Prelude to Forever & One Last Night

Emily’s POV

I felt that familiar buzz ripple through my body the moment Joe’s eyes landed on Iris. He wasn’t exaggerating; she was absolutely stunning. The silver gown clung to her like a lover’s hands, molding every long, graceful line: the elegant sweep of her waist, the gentle flare of her hips, the perfect, firm curve of her ass that made me bite my lip just looking at it. When she stepped in front of the full-length mirror and caught her own reflection, her breath visibly hitched. Her eyes widened, lips parting in quiet shock, as if she couldn’t quite believe the woman staring back was her.

I smiled; soft, knowing; watching her fold into Joe’s embrace. They shared a closeness that had always transcended strictly professional. Years of late nights, shared triumphs, quiet support. I knew he loved her dearly, in that deep, platonic way that never once made me feel threatened. Not even now, seeing him look at her the way he’d never looked at her before; full of warmth, pride, maybe something rawer, something unspoken. His thumb brushed her cheek with tender reverence, and a quiet “thank you” slipped from his lips.

The rush of fantasy slammed into me again, hot and unbidden: Joe peeling that silver dress from Iris’s body inch by slow inch, letting it pool at her feet while he took one small, perfect breast into his mouth. Iris had always joked about wanting bigger ones, but the way that gown hugged her; God, her body was flawless. Long legs, tight waist, glowing bronze skin.

I pressed my legs together discreetly, clit throbbing at the thought. He loved her. I loved her. And deep down, I knew she loved us both; maybe more than she’d ever admitted.

Tonight; after dinner, after the champagne and celebration, I was going to ask her to come into our bed. Not as a fleeting experiment. As something real. Something shared. Something permanent.

I wanted to watch Joe take her; his hands sliding down her back, cupping that incredible ass, lifting her against him while I watched, heart pounding, my fingers slipping between my thighs. He’d go slow at first, reverent, then harder, deeper, until she was gasping his name the way I did. I wanted to taste her on his lips after, feel her body tremble between us, her fingers in my hair while he fucked us both senseless. The thought made my nipples tighten painfully against my dress, a fresh gush of wetness soaking my panties.

I caught Iris’s eye across the room. She was still flushed from the hug, lips parted, breathing a little too fast. Joe’s thumb lingered on her cheek one last moment before he let go.

Tonight… I was about to ask for everything.

Iris’s POV

I melted into him, his chest solid and warm against my own. My heart hammered so hard I was sure he could feel it through the thin silver fabric. When he ran his thumb gently along my cheek and whispered a quiet “thank you,” I nearly shivered. His smile was wide, unguarded, full of warmth and happiness and love; and for one dangerous second, I let myself believe it might be for me too.

I nodded, blinking back sudden tears. I knew I could never have him. Never have Emily. They were each other’s forever, and I loved them both too much to ever come between them. I wouldn’t be the wedge. I couldn’t.

But God, the thought of leaving hurt more than I expected. After tonight; after Joe proposed, after Emily said yes; I’d have to tell them. I’d have to step away. No more late nights in the office, no more shared glances with Emily over wine, no more feeling like I belonged. Despite how desperately my body; and my heart; wanted them both, I couldn’t stay.

I pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, forcing a smile. He stroked my cheek again, thumb lingering, and I felt the heat of it all the way down to my core.

Tonight was about them. Tomorrow… I’d figure out how to say goodbye.