“We are close to the trees. Do you think we can escape without being missed?” I asked, unable to see the action behind me.

“I’m not sure. The battle has moved off but there are still a few observers hanging back. I’ll go first and then you follow after a few minutes.” Edward stood up, pretending to have a stomach wound, as he staggered into the trees. I watched as he hid behind a large tree trunk, crouched down and looking at me. He nodded and I made my way toward him, feigning a leg wound.

As soon as we were out of sight we took off running through the trees, stopping only when we were hidden in a row of a large cornfield. Surrounded by green, we could hear the battle continue in the distance. Crashing his lips into mine, Edward released a wanton moan, urging my hands to explore his body. I didn’t know where this was headed, but holding him felt so right.

Jackets fell to the ground, followed by hats and muslin shirts. Blue and Grey, commingling on the firm, brown earth. Rubbing our chests together, feeling our tightening nipples brush against each other, I felt my woolen pants tighten. Smelling the musky hint of cologne, I buried my face in his neck, trying to savor it, file it away in my memories. Edward’s hand snaked between us, releasing the pewter buttons on my fly before he knelt before me.

Looking up at me through his lashes, he asked, “Have you ever?”

I shook my head and confessed, “You are the first person I’ve kissed.”

“Should I stop?”

“No,” I said, positive I wanted this to happen.