Justine We arrive back at the office in time for several more boring meetings. To my surprise, during a hiatus, I got a call. Answering, I hear Lola stammer pretending it’s a misdial, and hanging up. She sounded nervous; it was cute. I did hope she would call. I tell Damien to reverse-dial her, and he smirks at me. I can’t explain, and he doesn’t press. My next meeting begins the moment he steps out of the room. The minutes seem agonizingly long waiting for him. When he returned to me glum, I was saddened that I might have scared her off, which is the opposite of what I wanted to do. My mind’s torn the rest of the day, emotionally kicking myself for being stupid. I hope this doesn’t make things awkward at the diner. I can’t dwell as my dull afternoon continues to drag on. Damien is patient, even ordering our dinner, as usual. I end the last meeting when I smell the mouthwatering food, and everyone goes home happy to get off early. Being my firm, Damien and I are usually the last to

Lola It’s always hot and cold with this man. One minute I’m afraid of who’s walking through the door. Other times I get this mildly caring boyfriend that he should be. Nathan watches from the doorway while I peel out of my clothes getting into bed. He then strips and crawls next to me, as he likes being the big spoon. “Damn, babe, your ass fits perfectly against me. Not too tired, I hope,” he moans, squeezing my thigh with need. “You sure know how to sweet talk a girl,” I said bashfully. Turning to look over my shoulder, he kisses me. He smells of beer, but at least it isn’t too heavy. Our tongues explore each other’s mouths, and I don’t mind the taste as it is not too horrible tonight. “Want me to help put you to sleep,” he asks after pulling his lips away. Rubbing himself against me, his cock is getting stiff with pleasure. Even my nipples are hard, responding to his temptations. “That wakes me and puts you to sleep,” I tease. “But I need it. Come on, let’s have some fun,” N

Lola Why get my hopes up? Last date night, Nathan made me cry at an expensive restaurant. They asked us to leave, and he got even more upset. Moody as usual and drunk, of course, taking it out on me. Sex that night wasn’t on the menu as we argued back home. He managed to convince me anyway, which was horrible. Shaking that too out of my mind, I chose my outfit for tomorrow. If I wear something nice, it will be a good night. Is it too much to ask for a dinner I don’t have to cook or have a date where he doesn’t get drunk? I take a bath to relax for once. I can’t remember the last time I had a long soak and read. It’s one of my favorite things, but I’m constantly interrupted or unable to do this peacefully. I finished an excellent steamy chapter and am now ready to unwind. I close my eyes, comforted by the heat; it feels good on my skin. I’m always tense these days, but what helps is self-stimulation. I grin, picturing my novel’s sexy main character, but it slowly morphs into a soft

Lola “Lola, you are so attentive,” she says as I pour her more water. “It’s what I do. I only hope I don’t cook for myself later,” internally scolding myself again. “Can I get you anything else, Miss Justine?” I ask, trying to recover more gracefully. “No, Lola. Thank you, but may I ask a question,” she asked softly. “Sure,” I’m happy she’s driving the conversation. “The other day, why did you hang up so quickly when you called?” Her look and tone are so sincere that it breaks me. “I’m sorry I was in shock. Plus, I was bothering you at work,” Justine looking so sad, has me stammering. “Then there was the guy who called back. I was so surprised,” I can’t stop my mouth from talking. “I’m sorry. I hope Damien didn’t scare you. I had the switchboard reverse dial you for him, and I hope you call again if you need a ride in the future,” she pauses for me to respond, but I can’t. That came out of nowhere. She’s so lovely, yet she barely knows me. “Lola, I don’t like the idea of you t

“What do you say, Lola? Cafe Du Coin is coming up,” Damien adds, pointing to the sign. Lola perks up with a smile, making eye contact with him in the mirror. Damien’s eyes spark deep gray, catching her glance. She looks scarlet from all the blushing and turns away to speak. “Sure, I don’t have anywhere to be,” Lola says, making me happy our time isn’t ending. Damien pulls into the small parking lot attached to the cafe. We get out of the car, and all I can do is stare at Lola. Even after working eight hours on her feet, she’s graceful and poised, adjusting her work uniform. Lola pulls at the protective sleeves and fixes the wrinkles of her dress. I think she looks sexy, but I can tell she’s self-conscious. Lola takes off her name badge, stashing it away in her purse. When she pulls up her hair in a bun, I spy a fresh surgical bandage on her ear. This new development confirms my earlier suspicions of physical abuse. I mask my discomfort with a smile when she turns to me. “I’m not