Carly stared into the flames leaping up from the rusty fire ring. The temperature outside was dropping along with the sun, and though she wanted her jacket, she did not make a move to get it. Partially because moving away from the fire would certainly make her chillier, but more so because she did not want to unzip the tent to get the garment.

Inside her friend Jane was snoring loudly.  It was unlikely she would be disturbed by Carly’s entrance. She’d drank enough liquor to incapacitate a Navy Seal. That was the problem. Carly had agreed to accompany Jane on this camping trip with the understanding they would not be drinking. Jane was an alcoholic, and her drunkenness had ruined more than a couple of their girl’s trips through the years.

This getaway had been going well for the first day. They hiked, swam, ate s’mores and stayed up late playing cards and laughing about old times. When you’ve known someone for over twenty years, there’s no shortage of fodder for reminiscing.

Today, however, had not been fun. An hour into their seven-hour-long canoe trip, Jane had started drinking. The river was full of other people canoeing and floating in inner tubes. Many had brought coolers full of booze along for the journey and were only too happy to share.  

The more Jane drank, the less helpful she was in maneuvering the canoe or being otherwise useful. Their last two hours on the river had been hell for Carly. Trying to babysit an uncoordinated lush and maintain control of their vessel was quite difficult. It took all she had to steer them through the current to the take-out point, while an oblivious Jane clutched the front bench and focused only on not falling out of the boat.

A group of young men on shore were observing the take-out and offering cheers of encouragement to the canoeists. Noticing their struggle, one of them approached sporting a gorgeous grin and sunglasses.

“Let me give you a hand,” he said, reaching for the front of the canoe. Jane giggled drunkenly and nearly toppled out of the boat as she tried to stand up. The stranger caught her by the arms and steadied her to the ground. Carly worked to hold the vessel still in the slippery mud.

“Oooh, thank you, Mr. Handsome guy,” Jane whooped as she stumbled up the shore, laughing.

Carly watched her with a scowl of annoyance that betrayed her thoughts.

Cool, I guess I’ll get this onto the beach and gather all our shit together by myself.  

Apparently reading her mind, Mr. Handsome grabbed the front of the canoe and pulled it up the shore nearly by himself. He and Carly slid it in line next to the others along the beach, and for the first time, she got a good look at ‘Mr. Handsome.’ 

He was about 6’2” with crew-cut dark blonde hair and toned muscles highlighted by a summer tan. Carly thought he looked like a Ken doll come to life. She suddenly wished she wasn’t beet red and coated in sweat.

“Thanks a lot. Seriously,” she said, more breathlessly than she expected.

“It seemed like you could use some assistance.” They both looked over toward Jane, who was now sitting on a picnic table chatting with Mr. Handsome’s buddies. Carly rolled her eyes and let out a deep sigh.

“Yeah. It’s been a…tiring day.”

She looked back to the canoe and reached for their life jackets. Mr. Handsome grabbed the cooler and lifted it out.

“Why is only one of you having a good time?” He tilted his head and offered a curious grin.

“Because someone had to steer the fucking canoe down the river!” Carly snarled in response.

“Whoa! Yikes.”

“Sorry, I’m sorry.” Carly shook her head and looked up at Mr. Handsome, who had taken a step back from the canoe. “It’s just been a long day of babysitting a drunk and trying to avoid us getting stuck on branches and shit. I, I didn’t mean to snap at you. I really am grateful for your help.”

“That’s okay. I get it. Wasn’t she any help at all on the water?” He was watching Jane still giggling with his pals.

“Not particularly. Anyway, we made it to the end here so…Thanks again for your help.” She gathered their stuff into a backpack and placed it next to the cooler before taking a seat on the lid. “I’m Carly, by the way.”

“Jason.”

Carly scooted to one side of the cooler and Jason took the invitation to sit next to her. He smelled like coconut sunscreen and despite her frustration, Carly felt a stir in her bikini bottom. She took a deep breath and lifted her head to watch the river.  

“So, it’s been a shit day, then?” He leaned forward with elbows on his knees and looked over at Carly. She took her eyes off the river and turned her sunglass-shaded face to meet his own.

“It’s not been great. But, honestly, it’s not the last few hours I’m thinking about. It’s the rest of the day.” She looked up toward the picnic table. Jane waved joyously and the guys around her surveyed Carly and Jason.

Just then the shuttle bus came roaring into the gravel lot. Carly was thankful for the interruption. Jason helped her load the cooler, while Jane was escorted by the Dude Crew. On the bus, Jane beckoned loudly to Carly to join her in the back with her new friends.

“Carly! Come here! Come sit with us! Bring Mr. Handsome with you!” The guys cackled and hooted.

“Yeah, Mr. Handsome,” they jeered. “Come join us.”

Carly forced a smile and plopped down next to Jane. During the 20-minute ride back to the campground she tried to be amiable and make small talk. Jane jabbered enough for the both of them. When the bus approached their campsite Carly grabbed Jane’s wrist and pulled her up from the seat.

“Come on, help me get the cooler,” Carly entreated.

“Bye, guys!” Jane chirped as they walked up the aisle. “Nice to meet you all!”

“Bye, Jane,” the group clamored discordantly.

“Bye, Carly,” she heard Jason’s singular voice call out as they reached the bus door. Carly glanced back and smiled.

“Bye…Mr. Handsome,” she winked.

The bus had barely pulled away when Jane was already fumbling with the zipper of their tent. She fell onto her sleeping bag still wearing her wet bathing suit, and that’s where she had been since around 5pm.

Carly had since showered, rekindled their fire, and cooked herself dinner. Jane showed no sign of waking anytime soon, so Carly sat pondering what to do with the rest of her evening alone.

Nearby, another group of campers blasted country music and roasted hotdogs on sharpened sticks. A few sites down, a couple was trying to wrangle two young children into pajamas.  

Suddenly a silhouette emerged on the far side of the fire ring. Carly leaned forward, trying to focus through the smoke screen when a voice spoke up.

“Carly? It’s me, Jason. From earlier.” He came closer and was illuminated by the fire.

“Oh, hey,” she replied, relaxing slightly. “What’s going on?”  

“Nothing really.” He sat down in the empty camp chair next to Carly. “Just wanted to see how you were doing?”

“Hmph,’ Carly scoffed, looking from the flames to Jason. “Well, I’m just peachy.”

She realized she had only seen him with sunglasses on. He was even better looking without them covering his cheekbones and light eyes.

Jason smirked at her and turned an ear towards the snoring coming from inside the tent.

“Nice,” he said, turning back to Carly. “I hope you brought earplugs.” Carly rolled her eyes and pulled her shoulders in tighter against the cool breeze. “Temperature’s dropping. Where’s your jacket?” Jason asked earnestly.

“In there,” she motioned with a nod of her head.

“Well, why don’t you grab it and come with me?” he said, reaching for her hand as he stood up.

“Where are we going?” Carly rose and moved slowly toward the tent, her crossed arms trying to conceal her chilled nipples.

“Just for a walk. Not far.”

Carly studied his face in the flickering light. He flashed her that winning smile.

“You don’t have to. You just seem bored here is all.”

Carly opened the tent zipper and used her phone’s flashlight to find her jacket in the dimness.

Is this stupid? I don’t really know this guy and I’m gonna go off in the dark with him? Jesus, I really am bored.  

Grabbing a pen and old receipt out of her purse, she scrawled a quick note:

WENT FOR WALK WITH MR HANDSOME. IF NOT BACK BY AM, GET HELP-C

She tucked the paper under Jane’s cell phone by her head and put on the jacket. She came out and found Jason still by the fire.

“I don’t need real shoes, right?” Carly looked down at her feet, clad in ankle socks and slides.

“Nah,” he snickered. “Those are fine.”

“Well then, lead the way,” she said, waving an open palm. Jason extended a bent elbow and Carly laughed as she slid her arm into his.

The two walked along the edge of the gravel road, chatting about what brought them there for the long weekend. Jason was there with old high school friends. Something of a biennial boys trip. Carly told him about her lifelong friendship with Jane and how her alcoholism was slowly eroding things.

They meandered around the campgrounds, returning hellos to those who offered and declining invitations to join various raucous parties. The cool night air caused Carly to press into Jason’s side. The scent of coconut sunscreen was now overpowered by wood smoke and faded hints of cologne. She breathed him in deeply, hoping it went unnoticed.

 When they reached the farthest side of the grounds, Carly could hear the rush of the river. Jason led her off the gravel road and into an empty campsite.

At first, she was surprised that this spot was not occupied for the holiday until she realized it was partially flooded. The site’s picnic table was only a few feet away from the water overflowing the riverbank.

“What are we doing here?” Carly clung to his elbow and glanced around.

“Taking in the view,” smiled Jason, looking up. Carly’s gaze followed. Above them the sky sparkled with thousands of stars. They twinkled in every direction and reflected off the water.

“Oh, wow!” She leaned her head back and stared straight up. “It’s beaauutiful.”

For a few moments they stood in silence, observing the sky and listening to the choir of crickets. Being still so near the water caused the cold to settle upon them quickly. Carly cuddled into Jason for warmth, and he moved behind her, wrapping both arms around her, pulling her into his open jacket.

Her pulse rose and she felt a new heat flood her pelvis. His fingers traced up the sides of her thighs, over her round bum.

“Can you name any constellations?” Carly asked, pressing her back into his chest. She shivered as his fingertips grazed bare skin at the top of her pants.

“A few,” Jason whispered with lips against her ear.  Her pussy swelled as he continued running his hands over her body, pushing up under her jacket toward braless tits. His cock stiffened against her lower back.

He kissed down her neck and shoulders and she moaned, reaching up to grasp his blonde hair between her fingers. Jason cupped her breasts and flicked her hard nipples with his thumbs. Carly was now writhing against him, grinding her ass into his pelvis.

“There’s Orion’s Belt.” His breath was hot on the nape of her neck, and he wasn’t remotely looking towards the sky.

“Orion, the hunter?” Carly played along, snaking a hand behind herself to feel his erection.

“Uh-hmm,” he responded between kisses. He kept one hand under her shirt, fondling her boobs, while the other trailed down her back and across her hip bone. Fingers slipped under the elastic edge of her pants, inching closer to hot, wet folds.

Carly was electrified. She leaned to one side and craned her head back to meet his mouth in a passionate kiss. Jason spun her around to face him, one hand still down her pants. She ran her hands under his shirt, feeling warm abs and firm pecs.

“I want you,” she whispered against his ear.

Jason scooped her up by the ass and sat her down on the edge of the picnic table. He bent his head down and their mouths met in feverish, wet kisses. He pulled her pants down, exposing her flesh to the crisp air. Despite the goosebumps, she was boiling inside.

Jason knelt in front of her, his hot breath against her inner thighs. His tongue swept rapidly through her slit, sending a jolt through her body. A quiet moan escaped her open lips. She laced fingers into his hair while he licked up and down her labia, swirling his tongue around her clit. Carly stared up at the countless stars and gently writhed in pleasure.

Jason’s rhythm changed. He alternated long, flat-tongued licks around the edges with deep, probing darts inside. His warm hands gently stroked her thighs.  Carly was in rapture.

Jason stood and as he unbuttoned his jeans, Carly sat up to assist him. She pulled his rigid cock out and kissed the tip before wrapping her wet lips around it. He held the back of her head and guided her up and down slowly while she slurped his shaft. After a minute or so, Carly stopped and looked up at Jason.  

“I want you inside me,” she purred.

She stood up and turned herself around. Leaning her elbows on the table she presented her wet slit, glistening under starlight. He ran a hand up the back of her thigh, caressing her swollen, dripping lips.

“By the way,” she looked back over her shoulder salaciously and winked, “I use birth control.”

Jason flashed his gorgeous smile and let slip a delighted groan.  He guided his dick up and down her crease, painting her with precum. When he pushed into her she gasped, then moaned greedily. Jason held her hips firmly and slid his rod in and out purposefully, letting her feel every inch.

Carly arched her back and thrust her pelvis into Jason’s. His balls slapped at her clit with each stroke, sending pleasant vibrations through her.  His hands caressed up her waist and ribs, cupping her breasts and pulling her back up to his chest.

They pumped in unison, staring up at the stars, listening to the river and each other’s grunts of pleasure. Neither was concerned about if they were being watched.

Jason’s pace quickened and Carly’s muscles clenched around his shaft rhythmically, bringing her closer to climax. She grasped at the table and closed her eyes to focus on what she felt. Jason’s fingers dug into her hips and he moaned loudly as he came. His hot spunk coated her inner walls and Carly’s legs shook beneath her. She pursed her lips together hard to muffle her own squeal. The two slowly rocked together in the aftershocks, catching their breath.

Jason slipped out as he softened, and a trickle of creamy juice dripped down Carly’s thighs. They giggled quietly while pulling their pants up and zipping jackets. Walking away from the campsite they looked around to see if anyone took an interest in them, but no one seemed to notice.

Carly held his hand as they made their way back toward the other end of the campground. They didn’t talk much but both had smiling faces. When they came around a curve Carly and Jane’s tent was within view.

Jason walked her all the way to the mat at the threshold of the tent. The faint sound of Jane snoring was still audible through the nylon walls. They laughed together, then shared a kiss.  

“Thanks for…helping me clear my head,” Carly grinned. “Among other things.”

“Happy to help.” He smiled. “Sweet dreams, Carly.” He walked back towards the gravel road, fading into darkness.

"Good night, Mr. Handsome," she muttered to herself.

Carly opened the tent and tiptoed inside. She found the note she’d written earlier and crumpled it up, shoving it down in her backpack.

Crawling into her sleeping bag, she tugged her pants off and felt wet, sticky panties slip down her thigh. She smirked in the darkness and shimmied the sodden garment all the way off. A warmth enveloped Carly and she drifted to sleep thinking of coconuts and constellations.