The dark den coupled with the blue glow of the TV was tempting me to drift off. Babysitting is the single most boring job ever. I only do it to bring some extra cash in because rent and other bills always left me dry. It was always the same thing: I walked in, James said 'I might be a little late tonight,' I feed the kids, and then put them to bed by eight. You would think a five and three year old would be hard to handle, but not his kids. They played together quietly, ate without making a mess, listened to orders the first time you make them, and hopped in bed without any complaints.
James Raymond is twenty-nine years old, six, two with light caramel colored skin, gray eyes, rippling muscles and a smile that could make you melt. After losing his wife two years ago to breast cancer, he still hasn't made an effort to get out and start dating again. I know losing someone you love is hard, but he goes out on Friday nights with his friends and is always back by ten. He never has the lingering smell of sex on his clothes or seems like he's been drinking. It's almost depressing to think that he's still having a hard time being a single dad. He usually comes in, sits down on the couch and chats me up for about fifteen minutes before sending me off with my pay for the night.
Needless to say I have a super huge crush on him since the moment we met and I was head over heels in love with him. I was sure he only saw me as the nineteen year old girl that watches his kids for him. I was also sure that I was not his type. His wife was five, nine, with hazel eyes, double D cup breasts, a small waist, and skin the color of pure gold. I, on the other hand, am five, two, with dark brown eyes, small B cups, a slim waist and medium brown skin. I don't hold a candle to his deceased wife. Not that I would have ever acted on my dirty thoughts about him. I'll never be that bold.
I tried to pushed off thoughts about James and looked around the den. It was only nine so I had about and hour left to entertain myself before I could go home to my bed. I shook off my sleepiness and walked down the hallway to the kids' rooms. I admired the family photos lining the walls in the dimly lit hallway. It was dark that I had to lean in close to see them. I stopped at one of him and his wife and couldn't help the feeling of pity that overcame me. They seemed to be so happy together sitting on a jet ski in crystal clear water on what I assumed was their honeymoon.
Mrs. Raymond spent the better part of the first year of their youngest child's life in a hospital bed. I could only image the pain she must have felt knowing she wouldn't get to see either of her children grow up. I walked to the end of the hall and peeked in on the kids and then retreated to the kitchen. Half way there, I looked down the adjacent hall towards James's room and my curiosity got the best of me. I had never been in there and I really wanted to know how it looked and what was in it.
I quietly made my way to his door and opened it enough to turn on the light. It was a normal looking room with off-white walls and beige carpet. The bed was made with a comfortable looking brown comforter and there was a nightstand with a lamp and a book sitting on it. The dresser was adorned with hygiene products, watches, and other necessities. There was also a flat screen on the wall opposite the bed. I walked over to the dresser and opened every drawer, one by one, and poked around a little. Nothing abnormal, so I walk over to the nightstand beside his bed and open the top drawer. The drawer is lined with condoms, dirty magazines, massage oils and a pair of handcuffs.
"No way!" I said out loud as I picked up the handcuffs to examine them closer.
"Glad you like them." I instantly dropped the cuffs and spun around. Standing in the doorway was James with his hands in his pockets and a strange look on his face. I was mortified that he caught me snooping and looked down as I felt all my blood rush to my cheeks.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry, Mr. Raymond! I was just. . . I mean. . . I didn't mean to. . ." I rambled clumsily.
"It's okay. I got back a little early tonight. You can leave now," he said, obviously not impressed with my little stunt. I had tears in my eyes.
"Uh, you aren't gonna pay me, are you?" I asked with a shaky voice. I looked up and noticed his expression had softened a bit.
"Of course I am. Just... don't do that again, Chloe," he said softly as if scolding a child. I avoided his eyes as I walked over and took the twenties he dug out of his wallet.
"Forty dollars, like always. It's okay, really. Embarrassing, but fine." I felt even worse than before. I didn't even think about how embarrassing it must have been for him to see me looking at his private things.
"I'm really sorry... It won't happen again! Ever!" I started making my way out his room and I heard him follow me. He grabbed arm as I picked up my purse and told me to hold a sec.
"Uh. . . I know this is awkward but I was planning on inviting you to come by for lunch tomorrow as an appreciation gift for your services. You've been great this past year and I don't think you deserve any less thanks because you... got a little curious." I was shocked. I was sure he would never call me to watch his kids again but free lunch sounded awesome when all you had was ham and cheese in your fridge.
"Yeah. That sounds great. I'm sorry again!" James gave a really genuine laugh and his smile melted my soul.
"It's fine, Chloe. Really. Just forget it. You can make it up to me tomorrow by showing up for lunch. Does noon sound good?" Anytime with him was good. And I really wanted to make this up to him.
"Fantastic! Thanks." I hid my excited smile long enough to make it to my car. At least I still had a job.
***
Noon couldn't come soon enough. It was twenty till and it only took five minutes to drive to his place. I didn't want to be early but being late would just be another slap in his face. I decided to wait another eight minutes. I walked over to the floor length mirror behind my room door to check my outfit. My long, black hair was lightly flipped just below my bust and my orange sundress fit snug on my body but still loose enough to play with the kids if they wanted to horse around a little. My cleavage was properly covered but was pushed up to show that it was still there despite its efforts to hide. I decided on wedges instead of sandals or heels. It's a good mix of sexy and comfy. I actually put on make-up since we were actually going to be face-to-face talking for afternoon. Maybe he would forgive me a little more if I looked cute.
Deciding it was time to leave, I grabbed my purse and headed out. I couldn't wait to see James.
