“Um um um! Turn around,” Mike cajoled, shaking his head.
Vonnie twisted and turned, giving him an eyeful of her full breasts, indented waist, and ample hips. Easing up to her, he slid his hands around her waist and stared into her eyes.
“You are so beautiful.”
Vonnie blushed and waved off his compliment as she tried to twist out of his arms so she could add the final touches to her outfit. Refusing to release her, Mike pulled her back in. At first, he just stared at her with a sly smile. Vonnie looked upwards and shook her head.
“I’m so into you. Even after all these years.”
Vonnie thought her heart would stop. His words weren’t paperback romance, but they penetrated deep. Lucky wasn’t strong enough a word to describe how she felt to have a husband like Mike. Vonnie held his head between her hands and pulled him down for a kiss. Her passion poured out like lava. Then she released his tongue and planted several pecks all over his face.
“And I’m the luckiest woman in the world. I love you, baby.”
“Now let’s go.” Mike grabbed her hand and tried to lead her out. “You’re always making us late!” he teased.
“What!” She gasped and swatted his back. “Wait. I need to get my jewelry and finish putting on my make-up.”
“You don’t need make-up, woman. I like you just like that!”
Vonnie waved him off again and headed to the bathroom to apply a little eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. The multi-colored platform pumps she put on served as a trendy contrast to her outfit, and the royal blue swirls strolling through them matched the dress exactly.
When she finally finished, Mike looked her up and down approvingly.
“Wait until I get you back home!”
Vonnie sashayed past him with a sexy stride, her hips swaying. Thoughts about how she couldn’t wait to get back home filled her mind. With the house to themselves, she imagined all the things she would do to him and all the things she wanted him to do to her. Maybe she’d even pull out one of her wigs and become one of her alter egos.
Chapter 4
The Madisons
Pacing anxiously, Nadalia Madison waited for her husband, Sage, to get in. She had already called him several times to see how close he was to home. Each time he would say he’d be there soon, but never divulged his exact location, which annoyed her. He hadn’t followed her instructions to stay home from work. That way, he wouldn’t be straining through rush-hour broods, traveling from New York City to Long Island on the railroad.
For that reason alone, Nadalia was glad she decided to open up an office and showroom in Long Island for Miso Custom Furriers, a company she helped run, which was started by her mother, Mina Sevan, and her sister, Sona.
Sage. Hearing a car pull up, Nadalia ran to the window closest to the door. Her mouth fell open at the sight of Sage getting out of a sports car with an enormous bow decorating the top of it. She was out of the door in a flash, meeting Sage by the time he could fully exit the car. The bold crimson leather interior stuck out against the slick silver of the car’s exterior.
“Oh my goodness, babe!” Standing on her tippy toes, Nadalia reached up to give Sage a quick kiss. “A new car! Happy birthday to you,” she sang as she traced the sleek lines.
“Actually,” Sage held up the keys, “it’s for you!”
“Me?” Nadalia squealed. “Really?” Her mouth dropped open. “But why?”
“Just for being you.” Sage tossed her the keys.
Nadalia caught them and jumped into his arms. A former college lineman standing six feet, four inches and weighing two hundred and twenty-five pounds, Sage barely moved when Nadalia’s slim, five feet and four-inch body landed on him.
“Go on. Take it for a ride.”
Nadalia giggled and skipped back to the car. She jumped in and the engine purred so silently, she barely heard it.
“Is it on?” she asked.
Sage laughed. “Yes.”
Nadalia noticed Sage hadn’t gotten in the car yet. “Aren’t you going to join me?”
“Ah, I really need a shower. It’s been a long day.”
“Awww, come on.”
“Babe,” Sage scrunched his face. “I’ll take my joyride on the way to dinner tonight. How about that?”
“Cool!”
Sage didn’t wait for Nadalia to get out of the car. Nadalia huffed, got out, and headed into the house behind him, skipping to catch up.
“Want me to join you?” she called after him as he trotted up the steps.
“No! I mean, I don’t think you should.”
Nadalia pouted.
“I mean, I don’t think you want to. Let me just...freshen up first.” Sage turned and continued trotting up the stairs.
Nadalia stood in the foyer and watched him until he disappeared into their bedroom. Lately, he always managed to leave her with a sense of longing that his extravagant gifts weren’t able to fulfill. She hoped he wasn’t getting bored with her. How could he? She was beautiful, successful, and she kept herself up. Nadalia wondered what else it would take to get her husband to pay her a little more attention.
She thought about the bold statement her aunt always made: Men don’t need much. If you feed and screw them, you can keep them happy. Nadalia surely wasn’t much of a cook, so she had to resort to being phenomenal in bed.
“Sage, honey!” she sang.
Nadalia decided to surprise him with a little special birthday attention before dinner as an appetizer. She slipped out of her clothes, tipped into the bathroom, and eased open the shower door. Sage stood under the stream of water with his head back and eyes closed. She stepped into the stall, which was large enough for six, and slid her arms around his waist. Sage jumped, startled by her presence.
“What’s wrong?” Nadalia dropped her hands.
“Nothing, babe.” Sage looked annoyed. “You just startled me. That’s all.”
“Oh...well, I think you’ve had enough time to freshen up on your own.” She threw her arms back around him. “I just wanted to say happy birthday to my big teddy bear.”
“Thanks, babe,” he said, then leaned down and gave her a peck on her forehead.
Sage’s kiss felt so distant and void of passion. She sighed inwardly, but wasn’t ready to give up. Instead, Nadalia squatted, taking him into her mouth. She couldn’t decipher if she heard him gasp from the anticipation of the pleasure she was about to give him or if he had huffed. Deciding this was not the time to question it, she worked on his shriveled manhood, trying to massage it to life. Every time she let it go, it fell limp against his leg. After several attempts, her ego couldn’t take it anymore. She chucked it up to Sage having a long day.
Nadalia pressed her hand against the tiled shower wall and lifted herself up. She read the apology in Sage’s eyes.
“I’m just a little tired, babe, but I’m sure I’ll be better tonight after hanging out with the gang. All of the stress from today should be gone by the time we return home.”
Nadalia thought about the ‘gang’. She would have never chosen the women as friends. They were forcibly juxtaposed because their husbands were so close. She tolerated them at the very least.
She didn’t really have an issue with any of them specifically. Well, maybe she did have a little bit of an issue with that Pearson. Her mouth was uncontrollable. That and the fact she could drink anyone under a table. Pearson’s curt mouth didn’t scare Nadalia. In fact, Nadalia always met her toe-to-toe.
Not wanting to waste another second thinking about Pearson, Nadalia turned her thoughts back to her husband and her inability to rouse him sexually. Sex had always been a strong point for her, but lately, their sex life was losing its luster. She had to do something, especially since she couldn’t cook her way out of a paper bag.
“Okay.” Nadalia all but pouted. That’s it—stress, she convinced herself.
Together, they exited the shower and toweled off. Only cordial words passed between them as they dressed. Nadalia t
ook her time putting on her clothes, adding extra effort into trying to be sexy as she did so––arching her back and extending her toned legs. Sage didn’t seem to notice. Quietly, they finished dressing and headed out the door.
Chapter 5
Pearson
Pearson and Niles’ ride to the Beckingham Country Club was silent, save for the soft jazz emanating from the radio. She gave Niles the space he needed to shake off his irritation with her for starting the party early. She had finished the entire bottle of wine while she was getting dressed. Pearson didn’t mean to make him mad. She never meant to, yet she always did.
“If it bothers you this much, I promise I’ll take it easy tonight. I just need to take the edge off when we get together,” she said, referring to the wives.
Niles kept his eyes on the road, tucked in his bottom lip and nodded.
Halfway there, as a sign of a truce, Niles reached over and took her hand. He held it the rest of the way. Pearson looked out the passenger window wearing a small smile. At that moment they were fine, she couldn’t speak for the rest of the night. All she knew was that he meant the world to her even if she didn’t know how to show it.
Minutes later, they pulled into the circular drive at the members-only country club. The valet scurried over to Niles’ side of the car, while another opened Pearson’s side, extending his hand to help her exit.
“Mr. & Mrs. Day,” the valet on Niles’ side greeted them with a nod. “How are you this evening?” the lanky young man asked.
“Great! And you?”
“Wonderful, Sir. Now don’t worry about this beauty,” he said, patting the hood of the Porsche before hopping into the car. He fingered the steering wheel in admiration. “I’ll take good care of her.”
As Niles and Pearson turned toward the elegant dining room in one of Beckingham’s several restaurants, Pearson spotted Anderson and Ryan Lee pull up in his latest toy—a Maserati.
“Pearson,” Ryan called out in her small voice.
Pearson pretended not to hear her until Niles turned back. Still, Pearson didn’t answer until Ryan called her a second time.
“Hi, Pearson,” Ryan cooed. “You look lovely.”
“Thanks.” Pearson looked Ryan over, assessing her petite frame in a shapeless black dress. With her hair pulled back into a chignon, she looked like a little boy in girl’s clothing.
Anderson on the other hand, being the A-list man that he was, looked debonair, even in jeans, a t-shirt and a sports jacket. A diamond sparkled from his left lobe and his bald head shone under the light. Ryan held on to his hand as if she wanted everyone to know he belonged to her.
“My man!” Anderson greeted Niles with a handshake, man-hug and a winning smile. His teeth glowed. “Pearson.” Anderson nodded before kissing her hand.
Charm oozed from his aura. Anderson looked around, smiling and nodding at all the people gawking at him.
“Are we the first?” Anderson asked Niles.
“I’m not sure. We just got here.”
The men stood talking while Pearson tapped her foot. She couldn’t wait to get inside and get a drink. Just then, Mike and Vonita pulled up. Pearson released a breath. At least she could have a conversation with Vonita. She had a personality, unlike Ryan, who Pearson thought had as much character as spaghetti without sauce.
“Hey, Pearson,” Vonita said as the women embraced while the men continued to chat.
“How’s Noelle?”
“Great. She’s home this weekend, but she’s adjusting to boarding school very well. It’s me who’s having separation issues.” Vonita released a hearty laugh. Everything about her was full bodied.
“That’s good. Don’t worry. I went away to school my whole life. She’ll be fine and so will you.”
“I sure hope so. Oh! Hey, Ryan,” Vonita said turning her attention. “I didn’t even see you.” Vonita pulled her into an embrace. “How are you?”
“I’m great, Vonita. Thanks!”
Silence settled between the women as the men continued with laughter and easy banter.
Pearson was just about to suggest they go inside and get drinks when she heard Nadalia’s whiny voice. They pulled up in a brand new Aston Martin. Pearson decided she wouldn’t acknowledge the car, she’d see how long it would take for Nadalia to mention it.
“Hello everyone! Are we the last to arrive?” Nadalia asked as she exited the car in a lavender ruffled maxi dress and purple platforms. Her long jet black hair was parted in the middle and hung straight down the sides of her face.
The women said nothing.
Sage came around the car, kissed the women and fell right into the men’s groove, shaking hands, offering hugs, and starting up with the jokes.
“Take care of my baby,” Nadalia said to the valet as he drove off. She turned back to the woman. “Can you believe Sage surprised me with that car on his birthday?” She shook her head, beaming with joy.
The other woman just smiled. Pearson waved dismissively.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen, let’s get this party started,” Nadalia said, bouncing toward the entrance.
Pearson hung back with Vonita at her side. She looked at her watch, wondering how much longer she’d have to tolerate the crew.
The moment they were seated, Nadalia made sure the waiter knew it was her husband’s birthday. Pearson immediately ordered a bottle of their finest Merlot and wondered what the others planned to drink.
The time passed easily for the men, while the conversation between the women didn’t flow. Nadalia did most of the talking or bragging, as Pearson called it. With the Merlot flowing through her system, Pearson thought things were going well until Nadalia decided to toast her husband’s birthday.
“Sage, sweetie! I just want to say how much I love my new car.”
Pearson rolled her eyes and took a sip of wine. Niles squeezed her free hand under the table.
“Get to the birthday part,” Pearson said.
Ryan lowered her head and snickered. Vonnie admonished her with a look, shook her head and chuckled. Nadalia twisted her lips before continuing.
“Sage, honey. Happy birthday and may we share many, many more together. This is for you.” Nadalia pulled out a box. There were smiles around the table, except on Pearson’s face.
Sage took the box and tore off the paper, revealing a Louis Moinet watch. Sage’s eyes stretched and he stood to kiss his wife.
The couples cheered.
“Come on, baby. Put it on!” Nadalia took his hand, but paused for a quick moment before she helped him take off the watch he was wearing. Her smile faded in that moment, but she recovered quickly.
Pearson caught Nadalia’s subtle leer. She took a sip and peered at Vonnie over her glass, noticing that she’d caught the slight change as well.
Pearson eased her hand from Niles’ hold. He’d kept her pinned down for as long as he could.
“Okay, my turn.” Pearson staggered to her feet. “Sage,” she started, but felt Niles pulling on her hand again. “Ouch! Let go!” She yanked her hand from his grasp. He stood beside her. “Anyway, Sage. I just want to say happy birthday and next time, buy yourself something. Nadalia’s got enough shit of her own.”
“It’s been a great evening.” Niles jumped in before Pearson could say another word. “But it’s time for us to go.” He acknowledged the women with a nod. “Ladies,” he said, then turned to the men. “Gentlemen, I’ll see you on the green in the morning. Enjoy the rest of your night.”
Niles practically pushed Pearson out of the restaurant and ordered the valet to bring his car. Pearson waited for him to scold her, but he kept quiet. She held on to her glass of wine until he snatched it and handed it to one of the other valets, causing the wine to tumble over the rim.
Niles side-stepped the spill, making sure it hadn’t stained his shoes, and then shook his hand, trying to get rid of what had trickled on him. When the car arrived, Pearson flopped into the passenger seat. Niles slammed the door, slipped in on his
side and sped off.
Pearson felt disoriented when Niles nudged her awake. She hardly remembered leaving the country club. Niles helped her out of the car and then held her weight as she leaned on him. Pearson giggled as she tripped up the three steps leading from the garage to the mud room, where she kicked off her shoes. One went flying into the kitchen. She heard Niles sigh.
“Come on. Let’s get you to the room.”
Pearson wanted to look at him, but felt as if she’d lost the strength in her neck. It lolled in his direction. One thing she was sure of was the love she felt as he held her by her waist and led her to their bedroom. As sketchy as things were, his care and gentle touch penetrated her altered state. She appreciated him so much, but her tongue was too heavy to put those feelings into words.
She felt herself smiling as Niles peeled off her dress and unclipped her bra, leaving her in the matching lace panties. After removing his clothes, he folded himself against her back and held her.
When Pearson woke the next morning, she didn’t remember leaving the bedroom. Nor did she understand why she was lying across the dining room table—naked. She looked around and climbed down, and then held her palms against her throbbing temples.
Pearson went into the kitchen and she popped two aspirin, washing them down with a sip of water. A stiff drink could make her numb again and she wouldn’t feel so low. Resisting the impulse, she tip-toed upstairs, hoping that Niles was still sleeping. He was and she released a thankful sigh. Silently, she pulled a gown from the drawer, slipped it on and looked back at Niles to make sure she didn’t wake him.
Pearson headed back down to the great room, flopped on the couch and hugged her knees into her chest. She rocked as tears rolled down her cheeks. She wished she had more control over herself in the presence of liquor, but it had become her oxygen. Living without it frightened her. How else would she breathe?
Chapter 6
Nadalia
Nadalia squeezed her eyes against the morning sun pouring through her bedroom window. She stretched and reached for Sage, but found his side of the bed empty. Sitting up, she trained her ears toward the bathroom to see if she heard him in there. Hearing nothing, Nadalia pulled the covers back and tipped downstairs to find him in the kitchen standing over the toaster, sipping a steaming cup of coffee.
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