They get closer

It was already dark outside when Jessica became restless on the sofa and finally opened her eyes. Disoriented, she looked around until she remembered where she was and how she had gotten there. Her gaze automatically went to her bandaged foot, which she gingerly felt.

"Feeling better?"

John had long since finished his preparations for the next rehearsal. He had nevertheless remained seated quietly so as not to disturb the injured woman. Now he stood up and walked around the desk.

"Yes, thank you. It doesn't hurt so much anymore. I hope I didn't keep you?"

"No, no problem. I don't have anything else on my mind. I could just go back to my room in the hotel anyway, because I don't know anyone else in the city. Besides..." he paused for a moment and looked to the side, "it's quite nice to have you around and to be able to watch you."

Jessica blushed.

"You think I'm beautiful?"

He indicated a nod. "Yes."

"Thank you. You're quite attractive, too," she replied coquettishly.

She sat up. When her foot touched the floor, she flinched briefly. But she really did seem to be feeling somewhat better. She tapped the sofa next to her with the flat of her hand.

"Do you want to sit by me?"

He accepted the invitation without a word. They sat very close to each other and looked into each other's eyes. John could sense that there was a special attraction between them. But he was her conductor, she was a musician in his orchestra. A relationship would be highly inappropriate. If the press got wind of it, it would be grist to the mill for all the yellow press. And he could forget about his career, which was just about to start.

He took both Jessica's hands and searched for words. He had to tell her that there could be no other relationship between them than the purely professional partnership of two musicians. How could he tell her that without hurting her?

"Well, Jessi ..."

She cut him off by leaning forward and pressing her lips to his. He was taken by surprise and stiffened. However, he made no attempt to push her away. The kiss continued.

When the tip of her tongue ventured forward and gently touched his still closed lips, he gave up his restraint. He wrapped his arms around the slender woman and returned the caress with increasing passion. Their tongues began a wild dance that left them both heated and breathless.

When they broke away from each other after an eternity, Jessica looked past John to the wall behind him, visibly embarrassed. Her face was flushed, and her eyes blinked in rapid succession. You could tell from her outward agitation what inner turmoil must be going on inside her.

The conductor straightened up. He realized that he had gone too far. Now he absolutely had to use his rational mind again. And above all, he had to take over the leadership and responsibility, as he did in the rehearsals and performances when he stood on the podium and directed the musicians with gestures and looks.

He cleared his throat and prepared to stand up. The clarinetist grabbed his wrist and stopped him in mid-motion.

"Don't go!"