Chapter Nine

Dex

I was getting tired of listening to Belinda complain. I’d heard about her inconsiderate husband, her spoiled kids, her sick mother, and her broken down car. I’d had enough. I just wanted to get through the rest of my appointments so Cora and I could pick up where we’d left off. I’d definitely order in tonight. I didn’t want to waste any time that could be spent buried inside her.

“I heard your ex is back in town,” she said, pulling her tight cotton shirt down by the hem so it revealed even more of her oversized fake tits. “That she’s going to open a restaurant or something.”

“Where’d you hear that?” I asked, making notes on my tablet about the things we’d discussed.

“A friend of mine was at Cheryl’s party the other night. She said you two looked pretty cozy. What’s that all about?”

I frowned at her, before going back to my summary. “With all due respect, Belinda, that’s none of your business.”

“I just don’t want to see you get hurt again,” she said, touching my shoulder. “She did a real number on you last time. I’d hate to see that happen again, hon.”

I’d known Belinda a long time, but I wouldn’t call her a friend. A pain in the ass was more accurate. “Don’t worry about me. I know what I’m doing.”

“Do you?” She stepped in my path when I tried to walk around her. “Dex, why do you keep fighting it?”

“Fighting what?” Fuck, I didn’t like where this was going.

She flicked her long blond hair over her shoulders so I could look my fill. Not that I was interested. “This attraction.” Her hand darted out and she actually grabbed my junk.

“Whoa!” I jumped back, using my tablet as a shield. “Don’t touch me.”

“You wouldn’t be saying that if you got a good long hard look at what you were missing.” She pulled her shirt over her head and she wasn’t wearing a bra.

Fuck my life. “Don’t do that, Belinda.” I stepped back, but she was moving in, like a predator. I had nowhere to go with the wall at my back.

She hooked her thumbs in her yoga pants and peeled them off.

No panties either. Just my luck. “I’m not interested.” I tried to divert my gaze, but it wasn’t easy with her tits pressed against my chest. “You’re married. Cora and I are working things out. Even if we weren’t you and I… not gonna happen.”

She reached for my belt buckle, and I grabbed her wrist, but not before she could yank it open. “I could make you feel so good,” she whispered, as though she hadn’t heard a word I said. “You know how long I’ve fantasized about getting you in my mouth?”

I closed my eyes, but when I heard the sound of my zipper I grabbed her shoulders, pushing her back a step.

“Stop it. I need to get out of here.” I’d met pushy women before, but this one was in a class by herself.

“Let me help you with this.”

She made another grab for me and my body reacted as though it actually wanted this. Traitorous dick. Didn’t know good sex from bad. Fortunately I did. And I wouldn’t fuck this woman with another dude’s cock.

“Hey, Belinda…” Her husband, Josh, walked in, gaping at us when he took in the scene.

I held my free hand up. “Josh, man, this is not what it looks like.”

Josh wasn’t a big guy, but he looked angry enough to take a run at me, which would be really stupid on his part. I could lay him out with one hand tied behind my back, but I didn’t want to. If I’d walked in on a scene like this with Cora and some guy I’d want to bust that mofo up too.

He lunged at me, forcing me to drop the tablet so I could defend myself. Belinda screamed, jumping out of the way so she wouldn’t get caught in the crossfire.

There were a few punches exchanged with mine hitting the mark while his mostly missed. I twisted his arm behind his back to contain him, but he tried to jerk out of my grip and I heard a sickening sound followed by a piercing scream. I watched him sink to the ground, grabbing his shoulder.

I glared at Belinda before tossing her clothes at her. “Put your fucking clothes on and call an ambulance.”

***

Cora

I was disappointed when Dex texted to tell me something came up and he wouldn’t be able to see me as planned, but at least it gave me a chance to invite Cheryl for a drink so we could catch up. We’d talked on the phone and texted since the party, but there was nothing like a little face time over a few drinks.

“So tell me everything,” she said, taking a sip of her dirty martini. “You and Dex. It’s back on?”

I smiled. “Back on? I’m not even sure what that means, but I guess you could say that.”

“I told you he’d changed,” she said, looking smug. “For the better, right?”

If Dex were any better at some things I was pretty sure I’d stroke out. “He seems to have it all together,” I said, thinking about how much he’d matured the past few years. “He’s still Dex, of course. Jealous—”

“You can’t tell me you don’t think his caveman thing is kind of hot.”

I laughed, twirling the straw around my daiquiri. “As long as it doesn’t get out of hand. And honestly, he’s really been trying to get a grip on it, so there is that.”

“You’re falling in love with him again, aren’t you?” She studied me carefully before her eyes widened. “You’re already in love with him.”

“Is that so surprising?” In spite of the way we’d ended things, I didn’t know if I’d ever stopped loving him. “I’ve never felt about anyone the way I felt about him. And most of the things that were an issue for us during our marriage aren’t anymore.”

I’d lost the urge to travel around the world showing off my culinary talents. Dex had lost the urge to prove his loyalty to his biker buddies. He had a business he was proud of and he’d finally settled down. Well, as settled as a man like Dex could be.

“So what does this mean?” Cheryl asked, leaning forward. “You think you’ll marry him again?” She gripped my forearm. “Have gorgeous blue-eyed babies?”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I said, trying to pretend her suggestion hadn’t given me a little thrill. “He did ask me to stay with him while the restaurant is being renovated. I haven’t answered him yet, but it might be a good way to test the waters before we decide to…”

I frowned when I saw Belinda’s husband storm in and belly up to the bar. He was wearing a sling on his arm and he had a black eye.

Cheryl followed my gaze. “Ouch. I wonder what happened to him?”

“I don’t know.” I tried to ignore the sinking feeling in my stomach. “Dex was going over to their house today to give them a quote on a new pool house. He’ll probably tell me what happened to Josh, assuming he knows.”

We’d all known Belinda and Josh a long time. They were regulars at the bar and we all wondered how the hell Josh put up with his demanding, flirtatious wife. Nothing was ever good enough for her and she constantly ridiculed her husband in public while chatting up other men.

“I can’t believe they’re still together, honestly,” I said, watching Josh knock back one drink before tapping the bar for another. “He could do way better than her.” Josh seemed like a nice guy who’d gotten trapped in a bad marriage and was staying for the sake of the two children they shared.

“I know, right?” Cheryl bit her lip. “I wonder what happened to him. Think I should go ask?”

“You can’t do that.” Though I knew she would. Cheryl was bold enough to ask anyone anything.

“I have to order us another round,” she said, standing. “If we happen to get to chatting, so be it.”

I shook my head as I watched her walk away. She would no doubt return with the whole story.

I dug my phone out of my purse and tried to quash my disappointment when there were no new messages from Dex. I’d kind of hoped he’d ask me to swing by when he finished whatever business he had to take care of.

I didn’t want to seem desperate, but figured there was no harm letting him know I’d be open to a late night visit if he was game.

I typed two little words, wondering if I’d get a response. Hey you

He responded almost immediately. Hey yourself

What are you doing?

There was no response for a full minute, but eventually I saw the bubble that indicated he was typing. Getting a couple of stitches.

What the hell happened?

Again, a long pause before he replied, Got hurt on the job. Nothing serious.

Is that why you couldn’t see me tonight?

Yeah

Why didn’t you say so? I could have come to the hospital with you.

Didn’t want to spoil your evening. No worries. I’m good.

At least it wasn’t serious. Miss you.

Miss you too, babe. We need to talk.

I felt a twinge of uncertainty when I replied, About what?

Before I could read his response Cheryl returned to the table with our drinks. Not wanting to be rude, I set the phone down and reached for my glass. “Did you find out what happened to Josh?”

Cheryl winced. “Yeah, but I’m not sure I want to tell you.”

I glanced down at my phone and read his response. Can’t get into it now. Oh shit, this wasn’t good.

“Just tell me,” I said, feeling the panic creep in.

“Uh, Josh said he went home for a late lunch and found Dex there with Belinda.”

“Yeah, I already told you he was there giving her a quote for their pool house.” I glanced at the bar and saw Josh downing another drink. Wow, he was really pounding them tonight.

“Apparently there was a little more than that going on when he got there,” Cheryl said, wiping the condensation from her glass with her fingertip. Her eyes were fixed on the action like she was enthralled.

“Like what?”

She sighed before sinking back in her chair. “God, I hate being the one to tell you this. But she and Dex were…. I mean… she was… naked!” She covered her face with her hands when I gaped at her. “Don’t kill me. I’m just the messenger.”

“That’s what happened to Josh?” I asked, staring at him. “He got into it with Dex?” That’s why the poor bastard looked so bad… and why Dex needed stitches. He hadn’t hurt himself on the job at all. The fucker!

“Apparently.”

I stood, tossing some money on the table.

“Where are you going?” Cheryl asked, grabbing my wrist.

“To find out what the hell’s going on with my ex.”