The golden light of late afternoon spilled through the trees, dappling the grass with patches of warmth as Olivia and Liam settled onto their picnic blanket. The park was alive with the soft rustle of leaves, the distant laughter of children playing, and the occasional chirp of birds—nature’s perfect soundtrack to their quiet escape.
Olivia had packed the basket carefully—crusty bread still warm from the bakery, a wedge of creamy brie, ripe strawberries that glistened like rubies, and a bottle of crisp white wine chilling in a small cooler. Liam watched her with admiration as she arranged everything, her fingers brushing against the linen napkins, her lips curving into a satisfied smile.
“You’ve outdone yourself,” he murmured, reaching for the wine to pour them each a glass. The liquid shimmered in the sunlight as he handed hers, their fingers brushing just long enough to send a pleasant shiver down her spine.