A Birthday Surprise

As Eric blew out the candles on his eighteenth birthday cake, Maya couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. She had been planning this surprise for weeks, and the anticipation was killing her. She had rented a remote cabin in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by dense woods and a serene lake. The perfect getaway for Eric's special day. The party was in full swing, with friends and family gathered around the backyard, laughing and chatting. Maya waited until Eric was distracted by a conversation with his friends before she snuck him away. She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the car, her heart racing with excitement. "Where are we going?" Eric asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You'll see," Maya replied, her smile mischievous. "Just trust me." Eric raised an eyebrow but didn't ask any more questions. He trusted Maya, and he knew that she had something special planned. The drive was long and winding, taking them deeper into the woods. Maya could feel Eric's excitement building as they left civilization behind. They finally arrived at the cabin, and Maya's heart skipped a beat as she saw Eric's eyes light up. The cabin was small but cozy, with a fireplace and a hot tub on the deck. Maya had stocked it with all of Eric's favorite snacks and drinks, and a small birthday cake sat on the kitchen counter. Eric looked at her, his eyes shining with gratitude. "This is amazing," he said, pulling her into a hug. Maya smiled, feeling happy that she could make Eric's birthday so special. They spent the day lounging around the cabin, watching the sunset over the lake, and enjoying each other's company. As night began to fall, Maya suggested they take a walk around the lake. The stars were shining brightly overhead, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Eric took her hand, and they walked in silence, the only sound the soft lapping of the water against the shore. As they walked, Maya realized that this was exactly what she had wanted for Eric's birthday – a chance to get away from it all and just be together. She glanced over at him, her heart full of love and appreciation. "I'm so glad we did this," Eric said, his voice low and husky. "This has been the best birthday ever." Maya smiled, feeling happy that she could make him feel this way. "I'm glad you're enjoying it," she said, squeezing his hand. As they reached the end of the lake, Eric stopped and turned to her. "I have a surprise for you," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Maya raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What is it?" she asked. Eric just smiled and pulled her close. "You'll see," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear. Maya's heart skipped a beat as she felt a shiver run down her spine. She had a feeling that this was going to be a birthday she would never forget.