* * *
Greyson lay next to Olivia, studying the way her eyelashes curled against her cheeks as she slept. They had made love through the night, desperately holding on to one another. Greyson had given herself to Olivia completely, holding nothing back. That time in her life was over. She would never deny herself what Olivia offered.
Sunlight began to filter into the room, filling it with a warm glow. Greyson watched a beam of light filter through the window to shine on Olivia’s milky white skin, making her look almost ethereal. Olivia twitched in her sleep, and Greyson wondered what she was dreaming. She had held Olivia night after night in that dark place, shielding her from the evil around them. She knew the safety she had offered wasn’t real, but the comfort they’d found in each other had made their hell more bearable.
Holding Olivia now was different. She felt as if a part of her soul had been restored. The soft, even rise and fall of Olivia’s chest with each breath was testament to her resilience, her innocent belief in the good in the world. Greyson needed that reminder so she wouldn’t become lost in the horrors of her fear.
Olivia shifted, opening her eyes to find Greyson watching her. She smiled. “Who’s spying now?” she teased.
Greyson smiled. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” Olivia replied. “How long have you been awake?”
Greyson smoothed her fingers over Olivia’s lips. “A while. I’ve enjoyed watching you sleep.”
“Did you get any rest at all?” Olivia asked, worry beginning to crease her brow. “It was really late when we finally went to sleep.”
Greyson kissed her lightly on the lips. “I’m fine.”
Olivia smiled. “Okay. I’ll stop dithering.” She slid closer to Greyson, laying her head on Greyson’s shoulder. She sighed as Greyson wrapped her comforting arms around her.
“Can I ask you a question?” Olivia asked, thinking of their conversation the night before.
“Of course,” Greyson answered.
“Why do you need to go back? What do you think you’ll find on the trail?”
Greyson hesitated. “Like I said, I want to finish what I started.”
“But there’s more, isn’t there?” Olivia coaxed.
Greyson nodded. “When we were in that place, I kept having these dreams of being on the trail. There was this old woman, Lucile, who kept visiting me. She gave me warnings, advice. I felt like she was watching over me. I guess I want to go see if she’s out there.”
Olivia frowned. “Have you dreamed about her since we got out?”
Greyson nodded. “Once. I feel like she wants me to come. I know that sounds weird, but it’s just something I need to do.” She peered down at Olivia. “Will you come with me?”
Olivia pulled Greyson tighter against her and brushed a kiss against her cheek. “I would follow you anywhere, Greyson Cooper.”
Greyson smiled. “Can I tell you something?”
Olivia looked up at her. “Anything.”
Greyson stared at her a moment, gathering her courage. “I love you.”
Olivia’s eyes widened.
Greyson swallowed. “I know that’s a bit heavy for the second first date and everything, but I didn’t want another day to slip by without telling you. I hope that doesn’t change your mind.”
Olivia smiled. “I’ll never change my mind about you.” She pulled Greyson’s head down and kissed her. “I was so afraid of losing you in that place that I was afraid to allow myself to feel, but the truth is, I’ve loved you for a while now. So much, I haven’t been able to think or talk about anything else since I got home.”
“Really?” Greyson asked, trying to hide her smile.
Olivia nodded. “Yes, really. I love you.” She kissed Greyson again.
Greyson groaned against her mouth.
Olivia sat up, pulling the covers around herself. “What would you like to do today? Or do you need to get back to your place?”
“Well, I thought we could go to my place together. I’d like you to see my boat.”
“Hmm,” Olivia purred. “I’d like that.”
“Good, but first I would like to take you to breakfast.”
“Breakfast, huh?”
Greyson shrugged. “It sounds like the perfect beginning, don’t you think?”
Olivia smiled. “Perfect.”
About the Author
Donna K. Ford is a Licensed Professional Counselor who spends her professional time assisting people in their recovery from substance addictions. She holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice, a BS in psychology, and an MS in community agency counseling. When not trying to save the world, she spends her time in the mountains of East Tennessee enjoying the lakes, rivers, and hiking trails near her home.
Reading, writing, and enjoying conversation with good friends are the gifts that keep her grounded. Her book Love’s Redemption was a 2016 Foreword INDIES finalist.
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