Summer Solace by Maggie Ryan Page B

from her quiet time when a sudden loud rustling came from the shadows. Joanna jerked up so fast she almost lost her balance as her bottom was not supporting her weight.
    “Whoa, honey, it’s okay,” Gabe said as he grabbed her flailing arms. He shook his head trying to suppress his amusement. “Jo, look,” he said quietly and pointed towards the trees. Joanna followed his finger and saw a fat raccoon waddling at the edge of the woods. Her heart slowed from its frantic beating and she relaxed.
    “Geez, a ranger who is scared to death of a sneaky raccoon,” she giggled.
    Gabe smiled and then helped her to stand. He pulled up her clothing and then guided her from the table. He picked her up and was soon seated on the camp chair with her on his lap. Joanna smiled, the raccoon forgotten as she felt the comfort sweep through her. She laid her head on Gabe’s shoulder.
    Gabe tightened his grip around her. They stared at the fire and watched the glowing embers. Joanna smiled against his chest and thought about how her bottom had been popped and made to glow. Gabe heard her giggle and smiled. His woman was easy to read, especially when she was upset or very content. Though she would probably argue, he knew she always became relaxed and happy after her discipline was over. He allowed his hand to move from where it had been stroking down her back to cup her bottom. He adored the slight hiss of her indrawn breath as he gently rubbed the seat of her shorts.
    “Sore?” he asked, his voice barely audible.
    She moaned as she felt him give her a gentle squeeze. She felt tender but incredibly satisfied. “Just a little,” she admitted and he chuckled.
    “Noted…I will remember next time,” he promised with a leer.
    She grinned and pushed up to look at his face. He smiled and bent to kiss her softly.
    “What makes you think there will be a next time?” she challenged. “Didn’t you hear me promise I’d never misbehave again?”
    The woods rang with the sound of Gabe’s laugh and she shivered.
    “Oh, babe, if I had a dollar for every time you’ve promised me that, we’d be rich,” Gabe said.
    She playfully slapped at his chest and squirmed. He only tightened his grip.
    “I’ll plead the fifth but right now I need to go to the bathroom,” Joanna said.
    Gabe was still chuckling as he helped her to stand. He took her hand and they walked down the trail towards the distant bathroom. When she reappeared, it was to find him standing on the path, his head back as he gazed up at the stars. She smiled and went to him. Without looking, he drew her into his arms, her back pressed to his chest. She turned her gaze to the heavens as well.
    “Stunning isn’t it?” he asked and she nodded remembering Amber’s words from the night before. She had faced the darkness in her soul and was now standing in the light with the man she loved.
    “Yes, but this isn’t the best spot. Come on, I’ll show you my secret retreat,” she said pulling on his hand.
    Curious, Gabe allowed her to take the lead. She led him back to the campsite and then walked over to the edge of the tree line. She showed him a path that looked as if it hadn’t been used in quite some time. He admired the view of her backside as she began to walk up the path. He realized they were climbing an incline and wondered where the path ended. After about ten minutes, she paused and looked back.
    “Be careful here. The trail leads around some rocks on the left but there is a drop off two feet from the path on the right. Just follow me,” Joanna instructed.
    He nodded his understanding. He saw her disappear in front of him and realized she had gone around the boulder on his left. He followed and then stood stock still and whistled. The view was magnificent. The light from the full moon flooded the small cove. He could hear the river lapping against the shoreline. The trees were thick but in the center of the area was a small beach.
    “This is incredible,” he exclaimed