AllFreeNovel
Share Us
There are multiple entrances into the woods behind Veronica’s, each following a trail that weaves through the forest. All of the entry points have been framed with arches laced with fairy lights, like a portal into another world.
I clap my hands, rubbing them together. “I can’t wait to see this.”
“It was a good idea, enlisting Piper for the art exhibitions.”
“It was Mindy’s idea.” And it was brilliant.
We pass under the nearest arch into the trees and I gasp.
Colorful lights twinkle from the trees, casting a warm glow over everything they touch.
Lanterns line the walkways, directing us deeper into the woods and shining over carefully placed artwork set alongside the trails, off the beaten path so they don’t get tripped over.
Wood carvings as detailed as photographs are tacked onto tree trunks. Sculptures made from a variety of materials are set in intervals along the route, each one with a placard detailing the name of the piece and the artist.
I stop before one of the arrow-shaped wooden signs directing people to the Fox Den, which is what we decided to name the campground. “This is incredible.”
Atticus glances down the curve of the trail before tugging me into the trees. I follow him willingly.
As soon as we’re off the path, hidden by foliage, I throw myself into his arms.
We come together like we always do, an all-consuming explosion of lust and hunger tinged with desperation.
I lose myself in the welcoming heat of his arms, his taste, the rumbling sounds he makes when I suck on his tongue.
“I wish we could spend a whole night together.”Before I leave.Our time is always so fleeting. Just once, I wish I could wake up in his arms, without having to get home before the sun rises.
His nose rubs against mine. “I’ll make it happen.” Then we come together again.
I can’t think about how my heart will implode when it’s over, so I focus on the slide of my fingers against the skin of his stomach, the press of his hand against the small of my back, and the scent of his skin mixed with the fresh pine air.
“Taylor?” Piper’s voice rings through the trees, followed by a quieter murmur, “Are you sure you saw them come down this way?”
We freeze.
His hand is under my shirt, my fingers undoing the buttons on his pants.
We scramble to put our clothes back to rights.
“Come on.” Atticus’s voice is a low vibration against my ear before he grabs my hand, leading in the opposite direction from Piper’s voice so we can circle back and come up behind her on the path.
“We have family dinner tonight,” I tell him while we creep through the trees.
He squeezes my hand. “Tonight’s the night, then?”
I blow out a breath. “Yep.” The night I come clean to my family.
I have to admit, I’m not as nervous as I thought I would be. I have Mindy in my corner, backing me up since she’s the only one besides Atticus who knows the truth.
He stops walking and cups my face in his warm palms. “You’ll do great. They love you.”
I clutch at his wrists, wishing we had more time. I could really use an earth-shattering orgasm right now to distract me from... everything. “I know.”
“Taylor?” Piper’s voice calls from the other side of the path, a clump of trees and bushes blocking her from view.
By silent agreement, we kiss one last time and I savor the sensation of his hands on my skin, his mouth on mine, absorbing every touch, every second we have left together.
I leave him for the path where Piper is calling, while he takes an alternate route back to Veronica’s.
