Matched with my boss

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Jake

I was leaning against the car, glancing occasionally toward the entrance of the building where Daphne lived. I tried to calm myself, to remind myself that it was just a date, that everything I was feeling at that moment wasn’t as intense as it seemed. But as my eyes wandered over the city lights and I felt the cool night air, I couldn’t stop my heart from beating with a force and speed I couldn’t control. How many times had I gone out with someone without feeling anything at all, just a passing interest? And now, why did every step, every detail, make me feel like there was a much deeper meaning to this night?

It wasn’t long before I saw her coming out. And the moment she appeared, it was as if the world around me faded away. Everything fell silent, the city’s noise quieted, and all I could focus on was her. Daphne was walking toward me, wearing that dress that fit her perfectly. The elegance and naturalness with which she moved seemed so genuine that, for a moment, I wondered if someone like her could even be real.

As she got closer, I felt my heart racing even more. Was it possible for someone to take your breath away with just a glance? Because that’s exactly what was happening. My thoughts seemed to tangle as I tried to take in the beauty and simplicity she radiated. Something inside me said this couldn’t be in vain, that it wasn’t possible for my heart’s frantic beating to be just a fleeting reaction. I felt like every beat, every emotion, was destined for something more, for someone else, and that person was standing right in front of me.

Daphne stopped a few steps away from me and looked at me with a mix of shyness and excitement in her eyes. I smiled, greeted her, and leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her cheek. I felt the warmth of her skin and breathed in the soft scent of her perfume, a delicate fragrance that wrapped around me entirely. It was as if every little detail about her was designed to make me fall harder and harder. I felt the temptation to stay like that, so close, enjoying her presence, her closeness, but I slowly pulled back, looking directly into her eyes.

"You look incredibly beautiful," I told her, and I saw how her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, which only added to her charm.

She smiled shyly and lowered her gaze for a second before returning the compliment. Her voice was soft, and her expression, sincere. I felt that every word we exchanged carried a special weight, as if we were both aware that something significant was happening, something that went beyond words.

I offered her my arm and guided her toward the car, opening the passenger door for her. When I settled into my seat and started the car, I could feel the tension in the air, but it wasn’t uncomfortable; it was an anticipation surrounding us both, as if we both knew this night would be special.

As I drove toward the restaurant, I tried to focus on the road, though I couldn’t help but glance at her every so often. Each time I did, I found her looking at me with that mix of curiosity and sweetness that made my chest fill with an unexplainable warmth. Somehow, she made me feel vulnerable and, at the same time, completely at peace.

***

As I watched her, trying to capture every detail of her expression, I asked her about the future, and her eyes sparkled in a way that left my head spinning.

“You know,” Daphne said, smiling as if sharing a secret. “I’ve always had this kind of dream… something that probably sounds a bit absurd.”

I encouraged her to go on, completely captivated by whatever she was about to say.

“Tell me, I’m intrigued,” I replied, resting my elbow on the table and my chin on my hand, as if every word from her was something I didn’t want to miss.

She took a sip of her wine before speaking again, and I could see in her eyes that there was something special in what she was about to share.

“Well, I’ve always wanted to live in the mountains,” she said, smiling shyly. “My dream is to work really hard these first few years, save up everything I can, and after a few years, be able to live there, away from all the noise, where I can find peace.”

I stared at her, completely surprised by how familiar that desire was. It was something I had also longed for, though in my case, I’d considered the possibility many times, knowing I already had the means to make it happen. But something always held me back, as if I were still waiting for the right moment. The thought of her, up there in the mountains, living in a kind of refuge she’d built with effort and dedication, was as beautiful as it was unexpected.

“Living in the mountains… sounds incredible,” I told her, letting the sincerity flow through my words. “And I completely understand what you’re saying. There’s something about that kind of life that calls to you, that invites you to disconnect and find peace in nature.”

She nodded, and I could see that my words had made her feel understood, which made me deeply happy. But Daphne seemed even more excited, and her expression told me there was something more, something even more specific about her dream.

“And you know what else?” she added, laughing as if sharing a private joke. “I’ve always dreamed of having a Jeep. An old, sturdy one, one that can handle any kind of terrain.” She paused, staring off into space, as if she could see that image clearly in her mind. “I always picture myself coming home at the end of the day, driving along a dirt road, through the woods, until I reach a small house by a river.”

The way she described it was so vivid I could almost see it, too. It was as if she were sharing an intimate part of herself, a vision she had kept for a long time. And in that instant, I felt an even deeper connection with her. There was something almost magical in her simplicity, in her desire to build her own place in the world, far from everything else.

“And how far do you plan to go?” I asked, smiling with curiosity.

She laughed, shaking her head.

“Not too far, or my best friend would probably kill me.” She laughed again, and the warmth in her voice when mentioning her friend made me smile. There was a familiar, tender side to her vision of the future, in how she included the people she cared about in her plans, even if her dream was to be away from noise and crowds.

“So… you work hard, save up, move to a mountain, and drive a Jeep to a cabin by a river.” I repeated her words, fascinated by the image she’d painted for me.

Daphne nodded, her eyes shining.

“Exactly. I imagine working for about thirty years or so, fully dedicating myself, until I can make it a reality. And then, I’d live peacefully, just doing some consulting or teaching occasionally, to keep myself busy and earn a little extra money.”

I nodded slowly, understanding every part of her vision. She was ready to work and dedicate time to building that life from scratch. I had also imagined something similar for my future, and the idea of sharing that kind of life with someone like her seemed incredibly appealing. But there was a difference. I already had the means, the money, the resources to make that dream come true at any moment, while she had envisioned a process that included years of work and effort to achieve it.

I felt a small tug in my chest, a mix of admiration and a kind of pity at the thought that she believed she’d have to wait so long to reach that dream. But I said nothing, sensing that this vision was something deeply personal to her, something she had carefully and lovingly crafted in her mind.

“It’s a perfect plan, Daphne. It makes all the sense in the world. To work, to build, to create something of your own… and then to enjoy it.” I looked at her with a smile that, without realizing it, was pure pride. “I can completely see you in that life.”

She looked at me intently, and for a few seconds, we didn’t say anything. There was a connection in that silence, a mutual understanding that needed no words. And in that moment, I knew I had found someone with whom I shared more than just a simple attraction. I was seeing a vision of my own future reflected in her, in her words, in her eyes filled with dreams.

There was something in her desire to build that life step by step, to work it out with her own hands, that made me want to be by her side on that journey. And though I knew she planned to do it all on her own, I felt a deep urge to support her, to be a part of that dream.

“And you, Jake?” she finally asked, breaking the silence. “What do you imagine for yourself?”

I took a moment to answer, aware that whatever I said would carry special weight, knowing our visions were more aligned than I had ever imagined.

“I think that… in many ways, my vision is similar to yours.” I looked at her, hoping she understood the honesty in my words. “I’ve always wanted that peace, that kind of life where you can be in touch with nature, in a quiet place that feels like your own.”

She smiled, and I saw in her expression that she understood what I meant.

It was fascinating how, in such a short time, someone could awaken so much in me. I had dated many people, had fleeting experiences, but with Daphne, it was different. Every time I looked at her, every time our eyes met, I felt a deeper connection, something that went beyond physical attraction. She was beautiful, yes, but she was also intelligent, genuine, and had a vision of life that seemed to fit perfectly with mine.

There was something about Daphne that made me feel like I’d known her forever. I couldn’t take my eyes off her face, off the way her eyes lit up when she talked about her dreams. And while I tried to focus on the conversation, I couldn’t help my gaze from occasionally dropping to her neck. It was something so subtle, so elegant, but it made me think about what it would be like to get closer, to let my lips brush against her skin, and stay there for a long time.

I remembered her in that video call, when she had her hair up and a few loose strands framed her face. In that moment, even through a screen, I had felt an intense attraction, a desire to be close to her, to feel her. And now, sitting across from me in the warmth of the restaurant, that desire was even more real, stronger. I could feel the tension in the air, something almost tangible that seemed to bind us, and I had the feeling she felt it too.

It was hard to concentrate, as if part of my mind was clouded with images of us together, moments of intimacy I couldn’t help but imagine. The thought of losing myself in her lips, of having her in my arms, made my breath quicken, though I tried to keep my composure. I didn’t want this to be just a game, a fleeting experience. She had enchanted me from the very first moment, and I was determined to know her, to understand every aspect of who she was. But that didn’t stop my body from reacting to her presence in such an intense way.

My eyes fixed on her neck again, on the curve from her jaw to the start of her collarbone. It was like a magnet, something that irresistibly drew me in. I imagined what it would be like to brush that soft skin with my lips, to feel her warmth, to hear her breath quicken. I couldn’t help it. Each time my gaze fell on her neck, a wave of desire swept over me, and though I tried to stay in control, it was nearly impossible not to think of her that way.

Even so, I knew I didn’t want to rush things. Daphne wasn’t someone I wanted just one night of passion with and then forget. There was something much deeper between us, something worth exploring, and I didn’t want to ruin it by acting impulsively. I wanted her to know that my intentions went beyond physical desire, although I couldn’t deny that the attraction was strong, almost overwhelming.

“Jake, are you okay?” she suddenly asked, smiling playfully, as if she’d noticed my mind was elsewhere.

I shook my head and returned her smile, trying to hide what was really going through my mind.

“Sorry, I got lost in thought,” I said, not wanting to reveal the true reason for my distraction.

She laughed softly, and the sound of her laughter made me want her even more. It was so natural, so genuine, that I couldn’t help but feel that every part of her was perfect, even the simplest gestures.

“I hope it wasn’t something too important,” she joked, looking at me with those bright eyes that seemed to read each one of my thoughts.

“Actually, yes, it was very important,” I replied, looking at her intently. “I was just thinking about how lucky I am to be here with you tonight.”

Her expression changed, and I saw how her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. I loved making her feel special, seeing that spark of surprise and emotion in her eyes. And though I knew my words were sincere, I was also aware there was so much I was holding back, so much I couldn’t tell her yet.

The dinner continued, but I couldn’t stop watching her, admiring every small detail of her face and her gestures. As she spoke, I nodded and smiled, trying to follow the conversation, but deep down, my mind kept returning to that desire I felt every time I looked at her. It was so powerful that, at times, it made me doubt my own self-control.

Daphne seemed to notice the intensity of my gaze, and at some point in the evening, our hands brushed lightly over the table. It was a brief touch, barely a graze, but it was enough for a jolt of electricity to run through my body. She quickly withdrew her hand, laughing nervously, and I did the same, trying to regain my composure.

“Sorry,” she said, looking down. “I didn’t mean to…”

“You don’t have to apologize,” I replied, making an impulsive decision. “Actually, I think I’ve been waiting for that moment since I saw you tonight.”

My words seemed to surprise her, and for a moment, we both fell silent, looking into each other’s eyes. I felt as though, in that instant, everything I’d been holding back overflowed, as if I couldn’t keep pretending there wasn’t something more between us. The attraction, the connection—everything was so strong that I couldn’t ignore it.

I wanted to lean across the table, to get close to her and kiss her, to feel her lips against mine and confirm that everything I had imagined was real. But I held back, reminding myself that she meant too much to me to rush things. However, I knew that the night wasn’t over yet, and that this was only the beginning of something much bigger.

As we left the restaurant and walked toward the car, I gently took her hand, intertwining my fingers with hers. She looked at me, surprised, but didn’t pull away. On the contrary, I felt her fingers holding onto mine, as if she, too, needed that closeness, that confirmation that what was happening between us was real.

With every step we took, I felt the desire grow, but so did the emotional connection that had developed between us. When we reached the car, I leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek, letting my lips linger a second longer than necessary on her skin, feeling the warmth and the soft scent of her perfume.

When we arrived at Daphne’s building, I parked and turned off the car. The night had been perfect, and as I got out to open her door, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I offered her my hand to help her out, and together we walked to the entrance, not saying much, just feeling that connection that seemed to grow stronger with each step.

At the threshold of her building, I paused, looking at her in silence. I didn’t know how to say goodbye. My mind debated between leaning in to give her a simple kiss on the cheek or daring to do something more. I didn’t want to seem impulsive, but the need to be closer to her was almost impossible to ignore.

I decided to lean toward her cheek, a gesture I hoped would be enough to show her how much she meant to me. But just as I moved closer, she turned her head a little more than necessary, and our lips met.

The contact was gentle at first, a surprise for both of us. We stayed still for a second, looking into each other’s eyes, and in that brief glance, I saw the same spark, the same intensity I was feeling. All the self-control I had maintained throughout the night vanished in that instant, and without a second thought, I pulled her close and kissed her, letting everything I had felt that night spill over into that kiss.

It was overwhelming, intense, as if we had both been waiting for this moment from the beginning. My hands slid up to her face, caressing her skin as her lips moved in sync with mine. I felt her quickened breaths, the softness of her lips, and the warmth of her body so close to mine. The city, the noise—everything faded, leaving only us, tangled in that kiss that seemed endless.

Finally, we pulled back, both of us breathless. She looked at me with those shining, emotion-filled eyes, and, barely whispering, she asked:

“Would you… would you like to come up to my place?”

I remained silent, torn between the desire to say yes and give in or turn around, return to the car, and keep my composure.