Creep - Jennifer Hillier [27]
Shaking with anger, Sheila’s thumbs flew over the keyboard of her BlackBerry.
He’s 1000 times the man you will ever be. Go fuck yourself.
She pressed SEND before she could change her mind.
A sense of utter satisfaction washed over her. God, it felt good to stand up to this asshole once and for all. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself a small smile, picturing the shock on Ethan’s face when he got her reply.
It was a full minute before panic set in.
Oh, no. What have I done?
Morris came into the kitchen and Sheila looked up, wondering if her burgeoning hysteria was written all over her face. She stuck her phone back into her purse as Morris opened his enormous Sub-Zero fridge to peruse its contents. He selected a can of Diet Coke and popped the tab.
“Anything important?” he asked, taking a long sip.
It was time to tell him everything. Her e-mail had just cemented her demise, and if she didn’t tell Morris now, Ethan certainly would. She had to explain before the bastard splashed her naked body all over the Internet. She had to prepare Morris.
“Not sure yet. We’ll see.” She came toward him with her arms outstretched. He accepted her embrace as he always did, resting his chin comfortably on the top of her head. She burrowed her face in his chest. “Is the game still on?” she asked, her voice muffled. There’s something I need to tell you. . . .
“Done. Longhorns lost.”
“I’m sorry, babe. They’re just not as good without you, huh?” It was a sad attempt to be lighthearted and she hoped he wouldn’t notice her abrupt mood swing.
He kissed the top of her head. “You sure know how to butter me up.”
How do I tell you what I’ve done? “I know you miss being a superstar hotshot college football player,” she said, still muffled.
“I do, can’t lie. Best days of my life. Till I met you, that is.”
The anxiety was too much. It was seeping into every pore, right to her bones. She pulled back and looked up into his face. “Hey. I think I know of a way to make you feel better.” It was really a way to make herself feel better, a surefire way, but Morris didn’t need to know that.
He grinned at her, putting the soda down on the granite island behind them. His hands moved down to her butt and squeezed. “Oh, yeah? How’s that?”
She took him by the hand and pulled him toward the stairs. “Come and see.” I need you, she thought, but couldn’t say it.
Morris followed a few paces, then stopped. “Wait. Are you teasing me?”
“Not this time,” Sheila said, pulling him close. Her hand went to his crotch, and she massaged him purposefully through his jeans.
He pulled back, breathing hard. “What about the wedding? I thought you wanted to wait.”
“I changed my mind.”
“Out of the blue?”
No. I’m panicking and I need to feel close to you before I lose you. She swallowed and managed a smile. “What can I say, I’m ready.”
He took her face in his hands, looking intently into her eyes. “Honey, I’ve waited a whole year. I can wait another three weeks. I know how important it is to you.”
His sincerity almost broke her heart. Goddamn you, Ethan Wolfe. “Are you turning me down?” she whispered.
Morris stared at her, the realization spreading over his face. Yes, she was completely serious. “Hell no!” he said.
Despite her turmoil, she couldn’t help but laugh. He picked her up and slung her over his shoulder, heading toward the stairs. “Let’s go before you change your mind. Hoo-ah!”
He carried her all the way up the stairs, and while it was exhilarating to know that her fiancé was strong enough to haul her weight over his shoulder, Sheila couldn’t help but worry he was going to drop her. After all, Morris was fifty, no spring chicken.
They got to the bedroom and he placed Sheila gently on the bed, out of breath but still grinning. The exertion on his red face