They walked out onto the wooden deck, the night air cool against their skin. The fire crackled, sending sparks up into the darkness. Camila pulled a soft, oversized blanket from the back of a chair and draped it over the low, cushioned bench that faced the lake.
Jennifer let out a sigh that was half relief, half frustration. “You have no idea.” She stretched, feeling the tension in her shoulders melt a fraction as she took a sip of the rosé. “What did you have in mind?”
Camila’s eyes flickered to the firepit outside, then back to Jennifer’s. “Why don’t we take the night outside? The stars are out, the fire’s warm… and I’ve got something else in mind.”
Jennifer’s pulse quickened. The idea of stepping out of her routine, of letting go of the mother‑mode that had been her default for so long, sent a thrill through her. She set her glass down, feeling a sudden, unexpected heat rise in her chest.
Jennifer felt a flush spread across her cheeks. “I… I don’t know if I’ve ever… let anyone see that side of me.”
Jennifer’s body responded instinctively. She wrapped her arms around Camila, drawing her tighter, feeling the heat of Camila’s skin against her own. The world narrowed to the feel of their bodies, the rustle of the blanket, the crackle of the fire, and the distant hoot of an owl. The lake reflected the moonlight, shimmering like silver threads across their skin.