Only two weeks between chapters this time... Oh well. Not gonna lie, this one took some time to get the emotions just right. Hope you guys like it. I love hearing your thoughts oneach chapter, or just seeing that you were here and are liking what you've read. A huge thanks to all those that have reviewed, followed, and faved so far. I really means the world to me :D
Agentwalkoff: I was going to include that in this chapter, but it just didn't seem like the right time. I promise she will find out next chapter though.
Now Account: Yep, fancy motorhome really isn't our Hayden. I'm sure he'll still make it worth it, and yes, I love Astrid's joke too. So sly. I'm glad you like Amelia, since she is going to be around a little more in future. She does seem to have the sense of humour required to fit in with this group of weirdos :P Can I just say, I love it when you steal quotes from my other stories and throw them back at me. So beauty! Lol. As for the Raptor, yes it would be modified. I love that everyone is teasing Astrid, but of course they are. Would we really expect anything less ;)
Zafirya: Thanks :) Unfortunately I wasn't quite able to actually work Chicken into this trip, but she certainly does get a mention. I also loved her in RTTE, and I'm kinda sad they left her out of the movies. I'll make sure she gets some parts later on.
CB73: Bahaha! Oh very probably! Just like other degrees though, it's certainly not going to be acquired easily ;) Hayden and his bros are going to be far from anything that Astrid is used to, that's for sure. Should be an experience. Lol
Bunkerbird25: Oh wow, thank you so much for that! I'm glad you like it :D
Guest: Thanks so much for the review! :) I love hearing that my readers are getting involved in my story.
ooOOoo
Though she could tell that it was a decent way in, the drive to the lake still seemed to go by quickly enough. Though it was immediately clear that Hayden was taking it slower than he needed to. Likely because Toothless was in the back and Hayden didn't want to jostle or hurt his best friend on the bumpy road. The farther in they went, the clearer it became that Hayden had not been joking when he said they couldn't get a motorhome in here.
The road was single lane at best and rutted out from decades of spring run-off and neglect. Grass growing up between the tire grooves and overgrown trees pressing in on them and blocking her view. Glancing out the back window to make sure they hadn't lost the others, Astrid was pleased to see Frank's Bronco right behind them. Dagur's green truck just behind that.
Confused, Astrid narrowed her eyes at Dagur's truck, before snorting a laugh. "Oh my god," she giggled. "Is it just me, or is Rachel hanging out the sunroof of Dagur's truck?"
Astrid watched as Hayden's eyes flicked up to the mirror for a moment and a smile twisted his lips. Seeing the blonde woman's head and shoulders poking out above the roof of the truck. One hand held up in the air as the other clutched her beer and a huge grin plastered on her face. "She certainly is," he answered with a shake of his head. "That girl is insane. Good thing she can wash the dust off at the lake."
Then he cast his eyes over to Astrid as he added, "my apologies mi'lady. Unfortunately the combination of roll cage and reinforced steel panels doesn't really allow this truck to have a sunroof."
"That's quite alright," Astrid replied with a laugh. "I'm good with just hanging my hand out the open window instead of my head." Then she shrugged daintily at him. "Maybe after a few more beers I'll change my mind though, and then I'll ask to go ride with Dagur and Eret too."
"Fair enough. You just let me know," Hayden chuckled. The two of them laughing before settling into easy conversation again. Astrid honestly couldn't get over how comfortable this felt. She had been worried that she wouldn't be able to talk to Hayden at all after last weekend without the buffer of school between them. I mean, how do you just put something like that out of your mind?! As they laughed about Hayden's run in with Scott, and Scott's completely oblivious nature though, it just felt so easy.
Before she knew it, Astrid could see the ghostly white shapes of decaying buildings ahead of them. Only realizing just how big the place actually was when they crested the final hill before the clearing. If it had ever opened, this resort would have been incredible. Nestled in between two rugged mountain peaks and surrounded by fields of wildflowers, it was both sprawling and elegant. Positioned on the far shore of a sparkling blue lake that was just small enough to hold the summer heat while still allowing some motorized water sports. A sturdy looking wooden dock stretching partway out into the water.
"It's beautiful," Astrid found herself muttering. Leaning forward in her seat as she gazed out the front window.
"It's alright I guess," Hayden drawled. "Personally I think the view in here is much better."
Astrid turned to gape at him. Feeling her cheeks flush pink when she realized he was looking at her. The two of them stared at each other for a second longer, before Astrid choked out a laugh. "Aww, thank you for that," she pretended to gush. "Are you always so charming," she couldn't resist asking now.
"Nope," Hayden quipped as he brought the truck to a gentle stop a little way from the lake shore. A large picnic table made of carved logs off to their right. "Sometimes I'm a complete asshole instead. Just ask Scott." Astrid shut off his phone with another laugh and handed it back to him. Both he and Astrid hopping down from the truck just as the others were pulling up. Dagur heading around to let Shattermaster out of the box.
Everyone else piled out instantly as well. Frank letting his fat bulldog Meatlug out the side door as Tyler jumped out with a forlorn look on his face. When Astrid arched a brow at him, Tyler sighed dramatically. "Chicken would love it here," he stated sadly. A tear actually trailing down his cheek, and Astrid had to fight back a snort of laughter.
Hayden looked like he wanted to say something to that, but Rachel beat him to it. Sauntering up and putting a hand on her hip as she gazed at her brother. "Of course you couldn't bring Chicken, idiot! There are two dogs and a wolf here with us. One of them would be bound to make her into lunch, and can you blame them?"
"How dare you say such things," Tyler replied. His tone distinctly scandalized as he stared at his sister in horror. "Why would anyone ever want to eat Chicken?! She's my best friend!"
Rachel sighed and shook her head in fond exasperation. Then she glanced over at Hayden. Taking in his dumbfounded expression as she rolled her eyes. "You really should know better than to be surprised that he has an unusual avian sidekick that he is far too emotionally attached to," she pointed out. Gesturing towards her brother.
"I know," Hayden grimaced now. "It's just been so long since I was around him, you know. I almost forgot just how weird he can get..."
"Be glad he left their pythons Barf and Belch at home too," Astrid chimed in from beside Hayden. "I personally think they are out for blood, but according to Tyler the snakes just like to cuddle." All of them finally burst out laughing at that.
"Huh, every time I think I have you figured out," Eret stated with a chuckle. Shaking his head at Tyler. "You seriously have a pet python and a pet chicken? That's just asking for a tragedy dude. I guess your sister really is the smart twin." Rachel beamed and gave Eret a seductive smile, and he just shook his head again with a laugh before glancing at Hayden. "Might as well set up the tents and tarps before we start drinking."
"I was thinking the same thing before I got distracted by a grown man crying over pet poultry," Hayden agreed. Glancing once more at Tyler before walking away with a shake of his head. Astrid following him around to the back of the truck now. Still chuckling as Hayden unhooked Toothless and dropped the tailgate.
The wolf came to stand on the tailgate then. Waiting patiently for Hayden to lift him down instead of jumping out. The auburn haired man grasped the huge animal around the chest and haunches and picked him up before carefully setting him on the ground like a delicate child. Toothless head butted Hayden in the chest in thanks before taking off towards the water. Shattermaster hot on his heels as Meatlug lumbered along behind them.
"What? I taught him not to jump because I don't want him to tweak his leg," Hayden replied with a shrug when he caught Astrid still gaping at him. "I mean, he probably could make it, but I'm not really willing to risk it."
"That's very sweet of you," she grinned back now. Feeling no great urge to confess that she had actually been staring at the easy way he lifted a dog that had to weigh well over 150 lbs. Then she remembered that Hayden had carried her around like a princess last weekend, and promptly looked away before he could see the telling blush colour her cheeks. Moving to start grabbing gear out of the back of the truck with him instead. Carrying her bag over to where there was already a wide open and mostly flat space cleared for tents, and a well established fire pit with weather-silvered logs propped around it like benches.
In no time at all, they managed to get all five tents set up. 'They' being the guys. Astrid couldn't help smiling as Hayden and the others got the girls' massive tent erected before even starting on their own smaller ones. The three girls enjoying their second beer of the day as they sat back on lawn chairs that Frank and Tyler had set out for them. Thoroughly enjoying the wholly unnecessary, yet still chivalrous, pampering they were receiving. The dogs laying on the grass between Heather and Astrid now as Astrid's fingers trailed absently through Toothless' thick fur.
Of course Astrid had insisted that she could put up her own tent, but Hayden wouldn't hear of it. Frank and Eret hurrying in to back him up. It soon became immediately clear that Hayden had not simply been trying to impress her with his 'manliness' when he suggested they extend this trip either. He really was a seasoned camper. He had their tent and his own put up in the blink of an eye. After blowing up their air mattresses and rolling out their sleeping bags for them, Hayden and Eret changed into pants and work boots. Grabbing chainsaws, gloves, and helmets from the two trucks before heading off to gather some wood for their fire tonight. Claiming that they didn't want to run the saws after they had really started drinking.
"Come on ladies! The boys need our help," Rachel grinned. Downing the last of her beer before rising from her chair. "We're going to help get firewood," she called out to Dagur, Frank, and Tyler, who were still setting up their sleeping gear. Receiving three thumbs-up held out tent flaps in return.
"You don't know how to run a chainsaw, Ruff. You just want to watch them work," Heather teased. Finishing her own drink as she got to her feet.
"Who doesn't want to watch those two lumberjacks get all sweaty," Astrid chimed in as she joined her friends. All of them laughing as they followed the sound of the running saws into the trees. Finding Eret and Hayden not too far in. Helmets on with visors and ear muffs down as they cut apart the driest dead wood they could find. Muscles flexing while they manhandled the heavy saws and trees around.
"Sweet mother of mercy," Rachel moaned loudly at the sight. "I think I just lost my virginity. Again." All of the girls burst out laughing in agreement to that statement. They really did look unreasonably sexy, after all. Clearly this was not the first time these boys had done this sort of thing. Eret and Hayden were effortlessly limbing and slicing through the thick trunks while shouting and laughing to each other over the noise. Acting as if they did this every other day, and very possibly completely oblivious of their drooling audience.
As she stood clear and watched them work, Astrid felt an unexpected ache of longing bloom in her belly. She had seen Hayden in jeans and in shorts. She had seen him looking like a businessman. Right now, in work boots and Carhartts while running a chainsaw, she couldn't help thinking that this might be his sexiest style ever. He just seemed so... Normal. So... Male.
Astrid had the strange urge to go over and drag his helmet off of him before planting a kiss right on those perfect lips. Tear his shirt off of him so that she could run her hands and mouth down over his solid body. The sweat on his skin tasting salty beneath her tongue as his big hands gripped her hips tightly. Maybe pressing her up against a tree as he lifted her high enough to wrap her legs around his waist...
Her unexpectedly wicked thoughts made her feel the sudden need to go jump in the cool lake water to snap herself out of it. What the hell was wrong with her, Astrid wondered in surprise. Unable to keep from blushing and grimacing slightly when she caught Heather smirking at her. Honestly, she must be losing her mind. Maybe she just had a lower tolerance for alcohol this early in the morning?..
In truth, Astrid knew that wasn't it. Even when she was full on drunk, she had never lost herself to dirty fantasies about Scott like this. Had never wanted Scott to shove her against a tree and fuck her while he was covered in wood chips and smelled like a mixture of cedar, gasoline, and cologne. Not that it would have actually been an option, even if she had wanted it. After all, Scott didn't enjoy the woods, and he never did anything that he could pay other people to do. He also hated physical labour that wasn't for applause, attention, or profit. Seeing it as both below his status, and a waste time.
Hayden, Eret, and Dagur, on the other hand, were the very epitomes of man apparently. Somehow managing to be both kind and caring, and also rugged and masculine all at the same time. Strong, confident, and self sufficient despite their wealth. Leading her instinctual female hormones to override her sensible modern brain at the proximity of so many alpha males. Now Astrid was seriously beginning to wonder why her, Rachel, and Heather hadn't hung out with Dagur and his friends more while they were kids. She might need to have a word with Heather about that later...
As Hayden and Eret started chucking the rounds clear of their area, Astrid and the girls started gathering as many as they could. Pulling their sleeves down over their hands to keep the scratchy bark from cutting their skin as the others all showed up to help too. Everyone hauling an armload of wood back to the campsite before most of them returned for more. Dagur and Frank staying behind to start chopping it now instead. When Hayden saw Astrid leaning down to grab another bundle however, he hollered to catch her attention before tossing her his gloves to wear. Eret throwing Rachel his as Tyler handed Heather a pair that Dagur had sent with him.
Slipping the overly large and pleasantly warm leather gloves over her hands, Astrid grinned and mouthed a thanks to Hayden before bundling up more wood. The gloves making the whole process easier, as her small hands didn't slip on the bark anymore when she tried to pick it up. When she got back to the campsite this time, it was to find Heather still holding her bundle of logs and staring at the two boys chopping wood. Well, one boy in particular. A dreamy expression plastered on her face.
"And you made fun of me for ogling," Astrid grinned. Dropping her own armload of wood loudly and making Heather jump in surprise. The raven-haired girl blushed at that as she stammered for excuses for a moment. "Hey, I'm not judging. Frank does look unusually handsome when he's swinging an axe," Astrid laughed. "Why don't you just tell him how you feel instead of watching him from afar with hungry, rapey eyes."
"I could say the same to you," Heather countered. Smirking at Astrid's shocked expression.
"How do you know I wasn't swooning over Eret," Astrid asked quickly. Heather arching a disbelieving brow at her, and Astrid assented with a slight blush. "Okay, fine. You got me. I was checking Hayden out something fierce back there, wasn't I," Astrid finally laughed. "That's different though. Hayden and I barely know each other, and he's our teacher," she pointed out.
"The only thing standing between you and Frank is your nerves and his shyness," Astrid offered kindly. "I'm nearly certain that he feels the same way about you. Why not just take the plunge that I can't?" Then Astrid nudged Heather in the shoulder with a wink before heading back to grab another bundle of logs.
*
After about an hour, they had camp set up and a solid supply of chopped firewood and kindling stacked between two trees. Now that most of the hard work was done, Hayden and Eret changed back into shorts and brushed the sawdust off their hair and clothes. Both of them grabbing a beer before heading down to join the others at the beach. Towels slung over their shoulders and carrying one of the drink coolers between them.
"Did you see the girls while we were bucking those trees up? It was like they'd never seen a guy running a chainsaw before," Eret started with a laugh while they were still beyond earshot of the group.
"They probably haven't," Hayden pointed out. "Heather never really hung out with us much when we were teenagers, and Astrid used to date Scott. There's no way in hell he's ever even chopped firewood, and I certainly wouldn't trust him to run a chainsaw."
"Bleurgh, city boys," Eret exclaimed with a disgusted grimace.
"Uh, dude, we are city boys," Hayden reminded Eret with a laugh.
"Yeah, but only because our parents live here. The three of us would happily move to the country. Victoria just didn't want to and Dagur and I both work in town," Eret pointed out. Facts which were all undeniably true, and Hayden chuckled and shrugged his agreement. "So much for 'just friends' though," Eret started again, and Hayden arched a brow at him. "I thought Astrid was going to tackle you into a bed of poison ivy."
Hayden rolled his eyes at his friend. "Honestly Eret, I'm trying not to think about that. She's off limits, remember. It would be a breach of policy. Not to mention that Alvin already gave me hell for..."
His words suddenly trailed off as they got to the beach. Just in time to catch the girls removing their cover-ups. Heather was wearing a very flattering retro look pink and silver bikini that exposed a heck of a lot of skin. Rachel's sporty army green and black two-piece not covering a whole lot more than Heather's. Both of them looking like every teenage boy's dream.
Still, Hayden's eyes instantly settled on Astrid as she slowly peeled off her thin sweater and tank top. Revealing the tiny little halter style bikini top underneath. Royal blue with little silver skulls on it. Slender fingers moving over toned stomach to undo her jean shorts, before shimmying them down over those shapely hips and thighs. Cheeky Brazilian style briefs leaving a delicious amount of that perfect apple bottom exposed as her lightly tanned skin glistened temptingly in the bright sunlight.
Eret had glanced over at Hayden to see why he had stopped walking, before following his gaze towards the girls. "Those have to be three of the most beautiful creatures to grace this world," he sighed. Perfectly mirroring Hayden's unspoken thoughts. Then he turned his eyes back to Hayden. "To be fair, Alvin never actually told you that you couldn't have sex with Astrid again," Eret said quietly. His deep voice barely registering in Hayden's distracted mind. "He just said to do what you think is right. If burying your dick in her feels right..."
He trailed off with a shrug then. Both of them glancing at each other before snorting laughs at that. "No wonder I grew up to be such a rebellious asshole," Hayden chuckled as he started walking again. Trying not to stare at Astrid now as they approached the group and set the cooler down on the sand. "Hanging out with you two was bound to ruin me."
"What are you talking about? You were always way more of a rebellious asshole than me," Dagur suddenly offered from Hayden's other side. "I was merely the crazy and dangerous sidekick. You were the true King of Chaos. Just ask our dads." All three of them burst out laughing then. Ignoring the confused gazes of the others as they set their towels down before starting to strip off their own shirts and sandals.
"What's so funny over here," came Astrid's voice from right beside them. Pulling his shirt the rest of the way off, Hayden dropped it on his sandals as he gazed over towards Astrid and the girls. Astrid's hands resting on the gentle swells of her nearly naked hips. Nothing more than narrow strips of cloth tied in delicate bows holding her little blue bathing suit on, and a slender blonde brow arched in interest.
"Nothing really, princess. Dagur's just reminding me how bad I am," Hayden offered with a grin. His eyes completely beyond his control as they wandered down her extremely exposed body. When he finally managed to bring them back to her face, it was to find that she was staring at him too. A sort of hungry fire burning in her blue orbs as they trailed over his chest, and he felt it like a caress of fingers. Making his hands ache to reach out and touch her. Pull her against him before sliding them over the smooth curves of her waist and up her spine to where those little trailing bow tails were just waiting to be tugged loose...
"Oh, I was already well aware of that," Astrid teased as she leant down to grab three cans from the cooler. Bent over at the waist and looking up coyly past her bangs at him as that glorious ass of hers just begged for a smack. Hayden's palm practically itching with his desire. "How about a cheers to the sexiest coaches and professor that Berk U, and us ladies, could ever hope for. Physics has officially become my new favourite class," she added cheekily. Winking at Hayden, and laughing right along with Heather and Rachel as she straightened up again and passed them the drinks.
Shaking his head at her, Hayden took a long pull from his beer as he tried to ignore how close Astrid was standing to him now. Still, Hayden couldn't help chuckling softly in return as he, Dagur, and Eret all smirked at each other. "Amen to that sister," Heather quipped as she popped the top of her can before holding it up in a mock toast to Astrid's words. Stealing Rachel's usual line before the female twin could utter it and Rachel stuck out her tongue in return. Then the three beauties in bikinis clinked their cans together as they giggled even harder.
"You ladies are hazardous to my job and my health. Not that I really need the job, but still," Hayden drawled. Tipping his can back and chugging the last half of the hoppy beverage in one go before crushing his can and tossing it and his phone on the sand by the cooler. Wiping his mouth with the back of a hand.
"Man, when the hell did you become so cool," Tyler asked suddenly. His grey-blue eyes looking Hayden over appraisingly as Rachel sniggered.
"Right after I spent the night with your mom," Hayden deadpanned. There was a moment of silence before everyone burst out laughing.
"Respect," Tyler grinned. Wiping a tear of laughter from his eyes and holding out his fist towards Hayden.
"Well, on that awkward note..." Hayden started again after returning Tyler's fist bump. Sharing a brief glance with Astrid and trying not to get lost in those blue eyes that were practically sparkling with humour. "I think I'm going for a swim to wash off. I can smell myself," he added with a cringe.
"I actually kind of like that chainsaw smell of cedar and gasoline," Astrid offered with a shrug. "What," she asked when Hayden arched a disbelieving brow at her. "Why do you think lumberjack games still exist? It's because that 'masculine provider' thing is still ridiculously sexy even if you happen to be a feminist. What could be more empowering than having a big, strong, and capable man catering to your every sexual whim?"
That had Hayden snorting a laugh at her. "Was that why you dated Scott for 4 years," he couldn't help asking. Inserting a heavy helping of sarcastic innocence into his voice. "Because he was so big, and strong, and masculine? Riding that little stallion must have felt pretty empowering indeed." Then he cracked a devious grin at her.
"Oh, very funny Haddock. Now you're in for it," Astrid growled dangerously. Setting her can down and balling her fists as the others hollered and cackled at the two of them. Then Hayden was running towards the dock with a laugh as Astrid chased after him. "When I catch you, you're dead," she yelled. Shaking her fist threateningly.
Reaching the dock, Hayden dived off the end. Sure that Astrid wouldn't want to follow. Most girls wouldn't. Without a moments hesitation though, the gorgeous blonde simply plunged into the water as well. Performing a perfect dive before gliding over to surface beside him. With a smug smirk at Hayden's look of surprise, Astrid used her hand to splash water at his face. He splashed her back, and then the two of them were laughing even harder as she jumped on him and pretended to try and shove his head under the water.
Barely a moment later, there were two loud battle cries. Hayden and Astrid looking over just in time to watch Tyler and Dagur cannonball off the dock as Eret dived in beside Rachel and Heather. Frank jumping in last with a Tarzan yell as he splashed the whole lot of them. Then it was boys versus girls in a water battle. Tyler helping the girls to even out the numbers.
Hayden couldn't help noticing that Heather seemed to be flirting with Frank. Most of her efforts focused on the large blonde man, and Hayden choked out a soft laugh at Frank's adorable innocence. It could not be clearer that Frank was perfectly oblivious to Heather's crush. Despite the fact that it was also painfully obvious that the large man had the hots for the raven haired beauty. Next thing Hayden knew, Astrid was sidling up beside him. Her slick skin brushing over his as she stood on her tiptoes to reach the sandy lake bottom below the chest deep water.
Looking towards Heather and Frank as well, Astrid sighed softly. "I know, right. They're totally adorable. She's liked him for years, but she's too afraid to tell him. I think she's worried that he doesn't like her back," she offered with a shrug.
"Fat chance of that," Hayden chuckled. Watching a blush colour Frank's cheeks as Heather jumped on his back. "That boy is totally smitten. He just needs a push in the right direction. And to watch out for big brother Dagur," he added as they both watched said redhead side-tackle Frank out from under his sister. Astrid laughed in agreement, before springing at Hayden. Catching him off guard and tipping them both over into the water again.
After calling it at a solid draw, the whole group made their way back to the beach. The guys grabbing drinks for them all while the ladies ventured back to their towels instead. Wandering back over by Astrid and Heather, Hayden passed them each one of the three cans he held before laying his towel on the sand. Receiving a chorus of 'thanks' in return as the girls took a drink before setting the cans down. Eret coming over and handing a beer to Rachel before spreading his towel out by Hayden's.
The others came and gathered around the group of them. Laughing and chatting as the girls started applying sunscreen to slender limbs now dried by the sun. Hayden pretending that he didn't notice or care as he studiously looked away from Astrid. Up until her voice calling his name made his head snap around in surprise, that is. "Huh," he asked stupidly. "What did you say?"
Astrid smirked and arched a brow at him. The tube of coconut scented sunscreen in her hand held part ways out towards him. "I was just asking if you would mind putting some of this on my back for me so that I don't turn into a lobster," she repeated with an eye roll. "If it makes you uncomfortable though, I'm sure one of the other guys wouldn't mind helping a poor damsel in distress. I mean, Eret is already taken by Rachel, but there are three other guys here too."
The glimmer of challenge in her eyes was hard to miss, despite the humour in her voice. Hayden actually found himself chuckling out loud at her brazen attitude as he glanced over to see Eret applying lotion to a grinning Rachel's back. The crazy female looking like she had just won the lottery as her brother pretended to gag. Eret, on the other hand, just rolled his eyes and shrugged when he caught Hayden's gaze.
Chuckling again, Hayden glanced back to see Astrid gazing at him expectantly. The way she was holding the sunscreen out between them reminding him instantly of last Friday night at his condo and a particularly lacy black and pink thong. Almost as if she could sense his thoughts, Astrid's lips quirked up ever so slightly. This girl really was the most dangerous creature Hayden had ever met. Still, he couldn't pretend that he wasn't enjoying this quietly risky game they seemed to be playing.
Taking the tube from her and flipping it casually in his hand once, Hayden met her challenge head-on. "What hot-blooded male in his right mind would ever pass up the chance to rub your naked body down," he asked cheekily. Then he let his lips twist up into a wicked smirk as he squirted some of the white lotion onto the palm of his hand. "Again..." he added coyly. Dropping his voice into a lusty bedroom growl and watching as her pupils dilated with predictable desire. Then she blinked and shook her head slightly before she suddenly burst out laughing.
"You really are the devil," Astrid giggled. Swatting him playfully in the chest when he wiggled his eyebrows at her. "You know what though, I think I'm actually starting to like bad boys. Or at least, my body does..." Her words spawned a heat of longing in Hayden's belly, but he forced it back down. Refusing to let himself cave and make the same mistake twice. Jokes were one thing. Actually seducing her was not really an option. They were friends and nothing more. They had to be.
The others had all started laughing now as well, while Frank choked in surprise from his spot by Heather's feet. The large man's pale green eyes gaping at Hayden as if he'd never seen anything like him. Meeting Frank's gaze, Hayden rolled his eyes once. "Seriously Frank," he drawled. "Don't look so shocked. The fact that you are here with us means that you already know about Astrid and I. I'm sure if you ask nicely, the ladies will even give you and Tyler all the juicy details. That way you two can be in on the joke too."
That made Frank blush scarlet as the others laughed even harder. Shooting a wink at Astrid, Hayden motioned for her to turn around as he scooted his towel closer to hers. Astrid obliging with a wide grin of her own as she backed up until she was almost touching his knees. Trying not to overthink it, Hayden started to smooth the lotion over her skin. His hands sliding up under the ties of her bikini top, but somehow resisting the urge to 'accidentally' undo them.
He was so focused on not letting his mind wander that he didn't even hear Heather asking Frank to help her with her sunscreen. Only noticing it when Astrid nudged him gently with her elbow before tilting her head slightly in her friends' direction. Then Hayden was coughing to hide a laugh as he watched Frank shuffle awkwardly over to pick up the bottle that Heather had passed him. Kneeling carefully beside her with shaking hands as he tentatively touched her back as little as possible while shooting nervous glances at Dagur. His cheeks an impossibly bright shade of red.
Shaking his head at the glorious innocence of it all, Hayden allowed a quiet chuckle as his eyes ventured back to where Astrid was still sitting in front of him. Her sun-warmed skin beneath his hands just begging to be explored. He had been purposely using a medium to firm touch and sweeping circles in his efforts to keep it from seeming sexual. Now the very inappropriate part of him was vaguely wondering if a lighter touch would still give her goosebumps. Make her shiver as she leant back against him; begging for more.
Then his brain lit on a genius stroke of inspiration. Giving in to his urges only slightly, he added a bit more of the lotion to his palm. Taking up some of it on his fingertip, he proceeded to draw a delicate design of birds, vines, and flowers flowing from just below her hairline and out to her shoulder. Making sure to leave the lines heavy with sunscreen so that they would stand out slightly paler than the rest of her skin. Astrid didn't ask him what he was doing. Instead she simply tilted her head sideways to keep her hair out of the way as she shuddered temptingly at the gentle caresses.
Finally content with his work, Hayden cleared his throat to catch her attention before handing her back the sunscreen. "All lotioned up mi'lady," he stated lightly. "Just try not to jump in the water or lay on your back for a while," he added with a cheeky grin. Astrid peered at him in slight confusion, and something Hayden thought might almost be disappointment that he hadn't dragged out the moment even longer. That could just be his mild hubris raising it's ugly head though...
Then Astrid smiled at him as she took the tube back. "Thanks," she grinned. Tossing the lotion back in her bag and grabbing out a book instead before settling herself down pointedly on her stomach to read. Toothless making his way over to lay beside the two of them. His chin resting on his paws as he stared at Astrid for a long moment before glancing up at Hayden. Huffing his cheeks out and tilting his head in confusion as he looked between the two of them. Damn clever wolf, Hayden grumbled to himself as he glowered at the black dog that was supposed to be his best friend. Astrid peering over the top of her book with a chuckle as she reached out to scratch by Toothless' collar.
The rest of the afternoon passed by them all with the lazy ease of old friends. The girls sunbathing while the guys divided their time between the beach and the water. Doing flips and dives off the dock while the ladies yelled out scores for each. Hayden maybe showing off a little more than was totally necessary as he climbed up on one of the posts before performing a perfect double backflip into the lake. Receiving a 30 out of 30 score from the cheering beauties on the shoreline.
Hayden had finally gotten the fire going a little while before sundown. He and Eret surprising everyone as they brought out steaks and foil wrapped potatoes with all the fixings rather than just the typical hotdogs and buns the girls were likely expecting. Toothless even getting his own un-marinated and very lightly cooked steak to eat while the other two dogs ate a mixture of kibble and scraps.
"Oh my god," Rachel gushed as she devoured her potato. The mound of sour cream and bacon bits on it leaving the starchy root vegetable nearly unrecognizable. "You guys really are perfect! I'm in heaven right now."
"Well, we do aim to please," Eret joked. Grinning at Rachel, and she snorted a laugh in return before returning to her dinner with gusto. Just in time to catch her brother right as he was trying to steal her remaining steak off her plate. Everyone laughing as she yelled at Tyler and threatened to stab him with her steak knife and leave his body for Toothless to nibble on.
After cleaning up the dishes, they tossed out the dishwater far from camp. Then they put the food tote and cooler back inside Dagur's truck to hopefully keep the bears away. Though the two dogs and wolf were pretty good bear deterrents anyways. Still, better safe than sorry.
For some ridiculous reason, Rachel had convinced them all to play truth or dare after dinner. Despite how terrible of an idea that was. Not too mention how immature it made Hayden feel. What were they? Teenagers?! Already, Tyler had juggled burning sticks and Dagur had jumped in the water with his clothes on, among another things. Although, Astrid making Frank take a shot from between Heather's breasts had almost made it worth it. The furious look on Dagur's face as he cracked his knuckles making everyone laugh as Frank stammered and turned a brilliant shade of pink.
Now they had the tunes cranking out of Hayden's truck as the fire crackled away. Sparks drifting up towards the sky and a 3/4's moon reflected off the smooth surface of the lake. Lighting up the night around them. Many of the others starting to dip into the hard liquor and mix now. Hayden was sticking with beer. Not really wanting to drink to stupidity when dangerous temptation was so close.
That temptation was currently wearing his plaid long-sleeve over her thin sweater and those tiny little jean shorts. Red solo cup clutched in one of her hands as she and her friends danced around to Luke Bryan's Country Girl. Swinging their hips and tossing their hair as they laughed and sang along at the tops of their lungs. Astrid's perfect ass much closer to Hayden's face than the school board would likely want it to be.
Then again, the board of directors wouldn't even want him to be here in the first place. No matter how well he was behaving himself. Well, those stuffy old goons could just go fuck their hats. There was nothing inherently wrong about simply appreciating a beautiful woman, Hayden thought. Leaning back slightly and allowing his eyes to drink in the glorious goddess in front of him. Taking a long drink from his beer and looking away again before he could get caught.
*
Astrid was feeling great and having the time of her life. Hayden's flannel shirt keeping her perfectly warm as a decent buzz clouded her inhibitions. The man of her dreams sitting on the log behind her. Drinking a beer and somehow looking completely unfazed as she deliberately teased him with her body. Dancing close to him and shaking her ass around like she was getting paid to do it, just in the hopes of getting a rise out of him. So far, it wasn't really working though.
Never had Astrid had quite this much fun while camping. She had been so sure that this weekend would end up being either awkward or painful. Thankfully it was neither of those things. If anything, this camping trip had just made her realize that Hayden really was exactly the type of man that she wanted in her life. However she could have him.
He was sexy, fun, masculine, and charming. Dangerous, but in the best possible way. A silver tongued devil that was clearly still able to bring her to her knees with the lightest of touches if he so desired. That had been made perfectly clear earlier on the beach when he had drawn some sort of design on her neck and shoulder in sunscreen. A design that she hadn't quite gotten the chance to look at yet, but she somehow just knew was going to be beautiful. Of course it would be...
Why, oh why, did he have to be her teacher!? Grumbling to herself as the song ended, Astrid downed the last of her rye and coke before making her way to the cooler to pour another. Grabbing a can of beer for Hayden as she made her way back to the log. He grinned and thanked her as she handed it to him, and she plopped herself down beside him with a sigh. Looking over to find Toothless' green eyes gazing at her with a heavy measure of near-human understanding, and she almost laughed out loud as she reached down to scratch behind his ears.
With a chuckle at the two of them, Hayden rested the full can on the log and set his empty can aside before reaching into his pocket. Drawing out a small carton and a zippo lighter. "You smoke," Astrid asked in surprise. "I didn't know you smoked." She was wracking her brain now to try and remember any point that he might have snuck away to have a cigarette while she was at his place last weekend, and coming up totally blank. Did he just start then?
He pulled a slender stick that was the wrong colour out of the box before tossing the carton across to Dagur. "It's a flavoured cigar darling," Hayden drawled. Holding it up for her to see as he rolled his eyes. "Peach, to be exact. And no, I generally don't smoke. Only when I'm camping, or drinking excessively, or both," he added with a shrug. Putting the cigar between his lips and lighting it before tossing the zippo across to Dagur as well. Then he picked up his empty can and lobbed it all the way over to the box they had set aside. Effortlessly sinking what would have been a three-point shot.
"Mutha-fuckin swish," Dagur stated with a grin at Hayden as he grabbed a cigar for himself. Lighting it before passing the little bundle to Eret. Then he glanced back towards Astrid. "For your information princess, camping cigars are as much a tradition as road beers." Then he tilted his head back and blew a couple of smoke rings before winking cheekily at her.
Chuckling at Astrid's expression, Hayden took a long drag from his. Blowing the smoke off to the side so that the wind would carry it away from her as he leant forward to place his elbows on his knees. "I'm sure there are quite a few things about me that would surprise you, Astrid. You rarely talked to me when we were kids and I doubt you gave me much thought after I left. I'm not 12 anymore, and I haven't been for a long time," Hayden pointed out blandly as she just continued to stare at him. Misreading her silence as scorn.
Astrid felt her cheeks heat at that. Wanting to say something, but not really sure what that something was. She hadn't been staring at him because she was disgusted by him. Quite the opposite, in fact, which startled her. Making her wonder if she really was starting to desire 'bad boys' now. Or was it maybe just Hayden?..
Astrid had never liked smoking, or smokers. Had always thought that it was a disgusting habit that yellowed your teeth, gave you cancer, and made you stink like an ashtray. Something about Hayden though just made it seem oddly... Sexy... Despite all of those other things.
Shaking her head at herself, Astrid glanced over to find Rachel staring at her. A devious shine in her blue-grey eyes. "Astrid," Rachel suddenly spouted. "Truth or dare?"
"Ugh! I thought we were done with that," Astrid grumbled half-heartedly as she glared at Rachel. Knowing that she was surely up to no good.
"Nope, and it's my turn," Rachel grinned back. "Truth or dare," she asked again.
"Obviously dare," Astrid replied with a grimace. "No one would ever pick truth around you lot."
"Dare isn't any safer," Hayden pointed out. Shrugging when Astrid glared at him. "Just saying," he mumbled.
"Alright," Rachel smirked. "I dare you to play the smoking game... with Hayden." Rachel's grin would have put the Grinch to shame as Hayden suddenly choked in surprise. Gaping at Rachel as if she was his worst nightmare.
"Why am I getting dragged into this," he exclaimed loudly.
"Because it's my dare and I said so," Rachel countered. Casually pretending to check her nails as Eret, Dagur, and Tyler all started laughing.
"What's the smoking game," Astrid asked in confusion. Wondering what was so funny as the three of them started laughing even harder. Frank and Heather looking just as lost as she felt.
Grimacing at Astrid apologetically, which only served to confuse her more, Hayden then glanced towards Rachel. "I'm pretty sure that would be strike two for me, job-wise," he pointed out. "Not that I don't want to, I just don't think I should."
"Are you crying chicken then," Rachel asked blandly.
"What?! No," Hayden spluttered. "It's not even my dare!"
"So you're making Astrid cry chicken then," she persisted. "You will completely ruin her reputation, you know. Astrid has never once cried chicken in over 15 years of Truth or Dare. What? Do you think Alvin is going to come barging into the camp right now and catch you? I'm pretty sure you're already in trouble if that's the case," Rachel added with an eye roll. "Might as well dive all the way in."
"You are a cruel, cruel woman," Hayden growled. "Using my chivalrous nature against me." He glared at Rachel for a moment more before turning back to Astrid. His green eyes completely unreadable as they locked onto her blue ones with a sort of steely determination. Leaning towards her slightly, Hayden reached out one hand to cup her jaw. Astrid's breath catching in her throat at the realization of what that must mean. Her brain suddenly catching on to Rachel's diabolical plan.
"You're supposed to inhale the smoke when I kiss you," Hayden informed her quietly. His voice a dangerously seductive purr again.
"Oh... Okay," she stuttered stupidly as he tilted her chin up. Bringing his cigar to his lips briefly before closing the gap and pressing his mouth to hers. Gentler than she would have expected from the look in his eyes. Without even thinking about it, Astrid's eyes slid closed. Her lips parting for Hayden as a wave of tingling warmth flooded her brain. Making her feel much dizzier than the alcohol ever could. Her tongue snaking towards his as her hands came up to clutch at his hair. Pulling him closer.
Everything about him felt painfully familiar. Aside from the sweet flavour of peach that was on his lips, and Astrid deepened the kiss despite knowing that she shouldn't. Seeking out more of him while she had the chance, and hoping that she wasn't going too far. It wasn't as if Hayden really wanted to kiss her, after all. He was just being chivalrous.
Breathing in through her mouth now, Astrid forced herself to remember that they were simply doing this for a dare. Not actually making out. Hayden wasn't supposed to be kissing her at all. He could get fired for this. Or worse, arrested.
Thankfully, before she could lose herself too much, Hayden suddenly pulled away. The two of them locking eyes again for a moment, and Astrid could swear that she saw desire in his gaze now. Though that may just be her imagination projecting her own feelings onto him. She offered him a somewhat apologetic grimace in return. Then Astrid turned her face towards Rachel as she pointedly blew a swirl of white smoke into the air.
"Are you happy now? You savage heathen," Astrid grumbled at her friend. Still, she couldn't help being mildly impressed with herself, and with how cool she was playing this. Not to mention the fact that she hadn't even coughed. Feeling a small smile lift her lips even as everyone else hollered lewdly at the two of them. Frank looking completely shell-shocked now, even as he laughed with the others.
"Yes," Rachel grinned back. "Yes I am."
"Good," Astrid replied with an evil smirk. "Because karma's a bitch and now it's my turn. Rachel, truth or dare?"
*
Later that night, Hayden found himself sitting on the dock with Toothless. The wool blanket from his truck wrapped around his shoulders. Looking out over the still water and watching the tiny ripples of jumping fish as he ran his fingers through the wolf's thick fur. His brain seemed to be stuck on a repeating loop of that kiss with Astrid. Though he had tried to go to bed and forget it, it just wouldn't quit. Eventually giving up on sleep, Hayden had simply thrown his clothes back on and grabbed a flashlight and the blanket before heading down to the water.
Really, it shouldn't be affecting him this much. It was barely note-worthy. As kisses go, it was more like a slightly more involved peck. Still, he could taste Astrid on his tongue even now. Feel the soft press of her warm lips on his. Her tiny hands clutching at his hair and pulling him in. Begging him to cast off his propriety and responsibility, and just wrap his arms around her instead.
Too bad he couldn't. It was never his own job he was worried about, after all. It was her future. If it was just about his job, he'd have her naked and cuddled up with him in his sleeping bag right now. Unfortunately, Hayden absolutely refused to risk having Alvin think that Astrid was trying to fuck her way through school. No matter how badly every part of him had wanted to take her back to his tent and strip those tiny little shorts off of her with his teeth.
Sighing in frustration, Hayden leant back on his hands. "Can't sleep either," came a soft voice from behind him then. Turning his head, he saw Astrid approaching the dock. Dressed in comfy sweatpants and tank top under his flannel shirt. Her hair piled in a messy bun on the top of her head. If they were a thing, which they couldn't be, Hayden couldn't help wondering if she would look just like this whenever it was only the two of them. The thought making him smile, despite himself.
"Nope," Hayden chuckled back quietly. Trying to ignore his own traitorous mind while scooting over to let her sit by him. Draping the blanket over both of them to keep the night chill at bay. With a sigh of her own, Astrid leant into his side and pulled the blanket tight around her as she gazed off towards the water.
Hayden almost thought that she wasn't going to speak to him. She must feel so awkward sitting this close after he had kissed her earlier. He was just about to say something, or move away a bit, when she finally spoke. "I'm really sorry about earlier," she stated quietly. Still looking out over the lake instead of at him. "That kiss was not my idea, and I never wanted to put you in that position. Rachel means well, but sometimes she just pushes too far or oversteps her bounds."
"It's alright. My friends are equally as terrible," Hayden offered with a grin as she glanced over at him. Hoping to let her know that he wasn't mad. Confused, maybe. Inappropriately hot for his student, definitely. Certainly not mad though. "At least you got her back. Making her kiss Meatlug was poetic justice at its finest."
"It really was, wasn't it," Astrid giggled back now. Then her face got suddenly serious again. "Anyways, I just wanted to reassure you that I'm not going to get all weirdly clingy now. I'm already well aware that we are not even remotely on the same playing field when it comes to dating. We're not even in the same league. I'm not really your type either, and I'm okay with that," she offered blandly. Her cheeks flushing a soft pink in the moonlight as she cast her eyes down towards the planks of the dock in embarrassment.
"What's that supposed to mean? You're not my type? What's my type," Hayden spouted stupidly. His brain taking much too long to catch up to the situation.
"Duh! Models, actresses, and beauty queens," Astrid drawled sarcastically. "Obviously. I mean, come on! Your ex looks like she walked right off the front page of a style magazine, and so did all the other girls you've dated." Then she dropped her voice lower as she confessed, "I may have Googled you last week."
Astrid Hofferson thinks she's not good enough for me, Hayden realized in surprise. Biting back on a laugh now at the sheer absurdity of that idea. "You shouldn't believe everything you see on the internet. Other than Victoria, most of those ladies simply accompanied me to events as a guest. I wasn't in a relationship with them."
She just rolled her eyes again. "A guy like you doesn't need to be in a relationship to get laid. Ladies just swoon at the chance to hang off your arm for even one night," she muttered, and Hayden felt the strange need to reassure her. Even though he knew that he really should just leave it alone instead.
"You want to hear something crazy," he suddenly asked. Making Astrid glance back up at him in confusion. "When we were kids, I had the absolute biggest crush on you. Like, the brain-crippling sort of crush. Where I'd break things or trip over my own feet just because you walked by me."
When she just scoffed in disbelief, Hayden smirked at her. "What, it's true! You were my first ever crush. I never told anyone though. You know why?"
"Why?"
"Because I always thought that you were way too cool to want anything to do with someone like me. I was sure you'd just laugh in my face, or worse, that you would only talk to me because you felt sorry for me. You were the most popular girl in class after all, and I was just the school nerd. You were well out of my league, so I never even bothered to try." He couldn't help grinning wider when she snorted a laugh.
"Well, how's that for irony," Astrid grumbled.
"Ironic it is," he agreed. "If it's any consolation though, you're one of the hottest nerds I've ever met," Hayden teased. Making her laugh again as she shoved him with her shoulder. "Unfortunately, I'm still your teacher Astrid," he added in a much gentler tone. "It's your career that's at risk, and I won't be the thing that ruins it for you just for my own sexual gratification."
"Thank you," Astrid said quietly. When Hayden cocked his head at her, she offered him a half smile. "For caring about the future more than the moment, I guess. It's something I've never struggled with before now, but it's actually kind of refreshing to hear it from a guy," she offered with a shrug. "Every time I think you can't get more perfect, you do."
Hayden barked out a laugh at that. "Perfect I am not," he countered. "I have my father's hot temper and my mother's impressive ability to shirk responsibility if it doesn't suit my mood. You just haven't seen the worst of me yet," he added with a wink.
"I think I could handle it," she shot back with a grin. "After all, I did date Scott for 4 whole years."
"Touché mi'lady," Hayden acknowledged with a laugh. "You must have the patience of a saint."
"Not even close," she admitted. Both of them laughing again before settling back to gaze out at the water.
As he walked with her back to the campsite later, Hayden couldn't help thinking over everything that had just happened. Unless he was reading it wrong, which he very well could be, Astrid Hofferson now had something of a crush on Hayden Haddock. 11-year-old Hayden would be jumping on his bed with joy right now if he knew. Too bad it was completely the wrong time. If they had met a couple years ago, Hayden might have done everything he could to steal Astrid away from his idiot cousin. Now she was single, willing, and entirely off limits. No matter what Eret said.
Still, Hayden knew deep down that he would never really be able to leave her alone either. He would keep on playing this game, no matter how dangerous it might be. There was just something between them that was impossible to resist. Reaching her tent, Hayden offered her a warm smile. "Goodnight Asta," he sighed. Seeing her eyes widen again at the use of the unconventional nickname. He had been mildly impressed earlier today that she clearly knew what it meant, but that hadn't stopped him from saying it again anyways. Even if he couldn't actually have the woman of his dreams, she should still know that she was a goddess.
"Goodnight," she muttered back. Turning to fumble at the zipper for a moment before disappearing through the flap. With another sigh, Hayden made his way to his own tent with Toothless at his side. Hoping that, just maybe, he could actually get some sleep now. As long as his mind didn't start conjuring up more images of a naked Astrid to haunt his dreams.
ooOOoo
Well, what did you all think of that? These two are seriously playing with fire, but their evil friends are more than happy to help them make bad choices. Clearly, Hayden's mind was too distracted to give much thought to Miss Cope and their coffee date. Honestly, I wanted it that way. It just proves that he is not looking at Cope as a possible relationship, so it isn't really weighing on him to confess. It's no different than if he was going to coffee with any one of the other teachers.
According to Hayden, that is. I guess we'll have to wait to see what Astrid thinks next chapter ;)