His Double Life

Part 2

"Bleh." I throw my keys on the counter top as I walk into the apartment. 

"Oh my. Details." Angela says, rubbing her hands together.

"I ran into Neal."

"You did?! Oh dear god, are you okay? How do you feel?"

"Why wouldn't I be okay?"

"Because, being in the same room as a man that gorgeous must have been difficult. He's married so you cant even act on your little crush."

"Angela, I don't have a crush on Neal. I might find him slightly attractive, but that's it. He's married, developing feelings will only ruin our friendship."

"I understand I guess?"

"Good. I'm going to go nap now," I march off to my room and plop down on my bed, drifting off almost instantly.

NEAL'S POV

"Dad, really?"

"Yes son, I want you guys to reconnect! You were good friends once and you brought it to my attention to begin with that she was a great writer. I felt you were right. She will make a great journalist here."

"I'm aware, thank you. I do also recall saying she could go work at the Florida location, not mine, here,"

Here he goes again. Throwing an attractive woman at me so I leave Rebecca. He hates my wife and does not want us to start a family.

"Spending extra time with her wont hurt anyone will it?"

"I am not going to listen to you. I got her the interview, but I didn't expect her to be working in this building. I thought you wanted her to be transferred."

I hadn't been thinking when I told her I wanted to see her again. I was more focused on how damn attractive she is and wanted to reconnect with an old friend. I hadn't thought my father wanted me to do exactly that. Being around her is a complication waiting to happen. Considering I do not think my crush on her has gone away at all since we last spoke. 

"No, I specifically asked for her to work on your floor."

"Oh my god. You are unbelievable."

"Just listen-" I hang up, not wanting to hear any more of his bullshit. I'm relieved that I played it off good with Jessica, but now I have to work with her. I don't not like her, I just don't want to work with her for my own reasons. I can't have her working here with me so much, it just might drive me crazy.

"Look who's back?" Rebecca opens her arms and I hug her tightly.

"I'm home."

"How's New York? How's the business?"

"Amazing, and good. You know my old friend Jessica?"

"Yes! It's been a while since we have seen her."

"She works at the office now. Well, she's going to."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"That's great, now you have a friend to work with right?"

"I guess,"

"Hey, chin up." Becca lifts my chin up with her fingers and kisses me. "I'm just glad you're home."

"Me too."

"Now.. Are you ready yet?"

"For what?"

"Trying for a baby! I'm ovulating today!" Her eyes light up and she claps her hands together.

"Oh, Becca I don't know.."

"What? We have been planning on having a baby for quite some time now Neal. Don't try to back out after getting my hopes up like that."

"I just don't feel ready, I'm not mentally prepared to have a baby right now, is that such a bad thing? We have plenty more years to have a baby. What's your rush?"

"There is no rush, I just want to have a child with my husband. I didn't know that's such a bad thing. I have waited years more than I wanted already." Her eyes fill with moisture and she forces a small smile before walking out of the room. Great. 

"Becca, I'm sorry." I lean against the doorway to our room. Her back is facing me and I hear sniffles, she's crying, and oddly enough, I couldn't feel worse about it.

"I just want a baby Neal.."

"I know you do." I slip my shoes off and go to the other side of the bed. I see her tears falling onto the bed, and my heart breaks for her. I don't like being the reason for her tears.

I lay down on the bed and pull her body against mine. She doesn't push me away, she just cuddled up to me. I kiss her head and rub her back, hoping her sobs will stop soon.

"If it means so much to you, we can try again.." I say without thinking.

"I don't want to try unless you do too."

"I want what you want." I whisper.

She finally looks up at me, her eyes sparkling from the tears.

"Do you mean that?"

"Yes."

"Let's wait a week or two.. I'm not in the mood right now."

"Okay. We will have to wait another month or so then for my ovulation, but next month, we start trying again." She says, smiling.

10 minutes later, she's fast asleep in my arms. Her tears dried on her cheeks. I slowly slip my arm from under her and roll her over, putting a blanket over her.

I sneak out to the kitchen and check my phone. I have a text message from an unknown number. I tap on it and read the message.

"It was really nice to see you again. I got the job, so I will see you at work. xo, Jess."

Once I've finished reading it, a smile is planted on my face. I shake my head and start typing.

"Congratulations on getting the job Jessica. It was nice to see you, too. See you again soon.
- Neal."
I press send and go back to bed, missing New York already. 

"Damn it." I roll out of bed, getting majorly pissed off. I can't fall asleep. Why am I thinking so much about this whole baby thing? I don't want to have a baby right now. I'm not ready.

I find myself staring at Jessica's number, debating whether to call her or not.

Fuck it. I tap on her number and wait for her to answer. If she even does.

JESSICA'S POV

Why is it suddenly so hard to fall asleep? I'm tired as hell, but can't seem to fall asleep.

Just as I'm about to get out of bed, my phone starts ringing. Neal's name pops up and my heart drops.

I quickly press answer, not thinking twice about it.

"Neal, hi."

"Hey Jess. Couldn't sleep either?"

"No, it's been a long day."

"I couldn't agree more." I can sense his smile. His perfect, full toothed smile. "Would you mind talking to me for a bit?"

"Not at all."

NEAL'S POV

Talking to her now makes me think. Would she want this? Is she one of those women who doesn't approve of affairs? I hope not. The last 6 women I've had as my submissive, had complained countless times about my being married, and demanded a divorce. I need someone simple. Someone willing to try something new.

I hope Jess is different.

I really do.