My body is used to waking up at five in the morning. Yes, my eyes are wide open, but my mind is blank. The last thing I remember is telling Samer that I’ll go to the bathroom for a moment. Then he accompanied me back to the living room and gave me some hot water. After that… he carried me upstairs… into my room.
Oh my! I touched myself because I felt like something inappropriate happened. I’m really naked! My suspicion was correct.
“You’re awake, good morning,” someone suddenly spoke close to me.
His hair was still wet, and a few drops of water were trickling down his neck.
“Samer? What are you doing here?”
“I spent the night here, don’t you remember?” he said to me, and of course, I was shocked.
Who wouldn’t be surprised by his revelation? We’re not a married couple to sleep in the same room.
“Why? I mean, why did you sleep here?” I asked him.
“Because you asked me to,” he replied.
“You’re lying!” I told him because what he’s saying is impossible; I didn’t invite him to spend the night in my room. As if!
“Common, Jamie. We’re not kids anymore to deny what happened between us last night. But I understand if you’re still in denial stage right now,” he said.
“So, I have to accept whatever happened even if I don’t want to because I’m getting older. Is that what you’re telling me?”
“I’m not implying that you’re old already. What I’m saying is, we are both adults and mature enough to deal with our situation now!”
“Adult and mature. Hah! But you should’ve controlled yourself!” I couldn’t stop myself from raising my voice. The situation is so confusing. I have a boyfriend, and Samer also has someone he likes. I feel like a huge traitor!
“I tried to stop you but-”
“But what?”
“I was not strong enough to resist the temptation. You were so beautiful and seductive last night.”
“That’s what I thought; you men are all the same! Well, who wouldn’t be tempted when you’re offered something right in front of you.”
“What happened last night was special to me. Don’t talk about it like it was cheap!” He got angry or maybe hurt by what I said.
I wanted to respond, but he quickly left my room and slammed the door shut. It seems like Samer’s signature way of closing doors – always slamming! Is he the one who should be angry with both of us? After all, I was the one who took advantage of him last night.
I got up and made my bed before heading to the bathroom to take a shower. I wanted to get rid of the beer smell from my body and also Samer’s scent… like… an Arab. Oh yes, he’s an Arab – a very handsome one.
I took a three-minute shower before filling the tub with hot water. I added a few drops of rose oil to the water. Before getting into the tub, I lit some scented candles and grabbed a romance novel to read.
The story of the book I read was beautiful, but I couldn’t stay too long in the bathtub as I had guests to attend to. I folded the book and returned it to its place. I used a body wash cream to keep my skin clean and moisturized.
After rinsing off the remaining soap from my body, I inspected my private area to see if I needed to shave. Good thing it was still clean and pretty down there. Somehow, I felt a bit relieved when I remembered that Samer already saw that part. Lord, help me. I was not yet fully dressed when Samer suddenly entered my walk-in closet. His timing is really something! Just when I was adjusting my bra, he entered.
“Next time, knock first!”
“I was worried when I couldn’t find you!”
“And where would I go, huh?”
“I don’t know, but maybe you’ll try to escape… from me. You know what I mean, right?”
“Maybe, but it’s unlikely to happen. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll change now, then I’ll prepare our breakfast.”
“Take your time… but please don’t wear that skirt,” he ordered.
For the second time, I was not given a chance to respond as he was gone again. Samer was really fast when leaving my room. I took a good look at the denim skirt I originally planned to wear.
What’s his problem with it? In the end, I chose a navy blue pocket dress with a floral pattern before heading downstairs. I caught the father and son toasting bread. I rarely eat breakfast at home, so my stock is limited.
“How about we eat outside?” I suggested to Samer because I felt sorry for the two kids having only toasted bread and milk for breakfast.
“Sure. I’m starving after all that happened last night,” he replied.
When the two kids weren’t looking at us, I glanced at Samer. Did he really have to remind me about what happened last night? I was trying very hard to erase it from my memory, but here he was – always reminding me of what transpired between us.
“Baba, can we play with the dogs after eating?” Khaleel asked, and Samer replied with a big YES.
In the past, I had no problem being alone with Samer in the same room or place. Our dynamics have really changed because I no longer feel comfortable being alone with him. I feel uneasy around him.
“Are you uncomfortable with me?” he asked, and it’s obvious, isn’t it?
But I couldn’t answer immediately. I wanted to deny that everything’s okay between us, that nothing happened between us, but I couldn’t.
“Honestly, yes.”
“Me too. But I hope your feelings for my children won’t change, Jamie. I’m sorry, I’m really, really sorry about what happened last night.”
I was slightly hurt when Samer apologized, admitting that what happened between us was a mistake. Why is that? Didn’t he say earlier that it was special? But of course, how could a one-night stand be special? Romantic one-night stands only happen in novels, not in real life. It’s just a nightmare!
“Don’t worry. No matter how messed up our relationship is now, the kids won’t be affected.” I told him, but the truth is, I’m not sure.
“Thank you. Because the kids will be hurt if you suddenly change your feelings for them because of me, and if that happens, I can’t forgive myself.” He said emotionally while preparing coffee for both of us.
I wanted to ask him if he would also be hurt if I suddenly avoid him and if he would be upset with me. But I chose to remain silent and drank the hot coffee.
“I’ll buy some rash guards and other stuff at the mall later. Will you come with me?” I can’t just leave them here at home.
At least at the mall, there are plenty of options for them to eat according to their tastes and preferences.
“Of course, what time are we leaving?”
“Right now?” On weekdays, the traffic going to SM is really frustrating. When he didn’t immediately answer, I asked him again, “Do you have something else to do? Aren’t you done showering yet?”
Oops, I did it again! I didn’t notice that he had already showered. There’s really something wrong with me. Brent is my boyfriend, but Samer has taken over my thoughts.
“Excuse me, I’ll call Brent.”