Sharp Edges

by K. L. Middleton

  “Um, okay,” I breathed, feeling like a teenager on her first date.

  He noticed my reaction and chuckled. “You’re not going to avoid me now, are you? I know it’s a lot to take in. If you want to run for the hills, I guess I wouldn’t blame you.”

  I released a long breath and smiled. “No, actually, I’m glad you told me. It feels good to be wanted.”

  He smiled, wickedly. “Oh, you’re definitely wanted.”

  Just then, the waitress came back with our food and we focused on the lobsters.

  “Oh, this is so good,” I said, dipping another piece of the succulent meat into the butter. “Thanks again for doing this.”

  He smiled. “You’re welcome. I love a woman with a good appetite.”

  “No salad nibbler here,” I said. “I have to have my meat and carbs.”

  “Couldn’t agree more.”

  As I was taking a sip of water, I looked towards the bar where a man with a shaved head and a dark goatee sat staring at me. When he noticed me glancing back, he raised his drink and nodded. It brought back the threats from my intruder last night and all the blood rush to my ears.

  “Oh, my God,” I squeaked.

  Jake leaned forward. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

  I glanced back at the stranger. He’d finished his drink and was preparing to leave.

  “I…uh…”

  Jake turned towards the bar as the man threw down some cash and strolled away casually.

  Jake turned back at me and smiled. “What, was that guy leering at you?”

  I looked at him but didn’t know what to say.

  “What is it?” he prodded. “You look like you just saw a ghost.”

  I shook my head. “It was nothing.”

  His eyes widened. “Nothing?”

  Remembering the other man’s threats against my children, I held my tongue. “I’m fine.”

  He stared at me for a few seconds and nodded. “Okay. Just remember, if you need to talk about anything, I’m here for you.”

  “Thanks,” I answered.

  His cell phone was resting on the table and it began to vibrate. He picked it up and listened to his message. “Shit. I swear I never get any rest.”

  “What is it?” I asked. “Do you have to stop into work, again?”

  He stood up. “I hope not. I’m going to make a quick call. I’m sorry, I’ll be right back.”

  “Of course.”

  When he walked away to use his phone privately, I tried to relax, although I was shaken from the stranger’s attention. I also felt like everyone in the restaurant was staring at me and it took everything I had not to get up and leave.

  “Close call,” sighed Jake, sliding back into the booth, a few minutes later. “They were just looking for some paperwork that I must have forgotten to turn in.”

  “So, you’re safe?”

  “I’m safe,” he grinned, “although, I’m not sure if you are, wearing that dress.”

  I shook my head and smiled.

  “What?” he teased. “It’s your fault. I’d planned on being a perfect gentleman until you walked out wearing that little number.”

  Just then my phone began to ring, startling us both. I took it out of my purse and frowned.

  Scott.

  I ignored the call and put it back into my purse.

  “Not important?” he asked.

  I shook my head. “No.”

  We finished our food and Jake asked for the bill when the waitress returned to check on us.

  “What now?” he asked, putting his credit card away.

  I smiled. “I should get back. The kids will be home in an hour or so.”

  He nodded. “I understand. Let’s go.”

  It was stifling hot when we stepped out of the restaurant and I was slightly lightheaded from the cocktail. “Whoa,” I breathed, stopping in my tracks. “I’m a little dizzy. That was one stiff drink.”

  He grabbed my hand and slid it around his bicep. “Here, hold on to me and I’ll make sure you don’t trip in those heels.”

  I smiled. “Okay.”

  Damn he felt good. His forearm was thick and hard and I imagined what he must look like when he was pumping iron, his muscles glistening with sweat, tightening and flexing, his face a hard mask of concentration. Possibly the same look he had when making love to a woman.

  “You must work out,” I blurted, before I could stop myself.

  He looked down at me and smiled with amusement. “A little.”

  I stared at him in horror. “I’m sorry. That sounds like a stupid come-on or something. I can’t believe I just said that.”

  He threw his head back and laughed.

  “I mean seriously,” I said, shaking my head. “You must think I’m this jilted, lonely housewife who’s hitting on her hot neighbor. I feel like such a twit.”

  “So you think I’m hot?” he asked as we made it back to his car. He walked me over to the passenger side and opened the door.

  I could feel my face burning brightly in the sun. “Well, I mean…you’re very good-looking, obviously.”

  He stared into my eyes. “And you’re…absolutely beautiful,” he murmured.

  The world around us seemed to have stopped as he moved towards me. Before I could catch my breath, he pulled me into his arms and crushed his lips against mine, surprising the hell out of me for the second time that afternoon. In that instant, something inside of me woke up and I abandoned all control, slipping my arms around his neck, pulling him in closer. As we melted together, his tongue moved into my mouth and I could taste mint along with a hint of Michelob.

  Sensing my submission, he pushed me against the car and began exploring the inside of my mouth while I ran my fingers through his soft dark hair and held on. His tongue was hot, wet and demanding, like nothing I’d experienced in quite some time. I moaned into his mouth and pressed closer.

  With a deep groan, his hands cupped my buttocks and began kneading my cheeks with his fingers, sending a fiery heat to my pelvis. When he pulled my hips in closer to his, I could feel his excitement, which was more than substantial.

  “Jake,” I breathed, as his mouth moved lower.

  He cupped one of my breasts and began kneading it. “Fuck, I want you, right now,” he growled into the curve of my neck.

  And I wanted him.

  Badly.

  Hearing laughter in the distance, however, I remembered where we were and opened my eyes. Thankfully, we were parked on the side of the building and had some privacy, but not enough for what either of us really wanted.

  “Jake,” I repeated, pushing him back. “This…”

  He stiffened up and closed his eyes. “I know. What the hell am I even thinking? I’m sorry.”

  I shook my head. “No, it’s okay. Obviously, I enjoyed it as much as you did.”

  He opened his eyes and they burned into mine. “I want this to go further, more than anything,” he said. “But, only when you’re ready.”

  As far as my body went, I was beyond ready. I wanted someone to drive me crazy with everything he had, make love to me like I was the only woman he’d ever wanted. Take me to places that I hadn’t seen in years. But I knew in my heart, at that particular moment, it wasn’t right. Not right now and not with someone who was almost a stranger.

  I let out a breath. “I guess I know what I want sexually, but I’m not ready for it emotionally. I’m sorry.”

  “Well, I’m willing to wait. Besides, if you were easy, I wouldn’t even be interested. I can get that anytime I want,” he said as I slid into the car.

  “I’ll bet,” I breathed, staring at him as he walked back around to the driver’s side.

  “Now,” he said, getting inside. “Let’s get home so I can take a cold shower and forget about the way your sweet ass felt in the palm of my hands.”

  I shook my head and smiled.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Neither of us said much on the way home, we just listened to one of his o
ld Eagles CDs in a comfortable silence; every once in a while, however, I’d catch him stealing a glance towards me or smiling to himself. It wasn’t until we pulled onto our street that reality set back in.

  “Shit,” said Jake, as he pulled into his driveway. “Looks like you’ve got company.”

  Scott’s car was in the driveway and he was sitting on my porch, looking less than pleased.

  “Would you like me to come over?” asked Jake. “He looks a little pissed off.”

  I sighed. “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” I said. “But thanks.”

  “Are you sure?”

  I nodded. “I’ll be fine. Thanks for lunch, by the way.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Afraid that he was going to try and kiss me, I got out of the car and walked home as casually as I could, under the circumstances.

  “My…my…my,” sneered Scott as I stepped up and onto the porch. “Looks like you’re moving on with your life. New locks on the house, new boyfriend…”

  “He’s not my boyfriend,” I interrupted. “I’m married, remember? Oh, that’s right – you’re the one who forgets that little fact the moment he steps into his office. Don’t you dare start pointing fingers at me, Scott. You definitely won’t win that argument.”

  He blew out a long breath and nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m being a total shit. You certainly don’t deserve getting the third degree.”

  I sighed. “Thank you. Now, what do you want?”

  “Is that a new outfit,” he asked, staring at my clothes.

  I raised my chin. “No, I’ve had this forever. Why are you here?”

  He ran a hand over his face and I noticed for the first time, how haggard he looked. “Isn’t it obvious?” he asked. “I just want to come home.”

  “It’s been less than two weeks. I’m not ready to let you back home.”

  He gave me an incredulous look. “Why?”

  “Are you daft? How many times do we have to go over this? Because, I can’t get those images out of my head and, to be frank, I don’t know if I can really ever trust you again.”

  He ran a hand through his blonde hair. “Fuck, Lindsey, I swear to you, it will never happen again.”

  “It shouldn’t have happened to begin with,” I said.

  He nodded and looked away. “I know.”

  “Please, give me time to think. I really need it, Scott. You owe me that much.”

  His head bobbed up and down. “Yeah, you’re right,” he said, standing up.

  “You’re still taking the kids Friday, right?”

  He put his hands on his hips. “Personally, I still think we should do something as a family.”

  “No. You need to spend some quality time with the children.”

  “Have you told them anything about what happened?”

  “I told them we needed some time away from each other.”

  “So, you didn’t tell them what actually happened.”

  I looked at him in horror. “Are you kidding? They’d never look at you the same way again.”

  He smiled, bitterly. “Well, thanks for that.”

  I sighed. “Did you need some more clothes?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do.”

  I unlocked the door and he followed me into our bedroom. When I bent down to pull out the suitcase from under the bed, he did the same and we bumped heads together.

  “Oh…I’m sorry,” I said, laughing. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” he said, looking at my forehead. “You have a little red mark, though.”

  I touched my head and winced. “It only hurts when I laugh.”

  He burst out laughing and then stared into my eyes. “I love you,” he stated, trying to pull me into his arms. “Please, let me just hold you for a minute.”

  “Scott,” I said, pushing him away. “Please…don’t.”

  He grabbed the back of my head and pulled me to his lips, then began kissing me. I started pushing him away but then the ache in my heart cried out for my husband, who I knew I still loved regardless. His touch and taste were as familiar as the memories we’d shared.

  Perhaps we could work it out?

  I sighed and gave in, letting him kiss me.

  He pushed me down against the bed and began touching my breasts. “Oh, baby, I want you so bad,” he whispered.

  I closed my eyes as he began fumbling around, trying to get under my dress. Unfortunately, as the seconds ticked by, I started thinking about those same hands on the other women and the look of bliss on his face when I’d found him getting a blowjob. I suddenly felt sick to my stomach as he unzipped his pants and his erection brushed against my thigh.

  “Scott,” I said, stiffening up.

  “Are you ready for me?” he whispered as his intrusive hands slipped inside of my panties.

  I sighed. “Stop.”

  “Feel this,” he whispered, putting my hand on his crotch. “I still want you, baby.” This time I shoved him back so roughly that he stared at me in shock. “Linds?”

  “I can’t do this,” I mumbled, as he tried grabbing my hand again.

  “But I love you, honey,” he pleaded, his eyes filling with frustrated tears. “Please, we can work this out.”

  “Maybe someday,” I said, getting off the bed. “But not right now.”

  “Come on, Lindsey,” he begged, holding his hand out towards me. “Don’t be like this.”

  “Listen, the kids will be home soon. Grab what you need and leave.” Then I left the bedroom before he could say anything more and went to the kitchen. Fortunately, he didn’t follow me and I had time to collect myself.

  “Hi, mom,” said Regan when she walked in the door ten minutes later. “Is dad home?”

  Before I could answer, Jeremy raced through the door, a large smile on his face. “Dad’s home?!”

  I sighed. “He’s…”

  “Hey, kids!” hollered Scott, coming into the kitchen.

  “Daddy!” cried Regan as she flew into his arms.

  He picked her up and spun her around. “I’ve missed you, princess.”

  “Is she finally letting you back home?” asked Jeremy, scowling at me.

  Scott put Regan down and stepped over to Jeremy. “Hey, don’t blame your mother. This isn’t her fault.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Do you want to come home?” he asked.

  Scott put a hand on his shoulder. “Son, of course I do.”

  Jeremy turned to me. “Do you want dad to come home?”

  I sighed. “Jeremy, it’s complicated.”

  His face darkened as he looked back at his father. “It’s her, isn’t it? She won’t let you back in because she’s having an affair.”

  “Jeremy!” I snapped. “I am not having an affair!”

  “Don’t lie,” he said, tears forming in his eyes. “First you kick dad out, then you go and have your hair done, now a new dress?”

  “She is not having an affair,” said Scott, although the look in his eyes told me he wasn’t so sure about it, either.

  “Honey,” I said. “I would never do that to your father.”

  “Well, then, why can’t you just move back home?” he asked Scott.

  Scott let out a long sigh. “Well, it’s not that easy. I’m going to level with you, because you deserve to know and I don’t want you blaming your mother.”

  I raised my eyebrows.

  “I lied to your mom about some things and deceived her. I hurt her very badly and she needs time to heal,” he said, looking at me. “But, that doesn’t mean we don’t love each other.”

  “But…” whined Jeremy.

  “No buts, Jeremy,” replied Scott sternly. “I was a complete jerk and deserve to this and probably more. So, don’t you dare go blaming your mother; she did absolutely nothing wrong.”

  Jeremy looked at me and sighed.

  I wanted to forgive Scott more than anything at that moment, but I still wasn’t sure if I could. I knew if we did get back together,
it would probably be after many hours of therapy.

  “So,” said Scott, clapping his hands. “This Friday night, I’m taking you two and we’re going out on the town and then we’ll stay at grandma and grandpa’s. Sound like fun?”

  Both kids appeared elated at that announcement and I was able to let out a sigh of relief.

  Scott looked at his watch and frowned. “Oh, I have a meeting I really need to get to. I’d better run. I’ll pick you guys up at seven o’clock on Friday.”

  I wondered if his meeting included the two bimbos from the other day. I pushed the jealous thoughts aside, however, and forced a smile.

  “I’ll see you Friday, Linds,” he said, kissing my cheek.

  “Okay,” I said, stiffening up as he pulled me in closer for a tight hug.

  “Call me if you need anything,” he whispered into my ear. “And I mean anything. I still have a hard on with your name on it.”

  That would have delighted me two weeks ago. Now, it only troubled me. I gently pushed him away and gave him a look that said, “Not funny.”

  He shrugged and then said his goodbyes to the children.

  “I wonder where he’s taking us?” asked Regan after Scott had left.

  “Probably, to a nice restaurant,” I said, handing her an apple.

  Just then the telephone rang.

  “It’s Darcy,” said Regan, looking at the caller I.D.

  I grabbed the phone. “Hey, chic.”

  “You still up for working on your resume tonight?” she asked.

  “Of course.”

  “Good, I’ll be over in an hour. I’m dropping Max off at his father’s then I’ll swing by.”

  “See you soon, Darce.”

  “Darcy’s coming over?” asked Jeremy.

  I nodded. “Yes, she’s going to help me find a job.”

  “You have a job,” he said. “Taking care of us.”

  I smiled. “Even though I love that job, I need a second one that pays the bills.”

  He frowned. “So that means dad’s not coming home soon.”

  “I don’t know. I think that even if he does, it might be a good idea for me to earn some extra money anyway. Don’t you think?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m going on my computer for a while.”