Trigger - Part 1

CHAPTER 13 - All That Matters

Shane wraps his hand in hers and helps her stand. "Night Maple." We both say simultaneously as Maple disappears around the corner.

"There are supplies stocked in the barn, let's go gather a few things before we settle in." His warm hand brushes against my back, helping me up.

"Shane, a few questions... Where are we going?"

His head shakes as a small smirk appears on his mouth.

"Always with the questions, hm okay, we are going to a house by a lake a few hours away." My stomach feels like it's overrun with butterflies at the touch of his hand against my face.

"Oh okay so we will be safe there?"

"Yes, you'll be with me." The tone of his voice sounds low as he lets out a small laugh.

Feeling his warm breath wash over my lips; staring at me with a small smirk.
"Anything else?"

I take a deep breath and try to speak but his presence over me turns my thoughts to mush. He leans closer and I feel his lips touch mine gently while his one hand still supports my back and the other caressing my face; he presses against my lips slowly at first then deepening the kiss. Every feeling surging through me makes me feel alive and not wanting it to ever end. I lean against the table wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

His kiss slowly comes to a halt as he clears his throat: "Not here."

Breathless I push him back a bit to see his face.

"Then let's find a place." I stand upright and start walking towards the front door but his hand tugs me softly.

"No, I mean not tonight."

A feeling of confusion surfaces but I try to push it down not wanting to cause a fight.
"What do you mean? I thought you-"
"-Believe me, I want to. I just don't want to rush it." He speaks in a low tone walking towards me.

"Then why do you do this? Why kiss me like that?"

I feel his soft hand brush against my face as he stares into my eyes, moving between them.

"Because you do things to me that makes it difficult for me to control myself.... But it's not about me... It's about you... I want to treat you the way you deserve to be treated."

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I open the car door, standing speechless, amazed by the view. I barely feel my stiff legs and back as I walk towards the lake surrounded by oak and fern trees. I look right and see a dock and further up a small wooden cabin. I notice Shane carrying bags towards the cabin and I jog towards him.

"Let me help you." I reach my hand out.
"No all good, why don't you take the keys and open up."

He sticks his hip out and I dig for the keys. We start walking towards the cabin and I open the door.

"Wow, it doesn't look so big from the outside." I say as I look around and walk towards the open kitchen.

"Yeah it's a hidden gem." He says as he places the bags down and closing the door behind him.

"What is this place?" I walk towards the fireplace and notice old picture frames sitting on top.

"Well this is Maples house... It's off the grid."

"Oh, wow that's very nice of her to help us like this." Shane carries the groceries we stocked to the kitchen and starts unpacking.

I walk towards him and help. "So we have basically everything we need."