Building The Emotion And Sensuality

Lesson Five: Loose Ends

It was only the second time Lynne and James had argued and it was over the same person – Stephanie Wallace.  Stephanie had been relentless in her desire to see James again and James secretly had obliged her.  When Lynne found out she was beyond hurt…she was devastated.  Lynne couldn’t believe James still had feelings for Stephanie.  James called them loose ends…unresolved feelings that he just needed to work out if only Lynne would give him a little time.  But with their wedding three months away Lynne was worried that they wouldn’t be getting married at all.

“I just need some time, Lynne.  I just need a little space to work this out.”

“How much time and how much space?” 

“A few days.  I just want to be clear with Stephanie that our relationship is over.  I want us to get married with a clean slate, Lynne.  Please understand.  I love you but I don’t want the what ifs of a relationship with Stephanie looming over our heads.”

“But what if you find that you still love Stephanie?  Where does that leave us?”

“I don’t think that is going to happen.  I love you too much.  I want a life with you but I have to convince Stephanie to leave us alone once and for all.  I’m not as confused as you think, Lynne.  Please trust me on this, baby.  I promise I won’t hurt you.”

Lynne finally acquiesced.  Now would come the true test of their love for each other.  Lynne was being forced to trust in that love and in the man that was the source of it.  Still she was worried about what could happen.  Little did she know however, that she would have a temptation of her own from her past to contend with.

******

James was not that confused.  He knew that he loved Lynne but still wanted closure with Stephanie.  The more time he spent with Stephanie lately he wondered how he came so close to marrying her.  Now understand, Stephanie is a powerful woman.  She’s worked hard to build her career and thus a very nice life for herself.  But sometimes, Stephanie lets that power go to her head.  She often treats the people around her like servants, feeling that her success in life makes her worthy of special treatment.  That’s what makes her so different from Lynne.  Lynne would never look down on the people she cares about and Lynne cares about everybody from the garbage man to the corporate CEO.

When Stephanie left him six years ago to pursue her career she left a gaping hole in James’ heart.  A hole so big he thought it would never heal.  It was Lynne’s friendship that helped him heal and that’s when he realized that she was the one for him, not Stephanie.  But still, James had some strong feelings for Stephanie at one time.  Now he would have to make sure that those feelings were behind him and that Stephanie understood that so that he and Lynne could build their life together.

James walked into the restaurant Stephanie told him to meet her at.  The atmosphere was decidedly romantic and James knew right away Stephanie was up to something.  He walked across the plush, burgundy carpet toward the bar where he thought he saw Stephanie waiting.  He was right.  There she sat trying her best to look seductive in her black, silk chemise that clung in all the right places.  Her long, brown legs were crossed at the ankles and perched on the bar stool.  James inhaled deeply.  Stephanie was a beautiful sight but that was not why he was here.  He was here to clear her from his mind once and for all and he wasn’t about to be sidetracked by those gorgeous hazel eyes. He walked over to Stephanie and greeted her.

“Hi Stephanie.  I see you’ve pulled out all the stops.”

“Hi to you too James,” she sang as she swung around to greet him.  “And don’t be silly.  You act as if I’m up to something.”

“I’ve learned the hard way not to underestimate you.  Shall we go to our table?”

“Oh, don’t be in such a hurry lover.  Sit at the bar with me and have a drink.”

“I don’t have time for this Stephanie.  I agreed to meet with you on the condition that there would be no games.”

“No games James.  I just want to talk.”

James sighed and sat down on the bar stool next to Stephanie.  Somehow he knew this was going to be a long night.

“So tell me how long you’ve been dating Lynne again.”

“One year, Stephanie.”

“And already the two of you are ready to get married…in three months right?”

“Stephanie, you and I both know that Lynne and I have been friends since our teens and that we’ve both been fortunate enough to learn that we love each other as more than just friends.”

“But there’s one thing I don’t get James.  Lynne isn’t exactly your type.  She’s a little plump for your standards isn’t she?”

James clenched his teeth to hide his irritation.  Stephanie still knew how to push his buttons but he was determined not to let her get to him.

“Lynne is beautiful just the way she is.  Plus, she’s not only physically beautiful, she has a beautiful spirit.  I’ve learned a lot since we broke up Stephanie.  Physical appearances just aren’t enough for me anymore.”

“And that’s what impresses me most about you now, James.  You do seem to have grown a lot since we were together and you know what, I’ve grown a lot too.”

“Have you really?”

“Yes.  I know I was shallow when I was younger and maybe even a bit over ambitious.  But relationships mean something to me now.  I’ve done everything in my career that I care to do.  I want to settle down and have a family too James.”

“It’s nice of you to finally discover the importance of people Stephanie but you’re a little too late this time.  I love Lynne and I intend to build a life with her with the time we have left.”

“Oh James, can’t you give us just one more chance.  Lynne’s a big girl.  She should be able to handle a little competition.  I know I can.”

“That’s the thing Stephanie.  I don’t intend to put Lynne through anymore of your games.  Our relationship is in the past now.  I’m going home to my future wife.  I wish you the best.  Thanks for teaching me what love is not so that I could learn what love is.”

Stephanie grabbed James by the arm as he stood up to leave.  She had one more trick up her sleeve and she wasn’t about to let him go until she had tried them all.  She stood up next to him and leaned in close so he could smell the scent of her body mixed with her seductive perfume.  That always used to drive him crazy.  James shook his head firmly to clear his senses.

“No Stephanie,” he stepped away from her.  “Not this time.  Not anymore.  Goodbye Stephanie.”

James turned and walked out of the restaurant leaving Stephanie standing by herself, pouting like a wounded child.  Still James knew that was not the end of her but that would have to be the end for now.  He was going home to the woman he loved.

Word Count:  1,240