Sweet Forever
Winter Rose
"Vincent.""Yes, my love?"
Catherine gazed upon the object of her affection as he raised his eyes from the poetry he was reading.
He sat in the large chair in his chamber, the candle light making lacy shadows against his cheeks as it filtered through his hair.
"Ahh..that hair!" she gave a sigh of delight. So beautiful. Like sparkling champagne in the gentle light.
"Vincent, do you know what day it is?"
Vincent bowed his head shyly, hiding behind a curtain of hair and replied softly. "Yes, it is Valentine's Day."
"Yes it is!" She gave him a delighted grin as if he had just correctly answered the million-dollar question and jumped off the bed to rummage in her purse.
He had to smile at her enthusiasm.
"Happy Valentine's Day ,Vincent." She knelt on the floor before him and presented a small heart-shaped box covered in red satin.
"It's lovely." He ran his fingers over the delicate covering. Carefully he pried open the lid and inhaled the sweet fragrance that wafted from within.
"Chocolate! What a wonderful treat Catherine." He offered the open box to her.
Catherine delicately picked out a sleek, dark, heart and brought it close to her mouth. She closed her eyes and inhaled , the tip of her tongue slid out and wet her lips in anticipation.
Vincent could not contain himself. He opened his mouth in a sharp intake of breath and was shocked when, instead of eating the chocolate herself, Catherine popped it into his mouth instead.
He suddenly found himself frozen. The dark, velvet taste melting in his mouth and Catherine's finger caressing over the tip of his tongue. She slowly withdrew it brushing over the sensitive cleft.
He couldn't stop the small whimpering sound that escaped his throat. Almost, but not quite pain. Abruptly, he turned away from her gaze.
"Please don't. Don't turn away." She pleaded..
His brow furrowed and tears stung his eyes at her hurt tone.
"I'm sorry Vincent. I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable. Please forgive me."
Slowly, he returned to look into her eyes. "There is nothing to forgive, my love, It is just when you . . . that is, what you did . . . I--I wanted it never to end. I wanted it to go on forever. You give me so much and yet . . . I want more . . . I want..." The words tumbled out spilling over each other and he stopped abruptly.
Catherine brought her hands up to gently cup his face and smiled at him through joyful tears. "Oh Vincent. Everything that I have, everything that I am, I give to you gladly. Forever."
He leaned toward her to share a kiss sweeter than any valentine treat. Just before their lips met she heard him whisper softly, "Forever."