** Eli **
The crescent moon was partially hidden behind clouds, making it a dark night perfect for clandestine meetings or elopements with a lover. Eli followed the bushy path to the bathhouse before turning around at the back of the building, winding his way quietly to the firewood shop.
He had barely located the bench Harper was talking about when a blur of frizzy auburn hair swept into his view, followed by a familiar soft body flying into his arms.
"Mmm, you feel so much nicer to hug than the teddy bear," Harper sighed in a happy whisper.
The silly comparison made Eli laugh. "And you feel so much nicer to hug when you aren't spilling water all over me," he reminded her of her earlier attention-stealing show that had almost left him drenched in a puddle. "Nicer to kiss too, I bet."
He wasted no more time claiming those delicious lips that had been out of reach for him for three days, a tortuous sight that kept tempting him with sin.
