Chapter 6
Oliver wasn't wrong! The burgers and fries were pretty damn awesome. They had to be the tastiest this side of the Georgian Bay. God bless Oliver, Andy thought. She was by far his biggest fan right now. She smiled and relaxed in the passenger side of Sam's truck, turning her head frequently to enjoy Sam's profile against the majestic countryside of the resplendent Muskoka region.
The day was a definition of summer. It was blue-skied, breezy and sunny, with not a cloud to be seen. Andy was practically a flutter with excitement. There was something so overtly romantic and story bookish about escaping to a wood cabin in the forest with the one person you couldn't get enough of!
Sam made her laugh so much it hurt her bruised ribs. She clutched them protectively, as he cautioned that it might take a while for a "hambulance" to find them in the woodlands.
His hand lingered on her thigh for almost the whole drive, and the wind blew through her hair as they listened to music and drank in the rich verdant, rugged beauty of the sparkling lakes, striking granite outcrops, and magnificent forests. God it was breathtaking and she realized she had never felt so weightless, carefree, frivolous, inspired and in love with Sam.
They pulled up in front of Oliver's cottage well before sunset. Andy took a moment to drink in the rustic wooden bungalow nestled in the trees and festooned with rich vegetation of every kind. This was a far cry from the concrete jungle they lived in. It was pristine, serene and magical.
The squirrels chirped and scurried about and soothing birdsong filled the air! Three weeks in this cabin alone with Sam was a dream come true. She wanted to pinch herself, but feared she really would wake up from a dream too good to miss. God Bless Oliver!
"I knew you would love it here." Sam whispered behind her, his hands on her shoulders. "There are trails, sand beaches, lakes and streams everywhere. I figured you would be in your element here."
His arm dropped around her shoulders pulling her back against his strong chest.
"I am in my element wherever you are Sam." She replied softly her hands clinging to the arm that held her fast against him.
"Well this works for me," he teased. "I've got my girl to myself for three uninterrupted weeks, with only the birds and squirrels to keep us company." His voice was raspy as he breathed in her ear. Goose bumps rose to her skin even though it was still remarkably warm out.
"Oh don't forget the bears and the coyotes. They're everywhere in these parts." Andy teased pulling free and mocking him.
"Huh! You'll protect me. I've no doubt." He shot back his dimples cutting deep into his cheeks; his chiseled chin tilting up as he challenged her.
She began to laugh and the lilting sound rippled out across the treetops, eliciting curious chirpy replies form the resident squirrels.
"So do you want a tour of the cabin?" He asked swinging the keys before her eyes.
"Yes please." Andy responded eagerly following him up the stairs. The covered patio wrapped almost around the entire house and afforded unspoiled views of the brilliant vistas on every side.
Sam unlocked the door and she stepped inside the living room. It smelled of pine and cedar chips. A wood stove fire place dominated the room creating sweet harmony with the simple rustic furnishings. An open concept kitchen and dining area filled out the room. The appliances were rustic and dated, but seemed to belong there. Although sparsely decorated there was evidence of Celery's eccentric natural touches everywhere.
"It's perfect," Andy mused.
"Come see the rest," Sam pulled at her hand drawing her deeper into the house. "This is our room."
He opened a door and she wandered in. It was quaint and charming with its wood beams, high ceiling and handmade furnishings. Light spilled in from the two windows, and a quaint homespun iron queen bed dominated the room. A mosquito net bobbed above the flowery quilt. She gasped at how wondrous, inviting and romantic it all seemed.
"This is a great. You can see the lake through the window," she pointed moving towards it and looking out dreamily.
"The sun rises there and pours in early." He said moving beside her.
"Want to see how comfortable the bed is?" He suddenly teased mischievously, looking at her with boyish dare in his eyes.
"Hmm what about the tour?" she replied, her skin prickling at his invitation.
He deftly pulled her against him hands at her waist for a brief moment. Seconds later he lifted her in his arms, holding her tightly against his chest and carrying her to the bed.
"There's not much more to see," he mumbled his nose nudging hers seductively.
"I guess I will just take your word for it," Andy giggled lifting her pink Blue Jays baseball cap from her head and tipping it precociously on his. She slipped her hands behind his neck and laughed at him.
Sam roared with exaggerated exuberance shaking the cap from his head.
"Whoop!" Andy cried out in response as he swung her around in his arms.
"Take my word for it sweetheart," he growled coming to a sudden stop.
Then he lowered her to the softness of the bed. She clung to him as he covered her. She hungrily filled her arms with Sam; holding him against her as though she would never let him go.
This was going to be the perfect start to their three-week escape together.
"Perfect!" she gasped as she pulled his shirt off and buried her nose and lips in his chest.