Scarlet love

Chapter 4 - Facing Feelings

The rumble of thunder echoed across turbulent skies, pelting rain forming rivulets down towering windows overlooking the river below. Maxwell watched droplets race each other from his sleek chrome sofa, mind drifting to how a tranquil walk with Avery had descended into this tempest.

They had set off from the office amid dull clouds with high spirits, stroll carrying them along scenic waterside paths. Warm companionship blossomed as usual between lingering smiles and playful banter, hands reluctantly parting at the journey's end too soon. Yet darkness soon descended with a vengeance, dousing their good moods beneath a deluge forcing soggy refugees indoors.

With public transport suspended, Maxwell insisted on sheltering Avery at his penthouse rather than braving the downpour alone. Though nerves fluttered at prospects of solitude away from prying eyes, care for her comfort outweighed decorum's calls. Warm towels and dry clothes awaited with luxurious comfort as the heavens unleashed their fury outside towering walls.

Now changed into soft silk loungewear, Avery emerged from the guest room rubbing damp coils, radiant skin aglow from a soothing bath. Maxwell’s breath caught, drinking in the intimacy of seeing her features unframed by uniform and wringing her hair loose. His chest ached with fondness, adoring this unfettered glimpse into her world away from duties and facades.

I set a change of clothes outside should you wish the same, she mentioned quietly, averting her eyes as if ashamed by straying past boundaries. Maxwell rose to assure her softly, You have nothing to apologize for. I invited you into my home and it would be remiss not to provide for your needs. Please, make yourself comfortable - this storm shows no signs of abating soon.

Pouring two glasses of deep merlot, Maxwell joined Avery on the couch, their thighs brushing as casual intimacy bloomed naturally between calming breaths. Flowing conversation resumed amidst flickering flames, release from office tensions fostering deeper confessions than mere pleasantries allowed before. Laughter-filled corners emptied by loneliness as emotional barriers crumbled stone by stone.

Beneath the wine's hazy veil, Maxwell glimpsed fractures within Avery's steel composure hinting at private turmoil mirroring his own. Secret pains surfaced he ached to soothe, intoxicated not by alcohol but by her tender nature soothing wounded psyche like balm. Leaning closer unconsciously as the storm raged without, breaths mingled, desire written plainly across stormy eyes meeting hers.

Lips captured Avery's gently, hands cupping her cheeks as if handling fine porcelain whilst passion surged between them unfettered. She melted into the kiss with a soft moan, arms winding around his neck as passion long-restrained consumed them both. Clothes slipped away in a heated haze, caresses painting luminous trails across velvet skin in worshipful abandon.

Long into the night, they lost themselves within each other's embrace, walls sheltering from prying eyes allowing vulnerabilities to converge intimately under silver moonbeams. Breathless confessions of yearning poured forth whilst joining as one, forging a profound bond impossible to deny though dawn threatened harsh realities. In each other lay salvation from shadows haunting solitary nights, an oasis amid life's turbulent sea.

Morning filtered through silk drapes all too soon, banishing blissful solitude between rumpled sheets chilling without her radiant form nestled close. Maxwell dressed slowly, sorrow dragging heels unwilling to relinquish this refuge where her tender care soothed wounds reopening each day beyond.

Yet responsibilities called them back to the world's watchful eyes dissecting any foothold for rumor. With reluctance, Maxwell escorted Avery to retrieve her vehicle in discreet silence, hands parting with lingering caresses holding utmost meaning. Steeling herself visibly as he had the night before, she offered a tender smile filled with promise for continuance away from prying gazes.

Returning to the penthouse, Maxwell breathed in Avery's lingering scent among lavender linen with a sigh. A new chapter awaited unveiling within familiar walls transformed by passion's magic, bolstering his spirit through future challenges sure to arise. Though storm clouds lingered ahead, her light carried him forward to face each shadowed morrow with renewed hope.