Beneath the Palisade (35 page)

“Really? That’s a long drive. My partner is from Iowa.”

“What do you think?” Mom smiled her answer back to Dad. “Can we look around a minute?” Dad guided Mom toward the door.

“Sure. I tell you what, talk it over and I’ll pop out in a minute with a key to one of our cabins. Maybe that will help you decide.” Ah yes, he was hitting his stride.

After a few minutes, he grabbed the key to Cabin 10, their finest, the one closest to the palisade, and headed out the door. The family had strolled down to Cabin 1 and were inspecting the firepit. “What do you think so far?”

“This works.” Dad’s vocabulary left something to be desired.
He’s kind of cute, though.

“Great! I grabbed the key to Cabin 10. It’s the one closest to the Palisade. Follow me.” Ian led the family down the woodchip path.
Tiffany.
He and Harper would have a good laugh over that one.

“Who does your gardening?” Mom asked when they’d reached the cabin.

“I do most of it. I’ve got some help.”

“I wish I could get my garden at home to look like these.”

“Here we are.” Ian held open the door. Even though they’d left the windows open for a few days, a hint of fresh paint lingered in the air. He followed the family in. “The cabins are basically set up like your standard motel room.” Ian recalled Tiffany’s selling points when she’d shown the cabins to them the first time. “The bathrooms have been upgraded this year. You have satellite television. We also include complimentary charcoal for the firepits, and,”—Ian focused the last part of his pitch on little Tiffany—“we have little S’more kits as a thank-you for staying with us. Each room has a list of amenities and cleaning services we provide. The office is staffed twenty-four seven. I’ll wait outside.”

This was fun. What were the odds that after only having the sign uncovered for an hour or so, they’d snagged their first customer? Or at least it looked like they did.

“Any chance you have a cot or a small bed for the girl here?” Dad had one final hurdle for Ian to hop over before he’d commit.

“We do. I have a few cots and extra bedding up at the office. We’ll be happy to set it up for you and make the bed while you enjoy the grounds.”

“We’ll take it.” Dad was sold. Mom was all smiles, and Tiffany—where was Tiffany?

“Did we lose Tiffany?” Ian asked as they waited outside the cabin.

“She had to tinkle,” Mom informed him.

“Oh, I understand. So, Cabin 10 for one night, is it?”

“Three nights.” Dad confirmed this by a brief smile directed at Mom.

“Great,” Ian said when Tiffany had joined them outside. “I’ll need a major credit card, and we’re in business. We’ll charge you with one night now, and the remainder will be charged to your card when you check out.”

Ian was processing the card when Harper and Alex pulled up. “There you go. Follow the road behind the office, and it will take you down to Cabin 6. I’m afraid you’ll have to walk the rest of the way to Cabin 10. Will you need help?”

“We’ll be fine.” Dad took his receipt and led the family to their car. Seconds later, Alex and Harper came bounding in the door.

“Don’t tell me….” The prospect of having their first guests this early in the game was clearly something Harper hadn’t counted on.

“I know, I can’t believe it. And guess what? It’s not just one night. They’re staying for three.” Ian could hardly believe it himself. He’d had visions of weeks passing by without any bites. “Alex, can you run one of the cots and bedding down to Cabin 10 for little Tiffany? And ask if you can make up the bed for them. We’re all about service here.”

“Tiffany, are you kidding?” Harper chuckled. “Please don’t tell me she’s….”

“Nope. She’s too young to be sportin’ floaters. Oh, and don’t forget to bring them a S’more kit. They perked right up when I mentioned it.”

“I’ll run the food up to the house. Alex, meet us there when you get the…. Do our guests have a name?” Harper looked in the direction of Cabin 10.

“The Bergstroms, from Ames, Iowa,” Ian announced proudly.

“Ames, Iowa? Way to go, Iowa!” The significance of their first guests being Iowans delighted Harper.

Alone in the office, Ian placed a card on the desk informing anyone who happened by to call his cell and someone would be right down. When he got up to the house, Harper was well on his way to having dinner organized.

“The table looks great, hon. I’m lovin’ the provocative napkin design. Let’s hope young Alex doesn’t mess himself. Do you want wine or beer?” Harper had already poured himself a glass of wine.

“I’ll take wine too. Wow, those steaks look wonderful. What a great idea.” Ian surveyed the extravagant takeout Harper was plating.

A few minutes later, Alex showed up at the door with a couple of Dews in his hand.

“How’re the Bergstroms?” Ian asked, pouring his wine.

“The Bergstroms are well. He’s kind of grumpy, but the mom and the little girl are very nice. They’re off for a walk. I showed them how to light the grill and made up the cot.”

“Perfect, Alex. Tonight’s a special occasion, what with our opening up the joint and having our first guests. Would you like a glass of wine?” Ian held up the bottle for Alex to inspect.

“Naw, I’m good. But thanks. Wow, dinner looks incredible. Can’t wait.”

“We don’t need to wait. Let’s chow while the food is still hot. Alex, there’s sour cream and butter for your baked potato on the table. Here’s your porterhouse. Wait, this isn’t a porterhouse, it’s half a cow.” Harper handed over a plate with a piece of meat on it the size of Texas. “And for you, Ian, the petite filet and cottage cheese with a peach half.” Harper slid a plate in his direction with the largest filet on it he’d ever seen.

“Holy shit! This looks awesome.” Ian carried the plate and his wine to the table.

“Here’s to the first day of business, and hopefully not the last,” Harper toasted.

They managed to empty a bottle of wine during dinner. Alex decisively proved his eyes were not bigger than his stomach, being the first of the three to reach the clean plate club.

“Wow, that’s seriously impressive.” Ian picked up Alex’s empty plate on the way into the kitchen for another bottle of wine. “We’re going to have to warn guests with small animals to make sure they’re kept inside with this guy around. They could end up being a little midnight snack.”

“I couldn’t stop.” Alex chuckled. “That was the best steak I’ve ever had. Thanks, guys.”

“Thank you. It’s great having you on board. We really appreciate your effort and hard work to help make our dream come true.” Harper pushed his chair back, tossing his mangled dick napkin onto his plate.

“Me too. I’m done.” Ian coaxed, nurtured, and released a monstrous belch, declaring a total contentment even he found impressive.

“You and I are going to have ourselves a little talk about your table behavior.” Harper tried valiantly to keep a straight face but lost the battle. “It’s disgusting.”

“Sorry, hon. Sorry, Alex, if I offended you in any….”
Belch!
“Dang, sorry again.” Belching was a habit, and he’d need a more convincing argument against it before he’d consider doing away with it. And it felt good.

“What should we do now? Wanna play a game or something?” Harper looked across the table to see if there was any interest.

“Would you guys mind if I excused myself?” Alex began busing their table.

“You don’t have to do that. Just leave it and relax,” Ian protested.

“You guys relax. I’m going to go back home and hang out at the office. I think someone should be there in case our guests need anything.”

“Okay, but we’ll take turns evenings like we discussed.” Ian felt a pang of guilt for giving up so easily, but he was looking forward to some cuddle time with his partner.

“Sounds good. Thanks again for the awesome meal. Have a good night, you guys.”

“Night, Alex. I’ll have my cell by me if you need to get ahold of us for any reason.” Harper stood and gathered up the napkins when Alex was gone.

“You have that look, Ian.”

Ian knew he had that look. He’d lusted after Harper all day, and now, with nothing else left in his way, it was time to act on his relentless desire. “How about we grab our wine and start out on the screened porch. Once the sun sets, we can move upstairs and, let’s see, what are you in the mood for tonight? Should I introduce you to my Harry Belafonte? It has aspects of my Tina but with a Caribbean flair. And there’s a calypso finale that will shiver your timbers. Trust me, you’ll like it.”

“You know me, I’m willing to try anything once.” Harper grabbed the bottle and his glass and led the way. “Hey, you know what I’d really like to do?”

“What’s that?” Ian was right behind him, watching his hot butt shift from side to side.
Daddy needs him a piece of that tonight.

“Can I talk you into a slow dance out here?” Harper stopped in the middle of the big open porch.

“Hmm, with or without clothes on?”

“I have a feeling I’m in for one hell of a night.” Harper grabbed him and pulled him in for a kiss. “All good things come to those who wait.”

“Oh do they, now.” He reached down between Harper’s legs, confirming what he already knew. “Sure. I’d love that. You want me to put on some music, or do you have something in mind?” Ian placed his wineglass on the bar.

“I’ve got it covered. Be right back.”

A few minutes later, Sinatra oozed out of the speakers. Ian could feel himself begin to leak. Sex with Harper hadn’t lost an ounce of its passion or satisfaction. It kept getting better and better as time went on. He loved how willing his partner was to try new things. How Harper, like him, tended to approach making love with an element of athleticism. They could bounce a bed around a room with the best of them.

“There, how’s that? You like?” Harper waltzed back in and retrieved his glass and sipped.

“Would you allow me the pleasure of this dance?” Ian did his best to bow with grace.

“I would be delighted to accept, Lord Hardenlong. Come here, you goof.” Harper took him by the hand and led him into the middle of the room.

Our first slow dance.

It felt awkward in the beginning, but relinquishing his need to lead, Ian relaxed into his handsome man’s arms, resting his head on Harper’s chest as he was gently waltzed around the room. “Oh yeah, you definitely know what you’re doing,” he purred when Harper reached around and cupped his butt in both hands.

“There’ll be more dance lessons, if you’d like.” Their lips met; their bodies swayed back and forth.

“Harp, do you think we’re luckier than most?”

“What do you mean?” Harper squeezed his cheeks, drawing him up tighter to his body.

“I mean, well, I can’t imagine being happier.”

“Ian, my love for you, it’s so intense. I think about you constantly.” Harper eased Ian’s head off his chest and lifted Ian’s face up to meet his own.

“Is it possible to cum just dancing like this?” He probed Harper’s lips with his tongue until they parted, allowing him to push deeper.

Harper paused, allowing the kiss to intensify. When they finally released, his eyes were moist. “It’s possible, when your dancing partner is a hot little number like you.” Harper guided him back into the dance.

“Our first day in business. Pretty cool, huh?” Ian savored the sensation of Harper caressing his butt, dancing him around to the rich, masculine sounds of Ol’ Blue Eyes.

“I think this is going to be a wild ride, Harp.” Ian snuggled his head on his partner’s chest but wasn’t allowed to keep it there. Harper reached down, guiding him by the chin until their lips met again.

“Can I drive tonight?” Ian had plans.

“Of course, just don’t speed.” Harper gave his butt a hefty squeeze.

“I won’t. Promise.”

Ian was surprised when Harper suddenly broke their embrace. “We have an audience.”

He looked over to see the little girl, her face covered in S’more, staring at them from the pathway.

“Just a guess, but could this be Tiffany Two?”

“Bingo.” He walked over to the screen and asked, “Tiffany, do your parents know you’re here?”

Tiffany turned in her tracks and sped off toward the cabins.

“Do you think I should follow her back?” Harper walked over to the screen to see if he could spot her on the trail.

“Naw, it’s still light out.” He grabbed his partner’s hand, pulling him back into the center of the porch, and whispered, “Hell, maybe Mom and Dad were hiding in the next bush.”

“She’s probably a lot like I was when I was her age.” Harper laughed. “A little on the independent side. Had my rump whacked a few times for it too.”

“Speaking of….” Ian took Harper’s hands and guided them back to his own rump.

“
A
LEX
, what’s wrong? It’s so early.” Harper sat up as he listened to Alex whisper into the phone.

“The Bergstroms. They’re checking out. He wants his cabin fee for last night refunded. One of you guys better get down here quick.”

“I’ll be right there.” Jumping out of bed, he slid into his shorts and T-shirt. “Ian, we have trouble.”

“Huh?” Ian rolled over, rubbing his eyes.

“Something’s wrong. The Bergstroms, they’re checking out and they want a refund.”

“What?” Ian bolted up. “Hang on, I’ll go with.”

Harper waited for Ian to dress. Together they ran down to the office. Rounding the corner, they could see the mother and Tiffany walk out of the office and head down toward the lake.

“Mr. Bergstrom, what seems to be the problem? I thought you were staying with us for three nights,” Ian panted, entering the office and scurrying behind the counter to join Alex.

“Just clear the charges for last night from my card and there won’t be any problem.”

“Why, I don’t understand? Was there something wrong with your cabin?” Ian glanced at Alex, who looked as if he was going to cry.

“Look, I don’t want to get into it with you people. I just want my money back. You’re running some kind of…. I don’t know what the hell is going on here, but I’m not going to subject my family to it. Not on your life. So run a refund and we’ll be on our way.”