Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Laney woke abruptly, saw Cliff, and nestled into his arms. She inhaled the lemony scent of his mouthwash, leaning in for a kiss.
Cliff responded with a kiss that lingered.
Though they hadn’t kissed often, their familiarity made it feel instinctive. The kiss fully awakened her. Under the dim light, her face glowed with a contented smile.
“What’s making you smile?” Cliff inquired.
Laney shook her head, choosing silence. She yearned to say how wonderful it would be to always wake up like this but feared it was too much to ask. She believed expressing such a wish would burden him. Cliff seemed to sense her hesitation and gently asked, “Do you have any major performances soon?”
Laney paused to think. “No, but if you’d like, I can have the manager set something up.”
Cliff’s face remained unreadable. “No need. If you’re not performing, I’ll arrange some time off for us and take you on a two-week trip.”
Laney’s heart fluttered with excitement. “Aren’t you swamped with the company you just took over?”
“My dad hasn’t retired yet, so I’m still flexible with my schedule. That’ll change soon, though.” Cliff pulled her closer. “Where would you like to go?”
Laney hadn’t thought of any specific destination. “Anywhere you go, I’ll follow,” she replied. “Will it be just us?”
“Yes.”
Laney’s pulse quickened. “Won’t people start wondering about us?”
“They won’t,” Cliff said, holding her gaze meaningfully. “Laney, do you still have feelings for me?”
A soft blush tinted Laney’s cheeks as her eyes glinted with a shy sparkle. “I do.”
“Do you want to date me?”
Laney felt as if Cliff’s single sentence had upended her entire world.
Even on the eve of their trip, the reality of it all seemed like a dream.
Cliff entered with a glass of milk, pulling Laney from her reverie.
“Cliff.” Laney leapt from the bed, her nervousness unmistakable.
“We’re flying out tomorrow.”
Cliff nodded, eyeing the suitcase. “Did you pack everything?”
Laney’s eyes widened in panic. “I don’t think I did.”
Cliff was unruffled. “Drink your milk,” he said, taking charge of the packing.
For a summer getaway, the essentials were simple-clothes, personal care items, and skincare products, including sunscreen to protect her complexion.
Cliff navigated her room with the familiarity of his own space.
Laney’s concern persisted. “Did your parents say anything?”
“I told them you needed a break from stress,” Cliff replied, pausing his packing. “We could just tell them the truth.”.
Laney shook her head quickly. “No. I’m afraid they wouldn’t accept it.” Cliff’s parents held traditional views and hoped he would settle for business alliances.
Mixed with excitement, Laney felt a knot of worry. “Let’s wait a bit longer.”
She was still adjusting to the swift shift in their relationship. Occasionally, she would ask, “Cliff, what made you start having feelings for me?”
Cliff responded with a playful smirk. “You’re too persistent. Since I can’t get rid of you, I might as well embrace it.”
Laney, sitting on the carpet fumbling with trinkets for the trip, frowned at his comment. When upset, she wouldn’t lash out. She would silently stew in her pride, even after her anger had passed.
Cliff watched her cram various items into the suitcase. He intervened and said, “You don’t need the photo. We’re going on a trip, not relocating.”
Laney looked up with feigned innocence. “But it’s a picture of you. I want to see you every day.”
Despite knowing she was teasing, Cliff couldn’t suppress a laugh of exasperation. “I’m right here with you. Why do you need a photo?”
Laney acknowledged softly, then hugged the photo and kissed it.
A spark ignited in Cliff’s heart. He leaned down and asked teasingly, “Is kissing it more fun than kissing me?”
Easily drawn in, Laney wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
She was becoming more responsive, and Cliff expertly knew how to make her comfortable.
The white carpet was damp in one spot by the time Cliff finally pulled away.
Laney, flushed and breathless, gazed at him with eyes full of affection and longing. “Cliff,” she whispered.
“Yes?” he responded.
“I really like you.”
Their journey took them across the globe.
Cliff first took Laney skiing. Managing all the logistics-planning, accommodations, and meals-he allowed her to simply revel in the experience, as they had often done before.
They visited a store to pick out ski attire and equipment.
Laney was immediately drawn to a couple’s set, perfect for her and Cliff.
“But the men’s size seems a bit small,” Laney said. “What’s the largest size you have?”
The shopkeeper responded attentively, “Miss, for a couple’s set, may I know your boyfriend’s size?”
Laney blushed and said, “Oh, we’re not-“
Cliff interjected, giving his size to the shopkeeper, who promptly called an employee to fetch it.
Cliff glanced at Laney. “We’re not what?” Her eyes widened. “Are we?”
“Aren’t we?” Cliff teased with a smile. “What do you think we are, cousins? Have you ever seen cousins behave like us?”
Recalling their intimate moments, Laney’s face turned crimson. Her heart fluttered uncontrollably.
While Cliff handled the payment, Laney discreetly texted her friend Kailyn, unsure of what to make of the situation.
Kailyn texted back. “You’re basically in a relationship now. What are you waiting for? Just go for it!”
Laney replied, “Everything’s changed so fast. It feels surreal.”
“Girl, you’re alone in a romantic setting. Make it a special night,” Kailyn replied.
“What made him change his mind so suddenly?”
“Cliff knows what he’s doing. Maybe he’s just realized what he wants. Don’t worry about being perfect. I’ll send you some advice.”
Laney blinked. “I pinched myself. It’s real, Kailyn.”
“And did you bring that special pill I gave you? Maybe tonight’s the night to use it, just in case.”
After a disjointed conversation, Laney finally came to her senses. She remembered she did bring the pill Kailyn had given her.
However, Laney didn’t rush things with Cliff that night. Over the next few days, they enjoyed their time together, and she carefully observed his behavior. As she expected, Cliff always stopped short of making a definitive move.
One time, while Cliff was using the bathroom, Laney leaned against the doorframe, resting her chin in her hands with a sigh. “Since we’ve become an item, why are you still holding back?”
Cliff, caught off-guard, replied while still focusing on his task, “Can we discuss this at a better time?”
“Not now?” Laney pressed, her tone half-serious. “It’s not like you’re saying much anyway.”
Despite her bold words, she didn’t move from her spot, instead asking with a hint of despondency, “Am I not your type? Do you prefer someone with more experience?”
Laney’s persistence made it clear she needed answers.
Cliff, realizing the conversation wasn’t going to wait, reluctantly paused.
Cliff had an uncanny ability to leave Laney speechless with his impenetrable logic.
The constant rejections had woven a tight knot in Laney’s heart, until finally, she surrendered to Kailyn’s suggested approach.
As darkness enveloped the room, Laney tossed restlessly in bed. Her gaze drifted to Cliff, who sat nearby, immersed in urgent business matters.
Noticing her movement in his peripheral vision, Cliff said, “I’m in a meeting. Give me ten minutes.”
Wrapping her arms around herself, Laney whispered, “Cliff, I’m thirsty.”
Without hesitation, Cliff muted his microphone, set his laptop aside, and poured her a glass of water.
Drawing her close, he continued listening intently to the executives’ reports and analyzing data, while his hands slipped beneath her robe, exploring the sensitive terrain between her thighs.
Laney’s eyes widened in surprise as she gripped his hands, her questioning gaze asking, “Aren’t you still in a meeting?”
“The microphone is muted. They can’t hear us,” Cliff assured her.
Only then did the tension leave her fingers.
Yet, Cliff was merely indulging in playful distraction, alternating between feather-light and firm caresses, treating her like his personal plaything while his attention remained fixed on work.
Watching his eyes locked on the computer screen, a flutter of disappointment stirred within Laney. With deliberate grace, she allowed her robe to slip, revealing the black lace nightgown underneath.