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  “I just had some almonds.” He licked his lips.

  “Oh.” I started playing with the buttons on his shirt.

  “I know it’s my night to get dinner, but I’m on a roll. Do you want to order something in?”

  “I’m not really hungry.”

  “Okay, then I guess, I’ll go back to work.”

  He tried to stand up, but I pushed him back down. I pulled him closer and slid my tongue inside his mouth, dancing with his. He eased his hands down the small of my back and grabbed my behind. Now, we’re rocking. I started unbuttoning his shirt, but he broke our kiss and stood up.

  “Uhm, I can’t believe I’m saying this. Baby, I really have to get back to work.” He pushed me away.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I have a lot to do tonight. And-—” His eyes dropped and settled on my cleavage. “Is that a new bra?”

  “Wanna see it?” I watched as his eyes grew darker as I unbuttoned my blouse. He sat back down, pulled my blouse back and brushed his tongue across the purple lace. When his tongue met my nipple, I moaned and fell back into his arms. I was about to get what I wanted. He eased his hands up my back to the hook on my bra. The anticipation of his lips on my breasts was growing, then he stopped. What the crap!

  He stood up and clenched his fist. “I have got to get back to work. I’m on a deadline and…” He kissed my forehead and went to his office.

  “Son of a…fine, I’m going to take a shower.” I stomped upstairs.

  Chloe said when she was wrestling with her physical attraction for Orlando after he filed for separation, she took a lot of cold showers. It was how she kept her body in check. She said she was tempted a few times to go down the hall and take what was hers. After all, they were still married, but she knew it wasn’t right. Instead, she stood in a cold shower praying until she calmed down. It worked except for a few nights when she lost control.

  I stood under the freezing water for what felt like hours. I emerged clean, cold, prayed up and a lot less excited. Who can be excited when they’re freezing? I told myself not to be angry, because this is Moses’ job. But, this is the first time we haven’t made love when we both wanted to. I dried off my cold shivering body, put on a gown and climbed into bed. No need putting on anything sexy, because the only thing he’s making love to tonight is his computer.

  The next night, it was the same thing. Only this time, he didn’t even look up when I kissed him hello. I know this is how he provides for our family, but right now one part of our family is feeling a little neglected. I went upstairs for another ice cold shower.

  I’ve been taking cold showers for five days now, and I haven’t spoken to my husband in as many. He’s been so engrossed in work he doesn’t take me to the store or pick me up. And when I get home, his office door is closed which means, “Don’t come in.” I wouldn’t know he was here if I didn’t feel the bed move when he climbs in around three in the morning. Not only have we not spoken to each other since this routine kicked in, I haven’t had my other need met either. Right now, I’d be happy with a kick in bed, but nothing.

  If I were evaluating our marriage right now, he wouldn’t score too high. I know he told me he doesn’t like talking about his work while he’s in the writing process, but I didn’t think that meant he didn’t communicate at all.

  Day seven, and I can’t even get felt up like a slutty high school cheerleader under the bleachers. I have tried every trick I know when Moses comes to bed but, nothing. I went upstairs and turned on the shower. Just as I was about to step into the shower, my phone rang with a familiar ringtone. I picked it up and pressed the button.

  “Hi, Alexandra.”

  “Hi, Grams.”

  “How is my favorite granddaughter-in-law doing?”

  How am I feeling? I’m frustrated. My husband hasn’t touched me in over a week, and I’m tired of taking cold showers and eating alone.

  “I’m fine, Grams. How are you?”

  “I’m fine. Where’s my grandson?”

  She would ask that. I could be the spoiled brat I’m acting like, or I could be the mature woman I know I am.

  “He’s downstairs working. Do you want me to get him?” Please say yes, so I can have a couple of seconds with him in between my handing him the phone and him handing it back to me.

  “Is the door closed?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then definitely don’t.”

  “Oh.”

  “Alexandra, has he been ignoring you?” I paused before answering. She’s a smart woman, and any answer but the right answer will have her calling my mother, and I don’t want anyone to know I’m a little dissatisfied with my husband right now.

  “Uhm,”

  “Honey, I have been dealing with that strange creative person locked up in that office a lot longer than you have. Don’t take it personal. This is all part of his writing process.”

  “How long does it last?”

  “It varies. What do you do while he’s hiding out?”

  “A lot of cold showers and praying.”

  She laughed. “Is he sleeping?”

  “He comes to bed around three o’clock and he’s asleep when I leave in the morning. When I get home he barely says anything to me if I see him.”

  “It can’t last much longer. Don’t change your routine. But make sure he eats. That’s why Mrs. Joseph always put something out for him. We never knew when he was going to emerge from the writing cave and want to eat.”

  “Okay.”

  “When he’s finished, tell him I said he owes you an apology, and to take you to dinner.”

  I laughed. “Okay.” Thank you God for this call.

  “Oh, the reason I called. They installed the tub, and finished the tile in your bathroom. It’s beautiful and that tub is huge. I don’t know how they got it upstairs without damaging the walls. The contractor says they’ll start the downstairs guest bathroom by the end of the week.”

  “Thank you, Grams.”

  “I’ll send you some pictures tomorrow.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I spoke to Connie, and she said you’re giving her and Bas a little more responsibility at the stores.”

  “That’s right. I need the help because I want to spend more time with Moses.”

  “Good. I’ll—”

  “Grams?”

  “Yes, Baby?”

  “It’s going to be fine, right?”

  “Alexandra, trust me, you have nothing to worry about.”

  “If you say so.”

  “Remember, he’s making adjustments too.” The tone of her voice was very soothing, but I still missed my husband.

  “Love you.”

  “Love you, Baby. Good night.”

  “Good night.”

  Just what I needed, words of wisdom from my elder. She said don’t change my routine. I went into the bathroom and turned off the cold shower. Then I went downstairs to the kitchen and made a snack for Moses. I pulled out some tomato basil soup from the freezer and put it in the crock-pot on warm, and placed it next to a plate of sandwiches. I reached deep in the back of the freezer for my emergency chocolate chip cookie dough, and made a dozen cookies, and set them next to the other food along with a note.

  Hi Sweetheart, I thought you might want a snack. I know you’re hard at work creating and providing for our family. Thank you. I miss talking to you, but I understand. Don’t stay up too late. I love you, Alex.

  I went upstairs, took a hot bath and, washed my bad attitude down the drain. I put on a cute little baby doll, sprayed some parfum in a few key places and watched a little television before falling asleep.

  I didn’t hear him come upstairs, but I felt his hand wrap around my waist as he pressed his body against mine. I kissed his hand and went back to sleep.

  Chapter Twenty

  Chloe

  * * *

  “HEY LITTLE MOMMY.”

  “Hey there, Mrs. Adair. What’s going on?”

  “Up
for a girls’ night? I’ll bring the snacks.”

  “Don’t forget the Tums and ginger ale. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

  “Bye.”

  “Bye.” Click.

  It took me thirty minutes to get up. I was about to call up to my parents and ask my dad to come help me stand up. That’s the last time I sit in that chair. Now I see why my mom suggested I spend the last month of my pregnancy at their house. First thing in the morning, I’m waddling up to their house until Parker gets here.

  I changed clothes and tried to get comfortable, but that wasn’t possible. “OOOH!” That sharp jab was powerful. “Parker, I thought we had a deal. No more kicking Mommy like that. I promise after tonight to take it easy.” I waddled out to the patio and the cool breeze seemed to calm Parker down. I rubbed my belly while taking deep breaths. I looked up at the beautiful sky, thinking about the future. “God, please show me how to be a good mother.”

  I walked around the side of the house, humming and rubbing my belly. The bright lights grabbed my attention as the car pulled into the driveway. I stopped walking, and stood waiting for Alex.

  She climbed out of the car, walked around to the passenger side and unloaded several bags and walked towards me.

  “Hey there, Mrs. Adair.”

  “Hey there little Mommy.” She kissed me on the cheek, then bent down and directed her attention to my swollen belly. “Hello Parker, it’s Auntie Alex.”

  “Ooo.” Another sharp jab. “I think he’s glad to see you.”

  “Come on, let’s get you comfortable.”

  We headed back to the patio. “What did you bring?”

  “Nothing low-fat,” we laughed.

  We continued walking and she helped me sit down. I watched as she unloaded the bags and spread all the containers on the table. “So, we have pizza margarita, penne with heirloom tomatoes and duck sausage, fried mozzarella with marinara, meatballs, garlic bread and because we need something healthy, caesar salad.”

  “I thought you were bringing junk food?”

  She reached into the bag and pulled out a couple of clear boxes, and my eyes got large. “How about cheesecake, cannoli, apple fritters and lemon cookies?”

  “Now we’re talking! Sit down.” After a lot of small talk, I asked the question I’d been waiting all evening to ask. “So, why are you here?”

  “I thought it would be great to have a girls’ night.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “What?”

  “Alex, I love you. However, you have a fine man at home and yet, you’re here with me. What’s going on?” I sipped my wine.

  “Should you be drinking that?”

  “My doctor took away my caffeine, but said I could have a glass of red wine twice a week.” I sipped more wine. “You didn’t answer my question. Why are you here?”

  “Moses is working on his new book.”

  “Are you avoiding him because it’s bad?”

  “No. More like he’s avoiding me.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Moses has been locked up in his office for the past three weeks working. Apparently, it’s part of his process.”

  “And the problem is?”

  “I haven’t seen him.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “When I get home, he’s working. When I go to work, he’s sleeping.”

  “I see.”

  “We haven’t had sex since this writing ritual started.”

  I smiled. “And you’re…”

  “So frisky, I could scream.” I laughed at her. “It’s not funny, Chloe. I’m a newlywed with a hot husband and…”

  “He has to take a break at some point.”

  “We go to church, and then he comes home and locks himself back in his office.”

  I looked at her, and she looked sad. I had no advice. Orlando and I never had that challenge. We constantly had sex until he decided he wanted to have it with someone else. “You need to talk to him. Try sending him an email or texting him.”

  “Grams said, this is normal. She told me to stick to my schedule and it shouldn’t last much longer.”

  “But that’s not working for you?”

  “I’ve tried everything. Wearing sexy lingerie hoping when he comes to bed, something might happen.”

  “And?”

  “I got felt up once and that was it.”

  “Then go to bed naked. Take the day off, so when he wakes up, you’re there, and you can get serviced,” I teased.

  “Chloe…”

  “Alex, trust me, it’s not that bad. At least you’re getting some or the possibility of some, soon. The only prospect I have is my doctor going up stream to pull Parker out.” We laughed. For the first time during this conversation, she looked hopeful. “Trust me honey, there’s nothing wrong with your marriage. You two just need to talk.”

  “You’re right. I guess I’ll be taking Friday off.”

  “Wise decision.” I rubbed my belly. “Now I need a favor.”

  “Name it.”

  “Will you help me go up to my parents’ house.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “My mother wants me to stay with them until Parker gets here.”

  “I agree.”

  “I was going to wait until the morning, but I think tonight would be better.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?”

  I smiled. “No sweetie, it’s not like that. I just don’t want to get stuck in that damn chair again,” we laughed.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Alex

  * * *

  I WALKED INTO THE HOUSE and placed the grocery bags on the kitchen counter. I’m taking Chloe’s suggestion and playing hooky from the store tomorrow. I stocked up on all of Moses’ favorite foods. I spent the afternoon at the spa. I got a facial, salt scrub, mani and pedi. I cancelled the massage, because the only thing I need to get rid of the tension in my body, is a few hours with my husband.

  My plan is quite simple. After my quiet time and workout in the morning, I’ll get all dolled up and be sitting in bed with the sheet barely covering me. Then, when he opens his eyes, in the sexiest voice I can muster, I’ll say, “Good morning, Baby.” If things go as planned, it will be a very good morning…afternoon and possibly evening, too.

  I opened the refrigerator and started putting up the groceries. I closed the door and standing in front of me was my husband. The six foot plus of dark hot chocolate I pledged to love no matter what. Only thing is he forgot to tell me that when he’s writing, we both become celibate.

  This is the first time I’d seen him at night. It’s also the first time I’d seen him and it wasn’t a Sunday.

  I backed up and found myself pinned between Moses and the white marble counter. I stood still and looked at his eyes, hoping for a sign. He stepped closer and I swallowed hard.

  Suddenly, he walked away. What the crap was that about? A few minutes later, he returned.

  “Get your jacket and bag.”

  The first words I’d heard from him since Sunday. I wasn’t quite sure how to respond. He walked away again and suddenly the house was dark except for the kitchen. He returned and repeated his order. “I said, get your stuff.”

  My stuff or my bag? Was I being put out? “Why?”

  “Just do it.”

  “Excuse me?” I’m not going anywhere. This is my house and I’m not leaving.

  “Get your stuff, or do I need to get it?” He started walking towards me.

  Grams didn’t tell me he also gets a little crazy when he writes. I looked at my watch, seven thirty. It was ten thirty in New York…too late to call her. The closer he got, the more I felt inclined to see where this was going. I looked him up and down. I had a lot of pent up energy, and felt I could take him down with one punch. But then I remembered, he was taller, bigger, and probably had more pent up energy than I had.

  I walked around the counter, picked up my bag and jacket and went out to the gara
ge. I saw the door to the Aston was open and I got inside. I locked my seat belt on, clutched my bag and said a silent prayer.

  In a matter of minutes we were on the 405 freeway headed south at a record-breaking speed. About an hour later we exited the freeway, drove down a dark deserted road, and turned left. A few minutes later another left, and then a right. We pulled into the driveway of a strange little house. He got out and walked over to help me out of the car. Nothing looked familiar.

  “Where are we?”

  No reply. He closed the car door, turned and started walking towards the front door of the house. I evaluated my surroundings. If I went inside, at least I could get his keys and leave him here.

  I followed him inside and was instantly mesmerized by the view, and the moonlight bouncing off the ocean. I looked around and Moses was talking to a strange man in a dark suit. I stepped a little closer so I could hear their conversation.

  “Sir, everything you requested is here.”

  “Thank you.” Moses handed him what I presumed was a large tip. Oh great, he’s going to dump me here and hired this man to take care of me. I can’t even call for help, because I don’t know where I am.

  “Will there be anything else, sir?” The gentleman asked.

  “No, thank you.”

  “Good night, Miss.” I turned and gave a slight smile. The assassin is always polite before he kills his mark.

  The strange man left and closed the door. Now I was confused. I turned around and saw Moses headed down the hall. I waited a few minutes and followed him. I stopped at the first open door and looked inside. Lying on the beautiful bed, fully dressed, and asleep, was my husband. I stood in the doorway smiling. I walked over, took his shoes off, pulled the throw over him, and kissed him on the temple.

  I looked around the room and spotted a bag with my name on it. I looked inside and pulled out the card, “Happy Date Night.” He remembered. I felt like an idiot.

  I opened the bag and found a little something from my favorite lingerie store, The Pink Duchess, and a bottle of Chanel parfum and body creme. I took a shower, covered myself in the Chanel goodies and climbed into bed next to him.