It was a very warm summer evening. Anna was standing at the sink, absent-mindedly washing their used plates and glasses. After the heat of the day, both she and John were walking the house barefoot, taking advantage of the coolness it offered as evening approached. She was in her lightest dress while John had simply dressed down to his undershirt. She had giggled, teasing him about taking that off as well, but he had smiled and shaken his head.

She did not hear him come up behind her until his body was flush against her back. He snuggled his face into the crook of her neck, his stubble lightly rasping her skin. She smiled and briefly closed her eyes.

"Can I help, love?" He placed a kiss where neck met shoulder.

"I'm done in a few moments. You can stay right where you are, Mr Bates."

He chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist, holding her while she finished her work.

"All done." She turned in his arms. "Now, Mr Bates, what about you?" she purred.

"What about me, love?" He looked down at her in amusement, eyes half closed.

"You are up to something."

"Is that so?"

She pretended to play with his shirt button. "Oh I quite think so."

His hands moulded themselves to the small of her back as he whispered huskily, "Come swimming with me. It's a beautiful night. Just you and me, under the stars."

She met his searching lips in a languid kiss. "Mmmm, yes please."

They undressed in the shade of a tree then waded into the water. Anna was faster so she could enjoy the sight of her husband walking towards her before he lowered himself into the dark flood. She felt herself aching for him.

Having dived under, John emerged, brushing his wet hair back from his face. "Feeling better yet, my love?"

Her skin was rapidly cooling, but her insides were melting. She moved closer to him. "Much better." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "In fact, the water is so cold you will have to keep me warm, my husband."

Instantly, protectively, his arms wrapped around her. She vined herself to his body, making him groan softly as he nuzzled her damp hair. "Who is up to something now?" he growled.

She looked up to him with heat in her gaze. His wet skin slid over hers, his body heat translating even in cold water. He kissed her roughly, her lips opening to him as they lost themselves in their kiss.

"We should have brought a blanket," he whispered into her ear.

"Anticipation heightens pleasure," she breathed, running her fingers down his back. His eyes darkened and the next thing she knew, he picked her up and was carrying her back under the tree, only setting her down to spread his undershirt on the dewy grass.

Laying down, his warm body covered hers as he proceeded to kiss drops of water from her skin, starting at her neck and quickly focussing on her breasts. Her nipples peaked as he licked and suckled them, her soft moans driving him on. His hands held and caressed her ribs as he moved lower, following the rolling of her hips as she spread her legs. He nuzzled her belly, his stubble tickling her. She giggled, making him grin. Soon, his lips danced over her skin again, inching lower. He kissed, licked and suckled her, knowing exactly what she needed, causing her to cry out unguardedly as he reached her centre. Her hips, cradled in his strong hands, lifted with each lap from him. She moaned his name, beckoning him, until he could not stand the sweet torture any longer. Sliding up her body he joined them, her nails lightly running down his back as he loved her, spurring him on. Their passion increased as she pulled his hips into her, her thighs wrapping around his body. She lightly bit his shoulder as she peaked, muffling her cries against him. With a moan, he reached his end, burying his head against her shoulder.

The soft night air was filled with their heavy breaths as they came down, Anna holding him close on top of her as he kissed her ear and her cheek. Finally, he lifted himself on his elbows, kissing her softly and whispering his love. She merely ran her hand through his hair and kissed him back tenderly.

Having put on their clothes again in silence only punctuated by soft giggles, they started on their way back to the cottage. Anna finally got her wish: John could not wear his undershirt. With the grass-stained garment slung over his shoulder, he held her hand as they walked back through tall grass in the moonlight.