After a long and winding ride through the woods, the two cousins--Blake, and Collin--finally arrived at their family's cabin. The rustic structure stood majestically against the backdrop of dense green forest and a sparkling lake, a place they had escaped to every summer since they were kids. The cabin was a sanctuary, a bastion of childhood memories and some deeply shared secrets.
There was, however, a new attendee this go around. Emily, Blake's first ever girlfriend joined the cousins on their annual retreat. She dreamed of a nice relaxing vacation and some quality time with her sweet, if not a bit disappointingly so, and gentle boyfriend.
How Blake had ever landed a woman like Emily was a mystery to everyone, particularly Blake himself, but he was also looking forward to making some shared memories with her and his family, particularly his cousin Collin. Their relationship had taken on many forms over the years and was really more in line with something between brothers. And of course along with being brothers came sibling rivalry. Blake found himself eager to show off his conquest of Emily and a sense of pride when Collin's eyes had almost popped out of his head when he'd introduced them four hours earlier.
As they slid the SUV to a stop on the gravel lot outside the cabin Emily burst open the door and stretched her long flowing features towards the sky with a sigh. Her long, curly blonde hair cascaded down her back, and her long athletic figure was outlined in a casual sundress. She inhaled deeply, her eyes closed, savoring the familiar scent of pine and lake water. "Ah, nothing like the smell of the great outdoors," she sighed. "Especially after a long car ride with two smelly men."
"You can walk next time," Collin said with a shrug, "Then I wouldn't have to listen to the worst podcasts ever for four hours. Do you always let her pick the music?"
"Of course he does," Emily said, "He's a gentleman, aren't you babe?"
Blake blushed and shrugged.
He surveyed the cabin with a nostalgic smile. "It's good to be back."
Collin, the youngest of the three, leaned against the car, his lean, athletic frame accentuated by his worn-out jeans and t-shirt. His short dark hair glinted in the fading light. "You know what'd make this trip even better?" he asked, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
"A hammock, a smoothie, and a back rub?" Emily asked and cocked an eyebrow at Blake with a smirk.
"I was going to say weed," Collin said. "But sure, you two lovebirds feel free to do whatever. I'll be stuck beating off all weekend. If only there was some eye candy around here." He grinned at his cousin, a challenge in his eyes.
"Don't be so crass Collin," Blake said and rolled his eyes, "And don't be rude to my girlfriend."
"If I didn't know for a fact that I'm the most beautiful woman you two have ever seen, that might have hurt my feelings," Emily said with a laugh.
Blake and Collin laughed with her, but they both knew it was true. There was no denying her feminine charm and on the four hour car ride to the lake Collin had a hard time not staring at the small fine line tattoo between Emily's breasts or feeling slightly carried away by her perfume. He'd made up his mind before they ever left the car that he had to have her. He just didn't expect everything else that would come with it.
Blake cleared his throat, his gaze flicking toward the lake. "So, what are the plans for tonight? Movie? Smores?"
Collin's eyes gleamed. "I say we go skinny dipping," he declared.
Emily and Collin both looked at him, their expressions a mix of shock and amusement.
"Dude, seriously?" Blake said. "We're here with our family. And besides, I don't think I want to see you naked."
"Oh, come on, Blake. I'm just kidding." Collin laughed and patted him on the back, "We all know you are shy about your little guy down there."
"What! It's not small!" Blake shouted defensively, his eyes flicking between Emily and Collin.
"Relax, it's just a joke, dude. If you freak out too much Emily might think it's true!" Collin punched him on the shoulder and they carried their bags inside.
The cabin was a testament to their grandparents' simpler times, filled with worn-out furniture, hand-knitted blankets, and an old record player in the corner. Blake flopped onto the couch, his eyes darting around the room, taking it all in. "Remember when we used to play hide and seek here?" he asked, a wistful smile on his face.
"I remember playing doctor in the closet," Collin said, dropping his bag on the floor.
"We did not. He's joking, Em." Blake protested, but he knew it was pointless.
Emily cocked an eyebrow.
"I don't remember hearing any stories about that when you were convincing me to come on this trip," Emily said.
"Of course he wouldn't tell you. Doctor patient confidentiality," Collin said with a wink.
He leaned in closer to Emily, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But I can tell you that he gives a very thorough physical."
Emily choked out a laugh, her cheeks flushing pink. "Oh, Collin, stop. You're going to give me nightmares."
"Maybe we can find some other sort of... adventure to go on. We do have a history of adventure and exploration here don't we Blake?" Collin said.
"No way," Blake said, rubbing his temples. "Last time I went on an adventure with you we almost got us arrested."
"Almost doesn't count though, does it?" Collin said. "I'm going to unpack and take a nap. You two can sit in here and makeout or whatever until the rest of the family gets here."
He shut the door to the bedroom behind him and the cabin suddenly became very, very quiet.
Blake and Emily sat awkwardly on the worn out couch.
"Well?" Blake said, scooting closer and smiling at Emily.
