Page 184 of Where Broken Wings Fly

Briar Valley has vanished into the coverage of trees and low-hanging clouds. We’re in a whole different slice of reality up here, superimposed over the rest of the mortal world.

“How did you find this place?”

“I hike a lot and came across it by accident.” I lower the backpack to the ground and stretch. “I haven’t brought anyone else here though. It’s kinda my secret spot.”

“But you brought me?”

“You can keep a secret, right?” I wink at her.

Her grin blossoms. “Hell yeah, I can.”

Spreading out the thick plastic sheeting and metal poles from my backpack, we manage to put the mountaineering tent up in less than half an hour. It’s positioned a few strides back from the edge of the cliff, giving an undisturbed viewpoint of the sunset.

“I’ll start a fire,” I decide. “Want to set up inside?”

Willow nods and rummages inside the backpack for the rest of our gear. I set about getting a campfire lit with odd twigs and leaves we gathered during our ascent.

Rolling out sleeping bags inside the tent and adding the finishing touches, Willow emerges with a contented sigh. I open the hip flask of whiskey I snuck into my coat pocket and pour two measures into our foldable cups.

“Drink?”

“Thanks. This view is so incredible.”

I look straight at her. “Yeah, it sure is.”

Willow blushes hard, her freckled cheeks dusted bright pink. “You’re not so bad yourself. As first dates go, this is impressive. I have nothing to compare it to though.”

“Me neither,” I admit.

“Really? Never?”

Taking a sip, I wince when the liquor burns my throat. “I’ve never had a girlfriend. You’re the first person I’ve ever wanted to… you know, get close to.”

“Damn, Micah.”

“People aren’t exactly my strong suit. Even Killian’s more sociable than me.”

“You’re better at this than you think.” Willow gestures to the blazing, multi-coloured sunset. “I’d class this as very romantic. Are you trying to woo me or something?”

“Woo you? What century is this?”

Her blush darkens. “You know what I mean.”

Abandoning my drink, I snag her shirt sleeve and pull her closer. Willow climbs into my lap, her jean-clad legs spread either side of my waist, so we’re flush against each other.

“Should I be wooing you?”

Her lips brush over mine. “Too late.”

Straddling my waist, her pert breasts are pressed up against my chest, straining to escape her top. I feel my dick stand to attention. We’ve fooled around, kissing and exploring, but I haven’t taken things further.

Part of me is terrified in case I mess things up. But as the world falls into insignificance beneath us, I decide to be brave. Willow is pretty much the only good thing in my life right now. She’s the welcome relief of rainfall after years of scorching drought.

“What are you thinking?” she questions.

“Since you arrived here… fuck, Willow. Everything has changed for me. You make me so happy, and I’d forgotten what that feels like. Until you.”

Her mouth grazes along my jawline, leaving teasing kisses. “I’m so thankful to have you in my life, Mi. More than you know. Your family saved my life.”

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