Free Wait for Me by Diana Persaud Page B

adventurous you’re feeling.”
    He set two plates on the table and she brought their coffee mugs. She sat down.
    “What do you mean by ‘adventurous’?”
    He tapped the dining room table and winked. Her brow rose when she understood his meaning. She glanced at the thin curtains that covered his front windows.
    She shook her head.
    “Someone will see.”
    “Only if they’re looking in.”
    She reached for the bag and he realized he enjoyed making her blush.
    Once breakfast was over, she carried their plates to the sink. He set his coffee mug down on the counter and pressed up against her.
    He nibbled on her neck. Sighing, she rubbed her bottom slowly against his groin, teasing out an erection.
    The harsh ring of his telephone echoed in the kitchen.
    “The machine will get it,” he said between nibbles.
    “Tom? I need to speak with you. It’s urgent. If you’re there—”
    He ran into the living room and grabbed the phone off the coffee table.
    “Andy? I thought you were flying to Hawaii for your Honeymoon.”
    “Tom, I changed my mind about investing in your business.”
    His heart seemed as though it had stopped beating and time slowed down. His head felt thick, his thoughts stuck in molasses.
    “I’m withdrawing my financial investment. You’ll have to get your thirty grand from someone else. Maybe your girlfriend can help you out,” Andy sneered before hanging up.
    His hand dropped to his side. The dial tone beeped loudly in the room. Anjali grabbed the phone and shut it off.
    “Tommy? Tommy, what’s wrong?”
    “Andy…withdrew his financing.”
    He dropped to his couch and buried his face in hands.
    She touched his arm.
    “I’m so sorry.”
    “Last night was a mistake.”
    “I’m sorry you feel that way,” Anjali replied quietly, turning away from him.
    He grabbed her hand.
    “No, no, Honey, not—that’s not what I meant.”
    He pulled her on his lap and held her chin, forcing her to look at him.
    “I don’t regret having sex with you.”
    Her eyes shifted, a subtle change. Her expression became more guarded. She was withdrawing from him.
    Did she regret last night?
    “I only meant that I shouldn’t have taken you to the wedding. It pissed off Janice.”
    He studied her profile, hoping for a response.
    “Somehow she got him to back out of our deal. That conniving bitch. I should have just slept with her—”
    “You would have slept with her?”
    Anjali stood quickly, as if the couch were on fire.
    “If I had known she was going to pull my funds, hell, yes, I would have!”
    “I can’t believe you—”
    “What’s the big deal? It’s only sex.”
    “Only sex?” Her voice rose. “No big deal, you mean like last night?” she demanded.
    “Anjali, that’s not the same thing,” he said, rising.
    “Isn’t it?”
    “No.”
    “How was last night different?”
    “Well…I mean…you know….” He rubbed the back of his neck.
    “That’s what I thought,” she replied.
    She tucked her purse under one arm and held her shoes in her hand.
    “Anjali—”
    Barefoot, she stormed out of his house.
    What the fuck is she so upset about? I didn’t have sex with Janice.
    He ran his fingers through his hair and sat down.
    Maybe she just needs some space. Probably a good idea for both of us to take a step back from this.
    An unfamiliar knot formed in the pit of his stomach.
    Fuck you, Janice. You’re not going to keep me from getting what I want.
     
    ***
     
    That rotten…stinking…jerk.
    Ignoring the hot tears sliding down her face, she fumbled with the lock.
    That’s what you get for hoping this time will be different.
    She shut the front door and leaned against it.
    When will you learn to put away your childish dreams and start acting like a grown woman?
    She wiped away her tears and marched up to her bathroom. She plugged the drain of her claw footed tub and turned on the hot water.
    A nice soak to scrub away his scent and get my head together. You have a plan. Time to put it