After their intense encounter in the office, it had taken Victoria quite some time to regain her composure and return to work. The physical release had cleared her mind in ways she hadn't expected, allowing her to focus with renewed clarity and efficiency on the mountain of tasks that awaited her attention. For the remainder of the afternoon, she had been incredibly productive, tackling complex strategic decisions with the sharp focus that had made her reputation in the tech industry.
Now, standing in front of the full-length mirror in her walk-in closet, Victoria felt her stomach flutter with nervous anticipation. The reflection staring back at her showed a woman who appeared confident and composed, though her hands trembled slightly as she smoothed down her chosen outfit for the evening. James would be arriving soon, and the weight of what she planned to tell him sat heavy in her chest.
She had spent the better part of an hour preparing for this moment, changing clothes three times before settling on something that made her feel both beautiful and comfortable.
Her makeup was understated yet flattering, her hair styled in loose waves that framed her face softly. Every detail had been considered, every element chosen to create the perfect atmosphere for the conversation that would change everything between them.
Looking down at her feet, Victoria spotted the small white kitten that had become her constant companion over the past few weeks.
JJ sat quietly, his adorable black eyes fixed on her with the kind of innocent curiosity that never failed to make her smile, even in moments of high stress.
Victoria bent down, placing her hands on her knees to address the kitten at his level.
"Remember, JJ, whenever daddy comes over, make yourself scarce," she said softly, her voice carrying both affection and gentle instruction.
The timing was perfect, as if the universe had been listening to her words. The doorbell chimed through the house, sending Victoria's heart rate into overdrive. She straightened quickly, smoothing her clothes one final time as she tried to calm the sudden surge of nervousness that threatened to overwhelm her.
"Oh, he's here," she murmured to herself, then looked back down at the kitten. "He knows the passcode, so why does he insist on ringing the bell? Anyway, JJ, be a good boy and go play by yourself. You know what to do."
She gave the docile kitten a gentle pat before shooing him away toward his favorite hiding spot. Victoria had trained JJ well over the weeks; he understood the routine and would disappear into another part of the house whenever James visited, giving them the privacy, they needed.
Victoria found herself practically racing down the stairs to the main door, her heels clicking against the hardwood floors in a rhythm that matched her accelerated heartbeat. She paused for a moment before opening the door, taking a deep breath to steady herself, though she couldn't quite understand why she felt so nervous. This was James, after all, the man she had been intimate with, the person who had become the center of her world.
When she finally opened the door, the sight that greeted her took her breath away completely. James stood on her doorstep wearing a leather jacket that fit him perfectly, his hands tucked casually into the pockets. His hair was pulled back neatly, and he wore a cap with the letter J embroidered on the front. The combination of casual confidence and effortless style made him look devastatingly handsome.
Victoria felt her breath catch in her throat as she took in every detail of his appearance. He looked clean and fresh, as if he had taken special care with his preparation for the evening. The leather jacket accentuated the breadth of his shoulders, while the way he carried himself projected a quiet confidence that made her heart race.
James stepped into her home while Victoria remained frozen in the doorway, completely captivated by his presence. She found herself studying his profile, the strong line of his jaw, the way the cap cast a slight shadow over his eyes. Her heart pounded with an intensity that surprised her, after all this time together, he still had the power to affect her so profoundly.
She watched as he dropped a small overnight bag onto the coffee table, the significance of which wasn't lost on her. As planned, he would stay the night, which meant they would have all the time she needed for the conversation she had been planning.
"Hey, Tori," James finally said, his voice carrying the smooth, husky quality that never failed to send shivers down her spine. Victoria felt like she could listen to him speak for hours and never grow tired of the sound.
"Why are you still standing there? Come over," he continued, waving her toward him with a gesture that was both casual and inviting.
Victoria moved as if in a trance, closing the door behind her and walking across the room to stand in front of him. The nervous energy that had been building inside her all day seemed to intensify with each step that brought her closer to him.
James smiled when she reached him, his expression radiating happiness and contentment at seeing her. The warmth in his eyes, the genuine pleasure he took in her presence, hit Victoria like a physical blow. In that moment, she understood with crystal clarity that the depth of her love for him truly knew no bounds.
"You are so pretty." He compliments but the praise was lost on her as she remained transfixed.
Looking at his smile, seeing the way his entire face lit up when he looked at her, Victoria felt a fierce protectiveness rise within her chest.
She wanted to keep that smile on his face forever, wanted to protect the special light that appeared in his eyes whenever he saw her. The realization was both overwhelming and deeply satisfying. Yes, James was hers, and she was his, completely and irrevocably.
"Come, James, I hope you've eaten?"
Victoria asked, picking up his bag and leading him by the hand toward the stairs. The familiar weight of his hand in hers provided a comforting anchor as they made their way up to her bedroom.
"Hmm, yes, I have," he replied lightly, his thumb brushing across her knuckles in a gesture so natural it seemed unconscious.