"Jack!" She almost yelled.

"Hmm?" He blinked, dragging his eyes and mind back to her eyes. He hoped she hadn't been calling him while he was lost in thoughts. "Sorry."

She looked at him suspiciously, but the smile was still on her face.

"Where did you travel to?" she asked. "Don't tell me we came all the way here for you to have the right environment for cooking up a story."

“No, not at all” Jack's gaze shifted towards the canopy of trees above them. The spot they were in was pleasantly cool. Sarah had told him that this was a place where their family used to come to be together, just the four of them. It was tucked away in a shaded area of the meadow.

As Jack looked around, he could envision how they could have spent days there. The space was big enough for them to set up tents, secluded enough for privacy, and tranquil enough to feel like a true escape from everyday life. And just a few steps away, there was a stream that had been flowing steadily for years, providing them with water for bathing and other necessities during their camping trips. They would bring all the supplies they needed and spend their days as a unit, without having to serve or entertain anyone else.

As Jack scanned his surroundings, he could imagine a joyous family spending time in these exact spots, growing closer with every passing moment. It sounded like an idyllic existence. He would have traded all his fame and success to experience that kind of love and connection...and maybe even have a written manuscript that wasn't just smut.

“I wish I could” He paused for a moment, considering his words. When she did not interject, he continued. "I mean, I could find inspiration in this place, but what's the point? None of it will ever be seen or read by anyone." She reached out and grabbed his arm, her expression full of concern. "It's not your fault. You were just ignorant and desperate at the time."

Jack pulled his arm away from her, feeling unworthy of her understanding. "I had my priorities all wrong. I thought what I wanted was the most important thing. But now I see that there are much better things to want and even more spectacular things that I need, but may never have."

"Like what?" Her voice trembled with emotion as she asked.

Jack glanced at her, wondering if she truly wanted to hear his answer. Her kind eyes seemed to understand and encourage him.

He exhaled slowly, feeling the intensity of those eyes weighing on him.

As he laid back down on the soft blanket, surrounded by the rustling plants and their gentle rhythm, he intertwined his fingers beneath his head for support.

She followed suit and laid down beside him.

"I want to write, Sarah."

"You're already a talented writer, Jack."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"That's because I write sex, and sex sells. Plus, you know the darkness behind those words. " Jack was not looking at her but he felt the power of her gaze on him. I'm simply tapping into people's desires and putting them into words. It's not that impressive or unique, really. Anyone with a fascination for sex and a few hours of porn consumption could do it."

"Don't downplay your talent, Jack. While it may be influenced by something beyond you, there's a reason why you're the best-selling author and not just some random nut writing about sex."

"So why didn't anything get published before the devil's kiss?" Jack grumbled.

"How long did you even try?" she prodded.

Jack paused, reflecting on his efforts. Was he just whining and giving up too easily? Could he have achieved success as a real writer without making a deal with the devil? It all seemed like a hazy dream now, tainted by regret.

She watched him intently, her eyes seeming to search for the man who she believed was more than his past mistakes. Jack sighed, realizing he needed to confront his regrets rather than wallow in them. His mind shifted to the present, to the woman standing before him, the one who had believed in him when he hadn't believed in himself.

Jack used a finger to tip up her head. "Look at me," he said. She did.

"These past weeks with you have been life-changing, and I am not lying about that. I came here overwhelmed with vague ideas of how I would rather live and exist. Nothing was sure..." His eyes were drawn down to her lips.

She cleared her throat, and licked her lips. "And now?" Her voice was softer, almost husky.

"You made me realize the real things I needed... the things I wanted." Jack closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling her scent, letting it seep into his veins. "A real friend. A creative, free mind. A happy, contented life."

"I... erhmm..." Her words faltered, her voice barely recognizable now. Jack edged closer. "I'm happy you found all that in Lily Corner. I’m happy for you."

Jack shook his head and gently raised her chin, his gaze meeting hers, no longer hiding the desire burning inside him. "I didn’t find them here. I found them in you."

"Jack..." She closed her eyes, as if trying to push him out of her thoughts. But her breathing betrayed her, quickening. Her legs crossed at the ankles, a sign of her unease. "I appreciate it... I mean, your recognition of how much these weeks have meant. But we can't rush anything."

"Rush what?" Jack leaned in closer, his lips nearly brushing hers. He could feel the tension building in her, see it in the way her eyes flickered, hear it in the words she couldn’t bring herself to say. "You have to talk to me, Sarah."

"We've only known each other a few weeks," she whispered, her voice shaky. "We can’t make any commitments. There’s too much at stake."

Jack brushed his fingers against her cheek, his touch featherlight. "Right now, all I see is you and me."

"I know," she breathed.

"You know what?" Jack teased gently, his lips curling into a smile. "I’ve liked you for such a long time now? And maybe—just maybe—you might feel the same, if only I were worthy enough?

"Stop that!" Sarah glared at him with widened eyes. "Don't speak of yourself that way. All that is needed to change a man is recognition of self and a decision. And you have that. You have done that."

Sorrow suddenly filled Jack's heart. "And is that enough?" he asked her, regretting all the wrong turns he should never have taken, all stemming from that one wrong turn. "Can you allow us to be attracted to each other completely, and see what is in it for us, because of that?"

"Well..." She reached out to touch his face, causing his heart to race. "We have hours until nightfall... Maybe... we could use this time to see how things develop between us?"