and perhaps she misinterprets my meaning. Yeah, good one, Lex, you didn’t need to deliver it in your seductive my-cock-is-throbbing tone.
She says goodbye to her brother, and I wave to him as we head out the back door.
In the car, there is an awkward silence. Shit, Edwards, seriously, think of something to keep the conversation going, otherwise, your dick will start talking, and that is the last thing you need.
“So, how long have you lived here in LA?”
Great, that’s all you can come up with?
“About six months now. My brother lives here and just signed a major recording contract. Mom is back in Florida, and Dad lives in Hawaii.”
“Divorced?”
“Yeah, around the time I was ten, I think.”
“So, you live here alone?”
“I have a roommate, but she’s not home if that’s what you’re asking.”
Shit! I wasn’t asking that. What the fuck is wrong with me? Honestly, you might think my brain would be smart enough to realize where this conversation is heading.
Instead, I remain quiet until she asks me to pull over at her condo. I don’t know why, but I turn off the engine, almost like I’m on autopilot.
“Thanks for tonight, Montana.” I continue to stare out the front window avoiding her gaze.
“It doesn’t have to be over, Lex.” The palm of her hand rests on my thigh, slowly moving up until it’s sitting firmly on my dick. Fuck!
“Montana,” I warn.
She tells me to be quiet, and I place my hand on top of hers to remove it, but instead, she tightens her grip on my cock.
Fuck! Push her away now!
I don’t know how long I sit there, it could be seconds or minutes.
My head is a scattered mess, and my body is numb, knowing this is wrong. She pulls my hand toward her, directing it under her dress and places it firmly on her bare pussy.
Jesus fucking Christ, do something, Edwards.
I pull away.
Images of Charlotte flash through my mind faster than a bullet train.
I can’t do this.
I still love my wife.
I still want my wife.
I just don’t know how to fix the damage I have caused.
“Montana, you know I can’t do this. You are beautiful, but I’m married.”
She shuffles her body a little closer. “Lex, I know you’re married, not necessarily happy. This can be a one-time thing, I promise. No strings attached. You wouldn’t be so hard if you didn’t want me.”
Where the hell is my voice, the stupid motherfucker runs into its panic room and locks the door behind it.
She takes my silence as a yes and moves my hand back toward her, this time pushing my finger against her clit until I abruptly pull away.
“Montana, no… I love my wife. Despite what’s going on, it will only ever be Charlotte.”
I pull all hands away, starting the engine, waiting for her to exit.
“I… I… I’m sorry,” she stammers.
“Listen, it’s late. I need to get home.”
Montana opens the car door and climbs out, and she leans in one more time. “Mr. Edwards, I don’t know what came over me. I hope this doesn’t change our working arrangement.”
“We can talk about this tomorrow.” I remain still until the door closes.
When I arrive home, I jump into the shower and scrub my body vigorously, attempting to wash away tonight’s events. I know there’s no chance in hell I can continue working with Montana, and fuck if I haven’t just opened myself up for a lawsuit.
Great! You can get your wife to represent you in a sexual harassment claim.
I climb into bed that night, knowing Charlotte hears me. I need her at this moment more than ever, but as I look at the clock, I know my coming home at two forty-five will not be well received.
With her back turned toward me, she moves slightly.
“Where were you?” she whispers with a slight tremble in her voice.
“Work.”
“At this hour?”
“Meetings, sorry. I should have called.”
I yank the sheet over to my side, annoyed she claims most of it. Thinking this conversation is over, I get myself comfortable.
“You should have called, Lex. Despite everything going on between us, I was worried about you.”
“Well, don’t be. And frankly, I’m tired, so good night.”
I turn over with my back facing her. Despite the hour, I stare into the night unable to sleep until beside me, I hear a small sob. Unsure of what to say or do, I ignore the pang in my heart and close my eyes, wishing this nightmare away.