Because (Seven Year Itch #4) (19 page)

Chapter 28

From the moment she walked into the dealership I knew she looked familiar, but I couldn’t figure out how I’d seen her before. She was blonde, bodacious in all the right places, and dressed to impress.

I wasn’t the first to notice her, but she was hard to ignore. I’d just gotten off the phone with Shay when she approaches my station. “Hi. I called earlier about an oil change.”

“Name?” I focus on the computer in order to print out her service order.

“Kristin Copling.”

Her manicured hands tap on the desk as I type in the information. “And you’re here for an oil change?”

She nods and licks her lips. Her bright eyes sparkle against the fluorescent lights above. “Yeah, that’s all.”

I take her keys and watch as sits down in the waiting room directly across from me. She’s in a short skirt. From behind me I can hear my associates chatting about it. I turn and toss a pencil at them. “Can you guys shut your mouths? She can probably hear you.”

They don’t stop, but lower their voices at least.

I run the service order out for the mechanic and return to my seat only to find her standing waiting for me. “Any idea where I can go to get something to eat while I wait?”

“Go out of the door and take a left. Once you get on the main road you can go either way.”

“Brandon, that’s over a quarter of a mile. Offer the girl a ride, for pete’s sake.” Says a guy I work with.

I don’t want to leave the office, but know it’s part of my job to keep our clients comfortable.

I grab the keys to the service vehicle we use to pick up mostly elderly clients when their cars are done, and head out. She’s walking in front of me. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t notice how short her skirt is. I attempt to focus on getting her to and from so I can return and clock out early.

She gets in the passenger seat of the car and removes her cardigan. Her full breasts fill the tank top that remains. After a quick glance I’m focused on the road and nothing else.

We’ve made it onto the main highway when she starts to speak. “Have you lived here long?”

“My whole life.”

“Oh, so you know your way around huh?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“I prefer the city. I can’t wait to get out of this boring town.”

“So you prefer traffic over the quiet?”

“I like people. It’s normal for me to be surrounded by nice things.”

I turn my signal on and pull into the first food place we come to. “Is Italian okay?”

She nods and starts to get out. “Aren’t you coming?”

I shake my head. “No. I’m good. I brought my lunch today,” I lie.

She closes the door and heads inside the restaurant. Back in the day I would have enjoyed this ride, but now things are different. Shayla taught me a lesson, and now I know I have to be a better person.

Kristin climbs back in the vehicle a few minutes later. “They say it’ll be ten minutes. Do you mind sitting here with me?”

What else was I supposed to do? “Yeah, sure. It’s up to me to make sure you leave a good review for the dealership.”

She adjusts in her seat, her breasts protruding from the tight shirt. It’s hard to look at her and not notice them. I’m glad I’ve spent the past two nights in bed with Shay, or else this could be pretty embarrassing, but thankfully my dick remains calm, as if it knows this chick is bad for business.

“When I walked in earlier I was surprised to see someone who looks like you working there. A friend of mine told me it was run by a bunch of old married men.”

“I guess your friend is mistaken.”

She’s even closer. “Maybe after work you could show me around?”

“That’s not a good idea.” I hold up my ring finger. “I’m married.”

She laughs and bites down on her lower lip. “That’s too bad. You’re the first guy I’ve hit on in as long as I can remember.”

She’s throwing me bones and I’m just not desperate enough to take them. “Sorry. Married with a kid. That’s me.”

“You country boys are so boring. Girls like me don’t care if you have a ring on your finger.” She leans closer to my ear while I stare at the building. “Your little wife will never have to know about me. I’m only in town for a week. If you change your mind I’d like to go for another kind of ride.”

What the fuck?

Was this a nightmare?

Is this my conscience playing tricks on me?

She keeps talking. “I better go inside before I make you want to do bad things.” I feel her hand on my thigh.

This is insane.

Just as she reaches the hem where she’ll find my dick I shove her hand away. “What the hell is wrong with you? I said I was married. If I wanted to fuck around on my wife I sure as hell wouldn’t point that out. People like you need chastity belts. You’re the reason good men lose everything.”

“Haven’t you ever wanted to be bad? Haven’t you ever done things because you can’t resist?” She’s snickering and I’m disgusted.

“I’ve looked, but never touched, and I’m not going to now. It’s not worth it. You’re not worth it. I love my wife.”

“Who cares about that? You’re here, I’m here. We’re both two attractive people passing the time. The things I could do to you would be life-changing. It’s nature’s way. Humans weren’t meant to be monogamous.”

She’s unbelievable, and I’ve had enough. “Just get the fuck out. You can walk your ass back to the dealership for all I care. Fuck the review.” She doesn’t move. I suppose she’s stunned. “Did I stutter?” I question.

“Just to be clear, you’re turning me down? If I take my clothes off and straddle you in this car would you still feel the same, or will you break down and give me all you have to offer?”

She’s up in my face again. I guess she expects me to pounce. I bring my lips as close as possible without touching her. “Get the fuck away from me before I knock your ass out.”

Now she’s finally gotten the hint. She’s readjusting her skirt and turning, but not making any effort to exit the car. “This could have ended badly for you, Brandon.”

Wait. “Did I tell you my name?”

“No.” She’s putting the cardigan back on. “You didn’t have to. I knew exactly who you were when the appointment was made today.”

Now I’m really getting pissed. “What are you talking about? Who told you to do this? Was it the guys in the office? Is this some kind of joke?”

I’m sure this is someone at my work playing a trick on me. I’ve told them I spent the last couple nights with Shayla and they seem to believe nothing has changed. They keep rubbing it in my face.

“I assure you, it’s no joke.” She extends her hand with composure, unlike any she’s displayed this whole time we’ve been in the car. “Thank you for turning me down. I didn’t want to have to go through with anything.”

“Go through with anything? Tell me right now who put you up to this?”

“I’m Shayla’s friend, Char. We haven’t been formally introduced.”

I can’t believe this. “What? Shay put you up to this?” Before I can say something that will get back to her I have to calm down. “Why would she do that?”

“She had to know the truth.”

“Which is what?”

“That you can be faithful, even when no one will ever discover the truth. I have to say, I gave it my all. My tits were practically hanging out and you barely gave them a glance. The man she described to me wouldn’t dare turn that down. Shayla is wrong about you, Brandon, and I can’t wait to be the one to tell her.” She climbs out of the car. “I’m just going to walk back to the dealership to get my car. Congratulations. You passed the test.”

Okay, I’m pissed.

I’ve done everything she’s asked of me only to be seduced by her friend to prove my faithfulness. In so many ways I want to call her up and let her have it. She deserves to be punished for putting me through hell for months. She’s playing head games with my heart, and now this.

When she notices I haven’t left the parking lot, Char approaches. She knocks on the window and I roll it down enough to hear her. “I saw you sitting out here. I told her this was a bad idea. I knew either way you’d be pissed.”

“Why? I don’t get it. We were so close to reconciling.”

“Don’t you get it? Shayla has worked her ass off to be the person you fell in love with. She’s taken time to reinvent herself. There was just one thing she’s never been able to shake and it’s prevented you from getting your family back.”

“Trust,” I mumble.

“Exactly.”

“Yeah, but that’s crazy. I could have lied.”

“I don’t believe you did. I’m not someone you know. You have no reason to lie to me. Most guys would fabricate a story to impress me, but not you. You can be angry at Shayla, but she did this for you as much as for herself. Don’t you get it, Brandon? This is your ticket home.”

“Why don’t I feel happy about it?”

“Because she betrayed your trust in order to prove hers.”

She’s right.

“Jesus, she went to extremes.”

“Yeah. You’re telling me. You should have seen my face when she asked me to try to seduce you. None of that was comfortable for me, by the way. I have a boyfriend who can never find out about this.”

“I don’t know if I can forgive her for this.”

“If you want your wife back you’ll find a way. The ball is in your court now.” She waves again. “It was nice meeting you, Brandon. I think your wife is a special person. Don’t fuck up.”

I catch her before she gets too far way to hear. “Hey, Char.”

She turns. “Yes?”

“Have you called her yet?”

Her head shakes. “No.”

“Don’t. Make her sweat it out. Ignore her calls. Whatever you do, don’t talk to her. I want to be the one to talk to her first.”

“Seriously, that’s cruel. She’ll think the worst.”

“Exactly. I get off early today. She won’t have to wait that long.”

“Okay, but only because I put you through hell. I’ll turn off my phone and ignore her calls.”

When she walks away I know I’m in control of when Shayla hears the truth. Making her suffer is payback. I can hardly contain myself from driving directly home to see her.

After a quick call I know she’s home. It’s time to clock out and pack up my things from my parents.

Daddy is coming home.

Chapter 29

I’m on edge. Char has never ignored my phone calls. I know something is wrong. It’s been an hour since Brandon called me. He’s going to come home and pretend nothing is wrong. I’m worried and scared.

When I hear a car door shutting I know I’m not alone. I think it might be Char, but I see the top of his head as he climbs the porch stairs. He has a bouquet of flowers in his hand and my heart races. Did he buy them out of guilt?

He comes in and kisses me on the cheek while handing them to me. “Hey, beautiful. I got these on the way home. Can you put them in water while I grab the groceries out of the car?”

He doesn’t wait for me to reply before turning around and flying out the door.

I’m standing at the sink when he comes back in. The vase is full but I remain in the same position. I’m full of worry and can only assume I’ve been deceived by my two closest friends.

I feel his arms wrapping around my waist and his lips on my cheek. “I thought about you all day.”

I close my eyes and do my best not to think the worst, but it’s impossible. When he spins me around tears are falling down my face. He brushes them away with his thumbs. “What’s wrong, babe?”

“Nothing,” I lie.

“Are you upset I hooked up with your friend earlier?”

My mouth drops. “What did you say?”

He chuckles. “She had me going. She looked the part and her acting was on spot. I didn’t see it coming. I still can’t believe it happened.”

I feel betrayed and powerless. My head is shaking but words won’t come out. He’s trying to touch me as I struggle to move away from him.

Then he’s laughing again. “You can imagine how surprised she was when all her efforts failed.”

“You said you hooked up.”

“I say a lot of things I don’t mean. It got your attention didn’t it?”

“What happened then? Why won’t she call me?”

“I asked her not to.”

“Why? Something did happen didn’t it?”

“Not a damn thing. I don’t know whether I’m mad you expected it to, or for the simple fact that you had your friend try to seduce me for your own personal gain.”

I’m shaking as I reply. “I had to be sure.”

He backs away and seems disgusted. “Now you know. I’ve never cheated on you, Shayla, and I never will. I’m only one man. I’m not perfect, but I’m damn sure going to do my best to be. Text your friend and tell her I’m home. She’ll tell you what you want to hear.”

He walks into the bedroom leaving me alone in the kitchen. I stare at the flowers while sitting them down and grabbing my cell phone. I shoot her a message that Brandon is home now and say to call. I watch my phone light up.

“What happened?”

“Didn’t he tell you?”

“Not exactly.”

“Nothing happened. I practically took off my shirt in front of him and he didn’t even flinch. He flat out said he was married from the start. I even tried after he first turned me down and he refused a second time. He also said he’s never cheated before. Shay, I believe him. That man loves you. You’re a fool if you don’t take him back. Whatever problems you have, it’s not because he’s been unfaithful.”

“Really?” I’m crying so hard I’m surprised she can understand me.

“Really.”

“I have to go, Char. Thank you for this. I owe you everything for helping me.”

“You owe me nothing.” She snickers. “It’s only three. If you hurry you have a whole hour before Ab gets off the bus. Don’t waste anymore of it.”

She hangs up as I’m rounding the corner to my room. She’s right. It’s time we stop this madness and get back to being a family again.

Brandon is in the shower with his back turned to me. He’s leaning against the forward wall as the hot water drenches his skin. I undress and step in behind him, my hands stretching around to the front of him. “Please forgive me.”

I feel his hands coming over mine. “I already have.” He turns and cups my face. “You were wrong about me, Shay. I’m a lot of things, but I know what I have with you, especially now. I know what it feels like to lose you.”

“It’s time to come home.”

He kisses my forehead. “My stuff is already in the car.”

I laugh through my heartfelt tears. “Seriously?”

“Yeah. When I found out who Char was and how you put her up to what she did, I knew how this would play out. I passed your test. She told me.”

“You did. I’m sorry I doubted you.”

“Ehh, well I gave you enough reason to. I see the error of my ways. Don’t make me ever go back to my parents. My old bed sucks and it’s never warm enough without you next to me.”

“Ab is going to be so excited.”

“She is,” he agrees. “But right now I think we should have a little excitement don’t you?”

I nod. “I thought you’d never ask.”

He lifts me, shoving me up against the hard porcelain wall. My arms are attached around his neck as he bombards me with kisses. This decision to bring him home is finally easy to make. He’s proven himself worthy of my trust. I’ve made mistakes of my own through this journey of exploration. I’ve questioned my own sanity at times.

It was all worth it though. We have a reason to fight for our marriage. We’ve learned to appreciate each other. He’s finally opened up and let me into his world. It’s all I’ve ever asked for.

As the water beats down on our bodies were completed distracted by our carnal desire for one another. I slip out of his reach and turn around, bending over before him. “Do you want it this way?”

I’ve always hated this, but it’s different now. I feel better about myself. I’m confident in my own skin. I want to bring him pleasure in every way possible.

“Are you sure? I’m just as happy if we’re in bed.”

“We’re celebrating. You know I like it hard.”

He teases me with the head of his stiff cock. I get butterflies in my stomach as it slips over my entrance. He shoves it upwards, dragging it over my ass, and then back down to where he’s about to slip it in. He sucks in a deep breath of air and applies pressure. My body accepts him as the walls of my channels are filled. He leans forward and holds onto me while pacing himself. One of my hands is on the wall, while the other reaches between my legs and tickles my clit. My sensitive skin reacts to every little touch, and as he continues to pump into me I’m losing my ability to hold myself together. I’m dying to fall apart so he can lift me back up again and repeat the process.

Just when I think he’s about to erupt he spins me around. His lips are crashing against mine as he lifts one leg and rams back inside of me. I cry out in ecstasy as the friction sends waves of euphoria throughout my body. Brandon doesn’t take his lips far from mine. He holds them there when he tightens up and fills me.

Afterwards we stand facing one another until the water turns cool. He never lets go of his hold on me. “We should get out before the bus arrives.”

“Only if you promise we can do it again later.” He suggests.

“That can be arranged.”

“No more waiting weeks in between. I want this type of treatment every night.”

I giggle. “There are times when it won’t work to our advantage. We have a child with sex radar.”

“True. Fine. At least three times a week and twice on Saturdays.”

“You sound like your making custody arrangements,” I say.

“I am. With your vagina.” He slaps me on the ass and climbs out of the shower. I watch his naked body amble across the floor until he reaches the towels. He tosses one my way and wipes off his face with another.

I can’t stop smiling.

He’s finally all mine, in both my heart and my soul.

Later that same week Brandon comes home from work with a ornery grin across his face. “Hey, babe, have you heard anymore from the person you were chatting with online?”

“No. Why?”

“It was Cara. That’s why I didn’t recognize the number. She was pretending to be me the whole time. That’s how she knew our business. Toby called from Hawaii to tell me. She let it slip after a few tequilas. Apparently she felt bad after he explained she was talking to you the whole time. He wants to know if the two of you are interested in some lesbian action, because we’re both down for watching.”

I slap him across the chest playfully. “You wish.”

“Nah. I don’t like sharing.”

“I have class tonight, don’t forget.” I say as I stir dinner.

“I know. I’m taking Ab out for frozen yogurt after the gym.”

We’ve been going out more, socializing with friends, and being a normal couple. To prolong our healthy new lifestyle, we joined a family gym and go five times a week. While they are at work and school, I get my time in so I can attend the college course my father is paying for. Brandon wants me to be happy, so he’s very supportive when it comes to getting a degree. It’s going to take a couple years, but I’m not in a hurry. I have everything I could ask for at a home no matter what path I choose to take. Nothing is more important than that.

The End!