Still under editing

Chapter 8

Brandon

I’m in my office when there’s a particular knock at my door that tells me it’s my assistant, Tamara. “Come in.” “Kathy keeps calling, she’s demanding to speak with you.” God damn it. “Jesus Christ. Okay, thanks Tam.” “Line two.” I take a breath and pick up the phone. “You need to stop calling, Katie.” “You told me you weren’t looking for anything serious! My friend, Marie said she saw you out with some woman and your son! You lied to me! You told me you weren’t looking for a relationship. Who is that b***h?” Katie disrespecting Audrey pisses me off more than it should. “Excuse me? Why does your friend even know my connection to you? I wouldn’t even call it a connection, it was one night, and one that I very much regret. I was quite clear when I said there were to be no expectations besides a night of companionship and you happily obliged. So quit giving anyone the impression it was anything more than that. And who the hell do you think you are, questioning me about my life? And don’t disrespect her. You don’t need to know who she is, but I can assure you it’s nothing like that. I’ll only tell you this once - stay away from her. This is my last and final warning and for your own sake, I suggest you take it seriously. You call one more time, or show your face to either one of us, I promise you’ll regret it. Do you understand?” I hang up before she can respond. I’m a single man that enjoys s*x, but this drama is enough to scare me into celibacy indefinitely.

After work, I decide to meet up with Lionel at our favorite bar across town. I nurse my beer as I candidly explain my recent troubles - and desires - to him. “So wait. You’re telling me you even had a s*x dream about her?” “I know. It’s torture, bro.” “Yeah man, that’s tough. I remember her. She’s hot as hell.” His comment makes me seethe with jealousy. “Holy shit.” He smiles in amusement. “What?” I frown. “You looked murderous right about now. Never thought I’d ever see you jealous over a chick.” “Shut the f**k up.” Lionel is a handsome motherfucker. He’s nearly as tall as me, with blonde hair and brown eyes. He’s not as wealthy as me, but wealthy enough to be considered as a prospective husband for Audrey. The idea makes my stomach churn. Women flock to him just as much as they do me, but his easygoing personality and humor make him more approachable. The fact that he has zero intention of settling down anytime soon puts me slightly at ease. A couple of years back, a woman tried to pin a pregnancy on him in an effort to trap him. When it was confirmed he wasn’t the father, we went out to celebrate. I’m still wary about ever bringing him around Audrey. The thought of her flirting with him like Taylor had sends a pang through my chest. “I mean I’ve always been found her stunning, but being around her now. Her beauty, her patience and love for Ethan. He adores her. When I remember she’ll be leaving eventually, my heart drops. But she’s my dead wife’s sister, man.” I shake my head in distress. “But you were miserable with Taylor. Maybe the universe is giving you an opportunity to make it right.” He waggles his eyebrows and I can’t help but chuckle. “Well, she may not even see me that way. And even if she did, the moment our relationship became public knowledge, it’d instantly break into a scandal. The gossips would undoubtedly accuse us of having an affair while Taylor was still alive. They’d probably even question whether we’re behind her death! Jesus, can you imagine?” “Well even if that were the case, I wouldn’t blame you.”

“I would never do that.” “I know. I’m just kidding, bro.”

I arrive home around 10 at night. The house is dark, the dimly lit foyer the only source of light. I walk up the stairs and glance into Brandon’s room, where I find him sleeping peacefully. I find myself walking up to Audrey’s door, curious as to whether she’s still awake or not. I stand frozen when I hear what sounds like whimpering. Blood rushes to my c**k when realization hits me. To stand here and listen would be wrong. It’s an invasion of privacy -and maybe even slightly perverted- but I can’t will my feet to move. Her sexy little moans and sighs of bliss like a siren’s call. And when I hear her moan out my name loud and clear, I’m momentarily stunned. She’s touching herself to thoughts of me. The temptation is torturous. My d**k is throbbing and painfully hard, as I envision her with her legs spread. Her hand between her thighs. The fact that she fantasizes about me too, fills me with a deep sense of satisfaction, assuring me that my attraction to her isn’t one sided. Audrey is like a forbidden fruit. Deliciously enticing sin. I close my eyes and take a breath before taking quiet steps toward my room, desperate for relief.