Whitefish River Spring Fever

he did his best to hold back the subtle whine that wished to pry itself from his throat. it was hard to say what emotion overcame him. was it something like...puppy love? was it merely lust? nothing more than a fleeting moment of the spring?

he could not look at her like that. she had been so kind to him, traveled with him. he could not treat her in a way that might damage her feelings or whatever budding relationship they had.

the grove was gorgeous and he likely would have gazed upon it better had he not heard her soft cry. his heart hammered for it.

malila? he spoke softly as he lingered near her side. what's wrong?