For the Love of Us Page 2

  “Of course you have a good reason. Everyone does. I’m in a good mood so I’ll listen if you’re quick. Convince me why I shouldn’t write this ticket.”

  I’m sure he’s heard every excuse imaginable, until now.

  Time to spill my guts and see where it leads.

  “Well, Officer, you see, I’m not sure how to say this without embarrassing both of us… let’s just say I was daydreaming and not paying attention to what speed I was going.”

  “Sorry Ma’am. That’s not very original, nor a reason for me to let you go without a citation.”

  How do I tell this man I’d created a plan to reignite the flames of passion in my bedroom? Do I just blurt out the facts or pretty it up, saving us both the embarrassment? I need to think fast before he starts writing.

  “I was distracted trying to set up a special night for my husband. The kids have moved out and well, we have the house to ourselves and it’s going to be extra special, like really special...”. I’m hoping he understands without me having to spell it out.

  I stare into his eyes, searching for a tiny bit of understanding. My brain is screaming at me to just blurt it out. I keep my mouth tightly closed willing him to read my mind.

  Come on Officer Hottie, you can do this, I want my sex life back and I was distracted.

  He clears his throat and speaks slowly. I sense he’s choosing his words carefully, about to deliver a scolding, but it appears I’d misread him when I see his dimples pop with a smile. He got it!

  “Well, Ma’am, this sounds like a legitimate emergency. It’s an original story, I’ll give you that much and for that, I’ll let you off with a warning, this time.”

  Maybe he’s a mind reader after all.

  “You know, you just reminded me that I need to pay some extra attention to my wife too. Maybe I should to make my own plan.”

  “How long have you been married?” Some lucky girl already snatched up this man and better hold on tight.

  “Five years next month. We have a little girl on the way.”

  “Congratulations. It’s been a long time since I had a baby around the house. Don’t forget to take time for each other. Trust me, it’s easy to lose yourselves once the babies come along.”

  “Thank you, Ma’am. I’ll keep your advice in mind. Now, you get going and drive safely, you hear.”

  “Thanks again. Stay safe yourself.”

  With a tap to the roof and a friendly wink he sends me on my way.

  I drive a little slower. He’s right. I need to get home in one piece, or my plan isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.

  Today is the day I decide to focus on me and I’m in desperate need of a head to toe makeover.

  First, I need to get out of the baggy, unsexy clothes, and into something that shows my feminine, softer side. When I feel attractive and sexy, my confidence will soar.

  A pitstop at the house for a quick change into shorts and a clean T-shirt is required before hitting the nail salon. I remember to stuff a notepad and pen in my bag along with flip flops and my calendar. I lock up the house and climb back in the car. With everything I need at hand, I’m ready to check off the items on today’s list.

  Tina has her list of assigned duties. She’s handling the online recon; searching for an item I can’t find. If anyone can make the impossible happen, it’s her. She has all the right connections.

  Last year she wanted to surprise Alex with tickets to the sold-out Garth Brooks concert. Not only did she get the tickets, she managed to score a VIP meet and greet package.

  That concert let her check an item off her list, sex in a public place. After sharing all the details with me, I finally understood the real woman behind the big smiles and positive attitude. Mind blowing orgasms will make any woman glow.

  The first item on my Take Care of Callie plan is a manicure/pedicure. Luckily the nail salon in the mall doesn’t require an appointment.

  Stepping through the open door of the salon I am greeted with smiles.

  “Welcome,” the three ladies working at the pedicure station call out in unison.

  “Hi,” I call back with a smile of my own. “Can you fit me in for a mani/pedi?”

  “Yes, Ma’am. Pick your color and take a seat over there.” Hands busy, she nods to the empty recliner to her right, indicating where I should sit. She’s painting bright orange polish onto the toes of a customer. It looks like she’s nearly done, which was good timing on my part.

  The variety of colors to choose from is overwhelming. I’ve always been the simple type, choosing different shades of pink and an occasional French manicure, but nothing flashy.

  Reminding myself of why this change of routine is needed, I let my eyes travel over the sea of bottles. Red is the color I need for this mission. I imagine running fingers through Brad’s chest hair. It gives me a jolt of excitement.

  I select a shade called Sexy Hot Devil. It’s fitting for my purpose. With my polish of choice in hand, I climb into the chair to pull off my shoes and socks.

  The massaging chair and warm foot bath eases the tension that has built up. I crank the controller up to high, letting the rollers and vibrations lull me into a trance. My eyes feel heavy and my mind wanders to what I hope will happen on Friday night;

  Brad arrives home at his regular time but instead of walking straight to his laptop, he comes to me in the kitchen.

  I’m at the stove finishing our dinner when I hear his footsteps edging closer toward me, then stop.

  When I turn around to say hi, he’s staring into the dining room.

  His eyes sparkle from the reflection of the candles. “What’s all this?”

  “I thought it was about time you and I had a special dinner.”

  Stepping closer I reach for Brad’s hand to lead him into the dining room.

  Instead of being led into the other room, he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close. My back to his front. I feel his arousal pressed against my ass.

  A soft moan escapes from my lips when I rub myself against him. It’s been so long since I felt this level of intimacy with Brad, especially outside of the bedroom.

  “You, my lovely wife, have outdone yourself. Are you trying to seduce me?”

  “Seduce my husband? What makes you think that?” I tease or I’ll chicken out. This isn’t me. Completely out of character and I’m more nervous than when I was waiting for our first date.

  He growls and his hot breath warms my neck. “You know exactly what you’re doing to me, Callie. My cock is hard as a rock. I wanna be deep inside you now.”

  “I want that too, but what are you going to do about it?”

  With a tilt of my chin, Brad covers my mouth with delicious kisses. My hair is wrapped around his fingers, keeping me exactly where he wants me. The kiss is intense and filled with passion. Even after all these years, he still has me in the palms of his hands.

  His strong hands caress my body. and settle at the hem of my dress. Lifting the material, he strokes between my thighs.

  A tap on my leg from the lady doing my pedicure drags me out of my fantasy.

  “Miss? What color?”

  I open my eyes and sputter. “I’m sorry what did you say?”

  “What color do you want for your nails?” She blinks waiting for my response.

  I thrust the little bottle at her. “Here, this one!”

  My irritation at being interrupted mid-fantasy rears its ugly head. I was just getting to the good part. I guess having an orgasm in the middle of the salon isn’t a good idea. I understand what Tina recently told me about the female version of cock block. I was just clam slammed and it sucks.

  I’d like to think my plan will work, just like in my fantasy, but it won’t, not like that anyway. Life doesn’t flow like a romance novel, or some dream sequence from a far-fetched soap opera.

  I’m terrified. Taking this chance, of exposing myself, putting my feelings and emotions on the line, with the possibility of rejection from Brad is so unl
ike me, but I have to do it. If this doesn’t work, my soul will be crushed. Even now, my heart aches, that this could be the last chance I have of putting our life back on track.

  I close my eyes for a different reason now. Squeezing them tight to keep the tears at bay doesn’t work. Unfortunately, I can’t wipe them away since my nails are wet.

  Nothing worth having comes easy, I tell myself. Yeah, well, I’m not looking for easy. but why does it have to be so hard?

  When leaving the nail salon, I move on to the next item on my list. This morning I noticed how drab and dull my hair has become. Yesterday, my hair didn’t matter but today is a new day. Maybe I should revamp my locks, perhaps try a new color and style. Nothing too drastic but enough for Brad to notice perhaps.

  I climb into my car, uncapping the water bottle sitting beside me when my phone rings. Reba McEntire’s My Sister fills the air. It’s the special ringtone I assigned to Tina’s number.

  I let the music play until it gets to the part I love the most. When Reba sings, ‘My Sister, My Friend,’ my heart melts.

  Tina isn’t my sister biologically, but by mutual choice. Growing up an only child with a divorced mom wasn’t easy for me. Meeting Tina gave me something I didn’t have–girl talk! It sounds so basic and normal, but I never had it.

  “What’s up?”

  “I got the secret package!”

  I can hear how excited she is.

  “No way! How did you make it happen so fast? I thought finding it was going to be the hardest part to accomplish.”

  “You doubt my superpowers? You need it, I got it! I would move Heaven and Earth for you. I’ll never let you down. Friday night will be perfect. Where are you?”

  Her faith that I would succeed gives me renewed hope.

  “Just finished getting my nails done. I need to call Cristina. Hopefully she can fit me in for a cut and maybe some color.”

  “Send me a picture when you’re done. I want to see the transformation from boring housewife to hot mama.”

  “I don’t know what to do with you, naughty girl. Pictures, tons of them, Got it. Love ya.”

  I disconnect the call and start the car. Time to up my game with a new hair style. Things are going well. Both nails and the secret package can be checked off the list.

  Chapter Four

  Cristina is a miracle worker. She added just enough red highlights to brighten the previously dull color. I promised her, if all goes well on Friday, I would let her get creative with the color on my next visit.

  She didn’t rush while working on my hair but made sure I’d have enough time to get home and cook dinner. I need to stick with the same boring daily routine, so he doesn’t suspect something is off.

  I need to remember to keep my mouth closed about my plans as well. I’ve never been able to keep a secret from him. I tell him what he’s getting for Christmas and birthdays well before we celebrate them. The chance to make him smile overrules tradition.

  By making today about me and with a few changes to my appearance, I gave myself a boost to my self-esteem.

  I turn on my kitchen Bluetooth speakers. Synching my phone, I start up my favorite playlist. A mix of songs to pump me up and set the tone I need for tonight. Tomorrow’s playlist will be much different.

  The energy from these songs always gets me dancing around. With a swing in my hips I sing along to Eye of the Tiger. It was good enough for Rocky so why not me? I’m fighting for my marriage, aren’t I? At least it feels like I am.

  The song changes to Roar by Katy Perry. It makes me want to unleash my inner Goddess. I pretend I’m performing for a stadium full of fans. Hitting all the right notes. Moving and shaking everything my momma gave me feels right. Smiling while dancing around the room like a superstar, the positive energy is pouring out of me. This is more fun than I’ve had in months.

  Brad and I aren’t so different in this department. He doesn’t have fun or smile enough. His job changed him. It’s the nature of the beast. He’s always on high alert and his training has taught him to keep his expressions neutral.

  I wonder if he misses my smile as much as I miss seeing his.

  Dinner is nothing special. A frozen lasagna I made a few weeks ago. I always cook far too much food. It’s great for when the kids come home without notice. A quick blast in the oven and the boys get a home cooked meal. Way better than the ramen and junk food I know they eat in their dorms.

  With just the two of us, any leftovers will serve as dinner and lunch for both of us tomorrow.

  I slide the garlic bread in the oven remembering to set the timer. I’m notorious for burning the bread. Our eldest son took on the job after I set off every smoke detector in the house. The fire department arrived. Our youngest son met them on the porch letting them know it was just mom burning the bread again.

  Turning fifty shades of red, five sexy firemen came strutting through our front door to save the day. I was mortified. Not just because of the burned bread but these guys were gorgeous. They’re young but still yummy enough to look at and drool over.

  Tina was angry I didn’t call her so we could gawk together.

  Tonight, it’s all on me. Fingers crossed the bread is toasted to perfection and no fire drill is required.

  I add a green salad to the table. Everything is ready for when Brad walks through the door.

  As if on cue I hear Brad’s alarm beep, twice. I have no idea why he always pushes the button twice, but he does. It makes me laugh and I tease him that it won’t give him double protection from theft.

  His truck has been his pride and joy since we bought it three years ago. It’s the first vehicle he ever bought brand new.

  As silly as it sounds, I sometimes get a little jealous of the relationship he has with his truck. He talks to it when the low fuel indicator goes off. “I know baby. I’ll get you something to drink in just a bit.”

  A few times I thought he was talking to me but nope, it was his truck getting the lovey dovey attention. He’s having fun though, and I love it. If this little thing makes Brad happy, I’m all for it.

  I think about Brad’s smile when I’m feeling down. It’s one of the first things I noticed about him. His eyes sparkle and his lips curl into a sexy smirk I can feel deep inside my heart and other places too. All it took was a wink and a smile and I was hooked.

  We met in our senior year of high school.

  At the time, softball was a huge part of my life. My team agreed we’d go watch the baseball game after we finished practice because we wanted to show our support. But we had an ulterior motive; to check out the players.

  I never considered the boys from my school as boyfriend material. They never interested me, but I noticed the opposing team’s players, especially their second baseman.

  While up to bat, he fouled off a ball, up and over the backstop to the bleachers. On instinct, I stood, caught the ball with my bare hands and tossed it over the fence to the pitcher. Both dugouts whooped and cheered while the cocky second baseman smiled and winked in my direction, and that was it; chills cover my body.

  Around the third inning I notice the back of his jersey. Above the number eight was his last name, Thompson. While he was up to bat, I heard his coach call out his first name, Brad. Brad Thompson, it fit him like a glove.

  On the last out of the game, Shirly, our team captain, stands to leave. “I’m out of here. Our boys got crushed and I’m not sticking around to help them lick their wounds.”

  Following Shirly’s lead, the rest of the team gather their things, except for me.

  “I think I’m going to stick around for a bit. I’m in no hurry to get home and thought…”

  Shirly cuts me off before I can finish. “Yeah, I know what you thought. I wouldn’t be in a hurry to leave either. Tell Mr. Secondbase, the team says hi.”

  Over the ooooh’s from my teammates, I hear Shirly chuckling loudly as they all walk away from the field.

  I lock my fingers together, hands in my lap, trying to kee
p them from shaking. I’ve never had the courage to approach a boy before now and for some reason this guy has my stomach in knots.

  The crunch of gravel catches my attention, causing me to look up. Brad is standing in front of me with that same smirk from earlier.

  “Hi. You have an impressive arm. My name’s Brad.” His innocent teasing breaks some of the tension in my body.

  For a minute I sit mesmerized, not taking my eyes off the gorgeous athlete in front of me. Without his hat, I’m able to see his whole face. The sun shining in his eyes reflects off the gold flecks hidden within the dark amber I noticed earlier. The eye black used to reduce glare is smudged down his cheeks from sweat. His short brown hair sticks up all over with a hat line circling his head. It’s kind of cute in an all-American superstar athlete sort of way.

  When I hear him clear his throat, I realize I’ve been staring a little too long.

  My shy side sneaks out and I lower my chin, trying to hide my embarrassment. I peek up from under my lashes to introduce myself. “Hi, Brad. I’m Callie.”

  “Hi, Callie. That’s a pretty name. Is it a family name?” He sits down on the bottom bench, straddling it to face me.

  “Not a family name. Just a plain old name my parents picked out of one of those baby name books.”

  “I don’t think it’s plain. I think it’s a beautiful name.” He moves up and sits beside me. “I think you’re beautiful too.”

  Wait a minute. This guy can’t be real. Who tells a girl she’s beautiful within minutes of meeting her? I bet he flirts with every girl. I have no desire to be another notch in his belt. I was really hoping he’d be different. I’m out.

  “Well, I need to get home. I have finals tomorrow and need to study. It was nice meeting you, Brad. Good luck with the rest of your season.”

  It wasn’t a complete lie. I really do need to get home and study.

  My backpack full of books is at my feet along with my bat bag. When I lean over to reach for the straps, I feel Brad’s hand on my forearm.