6
Night sounds filled the air as the sun set over the mountains. Stars appeared in the sky just as twinkling firebugs appeared in the forest. A soft breeze blew across the valley.
Core picked up a light blanket in case Avery became chilled. She was sitting on the lower level open deck. He strode along the platform walkway above a thick branch. It was the only access to this particular deck. Avery smiled at him when he held out the blanket.
“I was hoping you’d help keep me warm,” she teased.
“The only way to keep you completely warm is to cover you with my body,” he responded.
She lifted the glass of wine in her hand as he tenderly tucked the blanket around her bare legs, then sat forward so he could slide in behind her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close so she c
