Observing Her Lover

She listened as her lover spoke of his hometown as they walked hand in hand through the park. There was something about the tone and cadence of his voice, the way it brightened and then dipped into his natural baritone, that just seemed to envelope her and make everyone outside of their bubble disappear. She could see and appreciate the world around them - a squirrel scurrying up a tree with acorns in its mouth, the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of the leaves against the green of pine needles - but the only person she was aware of was him.

She enjoyed the way their fingers were laced together; not just holding hands but intertwined. His skin was rougher than hers, the callouses from his hobbies and work adding to the sensation as his thumb caressed the back of her hand absentmindedly. The gentle touch sent warmth all through her body. Every now and then she would squeeze his hand just a little and he'd respond by squeezing back or bringing it to his lips and kissing it, glancing down at her with a loving smile.

He shortened his steps for her. His longer legs usually moved him along at a faster pace. For her, he slowed down, so she was always beside him, never behind. When they walked with his arm around her shoulders and hers around his waist, he would often play with her hair, tugging the tie out so he had free reign to card his fingers through it or massage her scalp. He must have had a hundred of them now, as she always forgot to ask for them back.

She learned he was slightly ticklish from caressing his side where her hand would rest. He'd squirm a little, laughing quietly, and then kiss the top of her head. They both reveled in the little caresses and touches they shared.

She loved looking at him - his dark hair and eyes, even his beard, something she never thought she would like on a lover and yet, on him, she liked it very much. It suited him, the same as his smile and the joy and wonder he expressed so easily, wanting everyone to share those moments with him. When he shared that joy with her, she felt loved and beautiful in a way she had never known before. Each time she would lean in or stand on tiptoe to kiss him, hoping he could feel her own joy and wonder and love, and he would meet her there, wrapping her in his arms and telling her he loved her too.