Without a word, Daniel took her to the bedroom. Slowly, he removed her clothing, kissing and caressing every inch of skin that was revealed, paying special attention to the places that brought her the most pleasure. Once she was naked, he allowed her to remove his clothing equally slowly and lovingly, trembling as she touched his most intimate places. Then Daniel laid her on the bed and proceeded to make love to her with such tenderness and love that Sam almost wept from the beauty and joy of it. They came together, their cries muted, yet echoing the ecstasy within them.
Lying safe and warm in Daniel's arms, Sam sent a little wish to whomever might be listening that Pete would one day find someone who loved him as deeply as Daniel loved her.
'Take care of yourself, Pete. I'm going to miss you.'
Daniel and Sam were subdued for the remainder of the day, though the archeologist did all he could to cheer her up and keep her mind off Pete. They had returned to Sam's place, Daniel figuring that she'd feel more comfortable in her own house.
It was shortly after dinner when Daniel finally got a genuine smile out of her when he told her that he'd dance like Michael Jackson again, if she wanted him to.
"Not a chance, Daniel," she responded. "You need to stay healthy and keep all your body parts working. I have plans for you."
"Hmm. Plans, huh? That sounds interesting." He got up. "Well, my dear, I have plans, too."
"Oh? And what would those be?"
"Wait and I'll show you. Now, close your eyes. I don't want you to see what I'm doing."
With another smile, Sam did as he asked. She heard Daniel walk into the kitchen. There was the sound of cabinet doors opening and closing, then his footsteps moved away. The door to the bathroom closed. A moment later, Sam heard water start running into the tub. Daniel made one more trip between the kitchen and the bathroom. Then there was silence, except for the sound of running water.
Daniel spent quite a while in the bathroom, and Sam was really getting curious about what he was doing in there. She was now resting her head against the backrest of the sofa. She was tired, the lack of sleep and the emotional turmoil of the day having drained her energy.
Sam was dozing lightly when a fingertip brushing down the side of her face woke her up. She looked up to see Daniel smiling down at her.
"Hey there, sleeping beauty," he said. "Don't go to sleep yet. Your surprise is ready."
Daniel held out his hand to Sam. She took it and let him pull her up from the couch. She followed him to the bathroom.
"Okay, close your eyes again," he told her. Once she had obeyed, he led her into the bathroom, which was delightfully warm. "Keep your eyes closed."
Sam stood with her eyes shut as she heard the rustling of cloth. Guessing that Daniel was removing his clothing, Sam felt a little quiver of anticipation pass through her. And then he began taking her clothes off. There was something very sensual about being undressed while her eyes were closed, feeling his touch on her body and being unable to see his hands.
At last, Sam was naked. Daniel went around behind her and put his arms around her.
"Open your eyes," he murmured in her ear.
Sam did so. A gasp escaped her lips when she saw what he had done. The lights were off, the room being lit by the flames of more than a dozen candles. The archeologist must have placed every candle she owned in the room.
"Oh, Daniel," Sam whispered. "It's beautiful." She turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "Thank you."
Daniel gave her a smile. Then he took her to the tub, which was filled with bubbles. He stepped in, then helped her in. They both settled into the water, Daniel behind Sam. He encircled her in his arms, holding her close to his chest.
For several long minutes, they stayed like that, Daniel's lips placing random kisses on Sam's neck and shoulders. Then he picked up the soap and began washing her. Sam lay her head back against him and closed her eyes, letting his hands take away all her pain. Never once did he make any attempts to turn what he was doing into something sexual, something to elicit excitement. His touch was slow and soothing, designed to relax her. When he washed her back and neck, his long, talented fingers gently massaged the tight muscles.
By the time Daniel was through, Sam was feeling deliciously drowsy and totally relaxed. They got out of the tub, and he dried her off with the same slow gentleness. After quickly drying himself, he told her to stay put and left to get her sleepwear, not wanting her to get chilled by going out unclothed into the relative coolness beyond the bathroom. When he returned, he was wearing pajama bottoms.
Once Sam was dressed, she and Daniel went into the bedroom. The bed had already been turned down. Daniel left her alone for a short while as he went back to the bathroom to blow out the candles and let the water out if the tub. Then he crawled into the bed with Sam, turned out the lights, and gathered her into his arms. With a contented sigh, Sam snuggled into his warmth and closed her eyes. A few minutes later, she was asleep.
Daniel looked at the woman in his arms, thinking that he could not be any luckier than he was at that moment. Then he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
