Page 22 of Sweet Dreams

Instead of answering, Beth rose up on her tiptoes, closing the distance between them. Their lips met, soft and tentative at first, then with growing passion. Yuri's arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him as Beth's hands found their way into his hair.

The kiss was everything Beth had imagined and more. Yuri tasted of honey cake and promises of adventure and home all at once. When they finally parted, both slightly breathless, Beth felt as though her whole world had shifted on its axis.

Yuri rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closed. "Beth," he breathed.

Beth laughed softly. "Um, yeah. Wow."

Yuri opened his eyes, his gaze full of warmth and something that looked a lot like adoration. "You know," he said, a hint of mischief in his voice, "I think we might need more practice. Just to be sure we've got it right."

Beth grinned, her heart soaring. "Well, Mr. Minsk, I do believe in thorough research. Shall we conduct a few more experiments?"

Yuri's answering laugh was swallowed by another kiss, deeper and more heated than the first. Surrounded by falling snowflakes, Beth knew coming to Belarus was her best decision.

Ten

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, filling Beth's hotel room with warmth. She stretched, recalling the events from the previous night. A smile spread across her face as she remembered Yuri's kisses, his warm embrace, and how he'd looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

A knock at the door jolted her from her reverie. "Room service!" a cheerful voice called out.

Confused, Beth wrapped herself in a robe and padded to the door. As she opened it, she was greeted not by a hotel employee but by Yuri, who was holding a tray laden with breakfast foods and wearing a mischievous grin.

"Surprise," he said, his eyes twinkling. "I thought you might be hungry after all that, ah, 'cultural exchange' last night."

Beth felt her cheeks warm at the memory of their heated goodnight kisses. "You're incorrigible," she laughed, stepping aside to let him in. "But also, very sweet. Thank you."

Yuri set the tray down on the small table by the window, then turned to Beth, his expression softening. "Good morning, moye solnyshko," he murmured, pulling her into his arms.

As Beth eased into Yuri's arms, she tilted her head upwards, inviting him to kiss her. His lips met hers willingly, their warmth seeping into her skin. The initial soft peck of a good morning greeting quickly evolved into something more intense, rekindling the passionate blaze that had consumed them just hours ago in the darkness of the night.

Underneath her robe, a heat began to radiate from between her thighs, a sensual warmth that was both new and familiar. It was a silent testament to their shared desire. As Yuri pressed himself closer against her, she could feel his arousal through the thin fabric of her robe. It nestled snugly between the folds, fueling the fire within her.

When they eventually pulled away from each other, gasping slightly for air but unwilling to completely break contact, Yuri gently leaned his forehead against hers. "I could get used to this," he murmured softly into the space between them.

"Me too," Beth admitted, her heart fluttering. Then, trying to lighten the suddenly intense mood, she added, "But maybe we should eat before the food gets cold? I'm dying to try whatever smells so delicious."

Yuri chuckled, releasing her with obvious reluctance. "Of course. I brought you a true Belarusian breakfast. Prepare your taste buds for an adventure."

As they settled at the table, Beth couldn't help but marvel at how comfortable this felt. Here she was, in a foreign country with a man she'd only just met in person, and yet it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

"So," Yuri said as Beth bit into a blini topped with sour cream and caviar, "I was thinking we could visit the Christmas markettoday. It's quite famous, you know. Unless you'd prefer to see some of the historical sites?"

Beth swallowed her bite, considering. "The market sounds wonderful. Although..." she trailed off, suddenly remembering something.

"Although?" Yuri prompted, raising an eyebrow.

Beth bit her lip. "Well, it's just... I may have promised my friends I'd scope out the competition. For the bakery, I mean."

Yuri's eyes lit up with interest. "Ah yes, the famous Sweet Dreams. I'd almost forgotten I was in the presence of a master baker. Tell me, what sort of 'competition' are we talking about?"

And so, Beth found herself explaining the upcoming Christmas Baking Spectacular, her words punctuated by bites of the delicious breakfast. Yuri listened intently, asking questions and offering suggestions.

"You know," he said thoughtfully as Beth finished her explanation, "I might be able to help with that. The Christmas market has some of the best bakers in Belarus. It would be the perfect place to gather ideas."

Beth's eyes widened. "Really? That would be amazing! Are you sure you don't mind?"

Yuri reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "Beth, I want to know everything about your life, your passions. If that means spending a day taste-testing Christmas treats, well," he grinned, "I suppose I'll just have to make that sacrifice."

Beth laughed, squeezing his hand. "My hero," she teased. Then, more seriously, "Thank you, Yuri. For everything. This trip... it's already more than I could have imagined."

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