In mere seconds Derek was dressed to match – or rather undressed.

Hours later, wearing thick hotel robes, they settled onto the intimate dining table on the balcony of their suite. Boston Harbor’s lights glimmered in the cool spring night air. Sophia surveyed the feast before her as she felt her husband’s gentle fingers lift her long disheveled hair and his lips kiss her exposed neck. Despite the warm terrycloth, goose bumps appeared on her arms and long slender legs. She closed her eyes, as a purr escaped her lips.

His warm breath bathed her ear as Derek whispered, “I love my surprise.”

Sophia’s smile radiated her entire face. “Good, I’m glad. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too.”

“Tell me about your job prospect; I promise I’m listening.” Her toe wandered up his warm leg.

“Hmmm, I think you’re trying to distract me.”

Sophia beamed, “No, I think, if I wanted to distract you, I could.”

Derek’s cheeks rose, as admiration radiated from his gaze. Without a doubt, if there was one thing Sophia was good at doing, it was distracting him. Actually she was good at many things. Beholding her now, hair beautifully tousled and wearing only a white robe, he prayed being understanding was among her list of attributes. “The company is one of the biggest players out there. They have potential to be even bigger.”

“And you want it?”

Derek looked down. This was easier on the phone, not seeing her beautiful trusting eyes before him. “I do.”

“Then tell them yes.”

“But, what about us? What about living arrangements? Travel?”

Sophia left her food untouched, fell to her knees, and sat back on her heels before her husband. “I love you. Did you say I could stay in Provincetown and you’d be there every weekend?”

“Yes, unless...”

“Unless you need to be out of the country.”

“Yes.”

“Where will you live during the week?”

“I guess I’ll have an apartment or condo in Santa Clara.” He smoothed her blonde hair. This was going so much better than he’d expected.

Sophia continued, “And didn’t you say they offered you transportation back and forth?”

“Yes, but that’s a lot of time apart.”

She lifted herself to encircle his neck. “If you want this, if it’s your dream, and if we’ll be able to afford both homes, I can travel too. I can spend some of my weeks in Santa Clara and some weekends too. We can both spend time in Provincetown. I can paint, draw, and sketch -- anywhere.”

Derek dropped his head to hers, sighing audibly. “I didn’t think you’d take it this well.” She kissed his cheek. He asked, “You’d be willing to travel?”

“I’m willing to do whatever I need to do, to be with you.”

“I anticipate long hours, during the week.”

“Have you ever known me to shy away from late nights, or early mornings?” Sophia asked with a sultry smirk.

Derek smiled, “Late nights no, early mornings -- not really your thing.”

“So, I’ll just consider early mornings to be later nights. It all blends together. Besides, if you’re some big wig, you need a wife by your side.”

He lifted her body as he stood. “Mrs. Burke, you’re right, as always.” His hands began to roam under the thick robe as his lips found the place where her neck and shoulders met, the spot that sent tingles throughout her body.

“What about dinner?” She murmured, “I ordered your favorites.”

“I think I need some more of my surprise appetizer.”

Sophia didn’t argue, or agree. Her mind was lost in her husband’s touch.

The next morning they awoke to their new reality. They were moving to Santa Clara, and they needed a place to live. Stepping into the spacious glass shower, she thought about their impending adventure. Although Sophia traveled all over Europe, she’d never been to California. Being born and raised in New Jersey, the East Coast was always home.

Her parents lived in the same house where she was raised. They’d lived there for over forty years. Feeling the warm water coat her body and inhaling the fresh clean scent of body wash, Sophia realized home was a feeling, not a place. She liked that feeling. It made her feel safe, loved, and wanted.

Rinsing the floral scented cream rinse from her long hair, she suddenly shivered as cool air penetrated her warm moist haven. Before she could turn or comment, Derek caressed her trim waist and hips. He was her home. He gave her that feeling. It even transcended her art, allowing Sophia to use bolder colors, attempt more abstract drawings, and create beyond previous boundaries. If he could do that for her, moving to the West Coast was a small price to pay.

Wrapped in a thick luxurious towel Sophia combed her wet hair. Droplets of water rolled down her bare back as she contemplated drying it. She didn’t like using a hair dryer. It was bad for her hair and used a lot of energy. But the cold April wind didn’t support wet hair. Smiling, she thought about her parents and heard her mother’s voice, “Don’t go outside with wet hair, you’ll catch your death of cold.” At first her parents may not like the idea of her moving west. But, after she explained the two homes and her ability to visit while Derek travels, Sophia anticipated understanding. After all, that’s what they had always provided -- understanding.

Derek pulled her from her thoughts as he entered the glass and tile bathroom. “I just went down to the front desk to pay the bill. It was paid.”