Page 20 of Sweet Dreams

Beth laced her fingers through his, marveling at how perfectly they fit together. "Ready as I'll ever be."

As Yuri led her into a cozy-looking restaurant, Beth felt a thrill of excitement. This was just the beginning of their adventure. And if the electricity she felt every time Yuri touched her was any indication, it was going to be one hell of a ride.

The restaurant was warm and inviting, filled with the aroma of hearty food and the soft murmur of conversation. Yuri guided Beth to a secluded corner table, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back. Even through her coat, his touch sent sparks along her skin.

"So," Yuri said as they settled into their seats, "what do you think of Minsk so far?"

Beth smiled, taking in the rustic decor and the twinkling lights strung across the ceiling. "It's magical- like stepping into a fairy tale."

"Just wait until you try the food," Yuri winked. He rattled off an order in rapid-fire Russian, the words rolling off his tongue in a way that made Beth's stomach do a little flip.

As they waited for their food, conversation flowed easily between them, punctuated by lingering glances and 'accidental' brushes of hands across the table. It was as if all those weeks of virtual communication had laid a foundation, and now they were building something real and tangible on top of it.

When the food arrived, Beth's eyes widened at the spread before them. "Wow," she breathed, "I hope you plan to help me eat all this."

Yuri's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Oh, I plan to help you with a lot of things during your stay, moye solnyshko."

Beth nearly choked on her kvass, the implications of his words sending a rush of heat through her body. Two could play that game.

She leaned forward, deliberately letting her foot brush against his leg under the table. "I'm counting on it, Mr. Minsk."

Yuri's eyes darkened, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. For a moment, the air between them was thick with unspoken desire.

Then Beth broke the tension with a laugh. "Now, are you going to teach me how to eat these potato pancakes properly, or do I have to figure it out myself?"

As the meal progressed, Beth found herself falling even harder for Yuri. His laugh, the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, the gentle teasing in his voice – it was all so much more potent in person. And the way he looked at her... like she was the most fascinating thing he'd ever seen.

By the time they finished dessert – a decadent honey cake that Yuri insisted was "just like his babushka used to make" – Beth was feeling warm and slightly giddy, though whether from the food, the company, or the subtle flirting, she couldn't be sure.

As they stepped back out into the snowy night, Yuri took her hand again. "So, what next? Are you up for a little adventure, or would you prefer to rest?"

Beth squeezed his hand, feeling bold. "I'm up for anything, as long as it's with you."

Yuri's answering smile was brilliant. "In that case, I know just the place. Do you trust me?"

"Completely," Beth said, surprised to find she meant it wholeheartedly.

Yuri's expression softened. He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "Then let's go make some memories, moye solnyshko."

As they set off down the twinkling streets of Minsk, hand in hand, Beth felt a sense of anticipation building. Whatever Yuri had planned, she knew one thing for certain: this would be a night – and a trip – she'd never forget.

Nine

Yuri guided Beth through Minsk's winding streets. Their breaths mingled in the crisp air.

"So, are you going to tell me where we're going?" Beth asked, a hint of playful impatience in her voice.

Yuri's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Patience, moye solnyshko. We're almost there."

As they rounded a corner, Beth gasped. Before them stretched a vast outdoor ice rink, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations. Couples glided across the ice, their laughter carrying on in the night air.

"Ice skating?" Beth said, a mix of excitement and trepidation in her voice. "You remembered."

Yuri squeezed her hand. "Of course. I remember everything you tell me." His voice dropped lower, sending a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. "Including your need for, ah, mouth-to-mouth assistance."

Beth felt her cheeks warm despite the chill. "Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that. Though with my skating skills, you never know."

They rented skates and made their way to the ice. Beth wobbled as she took her first step, instinctively grabbing Yuri's arm. He steadied her, his hand warm on her waist.

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