Page 49 of Choosing Hope
I’ve always enjoyed my recognition here, but tonight I don’t want it. I want to get out of my skin; I wish I was aware how.
Just as I’m considering canceling my arrangement with Kalie to return home to my wife, she arrives.
As Kalie glides into the room, there’s a gentle hum of appreciation for her from other patrons. She is freaking stunning.
Tonight, she’s wearing a simple white sleeveless dress; it’s not tarty or sparkly but classic and elegant. The cut of the style flatters her shape to perfection. The length is daring, but years of dancing have toned and shaped her legs, and she knows I think it’s criminal to cover them.
My gaze flits down at her feet to her familiar sky-high-heeled sandals with straps snaking almost up to her knee.
Even though I’m hiding in the shadows, she struts straight toward me with her usual air of confidence, seeming to know where I am.
This arrangement works because Kalie gets me. She knows I’m using her, and I’ll never commit to her, but she doesn’t care. She’s happy to take whatever I give her, literally.
A sultry smirk creeps across her face as she sits down beside me.
“You’re looking serious this evening,” she states in greeting, eyeing me carefully and perfectly interpreting my mood.
“I’m feeling serious this evening,” I mumble. “It’s nice to see you; it’s been a while.” Kalie smiles, leaning toward me to kiss me with the intensity I need to rid myself of my black mood, so I let her.
I lose myself in her, cupping her face and dragging her onto my lap, to improve my access to her. The concerns that have been troubling me slowly ebb away as I give in to my lust for this beautiful woman.
“I thought I might find you here.” A familiar male voice disturbs our moment of passion.
Reluctantly, I draw away from Kalie to glance up into the smug face of my oldest friend, Carlo.
“And this fucking bombshell must be Kalie. I’m pleased to meet you finally; I’m Carlo,” he says, extending his hand.
Shit. He’s the last person I wanted to see. I was hoping for a night alone tonight, and I don’t want Carlo anywhere near Kalie. Or is that Kalie anywhere near Carlo? Seeing them together will invariably invalidate her purpose. I can’t risk that, can I?
“You said you were coming over tomorrow.” I respond, gripping Kalie’s hips to stop her from sliding off my lap.
“Change of plans, and I’m glad I did now,” he almost purrs as his lust-filled gaze drops lower down Kalie’s body.
During our tryst, Kalie’s dress has risen so far that the gusset of her underwear is just visible under her hem. A sudden, childish need overcomes me. Hoping to keep her for myself for a few more minutes, I drop my spare arm down between us to cover her.
“Who’s this, Spencer?” Kalie asks as her fingers gently glide over my clenched jaw.
Her touch keeps me calm and gives me the sense of feeling adored.
“Carlo and I have known each other all our lives. He’s the guy I told you about.” I jerk my chin down, knowing she’ll grasp my meaning.
Her eyes immediately glow with pleasure.
A few weeks ago, she told me she’d never had sex with a man who had a Prince Albert piercing. I stupidly admitted my best friend had one, and ever since she’s been asking to meet him.
“I’ve always wanted to experience a piercing,” she states boldly, looking up at my friend.
“Then tonight’s your lucky night,” Carlo replies, with his ever-present arched eyebrow.
My heart sinks as he sits down next to me, stealing the attention of the only thing I’ve never shared with him.
I long to tell him to fuck off but Kalie is too excited by the thought of the new experience to ruin it for her.
After a brief drink together, I’m growing tired of Carlo’s relentless flirting. I’m irritated that Kalie’s lapping up his attention and smooth one-liners; the situation is making my previous dark thoughts return with a vengeance.
At my suggestion, we relocate our party into one of the private rooms upstairs. I’ve never been so reluctant to have sex with this woman. Aware that once Carlo’s been with her, she’ll just remind me of him. Yet, I don’t want to leave her alone with him either. And worst of all, if I express my concerns now, I fear they might askmeto leave.
When we enter one of the club’s VIP rooms, Carlo makes a beeline for the bar. These rooms are the only rooms that have these facilities. We encourage our special guests to use the room for the entire evening, hoping they’ll make themselves at home.
