Forever Yours

CHAPTER 10

The day of the trip arrived, and Emily felt her heart race as they loaded the car. Henry, ever calm and collected, methodically placed their bags in the backseat, checking off items from his mental list. His relaxed demeanor soothed her anxiety, yet the fluttering in her stomach only intensified. How could he remain so composed when every second around him made her feel like she might burst?

As they drove, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Henry animatedly talked about the sights they would see, and Emily found herself hanging on his every word, her laughter spilling over as they shared stories. But despite the lighthearted banter, her thoughts kept drifting to the prospect of spending two whole nights alone with him. When their eyes met and he caught her staring, a playful smile crept onto his lips, making her heart skip a beat.

"You okay?" he asked, squeezing her hand lightly, sending sparks coursing through her.

"Yeah, just excited," she replied, biting her lip to conceal her nervousness.

Upon arriving at the cabin Henry had rented, Emily was immediately captivated by its cozy charm. Nestled near a serene lake, it felt like a hidden sanctuary, a world away from everything. The crisp air and the tranquil stillness contrasted sharply with the whirlwind of emotions churning inside her.

Henry, ever the gentleman, carried their bags inside with ease. As Emily followed, her gaze involuntarily traced down his back, and she imagined what it would be like to be closer to him, to feel his arms wrapped around her. The weight of her desire scared her; she hadn't anticipated this trip would stir up such intense feelings.

"Here we are," Henry announced, setting the bags down and flashing her a warm smile. "Home for the next two nights."

The cabin was simply perfect. A crackling fireplace illuminated the living room, and the large window offered a breathtaking view of the lake. Emily noticed the two bedrooms right away, both doors left ajar.

"I'll take the smaller room," he offered, scratching his neck awkwardly. "Unless you'd rather..."

"No, this is perfect. Thank you," Emily said, her cheeks warming at the thought of him sacrificing the larger room for her.

That evening, as they cooked dinner together, Emily marveled at how effortlessly they fell into a rhythm. Henry moved around the kitchen like it was second nature, and she found herself entranced, savoring the little moments—his laughter, the way his eyes sparkled, the gentle brush of his hand against her shoulder as he passed.

Yet beneath the surface of their easy interactions lay a simmering tension. Every accidental touch, every lingering gaze sent her heart racing. She had never been this close to someone she cared about so deeply, and the thought of being alone with him, night after night, was a tantalizing mixture of thrill and trepidation.

After dinner, they settled by the fire, the soft glow casting flickering shadows across the room. Henry leaned back, his arm stretched casually along the back of the couch, and Emily instinctively shifted closer, yearning for his warmth.

As the fire crackled, she stole a glance at him. He was watching the flames, a serene smile on his face, and she felt her heart swell. She was falling in love with him—there was no denying it. The more time they spent together, the harder it became to keep her feelings contained.

"I'm really glad we came here," Henry said, turning to her, his gaze soft and affectionate.

Emily smiled, her heart pounding. "Me too."

As they chatted late into the night, the exhaustion from the day slowly crept up on them. Henry stood, stretching, then offered his hand to help her off the couch. The moment their hands touched, electricity shot through her, and she could feel the air grow thicker around them.