Ariel and Geoffrey followed Aurelia and Colin along the path to the castle but at a more leisurely pace. They soon lost sight of the other couple.
Ariel's hand held Geoffrey's arm as they made their way over the uneven ground. The moon lit the path between the trees as if in a silvery line. To either side the woods were a black wall, obscuring the cause of night sounds. Ariel held tightly to Geoffrey and pressed a little closer.
Geoffrey smiled and looked down at Ariel. The top of her blond head shone in the moonlight. His eyes strayed further down to her breasts, glowing above the deep cut of her gown. It occurred to Geoffrey that the dress was showing far more cleavage than Ariel normally did. The idea that it might be for his pleasure stirred Geoffrey physically. He pictured his fingers dipping into the warm softness between her breasts.
"A coin for your thoughts?" Ariel inquired gently, squeezing Geoffrey's arm and turning her head to look up at his shadowed face.
Geoffrey's mouth twitched. What would she say if he told her what he was really thinking? He wasn't brave enough to find out. He didn't want to risk scaring her off. He placed a hand over hers and squeezed back. "Just how happy I am to be here with you." That was true enough. Ariel stirred feelings in Geoffrey that he had never felt for another woman. He supposed it was love.
Ariel smiled up at this wonderful man she had found. Every moment with him was a blessing to her and she wanted him to know that.
Ariel stopped and Geoffrey halted.
"What is it?" he asked.
Without a sound, Ariel reached up and placed one hand on either side of his face to pull his mouth down to hers. She pressed her lips urgently to his.
Surprised, Geoffrey did not react at first. He quickly recovered himself and pulled her into his arms. Her lips softened under his. Geoffrey let her take the lead.
Ariel brushed her lips across Geoffrey's once and then again. Her tongue ventured out to run along his lower lip then she sucked on his lip gently. She released his lip and pressed her tongue between into his mouth.
Geoffrey pulled her tighter against his body as her tongue explored. He met her with his own tongue, sliding across hers, curling around and caressing. If this continued, he was going to end up dragging her into the woods and ravishing her right there. Reluctantly, he drew his mouth away from hers, with little parting kisses of regret.
Ariel made a mew of protest but Geoffrey turned his head and simply held her tightly to him.
"You are enough to drive a saint mad, Ariel, and I am no saint."
Ariel smiled against his shoulder. "I do not want you to be a saint."