by Ruben Soto
“Hi Enrique, I just came down to make sure everything was okay.”
He took a look at her and his desire for her was uncontrollable.
“Everything is great. I feel like I’m in heaven. I don’t remember the last time that I was in a room like this. Thank you for your invitation.”
Jennifer noticed that Enrique was shirtless and was wearing only shorts. He stood there devilish handsome. Her eyes moved downward first to his broad chest and then down to his legs, tanned and firm as tree trunks.
“I’m glad you feel that way. I can help you get an apartment this weekend. I don’t want you to worry about anything while you’re making my dream kitchen. Have you had a chance to visit all of San Antonio’s attractions?”
“No, I haven’t had the chance to. I’ve been so busy working, that I don’t have time for that. And please, you don’t have to worry about getting me an apartment. I’m sure I can find someone to stay with meanwhile.”
“You leave that to me Enrique. I have the means to help you. You are now a part of the family since you’re building my cabinets. I always take care of everyone that brings me happiness. So consider yourself a very lucky man.”
Enrique was now certain that Jennifer was infatuated with him. He knew it the minute he first laid his eyes on her. He could feel it when she walked in on him earlier that day. He knew it by her being in his room this late in the day. Would he finally get his chance to be with the type of woman he had always dreamed about? He sensed that somehow Jennifer and Roberto were having marital problems. He knew that Roberto was a typical rich Hispanic man who most probably had a mistress on the side. He had seen this story repeated in all the households he worked at. But Jennifer had captivated him like no other woman.
The thrill of this moment was the most intense he had ever experienced. He couldn’t help thinking of being with her. How would it feel to kiss those luscious lips and caress her perfect hair? How would it feel to finally touch her body and stroke his fingers through her soft skin? To make passionate love to her and make her his woman. He was certain she would not want to ever make love to her husband or any man again.
Jennifer’s robe suddenly opened up revealing her very provocative nightgown. Enrique could not believe how perfectly proportioned her body was. She was an angel on earth who had come down to be with him. He wanted to take her into his arms right then and there. But he had to hold back on this feeling, since he knew he might somehow scare or offend her.
“Thank you Jennifer. You’ve made me feel like a decent human being. Most employers look down on me because of my profession. But you’re different and it prompts me to do the best job I’ve ever done. I will get up early tomorrow to catch up since we have a busy weekend ahead of us. I have to get some rest so that I’ll be ready for tomorrow. Good night and thank you for everything.”
Enrique didn’t want this moment to end. But he knew that the longer she stood there in front of him, the higher the temptation grew. Jennifer closed her robe and she told him goodnight and went back upstairs to her room. She now knew that she wanted Enrique. She had never felt so stimulated by a man before. She dreamed about being with him and touching his muscular body.
She wanted him to bring out the inner sensual woman that Roberto hadn’t been able to accomplish. She wanted to find out more about Enrique’s life. She was intrigued by him. What secrets did he have to hide? She would finally get to know another man intimately. For the first time in her life she didn’t care about doing the proper thing. She was going to let her emotions take over. She would pay the consequences later. She needed to experience this to know what she may have been missing all these years.
Enrique was in his bed staring at the ceiling. His smile contained a sensuous flame. He couldn’t stop thinking about Jennifer. He couldn’t believe that she had just been there and he couldn’t have her. Thoughts ran through his head. Why can’t two people who want each other just have the liberty to do so? Why does society place so much emphasis on honoring the marriage vows? People would be so much happier if they could express themselves freely.
He eventually fell asleep.
***
The next day the maids and Becky were in a very suspicious and worried mood. Did Jennifer and Enrique sleep together last night? Ay Virgencita, did the kids know what was going on? What happened that changed Jennifer so drastically from one day to the next? They had always admired her and loved her as if she were their daughter. But now this strange man comes into the house and she loses her head. They couldn’t hide their feelings from her and Jennifer knew what they must’ve been thinking.
“Buenos días señoras. ¿Como están hoy? Jennifer asked how they were doing and they all replied they were fine.
“Y usted como esta señora? Se encuentra bien esta mañana? Lupe asked her if everything was fine. They feared the worst had happened last night. Jennifer was in a very jovial mood this morning. Did she give in to Enrique’s advances?
“Estoy muy bien, gracias. And why do you ask, do I look sick to you?”
“Oh no, you know we’re always concerned for your well being. That’s all.” Lupe replied very cautiously.
“Roberto called me last night and told me that he was fine. I told him that everything here was also fine. I told him Enrique had already finished one of the cabinets. He’s such a fantastic worker I have never seen anyone work as diligent as he.”
With that comment Becky and the maids looked at each other with skepticism. They didn’t quite know how to interpret that.
“Enrique will be staying here until he finds an apartment. I told him I was going to help him look for one this weekend. He’s working hard today so we can spend Saturday apartment hunting. Alejandra will be here tomorrow Becky, and she will take care of Robert and Alyssa until I get back.”
Alejandra was Jennifer’s weekend nanny. She was a young twenty-year old college student who was the daughter of one of her friends.
They couldn’t believe what they were hearing Jennifer say. She was actually going to go out with Enrique, a virtual unknown, and help him find an apartment. Oh no, this just didn’t sound right. This smelled very fishy. What had come over Jennifer? But they didn’t dare question her decision.
Jennifer walked towards the kitchen to talk to Enrique and to go over the plans for tomorrow. She told him she would be home later that night and they could talk some more. She had her hair down and was wearing a nice black Carolina Herrera silk dress. It made her look radiant and she knew Enrique would appreciate the sultry manner in which she looked. As she walked out of the kitchen Enrique couldn’t help admire her incredible physique. The thought allowed him to give the elegant touch to the cabinets he was building for her. She said goodbye to Becky and the maids and then walked out.
Lupe was the most nosy and gossipy of the women. She had to go into the kitchen and ask Enrique about last night.
“Someone is in a very good mood this morning. Did something happen last night to make you so happy?” Enrique was already catching up to what she was thinking.
“And why may I ask is it such a concern to you what I do with my life?”
Lupe played along with his game. “Ever since you came into this house I claimed you as being mine. I swore no one else would have you. I never thought I would have the lady of the house as my competition.”
Enrique laughed at her sly insinuation. He knew what information she was after. “I’m happy because I had never slept in a mansion like this before. I felt like the richest man on earth. I didn’t have to wake up early and fight the traffic. I just woke up, got dressed and started working. What a life! I wish I could stay here until I finish the job. But I know that’s impossible. Mr. Del Castillo would never allow it. Besides I know Jennifer will find me a nice apartment.”
Lupe was infuriated with his audacious attitude. How dare of him to think that he was going to stay in this house? And how did he become Jennifer’s favorite all of a sudden?
“Well, don’t get used to this good
life. Because sooner or later Mr. Del Castillo is going to notice Jennifer’s special attention towards you. And he will have you sent back to Mexico or have you killed. And who gave you permission to call her Jennifer? You are hired help and you need to refer to her as Señora Del Castillo.”
Enrique couldn’t believe the commotion he had caused in only the first week of being here. He actually loved all of this attention. It gave him the reinforcement that women found him irresistible. He loved to see them fighting over him. But he didn’t care what others thought about him. He had been on his own from a young age and he learned not to take anybody seriously.
Lupe walked out and was mumbling something to herself. Enrique was just laughing to himself. He found women to be the most incredible creatures on earth. How thankful he was that they were so adorable and yet so delicate. No wonder he was so enamored with all of them. He loved all women but only reserved the most beautiful to share his most intimate moments with.
***
Jennifer couldn’t concentrate all day while at the boutique. She was already thinking of what she and Enrique would be doing this weekend. She knew exactly where she was going to find his apartment. It was a new complex that had just recently been built close to her house. She would have the apartment decorated with modern furnishings and make it look completely different than her own house.
This eventually would become her get away. She wanted to feel completely different when visiting Enrique. It was going to be their special place. She would cherish it forever. The ringing of the boutique phone took her away from these thoughts.
“Le Paris Boutique. How may I help you?”
“Jennifer, how are you doing my darling? How are the cabinets coming along?”
“Monika, what a pleasant surprise. Enrique has already completed one and it looks fabulous. I’m so glad you referred him to me.”
“Well, that’s what friends are for. So, have you made a pass at him yet?”
“Monika, stop it, will you? You don’t have to be so crude.”
“You know I’m just being nosy. Well, I was really calling because I’m having an informal cocktail party tomorrow with the wives of the Chamber of Commerce officers. We’re going to plan this year’s Christmas party and I was wondering if you wanted to come? I know it’s late notice, but since the event starts at three o’clock that should give you plenty of time to get ready.”
Jennifer felt stunned by Monika’s invitation, only because she had never refused her invitations before. She had to come up with something creative so that Monika wouldn’t get suspicious. Monika knew her very well and she couldn’t hide anything from her. She couldn’t say anything that would prompt her to start asking questions.
“Monika, you know I always attend your parties. You’ve never had to give me advanced notice. However, since Robert got the award for perfect attendance I promised him I would treat him to pizza tomorrow. Then afterwards we were going to the toy store to buy him a toy. So it seems like there may be a conflict for me tomorrow. I’ll see what I can do but I’ll call you either way.”
Monika was more surprised than Jennifer. That didn’t sound right. She had known Jennifer too long to know when she was trying to hide something from her. She was going to buy Robert a toy? Becky usually was the designated one to do that. Monika started wondering what really was going on. Nevertheless, she accepted Jennifer’s answer and hung up.
Jennifer felt a sudden chill traveling through her whole body. It’s the sensation one gets when having done something wrong. Her sub-conscious started bothering her. Jennifer could hear her mother scolding her for being unfaithful to her husband. She could hear Roberto crying and yelling at her for cheating on him. She could see her kids’ faces when they saw her with Enrique.
She got a hold of herself and placed her hands on the side of her face. She hadn’t thought of the consequences that being with Enrique might bring. The damage she would cause to her marriage and her children. She was willing to sacrifice all of this for the thrill of a possible affair.
She started talking to herself. “I can’t let Monika find out the truth. I know she suspects something is wrong. I could hear it in her voice. She knows I’m up to something. I must tell Alejandra not to mention my whereabouts to anyone that calls. She can’t let anyone know that the kids are home with her and not with me.”
Jennifer came home in the evening and she didn’t see Enrique. She got home after seven because she had some last minute work to finish. The maids had left and Becky greeted her. Robert and Alyssa hugged her and were glad to see her. She asked Becky if anyone had called and she said no. She then asked Becky where Enrique was and she said he was in his room. Becky said he had just finished a few minutes ago. With that Becky gave her a hug and waved goodbye to the kids and left.
Jennifer took the kids upstairs to their room so they could watch television while she took a bath. She came back downstairs because she had bought a bath gel and left the bag sitting on the sofa. While grabbing for the bag she was surprised by Enrique. He was standing there with nothing but a wet towel around his waist. He had just finished taking a shower. His hair was still wet and the scent he emitted was of a fresh citrus fragrance. She stood there, blank, amazed, and very shaken. She could feel the magnetism that made him so self-confident. He got closer to her and she could feel her heart beating with excitement.
“I’m sorry, but did I scare you? I didn’t mean to. I was just going to get a glass of water. Excuse my appearance but I didn’t think anyone would be here. I heard you take the kids upstairs so I decided to make my move. This feels much more comfortable after having worked so hard today.”
Jennifer was in a trance. She couldn’t keep her eyes away from him. She wanted to pull his towel away and finally get to admire his entire body. She desired to be put her arms around him and kiss him passionately. But she had to contain herself and not do anything foolish.
“Oh no, you didn’t scare me. It’s just that I wasn’t expecting to see you. I’m going to take a bath now and then we can talk some more when I come back downstairs.”
She went back upstairs and Enrique had a huge smile on his face. He had known she was coming downstairs and he intentionally came out to provoke her. He loved to play this game with her. It made the conquest that much sweeter.
Jennifer lay in her bathtub and was overtaken by ecstasy. She couldn’t keep Enrique off her mind. She envisioned them tomorrow walking through the River Walk. She thought of the times they would spend in his apartment together. She couldn’t wait to see what it would feel like to be with him.
Jennifer got out from the bathtub and wrapped a towel around her body and another one around her head. She looked at herself in the mirror. She saw a new, more adventurous woman. She had left behind that virtuous image she so convincingly portrayed. She was going to be a new woman and there was nothing that could stop her from getting what she wanted.
She changed and put on some nice jeans and a T-shirt. Her hair was still wet and she smelled fresh. She went downstairs and Enrique was waiting for her. He was wearing a muscle shirt and shorts. They were both trying their best to seduce each other. Every time his gaze met hers, her heart turned over in response.
“I’ve never seen you in jeans before. It brings out a totally different look in you. It makes you look more laid-back. It’s a nice change from that sophisticated woman style that you always have.”
Jennifer was eating all of this up. She loved to have him look at her. She liked how he paid close attention to the clothes she wore. Roberto never complimented her on her clothes. This was a welcome change. For the first time that she can remember, a man was telling her how good her clothes made her look.
“Thanks, I’ve never had a man compliment me like that. You have an eye for fashion. Roberto couldn’t care less what I was wearing. I don’t mean that to sound negative. It’s just that he doesn’t look at clothes the way you do. He doesn’t realize how important it is for a woman to have a man’s a
pproval for the way she looks. But I don’t blame him since he knows I have good taste in clothing. He has grown accustomed to my style. I guess he doesn’t find it necessary to tell me how good I look anymore.”
They continued talking for a few minutes longer and Jennifer told him they should continue talking tomorrow. She didn’t want the kids to be alarmed knowing there was a stranger in the house. She was just hoping that Robert wouldn’t mention anything to his father. Robert was very smart for his age and was known from time to time to divulge information he had heard in conversations.
Chapter Seven
Jennifer woke up early and got ready for her day with Enrique. She went downstairs and Lupe was already there. Lupe asked her how everything was going and she told her everything was fine. Lupe and Olga took turns working on the weekends. Jennifer then proceeded to tell her about her plans with Enrique and again reiterated that no one should know about this. Jennifer knew how loose Lupe’s tongue was and how she liked stirring trouble. Lupe already knew what Jennifer was up to. It was something she knew would happen sooner or later. The naïve, innocent young woman was gone forever. A new Jennifer had emerged.
Shortly thereafter, Enrique showed up ready for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only was he going apartment hunting and visiting San Antonio’s attractions. He was going to spend the day with Jennifer. He would finally get to know her fully. He would find out what her favorite things were and what her weaknesses were too. He was casually dressed with nice designer jeans and a Gap shirt and cap. Jennifer was wearing designer jeans with a white western-style shirt and a trendy straw hat. Enrique found her simply breathtaking.
Alejandra came at around nine thirty and she greeted Jennifer. Lupe was glad to see her as well. Now she would have someone to talk to about what was going on. Jennifer took Alejandra aside and spent a few minutes talking with her. Among the things she told her was not to let anyone know where she was and that the kids were home. Alejandra found this very uncharacteristic of Jennifer. She had never told her to hide anything from anyone before. Jennifer then introduced Alejandra to Enrique who was glad to meet her. Alejandra had the same naïve demeanor that Jennifer once had. She was a tall brunette with long hair and a beautiful face. Enrique melted when they shook hands. She felt uncomfortable that this man was drooling over her.