Just a note to let you know that I do not have an update schedule. However, I will update it as often as I can.
The waning crescent moon hung low in the sky, offering just enough light for Asher and Vannah to make their way along the narrow hiking trail. The forest around them was alive with nocturnal sounds – the soft hooting of an owl, the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.
"Almost there," Asher said, his voice low and excited. He reached back, offering his hand to help Vannah over a particularly gnarled tree root. The touch of her hand in his sent a thrill through him, and he found himself reluctant to let go.
Vannah, for her part, was enjoying the warmth of Asher's hand and the quiet intimacy of the moment. "This is beautiful, Asher," she murmured. "I can't believe I've never been up here before."
A few minutes later, they emerged from the tree line onto a small clearing. The view took Vannah's breath away. Spread out before them was a panoramic vista of the valley below, the distant city lights twinkling like earthbound stars. Above, the night sky was a canvas of deep indigo, studded with countless pinpricks of light.
"Oh, Asher," Vannah breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's beautiful."
Asher grinned, clearly pleased by her reaction. "Wait until you see it through the telescope," he said, setting down his backpack and beginning to unpack their picnic.
They worked together to spread out a blanket and arrange their midnight feast – an assortment of cheeses, fruits, and a bottle of wine. Asher set up his portable telescope off to one side.
As they settled onto the blanket, Vannah found herself hyper-aware of Asher's proximity. The air between them seemed charged with possibility.
"So," Asher said, pouring them each a glass of wine, "shall we start with some stargazing, or would you prefer to eat first?"
Vannah smiled, taking the offered glass. "Let's stargaze," she said. "I'm eager to see what you can show me."
For the next hour, Asher guided Vannah through the night sky. He pointed out constellations, his voice soft and passionate as he shared the myths behind each one. Vannah found herself captivated, not just by the stars, but by Asher's enthusiasm and knowledge.
As Vannah peered through the telescope at Saturn's rings, she felt Asher's hand come to rest lightly on her lower back. The touch sent a shiver up her spine, and she turned to find him watching her, his eyes dark and intense in the starlight.
"Your turn," she said softly, stepping back from the telescope.
As Asher leaned in to look, Vannah's gaze was drawn to the strong line of his jaw, the way his shirt stretched across his shoulders. She found herself wanting to reach out and touch him.
Suddenly, a streak of light flashed across the sky. "Asher, look!" Vannah exclaimed, pointing.
They both turned their eyes skyward just in time to see another shooting star arc across the heavens.
"Quick, make a wish," Asher said, his voice husky.
Vannah closed her eyes, but found she didn't need to wish for anything. Everything she wanted was right here.
When she opened her eyes, she found Asher looking at her, his gaze intense. Slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wanted, he leaned in. Vannah met him halfway, their lips coming together in a soft, exploratory kiss.
The kiss deepened quickly, years of pent-up loneliness and desire fueling their passion. Vannah's hands found their way to Asher's hair, while his arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily. Asher rested his forehead against Vannah's, a smile playing on his lips. "I've been wanting to do that since the moment you walked into my classroom," he admitted.
Vannah laughed softly, her heart racing. "I'm glad you finally did," she murmured, before pulling him in for another kiss.
They spent the rest of the night talking, laughing, and stealing kisses under the starry sky. As the first hints of dawn began to color the horizon, they reluctantly packed up their picnic and telescope.
As they made their way back down the trail, hand in hand, Vannah felt a sense of excitement and possibility she hadn't experienced in years. Whatever this was between her and Asher, she was eager to see where it might lead.
Asher squeezed her hand, as if reading her thoughts. "So," he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice, "when can I see you again?"
Vannah smiled up at him, her heart feeling lighter than it had in years. "How about dinner? Tomorrow night?"
Asher's answering smile was radiant. "It's a date," he said, leaning in for one more kiss as the new day dawned around them.
I should probably mention that in this book, Asher is 61 and Vannah is 47 turning 48. In my author's notes, I will add the ages of the character when they make their first appearance in this story.
