Thanksgiving Secrets

I have released the entire Thanksgiving Secrets Story on amazon and have decided to release a few more chapters here for your enjoyment while I work on the next part of the story. Christmas Surprise. 

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The week that followed was indeed chaotic. A whirlwind of activity where time seemed to slip away. It was the kind of controlled chaos that engulfs you completely, blending days seamlessly into nights. Before you know it, it’s time to go home. 

I was engrossed in my work. I had taken on a role beyond simply photographer. Given the compensation plan I was receiving, I was fine with it. The way I looked at it. The more control I had over the project, the better. 

Each day, I found myself immersed in a sea of tasks and decisions. Models coming and going. Trey had asked to use the pace for an impromptu fitting session. Which worked for me, because I was able to take some test shots at the same time. 

I’ve never had a client pay so quickly before either. I guess that’s the benefit of having an accounting staff that handles your finances for you. I would send over my invoices and I received wire transfers within days. Things couldn’t have been going better. 

Things with Ethan were even getting better. Slowly he was pushing himself further and further with me in bed. I recognized a change in his tactic. Previously his eyes would be on me the entire time. Now, more often than not, his eyes were closed or he was looking elsewhere. At first, I was perplexed by it. Then, I realized, he was trying not to notice. He was distracting himself in a way. Which, allowed him to go a little harder and a little faster each time. It’s slow progress, and occasionally he takes a step backward, but it’s still progress nonetheless. 

As for me, I was hornier than ever, regardless of how much I was getting from Ethan. But I was proud of myself. I was resisting temptation, physically at least. Mentally was a completely different story. I was in a near-perpetual horny state these days. My mind was filled with the endless possibilities of debauchery. 

Josh would visit, and find ways to give me that look. The one that says he is mentally undressing me, and imaging taking me over my desk. Or in some other part of the studio. A few times, he would just flat-out make comments like. “Just say when you want it, pretty boy.” He and Liam seemed to be respecting my limits at least. Letting me know I could have it any time, but that it was my move to take. And I respect them for it. 

With the one exception, where Josh saw me bent over my desk, trying to plug something into the back of my desktop. He walked right up, grabbed my hips, and ground himself into my ass. He had been teasing me all morning, and apparently working himself up in the process. 

I rarely ever saw TJ. Which is a good thing I suppose. Since I found myself actually justifying how I could let him fuck me again since he had already done so. Pathetic excuses I know. 

So what’s the difference between Liam and TJ? They both exuded a sexual confidence that was undeniably alluring, yet in distinctly different ways. Liam had a way of wielding his appeal with a certain finesse. He was smooth, almost artful in his approach, which made him incredibly attractive.

TJ, on the other hand, is an enigma. In everyday interactions, he presents one kind of persona. He's cute, friendly, and easy to talk to. The kind of guy who puts you at ease with his approachable demeanor. This side of TJ is what most people see, and it's genuinely likable.

But there's another side to him, a side that's more concealed, yet palpable. It's a side characterized by straightforward assertiveness that flirts with dominance without fully crossing into it. This aspect of his personality isn't immediately apparent, but once you've seen it, it's unforgettable. When combined with his looks, confidence, and raw sexuality; the effects are amplified. 

There’s an undeniable aura around him, a kind of 'don’t mess with me' vibe that's both intimidating and incredibly attractive. It’s a potent combination that can leave you feeling weak in the knees. He’s a daddy in the making. 

Moreover, I know he's capable of holding his own. He spars with Ethan regularly, which is a testament to his physical capabilities. This isn't just about being fit or strong; it's about skill, control, and a kind of disciplined power. 

This duality in TJ, The charming friendliness juxtaposed with a latent assertive strength, is intriguing. It adds depth to his personality, making him an individual who's not easily categorized or understood at a surface level. It’s this complexity that makes him stand out, that adds an edge to his appeal. 

I’ve heard the rumors, that he sleeps around a lot, choosing to move from conquest to conquest rather than settle down with anyone specific. According to the rumors, he’s versatile too. Maybe that’s what he’s looking for. A versatile submissive? Either way, his reputation, in many ways just makes people want him even more. A challenge everyone wants to conquer. A trophy to be won. 

And then there’s Nico. Adorable Nico. Surprising Nico. He has blossomed into something entirely unexpected, a revelation in his own right. In public, particularly in his role as a barista, he mirrors aspects of TJ's persona. He’s friendly, approachable, and has an easy charm about him. To the casual observer, he's the guy who makes your coffee with a smile, unassuming and pleasant. 

But when no one’s looking, especially when there’s a risk of getting caught. He finds ways to tease the living fuck out of me. A facet of his personality that's been gradually revealing itself. 

Every day when I get coffee, be it, a weekday by myself, or on a weekend with Ethan, any time he is there. He gives me my coffee cup with a number written on it. Any guess what it is? No? A fucking countdown. The number of days until his first photoshoot has been completed. An ever-present reminder of a promise I had made in the heat of the moment to prevent myself from doing something stupid. Yes, he even does it when Ethan is with me. Only then, he writes it on the bottom of the cup. 

You can tell when he’s really feeling frisky. He gets even bolder. The physical contact when he hands me my cup. Pressing his apron down to show the outline of his cock. Or flashing his ass. All in public where he could be seen, though in a way to not make it obvious. 

I know the truth. The countdown will end, and we will end up naked in my studio. Because he’s going to want it. He’s going to push. And I won’t have the willpower to say no. Hell, I barely had enough willpower to say no last time. Had he pushed even a little more. I would have caved. 

He’s stopped by the studio on multiple occasions, just to say hi, and flirt. Honesty I look forward to it. He’s a welcome distraction. The last time he was in the studio, he disappeared for a minute and then came out wearing a Speedo. I jumped and locked the door. He told me to relax, that if Ethan or someone else walked in. To say he was there doing a test shoot. I whimpered again. Especially, now that the door was locked. He dropped the Speedos and spent the next hour hanging out naked. 

I swear he does it to drive me crazy. He too is at least waiting for me to make the first move. At least until the countdown is completed. Then, I have no doubt, the gloves come off, and I will have a choice. Reject him, or give in to his advances. 

Not like it’s a choice. I won’t be able to reject him. I am embarrassed to admit, that on more than one occasion, when Ethan and I were having sex. He wasn’t the only one with his eyes closed. I had mine closed. And it wasn’t Ethan I was with. It was Nico, or TJ, or Lance. And it’s become more often than not. I know, I should be ashamed.  

Lance too seemed to respect my boundaries, while simultaneously pushing them to the limit. I’ve heard more than enough rumors about him from Ethan alone, who has on more than one occasion said he was a walking Human Resources nightmare with how many of the company’s employees he’s fucked. So, he clearly has no problem mixing business with pleasure. How envious I am of those bitches. 

It hasn’t escaped my notice that it’s almost like I want the three of them to just push a little further. To not take no for an answer. To just have their way with me. Nico is the one who is the most obvious about what he wants. The one who will push for it one day. TJ, the daddy in the making. And Lance, the stereotypical rich and powerful daddy incarnate. My trifecta. 

---

“By the way,” Ethan called out from the bathroom, his voice echoing slightly as I zipped up my weekend bag. “Looks like it’s just going to be us and Dad this weekend.”

I paused, my hands still on the zipper of the bag. “What happened?” My voice carried a note of concern. I had already come to terms with his Aunt Jenna and cousin Kyle not being there, but the thought of it being just Ethan, his dad Derek, and myself was suddenly daunting. I had been relying on Uncle Adam and Isaac's presence to ease the tension, to provide a familiar buffer against Derek’s less-than-welcoming attitude towards me.

It would have been better with Kyle and Jenna there as well. No one is better at keeping Derek distracted than his younger sister Jenna. And Kyle, with his thin, nerdy appearance that screamed 'D&D geek', was a delight to be around. At 25, he was the epitome of an artistic genius, his hands seemingly able to bring any concept to life with astonishing ease. His drawings, intricate and full of life, often left me in awe.

Kyle's expertise wasn’t just limited to traditional art. He was a wizard with Photoshop, skillfully manipulating images as if they were clay in his hands. I had learned so much from him, absorbing his techniques and tips whenever we spent time together. It was Kyle who had first suggested launching my Etsy and Amazon stores as a passive income source. At first, I was skeptical, until he showed me the numbers from his shops. 

Ethan emerged from the bathroom, a towel in his hand. “Uncle Adam sprained his ankle, and Isaac is staying with him,” he explained casually, unaware of the ripple of anxiety his words had caused. “They won’t make it this weekend. Mason is coming over to cook for them, though.”

The cabin once envisioned as a lively family gathering for Thanksgiving, now seemed overwhelmingly intimate. The absence of Ethan’s aunt and cousin was one thing, but not having Uncle Adam and Isaac around felt like losing a crucial shield. The prospect of facing Derek without that familial cushion made the upcoming weekend seem even more formidable.

“Just us, then,” I murmured, trying to keep my voice steady. The walls of the cabin, once promising warmth and laughter, now loomed in my mind, echoing with the silence of missing voices.

For a moment, I considered the appropriateness of suggesting we join them for Thanksgiving instead. The idea was tempting, especially now with the changed dynamics at Derek's cabin. But I quickly dismissed the thought. Ethan had been looking forward to this trip for weeks. His dad’s cabin, located about two hours outside of Phoenix in a beautiful forest area, was a special place for him. He once told his dad, that if he ever sold it, he would never speak to him again. It was in jest of course, but I  honestly think he might have meant it, the cabin means that much to him.

And, truthfully, I had been looking forward to it too. The opportunity to take my camera into the wilderness, to capture the serene beauty of nature. It was something that always brought me peace and excitement in equal measure. Not to mention, scenery pictures sell. Especially large canvas prints. 

So, despite my reservations about spending the weekend in close quarters with Derek, I resolved to make the most of it. “Well, I hope Uncle Adam gets better soon,” I said, mustering a smile. “And it looks like I’ll have plenty of time to explore the woods with my camera.” 

Ethan smiled back, appreciative of my effort to stay positive. “It’s going to be great,” he said, his enthusiasm undimmed.

As I returned to my packing, I walked over to my desk and grabbed extra batteries and memory cards. I’ll need them.

---

Ethan and I set off for the cabin in his gunmetal gray Dodge Charger. The drive, about two hours north of Phoenix, gave me ample time to wrestle with my thoughts. I was quiet for most of the trip, lost in a mix of anticipation and apprehension about the weekend ahead.

As we left the city behind and entered the forest area, the scenery began to shift dramatically. Towering trees and lush greenery replaced the urban landscape, and the air felt fresher, filled with the earthy scent of the woods. 

As we made our way through the forest, the lush scenery was a vivid reminder that Arizona is so much more than the bare desert often pictured in people's minds. The stereotype of endless sand and cacti gives way to a surprisingly diverse landscape. It’s one of the beauties of Arizona. Just a few hours' drive from Phoenix in any direction can lead you to an array of distinct and breathtaking landscapes.

The forest around us was rich with towering pines and a vibrant underbrush, a stark contrast to the arid desert vistas. The air was cooler and fresher. 

We’ve been up here a few times, and each time, I am equally struck by the beauty of the area. I understand why Ethan likes it so much. As a photographer, this diversity was both inspiring and exciting. Each environment presented its own unique set of challenges and opportunities for capturing stunning images. The forest, with its play of light and shadow, its array of greens and browns, and its sense of serene isolation, offered a wealth of photographic potential. 

As we neared the cabin, a thought crossed my mind. I wondered if Nico would be interested in a photoshoot up here. The cabin and its surroundings seemed ideal for a variety of compelling shots. The balcony with the lush forest as a backdrop, the spa at night under a sky full of stars. The privacy of such a secluded place. The possibilities seemed endless, each offering a unique and stunning visual narrative.

But almost as quickly as the idea formed, I recognized the hurdle that lay in its realization, Derek. Convincing him to allow a photo shoot at his cabin seemed like a long shot. Why would he agree? If Ethan was the photographer, I’m sure he would have no problem with it. But, for me? Never. 

Despite the apparent impracticality of the idea, I couldn't help but envision the potential. I can see the photo in my head. Nico standing on the balcony in nothing but his underwear, early in the morning, with a cup of coffee in his hand. The steam coming off the cup is clearly visible. That one would be for the product line. The same image, of him completely naked, would be for my personal collection. 

As I continued to mull over the idea, I realized that even if it wasn’t feasible for this project, it was a concept worth exploring in the future. Maybe not at Derek's cabin, but in a similar setting. Renting another cabin somewhere was a possibility. 

As Ethan drove, the allure of the landscape outside the window became irresistible. I reached for my camera, feeling a familiar surge of excitement. Rolling down the window, I began to capture the passing scenery. The trees blurred by, creating a dynamic interplay of colors and shapes. I was curious to see how the motion blur from the car's movement would add an artistic touch to the photos.

Once again, I am grateful for the general conversion from film to digital photography, and the advancements we’ve seen in the technology in the last decade. The immediate feedback digital photography allowed for spontaneity and experimentation. I could review each shot instantly, appreciating the successes and learning from the misses.

As I continued to snap pictures, the freedom to experiment without worrying about film or development costs was liberating. I could take as many shots as I wanted, trying different angles and settings. 

The ability to delete any that didn’t meet my standards was an added bonus, allowing me to focus on quality without the concern of wasting resources. It doesn’t cost me anything extra, other than time to process the files. Sorting the ones I want to keep. Deleting the ones I don’t. I guess, there’s a bit of cost in hard drive space. Sorting raw images, so as to maintain the highest quality, does suck up some hard drive space over time. That’s a cost I have no problem with. 

As the car wound its way through the forest, I lost myself in the process of capturing the fleeting beauty outside. Each click of the shutter was a moment frozen in time.

Ethan’s excitement was evident, I turned my camera towards him, wanting to capture this moment of genuine anticipation. I adjusted the lens to frame Ethan perfectly, balancing his profile with the blur of trees whizzing by through the window. It was a beautiful juxtaposition.

Ethan glanced over, noticing the camera pointed in his direction. "Getting some good shots?" he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and pride.

"Definitely," I replied, reviewing the image on the camera screen. "This one of you is perfect."

“Nearly there.” 

As the cabin drew nearer, I made a silent promise to myself. I wouldn’t confront Derek about the tension between us. If he made any comments or showed his usual cool demeanor, I resolved to let it go, to brush it off for Ethan's sake. The last thing I wanted was to create any discomfort or conflict during our time here.

Ethan's admiration for his father was something I had always been aware of. He idolized Derek, holding him in high regard. Causing any strain in their relationship was the last thing I wanted. 

So, I mentally prepared myself to navigate the weekend with as much grace and patience as I could muster. This meant swallowing my pride at times, choosing peace over confrontation. It wasn't going to be easy, but it felt like the right thing to do for Ethan and for the sake of our relationship.

---

As we turned off the main road, Ethan steered the Charger onto the long driveway leading to the cabin. The gravel crunched under the tires, signaling our arrival. Ahead, I could see Derek's truck parked outside, its presence a reminder of the weekend's dynamics that I had been mentally preparing for.

Ethan slowed the car as we approached the cabin, its rustic charm becoming more evident with each passing moment. The structure, nestled amidst the trees, had a welcoming if somewhat imposing, appearance. It was the kind of place that felt disconnected from the outside world, a true retreat into nature.

As we pulled up to the cabin, Derek stepped out to greet us. The crunching gravel under the car's tires must have announced our arrival. Watching him approach, I was once again struck by the physical similarities between him and Ethan. It was like looking at a future version of Ethan, an older, more mature, more experienced version of Ethan. Yes, a sexy daddy. 

Derek is slightly taller than Ethan, but they share a similar build. Strong and well-proportioned, the kind that suggested an active lifestyle. Derek’s skin was a shade darker, likely a result of spending more time outdoors. It gave him a rugged, outdoorsman appearance that matched the cabin's wilderness setting. The main difference between them was Derek’s full beard, cut shot, and well-groomed.

As we exited the car, I observed the subtle interaction between father and son. Ethan’s voice carried a mix of respect and affection as he greeted Derek. “Hey, Dad,” he called out, his tone warm yet respectful.

The cool forest air was refreshing as I stepped out of the car, a pleasant contrast to the nervous anticipation I felt inside. The natural beauty of the surroundings was a welcome distraction, helping me to focus on the positives of the weekend ahead. I mustered a polite smile, reminding myself of my promise to keep the weekend peaceful and pleasant for Ethan's sake.

Ethan and Derek greeted each other with a bear hug, a display of familial affection mixed with a playful show of strength. It was a ritual of sorts, a physical manifestation of their bond, each trying to outdo the other in a light-hearted battle of endurance. Ethan, after a moment, conceded with a laugh. "Ok, ok, I give, old man," he said, his voice tinged with affection and amusement.

Ethan's playful surrender was met with a chuckle from Derek. "Old man, huh?" Derek retorted with a light-hearted grin. "I'll have you know I'm still in my prime."

Derek's assertion that he was still in his prime elicited a thought that took me by surprise. 'I'll bet you are,' crossed my mind before I could censor it. I felt a jolt of shock at the thought, realizing I had never looked at Derek in that way before.

This unexpected reaction caught me off guard. It was a clear sign that my recent attraction to older, more mature men, an allure I had primarily associated with Lance, wasn't as limited as I had thought. The realization was disconcerting in a way, blurring the lines of my previously well-defined preferences.

For a moment, I found myself analyzing Derek in a new light, acknowledging an attractiveness I had never permitted myself to consider. It was an odd sensation, one that left me slightly unsettled. 

Even when I was under the impression that Derek liked me. I never looked at him in such a way. The only thought I had along those lines, was wondering if Ethan’s size was from his father, and given Ethan’s similarities with Isaac, was it a family trait?

I quickly refocused my thoughts, steering them away from this unexpected detour. Now was not the time or place for such considerations, especially given the already complex dynamics of the weekend. 

Ethan laughed, the affection between him and his father evident in his response. "Sure, Dad. Just keep telling yourself that," he teased, his tone warm and jovial.

Derek playfully nudged Ethan's shoulder. “Your dad still has game, Just ask the lady I picked up last week,” he said, his eyes twinkling with a mix of challenge and pride.

Ethan playfully replied. “I’m glad you found some nice old lady to um. Help you out. But please keep that to yourself.”

“Nice old lady my ass.” He replied confidently. “She was a few years younger than you.” He boasted. 

“DAD, I don’t need to know that.” Ethan protested, laughing the entire time. 

I watched this exchange, a smile creeping onto my face. Their banter was yes, but the smile was due to the mental image of Derek with someone near half his age. I can’t blame the girl, whoever she is. It helped to ease some of the nervousness I felt about spending the weekend with Derek. Maybe Derek wouldn’t be so bad this weekend.

As their playful exchange wound down, I approached and offered a polite greeting. "Hello, Derek, Thank you for having us.”

Derek turned his attention to me, acknowledging my presence with a slight nod. "Lucas," he replied, his tone neutral. Not friendly or unfriendly. Neutral, like I didn’t even warrant any emotion at all. It was a simple exchange, but it set the tone for what I hoped would be a civil and maybe even pleasant interaction throughout the weekend.

"Well, let’s get you boys inside," Derek said, gesturing toward the cabin. His invitation, though straightforward, seeming to stem from hospitality, was clearly an attempt to avoid any interaction with me.

Ethan led the way to his room, where we placed our bags. As I unpacked, Ethan shared snippets about the cabin and its significance to his family. They used to vacation here when his parents were still together, back when it was a cherished family retreat. The cabin had a rich history, originally belonging to Ethan's paternal grandparents. After they passed, it was inherited by Derek a few years ago.

He did the same thing the last time we were here. And the time before that. But honestly, I found the entire thing so cute, that I just let him do it. Acting as if it were the very first time. 

As Ethan spoke, I could sense the mix of nostalgia and affection he held for the place. He recounted how, following the inheritance, he and Derek had spent considerable time renovating and modernizing the cabin. They had managed to retain its rustic charm while infusing it with contemporary comforts.