By late evening Julie’s temperature had returned. Jake watched her shiver, wanting desperately to comfort her as she lay bundled on the couch, but Michelle had the matter well in hand. She catered to the girl, bringing her juice and Tylenol, smoothing her hair and giving her a cool cloth for her forehead.
Julie drifted off to sleep, her fevered pink face giving the illusion that she was younger than her years. Michelle cleaned up a bit, putting away sleeping Jacob’s toys and setting the room to rights again, while Jake tried desperately to keep his eyes away from the young girl lying just a few feet away.
When the room was tidy to Michelle’s satisfaction, she sat down on the arm of his chair, but she obstructed his view of Julie so he pulled her onto his lap and held her there.
“Honestly honey, what did you to the girl? She’s exhausted.” Michelle asked as she snuggled up to him.
Jake’s heart instantly hammered painfully against his ribs, and his mouth became as dry as the desert.
“What do you mean?” He asked, irrational fear making his voice high and almost squeaky.
Michelle laughed and kissed his neck. “Nothing silly. She just seems especially tired. Probably the fever though, summer colds are the worst.”
She attached her lips to Jake’s earlobe and tugged gently, her signal that she wanted him tonight. He sighed and leaned his head back, tired and sleepy, and still afraid she could look at him and see the truth. Denying her was impossible, or she would wonder why, but his drained and tense body wasn’t much in the mood for sex with his wife. As he glanced once more at Julie, however, he felt himself stir with the memories of her sweet young body. God, this was crazy.
His wife sat up and eyed him seductively, the brilliant green of her gaze announcing her intentions. Leaning closer, she pressed her lips to his mouth and inserted her tongue. They kissed for a moment and Jake began to lose himself in the feeling. Michelle was such a wonderful kisser, very erotic and sensual. Working her body tight against his, she slowly explored the inside of his mouth, swirling her tongue delicately, sucking his lip in, and moaning softly. Just as he lifted his arms to pull her closer, his half-closed eyes saw movement and he looked at Julie.
She was staring at them, her eyes filled with hurt and accusation as she watched Jake kiss his wife. Using his eyes, he pleaded for her to understand as he allowed all the conflicting emotions that thundered through him to show on his face, but the girl just flounced over on her other side so she wouldn’t have to watch them kiss.
Hearing Julie’s movement, Michelle pulled away and looked over at her. “She must be uncomfortable. Why don’t you help her get to bed while I have a shower? Then we can take this to our room. Okay?”
“Sure,” he said, rising to his feet, grateful to get a small moment with Julie.
Michelle went upstairs while Jake locked up and turned out the lights. When he heard the shower start up for one of his wife’s half hour cleansing rituals, he went to Julie and stroked her hair.
“Julie, honey, are you all right?”
She ignored him, keeping her face turned away.
“You have to understand sweetie. Michelle is my wife; I have no choice really. Please baby, don’t be mad at me.”
When she turned to face him finally, he was relieved to see a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. Reaching out, she ran her finger down his cheek.
“I love you so much Jake. I do understand I guess, but I don’t like it. I want to be the one in your bed tonight. I feel so… left out.”
“I’m sorry about that angel, I really am, and I love you too. I want you in my bed just as much as you want to be there, but it has to be this way until I can figure something better out for us. Okay?”
“Okay,” she said in a small voice. “I don’t feel good Jake.”
“I know honey, you’re sick is all. I should have left you alone today and put you to bed instead of making love to you, even though I enjoyed every minute with you and every inch of your body.”
The girl moved closer, putting her head against his chest. He put his arms under her and lifted her up. Squirming, she cuddled close to him, wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her up the stairs.
“Where are you taking me?” She murmured sleepily.
“To bed. You need to get some rest.”
“To your bed Jake?”
“No angel. I’m taking you to your bed.”
She was light as a feather and incredibly warm. Worrying over her, he slid her between the cool sheets and started to cover her up.
“I’m hot Jake. Take off my pajamas.”
“Um, not a good idea sweetheart. You do it.”
“Uh uh. You.”