Ends of the Earth

Maggie frowned. “So Puff never finds another friend?”

“No, of course he did,” Ben assured her. “He found lots of other friends. Dragons are never alone for long. They’re way too awesome.”

She seemed to ponder it before yawning widely. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“I think it’s time for bed, Mags,” Jason said. “It’s been a long day.”

She suddenly sat up straighter. “I’m not tired at all! Let’s sing another song.”

“No, it’s time for bed.” Jason nodded to the tent.

“Dad,” Maggie pleaded.

“Maggie, I said no whining. Bed.”

“But—”

“No buts. Go get your toothbrush.” He pulled the car key from his pocket and pressed a button. With a chirp and dull thud, the trunk opened. “And toothpaste.”

“Fine.” She huffed loudly and stomped toward the car.

“And no pouting, either!” Jason called after her. He turned back to Ben. “Sorry about that.”

“Kids, right? Don’t worry about it. I’d better get to work anyway.” He got to his feet. “Thanks for the drink.”

“Sure, of course. Um, thanks for stopping by. It was cool.” Jason stood as well and offered his hand.

Ben took it, holding on for a moment longer than necessary. He had to fight the urge to draw him closer and skim his fingers over the hair on Jason’s forearms. He wondered if he had hair on his chest, or below his belly button…

He blinked and dropped Jason’s hand. He usually went for beefy guys his own age, but there was something about this young man. So responsible, but with that baby face and lean body. Shit, he was beautiful.

Shoving his hands in his pockets, Jason licked his full lips. “Um, I should…” He motioned toward the car, where Maggie rummaged in the trunk.

“I can stop by later.” Ben’s heart thudded. “If you’ll still be up.” Say yes.

Jason’s brow furrowed slightly. “Later? I’ll be sleeping. All this fresh air, and Maggie gets up at the crack of dawn.”

Damn. Playing hard to get. Or maybe he was reading Jason entirely wrong? He smiled and tried not to feel too disappointed, failing miserably as he put his hat back on. “Right. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow morning. For the hike.” Could he have been imagining the undercurrent running between them? “If you’re still interested. No pressure. I’m sure there are a hundred things Maggie wants to do and—” And stop babbling like a goddamned idiot.

“We’ll definitely see you for the hike, and if you come by tomorrow night, Maggie can sing you another soul-crushing song.”

Strange relief flowed, and Ben smiled. “Sounds like a plan. How long are you here for, by the way?” What are my odds of getting you alone?

“Ten days, so we’ve got eight left.”

“Great.” Ben glanced around the campsite. “You’ll be sealing up that cooler, I’m sure?”

“Safe and sound in the trunk. And I’m glad you’re checking to make sure everyone else around here has too.” Jason grinned, his face lighting up as he brushed a stray lock of hair off his forehead, his red lips dark in the firelight. “Thanks again.”

As Ben strolled off with a casual wave, he whistled to himself, imagining all the things they could do in eight days.

The next morning, Ben had a spring in his step when he saw Maggie and Jason waiting near the ranger’s station. His stomach fluttered, and images of the dream that woke him up hard and aching flickered through his mind. He’d stroked himself roughly in the dawn light and imagined Jason on his knees, mouth hot and wet, those red lips stretched wide—

As his dick stirred again, Ben closed his eyes and gave his head a mental shake. Last thing he needed was to walk up with a bulge in his pants. He took a deep, steadying breath. If he played his cards right, that dream could become reality at some point during the week. Hell, he should probably go to town and fire up Grindr, but Jason sent a thrill through him that he hadn’t felt in too long.

Rain drizzled from the steel sky, the air thick. Ben hadn’t expected a big group for the hike, and so far no one else had arrived. “Morning,” he called out as he approached.

Maggie waved excitedly. “Hi, Ben! What’s today’s hike going to be about?”

He grinned at her excitement. “What do you want it to be about? Doesn’t look like too many other people are interested in this lousy weather.”

“I want to know more about the birds around here. And people need to learn about raincoats.” Maggie indicated her bright red poncho, the hood drawn around her face, making her hazel eyes look even bigger.

Ben laughed. “Apparently they do.” He wore a dark green rain slicker similar to the navy blue jacket Jason wore. He tugged on the wide brim of his hat. “Need to learn about hats too.” He turned to Jason, who wore a Phillies cap. “Have a good sleep?”