by Chloe Maddox
“Really? What did he say?”
“He said, ‘we were married, now we’re not.’”
“Bloody effing jackass.”
“Yeah, so I tried to be professional and cordial like him, but his comment stung, you know.”
“Of course, it did.” Rachel patted her hand consolingly. “You’re only human, and I’m not saying rehash the past, but pretending it never happened, that’s just insensitive.”
Liesel sighed as she picked up her wine glass and moved to the couch. Rachel followed with her wine glass, and the bowl of popcorn.
“I don’t know, Rache.” Liesel plopped onto the couch and grabbed a handful of popcorn. “Seeing him today brought up all kinds of memories for me, and even though there was a part of me that wanted to throw something at him, there was also a part of me that wanted to jump his bones.”
“It’s a good thing you didn’t,” Rachel commented as she sloshed the wine around in her glass.
“Well, not exactly.” Liesel squirmed uncomfortably.
“You didn’t. Please tell me you didn’t jump his bones.” Rachel said, torn between wanting to ask for details and dismay because of their complicated history.
“We didn’t get that far, but Rache, we almost did, and to make matters worse, I initiated it.” Liesel groaned as she placed her head in her hands.
“How did you go from being cordial and professional to nearly jumping his bones?”
“I kissed him actually.”
Rachel wheeled around to face Liesel. “How much have I had to drink?”
She peered closely at the glass while Liesel laughed. “You haven’t had much to drink. I’m the one who kissed him, I don’t know what got into me, we were arguing, somehow he got under my skin-“
“What were you arguing about?” Rachel interrupted.
“I don’t even remember how it started, that’s usually the case with us, or it was, I guess old habits die hard.” Liesel shook her head at a particular memory that surfaced, a wistful smile appearing on her face.
“Exes are like that.”
“So yeah we started rehashing the past, much to my dismay.”
“Was this before or after you kissed?”
“It was after we made out. An intense make out session, I might add.”
Rachel wolf whistled. “How intense?”
“Tops and bra off intense.”
“Both tops?”
“Yup.”
“Damn.” Rachel gulped down a mouthful of wine.
“Yeah.” Liesel grabbed her glass of wine and did the same thing.
“Look, El, do you want him back?”
“I don’t know, Rache. Sometimes, I miss him so much, it’s hard to breathe, other times I hate him so much, I don’t want to be in the same room with him.”
“You guys had a good relationship?”
Liesel gave her a small smile. “it was the best. We made each other happy, we teased each other, we fought like crazy, but it didn’t matter cause we could never stay mad at each other for long.”
“Sounds like it was a great relationship, the kind most people want.” Rachel said finally.
“It was to me.”
“But then why did he cheat on you?”
“Why does anyone ever cheat?” Liesel shrugged as she put her wine glass on the table and grabbed a handful of popcorn. She popped one into her mouth and chewed thoughtfully before answering. “But it’s different now, before I only had myself to worry about, now I have Elsa to consider.”
Comprehension dawned on Rachel’s face. “He doesn’t know, does he?”
Liesel shook her head. “He doesn’t know, by the time I found out, we were already divorced, and it was too late, I didn’t want the person he had become in Elsa’s life. He’s her father for heaven’s sake!”
“But maybe you should’ve told him.” Rachel said, not unkindly.
“Perhaps back then he had the right to know, but what about right now? When Elsa is older and has a stable life. Having a dad in the NBA would change that especially given how much he’s changed.”
“When you say changed, what exactly do you mean by that?”
“He propositioned me.”
One eyebrow went up as Rachel stared at her, her brown eyes reflecting the incredulity that no doubt shined forth from Liesel’s own blue orbs. “As in one of those hook up deals?”
A laugh that sounded somewhere between a snort and a giggle escaped Liesel’s lips. “One and the same. He said that we don’t work as a couple, and that we already tried but clearly our failure to make it work was indicative of the fact that we just weren’t meant to be a couple, but that it doesn’t mean that we can’t have fun.”
Rachel’s mouth dropped open. “He actually said that?”
“Yeah, he even promised he wouldn’t sleep with any women the same day he’s sleeping with me.”
Rachel snorted in disbelief. “Bastard probably thought he was being generous.”
“I think that was his intention, yeah. Of course I let him know what I thought of that and all, and hauled him out of my office.”
“I sense a but coming on.”
Liesel shot her an amused look. “But he’s Elsa’s father. He and I might not be on the best of terms, and maybe we will or maybe we won’t, but either way that shouldn’t affect her relationship with her father.”
“You’re kidding me right? Please tell me you’re joking right now.” Rachel frowned as she set her glass on the table and turned around to face Liesel. “You want that arrogant prick of a pig in your daughters life? Your daughter who is this amazing little girl with so much goodness in her heart. Why in the hell would you want her around a guy who can’t even keep it in his pants? What kind of example would you be setting?!”
Liesel stood up and faced Rachel. She loved her for fighting for Elsa like her own daughter, she really did, but this was a decision she had been struggling with for years, pretty much since the moment she found out she was pregnant, and she didn’t know if Elsa would be as understanding when she was older. At least now she had the chance to shield Elsa from the hurt her father might inflict, but if Elsa is older then she might not have the same opportunity, and she wanted her little girl to understand.
If she was being completely honest, she also wanted Keith to have a chance at being a father. Just cause he was a lousy man doesn’t mean he couldn’t be a good father, and she really wanted him to be, for both their sakes.
“Rache, I love you for fighting as fiercely for Elsa as I would, but you know what, no matter how you or I feel about him, it doesn’t matter, we need to set it aside for Elsa’s sake. Just because he’s a womanizer doesn’t mean he won’t be a good father.”
“You can’t guarantee that he will be.” Rachel said sadly as all the anger left her body.
“You’re right, I can’t, but if there’s even a small chance that she can have both a mother and father who love her unconditionally then I have to try.”
Rachel nodded grimly. “I’m here for you and Elsa, El, you know that.”
Chapter 5
Liesel walked in the next morning determined to put the whole incident with Keith behind her. She would find a private moment, today if she could, and tell him about his daughter.
What he chose to do with that information was up to him. Either way, she would have at least tried to initiate it, and if he didn’t want anything to do with Elsa, Elsa would be none the wiser.
She just wanted to protect her daughter.
She went through client meetings until two when she stepped out for lunch. She checked her phone to make sure she hadn’t received any calls from Elsa’s school, and she smiled and shot Rachel a quick text letting her know that everything was fine, and that she still hadn’t told Keith.
She wasn’t quite sure how to bring it up, to be honest.
How does one tell their ex-husband that they have a child who is six years old, and t
hat the only reason they kept her hidden is because they wanted to protect her?
Liesel mused as she took a sip of her coffee as she looked both ways before crossing the street. She was in such a hurry she didn’t notice the body stop in front of her.
She yelped in surprise as hot coffee splashed all over her shirt, and she grimaced as she began to dab it.
“I’m so sorry, here let me help you.” A familiar voice said.
Liesel froze as she looked up into the eyes of the man who had been occupying her thoughts since she last saw him. He was dressed in a pair of washed out jeans and shirt with a pair of sunglasses settling comfortably on his nose.
He frowned as he tried to get the stain off but failed miserably.
“Okay, I’m sorry. I can take that to the dry cleaners.”
“That’s not necessary-“ Liesel began.
Keith interrupted swiftly. “I want to. It’s the least I can do. I need to apologize for my behavior last time, and for propositioning you the way I did, I figured getting your shirt cleaned might be a good place to start.”
Liesel relaxed visibly. “I won’t make you grovel or anything,” she teased.
Keith smiled. “Would you like to go get another cup of coffee?”
Liesel checked her watch and realized that she still had time before her next client.
They made their way to the coffee shop and sat in the back and talked quietly just like they used to. Liesel was surprised to find herself laughing and reminiscing about the old times.
“Keith, I need to tell you something, but you have to promise you’ll stay quiet till the end, and please understand why I made the decision I did.”
She began to tell him about Elsa, and why she kept her a secret. After she told him that, she told him about what an amazing little girl Elsa was, and how she hoped that they’d have a relationship.
Keith was quiet for a really long time until finally he looked her. “I can’t say I’m happy that you hid her existence from me, but I get why you did it. That being said, I don’t want to miss any more of her life, I would love to be a part of her life, in a small way at first because I want her to adjust, but then hopefully in time, if you’ll let me, and if she wants me to, in a bigger way.”
“That’s great, Keith, really.”
“There’s just one more thing, but this has nothing to do with my relationship with Elsa, I hope you’ll also let me try again with you, a real shot this time. No propositioning, no fooling around.”
“I’ll think about it.” Liesel promised.
They finished their coffee and each went their separate ways and agreed to meet up at five in front of the office, so that Liesel could take Keith to meet Elsa.
She finished the rest of the day in a haze and met Keith out front where he looked nervous, but excited.
***
“Rache, we’re here.” Liesel called out as she gestured for Keith to come in. He stepped into the room and looked around awkwardly as Liesel dropped her bag on the floor and hung up her coat.
“She’s in her room playing, I’m heading out for a while. I’ll see you later, El.” Rachel said as she grabbed her jacket and keys.
“Rache, this is Keith.”
Rachel gave him a tight smile. “I’m Liesel’s roommate and Elsa’s godmother, if you hurt either of them, I’ll hunt you down and kill you.”
Keith laughed nervously as he gave her a weak smile. “I’ll try not to.”
“She’s kind of scary.” Keith mumbled and Liesel laughed as they made their way up the stairs.
Liesel introduced Keith to Elsa as her friend, and she watched as they played together noting that Keith was a natural born father. He was completely at ease and knew exactly what to do.
They put Elsa to bed a while later, and as they stood outside the hallway in front of her room, Liesel decided to throw caution to the wind, and she kissed him.
“I thought you wanted to think about it,” Keith mumbled as he pushed her backwards into the room.
“I’ll think more, later.” She bit his bottom lip and smiled as he groaned in response. He took off his shirt and helped her out of hers as he pushed her up against the wall. He held her wrists on top of her head and began to kiss her neck reverently.
Liesel moaned as she tangled her fingers through his hair and angled her neck, so he’d have better access. She began to fumble with the zipper on his jeans till she finally managed to shuck them off, and he kicked them off as he helped her do the same with her skirt.
He lifted her up, so she wrapped her legs around his waist, and he began to grind against her. They both moaned as their kissing grew more passionate, their tongues battling for dominance.
Keith reached a hand down and snuck it underneath her panties. Liesel’s breath hitched in her throat as she whimpered, and her hips began to buck against his hands.
He found her bundle of nerves and began to stroke until he had her panting and clawing his back begging for release. He took his hands out and pushed her underwear down. He reached into his jean pocket and pulled out a condom and placed it on while Liesel undid her bra.
He kicked off his boxers and positioned himself, so that he would enter her in one swift thrust. He kneaded her breasts, kissed them and sucked on them as he began to move against her, slowly at first then faster and faster until they were both shouting in pure ecstacy.
They collapsed onto the bed together a while later as they began to quietly talk of a better future together as a family.
THE END
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Blissful Billionaire
Chapter One
Selena looked at herself one more time in the mirror. She wasn’t particularly happy with her white mini skirt. It just made her feel so exposed but she liked how it showed off her long legs. It also paired well with the large looped earrings May bought for her birthday. The only problem was that her skin was already quite pale and her crimson hair seemed to blend in with what she wore.
“This isn’t going to work,” she told herself and went back to her closet. In the end she traded her clothes for a black laced mini skirt and a backless black sleeveless top. All the black further accented her red lipstick, pale skin and red hair. She never really liked wearing black but this was better than looking like a pastel painting.
Her phone buzzed and she checked to find several messages from her friends. They were already at the party. She didn’t bother replying as she left, grabbing her purse and car keys on the way out of her apartment.
Getting from her place to the venue took longer than she expected. It was a private party, in some rich guy’s house, but her friends knew a guy that knew the guy so they were able to get invitations. She didn’t really care. All she wanted was a chance to drink, dance and forget about work for a while.
As she drove, Selena tried to clear her thoughts. She had been working as an interior designer for the past six years but the company recently got into financial issues and she was one of the many that were laid off. She needed a job, any job.
To drown out her thoughts she played a few songs as loudly as she could, trying to pass the time in traffic as peacefully as possible. It was after a while that she realized she had been playing songs from Roxette, Bruce Springsteen and White Snake and it made her feel old.
“Good luck getting a job,” she told herself as she took a left turn. “I’m probably older than my boss.”
In truth she was only twenty-seven but companies these days were constantly looking for the impossible. Often she’d find an advertisement looking to hire a single female, with no children, aged twenty-one to twenty-three. Somehow they also expected to hire someone with at least a year or two of experience. With each hiring post she found she discovered they were looking for someone young and single.
“What’s with these requirements,” she once asked. “Are they hiring a designer or a model they
can seduce and fuck?”
Just a few minutes after sorting her thoughts she took the last turn and found herself in a very fancy neighborhood. All the houses on this street were big enough to swallow her entire apartment building and more. Just a few more houses down and she found a corner with a lot of cars parked in front of what she could only describe as a genuine mansion.
It took her a while to park her car but when she did she found her friends, Ayesha and May, were already outside waiting for her.
“Took you forever,” Ayesha said as she took Selena by the hand.
“Sorry, I couldn’t find something to wear,” Selena answered.
May rolled her eyes at that and said, “You couldn’t find something to wear that wasn’t black but still pretty to look at.”
The girls giggled and Selena acknowledged May was right.
“So what’s going on,” she then asked.
Ayesha led them through the front garden, where there were already a lot of people drinking and chatting away, “Well, we saw Gilbert flirting with Mylene. They were over in the basement playing beer pong with a few people.”
“Gilbert’s such a man-whore,” Selena responded as she waved at a few familiar faces on their way into the house. “Can’t believe I actually dated that idiot.”
“I can’t believe you slept with him,” May stated. “He’s probably got more diseases that a flea bag hooker.”
Selena’s jaw dropped and she nudged May with her elbow, “Fuck you.”
“You know it’s true, though,” May told her. She then opened the front door and they walked into a large reception area where couches had been moved in and a lot of people were randomly talking, standing, dancing and drinking. They quickly identified a few people they knew – the party constants such as themselves.
Selena also identified the big guns, the real people that belonged in this kind of occasion. She could tell a person was upper class just by the way they dressed or walked around. Unlike her and her friends, the genuinely rich people wore everyday clothes. They didn’t need to dress rich or make an effort to look elegant and refined because they already were.