I was skeptical about Jack's trip but who was I to complain, it meant more time to myself.
Honestly, if someone had told come to me over a year ago and said I'd hate Jack I would've called the person a liar, Or a really bad fortune teller. Or I would've sworn Jack and I were perfect for each other. Part of me hoped everything was still just a terribly long nightmare but I knew better.
I wasn't going to the bakery today, I was still clad in pajamas walking around he house and it was almost noon. The cops hadn't shown up in a while, it was a bit relaxing but still had me on my toes.
The door bell rang which made me pout a bit dropping my coffee cup on the table. I shuffled to the door and opened it to reveal a man dressed in a driver's uniform.
"Good morning Mrs Pierce" he smiled and handed me an exquisite black shopping bag o peered into it and saw a black box wrapped with a golden ribbon.
"Wait!" I called out noticing the man was walking away "What's this?"
"A gift from Mr Bailey. I'll be back at seven" he replied before driving away
I shut the door and took a seat in the living room, I unwrapped the box and my eyes widened in surprise.
Pulling out the contents to reveal a beautiful lavender dress. I didn't realize I was holding my breath till my mouth opened
"Oh my" I exclaimed my Words failed me
I took it to the bedroom and placed it on the bed. I let my fingers caress the soft fabric before pulling away.
I was back downstairs sighing when I realized my coffee was cold. It was well past noon now and I hadn't done anything productive. I fished out the divorce papers Amy gave me the previous day. I almost read each line twice to be sure, but the time I was done my eyes felt heavy and I lay on the couch to close my eyes for a while.
The sound of my phone ringing pulled me out of my somewhat heavy slumber. It was Amy asking if we could meet up for drinks, after I apologetically declined she reminded me about the divorce papers.
"Are you sure you don't wanna get out? Jack's not home you know.." she teased
"I'm sure Amy, I'll jut be home tonight I've got something to sort out early tomorrow"
"Okay then. I'll let you off this time" she said before hanging up. I looked at my phone, it was 6pm already, I almost cried out in dismay.
I showered quickly then my hair took most of my time but I was still good to go, then I was done with my makeup.
Finally I gingerly put on the dress, it was so beautiful I felt I didn't deserve it. I dug out a jewelry box I hadn't opened in a long time. My father had gave me a set of diamond earrings and necklace when he wanted me to go to law school; he always wanted me to be a lawyer. Being the only child I was a bit spoiled but the moment he mentioned law school, I turned down the idea almost causing a rift between us but his wife, my stepmother somehow always seemed to be the glue constantly holding everyone together, she was super supportive.
7pm and the doorbell rang on the dot, I wasn't sure if I should be impressed or creeped out. It was the same driver from earlier.
"Good evening Mrs Pierce" he said leading me to the car. I sat in the backseat nervously trying to take steady breaths as we drove to an unknown destination. "Where are we going?"
"Mr Bailey is meeting us at the restaurant, we're almost there" he replied looking at me through the rear view mirror
I nodded and held my purse closer making sure my phone was there "what's your name?"
"Darren" he replied after slight hesitation but he was smiling now
The rest of the drive was quiet as we arrived at our destination. As soon as I tried stepping out of they car, a hand offered me help it was Randall.
I took his hand and stepped out, just like last time he effortlessly looked dashing and a bit rogue at the same time. His cologne clinging softly around him, blue eyes that always seemed to read my thoughts were pinned on me as I suddenly became a bit self conscious.
"You look stunning" he said with an unreadable expression but I could definitely hear his tone of approval.
"You don't look so bad yourself" I replied trying to give and uninterested look
He chuckled before leading me in, it wasn't what I expected it was a really classy restaurant. the vip section had private booths and we were being led to one of them once we were seated the curtains were dropped.
"I'm surprised you came". He said finally after the second course
"It didn't look like I had a choice"
"We all have a choice " he poured us more wine
"Did you have something to do with Jack's trip?" I asked
"Maybe"
As each course arrived, our conversation was at a minimum, not that I was complaining
"What do you want from me? I know you're toying with me" I shifted uncomfortably in my seat
He stared at me intently before taking a bite of his food then swallowing slowly "I find you interesting" then wiped his mouth
"I'm married" my voice not sounding convincing even to me
Randall gave a light laugh his eyes lit up for a moment before going back to their dull look.
"You keep saying that and I'm well aware. Tell me this, why are you trying to expose him then?"
My mouth went dry as I frowned and proceeded to gulp down my glass of wine remaining silent
He sighed "I've had eyes on a few of my employees, you included."
I was nervous And about drinking another glass when he put my glass back on the table "you should slow down"
"I'm fine" I said "what about our deal?"
"In due time" he replied
Our table was cleared eventually and we sat in the dimly lit booth as we drank more wine making usual small talk when Randall pulled me closer from across the plush seat.
"Tell me why you're turning on Jack? What do you know?" His deep voice suddenly sounding dangerous
"I don't know what you're talking about" I replied attempting to pull way but rewarded with a hand grabbing my chin pulling my face closer to him and another hand at my waist
"Don't lie to me. Did the cops send you?" He asked again
I swallowed hard "no". How could I admit the real reason for my betrayal
"Why are you here?" His grip was tighter now as he stared me in the eye
"He cheated" I said breaking eye contact and looking down, my fists were clenched
Randall's hold softened till his fingertips felt like the brush of a feather against my skin. He motioned my face upwards letting our eyes make contact again. His expression wasn't as hard as before "I see. And you couldn't punish him the same way or something else?"
"What?" I tried pushing away but I was held in place
"You have no idea what you're getting into" he said
"I wanna go home" I said nervously
"We're not done for tonight" he said before planting his lips on mine.
He tasted like wine and vanilla, his pine-like cologne enveloping me, dominating the kiss he made my heart race then pulled away suddenly.
"Let's go" he said offering me a hand.
I've never been to the opera before so imagine my surprise when we walked into one. We were led upstairs where all the private sections were.
Randall's hand was holding mine and rubbing tenderly like I would break. Glasses of champagne were served as the show went on.
When it was all over and we were back in the car, the air felt heavy as we both kept quiet.
"Our deal" I said so low I doubted he'd hear me
"I'll handle it" he said pushing his hair back
"Thank you" I looked at my phone "it's 11pm" I wailed
"So?"
I shook my head "nothing take me home please "
Randall eyes me slowly moving forward but pulled back in a flash. The drive home was quiet and when we had arrived my familiar front yard he parked
"I had a nice time at the opera. Thank you" I said
His signature smirk was back "you hated dinner?"
I swallowed hard not wanting to answer as I was sure my cheeks were turning red.
"I...I'm not sure...I" I stammered
In a second, his lips were on mine again I let go this time allowing him take control easily as my body melted against him. Heat pooled between my legs as my hands went in his hair. I was nearly breathless when we parted, I didn't even look at him as I ran out of the car and into the house, shutting the door behind me.