Chapter 4

Adam woke up to the unfamiliar sensation of a female body pressed up hard against him. He was on his side facing away, and Emily was curled up against his back. The only way that Adam’s sister could have been closer was if she threw an arm and leg over him.

Adam must have moved when he woke, because he immediately felt Emily’s body go tense. She jerked away from him like he was on fire, scrambling under the sheets until she was on the very opposite side of the bed. Adam rolled over and eyed his sister.

Emily was half sitting up, clutching the front of the sheet to her neck as though she was trying to hide from him. If she had realised how that action made her chest look she probably wouldn’t have done it. Still foggy with sleep, Adam looked on in appreciation as the thin linen sheet contoured perfectly around Emily’s heavy breasts. She looked reminiscent of a greek statue, her body clad in a toga.

“Morning, sis. Did I wake you?”

“Fuck, what is - fuck! What do you think you were doing, you little pervert!”

Adam rolled his eyes as he sat up. He stretched, yawning widely. His body felt tight, full of energy. Adam scratched absently at his arm as he turned to his sister. Emily looked freaked out, as though she was expecting him to do something to her.

“What do you mean. I was asleep less than a minute ago. What were you doing?”

“Don’t play games with me, Adam! You know what I mean, you were right up against -”

Emily trailed off, looking confused. Adam smirked at his sister.

“Yeah. Exactly. If I was any closer to the edge of the bed I would have fallen off. So I ask again, what were you doing?”

Emily gaped at him. And then, to Adam’s mild amazement, she blushed.

“I-”

Emily blushed an even brighter shade of red. Then she slid out from under the sheets and practically ran into the other room, closing the door behind her.

Adam had watched his sister go with an appreciative eye. She had been in such a hurry she hadn’t even noticed that her little shorts had ridden way up between the cheeks of her ass. Adam had seen his sister naked twice in as many days, but he had still enjoyed the sight of her mostly bare bum as she had hurried away.

Adam lay back on the bed and thought about all that had happened. This was ... entirely crazy. When he had woken up yesterday he would never have imagined sharing a bed with his sister, regardless that nothing had happened between them. Added to that, the part of the day he had spent with Holly and Kendra ... Adam smiled hugely when he remembered that Holly had made him promise to spend the day with them today. How the hell had life changed so much for the better so quickly? His mind wandered back to the cave. Always that cave. It was here that his mind refused to focus. Adam knew he had seen something strange. Something inexplicable. But try as he might, he couldn’t get his mind to focus on any particular details on what he had seen. Individual aspects were available to his memory. He remembered the dancing figures. Lights. Drums. The burning eyes of a huge figure. But it was like Adam couldn’t focus on everything as a whole. It ... evaded him.

Adam got up to grab a shower. Puzzled, but unconcerned.

Strangely unconcerned.

At the buffet breakfast that morning Adam was ravenous. He piled his plate high with food and only the fact that he somehow managed to put it all away stopped his mother from taking him to task. She had looked at his mountain of food with a raised eyebrow, but for once had resisted the urge to attack him for his behaviour.

“What were you doing yesterday, Adam. That is an absurd amount of food to eat for breakfast.”

“I don’t know, mom. I guess I was just hungry. I was down at the beach most of yesterday Exploring around the headlands.”

Adam answered absently in between shovelling more food in. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Todd give a start. Adam’s mother stirred her coffee slowly before taking a sip.

“Hmm. I guess it’s fine. You’re young after all. Don’t let it become a habit though. I don’t want a glutton as a son.”

Adam rolled his eyes when she wasn’t looking.

“Yes, mom. Say, where’s dad this morning? Or aunt Tessa for that matter?”

Breakfast was a smaller affair than yesterday without his father or aunt. Fiona was there, looking better now she wasn’t hung over. She was staring hard at Todd who seemed to be acting a bit distant with her as he eyed Adam. Emily had joined them a few minutes after Adam had arrived. She kept her head down and seemed to be avoiding looking at him. It was pretty much their usual awkward and uncomfortable family gathering, although quieter than usual. For once though, Adam felt completely at ease. Like nothing was going to bother him today.

“Your father and aunt had too much to drink last night. I did too, but I stopped before they did.”

Now that Adam looked closer at his mother, he noted that she had dark rings under her eyes and instead of her usually pristine and elegant appearance she looked a little tired and hagged. Adam gestured around a mouthful of food.

“They should eat something if they are hungover. They’ll just feel worse.”

“Adam swallow before speaking, that’s disgusting. I’ll bring them something light after I finish eating.”

Adam nodded easily. He had spotted Holly and Kendra at a table at the other end of the room. Kendra was smiling widely as she waved at him. Adam grinned in return and waved back. His mother followed his line of sight and regarded the two women waving at her son. Erin looked at Adam but he ignored the question in her eyes. He got up quickly, seeing that his two new friends had already finished eating.

“Well, I’m off. See you later, mom.”

Adam left before his mother could respond. He caught a glimpse of her expression - surprised at the breezy manner in which he was acting. Adam usually just sat there quietly, keeping attention as little on himself as possible.

Adam rounded the corner, heading after Holly and Kendra, when someone grabbed him by the arm. Adam stopped, turning to see Todd had a hold of him. Todd looked embarrassed and uncomfortable - but determined.

“Look, man. You got a second. I need to talk to you.”

Adam eyed the older guy’s grip on his arm for a second before tearing himself free with a sudden surge of strength. He saw Todd’s eye’s widen at just how easily Adam broke free. Todd was a big guy - a lot bigger than Adam.

“Yeah? Well you’ve got twenty seconds. What do you want?”

“Fuck, man. What crawled up your ass?”

Adam rolled his eyes. He had no time for the sleaze bag who was cheating on his cousin with his sister.

“Fifteen seconds.”

“Fifteen-? Look, man. I want to talk to you about yesterday?”

“Oh?”

Adam was suddenly very interested in what Todd had to say. He wondered if he had seen him after all. Adam still couldn’t really believe neither Todd or Emily had noticed him. He had been only a few feet away - in plain view even if he had been hiding in that cave.

“Look, I’m just going to come out with it. Did you see something yesterday?”

“I saw a lot of things, Todd.”

Don’t be smart, man. Look, were you spying on us - me, yesterday? Don’t play around with me, I’m not interested in games.”

Adam laughed softly.

“Spying? Spying on what? It’s a public beach ‘man’.

“Don’t fuck around. Did you see?”

Adam eyed the larger guy. Todd was trying to loom, and in truth he did have quite a few inches on Adam. However, Adam eyed him - completely unconcerned.

“See what? Sounds like you are worried about something. Guilty conscious?”

“You little shit, don’t make me-”

Todd strode forward, looking furious. Adam pivoted one leg back to brace himself and then extended his arm with his palm flat. He didn’t punch Todd. He didn’t even really push him. Adam just checked his advance like he had become an immovable object. Todd bounced off Adam’s palm, suddenly looking very uncertain. He had expected things to go a certain way and now had no idea what to do.

“Todd. Buddy. Sounds like something is weighing on your mind. Maybe you should try living quietly and hope that you don’t bring anything to light by being an obnoxious dick.”

Adam still hadn’t decided what he was going to do about the situation he had discovered between his sister and cousin. Or if he was going to do anything at all. Adam had tried smiling at Fiona when she had arrived at the breakfast table that morning and had got a sneer in response. It made it hard to take her side.

Suddenly tired of dealing with it all, Adam flashed Todd a savage grin and then walked off. Todd didn’t try to stop him. Adam had better things to do.

Adam didn’t get the chance to look for Holly and Kendra. They found him first.

Kendra came bounding over, full of energy. A wide and impish smile was across her face as she playfully punched at Adam’s shoulder.

“Adam! Long time no see. How’d you sleep?”

Adam grinned. He made a play at rubbing at his arm as though she had actually hurt him. Kendra didn’t fall for it though and just stuck her tongue out at him.

“Not bad. Took a while to fall asleep because of -. Well, never mind. How’d you sleep? You were in a food coma when I left.”

Kendra blushed.

“I was not, I -”

Holly inserted herself between them, poking at her partner’s side indignantly.

“- ate way too much trying to keep up with a guy about twice your size? Yeah, definitely a food coma. Remember, I had to lug your ass to bed last night.”

Kendra scowled. Then gave Holly a roguish grin.

“That’s not all you did to my ass. Didn’t hear you complaining last night.”

Holly gaped, glancing at Adam as her face turned beet red. Adam rubbed at his ear, slightly shocked at what had just come out of Kendra’s mouth. Holly shoved the blonde woman.

“Kendra! Damn, girl. Right in front of him?”

Kendra tittered.

“Oh, I’m sure he doesn’t mind. Do you, Adam?”

Kendra took Adam by the arm like she had the day before. She tilted her head and grinned up at him, her eyes sparkling. Adam shook his head wordlessly, feeling off-balance for the first time that day. His new-found equanimity apparently wasn’t strong enough to withstand a Kendra onslaught. Kendra squeezed his arm a little tighter as she glanced around at Holly.

“Do we have everything we need? Holly? Adam, you have your swimmers on, right? Cool, I see your board shorts. Need a towel? Sunscreen?”

Holly indicated a big woven bag she had over one shoulder.

“I’ve got sunscreen. And a spare towel that Adam can borrow. We aren’t going far, K. Just a few hundred yards to the beach.”

“Hey, I’m trying to be organised here!”

Holly rolled her eyes at Kendra. The blonde girl was full of energy but she was notable in that she wasn’t carrying a single thing. Holly was the one with the gear for the day. Adam looked past Kendra, sharing a smile with Holly. He really did like these two.

“If I can use some of your sunscreen, I’m good to go. I wouldn’t mind a swim actually.”

“Perfect! Let’s go!”

Kendra tugged Adam along as though it was only her dragging him that would make him join them on the beach. Holly sighed, smiling at Adam and shaking her head in the negative when he asked her if he could carry anything.

The three of them walked down to the beach, passing a few groups of eager beachgoers along the way. Holly and Kendra greeted most of them, and Adam was struck once again at how friendly at outgoing the two young women were.

Holly took charge of picking a spot, laying out three towels and and anchoring them in place with bits and pieces from her bag. Adam took a moment to enjoy the view, smiling as he looked up and down the expanse of beach.

It was a gloriously sunny day, barely a cloud overhead and the sky itself was a brilliant azure blue. Even with the sun, it didn’t feel too hot. There was a light breeze along the shore, not strong enough to be annoying. The ocean itself looked surreal to Adam. It was flat, almost dead calm. The waves he had seen yesterday had been replaced by the gentlest of swells, rolling in without a single hint of white water.

Kendra bounced excitedly on the balls of her feat, pointing it out to lover.

“Holly, look! It’s like a picture of the Mediterranean! Have you ever seen the sea look like that?”

“No, K. It’s gorgeous! What a perfect day.”

“Let’s go! Last one in’s a loser!”

Kendra laughed and started to strip off the oversized t-shirt she was wearing over her bikini. Holly held up her hand.

“Wait a minute, babe. Sunscreen first.”

“Aw, come on. It’s not that hot today.”

Adam cleared his throat, eyeing the pouting blonde woman.

“Actually, Kendra. It’s not about how warm it is. It’s the UV that gets you. You can get pretty burnt on even an overcast day.”

“Exactly. Thanks, Adam. He’s right, Kendra. Come here and I’ll do your back. I’m not having a repeat of you crying all night because you turned yourself into a tomato.”

Kendra grumbled as she turned around so that Holly could apply sunscreen to her back.

“I didn’t cry...”

Adam grinned at Kendra’s antics as he rubbed sunscreen into his own skin. He took the opportunity to admire his two new friends. Kendra was wearing a bikini in a similar style to the one she had worn the day before. The bottom was dark blue and held in place across her hips with a series of laced ties. Her bikini top was coloured white, triangle-shaped pieces of fabric that barely contained her breasts. Kendra’s long blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she looked perfectly suited to enjoying a day down by the water.

Holly was more reserved in her attire, but she also looked pretty good. She was wearing a two-piece as well, although it was more conservative than Kendra’s. Her top was alternating purple and black stripes, and was actually closer to a sports-bra than a bikini top. Adam couldn’t see what her bottoms looked like as she was wearing a pair of board shorts over them.

Adam had just finished applying sunscreen to his arms, legs, and chest, when Holly asked if he wanted her to do his back.

“Sure, thanks, Holly.”

Adam expected the brunette to be brisk at applying the sunscreen. She had certainly been that way with Kendra - teasing the blonde as she quickly coated her shoulders and back. Holly’s touch on Adam was quite different though. Her hand rested only lightly on his skin, rubbing in the sunscreen with slow motions. Her touch lingering as she thoroughly applied it. Adam closed his eyes partway, enjoying the sensation. It almost felt like she was massaging him. Adam wanted it to last longer, and he felt his heartbeat pick up - thumping in his chest with a strange rhythm.

Holly took a long time in applying the sunscreen, her fingers beginning to knead his shoulders as she stood closer. Adam could feel her breath on the back of his neck. He shivered.

“There, I think that’s enough.”

Holly took her hands off him, her voice sounding ever so slightly shaky. When Adam turned to look at her, her face seemed a bit pink. She smiled at him though, before an expression crossed her face as she remembered something.

“Actually, I have the perfect thing for today! Especially with the ocean being so flat.”

Holly crouched down as she rummaged in her bag. After a moment she pulled out a small cardboard box. Holly held it up triumphantly and Adam saw that it was an inflatable ring - large enough to sit in. Kendra was very excited.

“Great idea! Although ... do you have two more?”

“No, but that’s fine. It’s big enough to hang onto. We can just lazily float around for a bit.”

Adam had to admit that sounded pretty good. He watched as Holly started to inflate the ring. She soon got quite red in the face from the exertion, sitting back all dizzy from exhaling so much air. Adam took over and blew in long steady puffs. He felt a small thrill when he first put his mouth over the nozzle, although it embarrassed him. It was wet from Holly’s saliva. When it was fully inflated Adam was quite impressed with how big it was. Perhaps large enough for both Holly and Kendra to fit on, even though they would be all on top of each other. With the three of them though, he saw that Holly’s proposal that they all hung onto the outside edge would work quite well. They could all be draped over the edge and have room to spare.