Cami looked back at me. “What should we make?”
“What feels right to you?”
She studied the centered clay, then placed her hands on it thoughtfully. “Something with multiple parts that come together. Like us. Three distinct pieces that create one whole.”
“I love that.”
We worked together, shaping the clay. I created the base while her hands formed two rising elements that curved toward each other. When Eliana came by again, she smiled.
“Beautiful symbolism. Are those meant to be two people?”
“Three,” Cami said. “Me, Majesty, and Lex. Coming together.”
“Even more beautiful.” Eliana touched the sculpture gently. “This will need to cure for a few days, then be fired in the kiln. You can come back to glaze it after that. The whole process takes about a week. If you won’t be here, I can ship it for a fee.”
“We’ll be here,” I said, looking at Cami. “We’ll come back together to finish it.”
As we continued working, our hands constantly touching, sliding together through the wet clay, the experience became increasingly erotic. Her fingers would brush mine deliberately. I’d lean in to guide her, and she’d press back against me.
“You’re distracting me,” she accused playfully.
“You started it,” I countered, my hands covering hers as we shaped a delicate curve.
“Did not.”
“Did too.” I nipped at her ear, and she shivered.
Around us, other couples were similarly absorbed in their work, but I barely noticed them. My entire focus was on Cami, on the way she responded to my touch, on the piece we were creating together.
When Eliana finally called time, I was surprised to find two hours had passed.
“Excellent work, everyone,” she said. “Your pieces will cure here, and I’ll fire them in the kiln. Come back in a few days to glaze them.”
We cleaned up, washing the clay from our hands at the sink. I kept finding excuses to touch her—adjusting her hair, wiping a smudge of clay from her cheek, steadying her as she dried her hands.
“That was amazing,” Cami said as we bundled back into our coats. “Thank you for bringing me.”
“Thank you for making it with me.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Our first piece of art together.”
Outside, the snow had slowed to light flurries. As we walked back toward the cabin, Cami suddenly stopped.
“What time is it?”
I checked my phone. “Almost four. Why?”
“We missed lunch. I’m starving.”
“Me too, actually.”
As if in response, her stomach growled audibly, and we both laughed.
When we opened the cabin door, the smell that greeted us was incredible. Rich, savory, comforting. Lex appeared from the kitchen, an apron tied around his waist.
“Perfect timing,” he said. “I made beef stew with fresh bread. Figured you two would be hungry.”
“You’re a saint,” Cami declared, already kicking off her boots.
“I’m aware.” He smiled and gestured to the dining table, where he’d set out bowls and a gorgeous charcuterie board loaded with fruit and cheese. “Sit. Eat.”
