Simply Complicated Read online

  Although they regularly spoke, they had yet to see each other since she came by his office. Every time they talked, she asked him when they were going to see each other. He knew he wanted to see her but he feared what might happen once they did.

  He could not keep putting her off, nor did he really want to, so when she called him again he agreed to have lunch with her the next day.

  The evening before they were scheduled to have lunch, Ken arrived home and found a note on the counter from Monica.

  “Hey sweetheart. Marci and I will be staying at Mom and Dad’s house. He’s ill and Mom wants me to stay,” her note read.

  He called Monica at her parents’ house to see if everything was okay. She reassured him that things were fine.

  He decided to shower and then eat dinner. Monica had left his dinner in the microwave as she did every night when he worked late. Ken smiled as he read the love note.

  As he was warming up his food, his cellular phone rang. He did not recognize the number so didn’t answer. After a few minutes passed, his house telephone started ringing.

  Thinking it was Monica, he answered right away. “Hey baby, is everything okay?” Ken asked.

  “Wow—I’ve made it to ‘baby’ status already,” Susan said jokingly.

  “Oh hey, Susan—I thought you were my wife calling. How did you get this number?” Ken asked nervously.

  “You called me from it before and I locked it in my phone along with your home and office number. I didn’t think calling your cell this late was a problem. I tried reaching you at your office but you had already left and I know you wouldn’t want me to call your home number,” said Susan.

  “What are you talking about? This is my home number that you called. I’m just glad Monica isn’t home. You need to delete this number from your cell phone so you won’t mix them up again,” replied Ken.

  “I am so sorry. I thought I dialed your cell number. I would never intentionally call you at home. You have to believe me. I had planned on leaving a message for you on your cell. I just wanted you to know that I have to cancel our lunch plans tomorrow,” she told him.

  “I believe you. I’m just glad that things worked out. Just make sure you delete the number,” he said.

  “Let me make it up to you. I take it that your wife isn’t home. If you haven’t eaten dinner yet, would you like to meet somewhere tonight since we can’t meet for lunch tomorrow?” Susan asked.

  “I’m not sure if that’s such a good idea.” Ken replied.

  “Why?” asked Susan.

  “It doesn’t seem right, that’s why,” responded Ken.

  “It’s just dinner, Ken, that’s it. Come on—I don’t bite,” Susan teased. Ken agreed and they decided to meet at an Italian restaurant within the hour.

  Ken was nervous at first but tried to justify what he was about to do. I’m hungry. Besides, I often go out with friends in the evening. Susan is just another friend who wants to eat together, he thought to himself.

  He put on a pair of jeans and a black sweater and headed out the door. As he drove to the restaurant, he kept trying to convince himself that he wasn’t doing anything wrong. He made himself believe that Monica wouldn’t be upset with him having dinner with a friend.

  When he arrived at the restaurant, Susan was already there. He barely recognized her. She wore tight jeans, a red silk blouse, and heels. Her hair was styled differently but she still looked good.

  He had forgotten how beautiful she was. As he approached her, he wasn’t sure how he should greet her so he just sat down.

  “You look very handsome—I like your cologne,” said Susan with a wide smile.

  “You look nice too,” replied Ken. He was obviously nervous.

  “So why are you here, Ken? I know your wife wouldn’t approve of your sneaking out of the house to have dinner with me.” Susan asked.

  He was a little thrown off by her comment, especially since earlier she had tried to make him feel at ease about joining her that evening.

  “It’s like you said; we’re just two friends having dinner together. It’s not like we’re going to have sex or anything. Besides, what about your fiancé? I’m sure he wouldn’t be happy with you sitting here with me,” said Ken, flustered.

  “Why Ken—are you propositioning me to sleep with you? You should at least buy me a drink first,” teased Susan. “And I’m no longer engaged. We really didn’t have anything in common,” she added.

  “No! That’s not what I’m doing,” replied Ken nervously. “I was only saying that we’re just having dinner together. That’s all. I’m not trying to get you into bed,” he said.

  “That’s too bad because as good as you’re looking, I probably would have given it up,” said Susan as she rubbed his hand.

  Ken didn’t know what to do so he took a drink of water.

  “Let’s go somewhere more private and have a nightcap,” suggested Susan. She had started to get excited and hoped that maybe they would be intimate that night.

  “We just arrived. Besides, we haven’t had dinner yet. That’s why we’re here, right?” questioned Ken.

  “Of course, Ken. I’m really hungry! I was only teasing you,” replied Susan.

  During dinner Susan acted as if she was only interested in being his friend. She asked for details about Monica and Marci. She complimented him on his level of commitment to his family. She then began describing a former relationship she had with another married man.

  Ken started feeling uncomfortable and guilty. “It’s getting late and I really need to be going. I have to get up early,” he said.

  She sensed that he was nervous so she gently put her hand on top of his. “I’m glad you agreed to have dinner with me, Ken,” she whispered.

  Ken gently eased his hand from under hers. “No problem,” he replied, relieved the awkward moment had passed.

  When the bill arrived, Ken paid for their meals and they walked out together. He told Susan goodbye and they both went their separate ways.

  When Ken arrived home, he could not get Susan out of his mind. She was not as beautiful as his wife, but there was something that drew him to her. Perhaps it was her boldness or her apparent sensuality. Whatever it was, he found himself in a place he knew was dangerous and he realized he couldn’t let it go any further.

  As weeks and months passed, Ken made a point to be home by dinnertime so he could spend more time with his family. He stopped calling Susan and returning her calls. She eventually stopped calling. He was somewhat relieved. Part of him continued to wonder what might have happened that night and how wonderful sex with Susan might have been. He decided to ignore the part of him that wanted to contact her and see her again.

  Three months had passed and Ken felt like his old self once more. He began spending more time with Monica and Marci. He and Monica continued to play their naughty games together whenever they found the time.

  One evening Jake was having a party for his clients and invited all of his colleagues to attend. Monica and Ken had planned on going but Marci became ill and Monica insisted that Ken go without her. He promised he would be home within a few hours to help her with Marci.

  There were many clients there and Ken and his friends were having a good time when someone tapped him on the shoulder.

  “Hello, stranger,” said Susan.

  When he turned around he was surprised to see Susan standing there, looking just as desirable as he remembered.

  Before he could respond to her, Jake turned around.

  “Hey Susan, you look great! Guys, do you remember Susan from the night at the bar? I’ve been helping her with her investments,” said Jake after kissing her gently on the cheek.

  Ken and some of the others who remembered her smiled and said hello. Ken could not take his eyes off her. She was looking extra beautiful.

  Of course he was taken aback when Jake said he had been working with her. He knew how Jake loved the ladies and he wondered if Jake and Susan had been involved sexually.
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  Susan and Ken managed to get alone to talk.

  “So Ken, how have you been?” Susan asked.

  “I’ve been okay. How about you?” Ken replied, nervously finishing his drink.

  “Things have been good for me. I’ve made lots of money working with Jake. How is your family? I hope everyone is doing well,” she said.

  “Everyone is fine. Are you seeing anyone steady? Not that I’m trying to get into your business or anything. I’m sure someone as beautiful as you has a man,” said Ken with a smile.

  “As a matter of fact, I am seeing someone.”

  “Good for you. I’m sure he didn’t let you come here without him so where is he?” Ken joked as he looked around the room.

  “He wanted to come but I didn’t bring him because I was hoping you would be here alone. I had hoped that if you were here we could sneak away and talk,” she replied.

  “Is that right? Well, here we are talking. So what did you want to talk to me about that you couldn’t let your man hear?” he asked nervously.

  “Well, I wanted to thank you for having dinner with me that evening. I really had a good time. Of course I was a little disappointed with how you shut me out afterwards by not returning my calls, but I guess I understand,” Susan answered.

  She was pleasant and friendly, which made him even more attracted to her. He found himself mesmerized and speechless.

  Ken and Susan spoke easily throughout the entire evening. They laughed and joked as if they had been friends for years. During his ride home he couldn’t stop revisiting their conversation and how beautiful she looked.

  After the party, Ken knew he wanted more from her than just a casual friendship. They started seeing more of each other, often meeting for lunch or quick drinks after work, and spoke every day. Although their relationship was platonic, they began to bond emotionally.

  Whenever he was unhappy about something Monica did or said he would talk to Susan about it. She would give him advice from a woman’s perspective. Susan was very careful in not coming across as if she was trying to create discord in his life. Never in her advice would she tell him that he should leave or even cheat on Monica.

  Ken started sharing some of his deepest secrets with Susan. He would often tell her that he felt very comfortable talking to her about anything. He even went so far as to tell her that he was able to tell her things that he couldn’t share with his wife.

  This was all Susan needed to hear. She knew she and Ken would eventually become intimate. When it happened, she knew he would be hers.

  All she had to do was be patient. She made sure she never pressured him when they talked on the telephone or went out to lunch. When they would meet, she made sure she dressed provocatively and wore enticing fragrances.

  She was cleverly manipulative in her planning, and told him that she thought it best if they remained platonic friends. Although he agreed, she could tell that he wanted more but was afraid.

  Sometimes when they talked, she would ask how his family was doing as if she was concerned. He was clueless.

  After months of these chaste meetings, on Mother’s Day weekend, Ken sent Monica to a spa resort. Susan eagerly helped him pick out the place. She told him that Monica would enjoy it best if she could relax at a spa. He thought Susan was being a thoughtful, helpful friend and appreciated her ideas.

  Ken had to work that weekend, so he arranged for Marci to stay at his in-laws’ house. Knowing he was alone, Susan suggested they have dinner together. Since she had never pressured him into becoming intimate and insisted that their relationship remain platonic, he trusted her completely.

  Susan made sure she looked fantastic that night. Her long black hair was down and moved gently as she walked. She wore a black strapless dress that fit tightly against her well-poised body. Black stiletto shoes with diamond studs accentuated her shapely legs and it was obvious that she was not wearing a bra. The scent of her jasmine perfume was alluring and complimented her sexy demeanor. She wanted to mesmerize him with her appearance.

  She intentionally arrived at the restaurant late so he would have to notice her walking. She walked slowly and gracefully into the restaurant. When Ken saw her, he could not keep his eyes off her body and neither could the other men in the room.

  “Hello Susan, you look incredible and you smell fantastic,” said Ken.

  “Why, thank you. I am so sorry I’m late. I hope you forgive me. A friend called and asked if I wanted to go out to dinner. Of course I told him that I already had plans,” she said.

  “You didn’t have to cancel on my account. Your man should come before me. Don’t mess things up with him,” said Ken.

  “He’s not my man and he’ll be fine. Besides, I would rather be with my best friend tonight,” said Susan.

  “Best friend? Yeah right! I know you have other friends who you are much closer to than me,” said Ken.

  “Not really. I have some ladies at work that I talk to and occasionally go out with but I don’t consider them my best friends. You have become my closest friend. You’re the only one I can really talk to,” said Susan.

  “Wow, okay, if you say so. I guess you would know who your friends are,” said Ken.

  “I’m your best friend, right? I mean, we share a great deal of our personal lives with each other and we talk on the telephone nearly every day,” she inquired.

  “Well, let’s just say that we’re good friends. I do enjoy talking to you and getting advice from you,” he said.

  “Okay. I suppose Monica and Jake are probably your best friends. It was pretty silly of me to think that I would be closer to you than your wife and Jake. I just thought that since we’ve been spending a lot of time talking and sharing with each other that we were close. Now I feel foolish,” she said.

  “Don’t feel that way. You’re a really good friend and I appreciate our friendship. You’re the only woman that I consider a friend outside of Monica,” Ken replied quickly, noticing that Susan seemed offended.

  “You don’t have to say that to make me feel better but I appreciate your trying,” Susan looked down at the table.

  “I’m not making it up. I do consider you a close friend,” said Ken as he grabbed her by the hand.

  “Thanks. I do feel better. Let’s change the subject. This isn’t how I want to spend our time together. Let’s just say that we both consider each other good friends and leave it at that. Let’s make a toast to friendship new and old,” said Susan as she lifted her wine glass for a toast.

  “To friends old and new,” said Ken as he raised his glass to toast her.

  During dinner, she laughed at all of his jokes even though they were not funny. When he had food on the side of his mouth, she reached over and gently wiped it off with her hand.

  She made him feel as if no one else mattered but him. He felt special. When she noticed him staring at her chest she leaned over to brush an imaginary crumb from the table so he would get a glimpse of her breast.

  “Thanks Ken, for a wonderful dinner. I need to go because I have plans to meet my friend Jeff for drinks.”

  “Oh! You didn’t tell me you had other plans tonight.”

  “No offense, but I didn’t think I needed to. I’m not your woman. We’re just friends. Aren’t we?”

  “Of course we are. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just saying I didn’t know you made plans for later, that’s all. I hope you enjoy yourself.”

  She knew this would make him jealous and she was right.

  Ken never thought about her being with someone else. He knew she was dating other guys but he never imagined her being intimate with them. They never discussed it in any of their conversations. Most of their discussions were about their secret fantasies.

  As he drove home, all he thought about was Susan: her body, smile, laugh, how she smelled that night. He could not get her out of his mind. He began thinking about one of the conversations they had in which he shared with her one of his sexual desires he wished he could have e
xperienced prior to getting married.

  He then started thinking about the fantasies she shared with him. He couldn’t help but wonder if she was going to do anything that night with her friend Jeff.

  When Ken arrived home, he decided that it would be best if he took a shower and went straight to bed. Before doing so, he checked the answering machine to see if Monica had called.

  After hearing her message, he started feeling a little guilty about having dinner with Susan. He immediately called Monica back to see how her weekend was going.

  Once he finished talking to her, he decided to get into the shower. He wanted so desperately to call Susan to say goodnight and to see if she had actually gone on a date.

  While he was deciding whether he should call her, his cell phone rang. He immediately answered.

  “Hey! What are you doing right now?” Susan asked.

  “I’m not doing anything. I was about to jump in the shower and head to bed. Why?” questioned Ken.

  “My date cancelled on me and I’m already at the club. I was hoping if you’re not tired that perhaps you could meet me for a drink.”

  He knew he should stay home but instead he chose to meet her at the club. When he arrived, Susan was sitting at a secluded table away from the crowd. It took him a few minutes to find her.

  As soon as he approached her table, she escorted him to the dance floor. They danced for several songs and he began to relax and have a great time.

  Between dances, she kept trying to get him to drink.

  “Do you want a drink?” she asked after their third dance.

  “I had enough to drink at the restaurant. Besides if I drink too much I may not make it home. I want to be able to drive,” he said jokingly.

  “Well I’m going to drink as much as I want to,” she said, taking a sip of her drink.

  “Don’t you think you need to slow down, baby?” he asked.

  “I can handle myself,” she laughed.