It had been five days since I’d had to leave Ma in that nursing home. Ms. Wallace called this morning to say that she was settling in a little better now. I felt so relieved. But then the conversation turned to the Hospice schedule again, and I hurried off the call. I just wasn’t ready to deal with that yet.

Instead, I paced my apartment, telling myself that I was going to clean up her room any day now. The rest of the place was spotless, as always. But cleaning out her room signified an end, of sorts. So I kept the door closed and picked up the newspaper for the third time. I kept expecting the perfect job to come falling out.

The phone rang, and I answered before the first trill had finished, expecting Erica. We’d been trying to make arrangements to meet up for three days now. Instead of her southern drawl, I heard a familiar yet uninvited male voice. “Martin, is this a good time?”

“Yes, sir, Commander Phillips.”

“You know you don’t have to — ah, what’s the use? I’m calling to see if you’ve changed your mind. I have a case that could use your expertise.” Commander Phillips paused on the other end of the line. I really wished it had been Erica.

“Sir, I appreciate the offer, but you know how I feel about babysitting your wealthy brats.”

“Yes, I know, Martin. But… how’s your mom doing?” So, that’s how we’re gonna play it.

“Cruz tell you?” I asked.

“You know we worked in Intelligence together for ten years…” he tried.

“Cruz,” I sighed, making sure Commander Phillips heard. “I know you mean well, and I appreciate the offer, but Ma and I will be fine.”

“It’s a quick job, the perfect chance to get your feet wet in private security.” He didn’t let up. “Mostly just surveillance.”

“Great, some rich guy wants to make sure his wife’s not banging her tennis instructor. No thanks.”

I was about to hang up when he raised his voice. “I know you need the money, Martin. Let me do this for you. I know you won’t take it any other way.”

“And I will find a way to make it on my own without having to follow some—”

“It’s not his wife; it’s his daughter. She may be in danger.”

“I’m sorry, but it’s just no for me.” I hung up and immediately dialed Erica.

“Don’t you ever text?” she teased.

“Are you coming over tonight?”

“I might have a date. I’ll let you know later.”

“I could really use the company.”

A moment passed. “Alright, nine?”

“Nine.” I hung up and decided to hit the gym to kill some time.

It was nearly ten when the doorbell rang. “I’d almost given up on you,” I said as I locked the door behind her.

“Yeah,” she answered, removing her shoes and walking toward my room. “Ended up pulling a double. You’re gonna have to do all the work. My back’s killing me.”

“No problem.” I pulled off my shirt, folded it, and laid it on the recliner. Then I did the same with my pants. When I entered the bedroom, she was already completely undressed, lying sprawled out on the bed. I stretched my arms over my head and twisted around to limber up.

“You expecting a workout?” she laughed.

“Just trying to relax,” I told her.

She looked down at my crotch and patted the bed in front of her. “You know I’m a sucker for tightie whities.”

“Well, that is one of your many talents.” I pulled my underwear off, and she got right to work. I threw my head back and let the warmth of her mouth take me away. Soon, I was thrusting my hips, helping her go deeper.

She gagged and pushed me back. “Alright, I’m good.” She pulled me back toward her by my cock.

“Turn around,” I commanded.

“Yes, sir.” She gave a tiny salute and a mischievous grin back over her shoulder as she assumed the position.

With one hand, I pulled her back to the edge of the bed and licked the first two fingers of the other. I glided one in and then the other. It didn’t take long before I felt her pushing back against me. “Looks like I’m not the only one who needed this.”

She was moaning a bit now. “Yeah, sometimes I forget how long it’s been.”

“I don’t!” I slid my fingers out, and she made a disapproving noise. But I quickly replaced them with the real deal, and we both exhaled.

Less than ten strokes in, we were already picking up the pace. I grabbed her ample hips with both hands and pulled hard. I saw her lick her fingers and reach underneath her body. Then I felt her tighten against me as her fingers found their mark. When she lowered her head and arched her back, I knew it was time.

She growled something that sounded like, “Now,” and I slammed into her with everything I had. I placed my hand on the small of her back and pushed her down flat to the bed. The motion created a suction effect that had me spent in seconds. We collapsed into a heap on top of the comforter.

After we caught our breath, she grabbed around on the bed. “My underwear disappeared.”

I rolled over and pull them from under me. “Here you go.”

“Thanks,” she said, hopping up to get dressed.

“Ha, no, thank you.”

“Goober,” she slapped me lightly on the arm. “Some of us are meeting up at O’Malley’s this weekend. You should join us. Get out of the house for a bit.”

“We’ll see.”

“Mmhmm,” she knew I was lying. “Want me to lock the door?”

“Yes, please.” I got up from the bed and headed to the shower. “And really, thank you.”

“My pleasure,” she called as she closed the bedroom door. I listened for the front door lock before turning on the water.

In the shower, I let the hot water rinse away the last of the tension in my shoulders. Hopefully, tonight, I’ll get some sleep.