Their conversations got deeper. Tim shared more about his single status and how he viewed life. Val shared her married with kids life to the point of sharing her husband’s new dating arrangement. Tim was an excellent listener. He asked many questions allowing Val to overshare. She even shared her intent to understand her relationship with her body and how watching them swim was valuable in that journey. She even admitted to masturbating for the first successful time in years. Tim was flattered by that admission.
“Can I see what you were drawing?” Tim asked. She shared her notebook. Tim actually taught art for a while at the local community college so he gave some pointers. This allowed him to sit next to Val while having her draw more. “Not to embarrass you, but I see this is a self-portrait of you. I think you have a good understanding of your body.” Val giggled a bit.
“Is this your husband?”, Tim inquired.
“No silly, that is you. Or at least a generic male inspired from watching you this morning.” She wasn’t sure how he would respond.
“Well, you did me well. I am flattered with how you perceived me.”
She redrew a few images while Tim gave instruction. It was fun to sit close to Tim. Soon the conversation waned. Tim stood up and made a pronouncement.
“I see three choices for you to make. I can leave you alone as previously planned. You deserve a safe weekend alone without guys hanging around you. Or you can join us for dinner as fellow campers; no advancements and however you want to engage. Or lastly, you can invite me to flirt with you; at which I will be part of your self-discovery. This is your choice and I will honor whatever you choose. I will ensure you feel as safe and private as you intended this morning.”
Val wasn’t ready for these choices. It was an exciting morning being naked and watching nude male bodies. This afternoon was just so comfortable. But Tim was good at being flirtatious.
“Can I have all three?”
Tim was very clear on one point. “Option three must be an invitation. I won’t flirt with you sexually, even after seeing you naked this morning, without a very clear invitation. You are alone in the woods and need to know you are safe.” Val respected this.
“OK, let’s flirt during the day, and then I will consider having dinner at your campsite. Fresh fish would be better than the dried food I bought as a minimalist.”
Tim extended his hand and helped Val to her feet. “Then we start. It is a hot afternoon and we both deserve a swim. Please join me.”
Val was face to face with Tim, holding his hand, as he basically asked her to swim naked with him. How could she do anything other than agree? They both gathered their sitting mats and items, and headed to the river’s edge.
As they dropped their items, they found themselves standing and looking at the water. Tim filled the awkward void. He asked if she wanted to make decisions or if she wanted him to make suggestions. Using the fact that Tim had been a teacher, Val asked him to decide how to proceed. Tim asked more about her self-discovery obstacles. She explained how she was uncomfortable thinking of a man touching her; or looking at her body details. And this morning was special when she enjoyed touching herself.
Tim used that information to set the tone. He was going to initiate and guide her through uncomfortable situations. She should tell him to back off at any time and he will comply immediately. With her affirmation, Tim stepped in front of Val and lifted her shirt over her head. It happened so fast she barely questioned the act. She stood there in hiking shorts and a sports bra but did not flinch. Tim didn’t advance again for a while as he stood there admiring her body. And yes, she felt it was admiring even though her mind told her to be embarrassed.
Tim next reached for the waistband on her shorts and pulled them down. She stepped out of them as gracefully as one can on an uneven river edge. Tim again stood and studied her body. It felt like minutes although was probably only seconds. She expected him to pull off her bra next but he switched it around. He pulled off his shirt and removed his shorts. Tim was willing to stand completely naked in front of Val. She largely stared into his eyes. His eyes were kind. He didn’t gawk at her body but simply maintained eye contact. Tim was not going to make any move until Val initiated. So Val started studying his body with her eyes. His chest was strong. He still had a youthful stomach. And his penis, well it was more of a good cock. Her husband still had a good cock. Val didn’t think most cocks looked that much different. But her husband seldom stood naked in front of her. And never casual enough for her to appreciate his body. Tim stood strong. Tim was giving her the space she wanted; needed. Exploring Tim visually was safer than the situation likely was.
“I want you to remove your underwear.” Tim made the pronouncement. It was slightly out of sequence; as Val was getting ready to touch Tim’s body. She knew he had already seen her naked, and her underwear barely gave her protection, yet asking her to undress herself was bold. Val took a breath and pulled her panties down and off her feet. With one last breath, she lifted her bra over her head. Tim and Val were standing in front of each other, naked.
Tim grabbed her hand and pulled her into the water. The air and sun were hot, but the river was refreshing. It took her breath away briefly. She hadn’t swum naked in years and it felt great. She wondered if there were other hikers watching this scene and didn’t care. Tim was a perfect companion. Her husband was probably flirting with Emily, getting ready for their second night together by this point in their trip. Val was swimming naked with a new man in a wild river. It was glorious.