10
JAKE
The gentle murmur of the pilot’s voice over the intercom pulls me from my sleep as the private jet begins its descent.
Kiera is still lost in sleep, her blonde hair framing her face in gentle waves.
I wait until we’re safely on the ground, then nudge her awake. A wry smile tugs at my lips, and I lean over, gently shaking her shoulder. “Hey, Sleeping Beauty, we’ve arrived.”
She stirs, her eyes fluttering open, and the remnants of sleep linger in the corners of her eyes for a moment.
I can’t help but tease. “You know, you have the most picturesque sleeping face. A real work of art.”
She rolls her eyes, a playful scoff escaping her lips. “Oh, spare me the compliments, Jake.”
I grin at her.
It’s true, though. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, even asleep.
But as she shifts in her seat, her gaze catches the sight of Paris unfolding outside the window. The transformation on her face is palpable – from the remnants of sleep to the awe-inspired gaze.
“So, Paris is the only thing that can render you speechless,” I say as I observe her.
She turns to me with a roll of her eyes before returning her gaze to the window.
"Wow," she breathes, her voice filled with a genuine sense of wonder. "I can't believe we're actually here."
“And you missed the best part—Eiffel Tower. Saw it right before we landed,” I say.
She turns to me. “Shut up.”
“It’s true. Cross my heart and all.”
“No way,” she groans, covering her face with her hands.
I’ve half a mind to go up to the pilot to tell him to take us up again, as insane as it may sound, but then I remind myself she will be able to see it when we fly back.
My thought seems to materialize him because he appears with the hostess at the end of the row. “I hope you had a pleasant flight.”
“It was great and very comfortable, thank you,” I say politely.
“Everything was awesome,” Kiera says.
The pilot opens the door while I gather my stuff.
When I turn to Kiera, she’s fixing her hair.
“I know you’re staring, Jake,” Kiera says. Before I can deny it, she adds. “I know I look like Yeti right now.”
With a practiced ease, she gathers the blonde strands into a bun, a simple yet elegant transformation, and all I can do is gape at her as something stirs inside of me.
“You look fine,” I say as I start walking down the aisle. I need to get my head straight. How can watching someone fix their hair make me horny?
I try to adjust myself, so the bulge isn’t that obvious. It’s not because of Kiera. It’s just morning wood. It has nothing to do with her elegant neck peeking out of her bun, begging me to trail my lips down it. It certainly has nothing to do with the fact that I can see her hardened nipples through her gauzy blouse.
Outside, a car is already waiting on the tarmac to take us to my place just outside the city.
As we ride, the city comes alive with the hues of the early morning sun, casting a golden glow on historic buildings and quaint boulevards. I sit back against my chair. I’m used to the sights by now, having traveled through these streets more times than I can count.
Kiera, on the other hand, is like a child in a candy store. Her reactions are a blend of delighted gasps and spontaneous picture-taking. It's amusing to see her embrace the city with such unabashed enthusiasm.
"Look at that architecture! Did you see that café? Oh, the Seine looks breathtaking!
Can you believe people get to live here?" she exclaims, her eyes wide with admiration. "I've seen it in movies, but it's even more amazing in person!"
"It's a pretty special place," I respond, staring at her.
Having visited often, the city had lost most of its appeal to me until just this moment. It’s the side of her I haven’t seen in years, the side that she has shielded from me. But now, I can literally feel the walls coming down between us.
“Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“What?” I ask.
“On the flight, before we landed,” she says, frowning like a petulant child. “You were awake, weren’t you?”
“You looked so peaceful asleep,” I say.
She frowns at me. “I can sacrifice my sleep for this. I mean, look at it. It’s so beautiful."
“It indeed is,” I say, but my eyes are on her, not the city that pales in comparison.
I had forgotten what it was like to witness the city for the first time. The thrill of discovery, the sense of wonder, and the sheer excitement of being immersed in a place so rich in history and romance – I had almost lost touch with these emotions.
However, as I observe Kiera taking in the spectacle, a subtle shift occurs within me.
“I can only imagine what it looked like when we were up in the sky.”
“Well, the jet is at my disposal. We can fly again whenever you like,” I say.
She turns to me, her brows drawn. “I can’t tell—are you making fun of me?”
“No,” I say.
“Spoken like a true trust fund baby,” she says.
“You need to stop calling me that,” I say. “All of that money went into the company.”
This time, her eyes widen. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope,” I say. “I used the last of my inheritance to pull it up by the straps. My dad wasn’t particularly happy about it, but we made peace. He wanted me to get a job in finance and work on Wall Street.”
“Oh, Jake,” I say. “I'm glad things are better with your dad.”
I just nod and stare out of the window.
It takes us about thirty minutes to reach the place, away from the bustle of the city.
Kiera's eyes widen as she takes in the grandeur of the house, and she breathes out an audible, "Wow."
“I know,” I say as the car comes to a stop at the end of the driveway.
“Wait,” Kiera says. “You own this place?”
“Well, technically it belongs to my family,” I say.
“Of course,” she says with a shake of her head. “Why did I even ask that question.”
“What is that even supposed to mean?”
“You guys own crazy properties. Remember the trip we took to Aspen?”
I smile at the memory of Tammy going, “Wait, so you’re actually rich? Like rich rich?”
“I do remember,” I say.
Stepping out of the car, the air is filled with the subtle scent of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.
"We each have our own suites," I mention, gesturing toward the staircase. “Why don’t you go upstairs and freshen up? The suite has everything you’ll need. And if you need anything else, the housekeeping staff can assist you.”
“I can take a shower by myself, Jake,” she says, rolling her eyes.
I know it’s a quip, but the answer makes my stomach coil.
Deciding to take my own advice, I head to my suite, the prospect of a refreshing shower beckoning.
As soon as I get inside, the warm water cascades, a welcome respite after the day's travels. However, even in the solitude of the shower, Kiera's presence lingers in my thoughts. The scent of her perfume seems to permeate the steam.
I catch myself inhaling deeply, trying to capture the essence of her that lingers in the air. The image of her, her blonde hair gathered into a bun, her big brown eyes widening as she soaks in the new city.
The sound of her laughter and the way she moves with graceful confidence are etched into my memory. And her smell.
Her goddamn smell.
Without thinking, my hand drops down to my cock as I fist it.
I think of Kiera looking at me, her eyes widening slightly, her lips parting as I close the distance between us. I imagine kissing the surprised gasp from her lips, swallowing the sound with my mouth.
I slam my palm against the wall as I continue to stroke myself, harder and faster as images of her flood my mind.
My mind flashes back to that awful, amazing night when she was in my arms, in my bed, and I was inside her. I imagine the way I had fit so perfectly, snug as a fitted glove.
“Fuck,” I cry as I come without warning, spurts of my hot seed spilling all over.
I lean against the wall with an elbow pressed against it, trying to regain my breathing.
That was explosive. And also, bad.
I can’t be thinking of Kiera in this way. It’s a breach of trust. And yet, I cannot help myself. She’s driving me insane just by being this close.
Bringing her here alone might have been a mistake.
I step out of the bathroom, a towel slung haphazardly around my waist, droplets of water trailing down my body.
There’s a loud slam of the door just as I walk to the middle of the room.
Before I can process the intrusion, Kiera bursts in.
Time freezes for an awkward heartbeat.
Our eyes lock, and I can practically see the mental gears screeching to a halt in her mind.
Kiera's eyes widen, and she lets out a mortified gasp.
“Kiera—” I say, not sure where to begin.
Her cheeks tint with a rosy hue, and she stammers out an apology, her words a hasty retreat. "Oh, uh, sorry!"
I quickly change into a pair of new slacks and a shirt before making my way outside. I find Kiera pacing the hallway.
“I’m sorry,” she says. “I wasn’t trying to run in on you naked.”
“I understand,” I say. “Although it might have been concerning if you were. There would be an email addressed to the HR.”
She looks alarmed.
“I’m just kidding.”
She shakes her head. “I know I said that I don’t need help, but the bathroom is so fricking confusing. I don’t know how to work the hot water and that’s why I was coming in to talk to you. Of course, I had no idea you would be half-naked, although that’s perfectly—”
I put an arm over her shoulder instinctively.
She freezes, her eyes widening.
“Kie, Relax,” I say.
Her mouth drops open, but she doesn’t say anything.
I quickly take the arm off her and say, “I believe you’re not a pervert.”
She makes a face. “That’s not funny.”
“I wasn’t trying to be,” I say. “Just wait. I’ll come by and help you.”
“Thanks.” She leaves as fast as she came in.
I chuckle as I watch her walk away.
The thought of her exploring the house, her delight at every discovery makes me shiver.
What will she think of this place? Will she catch the little details I’ve put in?
I walk up to her suite.
Kiera is waiting for me on her bed. She points at herself. “And now I’m all wet.”
I try not to blatantly stare at her, but it’s difficult when her top is practically sticking to her.
“I’ll get it all fixed up.” I head into the bathroom. I tinker with the shower nozzle and the taps, and once I’m satisfied, I walk out. “That should be all good.”
“Thanks for your help.”
I leave her to it and head downstairs where I become engrossed in my iPad, scrolling through emails and savoring a leisurely breakfast.
Kiera re-enters the room after her shower. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the rich blend of pastries and fruits wafts through the air.
Glancing up from my device, I catch sight of Kiera, and I find myself catching my breath.
She's clad in a simple yet stylish ensemble – a loose-fitting blouse paired with comfortable black slacks. The colors are subtle, reflecting a blend of sophistication and casual ease. Her hair, now dried and loosely cascading, adds a touch of effortless charm. She looks stunning.
She approaches the breakfast table with a tentative smile, and I can't help but admire how effortlessly she carries herself. The sun light streaming in casts a soft glow on her, accentuating the way her blonde hair falls gracefully around her shoulders.
“Can we please start over?” she says.
“Good morning,” I say.
She looks relieved as she takes a chair. “Good morning. I hope you had an uneventful shower?”
I scratch my nose. “Yeah, pretty much.” Of course, I cannot tell her the obscene thoughts I had about her. I have no doubt that she would quit on the spot.
“So,” she begins. “What’s the agenda for today?”
I take a sip of coffee, considering the day ahead. "I was thinking of heading into the new office, getting things set up. We've got the meeting with the museum executives tomorrow, and I want everything in place."
“Sounds good.”
“You can stay back and start prepping for the meeting."
"Actually, mind if I tag along? I'd like to see the new office and get a feel for the space before the meeting tomorrow. Plus, I could help out."
Spending the entire day in such close proximity with Kiera?
"You sure about that? I mean, you've got the meeting to prep for."
She grins, determination in her eyes. "I can multitask. Besides, it'll be fun."
"Fun," I repeat, the word lingering on my tongue.
“We can work efficiently together," she insists.
I nod, trying to push aside the slight unease settling in.
It's not just about efficiency; it's about navigating the delicate balance between personal and professional realms with her. Old feelings are resurfacing, and I'm starting to realize that maintaining that separation is more challenging than I initially thought.