She sat on a bench in the garden maze, breathing deeply and taking in the night air to clear her head. The day of the party had arrived, and the children had been ecstatic all day. She made them complete some studies in the morning, as she needed something to occupy their fidgety hands. She was even able to put some of them to work helping Frau Schmidt with readying the villa for guests.

The guests eventually arrived, everyone looking breathtaking and beautiful. The music played into the night, the children had a marvelous time, and even she had found herself smiling at how lovely the party was. Everything had a magical air to it; the most extravagant event she had ever attended.

So where did it all go wrong? She had to remind herself, it hadn't gone wrong at all. In fact, everything had gone so completely right that it only felt wrong. The defining moment, she knew, was when he took her hand and they danced...it was so perfect. She smiled at the memory, the feeling of his body gliding hers around the floor made for just the two of them. His hands sliding across her palms, his scent invading her senses in every way possible. He fully enveloped her, and her body felt hot in response. And then he had nearly kissed her, and she was gone. She could have ripped his clothes from his body right on the dance floor and let him take her without another thought.

But the children saw, and the Baroness saw...the guests surely did too, and she knew there would be plenty of gossip about Captain Von Trapp seducing his children's governess through dance. There was no way of avoiding the gossip now, and she felt ashamed to be a part of it.

Max had asked her to join the party after the children performed their song, Georg hiding beneath his flippant tone when he gave permission. She also didn't miss the look she received from Franz as he was instructed to set her a place at the table. A place that she never would sit, as she was much too nervous to actually attempt to join the party.

So there she sat, between the tall landscaped bushes and fragrant flowers of the garden maze, having run away yet again. It was a common occurrence in her life; she could admit fully to being considered a flight risk. She felt badly that she hadn't told anyone to proceed without her for dinner, but it was far too late to turn back. Her feet seemed to have had a mind of their own anyway.

She looked up to the clear sky, asking God for any guidance he could provide. She needed to talk to Georg, about so many things. She needed to make a plan for her future, a future she was terrified to think about, but vastly approaching. So many plans and decisions needed to be made. Suddenly, as if God were answering her, she heard footsteps approaching. She didn't move, allowing them to draw near. It was easy to tell who it was by the cadence of his steps.

"Maria?" She jumped, turning her head to see Georg standing next to her. She didn't expect him to reach her so quickly. "Is this where you've been all this time?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you come to dinner?" He sat next to her, taking her hand in his.

"So many reasons. I was afraid, I suppose." He moved to meet her eyes, and she shrugged. He looked apologetic, as if he were holding the weight of the world upon his shoulders.

"I'm sorry I couldn't control myself this evening. I needed to dance with you. I put you in a very awkward position." She shook her head, smiling a bit.

"You put yourself in more of one, I'm afraid." He nodded, looking around in case they would be heard.

"I don't even want to think about the gossip that will make its way around my social circle. As little as I care for such things, even I have to admit it's going to be brutal." She laid her head against his shoulder, an attempt to provide some comfort. "Distract me?"

"I didn't realize you were such a good dancer." He laughed, resting his head atop hers.

"I've truly never felt more alive dancing."

"It was so lovely."

"You are lovely, Maria." She rolled her eyes and pulled back to look at him, but he only took her chin in his hand, gently bringing her to his lips for a soft kiss. She couldn't help but smile.

"My goodness, Captain. You really are trying to seduce your governess." He laughed, running his thumb over her bottom lip.

"Is it working?"

"I'm afraid so. It seems I've been under your spell for quite a while." He smiled, leaning forward to press his lips against hers once more. He deepened the kiss, slowly massaging her lips with his own. It was a heavy kiss, sensual, and she felt her body reacting without him even needing to touch her.

He was obviously pained by the events of the evening, and it showed in the sensuality of his kiss, his tongue gently sliding into her mouth. She unbuttoned his jacket and ran her hands over his chest through his shirt, feeling his muscles ripple beneath her palms. She sighed into his mouth as he kissed her harder, his own hands beginning to explore as well.

He moved a hand up her dress, caressing one of her knees before sliding across the outside of her thigh, one of his fingers moving beneath the line of her panties upon her hip. She took his hand in her own and spread her legs, moving his fingers to the warmth between her thighs, and sighing when he touched her. He pulled away from their kiss as he began to tease her.

"Fraulein, I believe it is you who is seducing me." She smiled brightly, running a hand over the bulge in his pants.

"You did ask me to distract you." He laughed softly before she leaned forward and kissed him again, her fingers moving to unbuckle his belt. She moved her kiss over his neck, growing frustrated with the restricted space and loosening his tie and collar a bit. "Has everyone left?"

"Yes." She moved to straddle his lap, grinding herself against him and eliciting a sigh from his lips.

"I want you to take me, right here." He stood immediately, and she wrapped her legs around him as he carried her to a patch of grass, well off the footpath. As he lay her down, she found herself surrounded by flowers, their sweet scent floating on the summer breeze. He was quick to remove her panties, placing them in his jacket pocket so they didn't get lost, before pushing down his already unbuckled pants.

They both sighed as he entered her, their lips meeting in a demanding kiss as they began to move. Her body ached for him from the moment he took her hand to dance, and she wrapped her legs around his waist to pull him deeper. His tongue felt like silk against hers, his kiss smooth and direct. She wanted nothing more than to melt into him as one.

So many things had plagued her mind lately, but the one thing she was most afraid of was leaving him. She had promised she would, even looked forward to starting her new life at times, but suddenly as the end grew near, she dreaded the day when she had to say goodbye. This goodbye would have to be forever, as she knew she couldn't bear to see him married to another woman, or even see him without being able to hold him close; it was impossible. She hated the idea of breaking all ties with the family, but she knew in her heart it would be the best thing for all of them. No use in continuing to pour salt on their wounds if they needed to move on.

His breath was hot on her neck as he gently kissed her skin, one of his hands caressing her thigh as he thrust faster. She ran her hands through his hair, sighing heavily as he struck a particularly sensitive place inside of her. No man would ever compare to the way he made her feel, she wasn't even interested in trying. He was more than she had ever imagined, and the feeling of his body against hers was like a thousand waves crashing around her. She loved him, desperately.

She wrapped her arms tighter around his neck, pulling him close and burying her face into his shoulder as he brought her to the edge, his breathing heavy and weak. The familiar warmth began to spread throughout her body, her hips meeting his with every deep thrust. The sounds of her sighs met his ears as a gentle, musical breeze, and it was enough to push him over the edge along with her. It didn't last long; they weren't intending to take their time anyway when they could be caught at any moment. But when their bodies shook in unison, the passion felt beneath the surface bubbled to the top, and their hearts pounded together against their chests. Surrounded by the gentle scent of the flowers, the breeze blowing against their heated bodies, it was nearly too much for her to bear.

"Maria?" His breathless voice met her ears as their passion-filled eyes met. He touched her cheek tenderly, and she realized that she was crying. She touched her own cheek, wiping away the tears, but they wouldn't stop flowing from her eyes.

"I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize, darling. What's wrong?" She kissed his lips, and he ran a thumb over her cheek.

"I don't know. I'm overwhelmed."

"By me?" She laughed a bit, wiping her eyes.

"Something like that." She kissed him once more and moved to distance herself, but he firmly maintained their connection, his eyes staring deeply into her own. She looked at him in question, her brow furrowed.

"I love you." Her heart could have stopped in that moment, her breathing shallow. She opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't find the words. Her tears fell faster, she didn't know what to think. "I know we said no feelings, and I've tried so hard not to, but I love you. I know you'll be upset with me..."

"I love you too." Her words were quick, but stopped him from making the apology she didn't need to hear. She placed a hand upon his cheek, smiling. "I've loved you for so long."

He returned her smile, kissing her tenderly as a tear fell from his eye as well. She pulled him close, her arms wrapped tightly around him as he ran his hands through her hair. She couldn't believe anything that was happening. He loved her...even in her wildest dreams, she never imagined she would hear the words from his lips. When they finally broke their kiss, they shared a smile of relief.

To be continued...

xxxxxxxxxx

Thank you to everyone who has read, followed, reviewed, etc. I started the story just to write, and I can't believe it was so well received. I'm very appreciative.

I'm nearly finished with a sequel/part two. Keep an eye out!