We hiked over rocks and tree roots covered in moss, following the well-worn path. I took a slow, deep breath, filling my lungs with the crisp winter air. It was cool against my nose and carried the fresh scent of pine. I felt at home in the forest.
I studied Connor’s silhouette ahead of me. His tightly fitted sweater didn’t seem to conceal any weapons, but then again, he could easily have stashed them in his backpack. I reminded myself to stay alert. Maybe Sam and the gang were waiting for us at the top, ready to attack.
As we continued our hike, my mind raced with thoughts of potential dangers. I took a deep breath, trying to catch the scent of other possible humans, but all I detected was the soft aroma of Connor’s shampoo. I made an effort to focus on the beauty of the forest around us and the warmth of Connor’s hand in mine.
“Do you want any water?” Connor asked.
“No, I’m okay.” I smiled at him.
His brow furrowed. “You’re breathing pretty hard.”
“I’m fine, just enjoying the scents. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a hike,” I reassured him.
“We’re almost there,” he said, helping me over a large rock.
We continued hiking for another ten minutes until we emerged from the trees onto a bluff.
“Here we are,” Connor said, turning to face me and holding his hands wide, a smile growing on his face.
I looked around, scanning the area for any signs of danger, but all I saw was the natural beauty of the landscape stretching out before me. No weapons or Slayers waiting or coming around to kill me.
“It’s pretty,” I said, walking up to him and returning his smile.
“Not as pretty as it will be,” Connor remarked as he took off his backpack and began rummaging through it. I stood there, my eyes fixed on him, hyper-focused on what would come next. He pulled out a blanket and laid it over a rock, patting it before sitting down.
“And now we sit and wait for the sunrise,” he announced, gesturing for me to join him.
I settled next to Connor, gazing ahead as he took my hand in his, giving it a warm squeeze. A sense of calm washed over me, and I smiled, resting my head on his shoulder. The treetops held a delicate dusting of snow and as the sun climbed higher, Lakeview below emerged as silhouettes against the magnificent sky. Minutes passed and the horizon exploded into vibrant hues of orange, pink, and violet.
With no clouds in the sky, the morning unfolded in perfect clarity. The rays of sunlight stretched their limbs, reaching over the treetops and then out to touch my skin. It felt like a painting come to life, and for the first time in seventeen years, I basked in the warmth of the sun on my skin. The gentle sunrays caressed my face, and my breath caught as I squinted against the brightness.
Decades spent in the shadows had left their mark on me. My skin, once vibrant, was now pale and lifeless, devoid of the freckles that once adorned my nose. The sun’s touch felt foreign yet strangely welcoming, a reminder of the life I had left behind.
“Wow, it’s …” I began, but my words trailed off as I struggled with them.
“Beautiful,” Connor finished for me, his voice soft but sure. His gaze locked with mine, and in that moment, time stood still. Bathed in the morning light, his tousled hair took on a golden glow, and his eyes radiated shades of green unseen before. It was as if the sunrise had breathed a new life into him.
“This is for you, Rose,” Connor whispered, his voice as soft as the morning breeze. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him as he leaned in closer, his lips brushing gently against my ear.
His kisses were soft along my neck, and I drew him close. The sun bathed me in its warmth. Pressing my lips to his, I let myself surrender to the moment. Connor responded eagerly, deepening our kiss as his tongue gently teased between my lips.
Tears welled in my eyes as the warmth of the sun enveloped me. Memories of Draven and our shared past flooded into my mind. We had shared countless moments together, but none quite like this in the light of day. In my youth, the woods had been my haven, and nature my solace. Yet, for decades, I had hidden myself away in darkness, until Connor unwittingly orchestrated a moment that meant more to me than he could ever know.
I pushed aside the thoughts that threatened to overwhelm me, banishing the memories of the past to the recesses of my mind. Instead, I focused solely on the physical sensations of losing myself in the warmth of Connor’s touch.
I gently pushed Connor back, feeling a sudden surge of desire coursing through me as I positioned myself on top of him, straddling him. I wanted more. I needed more. More sun on my skin. More of Connor’s skin against mine. With a sense of urgency, I pulled off my sweater, exposing my backto the morning sun. A low moan escaped my lips as I savoured the warmth caressing my skin, and I continued to kiss Connor, my hands roaming over his body.
His hands found their way to my breasts, and I let out a soft sigh of pleasure as he cupped them. With a hunger fueled by the sun, I reached under his sweater, tracing the trail of hair that adorned his belly. My kisses trailed down his neck, each touch igniting a fire within me as memories of our last encounter surfaced.
Connor paused and let out a laugh. “Rose, I don’t want to have sex with you here,” he said.
“Why not? It would be hot,” I insisted, my hands still exploring as I leaned in for more kisses, my desire, my need driving me forward. “And nobody’s around,” I added, my fingers finding the zipper of his pants.
Connor took my hands in his and intertwined our fingers. “I want to, but not right now because it’s quite cold out here,” he chuckled, his laughter filling the crisp morning air. I glanced around and noticed patches of snow nearby, steam trailing from my body as I exhaled. Reluctantly, I pulled my sweater back on and lay down beside him on the blanket, resting my head on his chest.
I could feel his heartbeat beneath my ear, steady and comforting like a metronome, calming my senses. Eventually, I pulled back slightly, keeping our hands intertwined as I looked up at him, a sense of contentment washed over me.
“Why do you like me?” I asked him.
