Statistic - 2nd Edition Read online

  My lips parted, welcoming his entry into my mouth. He gently accepted the invitation by running his tongue across my bottom lip before continuing our kiss. Time stood still as we made out like teenagers on the bank of the river. His hands politely roaming into the areas I would allow, but only coming to a stop on my ass.

  We slowly pulled our bodies apart, only to lock eyes and watch each other waiting for the first with enough courage to mutter a word of reaction.

  “Wow,” Brent said. “That was… it’s been a long time.” he smiled. “Can I tell you something, Aurora?” His question takes me off guard, but I nod in reply. Because composing actual words right now is just too damn hard.

  “You are the first woman I have kissed since Beth.” My heart hammers against my chest. Not with lust or with love, but with heartache, because he just shared that I am the only woman he has felt comfortable enough to be somewhat intimate with since his late wife. I don’t want to freak out here in front of him because that would be wrong of me. I don’t want him to feel bad, and there is no way I would actually hurt this man on purpose.

  “Brent…” I begin, but pause because I really have no idea what the right words for this situation should be. “This is nice, but it is getting late.” It is honest and I know Miss Pam is going to want to head home shortly, and I still have a half hour drive home.

  He looks down at his watch and notices the time.

  “Oh, Jesus. I had no idea it was after ten already. My babysitter has to be home at ten thirty!” We both let out a laugh as we lock hands once again and make our way up the path that leads back to the restaurant parking lot.

  We quickly say our goodnights with nothing more than a peck of a kiss and go our separate ways.

  I am not sure what will come of us, but I am saddened that the possibility of a real romance is lost.

  “Liam! PLEASE! Go to bed.” This kid has no sense of time and I am beyond exhausted. If I let him, he would bounce off the walls until he dropped like a fly somewhere around midnight. Unfortunately for me, he would never get out of bed in the morning for school either, leaving me completely screwed for work. Work which has been insanely busy the past two weeks and leaving me with no extra time.

  My phone buzzes and I am reminded of a skype date I have tonight. First came Brent, who I still talk to on a daily basis. We both kind of agreed that our kiss was like kissing a cousin or something. And I was beyond relieved that he felt the same way. His friendship means the world to me and I honestly don’t know what I would do without him in my life now.

  Strapping bachelor #3 in the past month alone. #1 lived at home with his mother and failed to mention that to me until the fourth date. Which also became the last date. But I should have realized that something was up when I continued to pay the tab every time we went out. #2 had a strange obsession with feet that made me completely jump ship after the first date. Thankfully #3 seems to have his shit together. At least from what he has told me. But, we all know how that goes, right?

  Not only that but I actually contacted him instead of him seeking me out. I would be a liar if I said he wasn’t sexy. That is the entire reason I actually messaged him to begin with. Attraction is a must. Yes, of course we need to have things in common. There needs to be that level of interest in each other, but as this whole dating thing is playing out, my need for sexual attraction is increasing.

  If nothing else, he is sexy enough to scratch this itch I have had since Colin decided to let his dick roam. Most twenty-six year old women have a number of notches on their bed post. Me? I have one. The one I fell in love with in high school. The one I gave my virginity. The one I married. One. That number constantly haunts me and pisses me off. I gave him so much of me and he just threw it away; threw our whole life together away.

  If I had to hear about my girlfriend’s sexual conquests anymore, I would blow a damn gasket. Kim couldn't keep a guy hooked for more than just sex. Callie got her fair share of one night stands in before she met Mr. Perfect and then there's Jill. I don't think she will ever settle down by choice, but the men she parades around would make any grown woman cry. Hot damn.

  “Mommy, what's a bagina?” Liam's question snaps me from my musings of sexy men. Did I just hear him right?

  “What did you say, Liam?” I am trying not to smile. I shouldn't laugh at this. Laughing during this conversation just increases my number on the bad parent-o-meter. It is already high enough.

  “What is a bagina? Brantley at school said his mommy has a bagina. Do you have a bagina too?” Fuck. My. Life. Don't laugh. Don't laugh. Don't laugh.

  “Yes, Liam. Mommy has a vagina. All mommies have them.” Try not to smile, Aurora. Try not to smile.

  “Can I see your bagina, Mommy?” And cue my hysterics because I just can't hold it back anymore. I lose it. I can't help but let out the laughter I have desperately been trying to hold back. And God it feels good to get out.

  “No, Liam. You cannot see my vagina. Or anyone else's. Vaginas are only for adults.” I try to keep a straight face when I say it, but I just can't pull it off. I am officially a child myself. I don't even know how I pull this motherhood stuff off. It was so much easier when Colin was around. So much easier dividing the parenting duties. Fuck him and his harem of whores for putting me in this position.

  “Daddy is right, you ruin all the fun.” I let out a sigh and try to ignore the dig. Colin's best weapon against me has become my four year old who will repeat virtually anything. One fucking weekend a month he decides to be a parent and my kid comes back spouting off all this bullshit. I shouldn't be mad because I should have known this is exactly what our divorce would come to.

  “Liam, now you know that isn't appropriate. Now go get in bed. Please.” He skips out of the room singing the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme as he makes his way to the Captain America themed bedroom I decorated at his command. Anything to make the split easier on him was my motto. It was bad enough we had to move.

  My forehead presses against the bathroom mirror and I let out another long sigh. If Colin doesn't cut this bullshit, I will drag his ass right back to court. Everything was fine until he caught wind I was dating again. One of his co-workers came across my dating profile and of course it only took a matter of minutes for it to turn into World War Three. He can do whatever he wants, but apparently I need his permission to move on.

  I pick up my phone and type out a short but vile text.

  Stop feeding Liam bullshit. Don't think I won't cancel your visits. Try Me.

  I hate being a bitch. I really do. But, it is better off for him in the long run. I hate it that he thinks he can walk all over me. I am not the Aurora he married. I am new and improved. Take no bullshit from men. Well, at least that is what I keep telling myself anyway.

  I look in the mirror and examine all the changes he has caused. My typically short blonde hair is now long with a strawberry tint, cascading down my back. My once bright green eyes are clouded, the darkest they have ever been. He sucked the life out of me and now it is my turn to bring my soul back to life.

  I grab my laptop and head for bed. Fifteen minutes till I meet Wesley on Skype and for once I don't look completely haggard by the end of the day. I peek in Liam's room and he is already fast asleep. I pull the plush blanket up, tuck him in and kiss his forehead. This boy is my life. I don't even know where I would be today if it wasn't for him.

  Letting out a deep breath, I plop down into a sea of decorative pillows on my bed just as my Skype connection starts to ring and Wesley's face appears. God he is gorgeous.

  “Wow, you are way more beautiful than in your pictures on Fish in the Sea,” he starts the conversation. His smile is genuine and I can tell because even his green eyes are smiling at me through the computer screen. This is the first time I had ever skyped with someone The whole web cam thing was kind of a put off to me; something that seemed immature, but it was convenient for testing the waters with Wesley. I wasn’t comfortable enough to meet him yet, even if he only
lived on the other side of my small town.

  “You aren’t too bad on the eyes yourself,” I laugh and return the smile to him. We both sit there grinning like fools. “So, this is my first time on Skype. I’ve never done anything like this before.” I admit as I start to feel ever more comfortable about our chat.

  “It’s nothing big. Just two adults talking… right? I mean, if this is what I have to do to finally get you to agree to dinner with me.” he laughs and runs his hand through his dark brown hair. It is messy and from what I can see, he is laying in bed. It is almost eleven at night, so I can only assume he will be going to bed shortly.

  “I will. Some day.” I joke with him. I hear Liam rustling around in his room and I excuse myself for a moment to check on him. Apparently the voices were enough to rouse my little man, so Wesley and I decide to use the typing option while we stare at each other through web cam. It is a bit silly and awkward at first, but over time I feel like it is just second nature.

  StrawberryMom: So what do you do for fun?

  RealEstateBoss: Fun? Ha! I will start off with the G rated list I guess. Boating, extreme sports, dining out, gambling (I love Vegas) surfing, cooking for lovely ladies like yourself.

  StrawberryMom: Oh, I am sure there are tons of those waiting around for you. LOL

  RealEstateBoss: There used to be, but I guess I am just not really into all that much anymore. I am sick of women talking to me for money and status. Using me, I guess.

  StrawberryMom: I would guess that would get old and offensive after a while.

  RealEstateBoss: It did and still does. I was just about to delete my profile from that site when you messaged me. I am glad I didn’t.

  StrawberryMom: I’m glad you didn’t either. I actually like talking to you.

  RealEstateBoss: The feeling is mutual, babe.

  RealEstateBoss: Why don’t you stand up. Let me get a good look at you.

  I immediately start to blush and feel self-conscious. My body isn’t as nice as it once was. Long ago before kids and Colin and all the body issues he forced on me with his negative words. I must have been taking too long to reply because Wesley continues to chat before I have a chance to type out my reply.

  RealEstateBoss: Come on. Don’t over think it. I just wanna see you.

  StrawberryMom: But… I’m in my PJ’s

  RealEstateBoss: So am I. How about this. I’ll stand up and do a little twirl for you. And then you do the same. Deal?

  StrawberryMom: Deal.

  The computer shakes and you can tell he is starting to move. Finally the camera stops shaking and then I see bare legs. Sculpted, hairy legs. Hairy men really aren’t my thing but hot damn those legs. You can tell he works out.

  He comes fully into view a moment later. Shirtless in nothing but a pair of briefs. Something I would normally consider a turn off, but holy Christ on a cracker he is like a damn greek god. His chest is smooth, clearly waxed as there is no stubble in sight. His abs go way past what I would consider a six pack, and then I see it. The V. That deliciously toned dip in his hips completely makes me lose any sense I have left. He does a playful little spin like he is actually walking on a fashion show catwalk.

  One thing is certain. If I was on the other side of this computer screen, I would be climbing that man like a fucking tree. Pardon my language. The computer moves around again and Wesley’s face comes back into view.

  RealEstateBoss: You like?

  StrawBerryMom: Wow. Yeah.

  RealEstateBoss: I believe you owe me something.

  StrawBerryMom: You are really going to make me get up in my PJ’s and do a little twirl for you?

  RealEstateBoss: You aren’t going to break a deal? Are you?

  StrawBerryMom: You win!

  I put the computer down on the edge of my bed, kick my feet out from under the covers and move the laptop screen to try and get a better view so he can see me instead of the wall, or the floor. Clearly I am far less experienced at this than he is. That worries me in the back of my mind, but I am far too excited right now to even think about any kind of reservations I may have for the long term.

  I take a couple steps back and do a playful little twirl, just like he did. The tank top and boy shorts underwear are far more revealing that I normally would allow anyone to see me in, but it all doesn’t seem like real life. The computer between us makes this seem like some kind of make believe. Like the connection or chat isn’t real but a game.

  When I’ve done my little twirl, I climb back in my bed and adjust the screen of the laptop again.

  RealEstateBoss: That was a beautiful show, if I do say so myself.

  StrawBerryMom: Glad you enjoyed it.

  RealEstateBoss: Those are some sexy panties you have on, Aurora.

  StrawBerryMom: They are my favorite pair. I love wearing these to bed.

  RealEstateBoss: Be sure to wear them when you are sleeping in my bed. Okay?

  StrawBerryMom: LOL! High hopes huh?

  As I type out ‘LOL’, I literally laugh out loud. He certainly has high hopes when we haven’t even met. But I continue to play this game, as though we will never meet. I mean, the likelihood that we will be able to carve time out of both of our busy schedules has become increasingly unlikely.

  RealEstateBoss: If I had my way, you would be in my bed right now.

  StrawBerryMom: Your bed huh? And we would be doing what exactly?

  I am horrible at flirting. It is an art I never mastered because I didn’t have to. I always had Colin. He was always my safe. But damn it, I want to do this. I want to flirt. I want to be sexy to someone. I want to play this little game of make believe we have created through a computer connection.

  RealEstateBoss: Well for one thing, you wouldn’t have that tank top or those panties on.

  StrawBerryMom: Where would they be?

  RealEstateBoss: On the floor… where they belong.

  StrawBerryMom: next to yours?

  RealEstateBoss: Yes, next to mine. Both of us laying naked in my bed.

  RealEstateBoss: Why don’t you take your tank top off, Aurora?

  StrawBerryMom: Why would I do that?

  RealEstateBoss: So I can see you, baby.

  StrawBerryMom: You already saw me.

  I hate to think of myself as a prude, but if I take this tank top off, I am naked from the waist up. I am not sure that is something I am up for. I mean, my boobs are pretty nice, but this whole internet thing is getting a little out of control.

  Then the little voice in the back of my head speaks up. Taunting me to live my life and finally fucking get over myself, and everything Colin did to me. Get over his bullshit insults. Let someone cherish me, and encourage me. Even if it is a pervert who just wants to see my tits on the internet.

  RealEstateBoss: Come on Aurora. Let your hair down a bit. Let’s have some fun.

  StrawBerryMom: Ok… but what do I get to see?

  RealEstateBoss: What do you want to see?

  StrawBerryMom: Well I’ve already seen you with no shirt on. So, that isn’t a fair trade off.

  RealEstateBoss: I’ll make you a deal, since we are making so many of those tonight. You make my cock hard and I will show it to you. Deal?

  StrawBerryMom: Deal.

  I should have known there would be no going back after I typed those four letters out. But for the first time in so long I just didn’t care. There was no voices nagging me about how irresponsible I was being. There was nothing screaming about how this guy is just some kind of internet pervert. Because I genuinely didn’t care. He was hot and God, it had been so long since I got off! I knew that is exactly what I would be doing as soon as I got off the computer with this guy.

  I pull the tank top over my head and let it fall onto the bed next to me. I watch the computer screen carefully as he takes in the view of my bare breasts. His perfect teeth nip at his bottom lip as he pulls it into his mouth to chew on. Holy. Hell. I can’t believe I am freakin’ doing this!

  RealEstateBoss: T
hat is one gorgeous set of tits.

  StrawBerryMom: Thank you

  I try not to look as self conscious as I feel. But on the other hand. I feel so damn free! Like I haven’t felt as long as I can ever remember.

  RealEstateBoss: Touch them for me. Pinch your nipples ‘til they get hard.

  StrawBerryMom: Is that what you would be doing to them if you were here?

  I follow his instructions, just like the women in the pornos Colin had. Pushing them together, and rolling my nipples between my fingers.

  RealEstateBoss: Just like that baby.

  RealEstateBoss: You are getting me hard. Wanna see my cock?

  StrawBerryMom: Yes. I do.

  The angle of his camera moves, and I can see a noticeable bulge in his black briefs. His thumbs hook under the waistband and slowly tug down. His cock springs free from the constraints of the briefs, and I can’t help but gasp. I am sure he is watching my facial expression so carefully and shit… I should be so embarrassed at my reaction. The camera moves and I can see his abs while he begins to type.