Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Kamsi adjusted the strap of her bag as she stood outside the door. She could hear voices inside. Laughter. A television playing somewhere in the background. The familiar noise of a shared apartment.
The door opened.
David stood there, leaning slightly against the frame like he had been expecting her.
For a brief second, Kamsi forgot everything she had rehearsed in her head.
"Finally," he said, a small smile forming.
"You remembered me."
Kamsi rolled her eyes softly.
"Stop exaggerating."
He stepped aside. "Come in."
She walked into the apartment slowly. The sitting room was modest but lived in. Four guys sat on the couch watching football. Two others was leaning against the wall, scrolling through their phone. Empty bottles rested on the center table.
They all looked up.
"Ah, boss," one of them said with a grin.
"Madam don come."
Kamsi smiled politely. "Hello."
They greeted her casually, already returning their attention to the television.
David didn't waste time. He gently placed a hand at the small of her back and guided her toward the hallway.
"Come," he said.
She followed him.
His room was the last door on the left. He pushed it open and let her enter first.
The room was simple. Bed, wardrobe, small table, chair near the window. Nothing fancy, but tidy enough.
Kamsi sat at the edge of the bed.
David closed the door behind them.
"You want anything?" he asked.
"Have you eaten?"
She shook her head. "Not really."
"What do you want?"
She thought briefly. "Hollandia."
He laughed softly. "Of course."
He stepped out and returned moments later with a chilled bottle. He handed it to her.
"Thank you."
She opened it and took a small sip. The cold sweetness settled her nerves slightly.
David leaned against the wardrobe, watching her.
"So… you finally came to see me after all these years."
She smiled. "It hasn't been years."
"It felt like it."
"You're the one that disappeared," she replied.
He shrugged lightly. "I was busy."
Kamsi lowered the bottle slowly.
"Busy for days?"
He didn't answer immediately.
She continued gently,
"You didn't call. You didn't text. Nothing."
He looked away.
"I had things going on."
"You always say that," she said.
He sighed.
"Why are we starting with this?"
"Because it matters," she replied.
"You just vanish sometimes. I don't understand."
He moved closer, sitting beside her on the bed.
"You worry too much."
"I worry because I care."
He studied her face.
"You're always… distant," he said.
Kamsi frowned. "Distant?"
"Yes. Emotionally. You're not really there."
She looked confused. "I'm here now."
"That's not what I mean."
He leaned slightly closer.
"You don't open up. You don't show me how you feel. It's like I'm the only one trying."
Kamsi shook her head. "That's not true."
"It is!" David replied.
David hesitated.
Then he continued, voice softer now.
"Sometimes I feel like you don't really want me."
Her expression changed. "That's not fair."
"Then prove it."
The words hung between them.
Kamsi looked at him carefully.
"Prove it how?"
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he reached for her hand.
His fingers wrapped around hers.
"You know I care about you," he said.
She nodded slowly. "I know"
He moved closer.
"I miss you when you're not around."
Her heartbeat quickened.
"I wish you were more… available."
She swallowed. "I am."
He leaned in and kissed her gently.
Kamsi stiffened for a second, then relaxed slightly. The kiss lingered longer than usual.
When he pulled back, he looked into her eyes.
"Do you love me?"
She nodded softly. "Yes i do"
"You know this"
"Then show me."
Her breath caught.
"David…"
He kissed her again, this time more slowly.
Kamsi's hands remained still at her sides.
He shifted closer, his arm sliding around her shoulders. She could feel the warmth of him, the familiarity that made it hard to pull away.
"I just want to feel close to you," he murmured.
She hesitated. "I am close to you."
"Not enough."
He leaned his forehead lightly against hers.
"You always hold back."
She whispered,
"I just… I want us to take things slowly."
He exhaled softly, almost disappointed.
"That's the problem."
He kissed her again, deeper this time. His hand moved slightly along her arm, then rested at her waist.
Kamsi tensed.
"David…" she murmured.
He ignored the hesitation, pulling her gently toward him.
"I've missed you," he whispered.
She closed her eyes.
He leaned back slightly, studying her face.
"I want you," he said plainly.
Her eyes opened.
She looked uncertain now.
"I… I'm not ready for that."
"For what?" he asked.
He brushed her hair aside, his fingers lingering near her neck.
"For… all that."
He smiled.
"You're overthinking it kamsi."
"You're not a child"
His hand moved again, slow and deliberate. He leaned forward, pressing another kiss to her lips.
Kamsi's voice softened. "David…"
He didn't stop.
"You trust me, right?"
She didn't answer immediately.
He shifted, gently guiding her backward onto the bed.
Her heart began to pound.
"Relax," he whispered.
She stared at him, conflicted.
"I don't know…"
"You love me," he said softly.
She nodded.
"Then stop being afraid."
His movements became more insistent. Still not rough, but no longer hesitant.
He pulled off his shirt exposing his abs proudly.
He placed kamsi's hand lightly over his neck.
"David…"
Her voice was softer now, uncertain.
He leaned closer again.
"I'll be gentle. I promise"
He then began to unbutton her shirt until her half cup bra was exposed, her cleavage clearly visible.
Kamsi thoughts blurred.
Part of her wanted to stop. Another part didn't want to push him away again.
He moved closer.
"David...…"
"Nancy! He's here!"
Nancy turned immediately.
Amaka stood by the window, peeking through the curtain.
"The driver is here," she added excitedly.
Nancy stood up quickly, smoothing her dress.
"Already?"
"Yes! He's downstairs."
Nancy grabbed her bag.
Amaka spun around dramatically.
"Ahhh! Intentional man"
Nancy laughed nervously. "Stop."
"You're going to meet our jackpot today."
"Jackpot?"
Amaka folded her arms.
"You don't go out like this for nothing."
Nancy checked herself quickly in the mirror. She adjusted her hair, then her earrings.
"You look good," Amaka said.
Nancy smiled. "I know."
They both laughed.
"So what's the plan?" Amaka asked.
"Date or business?"
Nancy shrugged.
"Like I said, anything. I just want to come back with money."
Amaka nodded approvingly.
"Correct girl."
"If nothing happens," Nancy continued,
"I'm blocking him."
"As you should."
Nancy's phone buzzed.
She picked up.
"Hello?"
"Madam, I'm outside," the driver said.
"I'm coming."
She ended the call.
Amaka hugged her quickly.
"Go and make us proud."
Nancy laughed. "You're mad."
She stepped out of the room.
Moments later, she entered the car parked outside.
The driver greeted politely.
"Good evening, madam."
"Good evening."
She settled into the back seat.
"How long?" she asked.
"Less than twenty minutes."
She nodded.
The car pulled into traffic.
The driver picked up his phone and dialed a number.
"Yes, sir," he said.
"I'm on my way."
A pause.
"Yes… with her."
He ended the call.
Nancy leaned back smiling.
The city moved around her as the car drove forward.