Chapter 23: 23. Strange Parcel Maria and James finally arrived at the college store. It was unusually quiet as expected.
The store was often empty since students rarely visited; only the storekeepers came around now and then. That silence made it the perfect spot for what Maria had in mind.
As soon as they stepped inside, Maria didn’t waste a second. She gently guided James’ hands around her waist, then slid them lower toward her buttocks.
Without hesitation, she leaned in and kissed him affectionately.
James stood frozen at first, his body stiff with shock. He couldn’t seem to grasp what was happening. But as the heat between them intensified, he relaxed into the moment.
Their kisses deepened, passionate and urgent. His hands explored her, holding her breasts tenderly while her hand traced down to feel his hardness through his jeans... firm and eager.
Maria moaned softly, the intimacy stirring something powerful inside her. It was a moment she believed was filled with true affection, and from how tightly James held her, she was sure he felt the same.
She was ready to give him everything, her body, her heart, and her first time.
But suddenly, James stopped.
Startled, Maria looked into his eyes, breathless. There was fire in them—desire—but also something else. He gently held her hands and pulled her close, locking his gaze with hers.
"Maria," he said, his voice soft, "I love you... and I want to be with you in a place where I can cherish you. A place I’ll always respect, not here... not like this, not our first time."
His words hit her differently. A warm wave of emotion swept through her, and she found herself smiling uncontrollably. She felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time—loved, respected... wanted for more than her body.
He leaned in and kissed her again, deeply and slowly, like he was memorizing the moment.
Then she whispered, "Can I ask you a favor?"
James nodded gently, eyes still locked on hers.
"I love you... and I don’t want anything to come between us. Please, let’s keep whatever is going on between us private... at least for now. Until I’ve sorted things out and distanced myself from Bernard and his family. Okay?"
James smiled warmly, brushing her cheek with his thumb. "No problem. I’ll always be here for you. Just call on me, anytime."
That moment was pure bliss. Maria felt a happiness she hadn’t known in so long. He agreed to let her leave first, sticking to their plan of keeping their relationship under wraps.
She walked out of the store with a bright smile, heading back to her friends.
As soon as she returned to the table where they had all been seated earlier, her friends looked up at her, smiling knowingly. Cassandra, ever the curious one, leaned forward.
"Come on, Maria, what happened? Where did you take him?" she asked with eyes full of anticipation.
Maria just smiled and looked at her without saying a word.
"I hope everything’s okay with you?" Laura asked, noticing her sudden exit earlier. "You left so quickly without saying anything... is everything alright?"
"I’m fine, guys," Maria replied, brushing her hair behind her ear. "We just had an important conversation. Something necessary. I think James and I understand our boundaries now."
Cassandra squinted at her. "What did you say to him? I hope you weren’t too harsh?"
Maria let out a soft chuckle. "No, I wasn’t harsh. I only told him not to invade my personal space when I’m with my friends. That’s all."
"That warning took long enough," Laura said with a slight smirk. "And honestly, I don’t think he was invading anything. He was just trying to talk to you and clearly, it was you he came to see."
"Whatever the case," Maria replied, her face turning serious, "I’ve said what I needed to say, and he understood. No hard feelings."
"Alright then," Cassandra said, brushing the matter aside. "Let’s forget the James issue and get back to our gist!"