“Who is it?” I didn’t know what to expect when I reached the door, perhaps just someone from Hollis’s unit looking for him. I flipped on the porch light. There was a young man at the door. I was unfamiliar with him.
“Presley.” He spoke casually. I looked at Kelli, and mouthed silently to ask if she knew him. Kelli threw her hands in the air, shrugging to state that she was just as clueless about this person as I was.
I opened the door. “Hollis isn’t here –”
“I know,” Presley said. He stood at 5’8” or 5’9” with jet black hair and bright green eyes. He was exceptionally handsome; the darkness of night couldn’t hide his beauty. I stepped back, and marveled quietly in his beauty.
Could this be my secret admirer?
“Well I don’t know what you want. I have no idea who you are. So why don’t you tell me why you’re banging on my door?”
Presley smirked. He didn’t say anything, but corner of his lip curled with a slickness that said I know something you don’t.
“You don’t know me, because I didn’t want you to,” he aggressed. “But if you’ve been trying to figure out what’s going on with your husband, I’ve got the answers.”
My heart jumped up to my throat. “What are you talking about?”
“Your husband hasn’t been at home because he’s been spending time with me.” He said.
My head shook in disbelief. Why was this man wasting my time? “Okay, so you’re his new drinking buddy. Nice to meet you.”
“No, you don’t get it.” His volume was low, but his words were clear and to the point. He cocked his head to the side. “I don’t want to put our business out in the open. May I come inside?”
“What business?” I said, beginning to get defensive. “Why don’t you just say what you have to say already? I’d like to go to bed soon.”
Kelli heard the rise in my voice. “Are you okay, Nat?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I was just getting a memo from one of Hollis’ coworkers.”
Presley scoffed. “I’m not his coworker.”
“Friend. Drinking buddy. Whatever.”
“Try his lover, bitch.”
“Bitch?! Excuse me?” And did I just hear what I think I heard?
Presley’s eyes narrowed. “I’ve been trying to be civilized with you, but you’re being rude as hell right now, so the gloves are off. I’m the one who brought you those flowers.”
It was a blow to my soul when he told me that. But the real blow came when he delivered a double whammy and said, “Your husband gave me those roses when he gave me this ring” – he hissed, holding up his hand – “and told me he loved me!”
Chapter 8: Natalia
I blinked twice. Was this really happening? Presley was indeed wearing a men’s engagement band; it was snugly wrapped around his neatly manicured finger. The band was a rich shade of gold, with a row of sparkling diamonds tucked through the center of the band.
“How long has this been going on?”
Presley looked around. “It’s almost midnight. And this is too much information to share with you on the steps. The hills have eyes and people are nosey. Can we please talk inside?”
Grudgingly, I stepped back and let him in. It was then that I realized I invited a vampire into my home. His handsome appearance was that surreal. As he walked past me, I smelled the faint scent of Blue de Chanel, the same cologne Hollis wore.
“Under normal circumstances, I’d say welcome, but well…” I trailed off, not knowing how to continue. “Just have a seat.” Presley nodded in acknowledgement, as if he too understood my position. Kelli’s face lit up when she looked at us, her eyes sparkling with questions about our unexpected guest.
“Kelli, this Presley,” I said, gesturing toward the man who’d taken a seat on the individual chair Hollis usually sat in. “That’s who sent the flowers.”
Kelli’s eyes sparkled, appreciative of Presley’s presence. “Hey!” She beamed, standing up to walk over and shake his hand.
“Not so quick,” I interrupted. “Presley’s sleeping with Hollis.”
Utter confusion took over Kelli’s face when she heard that bombshell. She dropped her hand midstride. “I’m sorry. What? Did you just say what I think you said?” She looked at me, then at Presley, and turned to look at me again.
“Yes.” Presley clasped his fingers together. “Hollis and I are lovers.”
“I need more sangria.”
“Sangria would be lovely.” Presley invited himself to the kitchen, following along after Kelli. I wanted to follow the stranger in my house, but my legs wouldn’t allow me to move.