Marius approached Salyna's front door slowly. He was gripping the violet orchids in his right hand too tightly and it felt like his heart was pounding so hard and fast that it was certain to burst within him. He had struggled with his feelings for this woman for months now and he had finally admitted that he wanted her for more than a friend and the time had come to take action. As he reached up with his free hand and grasped the iron knocker, he paused for a moment to reflect how he came to know Salyna. She had been new to the town and had taken a job at the same firm as his fiancΓ©e, Celeste. They had become friends and spent quite a bit of time together, or so he had thought. It had been Salyna who voiced concern over Celeste's faithfulness. Marius had been angry with Salyna but it was only a couple of weeks later that he had come home and caught Celeste with another. He had been crushed. With all of his heart he had loved and trusted her, and yet she had betrayed him.
The days and weeks that followed were a blur to him, the only thing he really remembered was Salyna there by his side, holding him while he wept, wiping his tears, cooking for him, making certain there were clean clothes to wear. And as he began to heal, she would listen, never being judgmental or taking sides, just allowing him to release the pain. And then, the stronger he became, the less he saw of her until she didn't come around anymore. And he missed her. The smell of her midnight hair. The twinkle of mischievousness in her grey eyes when she smiled. The richness of her voice when she spoke his name. No. He needed her. He knocked three times and waited. Nervously.
The heavy mahogany door squeaked slowly open. Marius held his breath. He could smell the sweet incense wafting through the open door and he recognized her favorite musical group, Nox Arcana, drifting on the air. Finally, Salyna stepped in front of the door, her eyes wide with surprise to see him.
"Salyna, I hope I haven't come by too late or disturbed you in any way." Marius's voice was a hoarse whisper as his eyes drank her in. She was dressed in her sleeping gown which consisted of a sheer black teddy that barely came mid-thigh and a sheer robe that did no better.
"Marius! How good to see you! It has been too long! Do come in." She opened the door all the way and held out her arm in a gesture of welcome. Marius managed to shuffle through the doorway.