We're in the middle of the Covid pandemic, Garnet was able to work from home, my job was eliminated, I had no income. Even with both our paychecks, we struggled financially; there was little left for any pleasure activities. Now being on lockdown, alone time becomes, well, very alone, as in separate beds; we can't agree on anything, even what TV show to watch ignited a fight.
We fell behind on monthly utility bills, we missed a couple mortgage payments.
Garnet became a workaholic, at least appearing to be working, he was always on his computer, chatting with coworkers. As he further emersed himself in work.
I delved into self-improvement; I knew the lockdown would pass and I needed to be prepared; to come out a better person. Get a high paying job, I was determined to get out of debt. Our marriage was in decline, it didn't appear like it would survive much longer.
I was reading positive attitude books, exercising a couple hours a day, did yoga with an online teacher. Studying online for a real estate license.
A couple months later Garnet went back to work, a well-known nationwide company hired me, on a commission basis. I was starting from scratch, I worked most evenings and weekends, showing houses, getting listings, determined I'd be successful, we could rebuild our marriage once we were out of debt. But Garnet blamed my job to be the singular reason of our breakup. However, I discovered
Garnet was having an affair, it was a girl within his company, one of the co-workers he spent so much time online with during lockdown. They hooked up immediately after returning to work. A month later we amicably separated, he moved in with Gina, signing over the house and debt to me.
Being single, I had no obstacles, no excuses, so working diligently, some long hours, I quickly became the top salesperson in the company.
My life dramatically changed in the past few months; my paychecks are now more than double our previous combined married income. I sold the house, bought a new luxurious apartment.
My goal of top 20 agents in the country will soon be attained. I'm proud to say I lost 24 pounds; my current figure is 35-26-34. I enjoy weekly spa visits; my beautician has transformed me to look like a model; I buy designer clothes. I have no debt, my bank account is healthy, so am I.
I have intentions of getting into a long-term relationship; I have an online dating profile. I'm very selective with my propositions, dating twice a week. I have established specific, simple rules; no kissing on the first date, ONLY, if the vibe is right, sex MIGHT be possible on the third date. I'm still having more, and better-quality sex than when I was married, I even discovered I'm pansexual.
Last week, I responded to an email I received on our real estate webpage. Kevin, an all-cash purchaser, is looking to relocate from Australia, seeking a Victorian style, fixer uppers.
I found 3 and arranged viewing during the week he's here.
Kevin is leaning, his left elbow on the reception desk, right hand holding his cell phone to his ear, his right leg bent, cowboy boot, resting over his left. Late 20's, 6', dark blonde, rugged weathered face, bright blue eyes, powerful physique, well tanned, tailored pale green suit. He sees me approach, gives a nod, it's a wide gorgeous smile, white teeth. I sense an aura of masculine sexuality; I'm physically attracted to him. He drops his phone in his jacket pocket, stands upright, straightens his suit coat, as if preparing for inspection.
{'Handsome as fuck. A cool drink of water on a hot day.}
I think. {Bend me over and do me proper.'}
I arrive with my hand extended; he lifts it and kisses the back, while peering into my eyes.
{'Classy gentleman, or fake?'}
"Crikey." He squeezes my hand.
"You're even more gorgeous in person."
"Thank-you Kevin, I'm Amanda, a pleasure to meet you."
"I disagree, the pleasure is definitely mine,"
'Crocodile Dundee' look alike, strong Aussie accent. Geezus, be still my palpitating heart, I get a flutter in my belly, stimulating emotions I rarely feel outside of the bedroom. It is highly unusual; to have these feelings on a first meeting.
"Kevin, I've got 3 properties for us to view, we'll get started; we can take our time or get them all done today, let me know, I've cleared my schedule?" I proceed past him.
Damn, that's nice, I get a whiff of a very intoxicating cologne.
"We shall." He gestures with a sweeping hand gesture and opens the door for me.
"My rental is right here."
"Company rules, for safety, GPS tracking etc., we never get in client's vehicles. You either ride with me or follow."
"I'd love to ride you, uh, with you," his faux pas seemed intentional, a tone that could only be construed as sexual or is it my imagination. I push my remote, 2 quick beeps, my Escalade doors unlock, the motor starts. Kevin gets in the passenger seat.
I turn off the radio, back away and proceed out of the parking lot.
"Kevin what brings you 1/2 way around the world? Business?"
"Short story, Reader's Digest version." He twists toward me in his seat.
"4th generation sheep rancher, I inherited the ranch; I hated working our ranch; Dad never mentioned he was being hounded to sell. The day after his funeral a lawyer contacted me about selling. Not wanting to die on that dusty ranch, fed up with Australia, I sold the ranch to a gold mining company. Seems we were farming the wrong side of the dirt. I was literally sitting on a gold mine." He chuckled.
"I did all right, last year I was riding horses, eating red dust, washing it down with Toohey's or Victoria Bitters."
"I started some internet searching for a place to move to, checking the cost of living and such. The weather here is similar, so then I checked the local housing market. When I saw your picture, I knew I wanted to start here, to meet you."
I turned my head, reading his face, no emotion, he had a poker face.
"So why a fixer upper?"
"Can't just vegetate, I'm 28, can't sit in a rockin chair; don't need more money, but I need something to do."
"Married?" I ask, somehow wondering why that came to mind.
"No, You?"
"Was, 4 years, divorced last year."
"Financial, infidelity, compatibility, abuse?"
"Yes." I pause looking at him, "all but abuse. Covid, locked us up together, I became unemployed, we went broke; found out when the going got tough, we weren't tough enough. When released, we had different goals, he returned to work, he strayed with a co-worker."
"Fool, you're exceptionally sexy." He twisted in his seat to directly look at me.
"I pursued you specifically, not only because of your top sales ability, but your sexuality, I did my research, I knew you were divorced."
Normally a comment like this raises red flags, the possibility of a stalker, predator, rapist, but that didn't trigger, I somehow felt comfortable. I did however remain wary.
"Why are you single, you're wealthy, handsome, I don't see any defects." I look directly at him.
"A couple near misses, you're right, I am rich, that attracts too many gold diggers, and keeps me reserved." He continues.
"Once the commitment issue surfaces; I present prenup discussions, that not only cools their primitive biological urges, but they digress from pursuing future plans."
We arrive at the first property.
"This is a 2 story, built in 1904, by a banker. His family has been the sole owners."
"Uh, no, this should be bulldozed; we can move on, this one doesn't interest me."
I nod, shifting into gear. I catch Kevin's eyes on my exposed thigh, my dress has risen, and my garter is visible. He looks up at me then back to my legs.
"You've got spectacular legs, do you run?"
I'm exhilarated at his attentiveness; but even more anxious, we didn't even exit the car, so what is this?
Is he really a buyer?
"No, I work out in the gym 3 times a week and I regularly do yoga."
"Garters and stocking are my kryptonite." He wiggles his eyebrows.
I ignore that comment, my apprehension is rising,
"The next is also in this neighborhood." As we're driving,
"Are you in a relationship?" He inquires.
"Nothing ongoing." Is he stalking me, gathering intel, or just being a social?
"Panties, thong or commando?" He asks, nonchalantly, I'm taken aback at such an intimate inquiry, but that's not a question an attacker would care about, I quickly adjust my thinking, he's an aggressive player. I'll play along, I'm willing to respond. I'll stay guarded, but I learned not to hastily burn bridges.
"Sometimes panties." I turn to see his expression. None, he seemed unconcerned with my response, He is toying with me, it is a seduction technique.
His intimate solicitation causes a stirring in me, he's extremely handsome, a great body, I'm drawn to his masculinity, and his confident demeanor definitely arouses me.
