Shawn's touch was like a fire on Olivia's skin. It warmed her up, spread from wherever he touched, and ran straight into her heart. When he squeezed her hands she did the same in return. Shawn's hands were rough and large, enveloping her hands completely, but she liked that. There was a sense of security there, knowing that those hands that toiled every day to fight for survival now held hers in a gentle, protective embrace. His words made her smile a bright, dazzling smile. In fact, Olivia was trying her best not to grin like a happy idiot as she felt the warmth in her heart blossoming into its own fire.

"I'll be waiting for you," Olivia chirruped happily, placing a gentle kiss on Shawn's back before she let him go. She watched him leave, and when he stopped and smiled at her she returned it in kind with another dazzling smile. It was only after Shawn had gone inside that Olivia finally went in herself. The cooler was set to the side and she quickly stripped out of her dirty clothes. These were put into a separate bag that was hidden away. They would be washed later when she had the time for them. For now Olivia washed thoroughly and groomed herself carefully like she had two days ago. This time, however, she did not hesitate to put on the dress and tights after she had cleaned them up a bit. After that she quickly worked to tidy her little cabin, all the while humming happily.

Mr. Byrd had once told her to take heed of her heart but follow her gut. Sometimes they would be in unison. As Olivia thought of the man she was quickly coming to love and adore, this was one of those times. Maybe it was quick, but in these days the ability to make a split second decision meant life or death. And you never knew what would happen tomorrow. Olivia still wanted to take things with Shawn kind of slow--the whole romance thing was new to her as she had never had a boyfriend before the infection--but it just felt wholly right to be with him. Olivia wasn't going to let him go. Shawn was good looking, but more importantly he was sweet and kind. He had searched for her frantically for two days after having only known her for two prior. You really didn't get that kind of kindness anywhere, but maybe part of it was because Shawn was a good Southern guy through and through. Still, Olivia couldn't help herself. Oh, was he handsome. Just thinking about his muscular build, those rough hands, those sharp blue eyes, that sweet smile... The beard too. Olivia [i]really[/i] loved a guy with a good beard. And she didn't know how much older Shawn was--she reminded herself to ask later--but she also liked older guys. Really, it actually came down to personality for Olivia, but Shawn had it all. She felt like a giddy school girl just thinking of him.

Olivia had had the stew going for a while, the rest of the deer meat put away for later, when there came a knock on her door. She almost let out an excited squeal, but managed to keep her composure. Until she opened the door and saw Shawn standing there in a shirt that was a little too small but only helped to show off his broad chest. With her hand holding the doorknob she dug her newly cleaned and filed nails into her palm to keep from grinning like a maniac. Instead she smiled and said, "Well you clean up pretty nicely, cowboy, if I do say so myself. Please come in." She stood aside for Shawn to come in, closing the door behind him to keep out the cold. "I know my space is a lot smaller, but make yourself at home. Supper is almost ready." Now that Shawn was actually here Olivia was beginning to feel a bit nervous. She hoped she looked decent. She hoped the stew would be good considering she had had to use canned vegetables and bullion cubes for the broth. She really, really hoped she didn't make a fool of herself because knowing Shawn liked her made her lightheated and happy beyond all reason. Knowing that a guy like Shawn liked a girl like her was more than she could have ever asked for.