CHAPTER NINE: DOLLED UP
The morning sun filters through the curtains, casting a golden light on the bedroom. Melissa stirs, her eyes fluttering open to find Xavier's arms still wrapped around her. She smiles sleepily, her hand resting against his chest as she gazes at him.
Xavier's eyes open, his lips curving into a lazy smile. "Morning, Mrs. Woods," he murmurs, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on her skin. "I must say, you're a sight for sore eyes."
Melissa laughs softly, her fingers tickling his side playfully.
Melissa slides out of bed, the sheets falling away from her naked form as she rises. She stretches, her muscles still pleasantly sore from the night before. She turns to face Xavier, a seductive smile playing on her lips.
"I'm going to take a shower," she purrs, her eyes never leaving Xavier's. "Care to join me?"
Xavier sits up, his eyes darkening with desire. "I wouldn't miss it for the world, Mrs.
As Melissa takes a step towards the bathroom, her legs wobble slightly, the aftermath of their intense lovemaking taking its toll on her body. She lets out a startled laugh, her hand reaching out to steady herself on the bedpost.
Xavier chuckles, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Careful there, Mrs. Woods," he teases, his voice low and smooth. "If you need help getting to the shower, I'm more than happy to lend a hand... or two."
Melissa blushes, her cheeks flushing with desire as she turns to face him.
Xavier rises, his arms wrapping around Melissa as he lifts her into his arms. She giggles as he carries her towards the bathroom, his lips pressing soft kisses against her skin.
He sets her down on the edge of the shower, his fingers trailing along her thighs as he reaches in to turn on the water. The steam begins to rise, creating a sultry atmosphere in the room.
Melissa shivers, her breath quickening as Xavier steps into the shower with her, his hands running through her damp hair as he pulls her into a slow, passionate kiss.
Melissa runs her soapy hands over Xavier's muscular chest, her fingers tracing his abs as he leans back against the shower wall. His eyes are half-lidded, his lips parted in a breathy moan as she massages his chest, her breasts pressing against his as she works the soap into a lather.
Xavier's hands slide around her waist, pulling her closer as he cups her breasts, his fingers lightly teasing her n*****s. Melissa arches her back, her hips grinding against his as he moans into her ear.
Xavier's hands slide down Melissa's body, his fingers finding her c**t with skilled precision. He circles her sensitive bud, his movements becoming more insistent as Melissa writhes against him, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Her hands clutch at his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin as she throws her head back, her eyes rolling up in her head as the pleasure washes over her. Xavier nuzzles her neck, his lips nibbling her skin as he brings her to the brink of ecstasy.
Melissa cries out, her body trembling as the pleasure crests within her, her nails leaving red crescents on Xavier's back as she clings to him, her orgasm radiating through her body in waves.
As the aftershocks of her release begin to subside, Xavier's hands gently guide her under the spray of the shower, his body shielding her from the hot water as he washes her, his fingers massaging the soap into her skin as he murmurs words of adoration and desire.
Melissa steps out of the shower, wrapping herself in a fluffy towel as she makes her way towards her bedroom. Her skin still tingling from the hot water and Xavier's touch, she slips into a simple yet elegant dress, her fingers combing through her damp hair as she makes her way downstairs to the dining room.
As she enters, she sees the table set for two, a sumptuous breakfast laid out before her. Xavier is already seated, his gaze fixed on her as she takes her seat across from him.
The table is laden with an array of dishes, each one more mouthwatering than the last. A tower of fresh fruit sits at the center, its bright colors contrasting against the gleaming silver platters of croissants, bacon, and eggs.
Melissa's eyes widen in delight as she takes in the feast before her, her gaze shifting to the coffee pot and the bottle of sparkling wine that sit beside it. "Xavier," she breathes, her voice soft with admiration. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble."
Xavier reaches for his glass of sparkling wine, swirling the liquid around before taking a sip. "My love," he says, a smile tugging at his lips as he sets the glass back down. "There's something I wanted to talk to you about. I have a business dinner in a few days, and I was hoping you would accompany me."
Melissa looks at him in surprise, a flicker of excitement in her eyes. "Really? A business dinner? What's the occasion?"
Xavier's smile widens, his hand drifting back to hers. "Well, it's not just a business dinner. It's more of a cocktail party, really. My company is launching a new product line, and they've invited some of our most valued clients and partners."
Melissa's eyes sparkle as she leans forward, eager to hear more. "That sounds lovely, Xavier. And you want me to go with you?"
Xavier nods, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "I do.
Xavier nods, standing from the table as he brushes the crumbs from his slacks. "You're right, we don't want to be late." He offers his hand to Melissa, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Shall we retire to our respective chambers to get ready? I'll meet you downstairs in an hour."
Melissa takes his hand, her smile mischievous as she rises to her feet. "Sounds like a plan, Mr. Woods. But don't think for a second that I won't be keeping an eye on the clock.
Xavier ushers Melissa into the foyer, where a young woman in a chic black suit is waiting. "Melissa, I'd like you to meet Isabella," he says with a proud smile. "She's a top makeup artist, and she's here to make you look even more stunning than you already are."
Melissa's eyes widen in surprise, her smile growing as Isabella steps forward to shake her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she says, her voice a smooth alto. "Xavier has told me a lot about you.
Melissa sinks into the chair in front of the vanity mirror, her eyes fixed on the makeup artist's hands as she begins to apply foundation to her skin. Isabella works with a deft, precise touch, blending the makeup seamlessly into Melissa's complexion.
"I don't want to look too made-up," Melissa says, her voice hesitant as she watches her reflection. "Just enough to enhance my natural features."
Isabella nods, her eyes focused on her work. "Don't worry, Melissa. I understand completely. We're going for an effortless, chic look.
Isabella pauses for a moment, her gaze sweeping across Melissa's face as she studies her work. "There," she says softly, leaning back with a smile. "Perfection."
Melissa turns to the mirror, her eyes widening as she takes in her reflection. Her skin glows, her eyes framed by perfectly arched brows and a hint of shimmering shadow. But it's her lips that capture her attention, a deep, luscious red that seems to promise forbidden pleasures.
"There's one more thing," Isabella says, leaning forward to add a final touch.
Isabella reaches for a fine-tipped brush, carefully dipping it into a pot of black pigment. With delicate strokes, she paints a thin line beneath Melissa's left eyebrow, her brush flowing with practiced ease.
Melissa watches in the mirror as Isabella's handiwork takes shape. A delicate outline of a budding flower appears, a single tendril curving upward to curl around the arch of Melissa's brow. It's the sign of spring, a symbol of beauty and rebirth that seems to fit Melissa perfectly.
The dress Melissa selects is a work of art, a symphony of silk and lace that whispers against her skin as she slips it on. The fabric is a deep shade of burgundy, the color of wine and passion and desire. It hugs her body in all the right places, the lace bodice lacing up the back to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of skin. The skirt flares out from her hips, a cascade of fabric that swirls around her legs with every movement, like the petals of a rose unfurling in the breeze.