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“What are those dots in blue?” she asked. “They’re moving. I thought you said nothing big lived in the lake.”

“I believe those are other rented boats,” Maklr said, pointing with his extended claw. “Look, this one must be us. The dots on the opposite side of the lake aren’t stationary. They’re moving.”

“Can we plot a course far away from them?”

“Sure.” Maklr and Nell worked together, enhancing the screen.

“Look, the red dots are little pins with notes from the resort and former tourists. What does that say?”

“This one says this is a fantastic spot for seeing exotic birds.” Maklr pointed. “Here’s where someone mentioned an area with natural shade where there’s a spot for the boat to tie up and go ashore and rest out of the sun’s heat.” He snorted. “Wait till you hear this comment. It’s less practical. Someone noted where they saw a flying creature eat a water creature.”

Nell laughed hysterically. “Nature did its thing. A bird ate a fish and someone cared enough to leave a note about it?”

Maklr smiled. “To each their own.”

“I’m not sure I would have thought it important enough to immortalize in the resort’s system.”

Maklr shrugged. “Maybe someone had never seen wildlife in action before? I think we’re done plotting our course.” They spent the entirety of the late afternoon on the boat and into the early evening. “It’s getting darker. Would you like to head back to the cabin?”

“Not right now. I’d like to see the stars if that’s acceptable to you?” Nell asked.

“Of course. Dorbound’s city center has too much light pollution for me sometimes. I’d enjoy seeing them as well.” Maklr guided the boat to the center of the lake. “I think our best viewing would be here.” He dropped the boat’s anchor. “It should be a prime stargazing location with no trees to obstruct our view.”

Nell leaned back on the vinyl seat, drinking in the moonlight and a myriad of stars twinkling over the water. “I’m going to lie on the floor,” she said.

“I think on a boat it’s called a deck, but I could be wrong,” Maklr said. “Here, for your head.” He wrapped the picnic bag around the partially empty canteen. “A pillow of sorts.”

“Thank you. You’re probably right on the name.” She propped her head on the cloth. “Oh, this is much more comfortable than craning my neck. Care to join me?”

Maklr positioned himself next to her.

“Isn’t the sky beautiful?”

“Gorgeous.”

Nell tilted her face. “You’re not even looking at the stars.”

“No, you’re much more beautiful.”

“I’m just me,” Nell whispered.

“And you’re beautiful.”

Nell reached for Maklr’s hand and intertwined their fingers. They rested there, listening to the evening songs of birds and relaxed at the water lapping against the boat. She rolled to theside and took Maklr’s free hand in hers. “I want to kiss you, please,” she said.

“If you wish.”

She pressed her lips against his. This time, she took his hand and placed it over her breast.

“May I?” Maklr asked, breaking away from her.

“I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t want to feel your touch,” she said.

His palm caressed her breast over her shirt. He took care not to apply too much pressure on her nipple, which pebbled as her excitement grew. Nell thrust her chest forward and released his other hand, placing it on her other breast. “Please touch me more,” she said. His fingers played with her nipples, rolling them softly against his calloused fingers. “More,” Nell encouraged.

“May I suck on your breasts?” Nell pulled her shirt over her head, exposing her bikini top to his view. Maklr moved the scrap of cloth to the side. He kissed and licked one nipple. She moved closer and moaned, throwing her head in pleasure at his warm mouth over her sensitive peak. “You’re so responsive.”

Maklr rolled onto his back and pulled Nell on top of him. “Be in charge,” he said. “Everything that happens is your choice.”