Just as I feared, the car ride turned out to be pure torture. Having to sit so close to Piper, feeling the heat of her leg pressed against mine was incredibly tantalizing. If we had been alone, I would have pulled the car over and taken her right then and there. I imagine her sliding out of her jeans so that her round, smooth ass is bare. Then she’d unleash my cock, freeing it from the uncomfortable confines of my pants. At first she’d lean down, sucking and stroking my throbbing shaft while I tease her moist pussy. When we couldn’t stand it anymore she’d straddle my lap and lower herself until I was buried all the way inside her tight, warm tunnel…

The fantasy never left my mind. Playing over and over again in my head and keeping my dick at half mast. A couple times the urge to take Piper was so strong I’m surprised I didn’t jump her despite being in the company of our parents. The one upset to being this aroused for four hours straight was that at least I wasn’t the only one.

Teasing Piper was the highlight of the trip. I quite enjoy that I turned her own tricks against her, making her squirm as badly as I was. If I have to be miserable it’s only fair if she’s miserable, too. That’s exactly what I plan to tell her if she should put up any kind of resistance, though I have every confidence that she’s as eager to have me fuck her as I am. The hunger in her eyes and the way she kept biting her lip were dead giveaways.

There’s no doubt that we’re both equally relieved when we arrive at the Moose Lodge. Piper to the extent that she nearly strangles herself trying to dash out of the Jeep. I smirk at her, my gaze glued to her ass that looks mighty fine in those fitted jeans. I want to reach out and give one of those cheeks a firm squeeze, but I know better than to try with Mom and Leo around.

“Well, what do you think, son?” Leo asks as I get out of the car with far more grace than Piper did. “You excited to be back up here? Your Mom told me you two used to come up here a lot when you were a kid.”

“That’s right,” I nod, sweeping my gaze across the front of the massive building that stretches out before us. Set safely beneath the mountain it’s the only place around for miles. The snowy landscape is breathtaking, sparkling in the brilliant sunlight that’s peeking out from the clouds. “Hasn’t changed much at all since I was here last,” I muse. For some reason I find this quite pleasing.

We step around to the back of the Jeep to begin unloading everything. Leo keeps chattering on, telling me how Mom was hesitant at first to bring him and Piper to the Lodge. I can understand her reluctance, but it was necessary. I’m glad she made a new tradition, that she found a way to be happy even though I was gone. To feel otherwise would make me one hell of a selfish prick and while I have my share of defects being jealous for my mother’s affection is not one of them. I’m grateful to the Tates for bringing her joy and comfort during my absence, for taking care of her when I couldn’t. Our town might be small and warm, but there’s still people who would have taken advantage or just turned their backs. Because of Leo and Piper that didn’t happen.

Helping Leo unload the car is good for one thing and one thing only; briefly taking my mind off Piper. Otherwise it’s a tedious, mind boggling task that feels like ti takes another four hours! How the hell did he and Mom fit all this crap in here? What kind of trip were they planning for? A zombie apocalypse! Mom always had a habit of over packing for a trip, but it seems that Leo has the same compulsion to bring along everything but the kitchen sink, which means I’m pretty sure there’s a damn kitchen sink somewhere in one of these bags!

“Damn Leo, did you two bring enough stuff?” I grunt as I tug out the last stuffed suitcase and flop it onto the trolley that Leo retrieved from the resort lobby.

“You sound just like Piper,” he chuckles. “We brought everything that was necessary and a few things just in case. There’s all the ski gear, the hiking gear, canteens, back packs, MREs…”

“You’re pulling my leg! MREs really?” I gawk at him as though he’s spontaneously turned into a chimpanzee and started dancing the rumba! He jsut nods, grinning ear to ear. “MREs as in Meals Ready to Eat, like they use in the military? How long do you think we’re gonna be out here?”

He claps me on the shoulder. “Come on, Matty you’re smarter than that. You know you have to be prepared for anything out in the wilderness. Having rations and clean water are the key to survival. And in the winter heat is also a necessity of course…”

At this point I just let him ramble, knowing there’s some truth to what he’s saying. It’s wise to be prepared, but there’s also such a thing as over doing it. The key thing to remember about the Moose Lodge is that a huge tourist attraction. All of the hiking trails are marked and unless you’re a professional outdoorsman (or heading up the slopes) you don’t leave the base of the mountain without a guide. Could something tragic happen that might thrust us into a life or death situation? Well sure, but the chances of that happening are pretty slim.

No sooner do we get inside the lobby and park the laden down cart, that my mother waves me over. As soon as I join her and Piper she unwittingly gives me the best news I’ve had since being told I was coming home. Piper and I are going to be sharing a room. I nearly bust out laughing, especially when I see the fleeting expression of horror on Piper’s pretty face.

The room arrangements couldn’t have worked out more perfectly! Whatever frustration I have about the trip so far is instantly swept away as all the benefits flash through my mind. Okay, okay so it’s a double room with two beds, but that’s what makes it even better. On the outside it’s entirely innocent, but in reality it gives the two of us the opportunity to fuck each other silly. There’s no risk of being caught sneaking from my room to hers, no suspicion when my bed hasn’t been slept in and best of all, she can’t lock me out.

I flash her a grin, letting her see just how pleased I am about this. I’m elated by the thought of getting to be alone with her. As soon as I get the chance, I’ll be making my move and seducing Piper so I can finally act out all the fantasies she’s put in my head.

* * *

Unfortunately, that moment of privacy doesn’t come all day. We get maybe ten minutes to settle in, throw on our ski gear and head down to the lobby to meet back up with our parents. Piper doesn’t talk to me unless Leo or Vanessa is around and she’s forced to interact. This is just fine with me, I don’t mind letting her believe that she can avoid me. In my mind it’s all part of the thrill of chasing her.

Being horny and distracted takes away some of the enjoyment of the trip, but I can’t deny that cutting loose and just playing in the snow doesn’t make me feel worlds better. It reminds me of being a young kid again, of having a bright future full of endless possibilities at my fingertips. I laugh and smile like I did four years ago, almost forgetting that I nearly died, that I was a soldier, a prisoner of war.

Having Piper nearby only makes things better. I don’t know how she does it, but somehow she makes me feel lighter. She eases the demons that haunt me in a way I didn’t think was possible. Every time I catch her smiling I can’t help but want to pull her into my arms and bask in her radiance. I think back to how good her lips felt against my mouth, the warmth and tenderness of her curvy body nestled against my broad frame and I can’t help but wish we could sneak away so we could recreate the moment we shared in the hallway before it was interrupted.

After a day packed with skiing we finally return to the Lodge. My body aches with all the exertion, but it’s a pleasing sort of ache. The sort you get after a stimulating work out. Of course we’re not free just yet, not until after the nice, family dinner at the resort’s fine restaurant.

I feel a bit like a fool sitting here, dressed in clothing far too casual for the semi-formal atmosphere of the dining room. Mom must have assumed I’d remember to bring something appropriate, but I totally forgot that the dinners here were meant to be more upscale. After all it’s been four years since I was here so everyone is very understanding, even the wait staff. I’m actually relieved that they don’t make a fuss. Unlike back in Holden where the atmosphere everywhere is incredibly casual, the staff here know better than to get too personal.

Still, I can’t help but feel a little bad. “Sorry Mom,” I lean over and whisper again, but she just waves me off. It takes a lot to get under her skin.

“Don’t worry about it, Matty,” She pats my arm, then reaches for her water glass. “At least you’re not running around half naked like a little urchin boy.” Her eyes twinkle and I know she’s recalling me as a child, playing outside in nothing but a diaper.

Of course, Piper hears the remark and immediately asks for details. Naturally, my mother gives them to her. Inwardly I sigh and try to block out the conversation. I try to block Piper out entirely. The whole day, watching her and being close to her has me on the verge of exploding. If this dinner goes on for too long I’m not sure I’ll be able to control myself. Especially not with her dressed like she is!

She was plenty sexy in just a sweater and jeans, but the little blue dress she’s got on has me at half mast again. It’s tight around the hips and breast, the latter pushed upward to form an alluring hint of cleavage around the low v-neck collar. More than once I’ve wanted to grab her, shove my face in her chest and motor boat those full, plump tits. I don’t care if it would cause a scene and mortify our parents, if dinner goes on too long I know I’m going to lose control and it’s going to happen!

Lucky for Piper and the entire dining room for that matter, I can tell that my Mom is getting tired. She might be in excellent shape, but I’m half her age and I’m tired after everything we’ve done today! I’m confident that with some gentle prodding we’ll be free of the parents and all alone upstairs. I keep flicking my gaze down to my watch, counting off the minutes.

Despite my impatience the wine, the food and the conversation are quite pleasant. It’s nice to be in the presence of family again, to feel like I’m apart of a life again. For the first time since I’ve been home I don’t feel like I’m just running through the motions, struggling to keep myself together. With my mind more at ease I start to realize that I’ve been going about everything the wrong way. I’ve held everyone at arms length, keeping them pushed as from me as I can get them, when I should be making up for lost time.

Feeling as though my world just shifted, I look to Piper. For strength, for inspiration, or maybe just because I love to look at her, I’m not sure. I watch her delicious lips as she talks, I admire how the light dances in her warm eyes and how her hair ripples when she moves. I soak her in, appreciating her gentle beauty and deciding that tonight is going to be about more than satisfying a physical need. It’s going to be about finishing old business, giving us both the ending we were denied. That’s what we need to finally be able to move on; closure.

“So Piper…” Vanessa’s voice breaks into my thoughts, making me blink and quickly look somewhere else.

It’s well after dessert has been served and we’ve all just been sitting here talking as our meal settles. Mom picks out a new topic just as the current one begins to wane. I regret having missed the opportunity to call it a night and set myself to be prepared for the next one.

“Have you given anymore thought to going back to college or anything?” Mom goes on. “I’d be happy to help you with applications and whatnot if you need it.”

This piques my interest and I listen intently for Piper’s answer. I’m surprised that her response doesn’t come right away. All through high school she was almost obsessed with ballet and dance, that’s all she used to do. She was so dedicated, to the point that I couldn’t help but find her inspiring. I can’t help but wonder what might have changed between then and now…

“I’m still thinking about it,” she finally says, not looking up from her wine glass. “I just haven’t found something that interests me enough.”

I see Leo and Vanessa exchange a glance. They’re concerned, but they want to be supportive and encouraging rather than pushy. My Mom reaches across the table and pats her hand, while Leo just grins and tells her, “ah don’t worry, kiddo, you’ve got plenty of time to decide.”

Then his gaze flicks over to me. A silent plea. I can just hear him saying, “you’re her stepbrother, maybe you can help her now.”

For a moment I almost waver, feeling that perhaps chasing Piper isn’t such a good idea. There’s no denying how badly I want her, but I don’t want our issues to cause problems for our parents. The notion is swiftly dismissed. It’s only one night, that’s it, one night of total bliss to get her out of my system. Since that should put an end to our feud then Vanessa and Leo never need to know anything about it.