The air was crisp and earthy in that way that only autumn could bring.

Aubrey inhaled deeply, realizing that the world was so beautiful and calm,

in contrast to what she was about to do,

but she couldn't turn back now.

Come on in, said Devon, gently touching Aubrey's elbow.

We've got the place to ourselves.

I'll let you taste everything.

Aubrey took one last look at the goldenness around them, the red-dotted apple orchard

that seemed to go on forever.

She followed him into the old brick building that had been long converted into a cider

house.

The wooden floors were creaky underneath their feet, and the warm afternoon light poured through

the windows.

"'It smelled so good,' said Aubrey, wrapping her arms around her body.

She was nervous in spite of everything.

But Devon was welcoming and calm.

She watched as he poured samples of every cider on tap,

giving Aubrey full descriptions of them all. She happily sipped each one, her favorite being a

cinnamon honey blend. At the end, she felt buzzy and less wound up. "'How long do we have?' asked Devon,

"'coming around from the bar and sliding his hand into Aubrey's dark brown hair.

"'When will your husband be asking about you?'

"'Aubrey moaned as Devin's lips pressed against the side of her neck.

...