Victoria felt content in a way she had never experienced before. Some might even say she felt blessed.
The evening ended with them curled together on the sofa, Victoria's head resting on James's shoulder as she fingered the necklace at her throat. The matching piece rested against his chest, a tangible reminder of the connection they shared.
"Thank you," she whispered into the quiet apartment. "For everything."
James pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his arms tightening around her. This was what happiness looked like, he thought. This perfect, ordinary, extraordinary moment with the woman who had changed his entire world.
The days that followed passed in comfortable routine. The office maintained its usual productivity, though there was a sense of anticipation building as everyone prepared for the inevitable rush that came with year-end projects. Victoria and James worked seamlessly together during business hours, their professional dynamic enhanced by their personal connection.
October 18th arrived on a Saturday, creating the perfect opportunity for Victoria's carefully planned surprise. The evening of the 17th found them leaving the office together after completing their final tasks for the week.
"I have something to show you," Victoria said mysteriously as they walked toward the parking garage.
"Another surprise?" James asked with amusement remembering the Rolex watch she'd pre gifted. "You're spoiling me."
Victoria smiled secretively, producing a silk scarf from her purse. "Close your eyes."
James raised an eyebrow yet complied, allowing Victoria to gently tie the scarf around his eyes. She guided him carefully through the parking garage and into her car, her hands steady and reassuring on his arm.
The drive took longer than James expected, and he found himself trying to guess their destination based on the sounds and turns he could sense. When the car finally stopped, he could hear the distant sound of water lapping against something solid.
"We're here," Victoria announced, helping him out of the car.
The scent of salt air filled his nostrils as Victoria guided him forward, her hand firm yet gentle on his elbow. They walked across what felt like wooden planking, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the evening air.
"Ready?" Victoria asked. Her voice carrying barely contained excitement.
James nodded, and Victoria carefully untied the scarf. His eyes adjusted to the dim lighting of the marina, and then widened in shock as he took in the magnificent yacht moored before them. The vessel was impressive, sleek and modern with elegant lines that spoke of both luxury and performance.
James's smile, which had been growing wider with anticipation, suddenly faded into a straight line. He turned to look at Victoria directly, his expression becoming serious.
"I..don't you think this is too extraordinary?" He asked firmly.
They stood awkward.
Victoria blinked in confusion, her excitement faltering. "What do you mean?"
"I appreciate the gesture, truly," James explained, his voice gentle yet determined. "I appreciate the thought, the expense, everything. Yet I wanted something full of meaning, full of intention. This is too much."
Victoria stared at him for a moment, processing his words then understanding dawned on her face. She began to laugh, the sound bright and genuine in the evening air.
"James, baby," she said, still chuckling, "you misunderstood. I didn't buy this for you as a gift. I planned on taking you on a cruise, and the yacht is mine."
James felt heat creep up his neck as the realization of his mistake hit him. "Oh," he said simply, feeling rather foolish.
A middle-aged man in nautical attire emerged from the yacht's cabin, approaching them with professional courtesy. "Ms. Sharp," he greeted with a respectful nod. "I've completed the full maintenance check. All systems are operational, fuel tanks are topped off and the safety equipment has been inspected. She's ready for your voyage."
"Thank you, Captain Morrison," Victoria replied warmly. "I appreciate your thoroughness."
"My pleasure, ma'am. Have a wonderful evening." The captain tipped his hat and walked away down the dock, disappearing into the marina office.
James watched the man's retreating figure with growing concern, then turned back to Victoria. "If he's leaving, then who's going to maneuver the yacht?"
Victoria's smile turned mysterious, a gleam entering her eyes that James was beginning to recognize as dangerous. "You shouldn't worry about that," she said smoothly. "I'll handle everything."
She gestured toward the yacht's boarding ramp with elegant grace. "Shall we?"
James remained rooted to the spot despite Victoria's encouraging gestures. He shook his head slowly, his expression troubled. "I don't know…I don't think I should get on that yacht."
In his mind, the prospect of being alone with Victoria in the middle of the sea at night seemed fraught with potential complications he wasn't ready to articulate. Something about the isolation, the intimacy of the setting, the way Victoria was looking at him with those calculating eyes, it all combined to trigger his instincts for self-preservation.
Victoria observed his skeptical expression and laughed inwardly. He wasn't wrong to worry, she mused. She had indeed cast her net, and James was already trapped within it. There would be no running away from what she had planned for this evening.
She stepped closer to him, placing her hands on his shoulders with deliberate intention. Her expression grew serious as she met his eyes directly.
"Do you doubt my yachting skills?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of challenge. "Or are you concerned only for your safety?"
James looked into her eyes, seeing something there that made his pulse quicken. "No," he admitted reluctantly. "I don't doubt your abilities."
"Then loosen up," Victoria said, her hands sliding down to take his arms. "Trust me."
With gentle yet insistent pressure, she began guiding him toward the yacht's boarding ramp. James found himself moving forward despite his reservations, his feet carrying him toward whatever Victoria had prepared.
As they stepped aboard the luxurious vessel, James remained unaware of the triumphant gleam that lit Victoria's eyes. She had succeeded in getting him exactly where she wanted him, alone on her yacht with nowhere to escape.
The yacht was even more impressive up close, with polished teak decking and elegant furnishings visible through the large windows of the main cabin. Victoria moved with practiced confidence as she began preparing for departure, her movements speaking of familiarity with every aspect of the vessel.
"Make yourself comfortable," she called to James as she moved toward the helm. "We'll be underway shortly."
James stood uncertainly on the deck, watching Victoria transform into someone completely different as she took command of the yacht. There was something almost predatory about her confidence. Something that made him wonder if he had made a terrible mistake in agreeing to this adventure.
The engines rumbled to life beneath his feet, and James felt the yacht begin to move away from the dock. As the marina lights grew smaller behind them and the open water stretched ahead, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking directly into Victoria's carefully laid trap.
Victoria glanced back at him from the helm, her smile radiant in the moonlight, and James realized with a mixture of excitement and trepidation that there was no turning back now. Whatever she had installed for his birthday, he was completely at her mercy.