Worth Falling For

This is my first submission. Any feedback is welcome and appreciated! Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy it!

*****

"Hey Aria!" I said excitedly as she pulled up in her Jeep Wrangler to my driveway. It was the perfect summer morning outside for a cruise with the top open. I watched her get out of her Jeep and couldn't help but admire how her dark brown hair always seemed to stay in perfect beach wave curl condition no matter how good or bad the weather was. I caught myself staring a few seconds too long. "Thanks so much for meeting me here! I've been running behind schedule all day. I forgot how much work goes into packing for a camping trip."

"Hey Tara, no problem!" She said as she walked up towards me. "Need a hand? Looks like you have packed enough stuff for a week or two! You know we are only going for 2 nights right?" She playfully nudged my arm as I set down another duffel bag.

"Yes, I know, but I like to be prepared for anything. And besides, in the past 5 years we've known each other, when have you not seen me overpack for something?" I said as I piled another tote box on the garage floor.

I first met Aria through work. I was working on a patient care floor as a nurse and she was a physicians assistant. Our paths happened to cross a few times over patients we were both taking care of, and we always had easy conversations. We bumped into each other at a couple after work happy hours and started hanging out ever since then. She has quickly become my closest and most trusted friend. She has been there for me through some of my toughest times. Whether it was a crazy intense day with the loss of a patient at work, or another failed relationship, she was always the first person I called. We somehow both managed to get a few days off work at the same time, and thought we would go on a camping trip together.

I pulled my long blonde hair up into a ponytail to keep it out of my way as I set to work trying to pack all my stuff into the back of her Jeep. This was no easy task as I definitely did overpack this time. I finally managed to get everything squared away and secure, and off we went. We were going to a small state park we both had never been to before and I couldn't wait for the start of our mini-vacation. I had always looked forward to anytime we got to hang out together, but I was extra excited to spend two nights with just her.

"So, got any hot dates lined up this month?" Aria asked me as we drove down the interstate.

"Umm, I think I have dated all the eligible bachelors in the city already and am done for awhile." I re-adjusted in the front seat a bit to get more comfortable and took off my sandals before I continued. "Why are all the good guys already taken? I mean, seriously, I'm already 28 and I haven't had a long term relationship that lasted longer than a couple months for over 4 years now. Most of my friends are married with kids already. Maybe I'm just doomed to be single forever. Will you still come visit me when I'm 50 and living with 10 cats? I'll knit you a sweater!"

Aria burst out laughing. "Oh get a grip Tara! There's no way you will end up like a little old spinster with tons of cats! But yes, of course I would visit you anytime and anywhere! Seriously though, you are a catch and anyone would be lucky to have you. Besides being gorgeous, you are the kindest, most sincere person I have ever met. I think most guys are just too intimidated to ask you out. You probably have more abs than most of them too! And the ones that you do go out with, probably know they don't deserve you anyways. Also, you act like 28 is so old! I'm 30 and still single so what are you saying about me? Am I just old and decrepit to you?"

"Well at least someone has faith in my dating future! And for being such an old lady, I'm sure you could still give me a run for my money in any sport." I said teasingly. But that was actually true. At 5' 8" Aria was built for running. She was on the track team in college and was one of their best in the 800 meter sprint and the 1 mile. She still had the toned and tanned body to prove it too. She was absolutely stunning. Anywhere we went, I often saw guys practically drooling when she walked by them. I have only seen a few of the guys she's dated before though. They were always very good looking but she never seemed to keep them around for very long.

"Yeah right!" She said laughing at my comment. "I could maybe beat you in a sprint or short distance race, but you are the only one crazy enough to run marathons!" We both chuckled a little. We have always been competitive with each other, especially when it comes to sports. Sometimes when she loses she will blame it on the fact that I have an extra height advantage being a couple inches taller than her. But it is always in good fun.

We arrived at the Park Office and got checked in and found our campsite. "Let's get all unpacked and then head out on a nice hike and enjoy the beautiful sunny day!" I said. In no time, we had the tent up and were off to find a map of the hiking trails. Being the middle of the week, there were only a few other campers around and they were all pretty well spread apart. I loved it when you practically had the place to yourself. Nothing like how it was back in the city.

We found a nice 4 mile loop trail and off we went. Aria took the lead to start and I found I was constantly fighting with myself to not stare at her legs the whole time. She had a tight black tank top on with short white athletic shorts, and her legs seemed to go on for days. We took a couple rest stops to take pictures along the way and then we switched leads so I was in front for the the second half. With another half mile left to go, I heard Aria stumble behind me. I turned around to see her trying to get up off the ground and wincing in pain as she looked at the bleeding gash just above her right ankle.

I ran over to her and took a look at it myself. Luckily it didn't look too deep but I did need to stop the bleeding quick. Without hesitating, I took off my tank top and tied it tight around her ankle. That should help until we get back to camp at least.

"Are you okay?" I asked, "What happened?"

She sighed heavily and then tried to stand and apply pressure on her leg once more. She winced in pain again and then said, "Oh, it was stupid. I was distracted by, uh, something, and not watching my footing. I then tripped on a rock and stumbled into a nearby branch that apparently had it out for me. I think I rolled my ankle pretty bad too."

I looked at her ankle once more before deciding. "Well, hop up onto my back and I'll carry you the rest of the way back to camp. I've got a first aid kit in one of my bags. See, my over-packing is already coming in handy!" She laughed a little at that and then carefully climbed onto my back as I squatted down. It was then that I realized I was only wearing a sports bra now. Thank goodness I was wearing a cute one at least.

This felt nice. The closeness to her. I could feel her breath on the back of my ear and her strong arms wrapped tightly around my bare shoulders. We didn't say much on the way back which was perfect since I preferred to save my breath. She was very fit but the extra weight was still a workout going up some of the steeper hills on the trail. I spotted our folding chairs by the fire ring and set her down right next to it.

"Sit down, I'll be right back!" I rummaged through my baggage and found my first aid kit. I threw on a new t-shirt as I came back out to her. I positioned my chair in front of hers, removed the bloody shirt from her leg, and got to work cleaning out her wound. Once done, I positioned her leg in my lap and grabbed my sterile bandages and began to dress her ankle and wrapped it with an ACE wrap for added pressure. "There! Good as new!" I said.

She looked at my handiwork. "Thank you so much Tara! And I'm so sorry about ruining your shirt though."

"Don't worry about the shirt, I'm just glad your ankle wasn't any worse. Well, how about I get some dinner going and then we can relax by the fire the rest of the evening? I want you to sit there and keep your leg up. If you need something, holler. Otherwise, I better not see you trying to stand and help out. Nurses orders." I said as I slid one of my tote boxes over and propped her leg up on it.

She looked at me and smirked. "Wow, I guess you do have a bossy side to you after all. I kinda like it. Alright, fine, but tomorrow night, I get to make dinner for you!"

I grilled us some cheddar brats and corn on the cob. I also happened to pack her favorite chips and dip too so she was thrilled to snack on that while I finished grilling. Once we were all done eating, I cleaned up and then grabbed both of us a drink and joined Aria again next to the fire.

"Here," I said while handing her the drink "let me take a look at your ankle and see if the bleeding has stopped." She propped her leg up in my lap again and I carefully unwrapped the ACE wrap. Luckily the bleeding had stopped and it looked like it should heal up pretty well. As I wrapped her ankle back up, I looked up at her and caught her staring at me. I held her gaze for a few more moments. I always felt that her dark green eyes were mesmerizing, and I could easily get lost in them. "Well hopefully your ankle will feel better in the morning, but just be sure to take it easy tonight."

"Thanks again for looking after me. I really do appreciate it. I can handle all the blood and guts at work, but when it's my own blood, I get a bit squeamish."

I smiled back at her and then realized I was still holding her leg in my lap. More than that, my thumb was absent-mindingly caressing her calf. I shifted positions quickly and cleared my throat. "Well, I suppose you would like your leg back now." I said as I gently set it back down. She chuckled a little at my clear embarrassment.

"You know" she said "I do feel bad about you having to carry me back to camp. You made it look easy but I know it wasn't. You are probably going to wake up with a sore back tomorrow. How about I give you a back massage to help pay you back?"

I looked at her and cocked my eyebrow up a little. "Hmm, that does sound pretty nice actually. Alright, I'll take you up on that!"

We decided the easiest place would be at the picnic table. We each straddled the bench seat and she got to work behind me. Wow, she was good at this. I'm so glad I said yes. She started out massaging my upper back then made her way down to my lower back.

"That feels amazing Aria! How have we never done this before?"

"I'm glad you like it. I'm happy to keep doing more in the future, just let me know when and I'll be there!"

She then made her way slowly up my back again and started rubbing my shoulders. She scooted a little closer and now I could feel her breasts ever so lightly touching my back. She proceeded to slide her hands slowly down the length of my arms. Once she reached my wrists, I could feel her hot breath on the back of my ear. It sent a tingle down throughout my entire body. I let out a low moan. Crap. Why did I do that? How could my body be so turned on by such a simple thing. She's my friend. Nothing more. Time for my mind to relay the message to my body.

"Umm, thanks for the massage, that was great!" I said as I quickly stood up and made my way towards the fire again. "Ready to roast some marshmallows?"

She looked at me a little perplexed by my sudden change of proximity. "Umm, sure, if that's what you want." That stupid moan. I can't risk scaring her away and weirding her out by making mistakes like that again.

We finally got the perfectly roasted marshmallows ready for our s'mores. She took a big bite into hers and some melted chocolate got smeared next to her upper lip. Without thinking, I reached over and swiped it off with my finger and then stuck it in my mouth. Holy crap! Why did I just do that? What is wrong with me tonight?

"Umm, sorry, I'm not sure why I did that. I guess I don't like seeing any chocolate go to waste."

She just looked at me for a moment then slightly shook her head. "Hey, I get it, I love chocolate too, I might have done the same if it had happened to you instead. Although I probably would have used my tongue instead of my finger." She winked at me as she said that. I couldn't help but blush and she definitely noticed it. She's always liked teasing me and watching for my reactions. I swear, her favorite thing is finding out how many ways she can make me blush. But this time, it seemed a bit more flirty than usual. It must just be the alcohol though.

We were both silent for a little while as we sank into our chairs more and listened to the sounds of the crickets and frogs at a pond nearby. "So," I said "You got to hear all about my dating life, or lack there-of, so what about you? Gone on any dates lately?"

She pondered for a minute. "Not really. I had a couple blind first dates in the last few months but I kept wishing they were over before we even got our food. Nothing against the guys, I just wasn't all that interested and found myself being bored. I really just went out with them because a friend kept insisting on setting me up with some of her husbands friends. And before that, I dated a guy for a couple weeks but he just wanted sex and I just wasn't ready for that with him yet. I was happy to just stay in the make out zone for awhile, but he didn't seem interested. Who knows, maybe he thought I was a bad kisser and he couldn't handle it anymore if it didn't lead to sex. Anyways, he was a jerk and once he found out I wasn't going to sleep with him that night, he left and I never heard from him again."

I laughed out loud at that last part. "Yeah right, I highly doubt that you are a bad kisser! That guy was just an asshole."

She looked at me with sudden intrigue. "He was an asshole. But I have wondered before about the kissing thing. I just never seem to feel anything when I'm kissing these guys so I can't help but wonder if I'm doing it all wrong. I feel like men won't ever tell you the truth because they don't want to ruin their chances of having sex. But...as my friend, you could actually give me an honest answer. You would really be helping me out, what do you say?"

Was she really suggesting what I think she was? She wants to kiss me. Just as friends, but still, that's crossing a line we've never crossed before in our friendship. Of course, I have thought of what it would be like to kiss her before, but I have always tried to quickly push the idea out of my head. I'm straight, and so is she. But as much as I continued to tell myself that, I still have always been curious. It looks like I might actually get a chance now to satisfy my curiosity. "Umm, I suppose that is what a good friend would do. Alright, let's try it and see." I responded, trying not to sound too eager.

She immediately had a huge grin on her face and her eyes lit up. "Really? You're really okay with me kissing you? And please give me your honest opinion, don't worry about hurting my feelings!"

"Yes, I'm sure." I replied. I was nervous though. My stomach felt like it was doing somersaults.

She turned her chair to face me. She looked so beautiful in the glow from the fire. She gave me a nice easy smile, then leaned in closer, put her hands on my thighs and just hovered there for a moment, only an inch or two away from my face. Her proximity was intoxicating. She leaned in a little more and just grazed my lips with hers. Even though they barely touched, my lips were instantly craving more contact with hers. She moved her hands and cradled my face with them, pulling my mouth closer to hers. She deepened our kiss, and I was lost in the warmth of her soft lips. We stayed like that for a few more moments, just gently kissing. I moved my hands to her waist and slowly caressed her there with my thumbs. Then she started to lick my lower lip with her tongue. I opened my mouth just a little and that's all the invite she needed. She slipped her tongue into my mouth and started to massage my tongue with her very skilled tongue. She tasted amazing, like chocolate with a hint of alcohol. I could feel my whole body starting to react to her kiss. I could already tell a wet spot was appearing in my thong. I had never been so turned on by a kiss before. This was hands down the best kiss I had ever had. All too soon, her tongue retracted, but not before licking my lower lip one last time before breaking our kiss. She released my head from her hands, and I reluctantly let go of her waist. We gathered ourselves and sat back farther in our chairs.

"Well," she asked "what did you think?"

It took me a minute to gather my thoughts. To get my head out of the haze it was in. I was currently having a difficult time trying to piece together any coherent thoughts. My body was still buzzing and craving more. I took a deep breath and cleared my throat.

"Well, you were right. You are a bad kisser," I said "I can definitely see why you would make men run for the hills when you kiss them like that. That was just, awful. I would hate to have to do it again. It all makes perfect sense now." I could barely keep a straight face towards the end of my blatant lie.

She realized I was teasing her and she started to tickle me. She knew I was very ticklish and I immediately tried to retract my earlier statement in an attempt to spare being tickle tortured.

"Okay, okay!" I gasped for air, as she finally stopped tickling me. "Honestly, that was an amazing kiss and if any of my ex-boyfriends would have kissed me like that, I'm sure I would have kept them around a whole lot longer. You have nothing to worry about when it comes to the kissing department. I give you an A+."

She gave me a big cheesy smile and I started to feel my insides tingle a little again. It was going to be hard to think of anything else besides how amazing that kiss was.

"Well thanks for helping me out!" Aria said. "It's nice to have a trusted and honest opinion for once. And if I'm being honest too, I enjoyed that quite a bit. It was completely different from all the guys I've kissed before."

There go my cheeks again, lighting up bright red. She saw it as well and gave me a crooked smile. Embarrassed, I moved to stand up. "Well, it's getting pretty late, how about we start getting ready for bed?"

We grabbed our toiletry bags and headed to the bathrooms. I got back to the tent before her and quickly changed into an old race t-shirt and my favorite pair of gym shorts. Aria then crawled her way into the tent and started to change as well. I tried to turn around to give her some privacy but couldn't help but steal a glance or two. We've never changed in front of each other before. Sure, we've seen each other in bikinis, but this somehow felt different. More intimate. I glanced and saw her back muscles flex as she pulled her t-shirt over her head and down past her tight abdomen. She was wearing the exact same t-shirt as me. It's from a 5k race we ran together a couple years ago. When she turned around, she noticed my shirt as well.

"Great minds think alike huh?" She giggled. "It's one of my favorite shirts, it was such a fun race and it always makes me think of you."

"I loved doing that race with you. I wear it to bed most nights. It makes me think of you too." I didn't want to risk saying even more to embarrass myself tonight so I quickly changed the subject. "Well, we better get some sleep so your ankle can rest up and hopefully go on a hike again tomorrow. Goodnight!"

She climbed into her sleeping bag and turned to face me. "Hey Tara? Today was really fun, aside from the whole injury part of it. I'm really glad we got to come camping together though. Sweet dreams!" And with that, she leaned over, and gave me a quick peck on the lips. Before I knew what happened, she had rolled over to her other side and turned off the lantern. Well, I knew what I'd be dreaming about tonight.