The night was quiet as James navigated the streets back to Mia's house. The stars shimmered faintly, casting a gentle glow over the city. Mia was slumped in the passenger seat, her head resting against the window, softly snoring. James glanced at her and smiled, his mind a swirl of emotions.
When they arrived at her house, he helped her out of the car and guided her to the front door. It was a grand house, too big for just one person. The garden was neatly trimmed, and the pathway to the door was lined with blooming flowers.
"Mia, you live alone here?" James asked, unlocking the door with the key she had handed him.
"Yeah," she mumbled, leaning heavily on him. "Too big, I know."
Inside, the house was spacious and elegantly decorated. Modern art adorned the walls, and the furniture was stylish and comfortable. He helped her to the couch, and as he turned to leave, she grabbed his hand.
"James, stay," she whispered, her eyes pleading. "Have a drink to recover."
He hesitated but then agreed, watching as she took off her jacket, revealing her dark brown skin and curvaceous figure. She handed him a glass of water, which he drank gratefully.
They both sat on the plush couch in the living room. The room was softly lit, with warm colors that made it feel cozy despite its size. Mia's eyes were heavy-lidded, but she was determined to keep James company.
"You're sad again," she said, her voice soft. "I can see it."
James sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's hard to shake off, Mia."
Mia moved closer, her eyes searching his. "James, for tonight, let's just forget about everything. Let me make you happy."
Before he could react, she straddled his lap and kissed him deeply. James was caught off guard, but he couldn't deny the warmth and comfort of her touch. Mia's kiss was passionate, a desperate attempt to erase the sadness from his heart.
"Mia," he murmured between kisses, "we shouldn't—"
"Just for tonight," she whispered, her lips brushing against his. "Forget everything."
Their movements became more frantic, clothes discarded in a haze of desire. Mia's hands roamed over his body, her kisses intense and urgent. James found himself lost in the moment, all his worries melting away as they made love in the dim light of the early morning.
James awoke to the smell of food and the sound of sizzling. He rubbed his eyes and sat up, realizing he was in Mia's bed. The events of the previous night came rushing back, and he felt a mix of emotions.
He got up and found Mia in the kitchen, her hair tucked behind her ears, cooking breakfast. She wore a loose t-shirt and shorts, looking relaxed and content. When she saw him, she smiled brightly.
"Good morning," she greeted, placing a plate of food on the table. "Breakfast is ready."
James sat down, feeling a bit awkward. "Morning, Mia."
She handed him a cup of coffee and took a seat across from him. "How do you feel?"
"A bit… awkward," he admitted, taking a sip of the coffee. "But thank you for breakfast."
Mia laughed, a light and carefree sound. "It's fine, James. Last night was about having fun. It doesn't have to mean anything more."
James nodded, grateful for her understanding. "I've never had a one-night stand before."
"Really?" Mia raised an eyebrow. "Well, there's a first time for everything. And it was fun, wasn't it?"
He chuckled, feeling the tension ease. "Yeah, it was."
They ate their breakfast, sharing stories and laughing. Mia talked about her college days, how casual flings were common and part of the fun. James listened, fascinated by her openness and confidence.
After breakfast, they got ready for work. Mia drove him to his office, dropping him off with a cheerful wave. "See you later, James. Have a good day!"
James walked into the office, feeling a mix of emotions. The memory of last night with Mia lingered, but he tried to focus on the day ahead. His staff introduced him to his new secretary, a young and well-educated man named Nathan.
"Hi, I'm Nathan, but you can call me Nate," the young man said, shaking James's hand firmly. "I'm really excited to work here."
James smiled. "Welcome aboard, Nate. Let's get you started."
He showed Nate the ropes, explaining his duties and responsibilities. Nate was eager and quick to learn, impressing James with his enthusiasm and work ethic.
As the day went on, James found himself feeling more hopeful. Nate's presence was a breath of fresh air, and it felt good to have someone capable and motivated on the team. When the day ended, Nate was still at his desk, finishing up some tasks.
"You don't have to stay late on your first day," James said, chuckling.
Nate grinned. "I wanted to make a good impression. Plus, I like to finish what I start."
James nodded, appreciating the dedication. "How about we grab a meal? My treat."
They walked to a nearby burger joint, the city lights casting a warm glow on the streets. The air was cool, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees lining the sidewalks. Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere was casual and lively, with the sound of sizzling burgers and chatter filling the air.
As they sat down with their food, James asked, "So, Nate, why did you choose to work for my company?"
Nate took a bite of his burger before answering. "I read about your digital platform project. It caught my interest, especially with the controversy surrounding it."
James's expression darkened slightly at the mention of the controversy. "The incident with Edward Tech?"
"Yeah," Nate said, nodding. "It seemed like they copied your idea. I wanted to be part of your company because I admire how you handled the situation. You didn't give up."
James smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "Thanks, Nate. It's been tough, but we're pushing through."
Nate looked thoughtful. "I also heard you're working on a new project. I'd love to get involved."
James's eyes lit up with excitement. "It's still in the early stages, but it's something Mia and I have been dreaming about. A platform for food lovers and a series of restaurants around the world."
Nate's enthusiasm was palpable. "That sounds amazing! I'd love to help in any way I can."
James nodded, feeling more hopeful than he had in days. "You're in, Nate. But it's going to be a lot of hard work."
"I'm ready for it," Nate said, his eyes shining with determination.