Page 32 of Letters From Victor

She blushed and adjusted the collar of her blouse.

I strode down the hall, my pulse kicking up with each step, anticipation curling in my chest.

As I rounded the corner, there she was—bathed in morning sunlight, a vision as she sat typing. Her delicate fingers flew across the keys, and waves of golden hair spilled over her shoulders. The sight of Barbara stole my breath, just as it had the first time I saw her.

I paused, taking her in—the graceful line of her neck as she bent over her work, the rosy flush of her cheeks, the way she nibbled on her bottom lip when she concentrated. She wore a navy-blue dress with a fitted bodice that accentuated her breasts. A simple string of pearls adorned her neck, drawing my eyes to the creamy skin below.

Every little detail held me spellbound. In that moment, I fell for her all over again.

Barbara glanced up as if sensing my presence. Her cornflower-blue eyes met mine, widening slightly as a blush bloomed across her cheeks.

“Good morning.” Her voice was professional, but her lips betrayed her with a secret smile.

“Good morning, Barbara,” I replied, my voice low and warm. “You’re looking especially lovely today.”

Her blush deepened, and she dipped her head shyly. “Thank you.”

I put my hands up. “Don’t let me distract you when you’re hard at work. I just had to admire the view.” I winked at her before moving toward my office door.

“Oh, it’s no problem. I’m just finishing up my notes from the Kowalski meeting last week. I hate to let a project go unfinished.”

“That works out well. Mrs. Miller said Kowalski’s office wants another meeting. She’s going to have them send over hisupdated proposal before we agree to anything. When it comes in, go over it and note anything that stands out.”

“Will do.”

“What’s on my schedule today?”

She flipped open my leather-bound calendar. “Nothing scheduled.”

“Good.” I grinned and opened the door to my office. “Finish up what you’re working on while I get myself situated. Then come see me.”

She grinned and went back to her typewriter.

I settled into my leather chair, the supple material creaking as I leaned back and surveyed my desk. Stacks of papers and files sat in precise order—a holdover from the Army. I skimmed a handwritten chart from Phil detailing our business owners and collections for the month. The columns were coded, but the meaning was clear enough. Things were already picking up after the unfortunate Joey Rizzo complication had been handled. I was tucking the file away when a soft knock sounded at the door.

“Come in,” I called, knowing full well who it was.

Barbara stepped inside, a steaming cup of coffee in hand. The rich aroma drifted toward me, warm and inviting. She moved toward my desk, her hips swaying just so, and set the cup down on a coaster.

“One black coffee,” she announced with a smile, her voice melodic. “Just how you like it. I thought you might need a cup to start your day.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest. “You remembered how I take it.”

“Not exactly a complicated order.” She glanced down, nibbling her bottom lip before looking at me again. “And after your…eloquent declarations, I’d say a cup of coffee is the least I can do.”

I chuckled as I leaned back in my chair. “You got my letter, I take it.”

Barbara nodded, a shy smile playing on her lips. “I did. It was…quite something.”

I stood and crossed the room to close the office door. Then I turned to her, stepping close enough to catch the intoxicating floral notes of her perfume. “I meant every word,” I said softly, trailing my fingers along her jaw.

Barbara’s eyes fluttered closed as she leaned into my touch. “Victor…” she breathed.

I silenced her with a long, gentle kiss. She sighed as I pulled back.

“Don’t leave me in suspense, my dear. Will you make me a happy man?”

Barbara gazed up at me, her blue eyes shining with anticipation and desire. “Yes,” she whispered, a delicate tremble in her voice. “Yes, I’ll be yours, Victor. Completely.”

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