Smiling at him, I spread myself on the bed and seductively ran my fingersalong my flesh. “I am sure there are more beautiful women out there. Blondes with larger breasts, and brunettes with perkier ones. Beautiful black women with
luscious asses.” I described the women I had seen in the photos Jack gave me.
Pity Jeremy was too stupid to connect the dots.
He settled on the bed next to me, and then trailed his mouth along my neck,
stopping to nip and play at the tender spots.
This time, I did not fantasize about my oily cabana boy. I imagined Jackrunning his fingers along my inner thighs, and it was Jack making my body rock,back and forth, as he gently teased me. On the brink of climaxing, Jeremystopped focusing on my needs and dove into his own, as if he knew my secret. Myfantasy crashed before me. Instead of the delicious image of Jack ravishing me, Ifaced the cold realization that the man moaning on top of me was my husband,
but in no way the man I loved anymore.
One month, twenty-nine days, twelve hours, three minutes.
Then, I’m free
Spent, Jeremy lay on me. His hot breath warmed my ear. It seemed forever beforehe kissed my cheek and rolled off me. I waited for him to fall asleep. When I wassure he was out cold, I slipped out of the bed and went to the bathroom.
Filling the tub with the hottest water I could stand, I sat fighting back mytears. I didn’t need to stay any longer. I had enough money and a job. Do I really need to hurt him? What kind of person have I become? I was no better than him.
Caitlyn: We need to talk.
Thomas: What’s up, love? Did he do something? I’ll come and slap that
tan off his face if you want.
Caitlyn: No. I just don’t know how much longer I can fake it. Every time
he touches me I want to die. I need out sooner.
Thomas: I was going to talk to you about an opportunity next week, but now seems right. I’ve been talking to a rich old lady. She wants her story
written. You would be perfect.
Caitlyn: Catch?
Thomas: You have to move to Montana.
Caitlyn: For fuck’s sake, T. Montana?
Thomas: Let’s meet up tomorrow and figure it out.
Caitlyn: Can’t. Going to San Diego for the weekend with J. My fault.
Thomas: Oh, Cat. Why?????
Caitlyn: Possibly the worst idea I ever had. Can’t talk. See you Monday.
Thomas: Luv you. Text if you need me.
Caitlyn: <3
Sinking under the water, I opened my eyes. One day, I would be free ofJeremy, but would the guilt for what I did consume me? Leaving my pity partybehind, I wrapped myself in a robe and crept into the bedroom.
It was only four o’clock. I didn’t need to wake Jeremy. His phone was on the
ground next to his pants. I picked it up and then checked to see if he moved.
Carefully, I pressed the phone to his finger, unlocking it.
He grabbed my arm. “Back for some more lovin’, babe?” he murmured
sleepily.
Dropping the phone, I smiled down on him. “You looked like a sexy angel.”
He pulled me into his arms and crushed his lips against mine. His tongue explored my mouth frantically. I hated that more than anything. I never felt anything loving about it being jammed down my throat, but today, I didn’t care. I didn’t want this to be a tender moment he would make linger until the last minute before we left on our trip.
If it had been seven years ago, I would have longed for Jeremy to spend the
day with me like this. But now, I had to make it fast and exhaust him. My breaking point felt close. Digging back into my memories of our early days of passion, I twisted around onto him and put myself in the dominant position.
Jeremy grinned as he undid my robe. For the next fifteen minutes, I focused
on tiring him out. My movements were quick and hard. My hours on the treadmill were helpful. My energy was high, and I had a mission.
When he finally finished, he was panting and moaning. “What are you trying
