My first foray into writing a story. Just a quick flash tale to get the creative writing juices flowing. Hope you enjoy.
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Will didn't know how he should approach the situation. He began noticing the changes in her behavior over the past two weeks; when those changes had actually begun he had no idea. Initially, he chalked it up to stress at work. She typically faced challenges in her role as department manager, but she never kept those problems to herself. No, this was different. There was no denying she was becoming increasingly distant. He would often find her sitting alone in a room staring off into space. He even watched her once for close to an hour. She never even noticed him.
On the few occasions when he would try to talk with her, she assured him it was nothing of concern.
Naturally, this worried him. He had always believed himself unworthy of Jessica's love. They had met years ago at a friend's party and he was instantly attracted to her. They talked for hours that night, and he walked away knowing that she was "the one." His best friend would often joke around with him about it. "She's way out of your league. What that woman sees in you I'll never know." He agreed. And so did his father. "Just make sure you don't blow it. She's a keeper." His mother often reminded him that grandmother's diamond would make the perfect engagement ring. "Son, marry that woman before she comes to her senses and finds someone who is willing to commit. She's not gonna wait on you forever."
Of course, it was never a matter of his unwillingness to commit. If it were his decision he would have proposed a long time ago. They had been together for close to three years. Up until the past few weeks he would have staked his life that their relationship was never better. They even had "the marriage" talk. There was no question they both wanted to grow old together, she just wasn't ready to take on the role of wife and mother. He said he felt the same way. At least that's what he told her.
He had surprised her with an extended weekend trip to the Bahamas a few months back. It was an amazing four days of romantic dinners, long walks along the beach at sunset, and those lazy mornings in bed when they couldn't pull themselves away from each other. He knew he loved her, and he knew that she loved him. It wasn't just about the toe curling sex they shared. No, he came away from that trip believing they had connected more deeply than ever. They were happy, and he secretly hoped that she might finally be ready for more.
And now he felt like he was losing her. He was afraid that their time together was coming to an end, that maybe she was beginning to think about moving on. And he was desperate. He needed to do something to pull her back into the relationship. But he was losing hope. If a romantic getaway to an exotic beach resort wasn't enough to solidify things, then maybe nothing was.
It wasn't until the birthday party for one of his nieces that it finally hit him. He was watching Jessica help the children play pin the tail on the donkey. It was the happiest he had remembered seeing her since coming back from their trip. As she was putting a blindfold on one of the children, inspiration struck and he instantly knew what needed to be done.
He quietly slipped out of the party to run a few errands and make his preparations. She would never even notice he was gone. Tonight he determined to reclaim the woman he loved.
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Jessica seemed especially quiet as they made the short drive back to their apartment.
"Did you enjoy the party? You seemed to be having a lot of fun helping the children."
"I did. Those kids certainly are a handful."
"It was a long day. Do you think you might have enough left in you for a little surprise?"
"A surprise? As enticing as that sounds, I'm not sure I would have the strength. I'm exhausted."
"What if this surprise involved you having to do nothing but relax and enjoy yourself? I'd do all the work."
She flashed a devilish grin at him and he noticed a spark of life return to her eyes. "What exactly do you have in mind?"
"Ah, if I tell you it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it?"
She responded playfully. "Well, I might be in the mood for a little surprise tonight. You did say you would do all the work, right?"
"I did."
"So where are you taking me for this surprise?"
"Just home. Our bedroom."
"Will!" She gave him a playful smack on the arm. "I think I know what kind of surprise you have in mind. Do you actually think you have anything that could surprise me in the bedroom? I know all your moves, Buster."
"Perhaps. But I might have a few tricks up my sleeve." He eased the car into their parking spot and turned to give her his most smoldering look. "Are you willing to find out just how surprising I can be?"
Her smile grew. "If there's another woman up in that bedroom Will, so help me God . . . I swear to you, I better be all the woman you need. I'm not saying I wouldn't mind finding Chris Pine spread out across the bed."
"Chris Pine? Keep dreaming. I better be all the man you need." And with that he leaned in for a soft kiss.
"Don't worry. You've always been more than enough man for me."
"Good. Now meet me in the bedroom. I'll be there in just a few minutes."
"You're not coming with me?"
"I'll only be a moment. I need to call Gal Gadot and tell her she won't be needed tonight."
She smacked him once again. "You are so bad!"
"Baby, you have no idea just how bad I can be. Now meet me in the bedroom. I already have everything set up for you."
A look of surprise flashed across her face. "Already set up? Please tell me this doesn't involve a swing or stripper pole."
"I guess you'll just have to go and find out. Now run along."
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She stood in the center of the bedroom amazed at what Will had waiting for her. Candles lit, rose petals spread across new silk sheets, Almost Paradise playing softly in the background, champagne chilling. He had definitely surprised her, and it was perfect. She wondered when he had found the time to set everything in place. She quickly slipped into the bathroom to change into the sheer black lingerie laid out for her on the bed. Her body was tingling with excitement.
