THE LONG WAIT

Chapter 20: A glimpse of the future

The sun gleamed brightly on the crisp Saturday morning, casting a warm glow over the parking lot of Shelley's apartment complex. Ben sat patiently in his car, a sense of anticipation bubbling within him as he waited for her arrival. Today was a pivotal day-he intended to show Shelley the heart of his ambitions, a glimpse into the legacy he was building. He could visualize the future he so desperately wanted: if his firm flourished, he would take the next step in their journey together-creating a home filled with love and shared dreams.

As Ben lost himself in daydreams about their life ahead, he was abruptly pulled back to reality by the sound of the passenger door opening. He turned to see Shelley gracefully sliding into the seat beside him. The moment she settled in, he felt a warmth spread through him-her presence was captivating.

Shelley's outfit was striking; she wore cotton silk dark gold side-zip pants that caught the light beautifully, complementing her figure. Her crisp white t-shirt contrasted elegantly, and her golden summer sandals added a touch of casual sophistication. As she fixed her seatbelt, Ben's gaze lingered on her hair, styled in an afro ponytail that framed her face perfectly, with soft strands playfully escaping and caressing her cheeks. He was so entranced by her radiant look that he nearly jumped when she called out his name, pulling him from his reverie.

"What?" he says.

"Are we going to hit the road soon or are we just going to keep waiting?"

"Sorry," he said, his voice laced with a hint of regret. As he eased the car out of the driveway and onto the bustling street, the world outside faded away, leaving the two of them wrapped in their lively conversation. Shelley animatedly recounted her parents' cruise, her eyes sparkling with delight as she described how the trip had filled her mother with joy. "You should hear her voice," she laughed, "she hasn't stopped talking about it! And Dad? He's practically a tour guide now! He's already planning their next vacation." The thought brought infectious laughter to both their lips, a shared moment of joy painting the air around them with warmth and excitement.

After a few hours of driving, they finally arrived at their destination-a striking building adorned with the name 'MarAdam & Associates' prominently displayed on the front. The architecture was modern and sophisticated, with sleek lines and large glass windows that reflected the bustling city around it. Shelley stepped out of the car and stood in front of the building, taking it all in with wide eyes and a sense of awe.

She turned to him, curiosity evident on her face. "What does MarAdam mean?" she asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to decipher the unusual name.

With a playful smirk on his face, he leaned against the car and replied, "It's actually a combination of two names-MarQueen and Adam, shortened into one." His tone suggested there was a story behind the names, one that piqued Shelley's interest even further.

She exclaimed, "Very impressive," as she admired the view. She loved the exterior colours, especially the combination of cream and dark brown, which was perfect for the building. "I can't wait to see the inside," she said. He took her hand and led her inside.

As Shelley entered the reception area, she was immediately captivated by its impressive and warm ambience. The focal point of the space was a large, elegantly designed reception counter positioned centrally in front of a stunning back wall that greeted visitors as they came through the entrance. The firm's logo, meticulously crafted and prominently displayed, added a touch of professionalism to the inviting atmosphere.

Surrounding the counter was a spacious waiting room, thoughtfully decorated with vibrant plants that brought a splash of life to the understated grey walls. The serene colour palette created a calming environment for those who will be waiting to be attended to.

Ben and Shelley ascended the staircase to the first floor, which housed four well-organized staff work areas alongside two conveniently located washrooms. Each workspace was designed for productivity, emanating a sense of teamwork amidst the hustle and bustle of daily operations.

Continuing upward to the second floor, they discovered a medium-sized attorney room ideal for consultations, accompanied by another washroom, two elegant office suites, and a cosy kitchen that would surely serve as a hub for staff breaks and casual discussions.

On the third floor, a more formal setting awaited them, featuring a medium-sized conference room perfect for discussions, alongside a grand large conference room designed for significant meetings. This floor also housed a storage room which will soon be filled with files, a secure server room humming softly with technology, and yet another washroom for convenience.

Finally, on the fourth floor, they reached Ben's office - a sophisticated space that reflected his professional demeanour. Adjacent to his office was another office space that Shelley presumed belonged to Mr. MarQueen, which would serve as his temporary haven during visits.

As they approached Ben's office, Shelley took a brief moment to glance at the unoccupied desk positioned in the corridor, its emptiness hinting at the potential activity that would soon fill the space.

***

Shelley and Ben pushed through the elegantly designed glass door that framed the entrance to Ben's office, moving from the corridor into a sanctuary of sophistication. As soon as Shelley stepped inside, a warm smile spread across her face, fueled by the serene atmosphere. The office was spacious, allowing light to dance freely across the polished wooden floor. Dominating the room was a beautifully crafted large mahogany desk, its rich, dark wood glistening in the golden rays of sunlight streaming through the expansive window behind it.

The sunlight cast soft shadows and highlighted the intricate grain of the desk, making it the focal point of the room. Flanking the desk were two plush leather chairs, their deep, inviting hues beckoning her to take a seat and get comfortable. Shelley approached the desk, her fingers gliding over its smooth, polished surface, appreciating both the craftsmanship and the warmth emanating from the wood.

On top of the desk, a picture frame caught her attention. One frame contained treasured photographs of Ben's mother, while the other showcased a picture of Shelley herself. As she picked up the picture, deep nostalgia washed over her, particularly for one cherished photograph that captured her radiant smile. It was a reminder of a moment in her life when she felt truly beautiful and alive.

Her mind wandered back to the first time Ben visited her cosy apartment, where she caught him stealing a glance at that very picture. A surge of emotions coursed through her at the memory, reminding her of how protective she felt over that moment. Abruptly, she turned to him, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "How did you come by this picture?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

Ben's lips curled into a mischievous smile-an expression she had come to adore. "I mentioned to David how much I love that picture of you looking like a goddess," he replied, his eyes twinkling with delight at the memory. "He assured me that he had a copy, and well, that's how I ended up with one," he explained, laughter in his voice making Shelley's heart flutter.

At that moment, she felt a wave of affection for him, her irritation melting away as she settled into the chair behind his desk. She glanced around the office, taking in the neatly organized shelves filled with books and mementoes, each item telling a story of its own. A large photo of himself hung on the wall, some plants graced the corners of the room, and a casual seating area with a couch and a small centre table by the left side, all enveloped in the warm sunlight that highlighted the room with a creamy hue.

"I love your office," she said, gazing at him. "It reveals so much about you-soft and loving on the outside, but daring on the inside." Ben couldn't help but smile at her words as he approached her. He sat on the edge of the desk and pulled the chair closer to bring Shelley nearer to him. Leaning in, he whispered seductively while looking deep into her eyes, "Does that turn you on?"

Shelley struggled to find her words, her eyes darting from side to side. Ben could see the desire in her gaze as his lips inched closer to hers. Her response was barely a whisper, "Yes." Without warning, he tilts her chin to the side as he captures her lips in a deep, long, passionate kiss, sending a rush through Shelley's body, resulting in a small moan escaping her throat. At that moment Shelley was sure of one thing. She craves Ben's touch now more than anything.