Page 66 of One Hot Chase

We make our way along a winding stone path, surrounded by towering cedar trees and the gentle sound of a nearby stream. As we round a bend, the ryokan comes into view---a beautiful traditional wooden building with a sloping tiled roof.

"Declan-san!" a voice calls out. A middle-aged Japanese man in a simple yukata approaches us, beaming. "Welcome, welcome!"

"Ren!" I grin, clasping his hand warmly. "It's been too long, mate. This is Sabrina, my fiancée."

Bree's eyes widen slightly at the word "fiancée," but she quickly recovers, offering Ren a warm smile and a slight bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ren-san. Thank you for having us."

Ren's eyes twinkle as he returns the bow. "The pleasure is all mine, Sabrina-san. Any friend of Declan's is welcome here. Please, come inside and make yourselves comfortable."

As we follow Ren into the ryokan, I can feel Bree's excitement radiating off her. The interior is just as beautiful as I remember---all polished wood and soft tatami mats, with sliding paper doors separating the spaces.

"This is incredible," Bree whispers, her eyes darting around to take in every detail.

Ren shows us to our room, a spacious area overlooking a serene garden. As he slides open the shoji doors, Bree gasps in delight.

"It's even more beautiful than I imagined," she proclaims, stepping inside. The room is minimalist yet elegant, with a low table, cushions, and a small alcove adorned with a simple flower arrangement and a calligraphy scroll.

Ren smiles warmly. "I'm pleased you like it. The onsen is just down the path outside. Please, enjoy your stay. Dinner will be served in two hours."

After he leaves, Bree turns to me, her green eyes sparkling. "Declan, this is...I don't even have the words to describe it. Thank you for bringing me here."

I pull her close, reveling in the scent of her hair. "Anything for you, love. Now, what do you say we check out those hot springs?"

"Yes, please. I thought you'd never ask."

We change into the provided yukata, Bree giggling as she struggles with the unfamiliar garment. The simple robe accentuates her sensual body.

"How do I look?" she asks, giving a little twirl.

"Absolutely ravishing," I reply, pulling her in for a quick kiss. "Though I must say, I prefer you without any clothes at all."

She swats my arm playfully. "Behave yourself, Mr. Wilde. We're in a respectable establishment."

We make our way down the stone path to the onsen, the cool evening air nipping at our skin. The sound of bubbling water grows louder as we approach.

"Now, remember," I whisper to Bree, "we have to wash thoroughly before entering the bath. And no splashing or loud noises---it's meant to be a peaceful experience."

Bree nods solemnly, but there's a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. We part ways at the entrance, heading to the separate men's and women's changing areas.

A few minutes later, I'm easing myself into the steaming water, feeling the tension melt from my muscles. The outdoor bath is surrounded by smooth rocks and lush greenery, with a breathtaking view of the starry sky above.

I hear a small splash and turn to see Bree entering the water, her pale skin flushed from the heat. She lets out a contented sigh as she sinks deeper into the bath, her strawberry blonde hair piled messily atop her head.

"This is heavenly," she murmurs, her eyes closed in bliss. "I could stay here forever."

"Careful, darling. You might turn into a prune if you do."

She cracks one eye open, a smirk playing on her lips. "Would you still love me if I was all wrinkly?"

"Always," I reply, pulling her onto my lap. The water splashes gently around us as I trail kisses along her neck. "Though I must say, I prefer you soft and smooth."

We spend four days in Nikko, and Bree loves getting to know Ren and learning about Japanese traditions. But then it's time for us to move on. I can sense that Sabrina wants to head home, but I ask her to be sure.

"Yeah, I'm ready to go home. And by 'home' I mean your place in London."

"Would you like to meet my family?"

She boosts herself up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. "Of course I would. And you'll meet my family when they descend on England for the big wedding."

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