Chapter 5

APRIL

After washing my face, I looked in the mirror, seeing what was only a ghost of myself. But I will get up; after all, I wasn't the one who played with someone's feelings. Walking out, the smell of coffee hits me, and I head to the kitchen.

"I didn't know how you take it, so I made it black, but I can make you another one if you need it." He is a little sweet, but I won't fall for it. I won't let anyone play with me again.

"This is fine, thank you." I walk over, but as I sit down, all this fabric makes me uncomfortable. "Would you mind helping me? I can't take it off by myself." I turned around, showing him the small buttons on my back.

"Sure." As he starts undoing the buttons, I think about what is underneath.

Well, at least someone will see the lingerie that took me weeks to find. I am a little embarrassed by the idea of him seeing me in a corset, the little skirt, and the garters, but oh well. Once he undoes the last one, he steps away, sitting back down on his side. I finish taking off the dress, leaving it on one of the armchairs, when I hear him take a sharp breath of air. At least someone appreciates my effort.

"I am sorry, I don't have anything else to wear," I say, sitting back down.

"Don't worry." His gaze lingers way too long on my breasts.

Clearing my throat, I snap his eyes away from there.

"I am sorry, I didn't mean to."

"I can imagine." Sighing, I take a chance and ask, "What happened last night?"

"I saw you at the bar and went over to see if you were feeling okay, let's not forget I almost ran you over. Then you saw me and asked if I wanted to get you out of there." Okay, it is a good thing I had already swallowed my coffee.

"At least I have some moves. Who would have thought?"

"Do you want to talk about what happened? It will do you good to let it out." I probably said everything last night, so he won't be surprised.

"As is obvious, I was about to get married. David, he was my best friend, my lifelong boyfriend, my first love, you know, the one you dream of starting a family with. In my case, that dream came true when he proposed. He was always so sweet, attentive, and affectionate. Ever since we were little, we took care of each other; I trusted him completely."

"Until yesterday." Until yesterday, I repeated in my mind with sadness.

"My world came crashing down; I went from feeling like the luckiest woman in the world to nothing. Everything I dreamed of, everything I lived, just broke." I square my shoulders and lift my chin. "I found out my fiancé was gay and that despite being his best friend forever, he hid it from me. Not only that, but he used me for years and didn't plan on stopping. I would have supported him, you know? If I had known, I would have been on his side. I loved him!" I explained, feeling a pang of pain.

"Is that why you ran away?"

"Yes, I ran like my life depended on it. What would you have done in my place?"

"The same thing." I nod slowly. "So you decided to hide in that bar and get drunk."

"That is right. During my escape, I didn't think to grab my purse. I didn't have any money, cards, or anything like that with me. I just wanted to get out of there as if the devil himself were chasing me."

"I figured. How were you going to pay for the drinks?"

"With this." I raised my hand, showing the engagement ring mocking me on my finger. "Maybe I should face all this and leave you alone."

"You are not bothering me, you can stay if you want." The truth is, I don't feel like giving explanations or seeing anyone's face.

"Are you sure it doesn't bother you?"

"No, sometimes we need to escape. You are welcome to stay." I give him a smile; a sad one, but a smile nonetheless.

Something about him attracts me. He is attractive, but it is something more. If only I had met him before losing my faith in men.

Although, I am thinking about not leaving this house without having sex with this man.