Office Intertwined⚝

Chapter 45 - Found behind the trees

In the afternoon, the group gathered for a warm meal before dispersing for individual activities, enjoying a two-hour break before the next scheduled event. Throughout the day, Jason had been inseparable from Kass. It was almost involuntary, like a magnet drawing him to her. Last night lingered in his thoughts, the taste of their passionate kisses still vivid in his memory. The desire for more was palpable, but he understood the importance of restraint. Past experiences had taught him the consequences of acting on impulse, and he was determined to exercise control this time.

In the afternoon, the group enjoyed a hearty meal together before dispersing for separate activities. With a good two hours to spare before the next scheduled event, Jason found himself naturally gravitating towards Kass. After last night's passionate encounter, he couldn't seem to detach himself from her, drawn like a magnet to her presence. The taste of their salty kisses lingered in his memory, fueling a desperate craving for more. However, he knew he had to exercise self-control. His past experiences had taught him that things tended to go awry when impulses took the lead.

In the midst of their togetherness, Jason found himself yearning to understand Kass's thoughts. Her admission of fear had left him deciphering the intricacies of her emotions. The pursuit of perfection demanded a careful approach. Despite the persistent desire for intimacy, Jason was well aware of the need to respect Kass's boundaries.

As he contemplated the unexpected yet delightful kiss from the previous night, a hunger for more intimate moments consumed him. The temptation to abandon restraint, to succumb to the impulsive urges, was strong. His brain whispered tantalising suggestions, urging him to push her against the wall and start making out. However, the awareness that patience was paramount prevailed. The struggle persisted between the longing for closeness and the understanding that pushing too fast might unsettle the delicate balance of their budding relationship.

Jason wished he could delve into Kass's thoughts, decode her feelings, and express the depth of his own. Yet, he recognised the importance of restraint, understanding that a measured pace was crucial in allowing their connection to evolve naturally. It has to be natural and organic. 

With the sun casting a warm glow over the campsite, Jason and Kass enjoyed a leisurely two hours together. They strolled hand in hand along the tranquil shoreline of the lake, the sun teasingly lingering over the water. The moments were filled with easy conversation, laughter, and the simple joy of being in each other's company.

As the sun began its descent, the entire crew gathered around the now lit and inviting campfire. Tessa, their spirited guide, announced the next activity with enthusiasm. "Okay, y'all! Next activity is in pairs, or a trio if you want. Just form a group. We'll be playin' hide n' seek!" She set everyone off after they had formed their groups.

"Shall I seek or hide?" Jason asked Kass, his attention solely focused on her. He had completely forgotten about the phone calls and papers that usually occupied his mind. "Mhh, seek. I want to hide," Kass laughed, skipping off to find a good hiding spot while ensuring Jason had covered his eyes and began counting. 

In the forest, Kass followed a path, almost tripping over Jessica, who had concealed herself in a bush. "Shhhh!" Jessica hushed, pushing further into the foliage. Amused, Kass moved on, confident that Jason would be done counting soon. She picked up the pace, breaking into a jog.Meanwhile, Jason finished counting at 50, surveying the surroundings before spotting fresh muddy footprints leading into the forest. He determined that Kass would be found soon, noting her lack of a strategic hiding game.

Kass eventually emerged into a familiar glade, reminiscent of the spot where she and Jason had navigated their emotions the previous year. Behind a tree, she sat on the ground, boredom setting in as time passed. Checking her phone 20 minutes later, she contemplated her next move as the sun started its descent.

Navigating the forest with dedication, Jason followed the muddy footprints, becoming entangled with others' tracks. Despite the challenging terrain, he found Jessica half-asleep in a bush. After a brief exchange, he learned that Kass had passed through this spot. Advising Jessica to return to camp as darkness approached, Jason continued his pursuit, determined to find Kass in the dimming light.

Kass was on the brink of dropping dead from boredom. Her legs had succumbed to pins and needles after being seated for so long. In a desperate attempt to break the monotony, she picked up her phone and dialed Jason. However, just as she initiated the call, she heard another phone ring mere feet away from her. Peering in the direction of the sound, she spotted the tall figure of a man—Jason. Swiftly, she hung up and dashed behind a tree, a mischievous grin stretching across her face.

Jason emerged into the clearing, his phone having rung briefly before the caller hung up. He didn't bother checking who it was. H ewas desperate to find Kass. The game had grown tiresome, and he yearned to engage in conversation with her. Surveying the clearing, he noticed Kass's footprints, scattered in different directions. She had clearly been pacing about."Kaaaasss..." he called out, confident she was somewhere nearby.

Behind the tree, Kass pressed herself into the bark, suppressing laughter. Glancing over her shoulder, she marveled at how her green cargo pants aided in her camouflage.Hearing a twig snap and some shuffling behind him, Jason turned to witness wavy brown hair peeking from behind a tree—Kass. Unaware that he had spotted her, he silently approached without making a sound or disturbing twigs on the forest floor.

Lost in her thoughts, Kass was abruptly interrupted when strong arms enveloped her, pushing her against the tree. Jason's towering figure loomed over her, his brooding blue eyes meeting hers with their faces mere inches apart.

"You found me," Kass breathed out, feeling Jason's hands encircle her waist."The most boring hour of my life just passed," he confessed."Aw, really. Why's that? Did you miss doing algebra so much?" she teased, poking fun at his nerdy side.

"Huh, no?" Jason replied, confused by her joke. But one thing he knew for sure: "It was boring because you weren't there to talk to me. I realized how dull it was without you by my side," he admitted. Kass's heart melted at his words, and she couldn't help but express her affection."Awww, Jason." She cupped his face and leaned in, planting a kiss on his neck. The scent of him drove her into a delightful delirium.

In the distance, the pair noticed flickering lights that hinted at the presence of a cabin. "Look over there," Kass pointed out."I know. Shall we go see what it is?" Jason suggested.Approaching the source of the lights, they discovered a quaint cabin with a fire burning outside. Despite its seemingly deserted exterior, the structure was intact, not on the verge of collapse. Intrigued, they ventured inside to find a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bedsheets looked freshly made, indicating that someone had recently visited this curious cabin.