Fragile Longing

“No,” I said quickly. “Let’s stay for a little while. It’s too beautiful.”

Danilo nodded, peering down to me. “You’re absolutely right.”The sky was cloudy, and dark gray clouds pressed closer on the horizon. After a lazy breakfast in bed, Danilo and I headed out for a walk through the forest before the sound of thunder drove us back to the lodge.

The second we were inside, the sky opened and heavy rain fell.

“Perfect fireplace weather,” Danilo said, kissing my neck possessively before he headed into the living room. I smiled as I watched him stack logs of dried wood into the fireplace. I changed out of my hiking clothes into a more comfortable wool sweater and a skirt before I went back downstairs

“I’ll grab a few snacks for a picnic on the floor,” I said in passing and headed to the kitchen. I returned fifteen minutes later with a tray of champagne, assorted berries, Belgian chocolate truffles and French cheese. The fire blazed in the fireplace and Danilo had gathered the sheepskin rugs around the chimney.

My stomach somersaulted as I walked toward him, my hunger from earlier forgotten. I set the tray down on the floor and smiled at my husband. He took my hands and kissed my palms. We sank to the ground, my back against Danilo’s front, his legs to either sides of me and snacked on cheese and fruit. Eventually, Danilo opened the champagne and we sipped at it.

Danilo kissed my throat, then gently pushed down the neckline of my sweater, revealing my bare shoulder. His lips brushed over my skin. “You are impossibly beautiful, Sofia. Every inch of you.”

“Really?” I whispered. Danilo had called me beautiful before, but after the years of self-doubt I couldn’t hear it often enough.

Danilo met my gaze with determination. “Really. I’ll have to tell you more often.” He kissed the top of my arm. The logs crackled as the flames ate away at them and soon warmth cocooned us. Rain lashed almost angrily against the French doors and the lake seemed pitch black, but from the inside, well protected and warm, the sight was mesmerizing.

His hands found their way under my sweater, fingertips swiping over my naked belly. My skin constricted under the gentle touch. Danilo slowly pushed my sweater up over my head. I wore only a skimpy lace bra beneath. “Let me admire you, Sofia.” He pushed gently until I reclined on the cushions he’d spread all around the sheepskins. I forced myself to lie still, my arms stretched out leisurely above my head.

For so long I’d felt inadequate, but looking at Danilo now as he drank in my body, I didn’t doubt his desire for me.

Danilo shook his head. “I wish you could see yourself through my eyes only once, then you’d never doubt my desire for you again.”

I stifled a smile as he voiced part of my thoughts.

Danilo bowed low over me and kissed me. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck, glad to have his body shielding me. He stroked my side, the touch careful and loving. His lips met mine again, and soon his kiss became hungrier, more demanding, and my body sprang to life at the feel of him on top of me, from his kiss and his warm palm against my side. He pulled out of our kiss and locked gazes with me. “I want you, Sofia.”

My heart lurched because his eyes proved his words right. He desired me physically, and beyond that, also emotionally. I could feel it, and this realization settled like a balm over all the wounds from the past. I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’m ready. Just be careful.”

Danilo’s eyes flashed with guilt and softened. He stroked along my throat until his fingers tangled in my hair. The gentle touch made me shudder and goosebumps covered my skin. “Trust me, I’ll take all the time you need.”

I nodded. I trusted him. His kisses were gentle. His hands trailed down my body, discovering every inch of my arms and sides almost reverently, calming me with every stroke. His innocent touch didn’t leave me unaffected. Despite the innocent nature of his strokes, my core soon heated with a deeper need, a need for more.

Danilo’s mouth slid over mine leisurely before moving lower. He trailed soft kisses on my chin and throat before his lips graced the swell of my breasts. My nipples hardened immediately, straining against the thin material of my bra. Danilo released a low hum then traced the edge of my neckline with the tip of his tongue. My nipples ached for attention, almost painfully erect, and a pulsating feeling took hold of my center. I needed more. I’d waited so long for Danilo’s touch, for his desire and attention, and now that I had it, it was like an aphrodisiac, a drug I couldn’t get enough of.