Explorers Club Ch. 01: Maui

"Well, only in the summers," Hale said. "The rest of the time I rent it out on Airbnb. But the staff is here year round: Ryan and Maria here can help you with whatever you need. So who's up for a hike?" She clapped her hands and grinned.

We all looked at her like she was insane. We had just arrived after an exhausting day of travel and we all looked ready to pass out. "Just kidding. Take the rest of the day to rest. We'll prep meals and get a bonfire going in the evening."

"Thank GOD, I thought you were serious," Frank said.

That night the Explorers Club spent the night on the beach, around the bonfire. For a while, it was surprisingly fun. Professor Hale made her family recipe of grilled pork soaked in some kind of sweet, sticky marinade, which might have been the best thing I've ever eaten. We passed around a few bottles of rum, and Alex and Frank were betting on who could drink more. I was sitting next to Gracie, watching the crackling of the bonfire. Professor Hale and a few of her staff sat on the opposite side of the fire, chatting.

"So why does Jessica call you 'Perkins'?" Grace asked me, as we watched Alex and Frank argue about who had drunk the most rum.

I shrugged. "She just used my last name one day, and it kind of stuck."

"Huh," Gracie said.

"You know, we've been on four hikes this year?" I said. "I don't think you've ever talked to me."

Gracie turned and raised an eyebrow. I meant to sound flirty but after hearing myself I realized I sounded more annoyed than I meant to.

The bonfire lit up her bright, green eyes. "Well you've never talked to me! What about that?"

I opened my mouth, then shut it. She was right. I had spent all year waiting for her to notice me, but I had never actually gone up and talked to her.

"You know... that's a good point. I hadn't thought of that," I said. "It's just difficult, I guess."

"Difficult?"

"Well... you're Gracie. Everyone knows you. You're a senior. You call Professor Hale 'Jessica'. You're..."

"Wait, are you intimidated by me?" she asked, genuinely surprised.

"Well of course! And also..."

"Also what?"

"Well also you're also really hot! It's just... intimidating!" I said and turned a sheepish grin towards her.

Gracie brushed her hair back. "I swear I'm not that intimidating. And you're a good looking guy yourself! How long does it usually take you to go talk to a girl, considering it took you a full school year to talk to me? And technically, I talked to you first, anyway."

I shrugged. "Well I dated two girls in high school, for a few months each."

"Okay, and how long did you know them before you asked them out?" Gracie asked.

"Uh... two years, and... six years?"

"Six Years!" Gracie said, shaking her head.

I chuckled. "I never thought of it like that."

"Well, it's nice to finally meet you, Perkins," she said, and held out her hand. "I'm glad it didn't take you six years to say hi to me."

We both did our best impression of a businessman-like handshake.

"Nice to actually meet you too, Gracie. So, I have a burning question," I asked.

"Yeah?"

"Do you know what those two idiots are doing?" I nodded to Frank and Alex who had begun drunkenly swinging sticks from the bonfire, like they were having a swordfight. Professor Hale was trying to get them to stop, unsuccessfully.

"I swear I have NO idea," Gracie said, laughing. After a few minutes of chatting, she nestled her head on my shoulder, and we sat and watched the bonfire.

Professor Hale got up, and her staff began walking back towards the bungalows.

"I think that's my cue to head to bed," Hale said. "Don't stay up too late everyone, we have some actual hiking to get to tomorrow." I could tell she was trying to sound chipper, but there was a sadness in her voice.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay?" I asked.

Shit. I had barely talked to her since we got to the bonfire. Gracie's head was still resting on my shoulder.

Professor Hale looked at me. In the dark I couldn't interpret what it meant, but she held it for a few seconds, then shook her head. "It's too late for me, I'm not twenty years old anymore. Have a good time kids, and try to kill the fire soon, okay?"

As she turned to leave, I heard Alex yell something, and turned to him.

"You fucking nerd!"

Alex had pulled one of his partially burning sticks from the fire and was whirling it around. Time slowed to a crawl as he released the stick, and I realized it was getting bigger. It was flying towards me, and Gracie.

I dived in front of Gracie, pushing her down into the sand. I felt the burning wood graze the back of my legs, and I screamed in pain. Chaos ensued immediately as Gracie shrieked, and Professor Hale and Alex both started yelling.

"That wasn't even going to hit her!" Alex said, pointing at me. "What are you some kind of ... white knight? Asshole!"

Alex was so drunk he was barely able to stand. Professor Hale grabbed his arm, but he wrenched it free and began walking towards us. I was still on top of Gracie and watched him approach.

"Hey buddy," Frank said, poking Alex in the shoulder. Alex turned to him.

"Get fucked," Frank said drunkenly, and socked Alex in the face. Alex's body went limp, and he hit the sand with a thud.

The next morning was awkward. Professor Hale had banished Alex to a nearby hotel. She said Gracie could visit him if she wanted, but he was banned from stepping foot on her property or joining any of the Explorer hikes for the rest of the week. My leg was covered in some sort of ointment, but it ultimately wasn't really burned particularly badly.

We were all milling about the pool that morning, still groggy, drinking fruit juice or coffee.

"So who's ready for a hike?" Professor Hale said with forced enthusiasm. "Gracie, you remember the swimming hole in the back, from our trip last year? We can check that out."

"Oh yeah, that place is great," Gracie said. "But maybe in the afternoon? It was a long night."

"And I'm pretty hungry," Frank complained.

"Sure," Professor Hale said with a shrug and a sigh. "I'll make lunch, maybe we can go after."

"Yeah maybe," Frank suggested.

After a few minutes I went into the kitchen in the main house, where Professor Hale was getting lunch ready. It was a nice spread... great, actually. There was a lot of fruit, toasted bread, some spreads, sliced meats, and nuts. She was even taking care to make sure it all looked pretty. I realized how hard she was trying to make the trip enjoyable for everyone.

"Damn, this looks amazing. I had no idea you went so... all out on this trip," I said.

She grinned, weakly. "Thanks. I don't know how much anyone appreciates it, but... it's fun for me. A nice reset between school years." It didn't sound like she was having fun, but I nodded.

I sat on a stool and helped her arrange the plate. I knew basically what I wanted to say but had trouble finding the words. "Sorry we didn't talk much at the bonfire," I began, but she cut me off.

"I have something I want to say too," she looked over her shoulder to make sure no one else was around and spoke in a low whisper. "I don't want you to think that I was just... using you, okay? I apologize for losing control on the plane."

"Apologize?!" I said, trying to keep my voice down. "That was amazing... you were amazing!"

She looked more embarrassed than pleased, but let out a weak smile nonetheless. "Thanks, I appreciate it, but I'm a professor and I'm in a position of power here, and I just don't want... our little one-time adventure getting around."

My stomach sank at that 'one-time adventure.'

She placed a hand on my shoulder. "And I think Gracie likes you too. She's a good girl, and I don't want to cause a scene or... get in the middle of anything. She can do better than that jackass Alex."

I hesitated. Was she serious? Was she mad at me? I hadn't even kissed Gracie or anything.

"Hey, let's go see that swimming hole," I said, trying to cheer her up. "We can scarf this food down quickly and get moving. Maybe we'll even get a second hike in afterwards."

"Really?" she asked, perking up. "Is your leg up to it?"

I nodded. "Yeah, if we go slow, and take it easy, sure. And if the others don't want to come, it's fine. It could be just the two of us...."

Professor Hale gave me a playful shove. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

Well, at least that smile had fully returned, I thought.

She brought the lunch plate out to the poolside and presented it to the others. Gracie and Frank both marveled at it.

"Eat up, and then bring your swim trunks and towels! We're going to the swimming hole after lunch!" Professor Hale announced.

I tried to ignore my leg as we hiked up the trail behind her property.

Gracie joined Hale and walked in front. They were talking and laughing like old friends. Frank and I brought up the rear and the four of us snaked our way upwards, into the mountain. Frank had brought a bag full of mangoes and was chowing down as we walked.

I was still a little annoyed that my plan to get Professor Hale alone didn't work, but my annoyance began to fade as I admired the incredible scenery around us. Everything seemed more vibrant than back home. The forest around us was filled with color, and somehow even the leaves here seemed... more green than the leaves and plants back home. As we continued to hike up the path, the trail narrowed, and the forest closed in around us.

"Hey Frank, I just want to say thanks for last night. I owe you one," I said.

"Hey don't mention it, I have barely any memory of punching him, though my hand still hurts," Frank said as he shoved a piece of mango into his mouth. "But you still owe me like, ten beers later on this trip."

"Hah, deal," I agreed.

"So do you think there are bears around here?" Frank asked. "What if they are attracted to my mangoes?"

"It's a tiny island," I said. "I don't think they have bears here."

"PROFESSOR HALE," Frank shouted, and the two women stopped and turned.

"ARE THERE BEARS IN MAUI?"

"Of course not," Professor Hale said, eyebrow arched.

Frank gave a thumbs up in response.

"Man I wish we had stayed by the pool," Frank said, panting. "I didn't really want to hike today."

"Then why'd you come?" I asked. "You could have stayed back."

"For the view," he said, nodding to Hale and Gracie up ahead, and winking.

I shook my head.

Professor Hale turned. "Here it is! Welcome to my swimming hole: the best place in the world!"

Calling this spot a 'swimming hole' was definitely under-selling it, but I'm not sure what else I would call it. We were basically in a wide cleft in the mountains, surrounded by jungle and steep rock walls on three sides. The pool itself was wide and deep, and at the far side a small waterfall fed the pool from a cliff above. The whole place felt too beautiful to be real, as if it was all just a movie set and the director would yell 'cut' at any moment.

We all put down our packs and towels and began to change. Professor Hale pushed down her shorts, revealing her black bikini bottoms underneath, and then pulled off her blouse. Her perky round tits pushed proudly against her black bikini top. On the far end of the rocks, Gracie found a flat spot to lay out her towel and pulled off her sundress. She had on a red and white polka dot bikini that barely did anything to conceal her glorious tits or her voluptuous, curvy hips. Between the two of them, I was worried I was going to walk around sporting an obvious boner, so I waddled awkwardly to the water's edge, trying to hide it.

"The water's cool, so it's best to just jump in!" Hale said, and did just that. Soon Gracie followed and Frank and I slipped in last. Frank and I traded loud 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' at first, but once we acclimated to the water, it started to feel really nice. Like a cool bath. We stayed in there awhile, treading water in the pool under the waterfall, and basked in the hot Hawaiian sun.

Professor Hale told us about how she would play here as a kid. Gracie reminisced about their past hiking adventures, and Frank sought more information about any wildlife that might want to attack us in the pool (there wasn't any). I was happy just to tread water and enjoy this little slice of paradise.

Eventually we all laid back in different parts of the pool. Professor Hale swam up beside me.

I smiled at her and patted the rock wall next to me. "Welcome to my little corner of the swimming hole," I said.

She chuckled. "Well, technically I'm the one welcoming you to my swimming hole, but I appreciate the gesture, nonetheless."

The waterfall was loud enough that we could more or less talk in private. Frank left the pool and sat on his towel, sunglasses on, looking vaguely in the direction of Gracie. She found a spot on the opposite end of the pool and laid back with her eyes closed, as the tops of her tits floated on the water.

"Frank thinks he's being subtle with those sunglasses," I said to Professor Hale.

She chuckled. "Gracie's used to it. We've got five or six Franks every year, who go crazy over her. She's probably the club's single best recruiting device. Not sure what we'll do when she graduates."

I hesitated, not wanting to admit I fell into that crowd as well.

Professor Hale's voice lowered. "Seems like you two were having a good time by the bonfire last night."

"Yeah..." I hesitated. "Gracie's nicer than I thought. I expected her to be more intimidating, I suppose."

Hale laughed. "Yeah, she's a sweetheart once you get to know her. Well, good luck. You'd be a much better fit for her than that jackass Alex."

"We're not like... dating or anything. We just talked," I said.

"I know my Gracie," she said, and gave me a wink, but said no more.

Eventually, I changed the subject. "This place is incredible. I can see why you like coming here."

Professor Hale smiled wide. "Thanks. This place is why I became a biologist, actually. I came to love all the plants and animals that lived here, and I wanted to spend the rest of my life learning more about them."

"Huh, maybe I should take that as a major," I suggested, half-seriously. "Sounds more interesting than the American History major I was going to take."

"Really? Well, if you did switch to biology that would make me one of your professors."

"Well, I might have trouble concentrating in class," I said.

"Oh?"

"Yeah..." I took a risk. "I have trouble concentrating when I have hot teachers."

"Hah!" she grinned and shook her head. "So you've had a lot of hot teachers, then?"

"Well, Mr. Harrison may be almost seventy, but they do call him a silver fox," I offered.

Professor Hale let out a shocked laugh, and if she had been drinking, she would have spit it into the pool. I saw those pretty almond eyes flash at me with a glint of mischief. That look alone was enough to make my stir in my swimming trunks.

"Well they're not wrong. Bill Harrison is quite a fox. That must have been very difficult for you," she said with mock concern.

"Oh it was, but if I switched to biology, then I'd have an even worse problem. I'd have a professor even hotter than Mr. Harrison, if you can believe it..."

"Hard to believe..." she said.

"Well, I guess I should say I'd have at least one hot professor. I'm unfamiliar with the rest of the department, and might have multiple hot professors to worry about."

Hale grinned. "I'll work on getting you some headshots then, so you can make an informed decision."

I smiled, and met her eyes. "You really go above and beyond for your students, Professor Hale."

She shook her head, and ran her tongue inside her mouth, in that way people do when they're thinking hard about a tough decision.

"Fucking incorrigible..." she murmured.

After a few moments, I slid my hand under the small of Professor Hale's back, underneath the water. She tensed, and I wondered if she would push me off, but then her hand slid around my waist as well. We both laid there for a moment on the side of the pool together. The feel of her bare midriff through the water was intoxicating. Eventually, Gracie got out of the pool to lay on her towel and sunbathe. Clouds had gathered overhead, and I looked up, feeling a few warm rain drops.

Hale nudged closer to me, an put her mouth to my ear. "So... do you want to fuck Gracie or not?"

I was almost scared as I looked back at her. "Look, I think you're hotter..." I thought it might have been some kind of test, like my old high school girlfriends used to put me through: testing my loyalty or whatever. But she shook her head.

"Uh uh Perkins, this is a yes-or-no question. Consider this a pop quiz- I'm grading you on whether you're telling the truth. I mean, come on. I'd fuck her."

Her arm squeezed me a little tighter, under the water.

"Really?" I asked, more than a little intrigued.

"Oh I admit I've thought about it once or twice. I mean, I did my share of experimenting when I was your age...."

"Oh... I know what's going on here," I said.

"'Going on here'? What do you mean?" she asked.

"Well, it's what you said on the flight..." I lowered my voice. "Well you said you get horny when you travel and when you hike, right? And we just hiked up here..."

Her eyes widened and she put her hand over face.

"Oh my god I never should have told you that!" she groaned. "Now you'll be thinking about that every time we hike anywhere."

"Oh absolutely I will," I admitted.

I slid my hand down, over the curve of her ass, and cupped her buttocks. I caught my breath, wondering what she would do. She did that thing with her tongue again, sliding it around her mouth, as she pondered. I squeezed her ass just a little bit harder. As I did, my cock began to stir again and harden a bit under my suit, even despite the cool water.

Professor Hale moved in front of me, and her ass brushed up against my dick that was already poking a tent in my swimsuit.

She half-turned and looked at me out of the corner of her eye. "Fucking twenty year old boys, I swear to god..."

She turned back around, towards the waterfall. If Frank or Gracie looked over, they would see us both admiring the view. Under the water, her hands began to explore my body. They took their time, squeezing the muscles of my thigh, testing this part and that.

I felt her untie the string belt of my swimsuit.

Then I felt her searching fingers descend under the suit, into my pubic hair. Her fingers finally found the base of my dick, and started rubbing it, slowly up my shaft. I grew hard in her hands as she stroked me under my suit. The rain started to fall a little more now. Not heavy, but light and warm.

"Professor Hale," I whispered, panting. My voice was desperate now.

"Hmm...?"

Her eyebrow raised as she looked at me, while her hand continued to stroke.

"I want to fuck you so fucking bad," I groaned.

"Mm, I was beginning to get that impression," she said, grinning, as her hand swirled around my cock. "I think what tipped me off was this giant fucking erection in your swimsuit."

Then, she dropped below the water. After a moment I felt my swim trunks pulled down to my ankles, and my dick hung free in the water. Her hands gripped my ass, and I felt the shocking warmth of Hale's mouth as she pulled me forward into her.

My body was covered in three very different sensations: the warm rain coming down harder and pelting me from above, the cool water over the lower half of my body, and the heat of Professor Hale's mouth over my cock. It was like being in a spa where my body was cut up and placed into three completely different sections at once. She kept pulling me forward, into her, for much longer than I thought she would be able to.

Then, much to the dismay of my trembling cock, she pulled herself out of the pool, and gasped for air.