The wind came up around them, rustling through the trees. Buzzing sounds and bird calls surrounded them in the humid, fragrant air. Lucy never wanted to leave. She could be happy right here forever, kissing Axel Grey until the end of time instead of only spring.
Axel leaned backward until he lay flat and pulled her down with him, not breaking their kiss. She settled her weight on his chest, but he didn’t seem to notice.
Lucy lost track of time and everything around them in favor of kissing a man she was fast falling for, hoping she got to keep him. Axel kneaded her shoulders and stroked her hair as they kissed and kissed and then kissed some more.
At long last, she lifted her torso, breaking their long kiss, the longest she had ever shared, to stare down into his gorgeous face. She did her best to memorize every one of his features. His beautiful blue eyes, his wavy hair, the rough texture of his beard, as if he’d forgotten to shave this morning, and best of all his mouth. They grinned at one another and just stared. Maybe he was memorizing her features, too. Did he like what he saw? Did he like kissing her?
“I love kissing you,” he whispered as if he’d plucked the question from her mind.
“I was just about to say that.” Lucy stroked his face. He grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. She funneled her fingertips into his wavy hair. It was very soft to her touch. They stared at each other some more and Lucy moved her mouth closer to his.
Just when she thought they would continue their kissing addiction, a noise intruded on their perfect, serene moment.
The sound of another vehicle roared closer to their idyllic private sanctuary.
Axel sent his gaze over one shoulder toward the little hill. “Sorry. Looks like we’re about to be interrupted. I had hoped we would be all alone until we had to go back.”
“That’s okay,” she said wistfully. “I enjoyed our short time here.”
He sent a regretful look her way. “These are popular springs, especially when the weather starts to warm up.”
She lifted one shoulder. “It’s okay, really. It’ll give me something to look forward to the next time we’re together.”
“I’m glad you brought that up. When will that be? Because I’m ready for a second date.” Axel clinched her a little tighter, looking deeply into her eyes.
“I wish I knew.” Lucy understood her time with him would be short. She had taken this unique opportunity to steal away from her world and the airship waiting for her back at the way station basement facility.
She’d wanted to do something daring. She’d wanted to bend a rule. Mostly, she’d wanted to spend time with Axel.
Lucy had zero regrets.
The sound of the vehicle came nearer and nearer until finally the engine cut out.
Axel helped her stand and led Lucy back onto the first step of the water hole to wash the sand stuck to their feet and ankles from the kissing marathon on the beach. He then led her back to where they’d left their shoes and socks on the blanket.
They heard a vehicle door open and close. A few seconds later, a tall man who resembled Axel rounded the hill. He shook his head as he looked at them.
“Axel!” The man sounded exasperated.
“Cam!” Axel responded in the same tone.So,thiswas Cam Grey.
“You and your friend need to get back to the basement, pronto.”
“No,” Axel said gruffly. He gave Lucy a smile and handed her a small towel the color of sunshine. “To dry off with,” he said, turning back to his brother, who looked perturbed. Axel took the sky-blue towel and dried his feet and ankles off before putting his socks and boots back on. He took her damp towel, rolled it up with his and shoved it back in the bundle.
“No?” Cam walked closer. “Do you hear the utter and unwarranted insolence in your tone?”
“You should be used to it by now, Bro.”
“I doubt that will ever happen,” Cam said. “Seriously, though, Axel. You need to get back.” Cam glanced her way, his expression softening.
“Why? What’s the problem?”
“Director Patmore and someone with the prestigious last name of Duvall is searching for—”
Lucy broke in to say. “Me? Are they looking for me?”
“Are you with the Duvall family?”
