I glanced at the clock on the wall to check the time. The minute hand was just a few movements away from striking midnight. But Joaquin's silhouette was nowhere to be seen.
Suddenly, a wave of anxiety washed over me, making me restless. It's not the first time this has happened due to my husband's line of work. He should have been home before six, or maybe even seven earlier, since he's on the day shift today.
If he had plans or something urgent came up, he'd usually inform me immediately. So why is he still not here?
I couldn't comprehend the mixed emotions swirling inside me. I remember feeling like this three months ago when he came home late again. It's exactly the same. But back then, nothing bad happened. He arrived in one piece; nothing amiss.
I let out a sigh and grabbed my cellphone from the side table. I wanted to check on him to put my mind at ease. I didn't want to wait here, feeling paranoid and idle.
However, my anxiety got the best of me, and I accidentally brushed against the photo frame lying next to my phone. I instinctively clutched my chest and slowly bent down to pick up the broken frame. It was a picture of Joaquin and me on our wedding day, taken five years ago. My heart raced even more.
This can't be a bad omen, right?
I put the broken frame on the side table and quickly dialed Joaquin's number. It kept ringing, but he didn't pick it up.
"Joaquin, love, please answer my call," I said, pacing around the room.
I couldn't shake this uneasy feeling. Something didn't feel right.
The call ended with just the operator speaking. I tried again and got the same result. If I could, I'd curse the operator because I just wanted to hear my husband's voice, damn it!
"Where are you, Joaquin?" I whispered, unable to sit still as I walked back and forth in front of the door.
After a while, I heard a car pull up outside. I quickly peeked through the window to see if it was him. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw him getting out of his car.
I walked over to the sofa, sat down, and waited for him to come inside.
He turned on the lights, and I had to close my eyes for a moment because it was too bright. When I opened them again, I saw him looking surprised but eventually smiling. Maybe he didn't expect me to be awake at this hour.
His uniform buttons were undone, revealing his white undershirt. He looked tired, but that didn't take away from his good looks.
"Why did you take so long?" I asked, trying not to get mad at him for worrying me, but I decided to keep my cool.
"I'm sorry, love. We got caught up in celebrating Suarez's birthday. Why are you still up? You should've been asleep," he said, taking off his uniform and placing it on the center table.
He removed his shoes and socks, then came over to me. He kissed me on the lips. Yep, he'd been drinking. I could smell the mix of alcohol, cigarettes, and mint on his breath. He sat down next to me, hugged me tightly, and rested his head on my neck.
"Why didn't you call or text me so I wouldn't worry?" I asked calmly.
"I'm really sorry, love. We thought it would be a quick get-together, but time got away from us," he replied, sounding exhausted.
He nuzzled his face into my neck even more, and it made me smile. This was our go-to move when we were both tired from work, finding comfort in each other. It was like getting a breath of fresh air after a long, tiring day.
"Would you like some coffee? Or maybe you'd prefer to eat? I'll warm up the food," I said as I ran my fingers tenderly through his hair.
His eyes met mine, and he untangled himself from my embrace, grinning playfully. A spark of mischief danced in his gaze, and I couldn't help but raise an intrigued eyebrow. "Joaquin, I know that smile. Take a shower so we can go to bed; it's getting late."
A gentle whisper brushed my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "I’m hungry,” he revealed with a hint of desire.
His words stirred something within me, and without a moment's hesitation, I replied, "Alright, hold on, I'll warm up the food—" but he cut me off with a soft kiss on my lips.
He paused, smiling warmly, and whispered, "I’m hungry, but it's you I want to devour, my love," as his hand lovingly rested on the back of my neck.
He pressed his lips against mine, and I could feel the passion in every gentle touch of his lips. It seemed like he couldn't get enough, and his hand on my neck moved to my cheeks. He held both sides of my face, deepening the kiss, which I gladly reciprocated with all my heart. He playfully nibbled on my lower lip before teasingly slipping her tongue, and my lips automatically parted to welcome it. He explored the inside of my mouth until he seemed satisfied. His kisses were so intense that it felt like my lips might vanish.
After a while, his wandering hands explored my body, and our lips were still locked. I could feel the slow rise of heat coursing through every fiber of my being. Until he finally moved away from my lips and kissed me down my neck.
She caressed my neck before leaving a gentle kiss. He lightly nibbled my skin, leaving a mark that I was sure would be there tomorrow, but I didn't protest; I just let him do as he pleased.
Each touch of his lips and tongue left a unique tickle that ignited a fire deep within me.
His kisses moved down to my chest, still covered by my shirt. I gasped with pleasure as he briefly bit the perky peak at the top of my chest. He moved slightly away to hold the hem of my shirt and took it off. I wasn't wearing a bra, so my blessed chest was revealed to him. He gazed at me for a moment, and I could see the admiration in his eyes. The kind of admiration that occurs when our bodies become one.
Gently, he caressed my chest, molding it with his expert hands. Eventually, he leaned in, softly kissing my lips over and over again, like a thirst he longed to quench, and only I could satisfy that intense yearning. Meanwhile, his other hand freely explored my body with tender strokes.
His lips continued their descent until they paused at my treasure. With his fingers tracing circles there, I couldn't help but arch my back, releasing him from his sweet torture. The fire of desire consumed me, and in that moment, I took the opportunity to remove his shirt. As it fell away, his chiseled and strong body was revealed—a sight to behold.
Gradually, he removed my lower garments along with my undies. He, too, took off his, and the overwhelming desire in his eyes was evident as he sought comfort and solace in my embrace.
Gently, he positioned my back against the sofa and hovered above me. "I love you, my wife. Always remember that. You're only mine, okay?" he whispered in my ear before raising one of my legs and entering my sanctuary.
Lost in ecstasy, I couldn't respond as I felt him fill me completely with his length.
"Ah, Joaquin," I moaned with pleasure as he entered me.
"That's it, my love. Moan louder!" he urged, moving in rhythm with the beats of our hearts.
Feeling flustered, I didn't know where to place my hands—on the sofa, in my hair, or in Joaquin's hands, tightly gripping my waist.
The sofa bore witness to the passion of those moments, creaking with each movement Joaquin made. I surrendered to his rhythm, and soon our love spilled over, filling the room.
"I love you, my Wife," he repeated, planting a tender kiss on my forehead.
"I love you too, my Love," I replied as he carried me into our bedroom.
I could feel the depth of his love when our bodies connected. I trusted in his love completely, knowing he would never hurt me. We were content with each other, even if we hadn't been blessed with children in our five years of marriage. Our bond was enough, and we cherished every moment together.