''Can you row forwards? We have to reach those trees over there.''
The awkwardness lingered, but they had no choice but to communicate if they wanted to make any progress on the water.
After several minutes of awkward struggle between the two of the...
As the group returned from their challenging hike, they found themselves weary yet invigorated by the adventure. Tired bodies flopped onto benches, and at lunch, the air filled with laughter.
Kass and her friends spent the rest of the day relaxing and playing in the gently flowing river. Splashes of water and joyous shouts echoed through the serene surroundings. Jason had pushed Kass into the water, however, she had taken him down with her.
At one point, one of them suggested a volleyball tournament. They all heartily agreed and formed teams.
On one side, it was Juliet, Tessa, Kass, and Jason, while Jessica, Derek, and two other colleagues formed the opposing team. The competition was fierce, with Jessica's team initially taking the lead. However, Jason's determination and impressive skills came through in the final moments, securing a hard-earned victory for his team.
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As the sun began its descent below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, the group huddled together. Juliet proposed a wild camp party, complete with drinks and revelry.
'Guyss, I say we spend our last night having a wild camp partyyy!'' Juliet jumped up, spilling champagne from her glass.
''Yess! I'm totally in,'' Jessica squealed. ''I have the wardrobe if anyone wants to borrow anything,'' she told the other girls.
Kass, always mindful of being responsible, suggested, ''Yeah great idea, but maybe go easy on the drinks? Juliet- I'm especially talking to you.'' Kass pointed a finger at Juliet.
Under the dimly lit canopy of stars, Tessa arranged speakers to infuse the night with music. Everyone dressed up, whether in their fancy clothes or in bold fashion statements crafted from their limited resources. Laughter, conversation, and the rhythm of music soon filled the air as the camp party began. The residents of nearby cabins also joined in, adding to the atmosphere.
Tessa's playlist consisted of bouncy house pop, making everyone jump to their feet and bust out their best moves. Juliet did not keep to her promise and drank several glasses of champagne, resulting in her monkey-like dancing next to Derek, who was trying to hold her upright.
Kass sat down on a log, her toes tapping to the beat. She felt the urge to dance but didn't feel ready to bust a move, especially with Jason watching. Just when she thought she might stay put, Jason walked over and took her hand, pulling her to her feet.
''I love what you're wearing tonight.'' He told her, as he took her hands. His skin was soft and smooth, as he slid his palms into hers.
''Thank you, Jessica lent it to me,'' Kass said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
''It looks stunning on you, I must say.'' He smiled.
The music enveloped them as they moved together. Kass couldn't help but smile, feeling the rhythm and Jason's reassuring presence. 'His aftershave smells amazing', she thought, as she leaned into him.
"I'm not much of a dancer, but this is fun!" Kass admitted.
"You're doing amazing. Just let go and enjoy it," Jason encouraged.
Jason's compliments made Kass feel special, and she responded playfully.
"You're not so bad yourself, Mr. CEO," she teased.
"Only because I have such a wonderful dance partner," he replied.
In that electric moment, the world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them in their own private universe. Jason held Kass's hand firmly and guided her into a graceful spin. Her laughter rang out as he drew her close, his hand resting gently on her hip, their faces mere centimeters apart.
Kass could feel the warmth of his breath on her lips, and her heart raced in anticipation. Jason's intense blue eyes bore into her soul as he leaned closer, his lips brushing against hers.
She closed her eyes, surrendering to the emotions she had kept locked away for far too long. Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss that sent shivers down her spine.
As they kissed, Kass could sense the world around them fading into obscurity. The music, the laughter, and the lights—all faded into the background. It was just the two of them, lost in a moment of pure connection. Jason held her head gently, his touch expressing the longing he had kept hidden for so long. They parted, just enough to catch their breath, but their bodies remained close, their hearts entwined in the dance of an unexpected, yet undeniable, romance.
''Jason..'' Kass spoke breathlessly.
''Yes, Kass? What is it?'' He whispered in her ear as he embraced her.
''This.. feels right. You and me.'' She told him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
''I feel it too. You don't know how much power you have over me, Kass.'' He told her and buried his head into her neck.
Their hearts beat in sync as they held each other, lost in the moment. The night air was filled with a sense of intimacy and connection that neither of them had experienced before. Jason's fingers gently traced circles on Kass's back, sending shivers down her spine.
Kass sighed contentedly, her lips grazing Jason's earlobe as she whispered, "I've never felt this way about anyone before, Jason."
He pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, his gaze filled with tenderness and affection. "Kass, you mean the world to me," he confessed, his voice soft and filled with sincerity.
Suddenly, she was snapped out of her blurred-out world when Jason took her hand and led her away from all the nightlife.
''It's a bit quieter here. We can chat peacefully.'' He told her, as he rested his hand on top of hers.
"Is something the matter?" she asked, her head tilted to the side, her hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall. The sight of it sent shivers down Jason's spine, but he knew he needed to share something deeply personal with her.
Taking a deep breath, he began to speak, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "Kass, there's something I want to tell you. It's not an easy story to share, but I think you deserve to know." He paused for a moment, his eyes distant as he recalled painful memories.
"I had someone in my life, a woman named Cassandra," Jason continued, his grip on her hand never faltering. ''A long time ago, don't worry.''
"I thought she loved me, and I believed every word she said. But it turned out she was just after my money. She drained my savings and left me with a harsh fucking text message, revealing her true intentions and mocking me. It shattered me, Kass."
He took another deep breath, his gaze locked onto hers. "That experience made me build a wall around myself, protecting me from anyone who might try to hurt me again. I closed myself off emotionally, fearing that vulnerability would lead to pain. And to make matters worse, I've always struggled to make friends. I've had this...aura, I guess, that kept people at a distance from me. So, I've been lonely for a long time, afraid to let anyone in."
Jason's confession hung in the air, his heart heavy with the weight of his past. He looked at Kass, hoping that sharing this part of himself with her would help her understand.
"This means a lot to me," Kass said gently, her voice filled with understanding and compassion. She squeezed his hand reassuringly. "I can see why you didn't open up easily at first. And that Cassandra sounds like a real piece of work."
Jason remained silent, his nerves still on edge as he anxiously awaited Kass's response. He appreciated her support and felt a growing connection between them as she began to share her own experiences.
