They stayed there together as the fire slowly waned and died, holding on to each other as if afraid to let go, neither wanting to allow the moment to come to an end. They held tightly, kissed softly, and all but melted into one being. Finally, with one mind, they rose. He quickly nabbed the remaining bottle of wine and their glasses and followed her quietly to the bedroom.
This would be their last night together. They both knew it, were both saddened by it, but both treasured it as a priceless gem.
He brought the red candles from the bath, setting them on the dresser and lighting them before starting the music, the soft strains of a lone Celtic flute. She stood and watched, warming and smiling at the smallest details that he remembered and tended to: the candles, the music, the wine. He was making it perfect for her . . . for them.
Returning behind her, he wrapped his arms around her, slowly loosening the knot at her waist to allow the soft fabric of her robe to fall open. His hands brushed against her belly and traveled gently up to her breasts to softly caress her trembling flesh. He took his time, allowing his warm breath to wrap around her throat, nuzzling through her hair to find that sensitive place on her neck, and gently nibbling at her ear, and all the while whispering his love again and again.
She had no strength to stand on her own, but leaned against him for support, allowing him to take her anyplace he wished. She trembled at the touch of his hands, sighed at his breath so warm against her throat and shoulder, shuddered at the feel of his lips, and grew dizzy at the words he whispered in her ear.
They moved together, swaying to the gentle melodies in the air, as he held her to him, his chin on her shoulder, pressing his head to hers. She turned in his arms to face him. Her hands flowed across his chest through his robe, coming to rest on its knotted belt. Her fingers worked easily to release it. Her arms slid around him, pulling his bare flesh close against her own. He looked down at her, and his heart filled with tenderness as his fingertips gently brushed over her lips, traced the contours of her face, and eased through her hair. Her head fell back as she became lost in sensation. Holding her face in the palms of his hands, he pulled her lips toward his, meeting them in a deep and sensuous kiss. His tongue slipped between her lips covered by his own.
Releasing his hold of her face, his hands moved slowly down her neck to her shoulders, pushing the robe to fall to the floor at her feet and shrugged off his own to land with hers. His arms around her swept her up as he carried her to their bed, breaking his kiss only when he softly set her down, and joined her where she lay.
She moved against him as he eased in beside her. Her fingers trailed across his chest, playing against his nipples as her fingertips passed over them, traveling on to stroke down to his belly and back up his sides to his shoulders. He felt every movement she made, each touch moving him, thrilling him. He smiled. She always knew just how to get his full attention.
She moved from his side, crawling atop him, her knees resting on either side of his hips. He closed his eyes, his mind filling with images. He inhaled and was surprised by the heady aroma of almonds as she poured oil into her palm, warming it between her hands before smoothing across his chest.
He relaxed under her touch, enjoying each movement of her hands, each brush of her fingertips, as she worked along his body, coaxing tension from each muscle, drawing stresses out. Her hands traveled lovingly down his arms to his hands. She lifted each hand and held it close to her heart, massaging his palms and fingers, kissing the tip of each finger as she finished it. She worked deeply, softening her touch as he relaxed, until only the tips of her fingers whispered across him.