Sweet Dreams (Ladies of Stanford #1)

11. Ten

Ten

S unlight 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 market today. 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."

Yuri's expression softened. He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "It's my pleasure, moye solnyshko. Now, finish your breakfast. We have a busy day of espionage and pastry sampling ahead of us."

An hour later, they were strolling hand in hand through the bustling Christmas market. The air was filled with the scent of spiced wine and fresh-baked goods, colorful stalls lining the streets as far as the eye could see.

"Oh, Yuri," Beth breathed, taking it all in. "It's magical."

Yuri squeezed her hand, his eyes crinkling as he smiled down at her. "Just wait until you taste the food. Come, I know just where to start."

He led her to a stall manned by a jolly-looking woman with rosy cheeks. A sign proclaimed "Babushka's Best Bakery" in both Russian and English.

"Ah, Yuri!" the woman exclaimed. "It's been too long! And who is this lovely young lady?"

"Privet, Anya," Yuri greeted her warmly. "This is Beth. She's visiting from America and happens to be an excellent baker herself."

Beth felt herself blush at the compliment. "It's nice to meet you," she said, suddenly shy.

Anya's eyes twinkled. "An American baker! How delightful. You must try my pryaniki. They're an old family recipe."

As Anya bustled about, preparing a sampler plate, Yuri leaned down to whisper in Beth's ear. "Anya makes the best Christmas cookies in all of Belarus. If anyone can give you ideas for your competition, it's her."

Beth nodded, touched by Yuri's thoughtfulness. Beth’s professional interest was piqued when Anya returned with a plate piled high with intricately decorated cookies.

She bit into one, and her eyes widened. "Oh, my goodness," she mumbled around the mouthful. "These are incredible."

Anya beamed. "You're too kind. Now, tell me about your bakery in America. What sort of treats do you make?"

As Beth launched into a description of Sweet Dreams, she felt Yuri's arm slip around her waist. He listened intently, occasionally chiming in with a comment or question. Beth was struck by how genuinely interested he seemed in her work.

They spent the next few hours exploring the market, sampling treats from various stalls, and chatting with the bakers. Yuri seemed to know everyone, effortlessly translating and making introductions.

By early afternoon, Beth's head was spinning with new ideas, and her stomach was pleasantly full. They found a quiet corner near a roaring fire pit, settling onto a bench with steaming cups of mulled wine.

"So," Yuri said, his arm draped casually over her shoulders, "do you think you've gathered enough intel for your baking spectacular?"

Beth nodded, leaning into him. "Definitely. I can't wait to try out some of these techniques when I get home. Thank you for this, Yuri. It's been amazing."

Yuri pressed a kiss to her temple. "I'm glad. Although," he added, a hint of sadness creeping into his voice, "I have to admit, I'm not looking forward to you leaving."

Beth felt her heart clench. She'd been trying not to think about the end of her trip, about having to say goodbye to Yuri. "Me neither," she admitted softly.

They sat in contemplative silence for a moment, the reality of their situation settling over them like a heavy blanket. Then Yuri straightened up with a determined look in his eye.

"Well then," he said, his voice full of forced cheer, "I suppose we'll just have to make the most of the time we have left. What do you say we head back to the hotel, warm up a bit, and then I'll take you out for a proper Belarusian dinner?"

Beth smiled, pushing aside her melancholy thoughts. "That sounds perfect."

As they made their way back through the market, hand in hand, Beth found herself stealing glances at Yuri. She wondered what would happen after she left. Would she feel the same way? Would he?

For now, she decided, she'd focus on enjoying every moment with Yuri. The future, with all its complications and uncertainties, could wait. After all, they still had a few days left of their Belarusian Christmas adventure.

And she intended to make every second count.