Victoria shook her head defiantly. "No, I don't want to. I love being free at night."
"Oh yeah?" James responded, his voice carrying a note of amused determination. "Well, I love that for you, but put this on."
Victoria continued to resist, shaking her head with renewed stubbornness. When it became clear she had no intention of cooperating, James realized he would have to take matters into his own hands. She struggled against him, but James was stronger and faster, and since she refused to wear it herself, he decided to do the honors.
With gentle but firm movements, he guided her head through the collar of the oversized shirt, then carefully helped pass each of her arms through the proper sleeves. The fabric settled around her, transforming her from dangerously tempting to endearingly covered.
Victoria glared at him, her eyes flashing with indignation and ready to challenge what she clearly considered an injustice. "How dare you--"
But James immediately sealed her lips in a big, soft kiss, cutting off her protest mid-sentence. The unexpected tenderness of it startled her, she blinked but refused to let go of her arguments so easily.
She began again, her voice still carrying the heat of her frustration. "You think--"
Once more, James kissed her, silencing her words with the gentle pressure of his lips against hers. He withdrew just enough to see the anger slowly beginning to leave her features, though Victoria, being as stubborn as she was, still wanted to be heard.
"By doing this--" she continued, but now her tone had gone noticeably softer as James kissed her sweetly once more.
This time, James held her face in the palms of his big hands, cradling her with infinite gentleness as he kissed her again and again until the fight gradually left her completely. Victoria found herself melting under his touch, loving the way he held her like this, her small face almost entirely covered by his large, warm hands. It was so wonderfully, protectively masculine.
She allowed herself to be swayed by James, surrendering to his tender insistence and the overwhelming feeling of being cherished and cared for in a way she had never experienced before.
James pulled back from the kiss to see Victoria with her eyes closed and lips still puckered, waiting for more. He couldn't help but chuckle at the endearing sight, she looked so vulnerable and sweet in that moment. He gave her one quick, gentle kiss and started to move away, but Victoria's hand immediately shot out to stop him.
"More," she requested softly, her voice carrying a pleading quality that made his heart skip. "More."
Her hand stretched out toward him like a baby reaching for comfort, her lips forming the most adorable pout as she clung onto his arm. The sight of her, usually so composed and in control, now reduced to such innocent neediness melted something deep inside James's chest.
He relented without hesitation, leaning back down to give her the kisses she craved. Each time he tried to pull away, thinking surely she'd had enough, Victoria would make that same soft request for "more," her eyes fluttering open to meet his with such tender longing that he found himself powerless to deny her anything.
James acknowledged each of her sweet whims, pressing kiss after gentle kiss to her lips until she finally seemed satisfied, a contented sigh escaping her as she relaxed back against the pillows. The happiness radiating from her face made his own heart swell with an emotion so profound it almost took his breath away.
"I'll be right back," he told her softly, his voice warm with affection.
He left the bedroom to make his final rounds of the evening, ensuring the main door was properly locked, turning off all the lights and any electrical devices that didn't need to be running through the night. In the kitchen, he filled a large jar with fresh water and picked up two cups, wanting to make sure they had everything they might need within reach.
When he walked back to his room, the sight that greeted him made him pause in the doorway once again. Victoria was still there in his bed, waiting for him, her hair spread across his pillow like silk. The reality of it hit him anew, this wasn't a dream. She was really here, really his.
He placed the jar and cups carefully on the bedside table, then finally climbed onto the bed. The moment he settled under the covers, Victoria immediately came to him, her arms wrapping around him as she snuggled into his embrace. The feeling of her warm body pressed against his, trusting and content, filled James with such overwhelming happiness that he thought his heart might burst from the sheer perfection of the moment.
Victoria busied herself playing with James's hands, her delicate fingers tracing over his thick but long fingers with fascination. She seemed mesmerized by the contrast; her small, graceful hands against his larger, stronger ones. James let her explore, finding her gentle touch both soothing and endearing.
"You know," James said softly, his voice barely above a whisper in the intimate darkness, "I've been wondering about something."
"Hmm?" Victoria murmured, still focused on intertwining their fingers.
"Why did you suddenly request that innovative product development? It seemed so... impromptu when you brought it up."
The question had been on James's mind for a while. Victoria was usually so methodical in her planning, every decision carefully calculated. But that request had felt different somehow.
Victoria answered without missing a beat, her voice matter-of-fact even in their cozy position. "Because TechVision is around the corner, and I want our product out there to the target market before the event." She paused, then continued, "Besides, the company is getting ready for its weekend retreat, so I want the employees to work on it before having their fun. And with the short break for the Fourth of July coming up, I don't want them getting back to work with pressing issues hanging over their heads."
James blinked in the darkness. He hadn't thought that far ahead at all. In fact, he had completely forgotten about the mandatory retreat Victoria organized for all employees to enjoy. For the past few years throughout those retreats, he had spent his hours mainly trying to organize Victoria's calendar and manage her preferences as a newbie, or just attending to her general needs. He had never really participated in the games or activities because he was always still working.
"You're always thinking three steps ahead," he said with genuine admiration. "I never even considered the timing with all those events."
Victoria smiled against his chest. "That's why you need me," she said playfully, then added more softly, "and why I need you to handle all the details I might miss."
James glanced down at her, though he could barely make out her features in the dim light. A thought occurred to him, and he couldn't help but voice it. "Speaking of the retreat... are you really going to let me enjoy the fun stuff this time? Without work disruptions?"
Victoria's body shook slightly with silent laughter, and when she looked up at him, he could see the mischievous glint in her eyes even in the darkness. She shook her head with an impish smile. "No."
"I figured as much," James said with mock resignation, though his tone was filled with affection. "At least you're honest about it."
"I can't help it," Victoria said, her voice taking on a softer, more vulnerable quality. "I like having you close. I work better when you're there."
"And I like being needed by you," James admitted, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
James felt a yawn building and tried to close his mouth to suppress it, but it escaped anyway. "I think I'm going to sleep now," he said, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "I'm tired."
Victoria nodded against his chest, her own voice becoming drowsy. "Me too. This has been... perfect."
"Goodnight, Victoria," James whispered, tightening his arms around her.
"Goodnight, my man," she replied softly, the possessive endearment making his heart flutter one last time before sleep began to claim them both.
They fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms, and it truly had been a beautiful evening, one that neither of them would ever forget.