“Hey sleepy head…” I hear a faint whisper and a hand gently sweep across my cheek. My eyes flutter open and I find him standing in front of me.

“Oh my goodness, did I fall asleep? I’m so sorry!” I quickly straighten myself up trying to gain my composure.

He lets out a chuckle and sits down next to me on the sofa. He takes hold of my legs, lifts them up, and then pulls them across his lap. I turn my body along with him. I feel so embarrassed. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. I just came in here and found you sitting there with your eyes closed. You didn’t move a muscle when I approached you, so I think you might have. Are you feeling okay?”

“Yeah, I’m great. Just really tired though.” More like exhausted… “The skating and falling over and over again must have taken a lot out of me. And I am so sore, especially my feet and rear end.” I cover my mouth as I yawn. Dang, I just want to curl up and go back to sleep…

“Well, I might be able to help with your feet at least.” His charming grin is infectious and I can’t help but smile back. He carefully unzips both of my knee high black boots, slides them off my feet and sits them down on the floor. Then he takes hold of one of my feet and gently starts messaging it. I let out a soft moan as my head relaxes back against the sofa. Usually I would protest someone touching my feet, but right now, this feels heavenly.

“Oh , this feels amazing. Thank you.” I think that came out sounding a little sultrier than I intended it too.

“It’s my pleasure, A Stόr.”

“Mmmm, that’s the second time you’ve said that to me. What does it mean?” I tilt my head to the side giving him an inquisitive look.

“A Stόr is Gaelic and it’s a term of endearment used to mean darling, or sometimes treasure.” He stops massaging one foot and then starts in on the next one. “And you Raven, to me, are both.”

Awww. I can’t believe he just said that to me. I look at him, stunned. I am almost at a loss for words. He is one of the kindest men I think I have ever met. “That is one of the sweetest things anyone has ever said to me.”

“Well, it’s true.” He keeps messaging my foot but looks away, his cheeks flushed.

We sit in silence for a few minutes listening to the crackling of the fire while I’m getting lost in this amazing foot message.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yes.” He stops messaging my feet as I pull my legs from his lap and scoot in closer until I’m just inches from his face.

“I’ve had the best time with you tonight. It has been so much fun. I really don’t want this night to end.”

He smiles. “Neither do I.” Slowly he leans in, closing the space between us, softly brushing his lips against mine…

Copyright ©2015 –ND White