Take a peek — just to check on them, of course

Alex convinces himself that he would be guilty of breach of duty by not checking on the girls. He steps away from the campsite and carefully and quietly makes his way to the creek to make sure they are okay.

As the creek comes into view, he remains behind some thick shrubbery so as to remain concealed. “I’m just checking on them,” he tells himself. “There’s no sense frightening them or making them feel uncomfortable.”

He sees Cinda and Tabitha. Each of them has waded into the creek. Alex confirms that they are, in fact, quite naked. Tabitha is standing with her back to him. The water comes up to just below her waist, revealing just the hint of the sensuous crevice between her buttocks. She is wringing out a washcloth and using it to scrub her shoulders and arms.

Cinda is turned, revealing her profile to Alex. She is not as deep in the water, and she is kneeling, washing her leg. Her arm and bent knee block the view to her breast, and Alex finds himself silently urging her to move something so he can get a better view.

He takes a step to the side in hopes of being able to see better. Immediately, he wishes that he had remained still. His foot makes contact with a dry branch, and a loud “SNAP” pierces the otherwise silent scene. Alex freezes in place as both girls turn their heads toward the sound.

Alex holds his breath for several nerve-wracking moments as they search the area with their eyes. Apparently content that it is nothing, the girls return to their bathing.

Alex lets out a long breath of relief. That was lucky!