Page 38 of The House on Blueberry Lane

“I told you why. He’s not comfortable in accepting this new Velvet because she’s the total opposite from the old. He wants to make sure my mind is in the right place for a sex-only affair. He needs to be certain since he doesn’t love me and at no time wants me to think that he does.”

“And he told you that?”

“No, but what other possible reason could there be? I could ruin things by falling in love with him again and Jaye and I both know that. I’m hoping that I pretty much convinced him that it won’t happen, but he’s probably worried that it might. That means all through this process, I need to keep reminding him it’s sex-only.”

She immediately stopped talking when she heard a sound outside. “I heard a car pull up. Do you think it’s Jaye returning home?”

“Honestly, Vel, how would I know? It’s Wednesday night and according to you, he left yesterday morning. I’d think he would have been gone at least two days. That’s how it was whenever he traveled before when you were together, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then chances are it’s not him. Could it be someone else? Sierra perhaps?”

“She would call before just dropping by,” Velvet said.

“What about that guy who wants you? Webb what’s-his-name?”

“It better not be him.”

“What if it is?” Ruthie countered.

Velvet got up from the table and discreetly peeked out the window. “It’s him, Ruthie!” she said, excitedly.

“Him who? Jaye or Webb?”

“Jaye. And I hear the sound of footsteps on my porch. He’s coming to my door. What do you think?” Velvet glanced down at herself. Her pj’s were a cutesy pair of leggings and a top that didn’t reveal anything.

“I’d rather not say what I think, but I have a feeling there might be some action at your place tonight. Maybe you’ll finally rid yourself of all those sexless hours you’ve accumulated over the past two years.” Ruthie chuckled.

When there was a knock at the door, Velvet said, “He’s knocking.”

“Aren’t you going to answer it?”

“He probably just wants to let me know he’s back,” she said, walking to the door.

Ruthie laughed. “If you say so.”

“Hold on, Ruthie,” she said, placing her cell phone on the foyer table. She called out, “Who is it?”

“Jaye.”

She opened the door and he stood there. The soft porch light seemed to highlight everything about him. He was dressed in a business suit that fit him perfectly and emphasized the successful businessman that he was. That she always loved. She quickly reprogrammed her mind to mean that she used to love.

“I’m back, Velvet.”

Did he appear at her door just to tell her that? In the old days whenever Jaye returned from a business trip, the moment she opened the door he would sweep her into his arms and carry her to the bedroom. “Thanks for letting me know. Good night.”

Velvet was about to close the door when he said, “Wait.”

She raised a brow. Could he not see the longing in her eyes? Seeing him standing there, looking all tall, built and hot was having an effect on her, reminding her of the orgasm he’d given her the other night. “Yes?”

“Did you think about the offer you made to me, Velvet?”

She could tell him there was no need for her to think about her offer. Instead, she said, “Yes, I thought about it and nothing has changed, Jaye. Did you think about it?”

“Yes, I thought about it.”

She tilted her head. “And?”

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