The cabin deep in the forest hummed with a warm glow. Strings of star-shaped lanterns cast a golden light over the room, their gentle flickers reflecting in her dark eyes. A soft breeze whispered through the curtains, carrying the crisp scent of pine and distant rain.
Lena sat curled up in the bed, wrapped in a loose shawl, her red lace bralette peeking through the dim candlelight. Her pulse quickened as Ethan pulled the heavy blanket over their legs, his white shirt hanging open, revealing the warmth of his skin. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, his voice low and tender.
Lena’s lips parted as she gazed at him, her heart pounding in sync with the quiet rustle of the leaves outside. “You always say that,” she whispered back, a teasing smile tugging at her lips.
“Because it’s always true.”
The storm had passed earlier that evening, leaving behind the scent of rain and the glistening sheen of droplets on the wooden porch. They had spent the night curled up beside the fire, whispering secrets, lost in each other’s warmth. Now, as the night deepened, the world outside seemed to disappear, leaving only them—two souls wrapped in moonlight and longing.
A small purring bundle lay curled beside the lantern, the tiny cat that had wandered into their lives only days ago. It stirred slightly, stretching its paws but remained nestled in peaceful slumber.
Ethan traced his fingers along Lena’s arm, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. “I wish we could stay like this forever,” he said, pressing his forehead against hers.
Lena closed her eyes, inhaling the scent of him—of firewood, rain, and something entirely his own. “Then let’s make tonight last as long as we can.”
Their lips met, slow and tender, as the stars outside burned with a quiet passion, mirroring the love that bloomed between them.
And in that moment, the world outside ceased to exist.
