They were so close. His warm breath caressed her neck, the crisp, appealing scent of his woody cologne penetrating her senses. Thalia’s nerves tightened, her breathing quickening.
After speaking, Asher lowered his gaze to Thalia’s lips, so tantalizingly near, and leaned in. The gentle, warm touch of his lips was feather-light. “So sweet,” he murmured.
Thalia’s heart pounded. Her breath grew shallower as she lay motionless, anticipating what would come. She had never experienced such intimacy and felt increasingly nervous. Her heart raced uncontrollably.
Sensing her tension, Asher pulled away, chuckling softly. “Relax, my darling. I’m not going to devour you… unless you want me to.” With those words, he kissed her again.
Initially, his kisses were light and tentative, barely brushing her lips. Thalia was surprised, wondering if she had misinterpreted his intentions. Soon, she realized she hadn't. Asher's kisses deepened, the sweet peach flavor mingling between their lips as Thalia grew breathless. Their fingers interlaced tightly as her blood surged, her body warming. Everything unfolded naturally.
When they reached the final moment, Asher paused. “Lia, may I?”
Thalia nodded, her face flushed. Protection was in the bedside table drawer. After taking precautions, Asher proceeded. For Thalia, it was entirely new. She had anticipated this during their romantic getaway; considering their several months together, it didn't seem rushed.
At first, Asher's movements were incredibly gentle, careful not to cause discomfort. His tenderness spoke volumes, making Thalia feel cherished. Lost in a haze of passion, she surrendered completely to his 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. Thalia drifted into a deep, contented sleep, nestled against Asher’s chest, sleeping until three o'clock the following afternoon. 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. Tourists were building snowmen and engaging in snowball fights, their laughter creating a lively atmosphere. The bed was near the window. Thalia watched, longing to join them.
“You’re awake? Hungry, my love?” Asher's voice, warm with affection, came from behind her. He held a tray with an elegant breakfast.
He placed the tray on a small table. “I’ve brought you a proper French breakfast—fresh croissants and pain au chocolat from that delightful 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.”
Thalia’s eyes lit up. “It looks absolutely lovely, but let me freshen up first.”
She put on her nightgown and got out of bed, nearly losing her balance. Asher caught her, pulling her into his arms. “Weak legs, darling? I do believe that’s my fault.”
Thalia’s cheeks burned crimson. She hadn't noticed it much in bed, but standing, she felt a delicious ache throughout her body. Last night, he had perhaps been a bit too thorough.
Seeing her flushed face, Asher spoke in a low voice, tinged with amusement and concern. “I’m terribly sorry, my love. Was I too much for you last night? Let me carry you to the bathroom.”
Thalia puffed her cheeks. “I wanted to go play in the snow. How am I supposed to go outside like this?”
Asher smiled, kissing her temple. “It’s temporary, darling. Walk around the room a bit, and you’ll be right as rain. Though I must say, I rather like the idea that you’re carrying a reminder of me with every step.”
He carried her to the bathroom, setting her down, his hands lingering on her waist. Thalia still struggled to stand steadily, feeling tenderness in intimate places that made her acutely aware of the previous night's activities. Asher pressed close, his arms encircling her waist. “Lean on me, Lia. I’ve got you.”
Thalia silently brushed her teeth. When traveling, she usually brought her own toiletries. Asher stood behind her, holding her. The mirror reflected their bodies pressed together, an achingly intimate tableau.
Thalia saw two dark red marks on Asher's neck—love bites she'd left. Recalling the sensual moments, her cheeks flushed again. Asher noticed. He smiled knowingly. “What are you thinking about, my sweet girl? You’ve gone quite pink.”
“Nothing, nothing at all,” Thalia replied, her eyes darting away.
After she finished freshening up, Asher turned her to face him and inhaled her scent. “You smell divine,” he murmured.
Thalia’s face warmed. “You keep changing what you call me—darling, love, sweet girl—making it up as you go along.”
Asher smiled tenderly. “Does it bother you? I have so many ways to think of you, it seems only fair you should hear them all.”
Thalia’s face turned crimson. Asher’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his eyes darkening. His voice was husky. “I love how you blush for me. Only for me. I want to kiss you again.” He touched his lips with his finger. “Kiss me, Lia.”
Thalia obediently kissed him. “Perfect,” Asher said, 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'd been with her twice, each time quite long. Today, she was tender. He couldn't be too demanding initially—he wanted her to associate their intimacy with pleasure, not discomfort. They had plenty of time.
Asher supported Thalia 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.” Discussing last night still made her shy, especially with Asher's meaningful expressions. Vivid images from their night together flooded her mind. Waves of heat surged through her.
The French pastries were exquisite. The café au lait was the perfect complement.
After breakfast, Thalia wanted to go outside and take photographs. She spent over an hour applying makeup, leaving her slightly curled long hair draped over her shoulders, and changed into a thick, cream-colored down jacket.
Asher wrapped a burgundy cashmere scarf around Thalia’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. A young couple was building a snowman, and miniature snowmen sat on the courtyard wall.
Thalia exclaimed, “Oh, these little snowmen are absolutely adorable! Would you mind terribly if I took photographs with them?”
The young woman smiled. “Please do!”
Thalia smiled. “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 his professional DSLR camera. After adjusting the settings, he aimed the lens at Thalia, his eyes softening as he gazed at her. The sky had cleared, with gentle winter sunshine casting a golden glow. Through his lens, Asher saw Thalia smiling brilliantly, with the little snowmen behind her like adorable sprites from a winter fairy tale.