I dropped the file Ben gave me into my bag before leaving the office that evening. I called Dave when I got into my car, he still wasn't picking. I was going to have to pay him a visit. I drove out of the car pack and realized few miles away from the office that I didn't know his home address. I packed in a fueling station and called Lola to ask for Dave's address. I waited for her message and tried not to be embarrassed.

Dave had worked for me for over five years and I didn't know his address, I felt terrible. He knew everything there was to know about me and I didn't even know his address. I was his boss, it shouldn't be a big deal but we were close. Too close for me not to be embarrassed about not knowing where he lived.

I got a text from Lola and read Dave's address out loud, it was close to the office. I made a U-turn and drove to the address. I was distracted as I drove that I had to find my way twice when I got lost. I finally found the address and checked my phone to see if Lola added his room number, she did. He was staying in an apartment complex and I took the stairs to get to his apartment. I looked for a 502B door and knocked when I found it.

Dave's face broke into a huge grin when he opened the door and saw me standing at his doorstep. I gave him a hug.

"How are you?" I asked when the hug ended.

"Sick, come in."

I went in and looked around the living room. Dave had two, green, single sofas and a large, purple sofa. The whole space was so colorful; parsley patterned rug, tinted, glass table, and pink, plant vase. I was surprised the TV and speakers were in black.

"Great place," I said.

"Thanks, have a seat."

I sat in one of the green chairs and crossed my legs, Dave sneezed behind me before seating on the couch.

"Have you been to the hospital?" I asked when he sneezed again.

"Yes, I got some drugs. It's just a little cold, I'll be back at the office soon."

"There's no hurry."

"How's going? Did you see Ben Jonathan?"

"Yes, we got Kerry and another guy from the same label as hers."

"Whoa! That's freaking huge."

"It is." I smiled.

Dave didn't have to know about the deal I was going to make. He'd find out eventually so there was no need telling him now. Dave got me a bottle of water and I took a sip.

"Where is Phillip?" I asked looking around.

"He's not around, work things."

"So you're all by yourself?"

"Yes."

"Oh. I dropped by to see how you're doing. Why weren't you answering your call?"

"I can't find my phone. It'll be buried under my sheet or pillow."

We sat in awkward silence for few minutes. We were in a different space that wasn't the office so I felt weird, I didn't know whether to be a boss or a friend.

"I need to leave. Use your drugs and get strong," I said when I didn't know what exactly to do.

"Alright, mama."

I stood and dropped a peck on Dave's cheek. He followed me to the door and hugged me.

"Thanks for coming to check on me," he said.

"You're welcome. Find your phone because I'll be calling you later."

"Alright."

I walked away and heard the door shut behind me. I went back to my car and drove home. When I got home, I laid in bed thinking of how to end the fling with Chike. I could tell him after sex. I had to be in his house so I could leave easily. I could also stop replying to his messages and block him. He would understand that I was no longer interested if I blocked his number on my phone.

There was no easy way to end it. I was going to have to before I made my first, public, relationship debut with Lil Don. I hated the process, what was Chike going to do when I told him? My mind was churning with all the angry things he was likely to say.

I had to be in a fake relationship for my business to thrive. This wasn't where I imagined my life would be at thirty-five, it was way too complicated. I used to think the divorce was my last huge hurdle. I used to believe nothing could top it, but a failing business definitely did.

I got out of bed and removed my pajamas. I wasn't one of those people that mopped in bed. I opened my closet and pushed clothes around until I found a red, strapless, skimpy gown. If I went out and partied, I could easily forget about the choices I had to make. Meeting new people and making friends used to be a good distraction, so I was counting on it to work again.

I sprayed perfume on my pulses after I wore the dress. I pulled my hair into a puff and smeared red lipstick on my lips. I found my special heels, they made me look several inches taller and also toned my ass and thighs. They came out only on special occasions, although the night didn't count as one I still needed their magic. I slipped on the six inches', nude, ankle boots and went outside the house.

I drove towards one of the cool spots closed to my house. I used to go there on Fridays before Chike popped into my life, I felt good going out alone again. It was Thursday which was always Ladies Night at the bar. The place was parked with cars and I had to circle the area before I found a spot for my car.

As I opened my bag to checked if I had all the essentials with me, I saw my phone. I paused and rested my head on the steering wheel. I was going to call Chike, if he wasn't around then it was the universe giving me a sign to party and get over him. I could end things over the phone and never see him again. Chike picked on the first ring when I dialed his number and I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding.

"Hey." I made sure my voice sounded chirpy.

"Sweet face. How are you?" Chike asked.

"I'm great. Are you at home?"

"Yes, wanna come?"

I'd been hoping he wouldn't be home so I could party without my conscience guilt tripping me. "Yea."

"Okay, I'll be waiting for you."

"See you soon."

God, I shouldn't have called him. How was I going to end the fling if I couldn't stop sleeping with him? I was going to end it tonight. After this night, we'd be done forever. I started my car and left the bar. I drove back to my house to drop my car and took a cab to Chike's place.

I knocked on his door when I got to the front of his apartment. Chike opened the door and I walked in, he had on only briefs and I tried to concentrate on something other than his chest. I was going to miss seeing him after tonight. Chike hugged me from behind and I tried not to think about my problems. I felt his hand on my ass before it moved to my thigh.

"You look good. Did you wear this for me?"

"Yea," I said and turned around, his hands touched my breasts and I stopped thinking.

My hands roamed over his chest and I tried to memorize every curve and plane. Chike watched me as I touched his chest and when I looked at him, I found myself drowning in his eyes. My hands went to his neck and I pulled his head down as I stood on tiptoe to kiss him. He met me halfway and our lips joined.

Chike lifted me into his arms and carried me to the bed. I found my zip as I kissed him and quickly pulled it down. He helped me remove my dress and I wrapped my legs around his waist, grinding my pelvis against his erection. I moaned when his lips touched my nipple. I pulled his head away and removed my panties and my shoes. He took off his briefs and I watched him put on a condom. I was probably never going to get that turned on again just watching someone wear a condom.

I turned around in bed, my back to him. We both moaned when he entered me, I thrust my hips backward and rocked against him so he could fill me in deeper. Chike started slowly, his hand teased my nipple as he thrust inside me, I wished he could hurry. This wasn't the time for his slow administration. I felt him move his cock out of me, the shaft teased my entrance and I almost screamed out in frustration.

I turned around and dragged his face to mine. Go faster, I whispered in his ear and he did. I didn't know I was moaning out loud until he kissed me and I didn't hear the noises anymore. I heard just the whisper of our bodies as they touched whenever he drove himself deeper inside me. I clenched tightly around him and I felt myself lose control. He gave a final thrust before collapsing on top of me. Chike rolled off me and pulled me in for a cuddle.

I loved the sex not the man, I silently said to myself as we stared deeply into each other's eyes. His hand stroked my face and I tried not to spill my guts to him. I didn't have to end things with him, I could just go on pretending that it was still just sex.
Chike kissed my mouth and then my neck. When his mouth went below my belly button, I spread my thighs and didn't make any complaints, I simply enjoyed the pleasure his tongue was bringing to my body.