It’s been a month since you’ve been on your own. You have been working like a slave taking every extra shift that comes your way. You saved a decent amount of money and have started looking for an apartment. Phil has been quiet since your last encounter. He calls and texts occasionally but is truly giving you the ‘space’ you said you needed. Bruno on the other hand has been in your bed nearly every night. “Good morning beautiful”, he smiles stroking your hair. “Good morning”, you reply with a half smile. Bruno’s hands meander down to your thighs. He begins to rub them as he kisses your neck and nibbles on your right ear. You are SO not in the mood. All you can think about is how much you miss Philip. Your mind drifts to the multitude of tiny kisses that wake you from your sleep when you’re in bed with Phil. Or how his strong, warm arms never let you go all night. You miss your man. Moving Bruno’s hand you sit up, “I’m going to take a shower”. Bruno grabs your waist. “Hold up”, he whispers, placing your hand on that carrot. It’s wide awake and hard as hell. He slides closer to you and you feel that carrot pressed hard against your back. Bruno’s hand has found its way between your legs and your love instantly moistens. You moan. ‘Why the hell can’t I resist this man?’, you wonder. Kneeing behind you, Bruno cups your breasts and begins kissing your neck and back. You turn to face him and he smiles. You wrap your arms around him and submit your body to him for the hundredth time. He enters you slowly and circles in your love. He whispers how good it feels in your ear and you smile. “Mmmmm, Ph…”, nearly escapes your lips. You catch yourself and say, “Mmmmm, fuck me B", instead. He does as he is told and massacres your walls as your body bucks wildly from multiple orgasms. Bruno groans deeply. You feel him jerk, fertilizing your garden. You both lay back in bed. Bruno wraps his arms around you. You’re smiling on the outside but you are dying on the inside. You look at Bruno and all you see is Phil. Regret, guilt and shame are calling your name and you have no one but yourself to blame. You sit up once again. “Going to shower”, you say as you get up. Walking out of the room, you think about what you just said. You peek your head back in the bedroom and add, “alone”. Bruno smirks getting the hint. You hop out of the shower, dry off and get dressed. Heading out to the living area, you notice Bruno gathering his things. “Bae, I gotta go”, he explains placing his hands at your waist and pulling you in for a kiss. “I’ll call you later, ok?”. “Ok”, you agree - you would have pretty much said anything to get him out. You just want to be alone for a while. “Later”, he says leaving. “Later, B”. You open up your laptop and start searching for apartments. The rent for the majority of the apartments is too damn high! You can’t justify putting that kind of money into something you don’t own. You begin to consider buying a condo instead. There is a new development a few blocks away. You decide to check it out. Besides, the fresh air will help clear your mind.
You leave your car and decide to walk in the warm California sun. You stroll through the North Hollywood district and do a little window shopping. You are so tempted to pick up a few things but are able to keep your focus. As you start down the next block, you see Phil step out of one of the stores with a shopping bag in each hand. You smile, excited to see him until you notice a very beautiful woman walk out of the store, grab his hand and stand next to him. She’s very fashionable and her mannerisms clearly communicate her attraction to him. You stop dead in your tracks and just observe. She touches his upper arms and back during their conversation. She even licks her lips as she plays with her hair. He doesn’t seem to mind her obvious flirting. In fact, he smiles at her and brushes the hair from her face. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses his left cheek. You can see his smile from here. Hugging her, he says goodbye and walks to his car. She watches him walk away before stepping back inside. Your face is stinging with jealously. You are LIVID! You want to march right into that store and find out ‘who the fuck that bitch thinks she is’ but your heart is aching so much you can’t move. Someone bumps into you accidentally and brings you out of your stupor. Your body shivers from the chill of the cold karma that just ran straight into you. You are so disoriented you can’t remember where you were going or why. You slowly turn around and head back to the hotel.
Back in your hotel room, you are pacing the floor with your phone in your hand. ‘How dare he!’, you think. ‘I’m calling his ass right now!’. You start to dial but your phone rings before you can finish, it’s Phil. You clear your throat, take a deep breath and answer. “Hello?”. “Hey Nikki! I was just thinking about you. Thought I’d call to see how you were doing?”. You wanna say something about what you saw earlier but decide to play it cool. “I’m doing just fine. How are you?”, you ask hoping he slips up and says something you can use as ammunition. “I’m good”, he’s silent for a moment. “I…uh…I’m free today and was really hoping I could see you. You know, maybe catch up”. You don’t say a word. “How about lunch?”, he asks. You immediately think about telling him you’re busy and can’t make it but on second thought, you realize that you miss him much more than you are mad at him and change your mind. “Sure Phil”, you respond quietly. “How about Roy’s in a half-hour?”, he asks happily. You agree and hang up the phone. You sit on the couch and just stare out of the window for a while. You can’t help but play the interaction between Phil and that woman over and over again in your mind. ‘Are they dating? Are they sleeping together? Does he love her?’ Your mind is racing. You look at the clock and realize you have to meet Phil in 15 minutes. You take a deep breath, stand up and walk out the door.
Phil is already seated when you walk into the restaurant. He’s wearing red Lacoste and looks sexy as hell. He stands and hugs you tight. Kissing you on your right cheek as he seats you, he says, “Baby Girl, you look beautiful”. You smile and can’t help but respond in kind, “Baby, you look amazing. I love you in red”. “I know”, he smirks. Before you can respond with your usual sarcasm, the waiter comes over to the table. “Miss, may I start you off with a drink? May I interest you in our wine list?” You smile and part your lips to speak but Phil chimes in before you can start, “She’ll take a glass of your best Malbec. On second thought, just bring the bottle. Thanks”. You smirk at him, “You think you know me”. His eyes soften as he cocks his head to the side and reaches for your hands. Stroking your palms then interlacing his fingers with yours, he replies quietly, “I do know you…VERY well. But more importantly, Baby Girl, I miss you”. Your smile fades as you sit back in your chair and remove your hands from his. Phil furrows his brow. “Did I say something wrong?”, he asks. “No”, you answer plainly. Phil sighs deeply. He does know you very well. He can tell something’s wrong. “Nikki, what is it?” You lean forward and start, “Philip, I…”, you are interrupted by the waiter bringing your Malbec. He pours a taste for your approval. That distinctive plumy, brute taste on your tongue is perfect. You smile and nod with approval. The waiter pours your glass and leaves the bottle chilling next to the table. Phil leans into the table and urges you to continue but you’re not sure you want to. “You were saying?”, he starts. You REALLY miss him and just want to spend some time with him. ‘Don’t start an argument Nicole. Not right now. Just enjoy the time you have with him.’ You smile as you lean into the table. Caressing his hands, you say, “Phil, I…have missed you more than you know”. You both barely touch your food. Between the hand holding, smiling and flirting, there really was no room for eating. “You ready to get outta here?”, Phil asks. You nod and smile as you call for the waiter and pay for lunch. Phil shakes his head, “I thought you were saving money for a place”. “I am and I did but I can still pay for lunch”. You both walk out of the restaurant. Grabbing hold of your hand, Phil asks, “Wanna go for a walk?”. “Sure”, you reply happily. You and Phil walk and talk like old times. A light wind is blowing his signature scent directly in your face and it’s causing your panties to moisten. Before you know it, Phil’s right arm is around your waist as you walk. His hand slides down to your thigh and your knees get weak. The sun is setting, so Phil walks you back to your car. You lean against your car to stabilize yourself. You and Phil haven’t been alone together in weeks. Your body is craving him like a fiend for the pipe. Standing in front of you he places his hands on the side of each of your thighs. Staring into your eyes, he whispers, “I know I was a pain the last time I saw you but I am trying to give you space”. There is a twinge in your heart as you think back to Bruno teasing you while you tried to talk to Phil. Guilt forces your head down. You are unable to speak. Stepping closer to you, he quickly turns the brim of his snapback around and places his forehead against yours. Your respirations increase, as do his. You are face to face. “Baby Girl, I miss you so much, I swear to God”, he whispers as if in pain. Your face inches closer to his. You desperately want to taste his lips. Your lips are so close to his you can almost taste the Malbec on his tongue.You both stare deeply into each others eyes. Your guilty feelings won’t let you give in so you look away. Phil grabs your face and kisses you with so much passion, your knees buckle. You caress the back of his head as your tongues dance to a lovers beat. The kiss between you is so intense, you can feel the heat generating between your bodies. As you break for air, Phil wraps his arms around your waist and pulls you closer. You lay your head on his chest and listen to his heartbeat as he kisses the top of your head. You can’t help but wonder if he’s kissed “her” like this. “I should go Philip”, you say breaking his embrace. “Oh…ok…”, Phil says noticeably disappointed. He reluctantly backs up as you open your drivers side door. You sit in the driver’s seat holding back tears. Phil holds the door open. Staring at you he says, “Thanks for lunch Baby Girl”. You can’t look at him right now. The image of him brushing the hair from “her” face is scorched into your memory. “You’re welcome. I enjoyed your company”. Phil squats down next to your seat. You finally look at him. You miss him so much, it physically hurts. He brushes the hair from your eyes, caresses your face and kisses you softly. “Come home with me tonight Nikki”, he whispers looking into your eyes. Your body is on fire and wants nothing more but you can’t stop thinking about “her”. You lean back into your seat. Reaching for your seatbelt, you reply, “I’ve got a few open houses I need to attend this evening and I’m working 7a-7p tomorrow so…”. Phil stands slowly and sighs deep, “I understand”. You are chocking back tears right now. “Happy apartment hunting Nikki. Let me know if I can help at all”. You nod and smile as he closes your door. You drive off as tears roll down your cheeks.
You desperately need a drink. You stop by the liquor store and pick up two bottles of Three Olives Cherry vodka then head back to the hotel. You are on your 3rd shot of vodka and 1st box of tissues when you hear a knock at the door. You look at the clock, it’s 9:38pm. You are pretty sure it’s Bruno. You sit quietly for a moment hoping he assumes you aren’t home. ‘Knock, knock, knock’ - with more authority this time. You take another shot and make your way to the door. You unlatch the chain and open the door, ready to tell Bruno “goodbye” when Philip grabs your hips and pushes you into the room. His hands are holding your head and the center of your back as he kisses you deeply. You give into him, giving his hands permission to search your body as you stroke his head, neck and back. He finally steps back enough to smile at you. He pushes your hair behind your ear and “she” immediately comes to mind. You break his embrace and walk away. Phil is close behind. You sit on the couch and consider another shot to dull that jealous ache in your heart. Phil sits next to you and caresses your face, “What’s wrong?”, he asks confused. You pop up off the couch and head to the window. He follows. He stands behind you attempting to stroke your arms but you shake him off and walk away. He stands, staring at you waiting for an explanation. You drop your head and just let it go. “I saw you and…her”. His entire demeanor changes instantly confirming your worse fear. You refuse to cry. “Who is she?”, you ask unsure if you really want to know the truth. He sits on the couch and sighs, “She uh…she owns this clothing store in Northern Hollywood. She’s been helping me keep my look fresh. I like her clothing line - it’s cool. I think you’d like it too”. You aren’t happy with that answer, “Who is she?”. He stares at you for a moment in silence. “She kissed you Philip!”. He stands and walks toward you, “Baby Girl, she’s just a friend”. You walk away, “I bet. She looks VERY friendly”. “It’s not like that”. “So tell me Philip, what’s it like? Huh?” You sit on the table and pour your 5th shot. Your mind is cloudy and racing - it’s a miracle you are able to put sentences together at this point. “Nikki, you wanted space so I gave it to you. It’s been hard Baby Girl. I mean, I am a man.” You can feel anger smoldering inside you. Somehow you maintain your composure and say, “So, you fucked her. How was it?”. Phil’s eyes grow wide, “Woah! I never said that! Look, I’ma just put it all on the table for you. Ok?”. You cross your arms and roll your eyes. “We went out twice. She’s nice and yes, I think she’s pretty. She kisses me on the cheek when I see her but nothing has happened other than that. I haven't kissed her and we haven't slept together”. He’s standing in front of you and you are searching his face for truth. All you can see is your guilty reflection and it stings in your heart like a bitch. You reach for the bottle but Phil blocks you. “Baby Girl, I think you’ve had enough. Talk to me”. You glare at him. So many emotions are running through your body. You want to hit him just as much as you want to hug him. You want him to leave but you want him to hold you in his arms. Your head is spinning. You stand, “Philip, you should go”. “No”, he says frankly standing in your way. He grabs you by your upper arms and looks you deep in your eyes, “Damn it! I love you woman! Why can’t you see that?!” You try to break free, “Let me go!” “No.” You try to push him away as he maintains his grasp on your arms. You push your body against his and he pushes back refusing to relinquish his control. He pulls you into his body, “I’m not letting you go”, he says calmly. The growing bulge in his jeans is confirmation of that fact. You stop fighting and look up into his eyes. Staring into those hypnotizing, brown pools you remember just how much you love him and kiss his lips. He pushes you against the wall and holds your hands hostage above you as he kisses your neck and chest. By the time his lips reach your lips, your body is aching for him and he knows it. He kisses you slowly with his eyes open. He lets your hands go slowly. You begin tearing at his clothes. You pop a button on his shirt and rip his jeans pocket. His hands tear open your shirt and pull off your shorts. Holding your chin, he kisses you again and strokes your panties which are drenched. You lightly bite his lower lip and whisper, “Baby I want you, right now”. You rub that python peeking through those black boxer briefs. The vodka is talking right now and it has NO filter. “Fuck me, right here, right now”. Phil smirks and pushes you hard against the wall. Grabbing your ass he is more than happy to oblige. “I want your body right here Daddy I want you, right now”. Phil grabs your left leg and places it on his waist as he slides your panties to the side and enters you with authority. “Oh Baby, yessssssss”, you moan. The embers of your fire ignite in no time. Your leg is wrapped tight around him as he thrusts hard and fast in your love. His hands are gripping your ass allowing for deeper penetration. Phil’s moans are setting your love ablaze. That python is murdering the back of your walls has he murmurs in your left ear, “Say my name”. You immediately moan, “Phiiiiiillllllll”. Smiling he continues, “Whose is it?”. You caress his face, lightly lick his perfect lips and truthfully reply, “Baby, it’s yours”. He releases his love within your walls as he whispers, “You damn right”.