by Bijou Hunter
A barking dog grudgingly separates us. Journey doesn’t glance at the passing hikers. Her gaze remains locked on me.
“Dating is lame,” she whispers, standing up and walking around the table before sitting on the same bench and facing me.
“You’re fearless,” I say, reaching out to cup her cheek.
“How do you figure?”
“You take what you want.”
“Because I changed spots on the table?”
“Because you wanted me to kiss you again, so you came over here to make it easier for me,” I explain, sliding closer. “Now I can hold you close and let my fingers explore your sweaty flesh. That was brave of you to offer me such access.”
“Umm… I’m not sure I…”
My lips shut up her weak protestation. Journey might not be confident about the dating gig, but she’s a fan of kissing. This time, when noisy people pass us, our lips remain stuck together. Journey’s hands slide up the back of my shirt while she lifts her legs over mine. Soon, she’s on my lap, ready to crawl under my skin.
Journey actually growls when I pry free my lips. I feel her tensing in my arms until my mouth latches onto the spot where her throat and shoulder curve together. Sighing approvingly, she relaxes in my embrace even while digging her fingers into my back. If a little neck action riles up Journey this much, I can’t wait to strip her down alone somewhere.
A half hour of her hips pressed against mine, sending my erection into a painful funk, is all I enjoy before Journey regains her senses and pulls away.
Fumbling with her backpack, she pretends her panties aren’t drenched and her nipples don’t stretch the fabric of her shirt.
“What now?” she says while we walk back to my car. “Did this hiking date go well?”
“What do you think?”
“How would I know?”
“Did you have fun?”
“I didn’t like hiking.”
“What about the part where you hung out with me?”
Journey caresses her lips and gives me a once over. She won’t provide my ego any easy comfort. Instead, she considers our day together and shrugs.
“You were agreeable.”
Even as she says the words, Journey wraps her arms around me and squeezes my ass.
“Your lips say one thing, but your inquisitive hands say something completely different.”
Grinning wide, she gives my ass another squeeze. “Not really. My hands think you’re agreeable too.”
“My hands like you too,” I say, kissing her forehead gently while my hands cover her curvy ass.
“Is this how dates are supposed to end?” she asks, leaning her head on my chest as her hands get comfortable in my back pockets.
“Sure, why the fuck not?”
“Is this how you usually end dates?”
“I don’t go on dates.”
“So you’re just making crap up as you go along?”
“Again, why the fuck not?”
“Should we have another date or end this one with the knowledge that it couldn’t have gone any better considering it involved hiking?”
“I’d like another date. I think your fingers digging into my ass want another date too.”
Journey laughs against my chest. “They find you very agreeable.”
“So you’ll go out with me again, and we’ll fondle each other. Might even have a conversation that doesn’t involve shitty food or how much we dislike other people.”
“You’re probably aiming too high with those expectations, but I guess you’re just a dreamer.”
“For you, I’m giving the dreamer schtick a try. I promise nothing.”
“I wouldn’t believe your promises anyway.”
“I’ll take you home now, so you can get a cold shower.”
“Cold showers are for repressed church types. I have a vibrator, and it’s my date for the evening.”
Journey knows what her words do to me, yet she isn’t flirting. She says what she thinks and faces the consequences of her words.
I’m the opposite. I contemplate a situation to death before finally acting. With Journey, I waited for months to make my move. I know I’ll have to move more quickly if I want to keep her. Except we’re both set in our ways, and I doubt either of us is willing to change.
16 Snake Charmers
Journey
No doubt I’ve lost my mind.
Watching Donovan leave, I’m thrilled he’s gone, and I’m home. I’m also ready to burst into tears and desperate for him to return. Dating sucks, and I could spend a lifetime without it. Except I also crave Donovan and his approval.
Blaming lust for my weird, all over the place thoughts, I figure I’ll be okay after I masturbate. Donovan got me worked up something fierce, and my entire body is pissed I didn’t seal the deal with the sexy man. Why hadn’t I asked to go to his place where he could fuck these feelings out of me? I’d be happier. He’d be happier. The burning ache between my legs would most definitely be happier.
Wearing a dark frown, Otto stands on the other side of the door.
“What took so long?”
“We lost track of time while talking about you.”
His frown shifts into concern, but I only laugh and mess with his overgrown hair.
“Chill, kid. We hiked too far and then had to hike all of the way back. That takes time.”
Poppy glances up at me from her spot on the floor. “I’m not at all interested in your date.”
“Good because I’m not sharing the details.”
“Did he still want you even though I didn’t get to put makeup on your ugly mug?”
“Yep. Does that make you want to curl up and die?”
Poppy gives me a dirty look, but she’s dying for details. For a sixteen-year-old, she’s shockingly clueless about dating. Boys don’t interest her except as friend material. Swapping spit with a guy makes her gag dramatically. Justice liked boys at Poppy’s age, but she didn’t do anything with them. Christine didn’t even hold a guy’s hand before meeting Jared. Apparently, the women in my family sexually mature slower than the rest of the population.
“Have fun?” Court asks, appearing from the backdoor.
I open my mouth to tell him to mind his own business, but Justice appears from behind him. She’s morally against minding her own business, and her need to know has no doubt infected her husband.
“We hiked. It was neither fun nor sexy so save the questions. I’m hot and sticky from the sunscreen.”
“You got a little sunburned too,” Christine says, emerging from her bedroom.
I sense I’m about to be cornered by these different factions. They’ll want to know details, and I’ll spill something embarrassing like how my vagina throbs with need. Otto will hear me say something gross and end up scared for life.
“I’ll talk to you after my shower,” I say, hurrying out of the room.
Their voices follow me down the hallway, but I shut them out with the door first and then the running water. I wish I could grab my vibrator since masturbation with my fingers takes for fricking ever.
To my surprise, I don’t need much help to find relief. The hot water washes off the bug repellent and sunscreen but does nothing to alleviate the desire I feel. Closing my eyes, I guide one hand to my clit and the other to my left nipple. I spend a minute or two of stroking with the fantasy of Donovan doing the touching. Groaning, I lean my forehead against the shower wall and soak in the orgasm.
It’s not enough, though. Donovan got me so worked up that my vagina craves more even after my shower. I end up darting across the hall to my bedroom where I lock the door.
The TV plays music while I get comfy in bed with my vibrator.
I think of Donovan’s thick hair against my fingertips. I imagine his hands on my ass. The image of him playing with my tits makes me smile. Maybe he’d bite at the nipples. A little rough touch would go nicely with the soft stroking between my legs. Yes, he’d use his long fingers to fill me up
first before exchanging them for what must be a sizable dick. I recall how it felt between my legs. I’d wanted so desperately to rip off my pants and spread eagle for him on the picnic table. His dick could break free of those khaki pants, and soon we’d know if the sweaty reality was half as good as our fantasies.
I’ve never masturbated as much as I do after my date with Donovan. The dirty pictures in my head are intoxicating, but I suspect I’ll never be truly satisfied until I’ve known how he feels inside me.
Later, I sit with my family and watch TV and convince myself the lust is sated. I’m back in control, and dating again feels like a waste of time. Donovan is a good man, and I like him, but I can walk away if I need to.
Yes, I’ve filled my head with lots of lies that reality threatens to destroy. Until that happens, I’m back to the Journey I know and understand.
17 Snake Charmers
Journey
Sunday is our cleaning day when the entire family scrubs down the house from top to bottom to ensure a new week begins on a positive note. The problem with this plan is how lazy we naturally are at home.
By the time we finish cleaning, the kids collapse in front of the TV in the living room while Christine watches a show in her room. Justice, Poppy, and I sit silently on the porch. We are too exhausted and lazy to form words. Our only goal is waiting for Court to arrive with dinner. Until then, we stare blankly at our green surroundings and attempt not to drool on ourselves.
Into this trance-like atmosphere, Jared rides up the driveway, startling Hal from his snoring. The dog barks wildly at the approaching Harley. When the bike gets too close and loud, the Puggle takes off running toward the backyard.
“Such a big man to scare such a little dog,” Poppy says from the floor of the porch.
“What’s your problem?” Jared asks and then shakes his head. “Never mind.”
“My period arrived!” she cries. “I might die. Feel free to give money to charity in lieu of flowers.”
Jared frowns at the blonde sprawled flat on her stomach. Louise rests on Poppy’s butt because the cat is always looking for ways to annoy.
“Journey, can we talk?”
“Sure. Have at it.”
Scratching at his jaw, my father looks around the yard and then at the sky and then at Poppy and finally he focuses on Justice.
“In private.”
“How dare you?” Justice growls, sounding a lot more intimidating than Hal. “I’m a member of this family too, and I have the right to know every single thing that happens to every single person. Now spill it, old man.”
“I wish I could ground you.”
“We all wish that,” Poppy mumbles.
Sighing, I ask, “If I get up from my spot, how far do we need to walk for this private chat?”
Justice leans against me. “I’m planning to spy on you two, so feel free not to walk far at all.”
Jared climbs back on his Harley. “Let’s go for a ride.”
“Too far.”
Jared glances over the three of us lounging on the front porch. “Is there a gas leak in the house? Why are you all so lazy?”
“We cleaned earlier. We really ought to be napping, but I’m too tired to sleep.”
Jared rolls his eyes and starts the engine just in time to scare Hal back around the house. Meanwhile, Louise remains oblivious to the noise, and I become concerned the old cat is deaf.
“Let’s go for a quick ride, Journey.”
“Why should I?”
“It’ll prove you’re my favorite.”
I roll my head sideways to look at Justice. She’s seething at the idea of my superiority. Unable to give up the chance to annoy her further, I stand slowly and slide on my flip-flops.
Justice mutters, “Mom loves me most.”
“No, she doesn’t,” Poppy immediately says.
“I think it might be time to sweep the porch,” Justice threatens.
“Bring it, bitch.”
Despite their threats, my sisters never move from their spots. I watch them and feel more than a hint of jealousy. I wish I could sit on my ass rather than ride around with Jared who likely plans to give me a lecture.
We drive for only a few minutes before stopping at an abandoned diner on the outside of town. He parks, we climb off, and then nothing happens. Jared stares down the road and ignores me. He’s working on his words as if I have nothing better to do than wait.
“What?” I push.
“I heard about you and Donovan Mooney making out at Rock Crest Falls Park. I don’t think you should see him anymore.”
His words aren’t much of a surprise. Jared was just as weird when Justice hooked up with Court, and that was his fricking club brother. Getting his boxers in a twist over my dating a cop makes a heck of a lot more sense.
Sensible or not, I can’t allow Jared to think he’s my boss. No, that would set a bad precedent.
“You know what’s weird? I was just planning on dumping Donovan. However, now that you’ve said I should, I’ve got a powerful urge to love him forever and breed his cop babies.”
Jared exhales hard as if shocked by my response. “Kid all you want, but his family isn’t the kind to mess with.”
“I’m not messing with anything. Well, I might mess with parts of Donovan’s body when the time comes. You know, for scientific purposes, but I have no interest in his dang family.”
“They won’t want him dating you.”
“Because I’m your daughter.”
“And Zeb and Coretta’s granddaughter. And Court’s sister-in-law. Lots of reasons.”
“Look, I know you want to protect me, and that’s your job as my father. But this lecturing feces didn’t work with Justice, so what in the heck makes you think it’d work with me?”
“You’re more rational than she is.”
Lifting an eyebrow, I sigh. “More stubborn too.”
“Are you?”
“Geez, way to notice feces, Dad.”
“Stop saying feces.”
“Shit is a bad word, and I don’t want to cuss in front of the kids.”
Jared glances around. “They’re not here.”
“Practice makes perfect.”
“Donovan isn’t just a cop.”
“I know. He’s my future husband and baby seed provider. Thanks for pushing me toward him.”
“Did he tell you how he helps Court with club business?”
“Of course not. Court doesn’t tell Justice about club feces, so why would my brand new walking stripper pole share secret feces with me?”
“Please stop saying feces. It gives me the creeps.”
“I wish I could, but I’m genetically unable to bow to your will.”
“I’ve noticed that,” he says, smiling grudgingly.
“You want to keep me safe.”
“That I do.”
“And I want to keep me safe.”
“I hope so.”
“But this guy interests me, and not a lot of people do. I have to give it a shot and find out what happens.”
“I understand,” he says, getting rational on me. “However, there are factors at work in Tumbling Rock that you don’t know about. The Mooneys won’t be okay with one of their own dating someone from this town. Donovan will need to make a decision eventually, and he’s been a cop a lot longer than he’s known you, baby.”
“Did you throw that baby thing in to make me feel sentimental?”
“Yeah. Did it work?” he asks, smirking.
“A little. I get nostalgic when I think about visiting you as a kid.”
Jared’s tense face eases until he can’t help smiling. “You were a sweet kid. Kept your sister in check. Never complained.”
“What are you talking about? I complained a lot.”
“I know, but I couldn’t hear you over Justice.”
“True,” I say and give him a hug. “I want to have a family here, so my kids can grow up with you and Mom in their lives. I missed having that w
ith you.”
“How about with your grandparents? Not living here means you missed out on a lot of screaming matches.”
“True, those are good times I’ll never get back.”
“If this guy makes you happy, I’ll be supportive,” Jared says without completely meaning the words.
“Did you hurt yourself with that lie?”
“He’s a cop and a Mooney. That’s two strikes right there.”
“He likes me, so you ought to give him credit for having good taste.”
“I worry about the big picture stuff. Justice dealt with a lot of trouble being with Court. Now I have you with another man I’m not sure about.”
“Why don’t you wait until something concrete happens before you pull this intense daddy move? If he turns out to be the super awesome love of my life guy, you can feel him out. If he breaks my heart, feel free to beat the feces out of him.”
“Can I bribe you with something to make you stop saying that word?”
“No, and stop whining. You sound like Justice. No, even worse, you sound like Poppy.”
When I laugh at his expression, he mutters, “Well, now you’re just being mean, Journey Sheerer.”
“I have your last name, your eyebrows, and your common sense. Trust me to know what I’m doing with Donovan.”
Jared gives me a smile, and I think he truly buys my bravado. If he had any clue how out of my element I was with Donovan, he’d never leave my side.
18 Snake Charmers
Donovan
Arnold Mooney loves the law, thinks Rockwell is the best town in the world, and finds Clinton County picturesque. He values his family, covering his office walls with their pictures. My photo must be up there with the other grandkids’, though I can never find it. Not that I’d spent much time looking. My mother’s pictures are front and center when I enter his office. I glance at her smiling face before sitting across from my grandfather.
I assume he’s heard about Journey. Considering he never calls me into his office, I figure this conversation will be about his concerns. I’m both right and wrong. After all, Arnold Mooney isn’t a man to discuss his feelings.
