Thirty-Three

Selby stared at the clock on the wall. Five o’clock. Usually, he’d already be flipping the OPEN sign to CLOSED and heading for his car. However, with Faith in Tampa his eagerness to go home was simply not there. The house was empty, and he hated it. He hadn’t slept well at all because of the abrupt ending to his phone call with Faith. It just seemed off to him, and he wasn’t sure what was going on. It wouldn’t have surprised him if Edwin had made a special trip to visit her.

He sat back down in his swivel chair. Might as well see if there’s any nighttime business. He opened up a Terry Goodkind paperback and tried to get lost with the Sword of Truth.

He couldn’t focus on what he was reading, however, so he tossed the book on the counter and began rearranging his shelves and contemplating adding an online store for his books. He was running through his mental list of acquaintances for anyone who might know web design when the cowbell on his front door gonged. Maybe I’ll have a customer, after all.

“Selby!” A voice boomed out as the door clanged shut.

As Selby weaved his way through the bookshelves to the front of the store, he saw Glen standing there holding a six-pack of Shock Top. “I swung by your house, but obviously you weren’t there. So, I thought I’d gamble that you’d be hiding here.” He held a beer out for Selby.

Selby took it and the two men clinked bottles. “Cherish doing better with Faith out of the office?”

Glen shook his head as he leaned back on the counter. “Yes, and no. She’s busting her ass and working overtime, bitching that Faith isn’t there to do anything. I don’t know if she’ll ever be happy.”

Selby just laughed. “They all have too much of their mother in them.” He took a long swig from his Belgian white.

“Bite your tongue. Why would you wish that on us?”

Selby shrugged. “Genetics. Arni’s the only calm one.” That itself was an understatement, and Selby knew it. The entire time he had been married to Faith, he had never seen Arni ruffled. The truth of the matter was, the Driscoll children all had their selfish sides, and that was all Valerie because Arni would give you the shirt right off his back. Valerie and the kids were every-man-for-himself, even Faith.

Selby stared at his beer bottle. Could that be why she went so deep into this game with Edwin? Was her selfish nature coming out to the forefront now?

“I asked Cherish if she was fucking Edwin.”

Selby spit out some of his beer as he choked on what he swallowed. His eyes watered as he tried to get his coughing fit under control. “You timed that,” Selby said, his voice strained.

Glen gave him a sheepish smile as he flipped through a children’s book on the counter. “Sorry. I guess that was kind of random.”

Selby took a deep breath as he said, “Don’t worry about it. And?”

“She got pissed that I even asked.” Glen looked so forlorn that Selby felt sorry for him. Glen looked up, and his chocolate eyes were fighting back tears. “She’s always laughed off comments like that before, but this time she actually got pissed.”

Selby knew what his brother-in-law was thinking. Cherish’s reaction made her look guilty. Could Edwin be screwing both sisters, and if he was, did Faith know? No. He couldn’t believe his wife would go that route. She was too worried about her family discovering what she was doing. If Edwin was having sex with both, then Faith was clueless, but Cherish must have her suspicions. If it was just a fight between two women at work, that would be one thing, but this had the potential of involving the whole family. Selby drained his Shock Top and reached for another. It was time Faith’s game at work ended.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Faith rose out of bed that morning not knowing what to expect from Morgan. He had finished his dessert, so to speak, after Selby’s call, but that was as far as it went. He had acted like it was no big deal and kissed her hand before returning to his own room, his own bed. However, the reaction she received that morning was the last thing she expected—silence. Morgan had been on the phone talking work the entire way to the office, and as soon as they arrived, he had driven off with Kent. They said nothing about the previous night and what had happened.

To make matters worse, there had still been no word from Edwin. Three days and not one “Hey, there. How’s the trip?” How stupid could she have been? Out of sight, out of mind.

C’mon, Faith. It was a game. Why are you acting like a jilted lover? She stopped filling out the equipment release she worked on and just stared at the wall. Why was she behaving like a lovesick puppy? Did she have feelings for Edwin after all? It was just sex, a game of the flesh for attention and excitement. Yet, if that were really the case, why was she so upset he hadn’t reached out to her?

Faith glanced over at her phone and realized she hadn’t heard from Selby in four hours and that wasn’t bothering her. She leaned back in her chair. I’m not missing Selby; I’m missing Edwin. The realization made her sick to her stomach, and she left her desk to go outside for air.

She held herself, her arms cradling her chest as her hands rubbed her arms. The temperature outside was nice, and yet, she found herself freezing. Edwin had told Morgan he could have her and even what she liked. It should have pissed her off, but she still panted for just one word from the man. Selby would lay down his life for her, and she hadn’t even thought about him the entire trip. What kind of woman had she become? What kind of wife?

“Everything okay?”

The voice startled her out of her morose train of thought, and Faith looked up to see Morgan and Kent walking down the sidewalk. She took a deep breath and nodded. “Yea, just needed a break.”

Morgan ran his hand through his almond hair and smiled at her. “Good, because we’ve still got a lot to do before we go home.”

As the two men passed her, the word “home” echoed in her mind. She worried about what waited for her when she returned. She realized she had changed. Not Selby. Not Edwin. Her. She hadn’t even been aware it had happened until five minutes ago, and now, she had to figure out what to do with those changes.

When she sat back at her desk, she picked up her phone and thought about texting Selby, but what would she say? She set the phone back down and shuffled the paperwork on her desk just for something to do. She had never felt so lost.

She leaned back in her chair with a heavy sigh. With so many emotions and thoughts going through her head, it was hard to concentrate. She sat there gazing around the room, and she noticed Patricia doing the same thing, only the redhead’s gaze focused on one person, Kent Dedmon. Faith recognized that look, recognized it because she knew it had been on her face for a while now. Either there was an office romance already in bloom or Patricia wanted one. Now, Faith wished she had kept her mouth shut at dinner when she told Kent that Patricia may need to be fired. How could she not have seen it before? What worried her more was that if she had that look on her face back home, then everyone knew about Edwin and her, including her sister.

Suddenly, she felt sick to her stomach. No wonder Cherish acted the way she had; she knew her big sister was banging the boss. What on earth could she possibly think? Not that Cherish was such an innocent victim in their battles, but still, no one had ever seen Faith in anything but a good light. Now, she was the office slut. She closed her eyes as she squeezed the bridge of her nose. Run, Patricia, run, and don’t look back.

Yet, really, she couldn’t blame the girl for doing the same thing she was doing. That excitement that flutters up in her stomach, that rush of adrenaline that pumps through her every time she’s about to be naughty, were addicting emotions. It was the same when she first met Selby. The newness and giddiness of the relationship was the wave she could ride unencumbered. Until it hit the shore of life, that is. Then work and bills and family left you standing on the soggy shore amidst the detritus of the wave that was being pulled back out.

Was that it? The game Selby and she had begun had placed her back on top of that wave, only now it was with Edwin. There was no real responsibility there, just the excitement of exploration. She could let go of life and its monotonous cares and just ride the crest of the wave.

A hard knock woke her from her reverie as Morgan stood there, knuckles on her desk, staring at her. “Welcome back,” he chuckled.

Faith took a deep breath as she rubbed the palms of her hands on her jeans. “Thanks. What’s up?”

Morgan slid some of the desk clutter to one side and perched himself on the corner. “Something seems to have rattled you. Need to talk?”

Faith leaned forward on the desk staring at a spot in the wood, her hands folded in front of her. “To be honest, Morgan, I don’t know what I need anymore.” Faith took a deep breath as she looked up at the man, his eyes tender where they were usually wolfish. “I thought I did. I mean, everything was all fun and games until my mind caught up with me.”

Morgan cocked his head and with narrow, questioning eyes asked her what she was afraid to ask herself. “Your mind or your heart?”

And there was the problem she had been avoiding. She didn’t know. Edwin not contacting her all week was driving her crazy. Yet, her scarce communication with Selby hadn’t bothered her at all. She had barely thought of her husband and that tore her stomach. Oh god, Faith, what have you done?

Morgan tapped the desk as he stood to his feet. “Let’s call it a night, shall we? Your mind is definitely not on work.”

She gave him an apologetic smile and nodded.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

They ate dinner at the hotel restaurant. Morgan tried to keep the conversation going, but Faith’s attention was inward, not outward. She wasn’t sure when he stopped talking and began working via his phone again, but when the server cleared the plates away, it surprised her. She didn’t even remember eating.

Morgan paid for the meal as she gathered her stuff, and the two walked to the elevators. She hugged herself as she rode the elevator up the four floors. She could feel Morgan watching her and felt guilty for her mood, but she couldn’t help it. Too much was going through her mind and her heart. Morgan was probably disappointed, hoping for some more impromptu fun after the previous night, but Faith just couldn’t bring herself to think about that at the moment. All she could think about was Edwin and Selby, and she wasn’t even thinking of them in the right order.

“Look, if you need to talk, I’m right across the hall,” Morgan said as they reached their rooms. “Of course, if you need anything else…” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I’m still across the hall. Don’t hesitate to knock on my door for whichever you need.” His playfulness turned sincere.

Faith nodded and tried to smile. She didn’t think she pulled it off, however. “Thanks, but I think I just need some alone time.”

Morgan slid his key card in the door and then opened it. “Well, the offer still stands.” He smiled at her as he entered his room.

She stared at the closed door, wondering if it was somehow an omen. Her life had been just like this just a few months ago. She had stood in the corridor of her life, calm, predictable, and in front of her had been a door behind which resided fun, excitement, and adventure. Selby opened that door for her—for them, really—and yet, here she stood, back in the corridor, worried she had passed through the door too soon or if she should have passed through it at all.

With a sigh, Faith went inside her room, tossing her purse on the floor as she entered. She wanted a hot shower, mindless television, and bed. Snatching up the remote, she flipped on the news channel. That should be mindless enough. Walking into the bathroom, she turned the water on and slowly stripped her clothes off while the water heated up.

Faith stared at herself in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, probably had been for a while. She hadn’t even cared to primp at all during the day. That wasn’t like her, at least not the Faith of the past few months. Appearance had become so important to her, important because her appearance gained her the attention she craved that drove her attitude of wanton abandon. All of it, her low-cut blouses, her tight pants, her perfect hair, and makeup, gave her the confidence to flirt with the men at the office. She dressed in order to get their whistles and winks.

She turned sideways, taking in her profile, the curve of her ass, the roundness of her breasts with their perky—and now hardening—nipples. And why shouldn’t they whistle and wink at me? I’ve worked hard to make myself look damn good. Faith caressed her ass with one hand, letting her fingernails scratch at her skin leaving white trails. She smiled at herself. Yes, Faith, you have a fine ass.

The bathroom filled up with steam from the shower. Before she ran out of hot water, Faith stepped into the tub, pulling the shower curtain closed behind her. She allowed the hot water to beat her chest, turning her pale flesh first pink and then a bright red as the heat pounded her, water cascading down her tired body. The heat trickled over her tits, down the flat of her stomach, and waterfalled between her slightly spread legs. The warmth struck her clit in a constant wave, and she stood there reveling in it. The beating water massaged her muscles, driving the stress of her thoughts from her mind. With eyes closed, she caressed her breasts, letting the water pool around her nipples in a pleasurable mass of heat. With her fingers, she pulled at the hardening nubs, stretching them slightly until she felt the tendrils of her pleasure-pain tingle through her. Tension left her as passion filled her.

Faith slid down to the base of the tub, positioning herself so that the pulse of the shower beat on her inflamed sex. The cold of the tub on her back only made the water feel hotter against her flesh. She glided her fingers down her body and stroked her swollen clit, rubbing it in small circles. Oh god. A moan escaped her lips as she pictured anyone—everyone—touching her body. She rolled her nipple, and it was Edwin’s fingers; her clit had Selby’s mouth tonguing it; the water caressing her body belonged to the hands of Morgan. She arched her back, giving them access to all of her. She pushed the guilt aside and surrendered to the passion she couldn’t control. She wasn’t losing herself; she was already lost.

She rubbed her clit harder, her body taut with need. She felt their mouths, their hands; felt their hot breath covering her. Her body shivered with her excitement, goosebumps covering her flesh. Please, oh please. She felt her mouth open, wanting. The water hitting her in the face was the hot cum from the men who stood over her, covering her with their sperm. She looked down and saw Selby, his cock hard and thick, and as she pictured him driving it into her, it was all she needed to crest the wave of her orgasm. Her body tightened as she felt the ripples of pleasure take her beyond her fantasy and into bliss, real and pulsating. Her moans and whimpers echoed off the plastic walls, and she was sure whoever was in the next room heard her. She didn’t care.

How long she had been down there on the tub’s bottom, she didn’t know. Long enough for the hot water to run out and leave her soaked and chilled. Faith just wanted to lie there, but the icy water forced her up and out without showering. Once she had a towel wrapped around her, she leaned back against the wall, and it was then that the guilt returned. Her fantasy popped back into her mind and again she fretted. Had she lost herself? Was this who she was and what she truly wanted?

And what about Selby?

As she slumped against the wall, she heard her room phone shrilling. Faith pushed herself off the wall and went to answer it, wondering who would call her room instead of her cell phone. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she picked up the receiver. “Hello?”

“Hey. Where’ve you been? I’ve been calling your cell for twenty minutes.” Selby’s voice held an edge, part worry, part anger.

“I was in the shower,” Faith snapped into the phone. “It was a long day, and I wanted to wash it away.”

“Well, I was worried. You could have sent a text saying you were in the shower.”

“Do you want me to text you when I take a shit, as well?”

“Now, you’re being ridiculous.”

“And you’re acting like my mother.” Faith had to stand. She would have paced except the cord wasn’t long enough. “I’m a grown woman, Selby. I don’t need to vouch for my every move.”

She heard Selby take a deep breath and let it out slowly. That’s right, count to ten before you say something else totally asinine. He should have counted longer. “Look, I’m sorry. I’m a little on edge. Glen just left, and I think I know why Cherish has turned queen bitch.”

“Something get stuck up her ass?”

“No, Edwin.”

Faith had nothing to say. What in the world did Edwin have to do with her sister? “What are you talking about?”

“Glen thinks Cherish has been having an affair with Edwin,” Selby said. “I think Edwin was sleeping with your sister and dumped her for you, and Cherish knows it, or he’s juggling his hanky panky with both of you.”

So, Cherish was the girlfriend Edwin had broken up with after we started our game. It explained her sister’s mood and why she suspected everything. Cherish had done it all with Edwin already. Then, Faith thought back to what he said during their last time together. His girlfriend had been trying to escape her marriage. Yet, Faith had always believed Cherish and Glen were strong. Odd, perhaps, but still a strong marriage. Still, that was her business. “And what does this have to do with me? That’s between Glen and Cherish.”

She could hear Selby take another deep breath, preparing himself for a reaction. “I think you should stop screwing around with Edwin. It’s hitting too close to home, and I don’t like how he put you in that position.”

Every guilty feeling Faith felt up until then fled. “Wait. Cherish is a bitch because Edwin stopped his affair with her, and you want me to just give her back her toys and walk away! Cherish has gotten her way her entire life. I’ll be damned if I’m giving in to her again.”

“Faith, this isn’t a doll you two are fighting over. If it comes all the way out that you’ve been fucking Edwin at the same time your sister was, are you ready for the fallout?”

“Weren’t you the one always telling me as long as we’re happy, who cares about others? What happened to that?”

“I still believe that, but Faith…this is involving family. This isn’t about people accepting our choices. This could hurt others. Hell, it already has.”

Faith found herself clenching and unclenching her hands into fists. Her body was tight, tense, and she really wanted to move around. She knew he was right. Her head knew, anyway. The rest of her was fed up with her sister. Faith also knew she should be angry at Edwin, and she would be. Later. Right now, her rage focused on her hypocritical sister who called her a slut and a whore while Cherish played private secretary to Edwin behind everyone’s back. Faith would not give in to the little bitch, no matter the consequences. “I don’t care.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“Oh, yes, I do. I am sick and tired of worrying about what others think. This is my life, and I’ll damn well do what I please.”

“Even if I’m the one asking you not to? What about our agreement that either of us could call it quits if it became too much?”

Anger is sometimes like a runaway train, barreling downhill. It keeps gaining speed until the only outcome is a collision of personalities. “You’re the one who opened this door, Selby. You got us into this game. I won’t allow you to stop it just because Cherish gets her panties in a wad.”

“Is Edwin really worth all this?”

“No. I am.”