Prologue

A striking blonde flight attendant announced the landing, politely asking passengers to take their seats and fasten their seatbelts. Then, she walked down the long aisle of the plane and settled into a seat next to her assistant. As she did, her leg brushed lightly against his knee. The young man helped her buckle up, and in return, she flashed him one of her dazzling smiles. Playfully, she adjusted the hem of her skirt, drawing the steward’s attention to her long, slender legs. Folding her hands in her lap, she made sure his gaze lingered there, and with a satisfied smirk, she turned to look out the window. The meaning behind her gestures was clear to any man. She was flirting with her colleague, unmistakably hinting at something rather suggestive.

That “something” piqued my curiosity too. Being on a business trip, far from home, I was going out of my mind without my sweetheart. Her soft lips and tender touch haunted my dreams, leaving me waking up each morning in a foul mood.

Two weeks of this trip dragged on painfully. By the third day, I was seriously considering abandoning my unfinished business and heading back to the city on the next available flight. Only the sweet sound of my beloved’s voice over the phone, morning and evening, kept me grounded.

The plane touched down after a grueling five-hour flight, and I let out a sigh of relief. All I wanted was to get home to my wife and kids. Being away from them had been pure torture. Until now, I hadn’t fully realized how vital it was to always be together, always close.

I love Kate with all my heart. I cherish and respect her as a woman and a mother. I adore my children, even though, as a trio, they can drive anyone up the wall. They are my world, my reason for being. Nothing in this vast universe matters to me without my family. They are my joy, my rock.

Stepping out of the airport terminal, I headed straight for my father’s SUV. He was the only one who came to pick me up. I hadn’t told Kate or the kids exactly when I’d be back, wanting to surprise them.

“Hey, Dad,” I greeted, pulling him into a hug. His bright eyes hinted that things were going well with Mom.

“Hey, son. How was the flight?”

“Pretty good,” I replied with a smile, tossing my bag into the trunk. “We’ll go over the trip details on Monday at the office. Right now, I’m desperate to get home to my wife.”

“Missed her, huh?” Dad asked as he started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot.

“More than you can imagine.”

By the time we reached the suburban house Kate and I share, it was well past midnight. The house was cloaked in semi-darkness; everyone had long since gone to bed.

After saying goodbye to Dad, I passed the security post. The guards gave me a friendly nod in greeting and assured me everyone was home safe. No incidents had occurred while I was away. I breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing I wanted was for someone from Kate’s or my past to resurface and cause trouble.

Clearing security, I quietly unlocked the door with my key and slipped inside. The house was silent.

I climbed the stairs to the second floor, first peeking into little Maggie’s room, then my son’s. I kissed them both on the cheek and tucked them in. Only after ensuring the kids were fast asleep did I head to the bedroom.

I opened the door and peered inside. The room was dimly lit, bathed in moonlight and the soft glow of a small bedside lamp.

Kate was sleeping peacefully, hugging a pillow. The blanket had slipped slightly, revealing the enticing curves of her figure.

Her sheer black lingerie accentuated her form perfectly. Her smooth skin, the taste of which drove me wild, shimmered under the moonlight. The longing that had consumed me since the day I left flared up with renewed intensity.

I approached the bed slowly and sat beside her, trailing kisses across her skin. I started behind her ear, inhaling the sweet scent of her perfume. Unhurried, I moved to her neck, nibbling gently. My hands instinctively reached for the strap of her top, sliding it down to bare her shoulder.

My darling let out a soft moan as I nipped at her skin again. Her eyes fluttered open, wide with a mix of surprise and desire.

“You’re back!” she whispered tenderly, opening her arms to me.

“Yes, my love!” I replied, pressing a light kiss to her lips, then her cheek, her chin, her neck.

Kate sighed with pleasure, stoking the fire of desire within me. I shed my unnecessary clothes, tossing them to the floor. Then, I pulled the blanket off her and drew my girl into my embrace.

She didn’t resist as I swiftly slipped off her top, exposing her chest. I guided her hands above her head, positioning myself over her.

Her eyes were wide, lips parted, cheeks flushed.

“My sweet,” I murmured, kissing her lips, feeling my pulse quicken. “My beautiful one,” I whispered in her ear, nibbling at her lobe.

She breathed heavily, writhing beneath me. Her soft moans played like a melody in my mind. I kissed every inch of her, savoring my happiness. I rediscovered her, inch by inch.

“I love you,” Kate breathed, closing her eyes in bliss. My hands roamed her body relentlessly, my lips kissing her with fervor.

“My darling…” My tongue brushed her chest, leaving a trail of warmth. My lips continued their journey, kissing the tender skin of her stomach.

“Andrew,” she gasped hoarsely, tilting her head back, “please, my love…”

I smiled with satisfaction.

“Yes, my dear.” My teeth grazed the edge of her panties. Hooking the fabric, I slowly slid them down.

“You’re so irresistible,” I whispered in her ear, settling between her legs. “I want you, desperately!”

Kate wrapped her arms around my shoulders, pressing herself against me, moving in rhythm. Her drawn-out moans filled the quiet room.

Our passion carried on until we reached the peak of ecstasy. Overwhelmed by the intensity, I growled in satisfaction, holding Kate’s delicate frame tightly.

Exhausted and content, we collapsed onto the bed. I pulled her close, wrapping her in my arms. Kate rested her head on my shoulder, a smile on her lips as she drifted into sleep.

I lay awake for a long time, lost in memories of how our love story began.