Jim pulled into the campground around noon on a warm, sunny fall Sunday. Cool, crisp nights had started color changes turning the desert landscape into a vivid array of golds and reds. It was his favorite time to be here for nature photography. The campground at the base of the mountain range was at 3200 ft. and the peak was 10,000 ft. The elevation and weather changes provided varied photo opportunities. He spent at least a week here each fall.

The weekend campers were packing up, which would leave him most of the campground to himself for the week. As he circled around to find a spot, he drove past two women struggling with a trailer hitch on a small pickup. Stopping, he rolled down the window to see if they needed any help. That's the way it's done in remote desert country.

"Need a hand with that?" he asked with a smile.

The dark-haired girl turned and snarled, "No, we don't need your fucking help!"

"Ah, all right. Didn't mean to intrude."

The blonde turned to her friend, "Jesus, Angie. He was just offering to help." Looking at Jim, she smiled, "Sorry. Thanks for the offer. I think we've almost got it."

"No problem. If you do need something, I'll be down at the end space by the creek." The blonde nodded as Angie mumbled something under her breath. The spot by the creek was sweet, away from the RVs and a short walk to a trail that went up canyon. As he was setting up, he saw the blonde walking toward him. Jim looked at his watch, ten minutes, as expected. She was petite, about 5' 6", wearing jeans and a tee shirt that showed a trim, fit body. Her brown eyes sparkled with gold flecks with the sunlight, which he found very attractive.

Looking a little sheepish, she introduced herself, "I'm Jenny."

"Jim."

"Sorry about that outburst. Angie's in an all-men are-assholes phase. I wouldn't take it personally."

"There may be some truth to that." Jenny smiled, relieved he wasn't offended. "Did you get it fixed?"

"Ah, no."

"Like a hand?"

"Yes, please, if it's not inconvenient."

"No problem. Everyone helps everyone out here." Jim grabbed some tools and they walked back to her site. Jenny told him they were college students and had a few days off before exams and needed a break from school. When they got to her rig, Angie disappeared around the trailer.

"Can"t get it unhooked," Jenny said. "We wanted to leave it here and drive up to the top. If we can't, we'll take her car."

"I wouldn't take that car. It's made for pavement. The road is gravel with deep washboards and muddy ruts. You might break something on that car. Nearest tow truck is two and a half hours away. Your truck will do fine. I think we can get it unhooked." Jim asked for the keys, backed it out and onto a level spot.

"Now try," he said. Jenny easily cranked the jack and the trailer popped off the hitch. He handed her the keys, "There you go."

Jenny smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Jim. I guess it wasn't that hard, huh?"

"Well, no, it wasn't, Jenny."

"My friends call me Jen."

"Okay, Jen it is. Have you had this trailer long?"

"No, borrowed it from my neighbor. This is the first trip."

"Hmmm, okay." He explained some trailer basics. "So, you're heading to the top?"

"Yeah, we heard there are great views."

"Some of the best, 10,000 ft looking out over the desert. Feels like the top of the world. Got GPS?"

"No."

"Map?"

"No."

"Satellite device?"

"Don't know what that is. We've got cell phones."

"Yeah, no service."

"Oh."

"Let's go back to my truck. I'll get you a map." As they walked back, Jim asked, "Why did you decide to come out here?" Jen told him about finishing up her fine arts degree and needing a break before the last push to have a show and present her portfolio. She thought getting out in nature might provide some inspiration. Jim agreed, telling her about his photography and how this place was a constant source of inspiration.

He got a map from his truck and they sat at the picnic table. Jim showed her the loop road and various viewpoints and places they could hike. "Stay on the main road. It's a rough drive with some deep ruts in places, but, if you go slow, you'll be fine." He pointed to some of the side roads. "Do not go out on those roads. Recent rain means they are muddy and, even when dry, you need four-wheel drive and high clearance. You have neither. " Jen nodded. "It's 45 minutes up and 45 down. You could easily spend 2-3 hours just checking it out. When do you think you'll be back?"

Jen thought for a moment, "How about 6? That'll give us time to explore."

"Sounds good, Have fun. Be careful. It's a great day to be up top." Jen thanked him and headed back.

At 5:45, Jim began preparing to head up, as expected. He'd seen a lot of people here for the first time that weren't prepared. Their fresh tracks were obvious in the muddier areas, squirreling around corners. He got across the top and was heading down when, rounding a corner, he saw Jen standing in the road looking forlorn, then relieved when she recognized his truck.

"Thank goodness! I'm so glad it's you," she exclaimed.

"I'm glad to see you, too. Where's your truck and Angie?" Jen pointed down the side road where deep mud ruts disappeared behind some boulders. "I thought I told you not to get off the main road."

Jen's head dropped, unable to look him in the eye. "You did. I know. I'm sorry. It's just," and she started softly sobbing.

Jim reached out and gave her a hug as she began to cry. "It's all right," he said soothingly as he stoked her head. Let's go get your truck." As they walked, Jen told him how Angie started drinking and then wanted to drive. She got tired of the constant badgering and gave in, thinking the road was wide and no one else was around. Everything was all right until Angie saw the side road and swerved onto it. It happened so fast.

When they got to the truck, Jim surveyed the scene. The pickup was high-centered in a mud hole with an obviously drunk Angie leaning on the hood. "I'll get my rig. You two stand over here. Do not move. If the winch cable comes loose, you could get seriously hurt." Angie started to mouth off, but Jim cut her off. "Do it now, or I leave you here by yourself overnight. It'll take you about 12 hours to walk back." Jen convinced her to comply.

Jim backed his truck in, hooked up the winch and had it out on the main road in 20 minutes. He turned to Jen, handing her the keys. "Follow me down, we'll go slow. You don't have much traction with all the mud." Angie started to say something and he shot her a look that stopped her cold. "Be quiet. You've done enough damage for tonight."

When they got back to camp, Jen got out. Angie was asleep. "Jim, I'm so sorry."

"Glad you two are safe."

"I shouldn't have let her drink so much or drive. That's my fault."

"You're right, but it's over now. No big harm or damage. No search and rescue helicopter rides."

"All the way down she ranted on and on and wants to leave tonight."

"I see. Okay, bring me her keys. Is there any more alcohol?" Jen nodded. "Bring that, too."

As Jen was in the trailer, Angie came to and staggered out of the pickup. When she saw Jen hand Jim her keys and two bottles of wine, she exploded. "Hey, that's mine. Gimme that." Ignoring her, Jim poured the wine out on the ground. "Hey, you can't do that," and she took a step toward him.

Jim looked her straight in the eye and said very calmly, "One more step and you'll wake up with a nasty hangover and a blistered ass you won't be able to sit on for a week." That stopped her, but she was thinking about it.

Jen intervened, "Angie, don't be stupid. Listen to him."

Jim continued, "I will not let you drive drunk tonight, Angie. Go sleep it off. When you're sober in the morning, you get your keys back." Angie huffed a bit, but let Jen guide her to the trailer. Turning to look back, Jen mouthed a silent thank you to Jim.

He had a campfire going at his site when he saw Jen approaching in the dark. She asked, "Can I talk to you? I don't mean to intrude."

"Yes, of course. Have a seat by the fire." Watching the flames, they were quiet for a few minutes. Jen didn't know how to start. "How's Angie?"

"Passed out, thankfully. I think she's done causing trouble, at least for today. I'm really sorry about the way she acted. You've gone out of your way to help us out."

"No problem. She's young and making some bad choices. Maybe she'll learn and grow out of it. She's lucky she has you as a friend."

Jen nodded, "What you said, about blistering her ass, would you have really done that?"

"Yes, I most certainly would. At some point, she has to realize stupidity has consequences. Having a sore ass for a couple of days is way milder than the trouble she could have gotten into out here."

"It might do her some good. If I acted like that way at her age, I would have had my butt paddled good. And, if my daughter, Kaitlin, did that, she'd get the same. My parents taught me to be respectful: yes, sir; no ma'am; thank you and I'm sorry. Angie and Kaitlin have been friends since high school and she didn't get that from her parents. Makes me feel sorry for her."

"Your parents taught you well and you've done a great job raising Kaitlin in the same way. She's lucky. At some point, Angie may learn that, too."

"There's times I've thought I should be more firm with Angie, like yesterday. Maybe if I had, we wouldn't have got into this mess. It's just that I feel like I've had my hands full and taking on Angie would have taken a lot." More of her story spilled out as she described getting married because she was pregnant in college. Things seemed okay, although looking back, not great, until Kaitlin was born. Her ex started losing interest and was gone a lot. Finally, he just left. Although it was difficult to single parent, she was relieved and put all her focus on raising Kaitlin. She had an office job to make ends meet. Kaitlin started college last year and Jen felt a little lost, without direction. She kept up with college classes when she could and, after 20 years, was ready to graduate with a fine arts degree in painting and music. She played the flute.

Jim said, "Sounds like you're in a transition phase, shifting from full-time single parenting to something else. Could be a great time to focus some of that mom-caregiver energy to taking care of you."

"I could probably use it. I just turned 40 and am starting to feel it."

"You know, you don't look 40 with a daughter in college."

"That's a pretty lame pickup line."

"Only if it's not true."

"Ah, yes, sorry. I think I've been around Angie too much. What I meant to say was thank you."

"I've got 10 years on you, Jen. Age is a number. Don't let it get in your way"

"It's just that most of my time is spent with classmates that are Kaitlin's age. Even some of my instructors are younger than me."

"I bet they all come to you, crying on your shoulder, pouring out their troubles."

"How did you know?"

"It's easy. You've got that open, caring, I'll-take-care-of-you look that people gravitate toward. It's obvious you are very sensitive and empathetic, people can sense it. Might be why you are an artist. You feel things deeply."

Jen thought about it for a few moments. She couldn't remember that last time she had a conversation like this about her life. Feeling a little embarrassed, she stood and said, "I've probably taken enough of your time."

Jim stood and gave her a hug, "I've enjoyed the conversation."

As she walked away, Jen looked over her shoulder to see him smiling and watching her. She stopped and debated what to do. Part of her wanted to turn around and another part was afraid to do so. Without knowing it, she found herself walking back. She sat down next to him, looking at the ground. He gave her as much time as she needed.

"This is kind of embarrassing, I don't quite know what to say," she said in a quiet voice.

"Take your time, there's no rush."

That made her feel a little better. "When you said a good spanking might do Angie some good, this feeling came up that it might do me some good, too." She paused. "Since my folks died, I haven't had anyone around I could trust to guide me, tell me what to do. I feel a little lost. Maybe that's why I wasn't firmer today with Angie. I feel really bad about that and how you had to bail us out." She stopped, unsure how to continue.

"That's the difference between you and Angie. You both made some bad decisions. You admit that and want to do better. Angie is fighting and resisting and digging a deeper hole." Jen started trembling a little and Jim put his arm around her. "You're doing really good. It's all right to say what you're feeling."

"I haven't really talked to anybody about this. I feel like you understand." Jim nodded while stroking her hair. "Would you give me a spanking? I feel like it would help," her voice trailed off into a whisper.

Jim hugged her tight, "Yes, absolutely. You've got a lot of courage and strength to ask for what you need, unlike Angie."

Jim helped her up and she slipped her jeans and panties down, saying, "At home, it was always on the bare."

Jim nodded, "I agree. You'll feel it more." He guided her over his lap and stroked her cheeks. "Tell me why you deserve this."

"I didn't listen to you. I made some bad choices and put you through a lot of trouble."

"Letting Angie drink and drive was very dangerous. You guys could have got stranded, had a wreck or worse." Jen started sniffling. "If you'd listened and followed what I said, none of this would have happened."

Jen nodded, "Yes, I know. I'm really sorry."

Slowly, Jim began spanking, light at first, but building in intensity. He paused occasionally to let the pain sink in, rubbing each pink cheek. She moved against his hand without resistance, welcoming each slap, sighing quietly. The next spanks were harder and her body responded, moving more strongly, her whimpers turning into small cries. He alternated like that, spanking and rubbing several times, increasing the force and speed each time. It had been a long time since she had been spanked, but she remembered the feelings quite well.

Jim took his time. He could feel how much she needed this, her whole body vibrating with each slap. Admiring how she was so receptive, he spent plenty of time in between rounds of spanks rubbing her cheeks as she felt the building pain and heat spread across her bottom. He picked up the pace and started spanking harder, focusing on a spot for a while before moving to another. Her small cries became louder and more continuous as her breathing became faster. He kept this up without pausing, feeling her body strain and her pelvis buck. Finally, she stiffened, held her breath, then let out a deep exhale and cried out continuously. As she arched back against his hand, the spanks became harder and tears started flowing down her face. He continued spanking, although more softly, sensing her letting go.

As she settled down, he changed to rubbing and massaging her red cheeks, soothing the heat and pain, running one hand up to stroke her hair and face. She felt comforted by his touch and very relaxed, not realizing how much tension had built up. Even though it was painful, she felt very relieved. It was a good kind of pain. He seemed in no hurry to stop and she enjoyed the sensations from his touch, letting her body respond and move with him. Jim pulled her up, cradling her in his lap. Putting her arms around his neck, she tucked her head into his chest. Brushing a tear from her cheek, he tilted her chin to look into her eyes. "You took that well, Jen. I'm proud of you for letting go like that."

Jen blushed, not used to being so open and vulnerable. "I haven't been able to do that for a while. It's been a long time since I've had a good spanking like that. It brought up a lot of feelings."

They sat quietly watching the fire, Jim stroking her head, hair, shoulders and back. "When you get a spanking like that, it goes deep and then deep feelings come up." Jen nodded. "And, while it was painful, it wasn't all bad, was it?" Embarrassed to admit it, she shook her head no. "That's your deep feeling and sensuality. You can feel pain and also relaxation, letting go, comfort and pleasure. Pain and pleasure can flow together." He put into words what she felt, but couldn't express.

She replied, "Speaking of feeling, I'm also feeling a hard lump under my butt that makes me think you got some pleasure, too."

Jim smiled as he stroked her hair, "Yes, absolutely. I'm out in nature, holding a beautiful, half-naked woman with a hot bottom curled up in my lap and talking about sensuality. I am definitely enjoying this."

Jen pulled tighter against him and let herself feel it all. She needed some time to let it sink in. After a while, she sat up, kissed his cheek and said, "Thank you, sir, for everything. Maybe I should go check on Angie."

"I'll see you in the morning, Jen."

The next morning, Jim was tending the campfire when Jen and Angie walked up, Angie looking a little ragged and a lot ashamed. "How you doing, Angie?"

"Not good. Splitting headache."

"Price you pay for drinking too much." Angie didn't respond.

Jen prodded her, "Alright, Angie, tell him."

Angie looked at her, "Do I have to?"

"Yes, you have to."

"Jen told me I needed to apologize to you. She said I was obnoxious and mean when you were trying to help us. I don't remember a lot of that."

Jim replied, "Being drunk is not a valid excuse. Drinking to the point of not remembering is not a good sign, Angie. It means you've got a problem."

Jen encouraged her, "Keep going."

"Ah, well, Jen told me she made some poor choices, too. She didn't listen to you and asked you to spank her for it. She thought I deserved the same thing for the way I behaved."

Jim said, " Yes, Angie, you do deserve that. You're 19 and acted like a spoiled 10-year-old who didn't get her way and got into a dangerous situation. Spoiled 10-year-olds get spanked for that to get their attention and behave better." He turned to Jen, "What do you think?"

"I felt better afterwards and it's a good reminder. I've spanked Kaitlin, too, when she's out of line. It's helped her as well."

"Will it hurt?" Angie asked.

Jim glanced at Jen who replied, "Yes, that's the point, but it is a good kind of hurt. If it didn't hurt, it probably wouldn't get your attention."

"I dunno. I'm really sorry."

Jen stood and helped Angie up, "It's the right thing to do, honey." She guided her to Jim's side. "Let's get your jeans off." Angie's head jerked up. "Spankings are on the bare in my house, else you won't feel it as much." Jen unsnapped and unzipped her jeans before she could protest. "Panties, too, Angie."

"I'm too old for this," she whined.

"When you start acting your age, this won't be necessary."

Jen guided her over Jim's lap and sat down beside him, Angie's head in her lap. Jim adjusted her position, "You could have gotten Jen and you in a world of trouble yesterday. There are consequences to not listening and being stupid. This is the consequence."

Jim began spanking and it didn't take much for Angie to complain and squirm. Crying out, she moved her hands to protect her bottom. Jim grabbed her wrists and had Jen hold them. He returned to spanking continuously. Angie was gasping and soon started crying. After a few minutes, she began sobbing and saying, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, over and over through the tears. Jim looked at Jen and asked, "More?" Jen nodded and the spanking continued for a while until Angie seemed to have given up fighting. Jim rubbed her red cheeks while Jen stroked her head. He pulled her up to sit between them as they both put their arms around her until she settled down.

"You did good, Angie," Jen said gently. Angie sniffed and almost smiled.

Jim added, "You're going to feel this while you're driving today. Remember why. It'll help you make better decisions later. Listen to people who care about you, like Jen." Angie nodded while Jen helped her get dressed.

As they stood to leave, Jen said, "Thank you, Jim."

She gave Angie a sharp slap on the butt that made her flinch and say, "Ow. Thank you. I'll try." They walked back with Jen's arm around her shoulders.

When Angie drove off, Jim walked down to Jen's campsite. She looked frustrated, struggling with a propane stove. Seeing him, she smiled, "Hey, I can't get this to light. Maybe it's broken."

Jim looked it over, "Propane tank is empty. Did you check it before you left?"

"Oh, shit. No."

"No problem. We can start a little fire. You have firewood? Fire starter?"

"No and no."

Jim smiled, "How about matches?"

"Umm, maybe." Jen stomped her foot, "Damn, this trip has been one mistake after another. You must think I'm a complete idiot." Her eyes began to tear up and she wiped them away. "It seems like I'm always crying around you."

"Your tears are precious, Jen." He sat down with her at the picnic table, putting his arms around her. "I don't think you're an idiot. This is your first time out here. There's a learning curve. It would have been better to have someone with experience along. I'm glad I'm here to help out."

"But, I've constantly needed you to bail me out. I'm sorry if I've kept you from your photo shoots."

"It's fine, Jen. I've been prepping to go later today. You know, people have helped me out when I've gotten in a jam. You've given me a chance to be kind by helping you out. Later on, you'll help someone else. It all goes around." He hugged her tight and she relaxed. "Bring your breakfast and we'll cook it on my stove."

As they ate, Jen talked about how the trip didn't play out as expected and maybe she should head home. Jim thought for a moment before saying, "You can go if you want. I don't think you have to leave, though."

"I don't feel prepared or confident to go exploring now."

"I'm heading up after breakfast. You could come along with me. I can give you a tour, show you around. Bring your art supplies and you can find something interesting to paint while I scout some locations. That's what you wanted to do, right?"

"Really, You'd take me along? I don't want to get in your way."

"If I thought you'd get in the way, I wouldn't invite you." Jen thought it over. "Bring some food. We'll explore and do art together. We can make up for the rough start of this trip."

Jen felt a little excitement at the prospect and nodded, "Okay."

Jim got his laptop and showed her some photos from previous trips. Jen showed him some of her art on her phone.

"Here's some of me and Kaitlin at the lake this summer." They were in swimsuits standing on a beach, arms around each other. Kaitlin's hair was a little darker, but otherwise, they were very similar.

"She's beautiful, Jen. Like mother, like daughter. Do people think you are sisters?"

Jen chuckled, "Yes, sometimes. She's my beautiful girl."

As they drove up, Jen talked about raising Kaitlin by herself and trying to get her art degree at the same time. Jim shared his experience of starting a photography career and learning about the creative process. They both found it easy to talk and just as easy to be quiet and enjoy the scenery. They hit a bumpy stretch, Jen wincing and bracing herself.

Jim smiled, "Bottom a little sore? I can slow down."

Slightly embarrassed, Jen replied, "Ah, yes, it's sore, but not too bad. The good kind of sore," She smiled at him, "It's a good reminder." They talked about Angie's spanking and how, maybe, it might get her headed in a better direction. She felt like this might be really good timing. Jen was quiet for a moment as an interesting thought popped into her head. Smiling, she said, "Maybe I made a bad decision not checking the propane or bringing firewood. Would that mean another spanking?," she asked hopefully with a big smile on her face.

Jim smiled back, taking her hand in his. "That's pretty minor." Jen looked disappointed. "But, I think we can talk about another spanking as motivation." Jen perked up. "It's obvious spanking wakes up a deeper, sensual part of you. That could really help your art and this life transition phase you're going through. I enjoy it, too."

"So, it doesn't have to be only for poor choices?"

"Not at all."

They were quiet for a while, Jen realizing how they were holding hands and talking openly. She decided to take a risk.

"Last night, after you spanked me, we were talking and you mentioned how pain and pleasure flowed together. I've been thinking about that a lot. I haven't thought of it like that, but after last night, it makes more sense. There was pleasure, too."

"Pain and pleasure are complementary opposites, they provide contrast. It's like light and dark in your painting, day and night,

leading and following. They all provide contrast which is illuminating. I don't overthink it, I just follow what feels natural, wherever it leads, often to something unexpected."

Jen thought for a moment, "Like us meeting here?"

"Exactly. You can feel that. When we accept this, there are a lot more possibilities. It opens up our deep, sensual selves that are very powerful and creative. I see and feel that in you, have from the start. That's why I invited you along today. I don't take anyone with me on these photo treks. Most people would be distractions from that sensual/creative process. You, on the other hand, add to it."

They were quiet, sitting with it all when another bumpy stretch came up. This time Jen didn't flinch or brace, but felt the sensations from her bottom grow and radiate through her body. Jim slowed as he stroked her hand and then her face. "You're a natural."

They stopped at some viewpoints and hiked around. At the rim, he wrapped his arms around her from behind as they stared out hundreds of miles in all directions. She hadn't seen a view like this before, mountain ranges and desert extending to the horizon. Jen pushed her body back against him as his hands rubbed her belly and chest. He nuzzled her neck and she arched, opening up for more. "Let's find a nice place."

He drove to a secluded spot with a small canyon, trees and a creek. Sitting on a camp stool, he had her stand facing him. Jen could feel butterflies in anticipation, her eyes locked on his, enjoying the look of deep desire. She started to unbutton her jeans when he stopped her. "Let me. Put your hands behind your head."

As she did, a wave of vulnerability washed over her, causing small shivers. Slowly, Jim slid her jeans to her knees, revealing a damp spot on her panties. Smiling, he traced a finger up her inner thigh and rubbed circles in the dampness. Jen's knees quivered as she watched him lick his finger and rub some more. He slipped her panties down, letting his finger explore her bare, moist mound as she rolled her hips in response.

"Ready?," he asked, looking up at her. She nodded, moving to his side. "Let's try this," he said as he brought her between his parted legs, straddling his thigh. Her eyes opened wide at the new position that brought her pussy directly against his leg. "Do you like that?"

"Mmmm, yes. Yes, I do. I very much, ah, like that," as she pushed her pelvis down against him.

Jim's hands began roaming across her back and bottom, stroking, caressing and pinching. He started lightly tapping and switched to harder slaps of her cheeks as she moaned her approval. He took his time, thoroughly covering every inch, changing pace, continuously spanking as her skin became pink. He stopped to rub and she purred, her pelvis in constant motion against his leg. He resumed spanking stronger and her movements increased as well.

After a while, he could feel her arousal reaching the edge and he slowed down, gradually returning to caressing her bottom. Whimpering, she looked up at him. "Not yet," he said. He let her calm more and started spanking again, this time focusing on one spot repeatedly. It didn't take long for her to reach that edge and, again, he stopped. "Let it build," Jim repeated this several more times and finally pulled her up to straddle his lap.

She put her hands behind her head, offering herself. He smiled. She was a fast learner. He gently kissed her lips, savoring the taste of her. He continued kissing her face, eyes and nibbled her ears. Her breathing calmed. "You look so beautiful, so sensuous like this."

Blushing, she nodded, still feeling her deep need. "You didn't let me cum. Why?"

"Not yet, love. Let it simmer, grow, build. Let it expand and fill each part of your body and mind and spirit." She nodded, partly unsure about this, partly trusting him. "Take this to your easel. Let it flow into your painting. I'm going to scout some locations for tomorrow night when the full moon rises and the sun sets. I've been waiting for this shot for three years. Later, we can continue this." She nodded, still feeling a deep need to climax, but also starting to enjoy the ongoing sensual sensations coursing through her body.

"Let's set up your easel here." He brought a stool.

"Is there a cushion?"

"No," he chuckled. " We're roughing it. Let yourself feel it, all of it." He stood behind her holding her shoulders down as she gingerly sat. Flinching on first contact, waves of pain moving outward, she settled and rocked her hips as he rubbed her shoulders and head. "Good girl." He kissed her cheek. "I'll be back in a while."

She stayed like that for some time, noticing the waves of pain radiating from her bottom starting to shift to warmth and pleasure. It felt intense and, somehow, comforting as she followed the flow. Opening her eyes, she saw the little canyon, trees and sunlight very differently. She leaned forward, drawn to it, picked up a pencil and began to sketch.

He had planned to scout for an hour. Of course, it was more like three. When he got back to the truck, Jen was still painting. Engrossed in her work, she hadn't noticed his return. Quietly, he took his camera and looked for the best angle. Sunlight seemed to bounce off gold leaves backlighting her hair, making it shine. Finished shooting, he got his laptop and downloaded her photos.

Walking back to her, she had put her brush down and was staring at the painting. Hearing him, she turned and smiled, a dreamy look on her face. "Hello, sir." He stood behind her, hugging her close, running his hands over her breasts while looking at her work. He picked up a rag and gently wiped a paint smear from her cheek.

Stroking her head, he asked, "Having fun?"

"Yes, it's been lovely. I've painted for years, mostly in the studio, but not like this. Out in the open, feeling the sun and wind is very different. I haven't quite felt like this before. I saw this amazing bird circling above me."

"It's a golden eagle riding the thermals. They are the alpha raptors here. They own the sky."

"This is wonderful, Jen. I like how you worked the golden in. The light and shadows are lovely. The contrast is exquisite. You've shown the spirit of this place."

"Thank you, it still needs some work. You know, after you spanked me, that sensual feeling was so strong."

"Good artists are very sensual. I can see and feel that in you. It's only a matter of accepting and following it. You're a natural. Look at some of the great artists in history. They all had very sensual and colorful love lives, it inspired great art. I guess they don't cover that in art school these days."

"No, I didn't see it in the course calendar."

"Too bad, it's important. Look up Picasso, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, Claudel, and Rodin, Rilke, Georgia O'keefe. All great artists, all inspired by sensual and, often, eccentric love lives."

"Come here, I want to show you something." He led her to the truck, sat down, pulled her on his lap and opened the laptop. As a shot of her painting appeared, she gasped. At first, she didn't recognize the woman and then realized it was her. Sunlight was streaming through her hair and her eyes were so focused, intent. She was leaning forward with a brush toward the easel as she looked at the canyon scene. Jim stroked her hair, whispering in her ear, "That's how I see you. A sensual artist in nature."

Having him see her that way made her feel very exposed, more than being naked over his lap. She buried her face in his neck, saying, "You're an amazing photographer."

"Maybe. It's easy when the subject is so open and beautiful. That calls me. I can only respond." She lifted her face and he kissed her, this time, not so gently. She twisted around for more. "Shall we continue where we left off.?" Jen nodded enthusiastically, placing her hands behind her head. "This time, undress for me."

"Yes, sir," she smiled, seeing the look in his eye. Keeping eye contact, she slowly peeled off each layer until none were left, then returned her hands to behind her head. It felt so easy, so natural.

He motioned her forward and she started to straddle his thigh like before. "This way," he said. "I want to see your face." He guided her to straddle his lap, her pelvis firmly against his, nose to nose, lips almost touching. Her breathing quickened, she sighed and melted into his embrace. He placed her hands behind his head and she pulled him to her with a deep, urgent kiss.

She jerked with the first slap to her ass and pushed her tongue deeper into his mouth. There was no gentle warm-up. She had been warm and simmering for hours. The slaps landed hard and fast. Her cheeks were still quite red and hot from earlier. As he scratched his fingernails across her skin, she moaned, then hissed, "Yessss." He returned to spanking, this time mixing it up: hard, soft, fast, slow, on one spot and then all over. She didn't know what was coming next and, not caring, gave in to everything. He pulled back enough to look in her eyes as her movements increased and her arousal spiraled higher. Sighs turned to loud moans. Moans turned to cries as she looked at him pleading, "Please, now?"

Jim smiled, nodded, saying, "Yes, love, cum now." He gave her a series of rapid spanks right at the most sensitive lower cleft of each cheek. He took her mouth with his as her body shuddered through a cascading climax.

They were quiet on the drive down. She curled up in her seat sideways, looking at him as he drove. He pointed to a ridge line with sunlight hitting it just so and later, a splash of red and gold carpet against rocks. Rounding a corner, a group of pronghorn antelopes were standing in the road staring at them. Jim stopped and, curious, they took a few steps toward the truck. Jen hadn't seen a pronghorn before. Their vibrant reddish-brown coat and large, deep, deep black eyes were dramatic. She held her breath, afraid they would leave, understanding better now why Jim came out here on these trips. She remembered some photos of them in his portfolio. Her mind started planning how to paint this scene as Jim slowly raised his camera and took a few shots before they turned and wandered off into the rocks and disappeared. Jim said, "They're the second fastest land animal in the world."

As they pulled into the campground, Jim asked, "Dinner at my place?"

"Yes, please." As he started preparing, she asked, "How can I help?"

"Sit there by the fire and be beautiful. It's inspiring." She smiled and did, although it seemed odd. She couldn't remember when a man treated her this way. She tended the fire and watched how he moved so easily from one thing to the next. It was like she hadn't seen him before.

After dinner, she helped clean up and they sat by the fire, talking about the day. As it got dark, talking stopped and they listened to the fire crackle and the creek gurgle as the first stars appeared.

"I guess I should go back to my trailer," she said, not sounding very enthusiastic.

"Or, you could sleep here." She smiled and nodded. They put a pad and sleeping bags on the ground between the fire and creek. Undressing, they stood embracing, running their hands all over each other. She flinched as his hands reached her red bottom. "Turn around, let me see." Her cheeks were bright red, twitching and quivering as his fingers explored every inch. As he moved to lie on his back, he said, "Get on top. This will feel better."

Squatting over his hard cock, she reached down, rubbing him along her already wet and wanting lips. It seemed like she had been wet almost all day. Slowly, she sank down on top of him a little bit at a time before rising up and going down again. When her pelvis finally rested on his, she stopped and felt her whole body trembling as her pussy quivered against his twitching cock. Moaning, she arched back as his fingers pinched her nipples. As intense sensations were shooting through every part of her body, she saw the stars, heard the creek, and felt the heat of him at her core.

When she woke, he was already up, fire made, cooking breakfast. She hadn't slept that well in a long time and was famished. As they ate, he suggested she continue working on her painting while he hiked up the creek for some photos in morning light. After lunch, they would head up top for the full moon shot.

As Jen sat down at her easel, she watched him walk away. Part of her wanted to follow, just to be with him. Another part knew he'd return. She closed her eyes and listened to the morning sounds, feeling herself dropping into that deeper sensual state. She picked up a brush.

After lunch, he got his gear ready and told her to bring her flute. As they drove up, she noticed how much she enjoyed the long drives up and down the mountain. They talked some more and were quiet some more, sometimes stopping to look at an interesting scene. It all seemed very fluid, very easy.

As they reached the top, he explained how he would shoot and showed her where the moon would rise over a ridge. There would only be a few moments as it broke over the rocks. He set her up with the flute on a nearby boulder.

"What should I play?" she asked.

"Whatever you want, whatever moves you."

She watched him set up, noticing how he moved across the rocks. She warmed up with scales and then practiced a piece for her recital that seemed like worlds away. Seeing him out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the sun going down and the eastern horizon darkening. Pausing, she listened and felt the wind flowing up and over the ridge. It was calling, drawing her out. Coyotes started their howling, yipping chorus to greet the moon. She lifted her flute to play, not knowing where it would lead. Letting each note linger until the next appeared, she saw the first edge of the moon crest the ridge. Her eyes closed as the flute seemed to play itself and she just followed.

Unaware of how much time had passed, she opened her eyes, saw the moon much higher in the sky and Jim no longer on the ridge. Turning, he was at the truck with his laptop and she joined him. He sat with her in his lap and the laptop, opening a photo of the canyon ridgeline: rising moon on the left, setting sun on the right.

"Oh my, that is amazing. The colors blending and flowing across the sky are gorgeous."

"It's a gorgeous place. Wait until you see it as a 6 foot wide framed print. It'll be better." He scrolled through a few others and closed them. "Now, watch this." He clicked on a video. A black screen opened up as her flute music played. The black dissolved into a series of stills of her with the flute under the full moon, its light illuminating her hair, face and flute. The blue light of night and contrasting white of the moon gave each photo a soft, glowing texture with the flute music in the background. After finishing his moonrise shots, he had circled around without her knowing, finding different angles of the moon while she played.

As she watched, she couldn't speak, tears gently rolling down her cheeks. "It doesn't look like me. It's so ethereal. How do you do that?"

"That's you, Jen. I didn't do anything except see it. The moon helped, too."

When the video stopped, they were quiet while looking out at the moonlit desert. An inspiration arose and Jim said, "Let's go play." He led her out into an open spot. "Pose for me. This moonlight is special. It can't be duplicated in a studio." He sat her on a stool.

"I don't know what to do," she said. "Tell me what to do."

He adjusted her posture, stepped back, looked at some angles and set his camera. "Perfect. The light on your face is lovely." He started taking shots as he walked around her, looking for the right angle and light. At first, she felt self-conscious, but relaxed more as she felt him looking so closely at her. It was like they were making love. He took off her jacket and unbuttoned her shirt, lowering them over her shoulders. Tilting her head, he stepped back and continued shooting.

"Look at the moon. Good. Now, down at your feet. Beautiful Lovely. Okay, now, undress."

As she complied, she asked with a smile, "Is this just a way to get me naked?"

"Yes, it is." She smiled as he kissed her gently. "Kneel here, sit back on your heels, hands behind your head. Lovely." He returned to circling and shooting. "Look up at the moon, now down over your shoulder at your bottom." As she followed his commands, she felt him looking, seeing deeper into her. There was a little fear at being so exposed, but there was also a much bigger sense of peace. She knew it came from trusting him.

He came up behind her, whispering in her ear, "Close your eyes. Remember the feeling of making love last night? Feel how your bottom still stings from today. Drop into your sensual self and let it out." He paused a few moments, "Now, open your eyes, look right at me. Good, now, look down at your bottom."

Moonlight and sensations seemed to merge in her as she followed his commands. She began to quiver as he came close and it started to overwhelm her as she whispered, " Please, I need you." He wrapped his arms around her as they stood together under the moonlight.

They sat together, a blanket wrapped around her, as they scrolled through the photos. Jen couldn't believe it was her. The lines of her body were highlighted by soft moonlight and looked creamy. Jim stopped on one in the last set with her kneeling. "This is the one." It was a side view, half her body and face in shadow. Her eye was drawn to the curve of her hip as it met the curve or her breast and flowed to her face. Moonlight reflected off her eyes, as they looked straight at the camera with a look of deepest desire and lust. A small tear with a moonlit sparkle was just starting to spill over onto her cheek.

Jim ran his hands all over her body, relishing the feel of what he saw in the moonlight. She sighed, relaxing into his touch, "I've never seen that part of me."

"I see it all the time. The moon just made it clearer."

He closed the laptop and they snuggled in the cool evening air. Jim asked, "How about sleeping up here?"

Jen smiled, "Yes, sir."

This time, he laid her on her back, her bottom welcoming the pressure from the ground. She stared at his moonlit face with the moon and stars in the sky as he entered her, slowly at first, then with more force and power.

Jen woke to the feeling of him cuddling from behind. She pulled his arms around her chest and pushed her bottom back to feel his cock. He slipped it between her legs as she pressed her thighs together. Opening her eyes, she saw the sun just beginning to breach the horizon as he easily slid into her. Playing with her nipples, he nuzzled her neck as they watched the sun slowly rise, it's light flowing across the ground, the heat rising between them like the earth welcoming the sun to a new day. This morning, their lovemaking was slow and leisurely, unlike the intensity of the night before.

By the time she was up and dressed, he had some coffee made. He sat on the tailgate and motioned her over. "Sit," he said with a look that told her something interesting was about to happen. She reached for the coffee and he brushed her hand away, pinning it to her back. He held her gaze as he brought the cup to her lips, which parted slightly, feeling the warmth spread as she swallowed. He kissed her, letting his tongue barely trace her lips, the taste of coffee and her entwined. He brought the cup up and gave her another sip, followed by a deeper kiss. It was simple and so powerful. She didn't have to think, move or do, only receive what he offered. By the time the cup was empty, she felt perfectly calm and still inside. She didn't need to say anything.

As they drove down the mountain, Jim told some stories of earlier trips. One time, he got stranded at the top for 36 hours in an unexpected snowstorm. It was a whiteout with constant 35-mile-per-hour winds, snow blowing sideways and visibility of about five inches.

Jen asked, "What did you do?"

"Nothing. I sat, meditated. Listened to the wind. When it lifted, it took half a day to shovel through drifts to get to the loop road. That was the second week of October."

Jen looked around at the idyllic, warm fall day and shivered, thinking about what that would be like here in a few weeks. "No wonder you're so strict about being safe out here."

"I love this place. People say art is a cruel mistress. This mountain can be a kinder, gentler mistress but, if not respected, can turn cruel very quickly."

They were quite for a while until Jim asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Jen paused a moment, not quite sure how to say it. "This morning, when you gave me the coffee and kissed me, I dropped into this very deep place inside. It happened at other times, too, but this morning was stronger."

"What did it feel like?"

"Hard to put into words. It felt calm, relaxed, quiet, peaceful. All of that and more."

Jim thought for a moment. "People use different words to describe that feeling. It's like an altered state or trance. To me, it's dropping away all the facades and layers and just being who we really are." He paused, letting it sink in. "You're a natural submissive, Jen. You thrive and relax into yourself when someone you trust leads you."

"I like when you tell me what to do. It feels comforting. I never could have posed for you last night if you hadn't guided me. And then, I could really feel myself deeply opening up. This morning, I felt so nourished and cared for. You were feeding me."

"That's what allowing submission brings. You're open, receptive, yielding. It's beautiful to see and feel it in you. And it is all very natural." He had a way of putting her feelings into words.

After a while, she said, "I should probably head back today. My show and recital are coming up soon."

"That's a good idea. You've worked a long time for this. I've got a couple more days of shooting to finish."

"I'd rather stay."

Jim smiled and touched her cheek. "I'd like that, too. You know, you can take this with you. What we touched and felt is not limited to here." Jen sat quietly considering this. It felt right. "You've made this trip very special for me, Jen. You inspired me. Up until now, I've said I don't photograph people. Those pictures of you changed all that." Jen leaned over to hug and kiss his cheek. "When we get back, let's copy them to your phone. They'll be good reminders."

"I'd like that."

"When I get back to cell service in a couple of days, I'll give you a call. We can find a time for me to come up and help you with your show."

She squeezed his hand, "I'd like that, too. No, actually, I need that."

As they got to the campground, in a soft, little girl voice, she asked, "Can I ask you a small favor?"

"Yes, of course."

"Can I have one more spanking as a reminder on the drive home?" a mischievous smile lighting up her face.

"I was thinking exactly the same thing."

When she got back town, Jen stopped by Kaitlin's apartment to show her the new painting. Happy to see her, they hugged and sat on the couch, Jen pulling her close. "What do you think? I did this down there. It's not quite finished." Kaitlin always gave her honest feedback.

"I like it, Mom. It's different from your other stuff. Not sure why, but it radiates. The contrast in the sunlight and shadows on the leaves and creek really draws me in."

"Yeah, contrast. I'm beginning to see it better."

Kaitlin snuggled into her mom's shoulder; they hadn't done this in a while. "What's up, Mom? You seem different, more relaxed."

Jen paused, not knowing what to say or where to start. She stroked Kaitlin's hair, "Yes, sweetie, I feel relaxed. I found some inspiration in the desert."

"Angie messaged that she left early, but didn't say why."

"Angie had a little meltdown or, maybe a temper tantrum. It was a rough start to the trip, but it ended really well."

"You're not really telling me what happened."

Jen was quiet for a moment, enjoying being close to her daughter, the soft feel of her hair. "The desert is a magical place, sweetie. Especially when the full moon rises and coyotes start howling."

"Sounds like it really touched you deeply. Maybe you should go again."

Jen smiled at Kaitlin's insight. "Yes, you are right. I need to go back." Tears welled as she realized they had the same sensitivity and empathy and wondered what else they shared. She remembered Jim's comment, like mother, like daughter.

Kaitlin sniffed and said, "You smell like smoke, Mom."

"Oh, we had campfires. The evenings and mornings were chilly."

Kaitlin thought a moment, "We? Angie left." There was a brief silence. "You met someone, you met a guy. And, you had sex, didn't you?"

Jen smiled, taking a deep breath and thinking, that made it easier.

"Well, sweetie, it started when we couldn't get the trailer unhooked from my pickup."