AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A smile blooms on her pretty face. “Persistent much?”
“Only when it comes to things I care about.” I take a step toward her.
Her hand’s on the door handle, but there’s a moment of hesitation. Closing the gap between us, I gently cup her face in my hands. Our eyes lock, conveying unspoken feelings and a bit of trepidation. Ignoring it all, I lean in slowly, savoring the moment, and our lips meet in a tender, sweet kiss, which lasts and lasts until we reluctantly pull apart.
“Well, I guess I’ll see you around,” she says with a tinge of something like regret in her voice. Or is it expectation?
“I’ll hold you to it.” I try to keep the mood light. “Have a great day, Jordan.”
“You too.” She touches my face and gets into her car.
As she drives away, I’m left standing in the serene beauty of the marina with the sweetness of her kiss lingering on my lips. Hope and apprehension swirl around in my heart. Hope for a future with Jordan. Apprehension she’s not on the same page.
I’m a doer though, so I get into my car to head to my condo, already plotting my next move. The drive is a blur as I think about how fucking good it felt to be inside her. Better than in my wildest dreams. Even in the light of a new day, the intense passion we have for each other is something I’ve only experienced with Jordan.
She felt it too, despite her standoffish demeanor this morning.
It’s tough to know how to handle things. How can I balance giving her the space she seems to need while vigorously pursuing a relationship with her? Given our history, I’m determined to take any path if it leads me to her. As far as I’m concerned, last night was just the beginning.
I’m home in no time. Going through the motions of picking up my mail and unlocking my door, I’m on autopilot because I’m replaying yesterday in my mind. The boat ride. Pizza. Our intense conversations. By the time I hit the shower, I allow myself to revisit every minute I worshipped her gorgeous body. Imagine myself plunging into her sweet, tight pussy makes me hard as steel.
Beating off in the shower isn’t remotely as good as fucking Jordan, but it takes the edge off.
When I’m dressed, I set myself up in my home office and realize I’ve missed a flurry of notifications from nearly everyone on my Project SoHo team. My mind shifts gears immediately and I get to work catching up. One of our main competitors for Project SoHo is GCBA, a well-known firm out of Spain. Last night the company was outed for using subpar materials in a high-profile project. It’s turned into quite the scandal with investigations launched and executives fired. Tales of wild drug-fueled parties and orgies.
Knowing the selection committee cites family values as one of its four pillars of excellence, I’m not surprised by the most recent news—GCBA is out. Which means the competition has been narrowed down to us and Malloy & Associates from London. It’s a significant development. I’m close to realizing this dream and can’t afford to lose focus.
I head out to the office with a sense of urgency. Once there, I scan the report my investigator provided on Malloy & Associates, looking for any edge that we can use to our advantage.
Surrounded by stacks of architectural plans and notes, the gravity of the situation with Project SoHo begins to truly sink in. Malloy & Associates, our main competition, are renowned for their innovative approach, but they’ve had their share of budget overruns. This could be our chance to edge ahead. Yet, as I delve deeper into the specifics of what winning this project entails, a sobering realization hits me.
Winning Project SoHo isn’t only about prestige and success—it means committing to at least 3-4 years in London.
Yesterday, the relocation issue hadn’t even registered. Today? The implications of moving to another country feel catastrophic. On one hand, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to leave my mark on the architectural world.
On the other, there’s Jordan.
What's happening between us certainly feels deeper and more real than anything I’ve experienced before. Although, if earlier today is any indication, she may only want a fuck buddy. One thing’s for sure, I can’t do or say anything that’ll spook her. If there’s a chance she and I could become a couple, well… We’ll have to figure it out if I win this job.
Would she consider a long-distance relationship? Would she move? Doubtful to either.
If she won’t come with me, do I go?
I think the answer is yes. There’s no way I can let my team at VA/VT down. They’re all geared up for this project, buzzing with excitement and ideas. If we were to back out, not only would I let myself down, but also the staff who’ve been working tirelessly for years. For me. They’re counting on this project.
Truthfully? So am I.
The weight of this decision is crushing.
Fuck. How has life gotten so complicated?
Torn between professional ambition and personal desire, I don’t even realize the time. Suddenly it’s late afternoon and my stomach is protesting the lack of food in my system. I’m about to order takeout when my phone vibrates with a text from Jordan.
My heart leaps at her name on the screen, but it also brings my dilemma into sharp focus.
Jordan:
Hey…I’m sorry about this morning. I was a bit overwhelmed, I guess.
