Echos of the past

Chapter 64

The warm afternoon sun filtered through the leaves of the apple trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground as Isla and Clark walked through his grandparents' orchard. The air was filled with the sweet scent of ripening apples, and the gentle rustling of the leaves created a serene backdrop for their conversation.

"Your grandparents have such a beautiful orchard," Isla said, looking around with admiration. "It must be amazing to grow up with all this around you."

Clark smiled, watching her as she walked beside him. "It was pretty special. I spent a lot of time here as a kid, climbing trees and helping with the harvest. There's something calming about being surrounded by nature."

Isla nodded, her eyes sparkling with appreciation. "I can see why. It's so peaceful here."

Clark couldn't help but notice how the sunlight seemed to dance in Isla's hair, highlighting the natural beauty that always took his breath away. She looked radiant, her smile brighter than the sun filtering through the branches.

They reached a particularly large apple tree, and Clark stopped, turning to Isla. "This one here is my favorite. It's been here for generations. My grandparents always said it has the best apples."

Isla reached out and touched the rough bark of the tree, feeling the history and strength within it. "It’s amazing how something can last so long, growing and thriving year after year."

Clark nodded, his gaze lingering on her. "Yeah, it is. Just like you, Isla. You’ve been through so much, but you’re still here, still thriving."

Isla blushed, looking down at the ground. "I’m just trying to take things one day at a time."

Clark took a step closer, his voice soft and sincere. "And you're doing an incredible job. You’re stronger than you realize, Isla."

She looked up at him, her heart fluttering at the intensity in his eyes. "Thank you, Clark. That means a lot coming from you."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fade away. Clark reached up and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "You’re beautiful, Isla," he said softly, his voice filled with admiration. "I don’t think I’ve ever told you that."

Isla's blush deepened, her heart racing. "Clark, I..."

Before she could finish, Clark leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. The simple gesture was filled with affection and care, and Isla felt her heart swell with emotion.

"Come on," Clark said, stepping back with a playful smile. "Let's keep walking. I want to show you more of the orchard."

They continued their stroll, the air between them charged with a new, unspoken understanding. Their conversation flowed easily, filled with light-hearted banter and shared memories. Clark pointed out different apple varieties and told stories about his childhood adventures in the orchard, making Isla laugh with his animated descriptions.

As they walked, Isla felt a sense of warmth and happiness that she hadn't experienced in a long time. Clark's presence was comforting and uplifting, and she found herself flirting with him naturally, her guard gradually lowering.

At one point, Clark reached up and picked a ripe apple from a low-hanging branch. He handed it to Isla with a grin. "Here, try this. It's the best apple you'll ever taste."

Isla took a bite, the sweet and tangy flavor bursting in her mouth. "Wow, this is amazing," she said, her eyes lighting up with delight.

Clark watched her, his heart full. "I'm glad you like it. There's nothing quite like fresh apples from the orchard."

They found a comfortable spot under one of the larger trees and sat down, enjoying the shade and the gentle breeze. Isla leaned back against the trunk, looking up at the canopy of leaves above them. "This place is magical, Clark. I can see why you love it so much."

Clark leaned back beside her, his shoulder brushing against hers. "I'm glad I could share it with you. This orchard has always been a special place for me, and now it's even more special because of you."

Clark nodded, his eyes lingering on her face. "You always did love it here."

They walked in silence for a few moments, the only sounds were the rustle of leaves and the distant chatter of birds. Isla glanced at Clark, catching him watching her. Their eyes met, and something electric passed between them. Without thinking, Clark closed the distance between them, his hand finding the small of her back.

"Clark..." Isla whispered, her voice soft and questioning.

"I've missed you," he murmured against her lips, his voice low and husky. His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken feelings.

Isla looked up at him, her brown eyes searching his blue ones. She could see the vulnerability there, the longing he tried to hide. Her heart raced as she leaned into him, her hands resting on his chest.

"We shouldn't," she breathed, though her body betrayed her words.

Clark's hand slid up her back, his fingers tangling in her hair. "Maybe we should," he countered, his lips brushing against hers.

The kiss was gentle at first, a tentative exploration. Then, as if they both surrendered to the moment, it deepened, hungry and passionate. Clark's other hand cupped her cheek, his thumb stroking her skin as their tongues danced together.

Isla moaned softly, her hands gripping his shoulders. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them and the rustling leaves overhead. Clark's body pressed closer, his hardness pressing against her through his jeans.

Breaking the kiss, Isla pulled back slightly, her breath coming in shallow gasps. "Clark, what are we doing?"

He gazed down at her, his eyes dark with desire. "Making the most of the moment," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. He kissed her again, more fiercely this time, as if he couldn't get enough of her.

Isla melted against him, her resistance fading under his touch. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer still. The fabric of her pink sundress bunched up as she moved, exposing more of her toned legs.

Clark's hands roamed over her body, exploring every curve. His fingers traced the outline of her breasts through the thin material, making her shiver with anticipation. He groaned into her mouth, the sound vibrating through her.

"Isla," he muttered against her lips, his voice raw with need. "I want you."

She looked up at him, her eyes glazed with desire. "Are you sure?"

Clark didn't answer with words. Instead, he lifted her effortlessly, pressing her back against one of the sturdy apple trees. The bark dug into her back, but she barely noticed the slight discomfort. All she could focus on was the man in front of her, the one who had always held a piece of her heart.

His hands found the hem of her dress, bunching it up higher. Isla gasped as cool air hit her heated skin. Clark's eyes darkened as he saw the lace of her panties, his fingers tracing the edge.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered, his voice hoarse.

Isla bit her lip, her hands moving to undo his belt. She wanted him, wanted this connection more than she had ever wanted anything. As she fumbled with the buckle, Clark helped her, his hands shaking with urgency.

Finally, his jeans were open, and Isla's fingers brushed against his hard length. He hissed at the contact, his hips thrusting forward instinctively.

"Isla, please," he begged, his forehead resting against hers.

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with love and desire. "Yes," she whispered, her fingers wrapping around him.

Clark groaned, his hands gripping her hips tightly. He positioned himself at her entrance, his breathing ragged. Isla tensed, excitement and fear mingling within her.

"Look at me," Clark commanded softly, meeting her gaze. "I won't hurt you."

With a shaky breath, Isla nodded, her trust in him absolute. Slowly, gently, Clark entered her, inch by aching inch. Isla's nails dug into his shoulders, her body adjusting to his size.

When he was fully inside, they both paused, savoring the moment. Clark kissed her tenderly, his movements slow and careful. Isla wrapped her legs around his waist, urging him on.

As they began to move together, the rhythm building, the world around them faded away. There was only the two of them, the heat of their bodies, and the sweet scent of apples in the air.