2. Meeting the mistress

"Copeland?" In my haste to open the door, I forgot to close my robe completely. I undid the locks and chain and opened the door. "What are you doing here? I barely managed to squeak out the words. "Where is your key?" I asked him curiously.

"Oh, I had been sleeping at the office the past few weeks, working nonstop, so I left my keys at work."

"That explains why the house seems it had been closed up and used." 

I stood in the doorway, still in shock, my heart pounding, trying to keep my composure. Copeland was standing there, towering over me. "Can I come inside? It's my house too." 

Sure. Come on in." I noticed he was staring at me. 

"Why are you wet?" He asked, trying to divert his eyes away from my exposed chest area but struggling.

That made me look down, and I saw my cleavage. I quickly closed my robe. "Oh, I had just gotten out of the tub."

Copeland dumped his bag in the corner and sat on the couch. 

"Since we are both here at the same time. I'll get the spare room ready for you." 

"Oh, okay. Wait, Tameka, on second thought.

"Why go through all that trouble? The main bedroom is more than big enough for the both of us, and it has a massive king-sized bed." 

"Wait! Are you suggesting we sleep in the same room?" I asked him, shocked out of my wits.

"It's late, Tameka. You just flew. What fifteen hours to get here? And I'm ready to go to bed."

"I'll get it ready for you. It'll only take a second."

"I said I'm tired and ready for bed. So I'll sleep on the lounge chair."

I had to tell myself to close my mouth. I couldn't believe we were under the same roof again. And now Copeland's shocking me with a suggestion he didn't even make on our wedding night! My heart was acting crazy, beating fast as if I was excited that he was here. But I refuse to give him the satisfaction of being bothered by him. If he could do it, so can I." 

"Thanks for considering me." 

"No problem.

I felt flustered. I guess because it's been so long since we were under this roof together at the same time. We've always tried to avoid one another in the past when I used to live here. 

When I entered the bedroom after gathering all my things from the bathroom quietly, his eyes followed me everywhere I went as I made things comfortable for myself. Not once did Copeland take his eyes off of me. On the contrary, I could tell he was exploring every inch of my body as he stood there with his lips slightly parted and a satisfying expression on his face. It made me wonder why. But I dare not ask, no telling what he might say in his defense.

I turned on the bedside lamp and turned down the quilt and sheets. 

"I'm going to say good night." 

I climbed into bed. I looked over at Copeland as he stood, removing his shirt. A cascade of sensations enumerates in that bedroom. I had no idea how he felt, but something weird was happening. It felt similar to what took place in the airport when he recognized me. I hurried and looked away! I didn't want him to see me staring at his muscular chest and abs.

"Good night Tameka and thanks."

I looked up, surprised. "You're welcome, Copeland goodnight."

~~~

I smelled freshly brewed coffee before I was awake enough to realize why. "Copeland," I thought sleepily, "he still rises at the crack of dawn.'

I searched for my robe and pulled it over my silk nightie as I walked barefoot down the hall to the kitchen. I was looking forward to possibly having a cup of coffee and a good conversation with Copeland. 

He was standing there with his dress shirt open with a cup of coffee in his hand by the counter. My eyes took in the deeply tanned skin and damp, wavy hair as I traveled down his long torso to his narrow waistline. 

"Finally, you're up. It's about time you got up. Take this cup of coffee with you while you get dressed."

"Get dressed for what?" 

"I knew you would try and renegade on our agreement for you to talk to Lizzy. You are going to be late. What, you slept late hoping to get out of the appointment with Lizzy this morning?"

I shook my head. I couldn't believe this man! He's impossible!

"What! I'm tired, Copeland. I just flew fifteen hours, and I had worked a ten hours day before taking that sudden flight here. Did you ever think I may have jet lag? No, you didn't think about that!"

"Well, you are up now. So I'll wait while you go and get dressed."

Humph! You certainly will wait while I take my good time getting dressed. So I thought, storming out of the kitchen. He certainly knows how to ruin a good mood.

~~~~~

When we arrived at the family Restaurant Morton's Bistro and walked up to the table, I saw Elizabeth Hubbard. She stood, and she hugged me before I could utter a word.

"Tameka, it's so good to see you. You look wonderful." 

"Thank you. It's good to see you, Lizzy." Lizzy was still pretty. Her blonde hair is softly in a loose tail. Her clear, dark blue eyes caught the restaurant's soft light, making them glow like sapphires. I tried to see if she looked weak and sick, but there was no sign. I knew right then and there she was lying and putting on a show for Copeland. We ordered our meal, and Copeland was attentive, cutting her meat and feeding it to her like her fingers were broken or something. I felt ill, sitting there watching the two of them carrying on.

"From looking at you, it seems like Paris suits you." 

"Paris is nice." 

"I've always wanted to go to Paris. I hear it's so romantic." 

"Well, romance can only happen when there's someone to be romantic with you." 

"I'm sure one of those Frenchmen has recognized your beauty." 

"Even if one of them did, you know I'm still a married woman. And I honor my vows before God." 

"It must be tempting, though." 

"No, not at all. Can you two excuse me? I need to go to the ladies' room." 

Shortly after returning, I see the two of them preparing to leave. 

"Is everything okay?"

"Lizzy isn't feeling too well right now. So we are going to have to do this another time. Come, Lizzy, we need to get you in bed." 

"I'm sorry you're not feeling well."

"Oh, it's okay. I had fun. Let's do this another time, okay, Tameka." 

"Sure, any time," I said, smiling mischievously.