Chapter 5: The Wake Up Call

Waking up, I realize the reason.  I hear the phone ringing on the other side of the room and slip out from under the covers to answer it.  Immediately wishing that I hadn't gone to sleep without putting on a nightgown, I shiver while grabbing the phone.  

Retrieving it, I retreat to the warmth of the covers and look at who called.  Nora, a neighbor that quickly became a close friend of mine just after we moved in.  She is 30 and works for Brad's company, as a secretary. 

Calling her back, I ask while yawning and stretching, "What's up, Nora?"

Sounding anxious, she answers right away, "You would never believe who and what I saw last night at the office."

Not wanting to really know, because I have an awful feeling that has started creeping up inside, I hesitate.  Finally saying something, I ask, "Do I want to know?"

"Girl, your husband was caught eating out one of his clients last night.  Jessica, one of the girls at the office, spotted them in his office last night, so she grabbed me and we both spied it.  He was so deep in this woman, I doubt he was breathing and he acted like he was really enjoying it."

Immediately regretting my decision, I swallow hard with a bitter taste in my mouth.  When she told me, I bit my tongue hard and can feel it pulsating and swelling up.  Commenting, "O.K., so I wish I didn't know.  It's bad enough that I figured he wasn't interested in women, but to know that he just isn't interested in me, makes me feel awful.  Now I find myself wondering what is wrong with me."

Laughing, she states, "Girl, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you, you always have guys staring at you panting.  You just never give them the time of day and that ring tends to scare them off."

Quietly I answer, "Then, I guess from now on I am just going to have to not wear my ring.  Brad obviously doesn't give a rat's ass about me anyways, so why should I keep up appearances?  By the way, I have to tell you something."

She giggles and asks, "Did you screw someone?"

Hesitating, I wonder if it would hurt to tell her about my kiss.  After another moment, I answer, "No, but there is this new man Brad hired, he is a ex-con and he is really handsome in a rugged way.  The first time I met him, he rescued me in the stable when Mable got out of control, the next time was when she got bit by a rattler and died.  He came along and comforted me, before getting some more help."  I take a deep breath in before continuing.  "But that's not the part that is exciting.  See the first time in the stable, he caught me in mid-air and held me in his strong arms.  The next day when he comforted me, he kissed me and we almost made love right there.  At that point, I decided that when the coast is clear, I am going to have him."

She screams into the phone, "Oh my god!  That's the stuff romance novels are made from."

"Yeah, I know and in a couple days, I am going to find out what he feels like buried deep inside of me.  From now on, the last thing I will ever think about is Brad's face sucking on some woman's private parts.  He has nothing on this man.  He is tall dark and handsome, with a hint of mystery and just thinking about it is making me wet."  I giggle and feel my face starting to blush at the mere thought of having him hilt deep inside of me.  

I can tell that the thought had crossed her mind too, because she starts to breath heavy on the phone.  She says, "Wow, I wish you hadn't told me about him now, I am going to have to go rub one out.  That made me seriously hot."  She laughs and goes quiet.  

Wondering if she isn't already taking care of it, I answer, "Well, I have to go eat some breakfast and take a bath.  Have a good day and enjoy yourself."  I laugh again and she answers.

"I will, talk to you later." After she hangs up, I climb out of bed and put on my robe. 

Walking downstairs, I revel in the feeling of the robe against my naked skin.  Feeling extremely happy, I stroll into the kitchen and watch as Marissa makes breakfast.  When she turns around, she jumps, not knowing that I was sitting there.

I look at her ears and realize that she has her earbuds in and smile.  That's why she didn't hear me come in.  She hurries to take them out and apologizes for not saying goodmorning.

Reassuring her that is O.K., I say, "Don't worry, I was just watching you cook.  You seem to really enjoy your work.  I like that about you."

She nods and finishes cooking.  After she plates it up and hands it to me, I grab the orange juice out of the fridge and pour a glass.  Noticing it, she immediately tells me, "I should have done that."

"It's quite alright.  I am a grown woman, I think I can get a glass of orange juice by myself."  Laughing, I try to make her feel at ease. "So, after work today, what are your plans?"

She sits down on a stool next to mine and answers, "I need to go grocery shopping for my apartment.  My roommate always forgets, so we don't have any food."  The look on her face is one of disappointment and I feel bad for her. 

"Well, why don't you leave after lunch today?  I think I can handle making a sandwich for myself for dinner.  I might even try making spaghetti or something."

She smiles and nods, saying, "Thank you, that is very thoughtful of you.  I will do that.  Unfortunately, I have to get my laundry done too, so that will give me plently of time."

Putting my hand on her back, I answer, "I am glad.  Everyone needs time off, sometimes.  Well, I am all done.  I can't possibly eat another bite and I am off to take a bath."  Stopping for a second after jumping off the stool, I ask, "Oh, by the way.  Do you happen to know what that new stable hands name is?"

She looks at me thoughtfully, and answers.  "I do believe I heard Brad saying that it is Dean Smith.  Why?"

Quickly hiding my interest, I answer.  "Oh, nothing.  I just talked to him briefly the other day and I like to know the names of all the people working for Brad, just in case I have to talk to them. It doesn't sound good to say hey you.  If you get my drift." I raise my eyebrows and wink.  

She laughs and nods again.  Turning to leave, I say, "Have a good morning."

Answering the same, she returns to cleaning up the kitchen and I walk back upstairs to the bedroom where I draw a bath and eventually get dressed.