The journey back from France had been a pleasant one and Richard didn't feel the usual tiredness he felt when travelling.

It was most probably the thought of Audrey waiting for him at their secluded cottage that had him wide awake he thought to himself. He'd missed her more than he would ever let on, she had become so much a part of him that he felt incomplete without her.

Henry had gone back to Grantleigh and Richard was now driving the last few miles to meet Audrey in Devon. When he finally pulled up in front of the cottage he smiled. Although it was now dark he could still make out the cottage. It was slightly larger than the lodge with roses lining the path and two peony bushes either side of the front door.

Stepping inside Richard wondered for a moment if Audrey was there it was so quiet. Then he spotted the note pinned to the bannister of the stairs, picking it up he smiled as he read it.

Darling, meet me in the bedroom, first door on the right. I'll be waiting.

Richard ran up the stairs two at at time as he hurried to find his wife. Opening the door to the master bedroom he was sure his heart had stopped for a moment at the sight that greeted him. The room was lit by the soft glow of candles dotted all around and standing in the middle was Audrey wearing what looked like his pinstripe suit jacket and nothing else.

"Hello darling...had a good day?" She said coyly opening the jacket to revel a black nearly completely see through negligee. Stopping just above mid thigh the sheer fabric left nothing to the imagination and was held up by the thinnest of straps.

"My God," he said hoarsely.

"Do you like it darling?" she asked.

He swallowed hard, feeling his trousers tighten uncomfortably. "You look...you look incredible."

Audrey smiled at his reaction and held her hands out to him, he took a step towards her still looking at the negligee.

When he stood in front of her she opened her arms to him. Stepping into her embrace he sighed in contentment as he felt her hands slid into his hair. It had only been a few days but he had missed her so much, the feel of her arms around him felt like home.

Easing back slightly Audrey gazed into his eyes as his hands tightened around her waist, then simultaneously they closed the distance between them taking each other's lips in a searing kiss.

Richard wrapped his arms tighter around her waist pulling her flush against him, moving a hand to the back of her head he deepened the kiss, his fingers tangling in her blonde tresses.

Audrey moaned into his mouth when she felt the hand around her waist move down to her bottom pushing her against him letting her feel his arousal.

He lips moved to her neck showering her skin with gentle kisses, Audrey turned her head to give him more of her neck to worship with his mouth.

"Darling that feels wonderful" she murmured moving her hands from around his neck to run down his chest.

"You look wonderful" he growled against her neck "And I can't believe that you're mine."

Hearing his words she pulled away slightly wanting to look into his eyes "I'll always be yours Richard" she promised

"And you know that I will always be yours darling" He whispered taking her hand and pulling her over to the bed.

Richard reached to push his jacket from her shoulders "Darling as much as I love this negligee I would much prefer to see you out of it"

Chuckling she pushed him down to sit on the edge of the bed and slowly removed the silky material from her body revealing more of her skin to his eager gaze. She delighted in the hungry look in his eyes as he watched her disrobe.

When she finally stood before him completely naked he pulled her to stand between his legs, looking up into her eyes he is overcome with his love for her.

"I love you my darling"

Closing the gap between them she runs her fingers through his hair "I love you too" she said bringing her lips to his.

Much later with Audrey draped across him her head nestled on his chest and his arm around her holding her tightly to him, Richard had begun to doze off when he felt her run a finger around his nipple immediately stirring his desire for her again. But the moment he is about to roll her over and begin another passionate exploration she lets out a heavy sigh.

Wondering what brought it about he stroked his fingers up and down her arm "What's the matter darling?"

Audrey raised her head from his chest looking into his eyes "Oh it's nothing, just..." she pauses

"Just what?"

She leans on her elbow as she runs her fingers along his moustache "I missed you so much Richard, I was quite distracted not my normal self at all. It made me think that if something were to happen to you I don't think I could go on." She finishes with tears in her eyes.

Richard captured her hand, kissing her palm before resting it over his heart "Audrey, darling listen to me we don't know what the future will bring we have to live in the moment. I love you and we are together that's all that matters."

"I know darling, I just let my thoughts run away with me. I'm sorry" she smiled

Richard tightened his arms around her "Let me show you how much I missed you Audrey"

"I thought you had already done that" Audrey giggled

"Oh that was just for starters" Richard replied rolling her onto her back as he began kissing her neck.