They walk together, hand in hand, through the forest. The cool night air gently blows across her cheeks as she carries the blanket and he carries the picnic basket that holds their dinner. He smiles her way and squeezes her hand and her heart leaps with joy at being there with him. She asks how much further it is and he assures her that it's not too much further. She just smiles and nods, happy to follow him where ever he leads her. She listens to their steps and feels the peace of the forest that surrounds them. The sounds of the night float just inside her awareness... the hooting of the owl, the sound of the nocturnal animals going about their lives. She watches him out of the corner of her eye and sees again why she fell in love with him, the quiet confidence, the strength tempered with tenderness, the laugh lines that are etched in his face and so many other things. He feels her eyes on him and catches her eye. She shakes her head before he can ask. "Nothing's wrong, I'm just happy to be here with you," she says.
He looks up to the star filled sky and nods. "I'm glad to be with you as well, love. I'm so glad I can share my forest with you." She squeezes his hand as they come to a clearing with an old fire pit that's been used and well cared for over the years. He sets the basket down then stretches his arms above his head with a little growl. "We're here! Could you spread out the blanket for us while I get the fire going?"
"I'd love to," she says as she begins to spread the large blanket out near the pit. She rearranges the basket to rest atop the blanket then settles down on it herself. Her sapphire eyes sparkle as she watches his careful moves, loving that he's so thoughtful about everything he does. His features light up as the match is struck and the kindling catches fire. The smell of smoke and fire wafts from the pit as the logs catch as well. Seeing that the fire's well in hand, she decides to unpack the basket of goodies. She pulls out the napkins and arranges them on the blanket then puts the plates on top of the napkins. She hears the crackling of the flames and smiles as he joins her on the blanket. "Would you mind opening the wine for me? I've still not got the knack for that."
He laughs softly and replies, "No, you don't but that's okay." He reaches into the basket and pulls out the Italian red wine and the corkscrew and works on opening the bottle. She arranges slices of Melba toast, cheddar cheese, and a blue cheese on a plate for them. He reaches for a square of the blue cheese and she playfully swats at his hand as he pops it into his mouth. She hands him a glass for his wine and he grins that boyish grin of his then leans in and steals a kiss. "So how do you like my forest?"
She looks around her for a moment before she answers. "It's absolutely perfect, just like I knew it would be." He smiles and offers her a bite of cheddar and she licks it from between his fingers, giving him a heated look. She reaches into the basket and pulls out the green, seedless grapes and sets them on another plate for them to snack on. As she settles the turkey, lettuce and tomato wraps on a plate, he opens a ginger ale for her and pours it into a glass then hands it to her. She winks her thanks and watches as he goes through his ritual for the wine, smelling the cork then the bottle then pouring some into his empty glass and taking a sip after swirling it around a bit. She giggles as his purr of satisfaction is heard. He looks at her and laughs too. "I know, I know... it's silly of me to do that."
"No, it's not Love. It's endearing and I love it and you," she says. She looks at the blanket and nods almost to herself. "Everything's ready. Shall we eat?"
His seductive grin spreads over his face and she blushes hard. "Dinner, eat dinner... You'll need energy for THAT!" she says with a wink. He just laughs softly as they begin to eat the feast. As they eat, they talk and laugh about things that have been happening recently, their hopes for the future, all the while sending heated glances or touches to one another. They finish off their food and repack the basket leaving the wine and the glasses out, then he stretches out on his back and tugs her gently to him. She snuggles up and they both stare up into the starlit sky, wrapped in each others arms. They fall into a comfortable quiet as they feel the darkness around them. His fingertips slowly graze over her arm, causing little shivers of excitement to dance over her. She scoots closer, loving the feeling of being in his arms, and tilts her head up to place a little lick upon his neck. He just grins at her and says, "Hungry again?"
She laughs softly. "For you? Always Love, I'll never get enough of you," then shifts slightly to rest her head on his chest. She listens to his heartbeat as his hand lifts to play with the ends of her hair. His fingers splay as he moves his hand deeper into her tresses. She feels his hand closing around them and shivers as the tendrils of pleasure skitter down her spine. Her fingers curl on his chest as she hisses with pleasure as he jerks her head back. He claims her mouth with his and kisses her like a man starving. Her lips part and his tongue invades her mouth, soft purrs rolling from her as they kiss. Her heart races as she shifts slightly closer to him, his fingers never leaving her hair. Her hand slides down his chest and to his waistband. Her fingers ache for the touch of his flesh beneath them and they tug at the hem of his shirt until they reach their goal. Her body quivers as the heat rises from them both. His hand slides down her back and under her shirt only to drag his nails roughly against the flesh there. He slowly breaks the kiss and looks deep into her eyes.
She knows her eyes are glazed with need and hunger and pleasure and love and lets him see every emotion that shimmers there. He slowly smiles and her heart thuds in her chest. She knows that look that's in his eyes, the look that says she's in for something very yummy and wicked. He leans down and nuzzles her earlobe, setting of another round of quivers. He whispers, "You are far too dressed my love. Fix it."
She groans softly as his breath tickles at her ear. She can't help but look around, a sudden shyness taking over her. "Here? Now?" she asked as she searches the darkness for something or someone that may be lurking. Her eyes finally settle back on his face and she sees the answer written there and he needs not speak another word. That look fills her with the confidence that she so sorely was lacking but moments ago. A slow smile crosses her lips as her fingertips find the first button on her shirt. "As you wish," she whispers.
