**Secret Meetings**
After his divorce, James claimed he was on the hunt againor so he told his colleagues and mates. Eight years of marriage had ended bitterly, and though he hadnt wanted it that way, his wifes temper had been unbearable. At least thered been no childrenshed never wanted any.
At thirty-six, James cut a fine figurebroad-shouldered, fit, handsome with a mysterious gaze. Hed had flings, even with younger women, but marriage was the last thing on his mind. He avoided office romances, thinking them cliché, especially since most of his female coworkers were already married.
*»Ive got more sense than to get tangled up in that mess,»* hed say over pints with his mates at the pub.
*»Dont count your chickens,»* theyd laugh. *»You know how it goeslove sneaks up on you.»*
Turns out, James wasnt as clever as he thought. Hed never forget that summer day when the new colleague walked into the office. The night before, his mate Tom had mentioned, *»Weve got a new hireMaxs wife, from the branch down the road.»*
James vaguely knew Maxa bland, tedious bloke, in his opinion.
*»Bet his wifes just as dull,»* hed mused, brushing off Toms comment.
Then he met Emily. One glance, and he was speechless. She was stunningand sharp-witted too. Within a week, James was anxiously waiting for her every morning, lying awake at night thinking of her.
*»Emilys the one. Perfect in every way. And if shes right for me, Im right for her. Just need to make her notice methough theres the husband issue. Still, my positions better. Well be working closelyno one will bat an eye.»*
Another week passed. James noticed Emily warming to himlaughing at his jokes, working side by side. But she talked about Max *too* much.
*»Is she hinting shes not interested, or does she actually love that dull man? Surely notbut then, she *did* marry him.»*
Still, he held back from outright flirting. Yet with shared projects and paperwork, they were often paired upthough rarely alone, as Tom usually shared their office.
Then one day, Tom was out. Heads bent over documents, James felt Emilys warm breathand before he could stop himself, he kissed her. She pulled back, covering her lips.
*»James, dontplease,»* she whispered.
But she didnt leave. A good sign.
*»Sorry. Lost my head,»* he said, grinning.
Emily acted as if nothing happened, and he exhaled in relief. Days passed without mention of the kiss. Then, on Friday, James risked it:
*»Can I call you this weekend?»*
*»No,»* she said quicklythen hesitated. *»Ill call you.»*
*»Brilliant. Ill wait.»*
Saturday came. No call. Sunday morningstill nothing.
*»Why not? Even if Max is home, she could sneak a minute.»*
That evening, he rang her. She answered instantly, hushed:
*»Dont call me. Ill»*
Before dawn on Monday, his phone buzzed. Emily.
*»James, are you free? Can I come over?»*
He bolted upright.
*»Alone? Youve got the car? Yeahheres the address.»*
He scrambledshower, coffee (untouched)then the doorbell. Her eyes said everything. He slammed the door, pulled her close, and kissed her fiercely. She murmured *»Good morning,»* but he was beyond words.
Later, over coffee, she mentioned, *»Max leaves for work earlier than me.»* James tensedwhy bring him up now?
*»Your place is cosy,»* she added, glancing around. *»Lovely coffee.»*
They made it to work just in time. James braced for suspicion, but no one noticedexcept Tom.
*»Running late today?»*
*»Yeah. Slept in.»*
At lunch, they stole a moment before Tom joined, wolfing down his food.
*»Missed breakfast,»* he said cheerfully. *»Wife made it, but post-weekend laziness, you know?»*
Soon, Emilys morning visits became routine. Colleagues shruggedclose collaboration, nothing odd. And she was married, James was just a colleague.
One Saturday, his phone rangEmily.
*»Can I come over?»*
*»Any time. *Always*,»* he said, thrilled.
Half an hour later, she arrived.
*»Howd you manage today?»* he asked in bed.
*»Max visits his parents cottage Saturdays. I hate the countryside.»*
*»Stay with me. Properly.»*
*»I cant.»*
*»Why?»*
*»Its impossible.»*
James bit back frustration. *»She needs time. Be glad shes here.»* But uncertainty gnawed at him.
*»What happens next? How do we keep this up?»*
*»We just do. Todays a gift.»*
*»I want *every* weekend.»*
She laughed. *»If you were married, Id never have looked twice. Forbidden fruit and all.»*
*»Sweetest kind.»*
*»Im not a fan of sweets,»* she teased.
Weeks passed. Snatched mornings, rare Saturdays. James grew restless.
*»Emily, leave him. Marry me. These rushed moments arent enough.»*
*»I cant.»*
*»Why?»*
*»Because I have a son. Eleven, very independent. Thats why I can slip awayhe gets himself to school.»*
James blinked. *»Id adopt him. Love you both.»*
*»Max adores him. Hed never allow it.»*
After that, their meetings dwindled. James saw no futurehe wanted marriage; she wouldnt leave. The secrecy wore him down.
*»Ive thought hard,»* he said finally. *»This isnt working. Leave him, or were done.»*
*»Then were done,»* she said softly.
She walked out. James later met someone unattachedbut it wasnt the same. Hed loved Emily fiercely, recklessly. Now, he chose peace. Better this way.
