On my 37th birthday my best friend booked a river- rafting trip for she and I. We chose a trip for beginners and excitedly packed up our gear and met our guides at the trailhead in Oregon. We waited for our guides and I was a little peeved at them being a half an hour late after advising us to be there on time or they would leave without us. Well, finally I see an old station wagon drive up and stop next to our party. Two men get out and start to toss the gear from the back. A good-looking outdoorsy man called us together for introductions and organization. He took off his sunglasses to reveal the clearest twinkling blue eyes that I have ever seen. He has golden skin, brown hair wide shoulders with the legs and buttocks of a soccer player. He smiled at me as I caught his eye as he continued on with his orders. Soon we had the gear divided up and headed down the trail to the river.

I was walking along in front lugging quite a bit of weight for my small frame. I stumbled, lost my footing and almost went over the edge but Marc; the blue eyed river master grabbed my arm to steady me. "Let me relieve you of that last bag." He swung the bag of tent stakes over his pack and effortlessly tied them on. "Thanks1" was all I could think of to say. I was speechless and goggle eyed like a schoolgirl. I scolded myself mentally for letting myself be so titillated by a good looking man but was secretly excited at the hope of maybe bedding him out under the stars.

We quickly made it to the river and they got the boat and supplies onto the waiting inflatable boat. Marc went over the rules and instructions again then they partnered the greenhorns with the experienced river runners. Marc looked at me and said, "Alicia, you partner with me." His eyes twinkled and I saw a flicker of a flame burning toward me. He took me by the arm and helped me into the rocking boat and the adrenaline flowed as I looked down the river and felt the water moving beneath me. We glided gently down the river and I caught his gaze again. We smiled at each other then I noticed a change in his expression. Marc and his guys looked a little serious as the boat picked up speed. The muscles in his arms tightened as they guided the boat around boulders just under the water. The day was pretty mellow and we talked when the water was calm. Marc was warm and friendly and joked throughout the day. He described the wildlife, pointing out things I wouldn't have noticed without him. I breathed in the clean air and relaxed for the first time in months.

We pulled ashore and set up camp for the evening. A couple went down the river to fish and several others started to prepare the fire for the evening meal. I was at the rivers edge on a little sand bar dabbing at myself with a washcloth when Marc approached. He squatted down and quietly asked, "Would you be interested in going for a little hike up the river? I know of a swimming hole where we could take a real bath." My eyes widen at his forthright proposition but I can't help myself as I smile in return and hold my hand out for him to help me up. I had so much fun with him and felt so comfortable and certainly didn't want to end it now. I grab my towel and he pulls me to my feet. We walk together upstream hand in hand. Marc leans down to whisper in my ear that he has been dying to see me naked all day. I just give him a long catlike look with a Mona Lisa smile.

We come to another sand bar in the sun. It is still warm out as we peel off our sweaty clothes. Now all of a sudden Marc has a shy look on his face as he slowly walks to the water and splashes in. I can't help but notice his muscular build. He stands waist deep; the sun glistens on the water drops clinging to him and waves me in. I tear off my T-shirt, bra and shorts, then shinny out of my panties.

The breeze feels so good against my bare skin and my nipples respond automatically. I am breathing hard by now and excited by the spontaneity of my actions with my new friend. The water is cold and I scream as I slowly go in deeper. Marc laughs and splashes me and in turn I splash him back. We spend the evening playing like kids in the water. We get out together and dry off in the remaining sunlight. We are both comfortable with each other and ourselves. I admire the beauty of his golden body and his smile. He gently touches my hand and tells me that it's time to get back to camp. We dress and hike back, welcomed by a warm fire and the smell of dinner.

We warm ourselves by the fire and eat the wonderful fresh fish and grilled veggies. We sit together with the rest of the gang and tell stories. The yawns and stretching signal that its time for bed. Marc and I are the last ones by the fire. Everyone else has retreated to their tents so we cuddle by the fire.

Soon we are embraced in a hot entanglement. His kisses are like heaven and I cannot resist his touch. We finally retreat to his tent by the water. We make beautiful, natural love to the chorus of crickets and the bubbling river. I awake in his arms to the starlight overhead shining through the tent window. I slip out to a bush to relieve myself and return to his sleeping bag.

He pulls me close to him and I am surprised to feel that he is ready to love me again. I crawl astride him and love him for all I'm worth. We collapse together and fall asleep in each others arms again. The next morning I awake to find him over the campfire cooking breakfast, which he brings to me and we eat by the river alone. Then we pack up and head on down the river. He smiles as I say "We have four more nights on the river. Are you willing to share your sleeping bag with me again?" He looks deeply into my eyes and answers, "I hope to share more than that with you. I look forward to seeing more of you when we return to town, that is, if you are willing." His eyes are hopeful as I nod and smile sweetly. "Oh, I don't think you'll have to twist my arm." We lived happily ever after.