Shattered Lives (The Shattered Series Book 1) Read online

  Tami was on her way home from buying groceries, she wanted her mother to have a complete overhaul of her diet. All organic fruits and vegetables, no processed food. When she arrived home Josh was in the kitchen making tortellini soup. “Smells good,” Tami said placing the groceries on the kitchen counter.

  “Thanks, babe. You’ve been under a lot of stress lately, I wanted you to have one less thing to do,” said Josh, as he stirred the pot on the stove.

  “Is mom sleep?”

  “Yeah, the nurse left at five. I checked on Carol about fifteen minutes ago and she was sound asleep.”

  “I still can't believe any of this is happening. How could I not know my mother was so troubled that it was affecting her health? We spoke on the phone daily and I detected nothing.”

  “Sometimes people are good at covering what’s bothering them.”

  “Remember, I told you about her neighbor who said mom had changed when she returned from her visit. She said she was upset but didn’t know why. Whatever it is, will remain a mystery for now because it’s hard for her to communicate.”

  Josh walked over to his wife and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “One day at a time, babe. I hope you’re hungry. I worked hard on this soup.”

  The couple enjoyed a nice quiet dinner. These moments were rare in their marriage. With Josh spending time on the road, their schedules are always crossing each other. Lately, he’s been spending more time at home, helping around the house, being a supportive husband. After dinner, he offered to clean up while she napped. Tami was feeling rather tired so, she took him up on his offer but first she wanted to check on her mother. Tami crept opened the bedroom door, she found her mother still asleep with the television blaring the theme music from Law & Order. Her mother loved that show, she could sit and watch the repeats all day long. Tami shut off the television and closed the door. She was about to enter the master bedroom when she heard a knock on the front door. Tami looked out the window before opening and saw it was Alexis. She loved her friend, but she had become annoying. The one topic on her mind was Ramona. She has yet to inquire about the problems Tami faced.

  She unwillingly opened the door. “Did you get any of my messages?” blurted Alexis, “I was worried about you, I had to make sure you’re okay.”

  “I'm fine,” said Tami, not moving the door an inch to let Alexis in.

  “Are you going to let me in?”

  “Well, it's late.”

  “It's only seven o'clock.”

  Tami let out a heavy sigh. “Come in.” She closed the door behind her and led Alexis to the study to talk.

  “Tami, what is going on with you? It's not like you to ignore my calls.”

  “Oh, you finally asked about me. Every message has been about Ramona and whatever drama you have going on with her. Meanwhile, I'm dealing with real-life problems, but you would know if you were acting like a real friend.” When Tami finished with her rant, she immediately felt regret because of the hurt look on Alexis’ face. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say you aren’t a real friend. I’ve been stressed to my limit lately.”

  “No need for apologies, you're right I haven’t been there for you. Is this about Josh? Are y’all still arguing about a baby?”

  “No, Alexis it’s my mom! She's here, right upstairs. She had complications from her stroke. It impaired her speech and motor skills so I'm helping with her rehabilitation.”

  “Sorry to hear your mother is going through a bad time. I would’ve known if I’d bothered to ask about you, your mother, or be available for whatever you needed.”

  “Thank you for saying that. You’ve been dying to tell me something about Ramona so what is it.”

  “It seems so insignificant now but I had it out with her last week and she threatened me.”

  “Threatened you? How?”

  “I overheard a conversation she had with Suzette. It was about you. I told her to stay out of your business, she was disrespectful and I called her on it. Then she said I only have my job because of you and told me she could have me fired anytime she wanted.”

  “Have you fired? Are you sure you heard her right?”

  “Yes, she said she could have me fired.”

  “Ignore her, she doesn't have the authority to do anything.”

  “Tami, something is up with her. She said she can have me thrown out and you wouldn’t be able to stop it.”

  “Stop going back and forth with her. You have authority at the company, she doesn’t. Ramona wants to get under your skin and it’s working.”

  “Tami, listen, my radar is telling me she’s up to something. I don't have the slightest idea what it may be but it's no good.”

  “I don't believe it but if she does. So what! I don't care, I have bigger issues happening in my life right now.”

  “I understand, caring for a sick parent can take a toll on a person.”

  “It’s just too much,” cried Tami. “First it was those stupid anonymous letters and now mom.”

  “Letters? What letters?”

  Tami didn’t mean for that to slip out. She told Lauren about it and that’s one person too many. “It’s nothing, forget I said anything.”

  “No. Tell me.”

  “Okay, but wait until I see you at work. I don’t want to discuss it here because Josh doesn’t know about them.”

  “I’ll wait until then, but I’m still keeping an eye on Ramona.”

  After Tami saw Alexis out, she retreated to her bedroom. It was dark with only the flames from white candles illuminating the room. The sound of jazz music played softly in the background. Josh emerged from the bathroom wearing only a bathrobe. “What's all this?” asked Tami, surveying the room.

  “We’re continuing your stress-free evening. The next step is relaxation. When I saw you with Alexis, I figured I had enough time to put this together.”

  Tami smiled. “Okay, Mr. Hamilton how do you plan to relax me?”

  “Come here, let me show you,” he said reaching for her hand, leading her to the bed. “I want you to take off all your clothes, so I can massage you from head to toe.”

  “That sounds nice,” replied Tami.

  “Let me help you get started,” said Josh unbuttoning her blouse. Tami tried giving Josh a kiss as he undressed her but he slowly backed away. “We have plenty of time for that. Now, lie down so I can take care of you.”

  Tami, now naked, laid on the bed as Josh rubbed warm almond oil up and down her body. She became more aroused with each stroke of his hand. He asked her to turn over to face him. She watched as he poured almond oil onto the palm of his hand. He rubbed his hands together to transfer oil to the other. He rubbed his oiled hands in a circular motion on her stomach moving upward towards her breast. Tami's insides became increasingly warm and tingling with each movement of his hands. She wanted her husband and couldn't wait any longer. She pulled him towards her, placing a passionate kiss on his mouth. They both helped with removing his robe. He slowly entered his insatiable wife as she let out moans of pleasure. Tami dug her nails deep into Josh’s back as he continued to please her. He rocked back, and forth inside of her. Ultimately, collapsing in each other’s arms

  “Wow! What has gotten into you?” he asked, breathing heavily.

  “What are talking about?” blushed Tami.

  “The way you were grabbing and scratching me, you were really into it this time.”

  “I don't know. Maybe, I needed you more than I thought.”

  “I'm here for you always. I love you.”

  “Love you, too.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Everything Ramona had said about moving slowly with Nick has gone out the window. She’s spent every night with him at his condo for the past two weeks and has enjoyed every moment. She leaves work to go straight to his place and waits for him to come home where they make love the entire night. The past week has felt like a dream she never wants to end.

  After work, Ramona took a hot shower before Nick arrive
d. She undressed and entered the massive bathroom that’s almost as big as her entire apartment. She turned the knob for the hot water and waited for the bathroom mirrors to become concealed with steam before stepping in. She poured the vanilla scented liquid soap onto her bath sponge and closed her eyes to enjoy the feel of the hot water trickling down her back. She spread the thick lather all over her body, then stood under the waterfall shower head to rinse herself off. With her eyes closed and her head tilted back she suddenly felt Nick’s arms wrapped around her waist. “You don't mind if I join you, do you?” he asked, as he helped wash away lingering soap off her skin. Ramona turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. “It's your house, you can do what you like,” she said, planting wet kisses on his mouth. He returned her kiss while slowly backing her up against the shower's glass door. He slowly traced the frame of her neck with his tongue, traveling south to her breasts. The mere touch of his tongue encircling her nipples made her hotter than the stream of water cascading down her body. She couldn’t wait to feel him enter her, but she had to remain patient. What made Nick an exceptional lover was how he took the adequate time to please her first. Ramona let out soft moans and pants as he continued to explore her body with his tongue. He ended his exploration between her legs where he rapidly darted his tongue back and forth. The pleasure she felt made her want to cry. Instead, she bit down on her lower lip and relished the moment. The more pleasure his tongue provided the less she could wait until he’s ready. She needed him now. She swiftly turned around slightly bending at the waist, she positioned her hands on the tiled wall inviting Nick to give her what she wanted. He wasted no time entering her from behind. He slowly thrust back and forth as Ramona screamed louder and louder asking him not to stop. They continued to make love under the stream of water that no longer had any heat. Afterward, Nick carried Ramona, still dripping wet to his bed. He laid her down and made love to her again. She loved being intimate with him. The men she’s been with were selfish lovers. They were only concerned about their own satisfaction, never considered her needs. Nick was different. He’s loving, gentle, attentive, and he always put her needs first.

  Ramona wouldn’t call what she felt love, it's too soon to have those types of feelings. It’s indescribable, unable to put a proper label on it yet. He was all that consumed her mind. She hadn't thought about anyone or anything else. Not even her nemesis, Tami. The very thing she was afraid of has happened. Nick had become a total distraction, but she doesn't mind. It felt too good to stop.

  Nick was ready for the third round of lovemaking, but Ramona pushed him away, she needed a break. She climbed out of the bed to put on her clothes. She took time during the week to go to her apartment to pack a bag. After slipping into a pair of jeans and a blue plaid button-down shirt, she dried her long curly hair with a bath towel. “When is your wife returning from her trip?” Nick threw on a pair of white sweatpants before speaking. “She has to stop in New York for a meeting. So, she might push her return date another week.”

  “Where is she now?”

  “Haiti.”

  “Really? What type of charity does she run?”

  “It provides international food aid, school supplies, clothing, among other necessities.”

  “She sounds like a giving person.”

  Nick shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. I called that part of her the outside Lauren. That’s the image she shows to the world.”

  “And behind closed doors?”

  “She’s cold and distant,” he said with a hint of contempt in his voice. “Enough about her. I have an idea I’ve been tossing back and forth in my mind.”

  Ramona eyed him curiously. “What is it?”

  “We’ve spent every day together since we ran into each other.”

  “Okay and?” smiled Ramona, wondering what he was leading up to.

  “I like having you around. I can’t recall the last time I looked forward to coming home. So….”

  “So what?”

  “Why don't you move in here,” he blurted.

  “Move in? Are you crazy? Don't you think you’re moving too fast?”

  “Yeah, I am. If you stay here, we’ll see each other more often. Besides, you don't want to keep living in your neighborhood, it's dangerous.”

  “First of all, there’s nothing wrong with my neighborhood. Second, I refuse to be your secret mistress!” It annoyed her he would even suggest she play the role of the other woman.

  “I will admit that I’ve taken advantage of the non-constraints of my marriage more than Lauren.” Nick pulled her into an embrace. “I realize that it’s selfish, but I like having you around. When I’m not required to play the role of the dutiful husband, I would like to spend that time with you.”

  Feeling irritated and insulted, she removed herself from his embrace. “So, let me get this straight. You want me to move in and willingly make myself the third side of your triangle.”

  “I wouldn't put it exactly like that.”

  Ramona walked over to the bedroom’s window to avoid looking at him. Gazing into his eyes made it hard to remain upset with him, instead, she focused on the cars zipping pass down below.

  “You knew I had a wife when you agree to stay here for the past two weeks. If you stayed longer how is that any different?” he asked. Ramona walked past him and into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. He was right on her heels. “Help me understand why this upsetting you.”

  “The time we’ve spent together it’s only been you and I. Once your wife returns you must split your time between us and I can’t do that. If I move in, I’m committing myself to you. Something you’re unable to do for me.”

  “I wasn’t thinking in those terms. You giving me a commitment never crossed my mind. I like what we have and I’m not ready for it to end.”

  “Neither do I. But, this is a fantasy. In a week reality will slap us both in the face and playing the role of one of your side chicks doesn’t excite me.”

  Nick shook his head like the conversation was hard for him to comprehend. “When it’s right, you know and you and I are right together. I don’t have other side chicks like you so eloquently put it. It’s only you.”

  “And your wife!”

  “I recognize what I’m asking of you is a lot. You take whatever time you need to decide. I have a meeting I have to attend.”

  “A meeting? Is it with anyone I know?”asked Ramona, feeling a tinge of jealousy.

  “Josh. You know, Tami’s husband,” said Nick.

  “Are you meeting at his house?”

  “No, mines. The one I share with Lauren. It shouldn’t last more than an hour.”

  An hour later Nick was off to his meeting. With nothing to do and not knowing when he would return, Ramona called Rhonda to ask her to come over. When Rhonda arrived Ramona met her in the condominium’s lobby. Right away she noticed the awestruck look on Rhonda’s face. “Girl, I can't believe this is where you’re staying!” she said, as they entered the elevator.

  “I know, it's beautiful, isn't it? Wait until you see the inside of Nick's place,” said Ramona, returning her excitement.

  Ramona led her down the hall as they exit the elevator. Once inside, she gave her the grand tour. Afterward, they settled on the white leather sofa placed next to the fireplace.

  “I love all the white decor, he must not have any kids.”

  “No kids, just a wife,” said Ramona, cringing on every word. Rhonda almost dropped her glass of water she was drinking. “Did you say he has a wife?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “I’m confused. How is it he has a wife, but you’ve been here with him?”

  “He has two homes. One he shares with his wife, he stays there when she’s in town and he uses this place when she out of town. He told me they have an open marriage, and she knows about his condo and the other women. According to him, she's fine with all of this.”

  “That’s according to him. Could you tolerate being the other woman?”<
br />
  “No! I mean, I don't know,” said Ramona, confused. “I like him a lot and I want to move slow. But, he wants me to move in with him. I told him I had to think about it.”

  “Mona, what do you know about this guy? Do you want me to run a background check?”

  “No, Rhonda. I know you’re concerned but I got this handled.”

  “If you say so,” she said, backing off, “Just let me know if you change your mind.”

  “I will. Do you mind doing something else for me?”

  “Sure.”

  “I need to go to my apartment for more clothes. I'm staying here a few more nights. Do you mind giving me a ride over there?”

  “I don't mind but is there a problem with your car?”

  “No. I want you to take me because I don't feel like driving,” grinned Ramona.

  When they arrived at her apartment building, Ramona realized she missed her neighborhood and her place more than she thought. She decided as she walked up the stairwell she would turn down Nick's offer. Everything between them was moving at warp speed and moving in with him would be wrong. She solidified her decision after one step inside. Here at her place, she wouldn't have to sit around wondering what Nick was doing with his wife. She's won’t be at the mercy of a man and his decisions. This was her sanctuary where she played by her rules. It may not be much but it's hers.

  “I've changed my mind. I'm staying here tonight,” said Ramona.

  “What about Nick?” asked Rhonda.

  “What about him?”

  “You left without letting him know.”

  “So, what? Coming home brought me back to my senses. He wants someone that’s willing to be his mistress. I can't do that.”