Chapter 3 - Room 762

It seemed like an eternity until 1 o’clock. Finally, at the exact time, he approached room 762. Rachel must have been watching for him because the  swung slowly open before he could knock. Then Rachel appeared, wearing a short summer dress with small daisy prints. It was cut low and her cleavage was smooth with several freckles glistening.  
 
" I'm so glad you came," Rachel whispered, her voice barely above the hum of the air conditioning.
 
Jacob's throat felt tight, but he managed to find his voice. "I wouldn't have missed this, Rachel."
 
She smiled, a warmth radiating from her that seemed to fill the space between them. "I've been thinking about this moment all day," she admitted, her gaze not faltering.
 
Jacob's heart skipped a beat. "Me too. I’m worried about your marriage though. What this might cost you.”  
 
“He’ll never know. If he does, he’ll just have to understand. He knows he’s emotionally distant and obsessed with work. We’re just a marriage of convenience.”  
 
Rachel nodded, her eyes reflecting a soulful sincerity. " I've never felt this understood before. It's both exciting and terrifying, but I want to experience you completely."
 
Jacob took a step closer, his hands finding their way to her shoulders. "Terrifying because it's rare," Jacob said, his voice steady and sure. "But it's the kind of fear that's worth facing. Because what we have... it's worth it, Rachel."
 
She leaned into his touch, her own hands reaching up to clasp his. "I agree. And I think that's why I wanted to show you this." Rachel turned slightly, reaching for a large envelope on the nearby table.
 
"What is it?" Jacob asked, curiosity piqued.
 
Rachel handed him the envelope. "Open it."
 
With careful fingers, Jacob tore open the seal and pulled out a series of photographs. They were of various landscapes, each one more breathtaking than the last. But it wasn't just the beauty of the scenes that caught his attention; it was the emotion each image evoked, an intimate glimpse into the soul of the artist.
 
"These are incredible, Rachel. Did you take these?"
 
She nodded, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Photography has always been a passion of mine. It's how I see the world, how I make sense of it. But I've always been afraid to share it. Afraid that it wouldn't be good enough."
 
Jacob looked from the photos back to Rachel, his admiration evident. "Rachel, these are more than good enough. They're extraordinary. You have a gift."
 
Her eyes welled up with tears, the walls she had built around her passion beginning to crumble. "Thank you, Jacob. That means more to me than you know."
 
He set the photos down and took her hands in his. "You don't have to be afraid to show your true self, Rachel. Not with me. Just like you don't have to be afraid to see me for who I really am."
 
Rachel's voice was a soft murmur, "And who are you, Jacob?"
 
"I'm someone who's been searching for a connection that matters, a depth that goes beyond the surface. And I think maybe I've found that with you."
 
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, a silent understanding passed between them. An understanding that they were both worthy of the dreams they harbored and the love they yearned to give and receive.
 
Jacob gently pulled Rachel into an embrace, her head resting against his chest. "Let's not be afraid anymore," he said softly. "Let's explore this together, learn from each other, and see where this journey takes us."
 
Rachel looked up into Jacob’s eyes and whispered, "Together."
 
Then their lips locked in a long first kiss. Jacob was startled by Rachel’s tongue parting his lips, but his tongue immediately responded, and they began swaying side to side as they kissed. There was no music, just the soft hum of the air conditioner and traffic down below, sounds that covered the soft breathing of her son in the next room.  
 
Jacob felt Rachel pressing her breasts into him, warm and firm. Then she slid his hand from her shoulder to her breast as invitation. He cupped her and felt the fullness of her.  
 
Jacob whispered, “What are we doing here?”
 
Rachel didn’t reply but slid her hand down and cupped Jacob’s growing hardness. Jacob almost whispered, “Of course.”