“Nobody’s forcing you. I’m just pointing out that if she wants to learn—we should have something to teach.”
Chapter Seven
Penny
Easing myself through wave after wave of the most intense orgasm I’ve ever had, I let my vibrator drop onto the bed.
I was so relaxed, I was at risk of melting into the mattress. Was that a bonus from getting an incredible massage by a hot, muscular beefcake last night?
The scent of lavender lingered, helping assure me that last night had really happened.
My mind rolled back to the firmness of Everest’s hands on my body. I was pretty sure he’d touched more of me than I have. And yet, he kept it all aboveboard and explained everything he was doing. I’d been proud of myself for taking my clothes off and relying on him using the sheet for discretion. But there had been no happy ending for me until I got back to my cabin, and again this morning.
I was grateful he hadn’t pushed for more. Being naked while he touched me was a huge baby step. Was that more like a toddler step? A little kid step? Ugh! That was the totally wrong vibe.
Now that I was on day two of five, I could consider letting someone give me an orgasm. Such a weird thing to think about, except every dream I’d had last night was a sex dream.
First Everest, then Atlas, and the third dream involved Phoenix. But it was the fourth dream that had thrown me over the edge—all three of them.
One of the great things about Rawhide Ranch was that everyone was free to be themself. Must have been what sparked my dream. It was the most perfect experience ever, each man bringing his own skills to the relationship.
Then I woke up. Reverse harems was one kink I hadn’t heard about with Rawhide Ranch. There had been a ménage or two but my deviant brain had to go one step further.
Eggplant Canyon, a neighborhood near my hometown of Peach Bottom Valley, must have corrupted my brain. Everyone in that area seemed to be finding ménage and reverse harem relationships. That’s where the Christmas Cherry Auction had gotten started. I swooned over my friends Bellamie, Jolene, and Starla finding love through the auction. Getting on stage and having tons of men judge me and bid on me wasn’t in my cards though—and I couldn’t even consider following through with so many men.
Only in my dream could Everest, Atlas, and Phoenix get along. In the real world, in the two whole instances I’d been in the same space as the three of them, the tension made it clear they weren’t happy to be together.
A rooster crowed in the distance, serving as a reminder that I had to get out of bed if I planned to explore and learn today.
Rolling out from under the sheet, I didn’t have to do a calming meditation to start the day. Yesterday had bolstered my confidence… and the orgasm might be helping still.
Initiating my simple morning routine, I chose the blue bundle of clothes from my suitcase.
My mom thought my clothing system was peculiar—a set color per day—but I loved not having to make daily clothing decisions. And I definitely loved not trying on multiple outfits each day then having to rehang or refold all of the ones I didn’t choose.
Carrying the blue bundle to the bathroom, I showered, dressed, and combed my hair, pleasantly surprised that even with my luxurious morning, I was ready right on time for breakfast.
Easy peasy.
Until I reached for the door.
Butterflies migrated from my belly to my fingertips when I turned the handle.
So many possible causes for my nerves to flare up. I had to corral the winged beasts.
“I can do hard things,” I said out loud. “I came here to learn and I must leave my cabin to do that.”
The knot in my stomach turned into a growl. I patted my belly. “Thanks for the reminder. I must also leave my room to eat.”
Having a clear mission made turning the handle decidedly easier.
But when I reached to turn the lamp off, I saw my latest bookgami project on the bedside table. It beckoned me.
Thankfully, my therapist had helped me prepare for the anticipated reluctance to leave my room. My plan for meals was to remember that eating was essential for survival. I’d only brought snacks for the drive, not for the stay. To help mealtime feel safe, I would set a timer on my watch. When it went off, I could go back to my cabin and rest before the next activity, which in this case, was the daytime bonfire.
It might be hard to be at a bonfire and stay out of the group, but I was going to try.
Simple as that, I had to try. Just like my mom had said when I was growing up, I just had to try each thing that was offered for a meal. One bite.
