"Ehem!" coughed Veronica, turning to look at the car key lodged in the ignition switch, and saying, "I almost left my keys, how silly."
"Uh, yeah… so the luggage…"
"Righ! The luggage! How could I forget."
When they finally exited the car, it was the most awkward of situations. But it was Veronica who could not handle the situation and she stepped out first, giving Jason an unexpected view of her graceful, confident figure… And her phat ass!!
Jason's breath caught in his throat as he tried to look away but couldn't because she had left the perfume that almost had him drag his face out with her. Damn it! Was she doing this on purpose? Shaking his head, he walked out grabbed the luggage and followed her into the house.
The place was stunning. It was a modern, two-story home nestled in the hills. It had a minimalistic design flowing with an effortless elegance. Veronica watched him take it all in, clearly pleased by his reactions. "It's really beautiful," he remarked, and she smiled, her pride barely concealed.
"I know… It is…" she said, but as she said that, her features became a bit saddened once again, and although she tried to hide it, Jason could see it. This time it was not a longing. It was a loneliness. And Jason would soon realise why that was.
As they made their way inside, Veronica explained the layout, showing him around and letting him see the smart home tech everywhere. "I'm rarely here," she admitted, her tone almost wistful. "But now that you're here, maybe I'll come home a bit more."
Jason's heartbeat quickened involuntarily as her words stirred something inside him. She was not doing this on purpose, right? "Well, I'll make sure there's always a warm welcome waiting for you," he replied, his voice low and sincere.
She gave him a warm look that lingered just a second too long before she cleared her throat, snapping back to reality. "Right! Let's get your stuff sorted," she said, leading him to his room, her hips swinging even more than before, and her smile wider than before as she showed him some of the art on the walls.
When she finally unlocked the room Jason was going to be occupying from then on, Jason couldn't help but feel like he was being led into a world that only she was allowed to be in. This was a world that she did not share with anyone.
The room had the same minimal look, and that was also true about the entire house. But there was memorabilia in here, and when she saw it, she couldn't help but gulp. Jason, ever observant, saw all this, but he did not comment. He could only discern that this must have been someplace special for her.
There was a bed and a table with some items. It was a pretty good room, much better than anything Jason was going to be getting. After all, he was going to be happy if he slept under a bridge.
"This is perfect, Veronica. Thank you," he said, meeting her gaze. This time, Jason had no idea he even called her by her name. And now as they gazed at each other, there was an undeniable pull between them, an unspoken thing that felt like it was going to explode between them.
"Anytime, Jason" she replied, her voice soft as she handed him the key. She lingered for a moment before finally turning away, leaving him alone after saying, "I'll get us some pizza since it's too late to cook. It'll arrive soon, so please go fetch it when it does, okay? I'll be taking a shower and preparing for bed in the meantime. Take care, Jason."
Jason stood there, watching her leave. He could still feel her in the room with him even at that moment. He could still feel the memory of her gaze, her smile…
Without saying anything, he plopped onto the bed where he was overtaken by a deep sense of satisfaction. Life had taken a twisted journey in the past day, but there he was, in a place where he was seen and valued.
This was more than a fresh start. He could build something. No, he was going to build something for sure.
— In the Master Bedroom's Shower —
Veronica leaned against the cold tiles of her shower, struggling to steady her breathing. There was something wrong with her for sure. Why was she bringing a practical stranger into her house? And then even telling him she was having a shower? Was that an invitation!?!
What was she doing!?!
It was just… the look in Jason's eyes, the feeling of his presence, it had stirred something in her she had not felt in years. She had never thought she would feel some way about any other man, but now… and with someone almost half her age too…
And yet… she was not going to deny the reality. She could feel the pull, there was a spark there, a chemistry. And when she was around him she couldn't help but want to be around more.
"Get it together, Veronica" she muttered, clenching the sides of her shower wall. She needed to remember her boundaries. She had to be the sensible one here. She could not lead him on, otherwise, when things got messed up in the end, she might just lose the connection forever.
As the water cascaded over her, cooling her flushed skin, she sighed. Since Jason was in her house, she had to play it cool. From now on, no more games. That's right… Business. Nothing else.
— Meanwhile, in Jason's New Room —
The doorbell rang, echoing through the quiet house. Jason immediately got up, walked downstairs, feeling some anticipation and hunger as he went downstairs he realised that it must be the pizza delivery.
Swinging the door open, he found himself face to face with a delivery man who wore an expectant look. Jason's Pockets were empty though and he had no tip to offer. What the hell did this guy expect? What did he want? It made no sense to Jason.
Anyway, he was not about to linger here, just because this was a rich neighbourhood. He had better get the hell out of here.
Jason positioned himself directly in the doorway, meeting the man's gaze with his confident one. It was almost intimidating, but when it was paired with a friendly smile, something was unnerving about it.
"Thanks, but you can get back you work now. I'm sure you've got places to be," he said, his voice smooth and his stance unmovable. The man stood there for a second, hesitating, but seeing Jason stare at him from a higher position with his height, and the way he was smiling at him, he nodded slightly and turned to walk away, muttering something about stingy rich people under his breath.
Jason watched him get on his bike and even waved at him as he left. What a guy. Anyway, Jason was not going to let himself get affected by things like these. People never knew how to respond to the odd mix of directness and charm he could pull off. It was something that would confuse people and it worked every time.
Closing the door, Jason walked away and then he placed the boxes on the table. But as he opened them, Jaos frowned. Pizza alone was… so empty. Maybe he should make something to show his appreciation.
He scanned the fridge and quickly gathered fresh veggies, tossing another simple colourful salad. He then poured two glasses of joy added some fruits and est everything neatly on the table.
As if on cue, Veronica entered the room, wrapped in a cosy robe that hinted at sleepwear beneath. Jason saw her come in and could not help but admire her yet again. Even while trying to not look like it, she was still beautiful.
Damn... How the hell was Jason going to keep himself together in a situation like this?