David reached across the table and grabbed my hand. "First off, you are an angel Kayla. My mom's a nurse too. I know a little bit about what you do, what you go through, how much of yourself that you put into your job. I also know that you are an intelligent, sweet and giving lady."
His speech wasn't finished, "Second, you aren't a slut. You have a sensual mind. It replays passionate memories and images in your head. Of course they arouse you, they'd arouse anyone. I wasn't even there but hearing you talk about your memories turned me on. It isn't odd to me that you see something desirable in most men. I see unique beauty in every woman."
"Believe me Kayla. People that aren't fortunate enough to have experienced the kind of passionate relationships that you had in college yearn for something like that. The yearning goes much deeper for you because you know firsthand what you're missing."
"You couldn't find a meaningful relationship to replace your loss. It has to be difficult to have a body like yours and no one special to appreciate it. So you took pleasure where you could. When you thought you and Greg could have a meaningful relationship, you dropped everyone else."
"He saw your need and took advantage. He came on to you when he had no right to do so. Kayla, it isn't your fault that he left Brenda."
"He didn't even have the sense to treat you the way that you deserve. Yet you remained faithful to him. If you have to label someone as a slut, it should be him!"
I had told David every sordid detail of my life. Instead of condemning me, he defended me. I didn't know what to say.
David frowned at me and his grip on my hand tightened. "I'd never lay hands on a woman. But Kayla I assure you, if you go back to Greg, I'm going to pay Ginger half a million dollars to kick your ass."
He's serious, his threat is a promise. I'm pretty sure he has the money and Greg's sister is a beautician. She still lives at home with their parents because she's trying to save money to open her own beauty salon. Ginger loves me but I bet she'd beat my ass for that money.
"Uh, David, Brenda is pregnant with his child, remember? Greg's not going to try to get me back."
As if on cue, my phone starts to ring. I dig it out of my pocket. It's Greg. Instead of answering it, I place my phone on the table.
"Kayla, he's wanted you for most of his life. He's not going to give you up. Brenda's chased after him for years. It boosts his ego and now she's having his baby. He isn't going to give her up either. He's not man enough to choose between the two of you. "
"I believe that what happens in an adult relationship is no one else's business. I usually would keep my opinions to myself. I certainly wouldn't dream of trying to boss around a grown woman in love. But, your relationship with Greg is over, period. You know he can't make you happy. But if you remove yourself from the picture, Brenda and their child can have a chance at happiness."
David is right and I know it. My stupid phone started to ring again. I don't even look at it.
"Slide it to me Kayla, the next time he calls you tonight will be his last time."
It starts ringing a third time as I slide it to David. He picks it up and answers it. I can tell by the tone of his voice that it isn't Greg. He assures the caller that I am doing ok and tells them that I don't need more company right now. He says that I'm a strong woman and would be just fine.
David stands up. "That was your brother. He said he loves you and wants you to call him if you need anything."
I stand up too and David walks around the table and pulls me close for a hug. I don't want him to leave. But I'm not going to ask him to stay. He's right, I am a strong woman.
He gives me one more reassuring pat on my back then stands back a step. "Now tell me, where do you keep your blankets and a spare pillow?"
He is staying! I hurry off to my linen closet and gather sheets, a blanket and two pillows. I meet him in my living room and proceed towards my couch to make a bed for him.
He takes my armload from me and places it on my oversized recliner.
"David you're sleeping in my chair?"
"Yes, and so are you. Give it a chance. If you feel uncomfortable, you can get up and go to bed. Now, go slip into something comfortable so I can hold you like I came here to do."
"You know I'll be ok. You don't have to stay."
"Yes, I know you'll be fine. I'm staying because I want to. Besides, tipsy Kayla knows going back to Greg is a terrible idea. But sober Kayla may not remember that in the morning. She needs someone who cares about her to be here to remind her."
I'm smart so I don't waste my breath arguing with him. I let him know that the bathroom down the hallway is fully stocked with toiletries for guests. I head to my own room to prepare for bed. I strip, quickly wash up and brush my teeth. I don a tank top, panties, and pajama pants, no bra. I can't sleep in a bra. I remove the elastic band holding my hair in a ponytail and allow my curls to spring free.
David had settled in on the recliner. It is fully extended, nearly flat. His eyes drop briefly to my jiggling breasts as I approach, but he recovers quickly. He flips back a corner of the blanket for me and I see that he's still wearing his jeans and t-shirt.
The recliner is wide enough to fit two people lying side by side more comfortably than my sofa would. I turn off the lamp then slide under the blanket and into his arms. He lies on his back and drags me partially on top of him. He makes a half growl, half sigh sound of contentment.
I'm aroused but being in his arms also makes me feel safe and cared for. I close my eyes, position my ear above his steady heartbeat, and will myself to relax. David gently brushes my hair away from my face and kisses my forehead. "Sweet dreams angel," he says.
I wake up the next morning to the enticing aroma of coffee and cinnamon rolls. I follow my nose to the kitchen. The dishes from last night were nowhere in sight. David turns from the stove and smiles. "Good morning. Breakfast will be ready in about five minutes. How are you feeling?"
"Good morning David. I feel better. You cleaned up from last night and made me breakfast too! I can't believe you did all of this. You're gonna spoil me rotten!"