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Mark set their two glasses and the bottle on the counter, then turned the bath faucet on full blast.
Perusing the options, she selected a bath gel scented with neroli rose and poured it under the running water. A rush of bubbly foam appeared in the steaming water as the bathtub filled. On the counter, the champagne flutes emanated sparkling bubbles with a faint fizzing sound, and she savored a sip before giving Mark a flirty smile. Meeting his azure gaze, she drew him closer. Using both hands, she removed his sweater, then tackled the dress shirt underneath. After inhaling a whiff of his sandalwood and cedar fragrance, she worked each button faster until she reached the white T-shirt underneath and groaned. “How many layers are you wearing?”
Grinning, he emitted a peal of laughter. “It’s December in Norway, but we have no bad weather if you wear enough clothing. And slow down, you overachiever—you’re leaping ahead. Arms out, please.”
Holding out both arms, she stifled her amusement as his subtle smile progressed to a mischievous grin. Trying to contain her eagerness, she relished his touch as he attentively removed her sweater, pants, and lingerie, pausing to caress her bare skin after each item slid to the floor. In contrast, she reciprocated by eagerly tugging off his remaining clothes until nothing separated them but steamy air. Admiring his blond stubble and sculpted torso, she inhaled deeply as a fleeting moment of shyness passed. “Well.”
Mark took the bottle of champagne and filled his glass to the top, almost overflowing.
“Thirsty?”
“Very.” He tilted the glass and drizzled a stream of champagne over her skin. Quickly, he leaned over and kissed away the glistening drops of sparkling wine.
The sensation brushed her skin like a delicate whisper. With her desire rising, she shifted closer and sought his mouth, parting his lips to taste the wine’s citrus zing. She flushed with warmth like a fresh candle beginning a long, smoldering burn. Mesmerized, she cradled his face and committed every contour to memory. “I never want to stop kissing you.”
“And I’ll never be able to resist you. Ever.” While tracing the edge of her jaw, he wound an arm firmly around her waist.
Even before he pressed his bare body against hers, she sensed the magnetism between them, buzzing like electricity. Melding together, she felt like he’d been designed for her. Without hesitation, he moved down her taut body and kneeled, his mouth exploring every inch. Lost in pleasure, she exhaled in thready breaths. Struggling to form a rational thought, she noticed the scent of neroli rose had grown stronger and wondered why her feet were so wet. Hearing a splash, she opened her eyes and glanced up. “The tub’s overflowing…turn off the water!”
Doubled over laughing, Mark leaned over the tub, shut off the faucet, and drained the excess water. “Better not flood the floor.” He tossed down a couple of towels and mopped several puddles.
Still grinning, Tess eased into the steaming bath and splashed handfuls of water and bubbles over herself. Having never seen him naked in the light before, she caught her breath and admired his lithe, muscular frame from head to toe and all parts between. Especially those parts. “Come on in.”
Stepping into the bath opposite her, Mark sat, then arranged his legs alongside hers. “Ah, just the two of us.”
“Heaven.” She trailed her fingers up his thigh and moved her legs between his before relaxing. Exhaling away the past year’s struggles, she concluded the earth had returned to its proper axis after spinning far off its orbit. “Mark, the night we met, you told me we’d make it through everything. Turns out you were right, and you saved me from my grief. Thank you.”
“The truth is, we saved each other. I wouldn’t be alive without you.” Mark grasped her hand from the water and kissed it. “Speaking of which—” He reached for his jeans on the floor and retrieved a small package wrapped in floral-patterned cloth. A smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “A gift to welcome you to Norway.”
“More surprises?” She shook the water off her hands and offered a seductive smile. After removing the fabric wrapping, she opened a small, black-velvet case to find an intricate pendant on a delicate chain. “This is beautiful,” she breathed, skimming her fingertips over the polished gold. A question formed on her lips.
“This is Freya’s Viking shield to protect you from danger. Freya is the Norse goddess of sex, beauty, love, and death. You’re my personal Freya, and wherever life takes us, remember to embrace your strength.” Mark squeezed her hand.
“This is stunning. I love it.” Feeling her heart might burst, she ran her fingers over the artistic engraving.
“Here, I’ll help you.” He gestured for her to turn.
Rotating, she put up her hair so he could fasten the chain. The weight of the warm gold shield rested on her chest, and she clasped it to her heart. “I will cherish you and this. Thank you.” Touched by the gift’s meaning, she appreciated how well he understood her. “I’ve been thinking about what happens next.”
“Oh? Tonight?” He raised a playful eyebrow and splashed hot water over his arms. “Do tell.”
“After tonight.” She threw a handful of bubbles in his direction, eliciting a hearty laugh. Despite spending days strategizing how to build a relationship given their respective careers, she skipped any preamble. “London to Bergen is a short flight, and I could commute each week.”
“True, but Norway’s peaceful and doesn’t need many trauma surgeons. I’d like to work in the US—more challenging cases and better jobs.” Leaning his knees to one side, Mark cupped his hand and poured handfuls of hot, bubbly water over her shoulders.
“When David returns, odds are good we’ll expand Kingsley Tech to the US, starting with Seattle.” Slinking lower in the tub to seek heat, she detected a sparkle in his gaze.
“Hmm. I already researched Seattle hospitals, and there’s a top-rated, level-one trauma center where I could seek a surgical post. I mean, if we wished to live closer together.”
“Well, I’ve always wanted a Norwegian doctor—a brave, kind one who can survive anything—and here you are.” Glowing, she felt her heart fill with an exhilarating mix of desire, gratitude, and admiration. “I don’t care where as long as you’re with me.”
“So, we agree.”
The water splashed as Mark pulled her through the island of floating bubbles and angled her chin to meet his kiss. Rising to stand, she motioned for him to join her. Lost in the moment with his body firm against hers, she enjoyed every breath, nibble, and touch until she couldn’t wait another second. “Bed?”
“Yes!”
****
