They had each been working on their projects for a good portion of the morning.  Lincoln had been typing away on his laptop in a word processor that worked without internet while Brooke focused on her painting.  The tree landscape beyond the cabin steadily took form in its layers.  She was adding the lake in the distance when coffee was delivered.

The rich, robust aroma of coffee filled her nostrils as she brought the mug to her lips.  A new weight draped over her shoulders and Brooke realized Lincoln had laid a new blanket around her.

"I turned off the generator for now to save fuel. The chill will return soon."

This gesture widened her smile.  "Thank you."

Lincoln's smile of pearly whites melted her insides almost as much as the kiss he placed on top of her head. He then returned to his laptop. This man was quickly making a home in her heart.  No one had ever been this thoughtful or doted on her as much as Lincoln had in the last twenty-four hours.  He knew almost as much of her past as Leena and Trenton, yet hadn't run. She had been weak more than once and he offered comfort not ridicule. A firm tugging in her heart hoped Lincoln would stick around for a very long time.

As Brooke focused on the last few details of the painting she had dedicated herself to most of the morning, Lincoln softly closed his laptop and leaned back.  She felt him watching her.  Each stroke of her brush was calculated, determined and served a delicate purpose.  The colors she chose, mixed and applied added depth, shadow and highlight, bringing the treescape to life on the canvas.  With another rinse of her brush, Brooke let out a contented sigh. A grin of satisfaction spread across her face like the night before, in front of the fire, post coital.

Lincoln stood and stretched his arms above his head.  He strolled over to Brooke and leaned behind her.

"It's beautiful," he complimented, kissing her temple.

"Thank you." She turned to glance up at him. "I'm not finished yet. These layers need to dry before I finish the lake."

He smiled, nodding as if envisioning the scene.  "It will look incredible."

"Are you hungry?" Brooke asked, rising from the lounge chair and wrapping the blanket tighter.

Hmm..." He wrapped his arms around her.  "What did you have in mind?"

"Ha ha," she giggled sarcastically as she stepped back then around him. "You are insatiable! Lunch first then I have to finish the painting."

Once in the kitchen, Lincoln leaned against the counter and watched Brooke monitor two pots.  She cooked like this all the time.  His curious eyes watching did not deter.

"What can I do to help?"

"Get the bag of asian medley veggies from the freezer and micro- oh..." She sighed.  "The generator is off.  You'll have to boil them in another pan."

"I can manage that," he quipped, passing conveniently too close behind her to get to the freezer.

A few minutes later, the vegetable mixture was thawed and tender.  With the noodles done, Brooke poured them into a large bowl followed by the sliced cuts of leftover beef she had seared.  Finally the vegetables were dropped in.  She tossed it all with tongs and evenly distributed them into two bowls.

"Here you go." She presented him the steaming bowl. "Tasty yet cheap ramen noodles."

It was amazingly delicious and Lincoln nodded, genuinely impressed.

"That is really good."

Brooke beamed with pride as she washed and rinsed the dishes, letting Lincoln enjoy the satisfying meal.  Once finished, she carried her bowl back to the deck with Lincoln not far behind her.

Lincoln typed away on his computer again and noticed Brooke had finished eating.  She was busy adding highlights of the sun's glimmering reflection on the lake.  The way her robe hung loosely around her, the afternoon sunlight piercing through the glass illuminated her with an angelic glow that was more than he could resist.

Closing his computer, Lincoln sauntered over to the chair Brooke occupied and swung a leg over so he could sit behind her.

"Are you done yet?" he asked huskily, gliding a hand over her shoulder, down the open V of her robe, and squeezed a supple breast. His other snaked around her waist to splay his fingers across her stomach.

"Yes," she gasped. Her breathing sped instantly, head rolling back against his strong chest as her body gave in to his touch.

Quickly dropping the brush into her water bowl, Brooke shifted so she could turn to face him. Lincoln held her in place, her back to his front. 

"I have the urge to take you from behind right here." 

Soft lips found her neck. He kissed gently at one particularly sensitive spot that had made her breathing go ragged.

While kissing her bare shoulder, Lincoln noticed her trembling and frowned.  "Are you alright, Brooke?"

She nodded in a daze, turning her head to peck his lips. She chuckled lightly. "I'm a little cold. I'm a wuss."

The temperature in the room had dropped since the sun gradually set beyond the treeline, and stole its light.  The heater was no longer powered by the generator.  They needed the fuel to stretch to Monday at least, maybe longer if the roads were blocked.

"Stay..." He kissed at her neck, continuing a path down her bare shoulder.  "Right... here... I'll be right back."

Giving him a puzzled look, Brooke giggled as she watched him half jog out of the sheltered deck.  He was gone for quite a while, a time she took to assess her painting and brush a protective glaze over it. This weekend had turned into a dream she hoped to never wake up from or possibly keep on repeat.

The padding of his bare feet alerted her to Lincoln's return.  The devious look on his face caused a smirk to curve at her lips. He continued walking until he stopped beside the chair Brooke occupied.

"What are you up to?" she asked, her smirk growing into a grin.

"Come with me and get warmed up." Lincoln winked, offering his hand.  "Not getting sick is more important than most things." 

Without hesitation, Brooke laid her hand onto his allowing Lincoln to draw her into his arms.  First wrapping the blanket around her shoulders, he then reclaimed her hand in his, letting their fingers entwine.

Brooke followed his lead toward the master bathroom.  She couldn't fight the smile on her face if she tried.  Never had Brooke felt so cared for as with this man.  She prayed silently to herself this wouldn't fade or that he wouldn't run when she found the right moment to tell him about the biggest, most precious piece of her.

Once in the bathroom, the sight stole Brooke's breath away.  The stone enclosed tub was filled, complete with a layer of luxurious foaming bubbles.  Tall, skinny candles flickered in the dim light of the fading sun, arranged amongst glass jarred candles that infused the room with the scent of lavender.

Lincoln turned toward her to find Brooke trying to subtly wipe her tears away.  Gently he took hold of her wrist and pulled her hand away.

"Don't hide those from me," he stated, kissing each cheek.

"What did I do to deserve you?" Brooke asked, cupping his jaw in her hand.

Grinning wide, Lincoln kissed her lips.  "I could ask you the same thing.  What did I do to deserve you?"

Brooke shook her head scoffing. She let her hand glide down his neck to his bare chest.  "You could have any girl you wanted yet you pursued me, and here we are."

"I don't want a girl." He shook his head and chuckled.  "I want a woman with compassion, humor, intelligence, passion, and the willingness to fight for what's important.  I want you.  Just you and me."

Brooke's heart swelled at his words. Her smile grew wider and giddier with each word until the last part.  Just you and me.  After that statement, her heart plummeted into her stomach.  The kiss he placed on her lips while leading her closer to the tub, hid her disappointment.

Grinning wickedly, Lincoln tediously unbuttoned then pushed down his jeans and boxers, stepping out of them, kicking the garments away.  He swung one leg into the inviting water and offered his hand.

Brooke bit her lower lip as she tugged the knot of her robe loose, allowing the silky fabric to fall from her shoulders.  Teasingly, she shrugged it off, allowing it to pool onto the floor.  Her hazel eyes never looked away from those darkening forest depths.  She lowered the straps of her chemise then let it fall to her feet.  Placing her hand in his, Lincoln assisted Brooke into the tub then helped her sit between his legs.

The tepid water soaked into her muscles. His arms wrapped around her to add comfort and belonging.  She laid her hand on top of his, stroking the hair on the damp forearms surrounding her.  The movement maneuvered the bubbles every so often to make shapes.  With her head leaned back onto his chest, content was the best word to describe how Brooke felt.

The muscles in his cheeks shifted against her temple.  Lincoln must be smiling. With a sigh, he moved to rest his chin on the top of her head as they soaked. The feeling of her finger tips stroking his arms earned a soft hum of contentment.

"That feels so good," he murmured, shifting to place a lingering kiss on her head.  Brooke hummed her response, eyes closed in his embrace.  "Are you warm now?"

"Mhmm," she hummed, squirming against him.

"Ohh, ok.  So no need for plan B?"

"What did you have in mind?" she asked, grinning widely, sensing his teasing.

"Uh uh," he tsked, shaking his head as Lincoln reached for a washcloth.  "Too late. Lean up and I'll wash you."

Reluctant to move, Brooke still did as he asked, bending her legs and resting her cheek on her knees.  The leisurely circles Lincoln made on her back with the soapy cloth relaxed her further.

Moving the cloth from her neck down her back and past the water line, Lincoln reapplied soap then guided her to lean back.  He glided the cloth down her neck, chest and arms, then paid extra attention to each breast. Brooke hummed in delight at his caring attention. 

After rinsing the bubbles from her creamy skin, Lincoln passed her the cloth to finish where he couldn't reach.  Brooke wasted no time washing her legs and feet.  Cupping his hand, Lincoln filled it then dumped the water slowly over her head.  Brooke leaned back, letting the water wet her locks. Using the shampoo of hers he found in the shower, Lincoln made suds then massaged it into her scalp. 

Next, he raked the conditioner through her hair.  The temptation to run his fingers through those thick tendrils was too much.  The silkiness that remained even after rinsing the smoothing conditioner was sweet elegance. With even strokes, Lincoln raked his fingers through Brooke's hair, attentively easing out any knots or tangles.

Now that she was washed, it was time for revenge.  Turning in the water, Brooke faced the man responsible for this weekend of awakening, who was quickly burrowing into her heart. She traded her used cloth for a fresh one, wet it then added soap.  He watched her every move with intense eyes.

"Your turn." Brooke grinned, bracing herself on her knees between his legs with a hand on one shoulder. 

Lincoln chuckled, spreading his arms out to rest on the sides of the tub while she began her sensual journey over his neck, both arms and shoulders, then his toned chest.  The rise and fall of his torso as his breathing deepened made Brooke feel powerful to bring on this strong reaction.

Washing and rinsing his hair was next with a spicy, male smelling shampoo that was driving Brooke senseless. Add to that the dangerous look he had when the dark locks were slicked back.  Truthfully, she was in danger.  In grave danger of Lincoln breaking her heart.  Right at this moment though, Brooke didn't care.  For the first time in a very long time, she felt desired, beautiful and powerful.

Hazel eyes watched the rivulets of water chase away the bubbles, leaving his bronze skin shiny and clean for her gaze to drink in.  Unable to resist, Brooke leaned forward, her taut peaks grazing over Lincoln's chest.  Her lips found the side of his neck.  She peppered soft, gentle kisses over his tanned skin.  His fresh scent from the soap filled her nostrils.

Lincoln's fingers curled tightly around the ledge of the tub, as if resisting to take control.  The low rumble from his chest told Brooke he was enjoying the attention.

"You are making this difficult," he groaned, rolling his head back against the back of the tub.

"Making what difficult?" She giggled against his collarbone, hands exploring his sides, abs, back, anywhere she could reach.

"The plan was to simply relax," he huffed, clearly struggling for control.  The growing hardness poking at her thighs was evident he was not relaxing. "I want to touch you so badly."

Brooke grinned against his chest, starting a new trail of peppered kisses up his neck then jaw.

Finally by his ear she whispered, "Then touch me."

That was all Lincoln needed to hear.

Eager hands dove out to wrap around her waist, pulling her against his chest.  Tilting her head to the side, Brooke initiated this kiss with parted lips hungry to devour his.  Lincoln responded, capturing her lips.  He sucked on her lower lip, licking at the seam for entrance which Brooke gladly gave.  Tongues dueled, teeth graze flesh, hands roamed as if they explored uncharted territory.  Large hands cupped her rear.  They squeezed possessively, causing her hips to rock toward him and his hard shaft to brush over her folds.

Brooke pulled back from their kiss, locking eyes with his and bit her lower lip.  She rose on her knees, tilting her hips toward his.  Lincoln held her hips ready to guide her onto him.  Lips parted, she leaned in to meld lips again when a piercing ding-dong echoed through the house.

Lincoln exhaled a groaned curse as he leaned his forehead against Brooke's chest holding her tight against him.

"I'd better see who that is," he grumbled, cleary not pleased.  "With that storm, someone might need help or directions.  Otherwise, I'd ignore it and ravage you again."

Nodding her understanding, Brooke scooted back. "I'll clean up here." She smiled, cupping his cheek before he stood.

He quickly dried off with one of the dry towels laid out near the tub then pulled out clean clothes from his duffle.  The doorbell rang again making him groan.  Over by the bedroom door, Lincoln pushed a small button and spoke into the hidden speaker box.

"I'm on my way," he replied, clearly irritated.

Brooke suppressed a giggle at his frustrated exhale.  She knew, had felt, why he was so frustrated.  Pulling on boxers, jeans and a white t-shirt with a long sleeve button down over, Lincoln rushed to the other side of the cabin to open the door.

His one neighbor greeted him at the door, the elderly man of the couple in the neighboring house.

"Hey Gerry," Lincoln smiled warmly.  "You and Mary okay from the storm?"

"Yes, we are," The man in his late 70s replied, eyes wrinkling even more with his smile.  "It took me most of the day to shovel the driveway then I saw your car crushed under that tree."

Lincoln rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at his crushed baby in the mangled tree.  "Yeah... and phones are down so I'll have it towed later.  No damage for you?"

Gerry shook his head.  "No, just snowed in with no electricity.  I was able to use my radio to get the sheriff down from the village.  Trees are down all up this road.  It will be at least Monday until they get to us."

"OK, thanks for the news.  If you need anything, let me know.  I've got plenty of emergency supplies in the shed."

"Thank you, Lincoln." Gerry nodded, extending his aged hand, wrinkled with years of wisdom and hard work.

Clapping it willingly, Lincoln grinned at the strong grip of this elder. "Of course.  Take care, Gerry.  Tell Mary I said hi."

"I will." He waved, and  descended off the porch.

Lincoln closed the front door, turning the lock then headed back toward the bathroom.  Brooke was out of the tub, dried and in her robe but with leggings and a loose shirt underneath. The towel she used for her body was wrapped and tied around her wet hair like a turban.  He leaned against the doorway watching her blow out the candles as the water just finished draining.

"It was my neighbor, Gerry," Lincoln reported, eyes raking over the hunched form of this walking temptation.

"Oh, are they alright?" Brooke asked over her shoulder, giving the tub one last rinse from the bubbles before standing to face him.

"Yeah.  Trees are down all up the mountain from the village.  It may not be until Monday that the road is cleared.  He has a radio connected with the sheriff."

Brooke nodded, face dropping at the latest developments.  Entering the room fully, Lincoln snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her against his chest.

"Are you that bummed to be stuck here with me?" he teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

She chuckled and shook her head.  "No, it's just..." Sighing, she churned over how to explain it. "Leena will be worried when she hasn't heard from me since the phones are out." 

"Well, since their plan was to get us up here together..." He grinned, bringing one of her hands up to his lips.  "They know neither of us are alone, which is good.  They also know I keep a good stash of emergency supplies and wouldn't let you starve."

Bringing her knuckles to his lips, Brooke smiled at yet another intimate gesture no one had ever extended to her.  This definitely was a weekend of firsts.

"Speaking of which, let's go make dinner."

"Yes, Teacher." He grinned, winking mischievously.

"Watch it," Brooke quipped in a warning tone, shaking an index finger. "Or I'll have to put you in time out."

"Oh, I hoped you would," he chuckled, leading her out of the bathroom towards the kitchen.