Page 74 of Could Have Been Us
“Yes, I work hard while Jim just screws around.”
“Well, a two-night camping trip won’t bring them all around, but creating meaningful relationships with the five who didn’t exclude themselves might be a good start.”
“Thanks,” Mike says with sincerity.
“No problem.” I clear my throat and address the group. “We have about two miles before we’re back at camp. If we get a move on, we can make it back within an hour. I want to just say this before we start back up. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’ve seen a lot of companies come out here and go back without having learned much. You’re a team, and when you work as one, you’ll accomplish more than you will divided. Grab your packs and let’s go.”
It’s a last-ditch effort.
Everyone moves to grab their stuff, and one of the women is struggling with her pack. Before I can get there to help her, Mike takes it from her. He puts it on his chest, with his on his back, and carries it for her.
Right there, I see that maybe they’ll find a way.
When we get back to base, everyone scatters, hugging each other before getting into their cars. I’m freaking beat, but I want to clean up before going to see Stella.
I go into the cabin that doubles as my office, check the messages, make a few notes of who to call back, and text Stella.
Me: Hey, baby. I’m back, and once I’m done showering, I’ll head to you. Are you okay?
Stella: I’m good. I’ll tell you about it when I see you.
Me: Okay. I’ll see you soon.
I toss my phone onto the bed and enter the shower. Two days of no showers and bathing in the lake we usually swim in isn’t so fun. The hot water sprays down on me. I rest my head against the cool tile, letting the steam release the tension in my muscles.
I’m not used to my trips leaving me feeling this way. Usually, I don’t want to get back to civilization. I love the wilderness and the serenity that comes with it. This time, I was antsy. All I wanted was to be with Stella. I thought about her every fucking minute. This woman has crawled her way inside me, and I’ll never be the same.
I sigh, eyes closed, and then I feel a hand on my back.
I jump, turning as my fight or flight spikes my adrenaline.
“Stella.”
“I missed you,” she says softly, moving her hand on my chest. “I need you.”
“God, baby.” I groan and pull her to me. “I always need you.”
The water comes down around us, and she’s so gorgeous I can’t breathe. She robs me of air and the only thing that will give me life is her.
My lips are against hers as I tighten her naked, wet body against mine and swallow her sounds. Her finger moves up my chest and into my hair, gripping the strands and holding me where she needs me.
I challenge her as we battle for control. I can feel her pain, her hurt, and there is a primitive urge to take it all from her. She is always so strong, and with me, Stella can let it go.
“Baby,” I say as I move my mouth down her neck. “Tell me. Tell me what you need.”
She sighs deeply as my hands move down her back to cup her ass. “You, I need you.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“Take it away.”
Those three words break my heart. “Always. I’ll take it all, give it to me, Stella. Let me carry it for you.”
Her head falls back as my tongue licks her nipple. I push her back against the wall, arms caging her in. Our breathing is labored, but I want her to see that, right now, I’m in control.
“Lift your arms.” She does. I use one hand to hold them above her head. “You’re so gorgeous. So strong and beautiful,” I assure her. “I’m going to kiss every inch of you and then make love to you until you can’t think of anything else but me.”
She whimpers softly as my teeth bite down on her neck. “Jack.” Stella’s arms twitch, but I hold her in place and slide my other hand down to her clit.
