If Your Wife Only Knew (13 page)

He is a sonofabitch that was willing to jeopardize our marriage over pussy.
Kiara felt robbed. Why should he have all the fun while she just stood around and accepted it?

She didn't want Rashad to make a fool out of her. She wanted to make a fool out of him. And she could do it a number of ways.

Kiara decided she had no reason to feel guilty about Eddison anymore. She was ready to let him make a move on her any way he pleased. But first she had to handle Rashad. He must pay for his betrayal.

She glanced at her husband, then stared at Nicole.

“Rashad, can you do me a big favor and set up an appointment to go see Nicole's place this weekend? She really needs some help and I told her how you're talented and efficient and wouldn't mind helping her.”

Her question caught him off guard. “Are you serious? Um, these days I'm really swamped.”

“But you'd be more than happy to squeeze in your wife's colleague who'd really appreciate your help, right?”

Nicole grimaced as if she didn't enjoy being the topic of their conversation.

“I-I um—”

“You were saying?” Kiara asked. “Nicole, look for Rashad to contact you soon so he may assess the work needed and give you an estimate.”

In the back of Kiara's mind, she wondered if Rashad would make any moves on Nicole. Kiara sized up her employee and figured right away that Nicole wasn't on her level. She couldn't imagine him being attracted to a woman like her. But even if he flirted, it would prove that cheating was in him and that Alexis wasn't just a one-time fling.

At the end of the week, Kiara met with Eddison in his office. She decided she'd hear him out and be as professional as possible.

“Thanks for taking time out of your schedule for this important cause.”

Eddison placed a packet of papers in her hand. “Meet Collette and Gherman. They're sophomores. English majors. They're both from inner city families. First-generation college students.”

He proceeded to tell her how the students got themselves in trouble that included an alleged sex tape, a video uploading that went viral, and accusations of the invasion of some college roommate's privacy.

Kiara felt instantly concerned.

“Some kids are immature and don't think before they do certain things,” Kiara remarked. “And these pranks they pull just amaze me. It never should have gotten this far.”

“I agree. Collette and Gherman received a dozen death threats. Of course, they're both black, which has a lot of the black student body really riled up. They feel Collette and Gherman are not being treated fairly, so racial tensions are high. Anywhere, here's where you come in.”

Eddison leaned in and outlined to Kiara a course of action the kids could take so that they'd be reinstated, a pending lawsuit could be dropped, and the negative publicity the school received could be alleviated.

“Now that those two are out of the way, what are we going to do about us two?” Eddison asked.

They were totally alone. He had a corner office on the fourth floor of his building. They could look out of the window and see a cluster of oak trees and people walking across the campus.

Eddison stood up and went to close the door. Then he whispered, “Come here.”

He looked so good. His locs were freshly moisturized and he smelled like sandalwood.

She got up and followed. He walked into a lavatory that was only accessible through his office. It was a private bathroom. There were no windows. Once Kiara was inside, he shut the door. It was now completely dark. The room only had a toilet and a tiny sink and a small counter. Their noses were practically touching as they stood face-to-face. She could hear him breathing.

“This feels naughty,” Kiara whispered.

“Not as naughty as this.” His arms clasped about her. He pulled Kiara into his arms. They instantly started kissing.

“Oh, Eddison.” She trembled. She hugged him back, then rubbed her fingers through his hair. It felt like Eddison was hers and she loved that feeling. Being close to him and sensing his body heat only made Kiara hotter. He felt around for her blouse. Soon his fingers were struggling to undo the buttons.

She helped him. His lips were on her breasts. She lifted them up so he could suck them.

She felt herself getting wet. She could imagine all the people walking past the building they were in, going to and from class, while she was hidden away with a man that she liked, getting her freak on.

Before she could think about it, Kiara unzipped Eddison's pants. He didn't stop her. She grabbed his penis. It was rock hard. She knelt on her knees and took him in her mouth.

“Oh, my fucking God.”

She got him off, and hearing him moan turned her on. She grabbed his hand and pushed it toward her panties.

“Pull them to the side for me.”

Then she heard a light knock on the door.

“Mr. Osborne?”

Kiara started to yelp, but Eddison's hands covered her mouth.

The knock grew louder. “Are you in there?”

He quietly reached back and locked the door of the lavatory.

“I'm using the restroom. Can you come back later?” It was the department office assistant. She was a clueless young lady who wasn't bothered by closed doors.

“Okay, I just needed a signature for an invoice that needs to be paid. And I brought you your mail, too.”

“I'll sign it. Leave it there. Thanks.”

Once it was completely quiet, Kiara could breathe evenly again. It was so dark she was glad Eddison couldn't see her face. But even if he could, he'd know for sure that Kiara was happy that she was with him. And she couldn't wait until they did it again.

N
icole Greene couldn't believe it. She took a long look around her house and wanted to pinch herself.

It was the first Saturday in June and Nicole woke up early. She hummed as she unloaded the last of the boxes that she'd packed up when she relocated. A do rag was tied around her head. She wore no makeup and her feet were bare. She placed water glasses, casserole dishes, and pots and pans in the cheap wooden cupboards.

When her cell phone rang suddenly, her heart beat wildly. She picked up the phone and didn't recognize the number.

She saw that the caller left a voice mail, but when she listened to it, she just heard breathing, normal breathing, but no words.

Somewhat alarmed, Nicole decided to block the number from ever calling her again. She couldn't take any chances.

All in all, things were looking up. She had a job at a good school and she was eager to start her life over. And that day she patiently waited for Rashad Eason to show up. Her house didn't look or feel like a home just yet and she was praying that with his help, she'd one day feel totally safe and satisfied with her brand-new surroundings.

Hours later, Rashad and Nicole were seated at her spindly wooden dinette set which she had bought at a flea market.

“Sorry about the wobbly legs.”

“No need to apologize. I know the struggle.”

She grabbed a notepad and a pen.

“I want this, this, and this done. I can only pay with installments. Is that all right?”

“Don't even sweat it. I've done my assessment and I can do the job in four months or maybe a little longer. It just depends how fast I can get in the supplies.”

“That'll work. I'm so excited. I signed a two-year lease and I want to see a place of beauty while I live here.”

“I'm the right person for the job. Now what time do you get off every day?”

“At five.”

“You should ask my wife if you can report to work at seven, take a half-hour lunch, and leave at three-thirty a few days a week. That way I can meet you at your spot at four and do a few hours' worth of work in the evening.”

“You think she'll be okay with that?”

“I think so. She's the one who suggested I work with you.”

“She must really trust you.”

“What you mean by that?”

Nicole didn't respond. She pushed her glasses up her nose, and offered him bottled water.

Her refrigerator door was covered with colorful magnets from all over the country: Florida, Denver, St. Louis, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Orleans.

Rashad asked Nicole, “You like to travel?”

“M-my ex used to travel a lot. He brought these back to me.”

“Where is he now?”

“I-I have no idea. I-I—”

“Hey, my bad. Just making conversation.”

“Well, make the conversation. Don't let the conversation make you.”

The sassy tone of her voice stirred him. From then on, Rashad observed Nicole through different eyes. She wasn't much to look at, but her spunky presence intrigued him.

The more time he spent in her house, the more relaxed he felt. He started working there right away. As they agreed, when it was time for Rashad to start the project, he'd give her a day's notice and she'd make sure to leave work at three-thirty the next day. Sometimes she cooked while Rashad worked. Nicole felt very comfortable tossing and dicing vegetables in a Crock-Pot while she watched Rashad do his thing. And she could tell that Rashad was a hard worker. His crew consisted of two other men who'd help out. Other times he came alone.

“You're a genius,” Nicole told Rashad. Temperatures were sizzling outside. She wore a halter top that showed off her bare upper arms and shoulders, both of which were lined with henna body art. She hung around in the kitchen and admired the way he was doing prep work to refinish the cupboards. “Men who work with their hands are like so smart and talented to me. You have a gift. And Ms. Kiara wasn't exaggerating. You are good at what you do.”

Rashad blushed. “Oh, it's nothing.”

“And you're modest.”

He'd been called a lot of things, but “modest” wasn't one of them.

When Nicole would cook, she was too bashful to ask Rashad if he wanted something to eat. But as she became more comfortable with him, she felt adventurous. She stirred the food in the pot and asked Rashad if he wanted a taste.

He nodded. She dipped the spoon and filled it. He opened his mouth and she gently pushed the food inside until it disappeared.

“Mmm, it's good.” He smacked his lips. “What the hell is it?”

“Just a little something I threw together. I created my own special seasonings but it's a secret. You like it? It tastes good?”

“Some things look better than they taste, and some things taste better than they look.”

They locked eyes. Nicole changed the conversation.

“Have you ever seen John Legend in concert?”

“He's dope. He puts on a good show.”

“I wish I could do fun stuff like going to concerts.”

“Why don't you?”

“I-I just haven't.”

“You that shy? Nahhh, you not shy. If you feel cool around somebody, you open up.”

She smiled and nodded and began pouring out her heart to Rashad, telling him about all her dreams and wishes for her life.

“I've had it hard in the past. Every day was filled with uncertainty. I worked my ass off to get my degree and I held down a job at the same time. Studying was tough and I didn't know if I was ever going to make it. And the situation with my ex didn't help. He was on the wrong side of the law, if you know what I mean. But since I've been in Texas, I have a feeling things are about to change for the better.” She smiled at Rashad. And he smiled back.

The next day when he came over, Nicole tried a new recipe.

She beat the chocolate batter with an electric mixer till it was light and fluffy. She scraped the bowl with her spoon. It was batter for a berries and cookies cake.

“Here,” she said. “Lick this and tell me if it tastes good.” He looked at her and immediately opened his mouth. He hungrily licked the spoon.

“You like that?” she asked.

“Nope.”

“What?”

“Just kidding. I love it. It's sweet. And tasty. You're good with your hands, too, Nicky.”

That's what he started calling her soon after he started working at her home. Kiara knew he'd accepted the job to do some remodeling at Nicole's. So far she couldn't tell if anything had jumped off between them. Rashad became more diligent about acting like he was on the up-and-up, and actually, compared to times past, he was on his best behavior. He kept decent working hours, except occasionally he'd be gone for long stretches on Sunday. But his seemingly changed ways didn't fool Kiara. She knew her husband, and knew he could revert to his old ways. So she kept his luggage front and center in their hallway, ready to deposit more of his belongings in it if necessary.

Meanwhile, throughout the month of June, the more time Rashad spent at Nicole's, the comfier they became with each other. She let him bring his iPod and he hooked it up to her speakers so he could listen to his favorites: August Alsina, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Childish Gambino.

“Oh, you kickin' it with my favs,” she said and started swerving to the music as if she was at a concert. “I like just about everybody out here . . . except that punk-ass Trey Songz. He's suspect.”

“I hate him with his goat-sounding ass. Oh na na na.” Rashad started making howling noises and pretended like he was baying at the moon. “America, you know I have to pop that corn.”

“Pop that corn? You're so silly, Rashad.”

They fell out laughing and Nicole couldn't remember the last time she had such a fun, relaxing day. The good time she was having helped to erase the memories of what she had suffered in Alabama.

Rashad worked while Nicole kept him company, asking him questions. She was starting to become attracted to him. Of course, in her head, the good ones were always taken. But she wanted to get inside his head and see what type of man he was.

“How long you been married?”

“Where'd that question come from?”

“I don't know. Just asking.”

He told her, “A decade.”

“Cool. I've always wanted to get married,” she said in a dreamy voice. “I heard that a woman is supposed to let the man find her, but in this Gabrielle Union era, in which a woman falls in love with a man who's legally married; well, she waited on him till
he
officially became hers. She showed me that a woman must take charge to get who she wants.”

“Is that right?” He grinned. “Okay then, Gabby,” he teased.

“Here's another one for you. What was it about Kiara that made you want to wife her? Like, were you attracted to her personality? Was she an excellent cook? Or was it all about her big booty? I've always wanted to know what characteristics a chick must have to get a decent husband.”

He could only laugh at her curiosity. “No two men and women are just alike. Different people have different needs and wants.”

As a habit, Rashad seldom liked talking about his and his wife's relationship, especially with a chick that he wanted to smash. And at that point, he'd seriously wondered what it would be like to make love to Nicole.

“So you're not going to answer my specific question about Kiara?”

“Some stuff you don't need to know.”

“How come?”

Rashad wasn't ready to tell Nicole that she possessed several characteristics that made him want to have sex with her. He loved the way she talked, he admired her sexy shape, and he appreciated the way she made him feel. At times, Nicole would stare at him while he worked and that let him know she was impressed with him.

“Hello? I'm talking to youuuuuuu!”

He decided to act like he was busy concentrating. She stared at him, then changed the subject to a lighter topic.

“What are your favorite cartoons? And don't try to deny it 'cause you look just like a nigga that watches cartoons.”

“Yeah, right.”

He wanted to laugh because when he had time he did like watching the
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
and
Sonic Boom
with Myles.

The more they chatted, the deeper they bonded. Rashad could see himself with her.

And after working awhile, he told her, “Hey, you busy? Nah, you not. Come with me.”

Nicole asked no questions. She grabbed her purse, cell phone, and keys and locked her front door. He opened the passenger door of his van and waited for her to hop inside.

“Excuse the mess.”

“No need. I know you an important business man.”

She sat next to him on the passenger side. She liked that he was in the driver's seat. He drove respectfully, unlike a lot of fools out on the streets who wanted to show off. To Nicole, Rashad was a real man. He was so different from her ex, who was several years younger than she was.

“So you just gone get in the car with a strange man and not even question where he's taking you?”

“You're not strange. And I trust you.”

When was the last time my wife said she trusted me
, he asked himself.

Rashad drove till they ended up at Harbor Freight Tools.

“You ever been here?”

“Nope.”

“Good. You'll love it.”

They walked in side by side. For the second time in her life, Nicole felt like she was a wife. She noticed other people looking at them and she enjoyed the attention she got from being with Rashad. Her ex used to make her feel that way in the beginning, but they never made it down the aisle.

As soon as she and Rashad stepped inside the doorway of the store, Nicole frowned. This place had the look and feel of a large dollar store, but it smelled of sawdust . . . steel . . . plastic . . . and men.

“All I see are tools and equipment and a bunch of guys acting like they're in a sex toys shop.”

Rashad laughed.

“Harbor Freights is to men what the Michael Kors Outlet is to women.”

“Whatever, dude.”

She walked with him, never leaving his side, while he searched for packages of nuts and bolts, a drill holster, and a cordless jigsaw.

“What's all this for?”

“Stuff I need so I can do the best job for my favorite VIP.”

She didn't hide the smile that his words put on her face.