Jenny took a step toward the edge of the cliff and looked out on the valley below. The forest blanketed the entire valley all around, but she could still make out the small stream as it worked its way beneath the trees.
A few clouds drifted by in the clear blue sky above her. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of the warm sun on her face.
She heard Steve, Stacy, and Dave come up behind her.
"Enjoying the view?" Steve asked as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
She leaned back into him. "It's wonderful, what a perfect day."
They had all spent the last hour leisurely hiking up the mountain nestled deep in the Shenandoah Park. She was so happy that they had all had the chance to get away for this weekend; even happier that they had been able to send their kids off to the grandparents. It wasn't often that they were able to just be adults, and she was savoring the freedom.
Stacy called out them. "You guys ready to start down? We have dinner reservations in a couple of hours.
Before she could answer, Steve turned to her and said, "You guys go on ahead. We'll be along shortly.
"You sure?" she replied.
"Yep. See you back at the inn."
As Stacy and Dave started back along the trail, Jenny broke out of her trance.
"We should get going."
Steve squeezed her gently. "Just enjoy the moment. We have plenty of time."
After a few seemingly endless moments, Steve broke his hug and took her hand. "Ok, let's go."
Jenny took one last look and turned back to the trail.
They walked along slowly, taking time to enjoy their surroundings and each other's company. They talked a little, making note of a particularly pretty tree or stopping to listen to a bird, chirping it's mating call.
The trail opened up on one side as they walked, revealing a large open field of high grass that wavered back and forth in the warm spring breeze.
Jenny continued walking, but Steve gripped her hand tightly, so she turned to look at him.
He was looking into her eyes. "So, what do you think?"
She wasn't sure what he meant so she asked "About what?"
"Well, seeing that field over there got me to thinking about something you told me once. About a particular fantasy you have."
Jenny blushed a bit and smiled. "Steve that was just a fantasy. I could never do that."
He smiled back. "Why not? Opportunities like this don't come along very often. Besides, who would know?"
"Well," she replied, "first of all, Dave and Stacy are expecting us, and who know who else might come along."
He chuckled. "You're just making excuses. There aren't many people up here this time of year, and that grass is easily 3 or 4 feet high. Even if someone did happen along, which they won't, they wouldn't even know we were there."
As he talked, he began to pull her out into the field. She resistedβ¦a little. She had to admit, it did sound inviting.
"Steve, I'm not laying down on the ground. There are bugs and the grass will be itchy."
He tilted his head toward his backpack. "I brought a blanket, and the bugs don't really come out until later in the spring."
Damn him, she thought. Why does he always think of everything?
She had allowed herself to be pulled almost 2/3rd of the way across the field when he stopped and pulled her close. Without saying a word, he kissed her on the mouth, enticing her mouth open as he wrapped his tongue around hers.
Despite her better judgment, she found herself kissing him back. He released his hug and eased her backpack down off her shoulders, then pulling off his, never releasing the kiss.
When his backpack was off, he pulled away. "Don't move."
He whirled around and quickly pulled the blanket out of his pack, spreading it quickly on the ground next to them. Just as quick, he turned back to her and gently pushed her down onto it, kissing her as they both found themselves sitting down.