aware of the tension building between them. He cleared his throat and changed the subject, steering the group's conversation towards practical matters, like sleeping arrangements for their trip.
"So, are we going to do this, cause we'll need to talk about where we're going to sleep. I know we all have self control but there is no need to tempt fate." Josh said, trying to keep his voice steady despite the butterflies in his stomach. He was already imagining a scenario where he found himself alone with Heather under the starlit sky, the heat of the campfire casting long shadows on their faces.
Scott leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "I figure one tent would save on setup time and packing space." Scott said, intentionally string the pot, but Heather was too caught up in daydreaming about sharing a sleeping bag with Josh.
"I don't think that's a good idea Scott, heather said a look of confusion on her face. I mean we are all pretty straight laced but I mean. We all like each other too much to leave things to chance.
Ah, so you like Josh too? See you should ask her out, Josh. Maryann said glossing over Heather discomfort and ability to resist temptation. Heather shot Maryann a dirty look. "Sorry, sorry I just want you two to be happy like Scott and I are. Anyway what Scott failed to mention is that his new tent is HUGE. it has 3 rooms with partitions so it's basically like 3 tents. yeah they are all just a zipper away but if you're that tempted a zipper or a whole nother tent wouldn't stop you anyway.
"Oh I see, that makes a bit more sense." Heather said, visibly relieved. "Yeah, I think that's a good idea." She turned to Josh, her eyes meeting his. "I mean, it's not like we're going to turn into a bunch of wild animals out there, right?" Her tone was light, but Josh detected a hint of something else—nervousness, perhaps?
Scott chuckled, "Speak for yourself, Little Red. Josh and I were in boy scouts together. I wouldn't trust him around my girls in a compromising situation."
"Hey what is said at camp stays there bro. Don't bring up anything that will make me spill your secrets. Besides, I think Heather's the one we should be worried about," Josh retorted, keeping his tone playful. He cast a sideways glance at Heather, who flushed a deep shade of red.
"Me? Why me? All of this is reserved for my future husband, but when I find him he had better brace himself!"
Heather said, trying to hide her true feelings behind a veil of jest. She couldn't help but steal another glance at Josh, his eyes twinkling with amusement. The thought of him as her future husband and the things she would do to him sent a shiver down her spine, but she quickly pushed the notion aside.
Scott, ever the observant one, caught the exchange between them. He leaned over to Josh and whispered, "Looks like someone's got a thing for you, buddy." Josh just smiled, not wanting to betray Heather's secret.
Maryann, oblivious to the undercurrents, clapped her hands together.
"Okay, so plan set! We're going to Yellowstone, and we're all sleeping in Scott's giant tent. Now, what movie are we watching tonight?"
Heather, still feeling the warmth of Josh's gaze, suggested, "How about something light? Maybe a rom-com?"
Scott groaned dramatically. "Come on, guys. Can't we watch something with explosions? Or at least a good drama?"
Josh rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine. We'll compromise. Horror."
"how is that a compromise!?!" Maryann exclaimed "Just cause noone gets what they want?"
"hey speak for yourself. Heather gets clingy when she gets scared and I find the idea of a cute redhead in my lap quite appealing." Josh said with a grin.
"how the hell are you two not dating?!?" Maryann said with frustration in her voice.
"because it's too fun to torment you Mary." heather said with a laugh.
Heather started the movie and after the first jump scare she was suddenly aware that she was in fact sitting on Josh's lap, and was aware of the stiffness that her presence there brought to Josh. He was a gentalman but he clearly wanted her. she wondered why he had never asked her out. She wanted to say yes to him but he never asked. still, if he didn't make him move soon she might have to.
She subtly shifted her weight, trying to find a more comfortable position. Josh's breath hitched, and she felt a wave of heat rise to her cheeks. She knew she should get up, but she couldn't bring herself to move. She liked being this close to him, feeling his breath on her neck, his arms wrapped around her, holding her tight and knowing how hard she made him was intoxicating.
She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her body responding to his closeness, and she knew she was playing with fire. But she couldn't help it; she wanted to see how far she could push him.
The movie continued, the actors on the screen screaming and running from some unseen monster, but all Heather could focus on was the way Josh's hands gripped her waist, his thumbs tracing small circles on her hip bones. She let out a soft sigh, leaning back into him, her head resting on his shoulder.
Josh felt her relax against him, and he couldn't help but let out a low groan.
The scent of her shampoo filled his nostrils, and he had to fight the urge to bury his face in her hair. He was painfully aware of every inch of her body pressed against his, and he knew he was walking a dangerous line. But he couldn't make himself let go.
Heather shifted and felt Josh's bulge move and press against her entrance. if not for some flimsy fabric she would now be a woman. Her hips rocked against Josh's would be intruder and she involuntarily let out a moan of pleasure that caught Scott's attention.
He looked over and saw Heather straddling Josh, their bodies pressed tightly together.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Scott said, standing up abruptly and pausing the movie. "I think it's time for a little break, don't you guys?"
Heather, suddenly aware of her surroundings, jumped off Josh's lap, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I-I'm so sorry, Josh. I don't know what came over me," she stammered, avoiding his gaze.
Josh, still trying to regain his composure, waved a hand dismissively. "It's okay, Heather. Really," Josh reassured her, his voice softer than before. He took a deep breath, trying to hide the fact that he was still affected by their near-miss. "I think we just got a little... carried away."
Scott raised an eyebrow. "A little? You're both lucky Mary and I are here or who know if you would have stopped. I hate to say it but I think you two need to be honest with yourselves and admit that you are both interested in each other before you do something stupid because you don't realize you're horny for each other." Scott said, his words were blunt but their was concern in his voice that conveyed that he was only saying it because he cared.
"I mean, come on, you two can't keep dancing around each other like this. It's like watching a car crash in slow motion."
Maryann, who had been quietly observing the scene, piped up, "Maybe Scott's right. It's clear there's something between you two. Maybe you should just... talk about it."
Heather looked at Josh, her expression a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "I'm sorry, Josh. I didn't mean to... throw myself at you like that."
Josh sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not your fault, Heather.
I mean, look at me," Josh said, gesturing to his disheveled state. "I'm not exactly innocent here. I should have... I don't know, controlled myself better."
Heather looked at him, her gaze softening. "We're both adults, Josh. We can't blame ourselves for having feelings, can we?"
Josh hesitated, then nodded. "No, I guess not. But we should probably be more careful, especially with our history."
Scott rolled his eyes. "History? You mean the fact that you both have been flirting for months? I'm amazed something you'd both regret hasn't already happened."
"it almost just did. I was watching and if not for his jeans he would have been inside her." Maryann said in a lust fill trance not realizing she had admitted to her voyeurism.
Scott gave her a puzzled look. "Maryann, were you just watching them?"
Maryann snapped out of her trance, her face turning beet red. "What? No! I mean, I might have looked over once or twice...is it hot in here?"
Heather laughed nervously. "Well, at least I'm not the only horny one. Listen, lets call it a night. I think some time alone would do us good. Besides we'll have all the time together on our trip. As for us josh?" Heather waited she didn't want to be the one to ask.
"Heather, I've had feelings for you for a long time, I would love it if when we got back form Yellowstone you would consider dating me."
Josh said, his voice steady and sure. Heather's eyes widened in surprise, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks. She had been hoping for this moment for what felt like an eternity, but now that it was here, she found herself at a loss for words.
Scott grinned, clapping Josh on the back. "About time, man. I've been telling you to grow a pair and ask her out for months."
Josh shot Scott a glare indicting it was not time for jokes, "my pair almost ruined things just now, I'm asking from my heart." he said, his voice serious.
Heather's smile softened, and she reached out, taking Josh's hand in hers. "I've been waiting for you to ask, Josh. I've had feelings for you too, and I would love to go on a date with you when we get back."
Josh couldn't help but grin, a warmth spreading through him at her words. "Really?"
Heather laughed, giving his hand a squeeze. "Yes, really.
I've just been waiting for you to make the first move," Heather said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Josh felt a surge of relief mixed with excitement. He leaned in, his voice just above a whisper, "I was afraid you didn't feel the same way. I mean, you've got me all tied up in knots here."
Heather's smile softened, and she reached up, gently tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. "I do care, Josh. A lot. And I think we should take things slow, considering... everything."
Josh nodded, understanding her meaning.
"Slow is good. I mean, we've got all the time in the world, right?"
Heather smiled, her eyes meeting his. "Exactly. And who knows, maybe this trip will give us a chance to get to know each other even better."
Scott and Josh left the girls behind and headed of the car. Heather saw them to the door and just before it closed she heard Scott slap Josh on the back, "damn bro, that moan was HOT!"
she heard Josh laugh nervously as the door closed behind them. Heather turned to Maryann, "well, that was... interesting. You think they heard my moan?"
Maryann giggled, "Heather, they both heard it. I mean, it's not like you were quiet about it."
Heather blushed, "oh god, I'm so embarrassed. I can't believe I did that."
Maryann put a comforting hand on Heather's shoulder, "Hey, it's okay. You were in the moment and sometimes things just happen besides, did you see the size of that thing he wanted to put in you?!?".
Heather giggled nervously, "Well, I didn't see it but I got an impression. Still, I can't believe I did that. What must Josh think of me now?"
Maryann smirked, "I think he thinks you're amazing. I mean, have you seen the way he looks at you? He's head over heels, girl."
Heather sighed, a content smile spreading across her face. "You really think so?"
"Oh, absolutely. And besides, you two are finally going on a date when you get back from Yellowstone. I mean, it's about time!"
Heather laughed, shaking her head. "I know, right? I just couldn't believe it when he finally asked me. I mean, I've been hoping for it for so long."
Maryann grinned, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I know, girl. I'm so happy for you. And I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back."
Heather's smile faded slightly, a hint of unease creeping into her voice. "You don't think... I mean, do you think we're rushing into this?
Maryann gave her an annoyed look. If you go any slower I might have to murder you both for the frustration."
Maryann said in her usual teasing tone. Heather rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at her friend's antics. Maryann had always been reserved but since she and Scott had started dating she had been getting more bold.
"I just don't want to rush into anything, Mary. I mean, we've both been raised to wait until marriage, and I don't want to jeopardize that just because... well, because Josh is really, really hot."