the woods.”
“You should’a thought o’ that before you opened the door in that dress.”
“Well, I didn’t want the neighbors to see me naked, but if that’s—”
I burst out laughing.
There’s no winning against her wit, and I don’t have the slightest intention to try. She makes me laugh. She provokes me to think. She makes me want her even more.
What I wouldn’t do to have her on top of me. Right here and now. In this car. We could pull the top down and do it in the sun.
But she would never go for that.
“Penny for your thoughts,” she interrupts my trail.
“Well, it’s mostly the naked thing.” I fake an apologetic tone.
“And now I’m worried you’re gonna crash us into a tree.”
“You’re very confident.” I go against my urge to grab her. “I like that.”
“You make it easy, given how excited you get every time you see me.”
I’m beginning to think that she might not frown upon the car idea after all. Nonetheless, I keep it to myself.
An unfulfilled fantasy of sorts.
A promise of delayed pleasure.
“Stop teasing me,” I warn, a chuckle escaping from between the words.
“Okay.” Her tone is suddenly cheeky. “You got it.”
We arrive at the cabin by dusk, with the sky changing color in epic proportions. Burning yellow and orange streaks fight against the bright blue as it deepens, pulling the dark from the endless space around it, pushing the bright lines downward as it invades the horizon.
“Wow,” she whispers in awe as I pull over at the side of the road.
“We’re here.”
“Oh.” She turns to me then back to the view.
Happy that she’s already enjoying the place, I get out and make my way around the car to open the door for her. Gracefully emerging, Belle doesn’t take her eyes from the breathtaking vista.
While she watches the last veins of light vanish, I watch her face and the way her smile lights up her eyes.
A cool gust blows our way, prompting her to mindlessly rub her arms with her hands for a moment. She then finally gazes downward as darkness envelopes the world.
“It’s gettin’ cold.” I place my hand on the small of her back. “Let’s go inside. It’s this way.”
I lead her deeper through the trees, up the walkway, and into the entrance. When we get into the cabin, I’m grateful that the attendant left enough logs by the fireplace when he cleaned up this morning.
Building us a fire, I see Belle out of the corner of my eye as she sets down her bag and purse, examining the place as she does.
“This is cozy.” She smiles before taking off her light jacket and hanging it up on the hook behind the door. “Do you come here often?”
“Haven’t been here in months. I had it cleaned though.”
“Mmm.” She pauses. “When?”
“This morning.” I look up at her.
“Did you know I was gonna say yes?” She leans against the back of a chair, her eyes watching my every move.
“There’s nothing wrong with hoping.” I smile.
When the wind causes the trees outside to harshly rustle, she walks over to the window, staring out into the pitch-black night.
“Don’t worry. There’s nothing out there.”
“Are you kidding?” She titters. “It’s so soothing.”
I smile and settle down on the floor, staring at the fire for a moment before I sense her coming nearer. Without saying a word, she descends, landing right next to me with her knees at her chest. Just like that day on my front porch.
The firelight reflects on her face, dancing with familiar hues that remind me of the night we made love by a similar fire in my home.
When she leans sideways and rests her head over my shoulder, I feel my muscles tightening before they eventually relax. I’m still not used to the extent of intimacy she’s generously willing to provide. Yet, my heart skips a beat, raving in my chest as I inhale the scent of her shampoo.
Slightly shifting, I extend my arm and reach behind her back, my hand settling over her shoulder as I pull her closer against my chest.
Fully clothed, I still feel the heat radiating from her body, overpowering the fire. Overpowering me. I drift in a sweet daydream of her being here like this forever… until I’m grey and old.
“You hungry?” I force myself to break the silence since I had Katie pack us a light dinner.
“Sure.” She rolls her eyes. “Mr. Man brings a maiden to cook at the hut.” She fakes a laughable British accent.
“Don’t be silly.” Swiftly, I jump