After Ever After

Chapter Nine

Ferdinand's Office

Tuesday Morning

You look amazing Cindy. Ferdinand won't be able to keep his eyes--or his hands--off you. Snow's words of encouragement echoed in Cindy's ears as she parked her car in front of the attorney's office where Ferdinand worked. Cindy had stopped by Snow's bakery to get her opinion on her ensemble before going to make her visit.

She had decided to wear a light pink mini dress that stopped in the middle of her thigh, showing off much of her slender legs. On her feet, she donned white, four-inch heels with a cute pink bow on the toe of the shoe and a ribbon wrapped around her ankle. Her strawberry blonde hair was pulled into a messy sort of bun with small wavy tendrils falling around her face. Very little make-up was on her face; a bit of foundation, concealer, and lipstick was all she needed. At least—that's what she hoped.

Ferdinand was working on closing some of his current cases, so he wouldn't be doing much campaigning today. It was the perfect opportunity for her to talk to him and hopefully spend a little bit of time with him. She didn't like the distance she felt growing between them and, if she knew her husband, Ferdinand wasn't too fond of it either. She had to fix it. They had to fix it.

Cindy walked into the building with graceful, confident steps. She smiled and greeted some of Ferdinand's colleagues, noticing their wide-eyed expressions and flushed cheeks. Her confidence rose little by little. If these men were impressed by her look, then Ferdinand was going to be floored!

Approaching his office, Cindy heard Ferdinand talking on the phone to someone. She poked her head in and saw him sitting on the edge of his desk, dressed immaculately to the nines in a military green suit with a white shirt and burgundy tie. Her heart melted a little bit when she noticed he was wearing the loafers she bought him for his birthday. Feeling her eyes on him, he ended his call and smiled at her, beckoning for her to come in.

"Hi honey," Ferdinand greeted her, his brown eyes slipping down Cindy's figure, taking a few seconds longer to admire her legs. It had been quite a while since he saw those legs, touched those legs, took those legs and wrapped them around his waist...

"I-I brought you some lunch," Cindy said bringing him back to reality. She set the prettily wrapped bag on the desk and began to empty it of its contents: a very large chicken caesar wrap, salt and vinegar chips, frozen yogurt covered strawberries, and orange juice. "You left before I had a chance to give it to you."

Ferdinand kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you," then he pulled her by her waist bringing her into his arms and pressed against his chest. She hummed happily to herself, soaking up the feeling of being held by him again. Ferdinand trailed his hands down her sides, down her hips, and stopped at her plump, little bottom. He gave it a subtle squeeze.

Cindy hid her blushing face in the crook of his neck. "Um, Ferdinand...I think the door is still open, sweetheart."

"Then go and close it," he spoke into her ear.

A hot, tingling sensation spread throughout Cindy's face and her entire body. She hadn't heard him speak to her like that in a long time. The huskiness of his voice turned her legs into jelly as she scurried to close the door and then back to Ferdinand. He took her by her hand and sat them both in his leather back armchair, Cinderella sitting comfortably in his lap. Reaching around her, Ferdinand grabbed the wrap and tore it into almost equal parts. He offered the smaller piece to Cindy, which she kindly accepted.

At first, they ate in a comfortable silence. Ferdinand had one arm wrapped securely around Cindy's waist, his hand fidgeting with her fingers. Cindy snuggled her back against his chest, her head resting lazily on his shoulder. Now if only they were at home, in their bed. The moment would be that much better.