Gemma Redmond's phone vibrated just as the four slices of toast she'd been waiting for popped up. The reminder said "first client 9am!" A busy job in recruitment meant she relied on these alarms she set herself, and while some days she could get away with arriving a few minutes late, today she knew she must be on time.
Dressed in a charcoal suit and crisp white blouse, Gemma buttered the toast before she felt warm, strong, familiar hands slide round her waist. Her boyfriend Josh's bristly cheek brushed past her ear and pressed against her face. He kissed her cheek, then her neck, and she could feel his excitement pressing against her bum as his hands slid towards her breasts.
Gemma giggled and pushed Josh away. "Behave yourself," she said, "I can't be late today." Josh smiled, but there was disappointment in his eyes, and not a little longing. She'd had her period last week, and a busy few days since meant it had been almost a fortnight since they'd made love - an eternity for a couple in their mid-twenties who'd lived together just four months.
"It's OK for you, you only need to stagger ten feet down the corridor and you're at your desk. Some of us have to actually go out for work," Gemma grinned.
Josh loved working from home as a graphic designer, and Gemma knew he loved her even more. He was kind, funny and athletic, with a perfectly-proportioned 6'3" frame and dark, chiselled features. Gemma thought he might just be the one.
The couple ate their toast and chatted before Gemma slurped down a cup of tea. She was about to dash out of the door when Josh said "Forgotten something?" Gemma smiled, skipped over to him and he pulled her into his arms, giving her a long, deep kiss while one hand ran through her hair. Gemma felt the beginnings of a familiar yearning between her legs but playfully pushed Josh away, saying on her way out: "You'll just have to wait, won't you?"
Once at work, Gemma's busy routine of meeting jobseekers, analysing CVs and arranging interviews began. Around mid-morning, Gemma returned to her desk and checked her phone, noticing a message from Josh.