Midnight in Brussels (34 page)
Read Midnight in Brussels Online
Authors: Rebecca Randolph Buckley
She held open the door for him as he walked through with packages and luggage—again, all hanging from him.
He took the bags to his bedroom that was off the kitchen and great room, and then returned with a huge grin. “I have something for you.” He handed her a blue velvet box.
She stared at it, not moving.
“Please, it is for you. Take it.”
She took it and opened the snap that held the lid down. It was a beautiful box, a lovely gift in itself. “Oh my goodness!” Inside was a stunning amber necklace. “This is spectacular! It’s prettier than any I’ve seen in all the jewelry stores in St. Petersburg. It’s Hermitage quality. I can’t take this from you. It’s too valuable! You must sell it to your customers.”
“I give it to you. It is yours. Please.”
Della couldn’t believe it. “Oh, Valentin, I love amber. In fact I have a small collection of it. But this is the grandest of all. Oh my goodness. Thank you so much.”
She lifted the multi-strand filigree necklace with its large pendant from the case and began to open the clasp. He took it from her and placed it around her neck. Della lifted her hair and he fastened the necklace, then his huge hands rested on her shoulders.
Her heart stopped at his touch.
He bent down and kissed her neck.
Goosebumps covered her entire body. She turned and looked up at him.
Their eyes met at the same time their lips met. It was the softest, most thrilling kiss that had touched her lips in her entire life. He didn’t push further, didn’t do the tongue trick, thank god! She hated that! He just gently caressed her lips with his and then slowly leaned back.
“You are beautiful in amber,” he whispered. “It is the same color as your hair and freckles.”
She stepped away from him and looked into the small gild-framed mirror that was nearby on the great room wall. “It does match my hair, doesn’t it?”
He moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, clasping his hands in front. “How long will you stay with me?”
Photo by Dennis Dillow
Rebecca Randolph Buckley
resides in Arizona with her three cats … Princie, Oreo, and Albee. She spends her spare time gardening, reading, collecting and watching classic movies – mostly romantic. She travels around the world not only for pleasure, but to find settings and character inspiration for her novels and short stories.
