Time ticked by, each minute feeling like an eternity. The meeting was longer than I expected, and my patience began to wear thin. Just as I was starting to feel restless, Karen reappeared, a warm smile on her face.
"Ms. Dahlia, Mr. Clyde instructed me to bring you lunch," she said, unveiling a tray laden with my favorite dishes.
My stomach growled in anticipation, and I thanked Karen as I dug in. The flavors danced on my tongue, and I felt rejuvenated, my energy replenished.
With my hunger sated, I decided to explore the office. The space was vast, with multiple rooms and corridors branching off in different directions. My curiosity piqued, I wandered, taking in the elegant décor and sleek furnishings.
A door caught my attention, partially hidden behind a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. I pushed it open, revealing a small, intimate room. The space was simple, understated, with a single bed nestled against one wall.
Did Clyde sleep here? I wondered. Instead of returning home to his cold, empty house?
I scanned the room, searching for signs of occupation. A few clothes hung in the closet, and a small bathroom adjoined the room. But otherwise, it seemed unused.
Yet, something about the space felt personal. A hint of solitude lingered, as if Clyde retreated here to escape the world.
Fatigue overwhelmed me, and the bed beckoned. Soft, inviting, and tempting, I couldn't resist. I lay down, feeling the plush mattress envelop me.
Closing my eyes, I let out a deep breath. A short nap, I promised myself. Just a few minutes to recharge.
As I drifted off, Clyde's secrets lingered, unanswered. What was he hiding? And why did he keep me at arm's length?
I succumbed to exhaustion, my eyelids heavy, weighed down by the turmoil of emotions. Sleep claimed me, a welcome respite from the turmoil. But even in slumber, my senses remained alert, detecting the subtle changes in my surroundings.
Fleeting moments of awareness flickered, like candle flames in the wind. Someone entered, their presence a gentle breeze that rustled my hair. Lips brushed mine, soft and gentle, sending shivers down my spine.
I stirred, my mind foggy, my body languid. Too tired to respond, I let out a soft sigh and snuggled deeper into the bed. Arms wrapped around me, pulling me close, enveloping me in warmth and security.
I sank deeper into sleep's embrace, lulled by the steady beat of a heart against my ear.
---
Morning light, harsh and unforgiving, pierced through the blinds, shattering the tranquility. I opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. Clyde lay beside me, half-naked, his chiseled chest rising and falling with each breath.
Tousled hair framed his face, and his eyes, intense and piercing, met mine.
"Good morning," he whispered, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down my spine.
My gaze dropped, and my heart skipped a beat. My outfit was different. Confusion and panic set in, memories of the previous night hazy.
What happened?
Did we?
Could I have?
Clyde's expression remained inscrutable, his eyes locked on mine.
Panic set in, my heart racing like a marathon runner. Tears welled up, threatening to spill over. Clyde's calm voice wrapped around me, soothing and reassuring.
"Dahlia, nothing happened," he said, his tone gentle.
His hands enveloped mine, warmth spreading through my chilled fingers.
"I just kissed you gently," he explained.
"And fell asleep."
Relief washed over me like a tidal wave, calming my frayed nerves. Tears spilled down my cheeks, and Clyde wiped them away with his thumbs.
"Go get a bath," he suggested.
"Freshen up."
I nodded, grateful for the escape. The bathroom became my steamy sanctuary, where I could collect my thoughts and wash away my fears.
Water cascaded down, rinsing away my doubts. I breathed in deeply, letting the mist clear my mind.
When I returned, Clyde was nowhere to be seen. The room felt empty, lonely.
I approached the mirror, and my reflection stared back. My hair was tousled, my lips slightly swollen from Clyde's gentle kiss. Yet, I still looked adorable.
A faint mark on my neck caught my attention.
A hickey.
My heart skipped a beat.
Memories flooded back.
Clyde's gentle kiss last night.
The way his lips brushed mine.
The way his arms wrapped around me.
I touched the mark, my fingers tracing the sensitive skin.
Clyde's touch lingered.
My thoughts swirled.
What did it mean?
Was it more than a gentle kiss?