CHAPTER SIX DREW

Day Seven

T he skies were gray and the morning light had begun to invade the dull surroundings of our camp. The interior of our makeshift shelter glowed a strange blue color as daylight shone through the tarp, making everything look a bit trippy.

Erik had shivered uncontrollably while lying next to me for the bulk of the night. I'd asked him a dozen or more times if he wanted to use my body for warmth, but he'd declined each and every time. I wasn't sure if he thought him being gay would make things awkward or if he just didn't like me all that much.

We couldn't have been more different if we tried. Erik was smart and studious, slight in build, bordering on dangerously thin, considering this challenge didn't come with provided food and/or a supplement program. He was shy while sometimes being goofy, a deadly combination that turned me on. I wanted to protect him, provide for him, and rescue him, but I was a big galoot and doubted an intelligent, soon-to-be dentist, had time for a dumb jock like me.

He was laying on his side in a fetal position, his hands tucked between his knees, hair mussed up and cascading over his high cheekbones. I lay in silence and stared at his angelic face. He obviously had no need to shave, as his face was flawlessly smooth and a perfect shade of soft brown. Long lashes fluttered as he dreamed. He made me feel tender and affectionate, something I'd never felt before. It was tough to not reach over and pull him into my arms, but he'd given no indication he'd be okay with such a move. He'd admitted he was gay but gave no hint that I was on his radar.

Another helicopter visit shattered the morning calmness. Erik didn't stir from the commotion so I kept up my perusal of the most beautiful man I had ever seen. I wanted to caress his face and draw circles around his nose. His full lips had me fantasizing, feeling an overwhelming desire to taste them.

* * *

I'd laughed at him the day before when he made toothbrushes for both of us by wrapping gauze from the first-aid kit around small sticks. He then scooped charcoal from the fire and demonstrated how effective it was for our teeth and breath.

"Are we planning to kiss?" I'd teased. He glanced toward the camera and blushed, clamming up as I continued to tease him. "It could be good for ratings," I'd said, persisting on the topic for the shock value to the fans.

"Don't tease like that," he'd resisted. "Your football buddies will think you're serious."

"What if I am?" Erik pursed his lips and held his hand over the camera lens for a second or two, shaking his head at me. "What?" I'd questioned. "Don't be so serious."

He turned the camera off and glared at me. "I don't want to be the butt of your jokes, Drew," he'd said. "And what if the viewers actually think you're willing to kiss a guy?"

"Hey, I'm sorry, but I don't care if they are offended," I'd stated. "I'm not hung up on shit like that, and if you were willing to kiss me, I'd have no problem doing it." His homemade toothbrush was hanging out of his mouth the entire time we debated and I don't think he realized it. "Your teeth are black," I'd quipped. "I wouldn't kiss that mug even if you tried to make me."

Erik stuck his finger in his mouth and pulled it out, staring at the grayish goop. He looked at me and grinned, his mouth seeming even more ghoulish. We laughed hysterically as I pointed at him and made nasty faces. He attempted to smear the goop on my arm, and I fell backward. He fell on top of me as we struggled. I instinctively positioned my hand to his lower back, holding him firmly against me. He felt smooth and wonderful as I caressed his back, his chest pressing against mine as we wrestled for control.

My cock stirred. I wanted to take him right there and then, but he suddenly recognized that he was in a vulnerable position. Erik appeared unsure, swiftly rolling to his side. The moment had passed as quickly as it had arrived.

* * *

The return of the helicopter buzzing over our camp woke Erik. His eyes popped open, and he caught me staring at him, surprised at how close our faces were. He startled and scooted backward, moving his hands to his crotch.

"Number two bites the dust," I whispered.

"Eight more to go including us," he said, smiling and wiping the corners of his eyes. He'd had dirt on his fingers and smeared some of it near his left eye. I licked my finger and moved to wipe it off. His hand immediately went up and grabbed me by the wrist.

I rolled to face him, propping my head in my hand as my elbow supported my weight. "Relax, Erik. I'd never hurt you," I said. He let go, lay back, and studied my face as I gently wiped the smudge from his face. "All better," I whispered.

Hovering over him, we gazed into each other's eyes. His arm was stretched to his side between us, inches from my growing dick. I prayed that he would reach out and touch me, going so far as to glance toward his hand. His eyes never left mine and I knew he was thinking the exact same thing.

He was small and vulnerable as he lay naked beside me. His hip bones jutted out naturally, while his flat abs looked like a washboard. His chest was defined with small pecs, not a hair in sight. A vision that took my breath away. I so wanted to touch him, to lean forward and kiss him. It was as if he was daring me to, but I still felt like he didn't see me that way.

"I'm hungry," he whispered, snapping me out of my daydreaming. "Wanna fish today?"

I rolled onto my back and heaved a huge sigh. "Sure," I responded. He didn't see me that way, and it hurt more than I thought it would.