Leather & Lace

Chapter 10

Brett laid in the bed thinking about the date. He couldn’t believe that she actually went out with him right after they had s*x. For someone who wants to take things slow, she sure is moving fast. Maybe he should go on this double date. Maybe use Shondra to make Lacey jealous. It will also give him an excuse to see her again, even if she is sitting across from him instead of next to him. Yeah, so much for respecting her wishes, he scoffed. Maybe he shouldn’t go. He didn’t want to be disrespectful to her and show up, but he was invited after all.

“Lost in your thoughts again?” Shondra stood outside his door. Brett didn’t say anything. “Are you really ignoring your wife?”

He gave her a fake smile. “No, honey of course not. Eric called, talking about going on a double date.”

“Let’s go,” she said excitedly. Brett frowned at her. “For goodness sake, Brett, we are still married.”

“Yeah, don’t remind me. You know that’s only on paper. I don’t feel anything for you, Shondra.”

“Right, because you were pouting at the girl

Eric was with the whole time, right?” Brett didn’t say anything. “You forget I’m very observant, darling.”

“I don’t like her for Eric,” he huffed.

“Why is that? She seemed like a sweet girl. I think they’re cute together and we haven’t seen Eric happy in such a long time.” Brett wanted her for himself. “He’s our friend, why don’t we go and support him.”

“Fine, we will go. Be ready by 6 tomorrow,” Brett said. A part of him was excited to see her. He smiled as he thought about how the night would go.

The next evening Brett was dressed and ready to go. Shondra was still applying her make up as Brett checked his watch. “Would you come on? You begged to go to this stupid thing, I would’ve thought you’ll be ready to go.”

Truth is..Brett was ready to see Lacey again.

“Okay, ready? How do I look?” She asked.

“You look fine, now let’s go. We’re running late.”

They both left out of the door and drove to the restaurant. When they entered, he expected to see them already sitting, but they were not there yet. He checked his phone not even realizing that Eric sent a text.

Eric: Running a little late. We will be there soon.

Brett’s mind was already assuming the worst. That she had s*x with him. He shook his head to get those negative thoughts out. She wouldn’t do that! He silently convinced himself. About ten minutes after he saw the message, they were walking in the building. Once he got a full view of Lacey, his mouth dropped open. She wore a black dress that stopped mid thigh. It fit her curves perfectly. Her hair was up, showing off her neck. The same neck he kissed, nibbled, and bit on. f**k this was going to be harder than I thought.

They sat at the circular table and ordered their drinks and food. Brett was happy because Lacey was on his right side as Shondra was on his left.

“So Eric told me that your real name is Lacey?” Brett gazed into her eyes. She narrowed her eyes at him.

“It is. I used a fake name for safety purposes. You never know what type of people you will meet.”

“I get that, but Eric doesn’t like liars.” Lacey’s eyes bulged before she quickly composed herself.

“Brett!” Shondra gasped. Lacey smiled at Shondra.

“I see. Eric understands why I lied about my name. But that’s all I lied about. It’s not like I lied about being married.” Brett damned choked on his drink. Lacey picked up her drink and smiled as she took a sip.

“Wow, this champagne is amazing.”

“It is,” Shondra agreed.

Lacey turned her attention away from Brett.

“So Shondra, how long have you guys been married?”

“It’s been three years.” She placed her hand on Brett’s arm.

“That’s really good.” Oh, but it wasn’t. It was not good at all. Lacey’s heart fell through her stomach. Brett didn’t move her arm away. Was I jealous? She knew didn’t have the right to be but she was. So she laced her fingers with Eric’s. It took him by surprise but he didn’t pull away. Brett shot her a deadly glare.

“Sweetheart, are you okay?” Shondra asked Brett.

“I’m peachy?”

“Are you sure? Here look at me-“ She tried to turn his face, but he moved away from her.

“Don’t touch me!” He yelled. The look of embarrassment on Shondra’s face had Lacey feeling bad. Shondra’s face turned red and it looked as if she was going to cry.

“Please excuse me,” she quickly got out of the chair and walked to the bathroom. Eric and Lacey looked at each other before looking at Brett.

“You’re not going to go after her?” Eric asked Brett.

“No.”

“Look man, I’m not sure what’s wrong with you, but you’re being an ass.” Eric got up to go after Shondra, leaving Lacey alone with him. The silence was long before Brett finally spoke.

“You think I’m an ass, too?”

“Kinda. That was pretty low.” She answered.

“Well it’s your fault, Lacey.”

“My fault? How?”

“Oh don’t play stupid. We both know you were trying to make me jealous.” He moved closer to her.

“No, I didn’t. I didn’t even know you were coming.”

Brett laughed because he could sense her getting uncomfortable. He put his hand on her naked thigh.

“Brett, stop. We can’t do this.” At least that’s what her mind was telling her. But her body. Oh it is such a traitor.

“But I want you, Lace. I don’t want Shondra.”

“I want you too, but I guess we all can’t get what we want.”

“We can-“

“No we can’t. Brett, you don’t plan on divorcing your wife and I’m not expecting you to. You just hurt her feelings and your friend is consoling her.”

“Trust me Lacey, Shondra isn’t what she seems. She’s ruthless and eventually you will see that.”

“No I won’t. Brett, we can't keep playing this cat and mouse game. You are married and I’m single.“

“Ahhh, so you’re not seeing Eric?”

“Yes, we’re on a date, but we’re not exclusive or anything. You need to stop this and grow the hell up. You may not love your wife and that’s fine, but she’s still a human being. You owe her an apology.”

Brett’s eyes shot up. “Are you serious?”

“Yes, I’m serious!”

Brett rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll apologize.”

“Go to her and send Eric back here.”

He slowly dragged himself, but he got up and shortly after Eric returned.

“Sorry about that. I don’t know what’s going on with my friend.”

“It’s fine. I think we should call it a night.” They got up and left. Eric drove Lacey home safely and walked her to her door.

She turned and looked at him. He was standing so close that their lips almost touched. She knew he wanted to kiss her but she didn’t know if she was ready to be kissed by anyone other than Brett.

“Lacey, I really like you.”

“Do you now?” She smiled as he wrapped his hands around her waist. She found her arms around his neck. It was a little weird at first but she found herself relaxing in his arms.

“I do.”

“Well, I happen to like you too.”

Eric’s eyes rose. “Really?”

“Yup,” she looked deeply into his eyes. Eric was safe and single. She didn’t have to worry about a big secret being revealed.

“God, I want to kiss you so bad, but I can see you’re not ready for that, so-“ Eric leaned in and kissed her cheek. Lacey closed her eyes as she let his lips linger on her cheek. It was the softest kiss she’s ever experienced. Eric was gentle and passionate where Brett was demanding, fiery, and passionate. When he pulled back, she opened her eyes and smiled at him.

“Good night, Eric.”

“Good night Lacey.”