Chapter 26: A Threatening Intruder

"What's next?" Lily asked as Gavin helped her down from the rock. They'd sat for some time, enjoying the silence, but now Gavin was eager to move on. Feeling safe at his side, Lily was willing to let Gavin be her guide. She smiled shyly at him.

Gavin flashed a victorious smile. "Are you sure you don't want to rush home?" he teased her. "Isn't it past your bedtime?"

"It's not even midnight," Lily said. She felt energized by the sights and sounds of the mostly-deserted park. Her senses were on fire. She could even hear a twig snap across the pond.

Several times, Lily considered the possibility that she was dreaming, but she didn't care. She wanted to enjoy every second of the evening before she was forced, one way or the other, back to reality.

"Intoxicating, isn't it?" Gavin said, pleased to see her embracing the adventure.