Chapter VI: The Honeymoon Continues

Warning: this chapter has physical intimacy scenes. Once again, if you don't like racier romance novels, this isn't for you.

Author's Note: I want to thank everyone for the lovely reviews and for asking me to continue this story. I love exploring married Shane and Oliver. Also, my heartfelt thank you to Rhonda Wronski for her contributions to this chapter and all her help thus far. This chapter gets even steamier, so you have been warned! All the usual disclaimers… Happy reading!

They had one more night at the Brown Palace before departing on their honeymoon trip. While Shane couldn't wait to travel and explore new places with Oliver, she wished their time in the honeymoon suite would never end. All the waiting had been so worth it. She had never felt so happy nor so at peace. Oliver made her feel cherished, safe, taken care of, and fully loved. All she wanted to do was make him happy. If she could make him feel half the joy he made her feel, she would be content for the rest of her life.

Shane's cellphone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts. Who on earth could be calling? She was happy Oliver didn't seem to hear it. He was taking a much-needed nap as she made herself a cup of coffee. Shane knew Oliver wanted these days all to themselves with no interruptions. She glanced at the screen, saw it was Rita and smiled. Honeymoon or not, she had to answer.

"Hi Rita!"

"Shane! I'm so glad you answered! I just wanted to wish you guys a lovely honeymoon trip. You're leaving tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, we leave tomorrow. It's going to be the trip of a lifetime."

"I'm sure it will be! And how… how… is… everything?"

Shane almost burst out laughing but held back her giggles. In the background, she heard Norman chastising Rita, "Leave them alone, they're on their honeymoon! We took care of our movie, leave them to theirs!"

It took all of Shane's efforts not to laugh out loud! Norman and Rita were something else! "Dearest Rita, everything is absolutely wonderful."

"It is?"

Shane could almost see Rita's eyes shining. She could tell Rita missed their girl talk. "Yes, it is." Shane smiled. "Tell you what… how about when I return, we save a day for mani's, pedi's and lunch and we can indulge in girl talk, honeymoon edition?"

"Oh Shane! You always know what to say. But no talk that might mortify Oliver if he were to overhear it. Or me. Or Norman. Oh dear. We still have to work together."

"Don't worry, Rita. It will be very tasteful girl talk." Shane said containing her giggles once again.

"Love you so much, Shane! See you soon and send pictures from Europe!"

"Love you too, Rita and big hugs to you and Norman." Shane missed her best friend, but she wouldn't trade this time with her husband for the world!

Peeking into the bedroom, she saw Oliver sprawled across the bed. Why she assumed he slept as tidily as he dressed and led his life, she had no idea. But there he was, taking over the entire king-sized bed. Shane leaned her head on the doorway, contentedly gazing at her gorgeous husband, knowing she was the happiest woman alive.

With a sigh, she made her way to the en-suite bathroom. Shane was a huge fan of bathrooms, a detail Oliver couldn't have known when he booked the suite. She had set up the small bathroom in her house to be a complete spa experience. It was one of her ways of practicing self-care. She loved getting home after work and drawing a bath that included essential oils. She also lit candles everywhere for added ambiance. Sometimes she nursed a cup of tea or a glass of wine; her choice was totally dependent on her stress level.

The sunken tub was a work of art. Marble steps led to it and she noticed it had therapy jets in it when she peered down for a closer look. There was an assortment of bath salts, oils, and bubble bath to ensure a completely luxurious experience. She really wanted to take a bath and it was the perfect time to do so while she waited for Oliver to wake up from his nap.

Meanwhile, Oliver groggily realized he had fallen asleep. He couldn't believe it! He never took naps! Glancing at the bedside table he noticed it was mid-afternoon. He was amazed he had spent a good couple of hours sleeping! The past 24 hours had completely changed his life – maybe that's why he needed the nap. He wondered how many other changes he would face, but for now, he put those thoughts aside. The only thing he knew is he would never be able to sleep nor wake up alone ever again. Shane had become the air he breathed and the blood running in his veins. He must have done something right for God to bless him with Shane. He prayed a short prayer of thanks as he reached out to embrace her. When he didn't feel her next to him, he felt an immediate twinge of anxiety until he heard the water running in the bathroom. Hmmm… apparently Shane was preparing a bath. His lips curved in a half smile and he forgot his anxiety, switching to much more tempting thoughts. If there was a fantasy he wouldn't mind acting out, it would be the two of them in that bathtub. Would his bride be up for it?

Oliver got up from the bed and ran a hand through his hair. He had never been or felt so disheveled in his life. He happily found he didn't mind at all. He headed towards the bathroom door and stopped dead in his tracks as he looked at the vision in front of him.

Shane had just dropped the silky robe she was wearing before stepping into the sunken tub. Oliver stood by the doorway, unashamedly ogling his gorgeous wife. She had such graceful shoulders and her back was exquisite. As he admired her beautiful lines, he shivered slightly. He was overcome by the memory of trailing his fingers down her spine as he had explored her body the night before. Shane lowered herself slowly into the tub… Oliver guessed maybe the water was a tad too warm? He was thankful she was taking her time because it allowed him the opportunity to continue his warm perusal. He couldn't help lingering on her svelte waist and how it flared out to softly rounded hips. His gaze traveled lower… to a delectable derriere he was just dying to reach out and touch.

He shook his head and grinned. It was like being a teenager all over again… complete with all the raging hormones that come with it. He guessed he should have expected to have these kinds of feelings after so many years of celibacy and now being head over heels in love with his beautiful wife. When they kissed, he always lost himself in the feeling, but this burning, this all-consuming desire, was something he had never experienced before. Oliver was completely consumed by how much he wanted Shane, and he wondered if she felt the same. Was she also possessed by this burning passion?

As their relationship developed, she confessed she hadn't been physically intimate with anyone since she moved to Denver. It stood to reason she might feel the same way he did since she had been chaste for so long. During their courtship, Oliver had been ready to throw caution to the wind countless times. He knew he loved her deeply, but he hadn't foreseen how increasingly passionate their physical relationship would become and how much he would want to take things further. It had been Shane who put on the brakes, saying she wanted to do the right thing. While frustrating at times, that only made him love her more. After they got engaged, they made the intentional decision to save intimacy for their wedding night. Both decided they needed to keep the fullness of physical passion within the confines of their marriage. Having agreed to that, they didn't delve too deeply into conversations about intimacy or share anything about each other's past experiences either.

His thoughts wandered again to the night before. Oh, he knew she had enjoyed herself, more than once! However, nothing prepared him for what he felt when they were finally physically joined. Oliver shuddered as he remembered experiencing his orgasm while she spasmed all around him, their lips fused together in an all-consuming kiss neither had ever experienced before.

Oliver exhaled and felt himself trembling at the memory. Their first time had been a mind-blowing, earth-shattering experience. He had never found that kind of ecstasy with anyone. Not with Holly, nor any of the partners he had while sowing his wild oats in his 20's and early 30's.

The aromas from the scented water in Shane's bath brought him back to the present. Oliver caught a whiff of lavender and something else… what was it? Vanilla? The blend was lovely and quite a different take from her usual rose scented perfume. The vanilla created a warm undertone to the delicate floral scent of lavender. He liked it… and looked forward to catching a whiff of that scent as he explored his wife's body later.

"Oliver, if you want, you can join me." Shane voiced without turning around. She had finally lowered herself into the tub, covered by frothy bubbles. "How did you know I was here? I feel like a pervert ogling you." Shane finally turned to look at him with lowered eyes and a sexy smile. "You're not a pervert. You're my husband. You're allowed to look all you want. You're even allowed to join me in this bath. Why don't you bring some champagne with you?"

"Your wish is my command, dearest wife."

Oliver went to get a couple of crystal flutes from the kitchen and poured champagne for them. As he headed back towards the bathroom, he took off his shirt, entering the room clad only in his boxer shorts.

"I just can't get over how handsome you are, Oliver." Shane looked at him, her eyes wide, her cheeks flushed from the warm water and a delighted smile curved her lips.

"The feeling is mutual, Shane. I feel like a teenager drooling over the hottest girl in high school. I've run out of words to describe how enthralled I am with you." he said as he handed her the champagne flute.

"I'd say you're doing a fine job of finding the right words. You make me feel all warm and gooey."

"Gooey, Mrs. O'Toole?" Oliver asked as he raised an eyebrow.

Shane looked down, smiling to herself. If he only knew what his eyebrow raise did to her. "Yes, you make me melt inside, Oliver. You always have. I'd say ever since that DLO dance rehearsal where you held me so close after pulling me up from that dip, I thought you were going to kiss me."

Oliver leaned against the marble vanity in the bathroom, gazing at Shane, not quite believing what she said and not knowing exactly how he was going to respond. After taking a sip of champagne, he finally bit the bullet and admitted it. "I almost kissed you then, Shane."

Shane gasped. It's one thing to have thought it, another for Oliver to actually confirm it.

"That's why I bolted from the DLO. I was so confused and conflicted. There I was, almost kissing you, but waiting for…well, you know." He paused for a second. He walked towards the tub and sat on the step beside it so he would be face to face with Shane. "While I sometimes wish things had been different, I wouldn't change anything that has happened up to this point. It has all been part of God's perfect plan, my love. But yes, I almost kissed you then, and I entertained thoughts of kissing you on many other occasions as well."

"When?" Shane's eyes shone brightly. It was a revelation to listen to Oliver share these things with her. She wanted more.

"You want me to keep revealing my anguish and troubled thoughts?" His beautiful blue eyes crinkled as they twinkled with laughter.

"It's just that I have been in love with you for so long… and it felt unrequited for even longer. Listening to you admit you maybe had feelings for me then…well, it makes my heart happy."

"I had feelings for you for the longest time. I just couldn't verbalize them then."

"I know, darling. I, too, don't regret anything that's happened up to this point. I think it's made us appreciate and love each other even more."

Oliver smiled and cupped her face with his hand, stroking her cheek with his thumb. He gently drew her face towards his and took her lips in a sweet but scorching kiss, one that ended too quickly for Shane's taste.

"How about we share this delectable bath you're in?"

"I would like nothing more."

Oliver took off his boxers and Shane took a sip of champagne as her eyes traveled over her husband's physique. He had the body of a Greek god. She appreciated him with the eyes of an art connoisseur and that of a woman completely in love. Her musings took a turn as she considered he could easily have been part of the original Olympics in Ancient Greece where athletes competed in various sports completely nude. She smiled wondering what Oliver would think of her naughty thoughts…but she kept them to herself…at least for now. She was on a quest to break through all of Oliver's barriers. She didn't want him to be at all self-conscious around her. She wanted him to know that for her, he was the sexiest man alive and he could be very confident in her presence.

Oliver stepped into the tub. He could have lowered himself to sit across from her. The tub was big enough, but he wanted her back to his chest. "Scoot over, my love." Shane did and they quickly found a comfortable position. Oliver kissed her neck and proceeded to gently rub her shoulders. Shane stretched, her movements languid. Oliver's gentle massage melted any leftover tension and she felt absolutely relaxed.

"So, tell me about these other moments in which you wanted to kiss me."

Oliver chuckled. "Alright dearest, I'll throw you a bone. Remember Jonathan and Katherine's letters?"

Shane's eyes widened. "Oh my gosh, at the bank vault! You wanted to kiss me then? But you had written that letter…."

"Forget about that letter! I never once thought about her as we were reading Jonathan and Katherine's correspondence."

"Oliver, I thought I had imagined those looks you gave me as we read those letters."

"The moment I read about their New Year's kiss I knew deep in my heart I wanted to share one with you."

Shane angled her head and kissed him tenderly. It was over too quickly, but Shane was thoroughly enjoying this conversation.

"Little did you know a few short years later you would be sharing a kiss with me in the tub of the honeymoon suite at the Brown Palace."

He had to laugh at that. "You are completely right."

"Oliver O'Toole? Admitting Shane McInerney is right? Is the world ending?"

"No, it's not, and you're Shane O'Toole now. I certainly don't want the world to end before I can have my way with you again."

"If someone told me three years ago, I'd be here with you now and you were going to say what you just said, I would've sent him or her to the loony bin."

Oliver chuckled softly. "There are no words to express how much I love you, Shane, nor how much I want you." Shane turned around in the tub so she could face her husband, the water swishing and bubbles swirling around them.

"You are my dream come true." Shane said breathlessly and her eyes lowered.

Oliver sensed something was wrong. "Love, don't look down. What is it?"

"I have something to admit."

"You can tell me anything."

Shane gave him a rueful smile. "Anything?"

"Yes, my love." Oliver wanted to keep the tinge of worry he was feeling out of his voice.

After taking a deep breath, Shane finally blurted out: "I have never felt anything like I felt last night. With you."

Oliver turned his head to the side, wanting to hide the smile that was spreading across his face. Shane noticed, widened her eyes and splashed him. "You! Why are you looking so smug?"

"My love, when your wife admits she found complete satisfaction in the bedroom, it allows her husband to feel a certain degree of smugness," he said as his eyes bore deeply into hers.

Shane whispered, "I can't even start to describe what I felt."

"Did you feel like your heart was about to burst out of your chest?"

"Yes…"

"And when I caressed your back…"

"I was overcome." Shane replied, her eyes turning a deeper blue.

"And when I trailed kisses down your neck..." He said, as he trailed a finger down the path his lips had taken the night before.

Shane interrupted him. "You set me on fire, Oliver." She exhaled shakily, trying to control the excitement his words and subtle touches were eliciting. She held her breath, remembering every feeling from the night before and she wanted him as delirious with passion as she was. Two could play this game!

Shane knelt and her hands found their way from his shoulders to his neck to the back of his head, where she threaded her fingers in his hair. Her lips trailed his jawline, then his cheek, until she found his lips and kissed him with an ardor she hadn't felt before. Oliver's pulse skyrocketed as he kissed her back, pulling her flush to his chest. The bathwater swished and spilled over the sides of the tub onto the floor. He could care less. He could only feel her skin, her body close to his, and he gripped her hips tightly as he deepened their kiss even more.

His hands traveled up her sides, finding her breasts. Shane's head fell back so he could take full advantage of her warm wet skin, while she wrapped her legs tightly around his body. The water from the tub continued to splash all over the floor. Neither of them even noticed. Their kisses got hotter and all-consuming, the warm water and bubbles adding to their increasing passion for each other.

Oliver was burning for Shane and he wanted her to feel the same for him. His hands wandered down and as he found her under the frothy bubbles, he touched her. Shane moaned as her body passionately responded. Her body arched, leaning into him. He was doing absolutely wicked, but delicious things and she couldn't help moving in a rhythm that matched his. Her breathing started to come in short pants… "Oliver, Oliver, please…"

He found other ways to pleasure her, as he gently opened her and discovered how he could further excite her. She was molten fire and Oliver wanted to see how far he could go. As he continued his explorations, she gasped, convulsively grabbing on to his biceps, her head falling into the crook of his neck. After softly touching her head, he moved his free hand to her breast, gently caressing the tender skin.

Shane's head fell back again and Oliver watched her face intently. Her eyes were closed, and beads of sweat had formed on her forehead. She was biting her lip and her breathing was labored. Oliver cupped her face and pushed her hair away from her forehead. He then gently caressed her lips with his thumb, teasing her bottom lip away to keep her from biting it. She opened her eyes and looked at him so intensely, his breath caught and thought he would explode with desire for her.

"Oliver" she panted.

"What, my love?"

"Please? Don't stop…" He continued his movements on her under the water, intensifying them, while giving her the deepest most sensual kisses she had ever felt in her life. Oliver sensed she was getting close to her orgasm and he wanted to draw out the experience as long as possible to give her the fullest amount of pleasure. He reluctantly pulled his mouth away, moving down to place tender kisses on her previously neglected breast. He coaxed her further into the magic he was making inside her… until… Shane stiffened, pulled herself tightly into his arms and gasped for air as her spasms took over. As the frenzy he had created in her subsided, she went limp against Oliver's chest. He enfolded her into his arms, whispering quietly in her ear how much he loved her and how beautiful her body was. As her breath evened out, Shane looked up into Oliver's eyes and he saw the unshed tears in hers.

"Love, are you alright?"

Her tears were falling as she spoke in an awed whisper. "Oliver… the words "I love you" are not sufficient to express what I feel for you. I'm yours; all yours…forever."

Oliver tightened his embrace and whispered back, "Shane… I'm yours, always and forever. What we have… there simply are no words to describe what we have. We are so blessed."

They sat quietly until the bath water cooled. Shane ran a hand through her wet hair and sighed. "So, my dear husband. Who knew you had a penchant for lovemaking activities in a tub?"

Oliver started laughing. "You have no idea how long I've been thinking about this." He kissed Shane yet again, but this one was so slow, so soft and so sweet, it had her melting into his arms. He looked at her and his blue eyes went dark with desire, "I need you and I need all of you now. Let us love all of each other, Shane."