They were so close. His warm breath caressed her neck, the crisp, appealing scent of his woody cologne penetrating deep within her. Kimberly’s nerves suddenly tightened, her breathing becoming rapid.
After speaking, Asher lowered his gaze to Kimberly’s lips, so tantalizingly close, and leaned in. The gentle, warm sensation touched Kimberly’s lips, so light it was like the delicate brushing of a feather. “So sweet,” he murmured.
Kimberly’s heart pounded fiercely. Her breathing unconsciously became shallower as she lay on the bed, motionless with anticipation. Was Asher’s reward going to be…? She had never experienced such intimacy before and felt increasingly nervous. Her heart was racing uncontrollably.
Sensing her tension, Asher pulled away from her lips and chuckled softly. “Relax, my darling. I’m not going to devour you… unless you want me to.” With those words, Asher kissed her again.
Initially, his kisses were light and tentative, barely touching her lips. Kimberly was surprised, wondering if she had misinterpreted his intentions. Soon, she realized she hadn’t. Asher’s kisses gradually deepened, the sweet peach flavor mingling between their lips as Kimberly began to feel breathless. Their fingers interlaced tightly as her blood seemed to boil, her body growing increasingly warm. Everything unfolded naturally.
When they reached the final moment of truth, Asher paused to ask: “Kimmy, may I?” Kimberly nodded, her face flushed. There was protection in the bedside table drawer. After taking proper precautions, Asher proceeded.
For Kimberly, it was an entirely new experience. She had anticipated this might happen during their romantic getaway. Considering the timeline, she and Asher had been together for several months now, so it didn’t seem too rushed.
At first, Asher’s movements were incredibly gentle, afraid of causing her discomfort. His tenderness spoke volumes about his feelings, making Kimberly feel cherished beyond measure. Kimberly was lost in a haze of passion, completely surrendering herself to Asher’s rhythm, rising and falling with him like waves on a moonlit shore.
It was well past midnight when they finally lay spent in each other’s arms. Kimberly drifted into a deep, contented sleep, nestled against Asher’s chest. She slept until the following afternoon. When Kimberly drowsily opened her eyes, it was already three o’clock. The space beside her was empty—Asher had already risen.
Snow had fallen throughout the night, transforming the view outside into a pristine white landscape, a dreamlike wonderland cloaked in silver. Outside, tourists were building snowmen and engaging in snowball fights, their laughter and playful shouts creating a lively atmosphere. The bed was positioned near the window. Kimberly watched through the glass for a while, suddenly longing to go outside and build a snowman herself.
“You’re awake? Hungry, my love?” Asher’s voice came from behind her, warm with affection. Kimberly turned to see him holding a tray with an elegant breakfast spread.
Asher placed the tray on a small round table. “I’ve brought you a proper French breakfast—fresh croissants and pain au chocolat from that delightful little boulangerie down the street. The owner says they’ve been making them the same way for three generations. There’s also café au lait and some local Alpine honey. Thought you might fancy something authentic.”
Kimberly nodded, her eyes lighting up at the delicious spread. “It looks absolutely lovely, but let me freshen up first.” She put on her nightgown and got out of bed, nearly losing her balance when her feet touched the floor. Asher quickly caught her, pulling her into his arms, his tone teasing yet tender. “Weak legs, darling? I do believe that’s my fault.”
Kimberly’s cheeks burned crimson. She hadn’t noticed it much while lying in bed, but upon standing, she felt a delicious ache throughout her body. Last night, he had perhaps been a bit too thorough in his attentions.
Seeing Kimberly’s flushed face and silence, Asher spoke in a low voice tinged with both amusement and concern. “I’m terribly sorry, my love. Was I too much for you last night? Let me carry you to the bathroom.”
Kimberly puffed her cheeks in mock indignation. “I wanted to go play in the snow. How am I supposed to go outside like this?”
Asher smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple. “It’s just temporary, darling. Walk around the room a bit to adjust, and you’ll be right as rain in no time. Though I must say, I rather like the idea that you’re carrying a reminder of me with every step.”
Asher carried her to the bathroom, setting her down at the washbasin, his hands lingering on her waist. Kimberly still struggled to stand steadily, feeling a particular tenderness in intimate places that made her all too aware of the previous night’s activities.
Asher pressed close behind her, his arms encircling her waist. “Lean on me, Kimmy. I’ve got you.”
Kimberly: “…” This was certainly her first time needing support while freshening up. Kimberly took her cup, filled it with water, and squeezed toothpaste onto her toothbrush. When traveling, she typically brought her own toiletries and necessities.
As Kimberly brushed her teeth, Asher stood behind her, holding her. The mirror reflected their bodies pressed together, creating an achingly intimate tableau. Kimberly looked at Asher in the mirror. On his neck were two dark red marks. Those were love bites she’d left in the heat of passion last night.
Recalling the sensual moments from the previous night, Kimberly’s cheeks again turned crimson. This subtle change didn’t escape Asher’s notice. He looked at Kimberly in the mirror, his lips curving into a knowing smile. “What are you thinking about, my sweet girl? You’ve gone quite pink.”
“Nothing, nothing at all,” Kimberly replied, her eyes darting away nervously.
A few minutes later, after Kimberly had finished freshening up, Asher turned her to face him and leaned down to gently inhale her scent. “You smell divine,” he murmured against her skin.
Kimberly’s face grew warm with embarrassment. “You keep changing what you call me—darling, love, sweet girl—making it up as you go along.”
Asher’s lips curved into a tender smile, his voice deep and sensual. “Does it bother you? I have so many ways to think of you, it seems only fair you should hear them all.”
Kimberly’s face turned crimson as she lowered her eyes without responding. Asher’s Adam’s apple bobbed as his eyes darkened. His voice was husky and enticing: “I love how you blush for me. Only for me. I want to kiss you again.”
Asher lightly touched his lips with his index finger. “Kiss me, Kimmy.” Kimberly obediently leaned forward and placed a fleeting, butterfly-light kiss on his lips.
“Perfect,” Asher said, thoroughly satisfied. “Though I warn you, if you keep looking at me like that, we might not leave this room today.”
Last night had satiated him, so today he would spare her. One kiss was enough. Last night he had taken her only twice, though each time had lasted quite long. Today she was somewhat tender. He couldn’t be too demanding initially—he wanted her to associate their intimacy with pleasure, not discomfort. After all, they had plenty of time ahead.
Asher supported Kimberly as they walked out of the bathroom. “Take your time adjusting. We’ll go build a snowman later, if you’re up to it.” The young woman, face still flushed, responded with a barely audible “Mmm.”
Although they had shared their first intimate experience last night, discussing the topic afterward still made her shy, especially when she saw Asher’s meaningful expressions. Kimberly’s mind would involuntarily recall vivid images from their night together. Waves of heat surged through her as their breaths mingled, wave after wave of pleasure overwhelming and consuming her.
The French pastries were exquisite—buttery, flaky croissants and pain au chocolat with perfectly melted chocolate centers. The rich café au lait was the perfect complement to the sweet pastries.
After breakfast, Kimberly wanted to go outside to play in the snow and take photographs. She spent over an hour applying flawless makeup, leaving her slightly curled long hair casually draped over her shoulders, and changed into a thick, cream-colored down jacket.
Asher wrapped a burgundy cashmere scarf around Kimberly’s neck, his fingers lingering at her throat. “It’s rather nippy outside—wear this. I wouldn’t want you catching cold.”
Below their guesthouse was a charming courtyard where winter flowers bloomed despite the cold, their delicate petals contrasting beautifully with the pristine snow. A young couple was building a snowman nearby, and on the low courtyard wall sat a row of miniature snowmen of various shapes.
Kimberly walked over to look at them, exclaiming with delight: “Oh, these little snowmen are absolutely adorable! Would you mind terribly if I took photographs with them?”
The young woman smiled warmly. “Please do!” Kimberly smiled, her eyes crinkling with joy. “That’s awfully kind, thank you.” She beckoned to Asher. “Darling, would you be a love and take some photos of me with these charming little snowmen?”
Asher had brought his professional DSLR camera. After adjusting the settings, he aimed the lens at Kimberly, his eyes softening as he gazed at her through the viewfinder. The sky had cleared after the snowfall, with gentle, winter sunshine casting a golden glow. Through his lens, Asher saw Kimberly smiling as brilliantly as spring sunshine, with a row of little snowmen behind her like adorable sprites from a winter fairy tale.