Chapter 1: Introduction
The terminal at Heathrow was a blur of rushing feet, of echoing voices, of too many conversations happening at once. Aaron stood, a head taller than most people, his muscular frame carved by years of outdoor living and his work as an instructor. His shaved head reflected the harsh fluorescent lights, as he waited for Renee's flight to land.
He hadn't seen Renee for what felt like an eternity—five long months. Their relationship was a whirlwind of intense passion and stolen moments. She was for an incredible holiday away in Europe, and he had seized the chance to see her. He checked his watch for what must have been the hundredth time.
The second hand ticked away, each click echoing in his mind like a drumbeat counting down to their reunion. The crowd shuffled, and he looked up, scanning the faces behind the gate. Then, she was there. Dark hair cascading down her shoulders, blue eyes scanning the crowd, she moved with a grace that made his heart stutter. Renee.
She caught his eye, and a slow smile spread across her face, lighting up her eyes. He felt a jolt, a spark that ignited the already simmering anticipation.
He smiled back, unable to help the grin that split his face. She looked incredible, as always. Her curvy figure was hinted at through the drape of her blouse, and a pair of tight jeans hugged her legs, ending in a pair of ankle boots that made her look like she had just stepped out of a fashion magazine.
As she pushed through the crowd towards him, he couldn’t help but appreciate the pace at which she moved. Confident. Purposeful. Sexy. It was a pace that matched the rhythm of her life, a life that was filled with vibrant colors and bold strokes—much like her paintings.
As she reached him, she dropped her bag to the floor, her hands immediately finding their way to his chest. "Aaron," she whispered, her voice a soft melody that only he could hear over the cacophony of the airport.
He closed the gap between them, his hands wrapping around her waist. "Renee," he murmured, his nose brushing against hers. "You, how do you do it?" he asked. Renee replied "Do what?" falling for the same prank Aaron had done regularly. "How do you always look so beautiful?" She just smiled and kissed him a passionate hello, hinting at what she desired of him in a more private setting.
Aaron tightened his grip around her, pulling her closer, feeling the heat of her body against his. He knew better than to try and distract her with words when her every move spoke volumes.
They stepped away from the crowd, hands still linked, and Aaron picked up her bag. "I've got a surprise," he said, a playful glint in his blue eyes. "You'll love it."
Renee raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh yeah? And what makes you think I'll love it?"
He smugly responded "Because it involves you and me," he said, his voice low and teasing.