So Deep

They found themselves in a small room, lit only by firelight, still holding hands. A loveseat sat across from the hearth, an open door just to the left. The windows were enormous and open with only a gauzy curtain for privacy. The air was warm and carried the scent of salt water. The sky was dark and filled with stars. When Beecher looked outside he couldn’t see another house, or for that matter, a road.

“Where are we?” He murmured, but when he turned to Aquina, saw her looking at him with those intense eyes, all other thoughts vanished. He went to her, reached for her.

Aquina, suddenly unsure of herself, tried to think of something witty to say. She knew she used sarcasm to hide her inner feelings, but it wasn’t going to work here. He knew her too well. She kept her eyes on his, darkening with anticipation as he drew nearer.

He wondered that he could find her so sweet, so simple after all their banter. He figured she kept it that way to disarm him. It was working.

He pulle