Chapter 4

"My wife’s been driving me crazy, man. Every time I try to get close, she pulls the ‘I’m tired’ or ‘I’m sleepy’ card. Always has some excuse ready. It’s like she’s dodging me on purpose."

"I’m telling you, bro, I was getting migraines from all the rejections. Can you believe that just going one week without sex already had me losing it? Now imagine three damn months. Three! Without even touching her."

James had been ranting all afternoon to his best buddy, Ryan Harris. If anyone could handle James’s endless complaints, it was Ryan—his ride-or-die since way back.

"Man, that’s messed up," Ryan said, shaking his head. "I mean, what wife turns her husband down like that? Ain’t it normal for a man to want to be with his wife? That’s just how it is."

"Exactly! And then she gets pissed when I even think about looking for fun outside. Like, what does she want me to do—be a monk?!" James’s face was already sour since last night, and today, he was just one step away from snapping.

Honestly, the guy was frustrated. He hadn’t been able to let out his built-up desire for so long, and it was eating at him.

"Maybe talk to Elisha properly, man," Ryan suggested, trying to play peacemaker. "You know, tell her this is a real need, not just some random urge. You’re her husband. Yeah, she’s tired, but that doesn’t mean she can just brush you off forever. Or at least find the right time, bro. Doesn’t have to be daily, but… we’re human, you know?"

"That’s the thing! Elisha’s like, stupid busy. Leaves for work at sunrise, gets back when it’s practically bedtime. And weekends? Half the time she’s still working. She barely has time for Betty, let alone for me. Can you imagine that crap?"

Ryan sighed and scratched his head. He knew how tricky things got when work took over a relationship. When there’s zero alone time, problems pile up fast.

"It’s tough, man," Ryan muttered.

"You think it’s tough for you? Try being me!" James groaned and rubbed his temple. "I’ve run out of ideas to even make time with her anymore."

"Ugh, I need a drink. Make me something, will you? I am your guest, after all."

James let out a faint smile. He’d been so caught up in his venting, he completely forgot about hospitality. "Hold up, I’ll call Nancy."

"Nancy? Who’s that?"

"Our new maid."

Ryan nodded, and James called out into the house.

"Nancy! Nancy!"

"Yes, sir?"

"Can you make some coffee for my guest?"

She gave a sweet nod. "Would you like some too, sir?"

"Yeah, make it the same," James replied with a small smile.

As Nancy disappeared into the kitchen, Ryan leaned in like he was about to ask the most important question in the world.

"Bro!"

"Hm?"

"Is that really your maid?"

James glanced up from his phone and gave a casual nod. "Yep."

"No freaking way," Ryan gasped. "She looks like she should be on a magazine cover or something—not scrubbing floors!"

"You’re exaggerating," James said, but he couldn’t help the amused grin tugging at his lips.

"I’m not! She’s way too pretty to be a maid. I mean, seriously, that face? She could be an actress!" Ryan still shaking his head in disbelief.

James chuckled. "Yeah, I thought the same thing when I hired her. But she said she didn’t mind being a maid as long as it was honest work."

Ryan made a sound like disbelief. "Damn. She’s still young, right? How old is she?"

James smirked. "Why? You interested or something?"

Ryan nudged his friend with a grin. "Bro, girls that fine ain’t made for cleaning houses—they’re made for marriage."

They both burst out laughing.

"Hey! Don’t forget, you’re married! Don’t get any ideas," James teased.

Ryan just shook his head. "You should be the one hearing that! You’re the one seeing Nancy every day."

James only grimaced. Yeah, his body was starved for affection—but his heart? Still belonged to Elisha.

Just then, Nancy returned with two steaming cups on a tray.

"Here’s your coffee, sir."

"Thanks, Nancy," James said, watching as she quietly walked away.

"Damn, even the way she walks looks like a model’s runway strut," Ryan whispered, his eyes tracking her movements. "That body… so unreal and perfect."

James cleared his throat and pretended not to hear the comment, even if it was true.

"Man, you gotta be careful," Ryan teased. "You and Nancy alone in this house? You never know when temptation’ll sneak in."

James rolled his eyes. "You’re nuts. I’m not that kind of guy. I only got eyes for one woman."

Ryan snorted. "Yeah, sure. Everyone talks that talk until a girl like Nancy offers herself up. You wouldn’t say no."

James shook his head and shoved the coffee toward Ryan, trying way too hard to show his disinterest. "Alright, enough! Drink your damn coffee!"

*

Later that afternoon, Ryan finally got up to leave. They’d talked enough, and James had to pick up his kid anyway. As he hopped on his motorbike, Ryan threw one last joke over his shoulder.

"Be careful, man. One wrong move and you might end up in a scandal with your maid!"

James just laughed it off. As stunning as Nancy was, his heart still beat for Elisha—no matter how complicated things got.

"You hungry? I made fried chicken and some beans," Nancy said sweetly, walking over while James worked on his laptop. Her voice was soft, and that smile? Way too warm.

James paused, blinking. It was as if her smile captivated him. It had been ages since anyone made him lunch. He usually just whipped up something for himself and ate in silence.

"I’ll wait for Betty. We’ll eat together later," he said.

"You should eat now, sir. It’s still hot. I’ll make something fresh for Betty later," she offered.

James was about to say no—until his stomach growled so loud it practically echoed.

Damn stomach. He cursed silently, catching Nancy trying to hide her giggle.

"Alright, let’s eat then!" he said, standing up.

Nancy froze. "Um, what do you mean, sir?"

"You offered, right? So let’s eat together."

Her eyes widened. "Oh no, I can’t do that, sir. I’m just the maid. It’d be inappropriate…"

"Well, I don’t like eating alone. So you better sit and eat. That’s an order."

Nancy sighed and gave a small nod. "Alright… I give up then."

James glanced at her, amused. "Give up, huh? You make it sound like I’m about to do something to you," he thought, the word leaving a strange echo in his mind.