Hmm...Some of y'all are cold blooded like Rick James. It's cool. Sometimes story's will not always be happy that's life. Sometimes they are train wrecks we, as readers, can't look away from. I remember reading a story where I didn't morally agree with the character's actions. At times I hated her, but I never forgot that story. Not to say that this is some great work, I don't think I'm near that. I am just saying, to me, if something I created can incite so much emotion from someone...I take it as a compliment ; ). Its fiction and this is Literotica sometimes things get dirty. This could be a cautionary tale or just the side of the other woman whatever it is. It is what it is. As always I hope you enjoy, Feedback is always appreciated, thanks guys :D
~Lana~
*****
At least, I could say I gave it a try. At least, I didn't go running to him. I changed my routine, I went to work out in the morning. I didn' t see Ignacio in the flesh for a whole week and a half. In my mind, I was spinning out of control. I could pacify myself and say things that I did were mere coincidence. Like my stopping by Pappasitos after work. My position at the bar facing the door, so what if I looked up every time someone walked in. Did that mean I was searching?
The next day I stopped by the gym because I left my bag in the locker that morning. Did I do it on purpose, could I have waited? I mean it is against the rules to leave things. I need it...the bag is what I need. I walked in and had my card scanned. My eyes met his immediately. I felt him follow me until I was out of sight. Even so, I was true to my word, I didn't say a thing to him. I was hoping that just seeing his face outside my dreams would be enough.
My heart sped up when I left. I practically ran to my car. I drove away looking in my rear view. I saw him at the door. He had come after me. What was I playing at?
It took everything I had not to turn around. I felt weak, like I had no self-control. I didn't want to say my dreams and thoughts were driving me to search for him. That my perfect setup wasn't enough for me. That I craved what I had gotten in the restroom, almost a month ago. I wanted to cry and shake all over. My throat felt dry like I was in danger of having a panic attack thinking of the situation. Earlier, that day I locked my office and brought myself to a climax to relieve the pressure I was feeling. That is why I went to the gym and Pappasito's. What had he done to me against that wall? It was like a seed had been planted that night, it was spreading over me like weeds.
On the outside, it seemed great, James and I were getting along ok. I could see that if I wanted, we could live together; fit our lives in his home. He stood behind me in the mirror as I got ready to go to his firm's Christmas party.
I put in sapphires to offset the beaded indigo strapless cocktail dress I had on. I paired it with thick black stockings because it was freezing outside. It didn't take away from the look my curves showed outrageous but a touch of class. Simple black suede round toe pumps was enough to complete the outfit. They dress was doing it on its own. My hair was swept up a couple of strains loose for effect. As I bent over to apply eyeliner, I felt James press against me.
"You look beautiful T. I will be this luckiest man at the party. I can't wait to show you off." He bent down to kiss my neck, and I smiled a genuine smile." He wore a black tuxedo and bow tie. It was classic and tailored to fit his tall frame. I turned to help clasp his sleek Movado watch. It was simple and elegant. We looked like we belonged on the cover of Essence.
"Thanks baby, but if you keep up, we won't make it and I won't be able to show off this dress." I gave him a peck on the lips before I applied lipstick. It was the first time I would be meeting most of the people James worked with.
I had been to a few dinners, and a cook out. Those were mainly with his boss and another partner he was close with. A lot of other things clashed with my job. This year I was the manager of HR. I could choose the date of my company party. I could make both this year. Everything was falling into place.
We made our way downtown. The shops and offices twinkled from the glitter and tinsel in their Christmas décor As cold as it was, I saw party girls huddled in club lines with their skimpy dresses. I had to laugh, not that long ago it would have been me. James's office always did it up, I was glad I would get to enjoy. They rented out this old club on Main St. called Isis. I remembered going a couple of years ago. We walked through the curtains as we entered the main area. I need never seen the place as well lit as it was. It was built inside an old theater. Fabrics lined the walls. The stair case that went up to the balcony looked like a prop from Shakespeare. The edges of every balcony and molding were lined with soft lights. It felt magical. There were tables around the edge while the floor was left empty for dancing. There were also tables on the balcony level.
We mingled. I shook a lot of hands. I ignored a lot of stares to my cleavage. I can't count the number of times I heard what a nice handsome couple we were. There was open-bar, but I was only sipping champagne. These were people James worked with. I couldn't walk around like a lush. We danced to a couple of songs, kind of showing out. James brought me my second flute of champagne, then excused himself to go talk to one of the partners. I was happy to collapse at a table by myself and cool off. I felt like I had been on my feet for hours.
That's when I felt it. I probably had felt it all night but didn't want to admit it. I started to breathe fast, there was no way this was happening. No way, my dreams and nightmares would come true this night. I felt on fire again. I slowly raised my eyes to the balcony. There he was looking like he was thirsty, and I was ice-cold water. I swallowed. My throat was dry again. I searched for a server to bring me another champagne. It took me a minute to adjust from his burning gaze. I almost covered myself; He was looking at me like I had no clothes on.
Someone touched his shoulder. He pulled his gaze from mine. I followed it, and that is when I saw her. She was beautiful. Her skin was honey brown it almost looked like it glowed. She was wearing a red strapless dress I could tell it was long from where I was. Classy. Her sandy brown hair was down to her shoulders it looked thick and beautiful. She looked down to see who her husband was looking at. Her hazel eyes were sharp. They found me, then went to my side. She smiled and waved. I was a little taken aback until I saw James had joined me. He waved back, and I hurried to smile.
"Baby how do you know them?" I had to ask. It can't get any worse than the guy I cheated with worked with James. Was fate this twisted? Didn't life have enough drama?
"The Mancini's? Carlo Mancini is Executive VP of Center Point here in the city. My firm just took them on as a client. He came by the office with his wife, Patricia, to sign a document on their way somewhere. She is fine isn't she? James joked, I did a light laugh. I felt a little twinge jealously; she was beautiful. I couldn't tell which man the jealously was for...
James took my face for confusion. He commented on what he thought I was thinking.
"Yea, everybody was a little shocked too. It looks like Mr. Mancini has a taste for chocolate. I can't be mad at him for that t. Nothing on you baby, I saw all the hungry looks you got all night."
I was half paying attention at this point.
He had a "thing" for chocolate. I hadn't even noticed her actual race until James said it. I couldn't tell you, if it made me feel better or worse. A chocolate chip for him to enjoy, so it went beyond a case of jungle fever. On the other hand, did he just have a fetish for the contrast in color of skin against skin?
They were making their way down the steps. His eyes barely left mine. I was beginning to feel light headed, maybe I had too much to drink. They were making their way to us. I felt like I was sweating, I began trying to wipe my palms on my dress. Could his wife not see how he was looking at me? If James did that I would be all over him. James.
I turned quick, and sighed. He wasn't paying attention. An associate had grabbed his attention momentarily. Good. They were a few steps away, I grabbed James's arm for support. I felt like my knees were going to give. What do I say? Did I know him or should I act like I don't? I took Jame's drink from him and took a sip. The dark liquor burned my throat. It helped. I thought I was going to have an anxiety attack. They were right in front of us now.
"Someone is thirsty," the first words Ignacio said looking at my lips then my eyes. Was he talking about him or me?
