Page 30 of Check Mate

“So, how’d you sleep last night, Davey-boy?” Austin asks with a dramatic wink.

I keep my expression neutral. “Fine. Thank you for inquiring. How did you guys sleep?”

Gerald titters. “I told you he wouldn’t give anything away. A gentleman never kisses and tells.”

I shake my head. “And that’s especially easy when there was no kissing to tell about.”

“Well, maybe she’ll warm up to you tonight,” Gerald says.

Austin nods in agreement. “True, true. Women are like crockpots… takes em’ a while to heat up.”

I close my eyes, withholding a groan. “I’m not trying to warm her up. We’re simply platonic tentmates for the next few nights.”

Gerald holds his hands up in surrender. “Alright. If you say so.”

Today is the warmest day of our expedition. It seems almost unnatural to watch the scenery change from glacial mountains and cold weather to a warm jungle atmosphere. I strip off my jacket and tie it around my waist, and notice most others doing the same. Isa removes her warm jacket to reveal a bright red sports bra, the same color as today’s leggings. How many coordinating athletic outfits does the woman have?

She doesn’t look indecent by any means, but I wish she’d put a shirt on… I don’t like the way Chris is drooling all over her.

Begrudgingly, I look away from Isa and back to the mountain view. The view almost makes the hiking tolerable. I’ve never seen anything so majestic in my life; it’s like everywhere you turn there’s a scene so picturesque it could be in a movie.

Kansas, of course, is flat grasslands. Never would you round a corner and stumble upon a waterfall so grand it took your breath from your lungs. Nature has never been a great passion of mine, but I’ve found myself really enjoying the landscape here.

After four hours of hiking, we arrive at our campsite for the night. This campsite has showers, a pool, and even a hot tub. The group has all stripped down to the bare minimum of hiking clothes by now, and we all reek of sweat. Everyone seems excited to jump into the swimming pool and relax here for the evening.

All I want is a shower… a real shower. I’ve never smelled so bad in my life.

The ladies head toward their shower room, most of them planning just to change into their swimsuits. And the guys head to ours. We walk inside and see simple but clean cement floors and shower stalls. There are also bathroom stalls and sinks. It’s no more than the average high school boys’ locker room, but it feels like a luxury after two days of hiking.

The other guys change into their swim trunks while I go to a shower stall. I grab a bar of soap from my small toiletry bag and enjoy a warm shower and the scent of fresh soap. Once I finally smell like myself again, the place is empty except for me. I towel off and pull my swim trunks from my backpack and slip them on. They’re simple, black swim shorts, but of course, the best quality.

Walking out of the shower room, I see our group at the pool. Everyone is splashing and having fun. I walk straight toward the hot tub, which is empty minus Austin and Gerald.

There’s no way I’m getting into that pool; it’s basically just swamp water now after all of those sweaty bodies have sloshed around in it. Gerald and Austin grin at me as I step into the hot tub and sink down into the bubbling water. It feels so good on my sore muscles and I instantly relax. Leaning my head back against the edge of the hot tub, I let my entire body relax and close my eyes… until I hear Isa shriek and then giggle.

My eyes snap open and my head jerks toward the sound. Anthony has Hannah on his shoulders, and Chris has Isa on his. They’re playing chicken and laughing as they try to knock the other over into the water.

I swallow slowly as I take in Isa’s hot pink bikini that shows off her amazing curves and gorgeous brown skin. Every inch of her body is perfect… soft curves, toned stomach, and long hair that falls down her back in a beautiful cascade of dark waves.

Gerald and Austin snicker, drawing me out of my Isa-induced stupor. My jaw, which I didn’t realize was gaping open, snaps shut.

“You have it bad.” Gerald shakes his head but has a teasing glint in his eye.

“So bad!” Austin agrees, and they both chuckle.

I clear my throat and sink down into the water. “Chicken might seem fun, but it’s actually incredibly dangerous. What if one of them were to hit their head on the edge of the pool? I’m just concerned for everyone’s well-being.”

There’s no way I’m admitting they’re right… partially, anyway. I really do hate water games… but that’s not why I can’t take my eyes off of Isa. No, the cause of that is definitely the pink bikini.

Gerald and Austin glance at each other, then look at me. Both have their left eyebrows quirked, making them look even more alike than they already do. I ignore them and close my eyes again.

While my eyes are closed and I begin to relax again, I think about the mountain scenery, the waterfalls, the alpacas and wildlife we’ve seen, Brooks belching… anything but Isa in that little pink bikini.

After dinner, which consisted of grilled chicken, steamed rice, passion fruit, papayas, and oranges, everyone showers and heads to bed for the night. I assume I’m sharing a tent with Isa again tonight, but maybe she and Chris connected today and want to share.

My jaw clenches and I notice I’m grinding my teeth. I take a deep breath and crawl inside my designated tent. A few minutes later, Isa climbs inside as well. Wearing another sports bra, this one purple with matching athletic shorts.

“Oh, Isa, you’re here,” I declare the obvious like a total dumbass.