She deserves some thanks

I approached Annette while she still had her back to me. She was smoothing out her dress.

“No, Michael, you’ve already been such a big help. Thank you.” I was halfway across the room and getting closer.

“Nonsense, I’m always happy to lend a hand.”

Her hands reached up to check her hair. But there wasn’t a strand out of place. She was, as ever, immaculate. I was only a few steps away.

“I do appreciate it.”

“You’re the one who deserves to be appreciated,” I told her. “All the work you put into these meals. All the sacrifices you make to put others first. Do they ever say thank you?”

Her hands stopped moving as my words cut into her.

“No. Not as often as I’d like.” I was standing directly behind her now. My nostrils filled with the scent of her perfume.

“I see you exert so much effort in taking care of everyone else’s needs.” I placed my hands on her hips and breathed into her ear, “Does anyone take care of your needs?”

She dropped her hands to mine and for a moment it felt as if she would push them away. But she hesitated. So I pounced.

I pulled her back towards me and wrapped her in my arms. One arm snaked around her waist to keep her close to me while the other rose up. My left hand moved higher and higher until I took hold of her chin. Exerting only the slightest of pressure I turned her head towards me and placed one delicate kiss on her cheek.

Her hands held my wrists but did not fight back. I gave her a moment to consider my advance.