The dance floor was packed, not much room to not be touching other people. But Mikael didn’t mind. He pulled Jessica in close, moving his body in time with the music. He kissed Jessica, smiling. She giggled and moved along with him, the alcohol starting to make her brave.
It was 2am before Jessica and Mikael came stumbling back into the hotel room. They were both happy and a little bit tipsy, having just enjoyed an evening of great music and dancing. Jessica kicked off her shoes before flopping into bed, her legs and feet achy. Mikael did the same, sighing heavily as the bed embraced his tired limbs. Jessica snuggled up into his arms, closing her eyes. They had the most amazing night together, but she knew she wasn’t going to be able to stay awake for much longer.
“Jessica?” Mikael said, checking to see if she was still awake.
“Yes, Mikael?” she responded, not moving or opening her eyes.
“You remember earlier…when I said you should just stay here in Sweden with me?”
“Mhmm…I certainly do….” Jessica yawned, nuzzling Mikael’s chest.
“I meant it. I really meant it. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met, and I really want you to stay here with me.”
Jessica giggled softly, opening her eyes and looking up into Mikael’s. “I know. I really would love to stay. Being here with you….like this. It has been an absolutely incredible experience. I can’t believe how quickly time has been going by. But I did mean what I said earlier as well. My life is in Canada. My family. My friends. My career. I have worked so hard for all of it…I just can’t walk away right now.”
“I understand…” There was a large pause. “Just think about it. That is all that I am going to ask of you, min kära. Think about it before you leave.” Jessica nodded, even though she knew that she was not going to change her mind. She could sense that Mikael knew this as well, but he was going to hold on to the tiny little thread of hope that she might change her mind. Jessica could tell that he was really disappointed that she didn’t want to stay. But she wanted to stay. So badly. Just stay in Sweden, with him. Living life happy and free. But she knew that she couldn’t. Not now. Not with all of the unfinished business left in Canada.
Jessica could hear her phone buzzing on the nightstand. She knew that it was a call from home, but it could wait. She wanted to let this moment last for as long as it could. She closed her eyes once more, pulling the blankets up over herself, drifting slowly off to sleep.

***

When Jessica woke, Mikael was nowhere to be seen. The picnic basket was still on the table in the room, but Mikael’s clothes and shoes were gone. She sat up and stretched, reaching for her phone. 7 missed calls. All from her boyfriend. She grabbed a robe and wrapped herself in it, stepping out onto the balcony of the hotel room. The view was beautiful in the early morning light. She dialed his number and listened to it ring.
“Oh thank god! I was getting so worried when you weren’t answering last night!” Her boyfriend sounded more than relieved to have her calling.
“I’m sorry. It was really late, and I was already asleep. I am sorry I made you worry like that.” The lie came too easily that time, making Jessica think that she really didn’t care what he thought anymore. The more she thought about it, the less interested in the conversation she was.
“It’s fine. I guess I didn’t really think about the time difference. As long as you are okay.” He sounded much more relaxed. “So what did you get up to last night? Anything interesting?” Jessica just told him that she had spent the day in her hotel room, saying that she needed to rest after the busy week she had had. Their conversation didn’t last long, but Jessica assured him that she was doing just fine and looking forward to coming home. He told her that he loved her, and Jessica said the same, not sure if she still meant it or not. They hung up and Jessica slipped her phone into the pocket of the robe. She leaned on the railing of the balcony, looking out over the street below. She was conflicted. One on hand there was her boyfriend, the same man she had been with for the past 4 years. He loved her deeply and had been there to support her through some of the toughest years of her life.
On the other was Mikael. He made her feel loved, and special, and more importantly, free. Free from worry, free from doubt, just free. She didn’t feel guilty anymore. She knew that what she and Mikael had would end as soon as she got on her plane next week, but she couldn’t help but feel sad about it. Mikael had given her so much in such a short amount of time, and she wasn’t quite ready for it to be over. Jessica was starting to get a chill from the crisp morning air, so she returned to the room from the balcony.
Mikael was just walking in, coffees and a paper bag in his hand. He smiled. “Good morning. I went to grab breakfast while you were still asleep.” Jessica smiled, sitting down at the table. Mikael set down the coffees and the bag, moving beside Jessica and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. He sat down, and handed her a coffee, opening the bag and pulling out a couple of muffins. They ate breakfast in silence, enjoying the sunlight and the food.
Jessica cleaned up the room while Mikael was in the shower, getting rid of some of the garbage that had accumulated over the past couple of days. She packed away her dirty clothes and pulled out something to wear. She grabbed her towel and walked into the bathroom, getting ready to shower right after Mikael was out. She let the robe drop to the floor, pulling the shower curtain to the side. She climbed in the shower behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist as he rinsed his hair.
“Well hello there!” he said, turning around and smiling down at her. “I was just thinking that this shower was getting a little lonely.” Mikael kissed her, wrapping his arms around her. His left hand wandered down her body, grabbing her ass. Jessica smiled, continuing to kiss Mikael. She could feel him getting hard up against her wet skin, and she just couldn’t resist. She put her hand in between them, letting her fingers dance along the head of his penis. She kissed him deeply, wrapping her hand around his shaft. Mikael let out a soft moan, Jessica’s hand feeling so good wrapped around his penis. Jessica began to slowly stroke him, feeling him get harder by the second. She could feel herself getting wet, and not just from the shower. When he was good and hard, she turned around and bent over in front of him, using the sides of the tub to steady herself. She looked back at him invitingly, biting her lip and wiggling her hips. Mikael smirked, knowing just what she wanted. He positioned himself behind her, easing his rock hard penis into her tight wet vagina. The both let out a moan, their bodies connected once again.