Disclaimer: Don't own anybody or anything, just having fun

Author's Note: Written in response to a challenge - it's Clarisse's birthday, Joseph gives her a little treat.

Massage

"Ahh…yes, just… yes just a little lower, there… mmm that feels so good."

Clarisse raised her backside instinctively as her body responded to the delicious touch. She was melting beneath his experienced hands.

"Where did you learn to do this so well, I've had masseurs from around the world… You are by far the best."

"Darling you say such kind things."

He gently placed a kiss on the nape of her neck as he moved his fingers back up to her shoulders and began the process all over again. Kneading the muscles in her upper arms, stroking his index finger down her spine, she moaned beneath him and he found himself breaking into a broad grin at the sound.

They'd been married for just over a year now and it seemed they had come full circle, now she was free in front of him, no longer shy beneath his gaze, no longer ashamed to undress in front of him.

He sat back a little and gazed down at her naked form, her head on one side resting on her arms, eyes closed as she drifted blissfully. The candles were half burnt away, the room heavy with the scent of them.

The oil was warm as it touched her skin; she felt it on her thighs, quickly followed by his fingers tenderly caressing her skin mere seconds later. He certainly knew what he was doing, she felt her entire being mould into whatever shape he felt like creating, right now he could have asked anything of her and she would oblige. However, it was her birthday, and therefore her treat…

"My sister trained as a beautician, for two years she would use my brothers and I as guinea pigs. Wasn't all bad, I learnt a few things."

"I'd say more than a few." She mumbled into the pillow.

He rubbed the soles of her feet, felt her tremble as he tickled and rubbed her heels with more oil.

"There we are…" he whispered, sliding down on top of her, his hands rested either side of her waist supporting the weight of his own body. His chest was bare and he felt the oil on her back teasingly stroke his skin.

"Mmm, don't stop, I like it."

"I can tell," he kissed her hair. "You're almost asleep birthday girl."

"Not a girl so much anymore."

"An incredibly heartbreakingly beautiful woman."

She chuckled against her arm, peeked over her shoulder at him. "You're far too over dressed dear."

"I am?"

"Yes." She reached behind him and tugged on the loose pants he wore. "I want to feel you."

"I want to feel you too." He breathed huskily next to her ear.

In seconds he had shifted and undressed completely, she slowly sat up, he moved behind her, legs crossed and she leant against him. His fingers wound into her hair, so very tenderly rubbing her scalp, effortlessly finding her pressure spots and sending streams of relaxation throughout her.

One of his hands slid down her arm and she reached up to fold her fingers with his.

"I love you so Joseph." She murmured, hardly coherent.

She fell back into his arms, lying down on the luxurious bed. He leant over her, watching the happiness flit across her face, she reached for him, her hand on the back of his neck bringing his mouth down to meet with hers.

"My love…" he breathed against her lips, "you're embedded in my soul."

Opening her eyes she glanced up to his handsome face, her eyes sparkling in the candlelight. "This has certainly been a birthday treat to remember," she held both of his hands, spreading his fingers out as she measured their hands against the other. "And one to be repeated. Perhaps you could teach me how to repay the favour."

"You already do." He kissed her fingertips. "And besides the massage doesn't end there."

"It doesn't?"

"Of course not…"

Extended version available on my CJ site - hope you enjoyed that

fleeting moment of pleasure! x R