The Great Outdoors!

Arriving at the resort just past 10 p.m., Tony and Angela quickly made their way to the front desk to check in and headed to their second-floor suite overlooking the lake with a spectacular view of the Green Mountains during the light of day.

Opening the large wooden door that led into a rustic, fully furnished living room area, they were taken back by the cozy atmosphere and outdoorsy appeal. With the fire already roaring in the fireplace, Tony dropped their bags next to the sofa and collapsed onto the brown leather,

"Come to papa!" He exclaimed, motioning for her to come sit on his lap.

Her eyes glowing, she quickly made her way to him and sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, "I've missed this!" She buried her face into his neck, pulling him tighter into her embrace. They sat, snuggled together, in comfortable silence for a few minutes, enjoying the warmth of the fire in each other's arms. Tony felt Angela's deep inhale against his chest as her lips began to trace the curves of his neck, along his jawline, finally landing upon his lips for a soft tender kiss.

"You know," he uttered between gentle kisses, "Your sweet kisses every morning and then every night before we separate to our respective rooms," another soft kiss, "Is what keeps me going day in and day out. But" he took a deep breath, absorbing her natural scent to memory, "Having you in my arms, is every dream come true!" He crashed his lips upon hers for a deeper, more passionate kiss. With their lips firmly locked together, Angela maneuvered herself over Tony, so she was now straddling him on the couch. Their tongues and arms intertwined in each other's, their passionate longing for one another no longer able to be contained.

Breaking their contact, Angela reached for the hymn of her blouse and quickly discarded it, revealing her lacy, white bra and perfectly toned torse to an ever-excited Tony. Although no longer a stranger to the sight before him, Tony relished the moment, studying every inch of her with his eyes as his hands ascended up her sides, coming to rest on her perfectly firm breast.

"God you are so incredibly beautiful," he gushed, holding her eye for a solid five seconds enjoying the feel of her in his hands. "I've missed them," he grinned, rubbing his thumbs over the lace, causing her to release a slight moan. Sliding his hands along her chest to her back, he reached around her, taking her lips as he found the clasp of her bra and undid it. Pulling the straps off her shoulders, his lips trailed from her mouth, down her neck, to her shoulders, finally finding his way to her breast, taking one into his mouth as his hand found its way back over the other. Angela leaned her head back, inhaling deeply as she relished the feel of his tongue around her. Feeling his excitement grow beneath her, his jeans becoming tighter by the second, she cupped his head, bring his face to meet hers as she took his mouth in hers, "Lets move this to the bedroom," she hummed against his lips, "I think you're about to get really uncomfortable really soon," her voice low and seductive as she looked down at the bulge in his pants.

Before she knew it, he raised off the couch in one swift motion, her straddled in his strong arms, her long legs wrapped around him as he carried them into the adjoining bedroom. Laying her down onto the bed, he took a quick look around, taking in the atmosphere as well as the beautiful woman in front of him.

"It's beautiful," she whispered.

"Not as beautiful as you," he returned, leaning down to capture her lips. Noting the small candle dishes on the nightstand, he stood back up and whispered, "Wait right there, don't move,'' as he reached for the matches, struck one and set the room aglow with candlelight as the flickering of the fireplace illuminated behind him.

"Perfect," he exclaimed, laying eyes back upon her as he slowly leaned backdown again, his eyes fixed on hers, "I love you so much," he whispered, taking her lips to his yet again. Wrapping her arms around him, she scooted herself slightly, making room for him to join her on the bed. Lost in each other's embrace, their longing for one another slowly became satisfied as they took their time to rediscover every inch of the other. Their love making was focused and intense, each reserving special attention to the other's needs, discovering each time, how friends could turn into great lovers.

The golden sun slowly crept over the Green Mountain range, glistening like diamonds atop the sprawling lake. As the sun's rays caught Tony's eyes, he shuffled slightly, fighting the urge to wake up and greet the day, opting instead to bring Angela's sleeping body closer into his embrace. Her head was laying on his shoulder, his arm wrapped firmly around her perfectly toned body. He nuzzled his cheek against her head- lightly, careful not to wake her, enjoying the feel of her body against his, her breathing matching his heartbeat, her hand resting gently on his chest. As she lay there sleeping, Tony held her tight, thinking back at their eight years of friendship and love trying to determine what exactly he had done to deserve her love, to be worthy of her, to be the one she had chosen to share her life with. He still harbored so many insecurities about them as a couple, he questioned his ability to be the man she deserved and worried about never being able to match her success. But he was committed to her, he'd reassured her that he loved her enough to put aside his insecurities and be the man she deserved. His brow furrowed at the thought of never living up to her expectations of him but then sighed knowing it wasn't her expectations of him that fueled his insecurities but rather his own expectations of himself. She loved him- him, the ex-pro ball player, him the widower, him the single father, him the housekeeper, him the college student. He would never fully understand what she saw in him, but he knew that she believed in him, that she had faith in him and that with her, he could change the world- he held her tightly. A slight smile began to form on his lips as the realization came to him that there was nobody else in the world, he could see spending the rest of his life with, nobody he would try so faithfully to make happy, to make feel loved and special, just the way she made him feel every moment of his life. It was in that moment he took her scent in, felt her arms tighten around him that he resolved to make her his wife.

The flutter of his heart racing caused her to shift slightly, snuggling up closer against him, "I know your awake," she sighed, never opening her eyes.

"How did you know?"

"I could feel your heart beating faster and your breathing changed," opening her eyes, shifting her gaze up to face him, "Good Morning!" She smiled.

Taken back by her sleepy observation, his lip lifted into a half smile, "You knew I was awake by my breathing and heartbeat?" He narrowed his eye on her.

"I'm very observant," she giggled. "Why didn't you wake me?"

Smiling down on her, he kissed her forehead, "Because I was enjoying holding you while you slept and good morning to you," he wiped a stand of blond hair that had fallen across her face before kissing her forehead again.

"You know, I love when you do that?" Her face aglow with love.

"Do what? Watch you sleep?" He questioned.

"No," she lifted up onto her elbow, meeting his eyes, "When you kiss me on my forehead." A soft smile lighting up her face.

"You love when I kiss your forehead?" He chuckled. "Why?"

"Because it makes me feel loved," she gushed tenderly.

Tears swelled in is his eyes as the enormity of her words penetrated his heart and he felt every insecurity and doubt he had about their relationship dissipate. "I love you more than you'll ever know, and I hope I can spend the rest of my life showing you how much." He pulled her up into him, capturing her lips for a kiss filled with a thousand emotions.

Settling back into a cozy cuddle, Tony caressed her hair as she made swirls on his chest with her fingers, "So, what's the plan for today?" She broke the silence that had fallen between them.

"I don't know, what do you want to do?"

Leaning into him, taking his nipple in her mouth, suckling it as she threw her leg over him, bringing her full body into contact with him, she smiled and seductively muttered, "Well, we could stay in bed all day and well, you know," she winked, wiggling her torso against his, awakening his entire body.

"Oh ya?" He wrapped his arms around her waist, "And just what might you have in mind if we did that?" He licked his lips, drawing them into a devilish grin.

"Well," she pecked his lips, "How about-"

As the words left her mouth, Tony felt her rapid decent down his body and her lips suddenly wrapped around his manhood. Trying to gather control of his senses but fully engulfed in the pleasure that she was bestowing upon him, Tony dropped his head back as his body began to match her thrusts. Feeling himself reaching his peek, he quickly reached down, grabbing Angela by the shoulders, bringing her up to a straddle over him, and in a swift, effortless move, inserted himself into her brining them both to orgasm together.

Regaining his senses and their breaths, Tony panted, "Holy shit Angela, are you trying to give me a heart attack?" He grabbed his chest dramatically, trying to slow his heart rate.

"Did you not enjoy it?" She replied coyly.

"Hell, ya I enjoyed it," he grabbed her hand, kissing it softly, "I just didn't except that this morning. Thank you! You're amazing!"

The blush rising in her cheeks, "Just wanted to do something special for you." She leaned over and kissed his lips.

"That was special alright, wow," he exclaimed, "Just wow!" He smiled.

"I'm glad you enjoyed," she smirked. "So now what?"

Looking over at her, still trying to regain his breathing, "Well, if we're going to do that again," he winked, "I need some energy. How about we go check out this place and get some breakfast?"

"I am a bit on the ravished side this morning, can't imagine why?" Her tone low and seductive, "I could probably use some energy my own self." She captured his lips for a lustful kiss.

While Angela showered, Tony set out to make some surprise plans for their day together. Yes, laying in bed with her all day sounded amazing but he wanted them to explore the beautiful scenery around them and who knows, maybe partake in some outdoor personal exploration, he thought to himself. "Oh, how I love the great outdoors," he murmured, hanging up the phone after finalizing their plans.

Having made their way down to the resort restaurant, they indulged in a luxurious feast while enjoying a spectacular view of the mountains and lake.

"It's absolutely breathtaking," Angela gushed looking out the floor-to-ceiling window next to their table. "I think that lake goes on forever," she observed.

"740 acres," Tony confirmed. "What do you say we go explore a few acres together?" He smiled brightly.

"Tony, that water's gotta be freezing by now, it's November!"

"No silly," he chuckled, "Not swimming, even I'm not that crazy!" He reassured. "I was thinking more along the lines of a horseback ride through the meadows, with a picnic lunch on the mountain top looking over the valley?" His eyes twinkling with excitement.

Her mouth dropped as her eyes became larger than pools, "Awwww Tony, that sounds absolutely amazing," she grabbed his hand across the table, "What do we have to do? Let's go get information about how we can do that." Her face glowing with excitement, "Oh my god, I don't have any riding clothes, I can't go riding in these jeans, I'll never get on the horse," she rambled frantically.

Overcome with laughter listening to her rambling, Tony finally composed himself, "Angela," he chuckled again, "Sweetheart, it's all been taken care of." He smiled warmly.

"What, how?" She was confused.

A cocky smirk on his face, "While you were in the shower, I set it all up." He smirked. "Your riding clothes are being delivered to the room as we speak, and we're all set to mount up as soon as you're ready."

Her eyes swelled with tears, "Awww Tony, you never cease to amaze me, I can't believe you did all that for us."

"Only for you my love," he kissed her hands, "I never want to see that smile leave your face so if I can do anything to assure it stays there forever, I'll spend every day trying."

"Just having you beside me, gives me all reason I need to smile, Tony. I love you!" A solitary tear escaped her eye.

"And I love you, more than I'll ever be able to express!" Their eyes fixed upon each other. "What do you say we blow this joint and get started on our adventure?" He motioned towards the door with his head.

"I'd love to," she leaned across the table, placing a soft kiss on his lips.

Having changed into their rented riding attire, Tony and Angela made their way to the barn to meet their new riding companions for the day, two beautiful chestnut gildings with white blazes centered perfectly down their face.

"Oh, they're beauuuutifullll," Angela gushed, "What's their names," she inquired to the barn hand, stepping forward to rub one's muzzle.

"That's Ricochet you're loving on there ma'am, and this here is Whiskey," he walked toward the other horse, leading him over to the couple.

"Absolutely gorgeous," she reached towards Whiskey for a soft pat to his side.

"Which one you want Ang?" Tony asked.

"Oh, I don't know, they are both so beautiful!"

"Come on Angela, they'll both be with us either way, just pick one." Tony's tone a slightly annoyed.

"Well excuse me," she narrowed her brow, "I just want to make sure I get a good ride," she flicked her head turning back toward Ricochet. "I know you'll give me good ride won't you buddy," she nuzzled her nose into his snout, "And you won't get snooty with me either, will you?" She rubbed his face.

Shaking his head and chuckling, Tony turned towards the barn hand, "Well there you have it man, replaced by a four-legged stud just like that," he snapped his fingers.

"Oh, you haven't been replaced YET," she empathized with a sly smile, "It'll all depend on what kind of a ride he gives me!" Her tone sultry and seductive.

"Well on that note," the barn hand exclaimed, his cheeks turning a dark shade of red, "Let me get your saddle bags with your picnic lunch so you fine folks can be on your way," quickly making his exit to the backroom to collect the bags while Tony and Angela initiated a staring contest.

Sending Tony and Angela on their way, the barn hand turned to one of the farm hands, "That was one intense stare, I hope we get our horses back, because those two over yonder might just get lost in each other out there." He smiled at witnessing the flames Tony and Angela immitted for each other.

Tony and Angela set out along the path the barn hand directed them to, a beautiful trail along the lake shore, winding in and out of the tree covered woods. Due to the late nature of the season, horseback riding usually ended in late October because of the weather, Tony and Angela were fortunate enough to take advantage of the last available ride of the season allowing for near complete seclusion along the paths as they immersed themselves in the beautiful nature surrounding them. Deer, rabbits, squirrels, red robins, eagles and even a few slidery friends greeted them along their adventure. Arriving high atop the Green Mountain, with a stunning view of the valley and lake below, Tony and Angela hitched their ponies to a nearby tree and set out to enjoy their picnic.

Tony spread out a blanket and unpacked their saddle bags as Angela admired the breathtaking view.

"Tony," she hollered over her shoulder, "You've got to see this absolutely beautiful view." She gushed.

Breaking away from his chore, he walked over to her, wrapped his arms around her from behind, leaned his chin on her shoulder, "Breathtaking," he sighed taking in the sight before him.

"I've lived in New England all my life but never took the time to explore it and appreciate it's beauty. Thank you, Tony, for bringing me here and setting this all up. It's been absolutely perfect." She turned into his embrace placing a soft kiss upon his lips.

"Not as perfect as you though," he whispered breaking their lips apart. Placing a tender kiss on her forehead, he took her hand and led her back towards the blanket and their picnic.

"Hungry?" He inquired.

"Starving," she smiled, "I'd forgotten what an appetite horse riding gives me," she giggled, "Yet they're doing all the work," she motioned towards the horses resting by the tree.

"Well, I've got just the thing for you then," Tony removed the napkin covering her plate.

Laying her eyes upon the feast before her, shrimp cocktail, a variety of cheeses, fruits and a mixed salad, "Oh Tony, that looks delicious," she picked a grape off the vine, "You're just always full of surprises aren't," she fed him a grape.

"Wait, not done yet," he lifted another napkin revealing a bottle of champagne and two plastic flutes, "Just for you, my lady!"

"Awww Tony," she gushed, "You think of everything don't you?" She took the flute he handed her. Taking a sip, she leaned her head back, "Oh, delicious, absolutely perfect!" She smiled.

Enjoying their delicacies, they maintained easy conversation, enjoying the view and the beautiful sounds of nature. Angela updated Tony on the latest campaign she had been consumed with over the preceding weeks and Tony filled her in on his reservations and concerns over his upcoming finals.

"Tony, you're going to do amazing just as you always do; Always worrying and fretting over finals and you ace them each time." She affirmed.

"Ya but Ang, this is my second to last semester, these classes have been tough, and I've got to pull A's in every class if I want to keep my GPA up for graduation. Angela, what if I can't get a job and all this was for nothing." His insecurities rearing their ugly head again as he began to ramble on. "I can't stay our housekeeper forever." He sighed.

"Tony," she placed her hand on his cheek, "You're going to do fine and you're going to get an amazing job, and everything will work out just as it's meant to, you just have to believe in yourself and have faith it'll all work out." She lovingly gazed into his eyes.

Taking a deep breath, he shook his head, "How do you do it Angela, how do you always see the best in me and believe in me so faithfully?" His voice trembling with emotions.

"Because I love you," she leaned forward, capturing his lips in hers. Wrapping his arms around her, deepening their kiss, Tony leaned them both back onto the blanket.

As their kissing intensified and their hormones became ranging, Tony sat up breathless, "Angela, I think we need to get out of here and go back to our room, there's a different horse I want you to ride today, and Ricochet ain't it." His tone longing and lustful.

Reaching up, beginning to unbutton his shirt, Angela pulled him towards her, "There's still a lot about the great outdoors I think you need to learn about." She crashed her lips upon his, taking his full mouth in hers as they set out to discover all the beauty nature provided them.