’So would you like me to schedule it for the week when you’re back, or shall I move it to the week after. I can say you’re…’ Claudia waited.

’Move it to the week after. I don’t care what you say.’ I whispered out of breath as Bette picked up the silk babydoll from my pillow and let it run through her hand, before tossing it carelessly aside. The soft glow of the night lamp flickered to life at my bedside as she switched it on, marking the completion of her circuit around the room. It was as if she was surrounding me, demarcating her territory. My throat grew dry as I struggled to focus on the phone in my hand. ’Anything else?’ I asked Claudia huskily. But Bette rose her brow and slowly started walking in my direction.

’One more thing. You asked me to prepare the PowerPoint’s, but the figures on page 5 don’t match with the grand total.’

’I… uhm.. I .. I have to think… It’s..’ My mind stuttered.

Bette’s proximity intensified, her purposeful steps bridging the distance between us. My heart raced as my words faltered, my thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind. Bette’s hand effortlessly retrieved the phone from my grasp, her voice taking charge as she introduced herself to Claudia.

’Claudia, this is Bette Porter speaking.’ Her tone was both cordial and firm. ’While I greatly appreciate everything you do for my wife, I have a request to make. The previous period has taken a toll on Tina, and I was hoping she could use this time to rest. Can you ensure that no one, and I mean absolutely no one, disturbs her during her holiday? Thank you.’ Bette ended the call, holding my gaze with a blend of tenderness and determination.

Tears pricked at my eyes, a weight lifted from my chest by her words. I swallowed hard. Her closeness was intoxicating, her presence consuming every inch of the room. Her lips hovered just above mine, her warm breath caressing my skin. ’Hey honey, I’m home,’ she hushed. ’Kiss me.’

My fingers instinctively became entwined in the silken strands of her hair, gently stroking them back from her face. I met her lips in a searing kiss. Her tongue demanded control possessing me with a fervent intensity. I closed my eyes.