CHAPTER 31: SPOILING HUBBY WITH LUNCH I
Monday Morning, sunlight slanted through the curtains, chasing away the last remnants of sleep.
James blinked, surprised by the unfamiliar sensation of utter peace. No nightmares had haunted him, no anxieties tugged at his mind. It was the best sleep he'd had in... well, forever. And to think, work awaited. He dreaded the day ahead more than ever. The mere thought had him grimacing.
Never before had anything felt so utterly undesirable. Work, usually a welcome distraction, now felt like a dull prison. He longed to stay here, in this haven of quiet companionship to lose himself in her infectious energy, seemed the only logical, desirable option. He craved another hour with her. With Diana, there were no dull moments, no endless to-do lists.
Usually, weekends were mere preludes to Mondays, punctuated by a desperate need to be back in the thick of it all. Even during vacations, he'd find ways to stay busy, a true workaholic in every sense. But Diana changed everything. Now, returning to the office was the farthest thing from his mind, an unwelcome intrusion.
Speaking of the woman who occupied his thought, he reached for the empty space beside him, a cold chill replacing the warmth of her body. Where could she have gone? A flicker of concern danced across his heart.
Pushing it aside, he rose and headed for the bathroom, the promise of a hot shower beckoning.
Emerging crisp and clean, he slipped into one of his well-tailored grey suits, the Italian leather of his shoes gleaming, a mask of normalcy for the day ahead.
As he stepped out from his room, the aroma of something delicious pulled him downstairs, guiding him to the kitchen like a siren song.
Diana stood over a steaming pan, beads of sweat forming on her forehead as she stirred a colourful pan.
He leaned against the doorframe, shoulders relaxing against the wood, a smile playing on his lips, staring at her behind as it shook with every movement she made.
She was dressed in tight shorts and a crop top. She looked utterly sexy with those long shapely legs and thick thighs of hers blurring his vision. Well all that was now his too he thought to himself.
Watching her, lost in the quiet symphony of clinking utensils and sizzling ingredients, was a thousand times more captivating than any spreadsheet or meeting could ever be. In the quiet morning light, she was a masterpiece, a captivating tableau that held him spellbound.
James walked towards her and grabbed her waist from behind, then he used his palms to rub her ass through her shorts before slapping it and kissing her neck loudly.
Diana laughed at his actions and used the left hand of her top to wipe the sweat off her face.
James inhaled her scent, more like his scent on her that was now mixed with sweat. She must have showered with his body wash again and it smelled so fucking good on her.
"Go back to the dining room, young man, breakfast is almost ready."
"Just five more minutes, darling. The aroma of your cooking is irresistible."
Diana smiled and allowed him five more minutes.
James removed his face from her neck and kissed her cheek after his five minutes elapsed. He replied with an "Mm" before sulkily walking out of the kitchen. He wanted to hold her some more, but told himself not to, a fear of getting too attached gnawing at him. He didn't want to start now to lose himself in her.
Diana served breakfast ten minutes after he was seated.
The breakfast Diana presented was simple but perfect: crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, buttery toast, and fried potatoes and a steaming cup of coffee to chase away the sleep. A simple English breakfast, yet somehow transformed into a feast for the senses.
James dug in, each bite a revelation. He ate with relish, the food especially tasty. He couldn't understand it, but felt something different in her own cooking that was better than even Nicodemus' cooks.
Everything was fresh, soft, and yummy. The eggs, in particular, were unlike anything he'd ever tasted, bursting with a subtle flavor he couldn't quite place. The bacon crackled with each chew, releasing a smoky sweetness. Even the toast tasted different, somehow lighter and airier.
Diana watched him, her eyes full of hope, like a child seeking approval. "How is it?" Diana asked from beside him after he'd eaten for a while.
James turned, completely forgetting she was there, so engrossed in the taste. "It's... incredible," James finally managed, his mouth full. How did you do it?"
Diana beamed, her eyes sparkling like the sunlight playing on the silverware. "Just a little secret ingredient," she teased, winking. She took her own seat, joining him.
They ate in comfortable silence, their bond unspoken yet palpable. The only sound heard, the clinking of cutlery and the soft humming of kitchen equipment.
After breakfast, the maids cleared the plates.
James reached into his pocket and pulled out a platinum unlimited credit card, placing it on the table. "Here," he said, his voice hesitant. "Use this for anything you want."
Diana's brows furrowed, subtly pushing the card back. "I can't possibly accept this."
James frowned. "Come on, it's your husband's money. Don't be shy. Don't pity me, there is more where that came from."
Diana hesitated, but his insistence softened her refusal. Diana nodded and took the card. A playful glint entered her eyes. "Oh alright," she said, her voice dripping with mock seriousness, "Since you insist, I'll make sure to spend every dime, and then some." She said happily.
James was confused. Wasn't she just refusing it? He chuckled, shaking his head at her mischievousness, warmth spreading through him. He stood up, his bag slung over his shoulder. "I'm off then. I'll call you later."
"I'll walk you to the door." Diana said and followed him, but as she reached the open doorway, he stopped her.
"You can't walk out like this," he said seriously.
"Why?" Diana asked, confused.
He pointed to Angelo standing beside the car.
Diana smiled, "He's seen me like this before James".
But James shook his head. "Once" James said "and it was a mistake. Go back inside. Diana, please"
"But I want to see you off to your car." Diana's voice wavered. "Alright, fine." she said resignedly, when she noticed his unwavering gaze.