Chapter 23

The moment David’s lips touched Sheba’s, she knew the dynamics of their relationship had changed. Instead of pushing him off of her, like a good wife should do, she welcomed his kiss. Her mind was telling her no, but her body couldn’t deny the magnetic pull that held her captive in David’s embrace.

Sheba felt as if she was having an out-of-body experience as she heard moans coming from her mouth as David’s hands roamed over her body. Within minutes, David swooped her up in his arms and carried her to the king-size bed. She still had time to stop what was about to happen, but instead of turning away, she reached for David and allowed the passion that had been building up between them to take over. She gave into those desires and allowed David to please her in ways that Uriah never had.

Several hours later, naked and with David’s arm wrapped around her waist, she stared into space. David slept beside her. She could hear his soft snores as she thought about what had just transpired. She had enjoyed David’s touch. David had pleased her body as if it were a harp. It had sung to every stroke of his touch.

Guilt threatened to fill her mind, but she kept it at bay. If Uriah had been home, none of this would have ever happened. It was his fault that she was now sleeping in the arms of another man. It was only a coincidence that the man happened to be his boss. It wasn’t her fault. None of it was. David and Uriah were to blame, as far as Sheba was concerned.

No, she would not let guilt over sleeping with David behind her husband’s back get to her. Instead, she would let this be a one-time thing and would go on with her life. She had needed this, and now that David had gotten what he had been after, he should be satisfied, too. Two adults pleasing one another for one night.

Sheba closed her eyes, knowing that the things she told herself were only excuses. She had vowed in front of Uriah’s family, her mother, and their friends, but most importantly, God, to honor her marriage vows. In one senseless night of passion, she had broken them.

Even if Uriah forgave her for the indiscretion, would God? Why did He send David into her life if this was not supposed to happen? Sheba tried to find other ways to justify her actions. None made sense to her, so she stopped trying to reason with herself. Instead, she finally succumbed to sleep.

She felt the light brush of David’s fingers on her thigh as she woke up. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known,” David said.

That was when Sheba realized that the dream she thought she’d had was not a dream. It was real. She had really slept with David, and here they were, still in bed, like two lovebirds. Two adulterers were what they were. With the light streaming in through the curtains, Sheba could see clearly. What had happened last night was a mistake. A mistake she didn’t plan on making again. Justified or not.

She jumped out of bed. “Take me home,” she said. She picked up her clothing, which was scattered on the floor, and headed to the bathroom.

David was on her heels. “Sheba, please don’t do this. What we shared last night was special. Don’t think negative.”

Sheba turned and looked at David as he stood there, naked. She tried her best to keep her eyes focused on his eyes. “It was special, but we can’t do it again. It was wrong. You know it, and I know it.”

David reached for her, but she was quicker than him. She ran straight to the bathroom and shut the door. She clicked the lock and leaned on the door. “Lord, what have I done?”

She placed her clothes on the counter, showered, and used the expensive toiletries in the bathroom. When she exited the bathroom, she was fully dressed. She had left David naked, but when she returned, he was fully clothed.

“I showered in the other bathroom,” he said as he stood up from the couch.

“I’m ready to go home now,” Sheba said.

“Whatever you wish,” he responded.

David was acting too calm for her. She thought he would try to talk her out of it. Maybe her initial assessment was right. He’d gotten what he wanted, and now he was satisfied. She just hoped that their one-night indiscretion wouldn’t be discovered by Uriah.

When they reached the lobby, she bumped right into one of Uriah’s cousins. “Hey, girl. What are you doing here? You heard from my cousin?” Renee asked.

Sheba stuttered, “N—no. He’s been busy, but I’ll tell him to call you.”

“Do that, will you? I better go. My hand’s itching, so that means I’m about to win me some money. Those slot machines are calling my name.”

Sheba was glad that David had kept his distance. “Who was that?” he asked as they watched Renee walk through the casino doors.

“Uriah’s cousin. Now, let’s go, before we run into someone else I know,” she responded, agitated.

Sheba felt paranoid. She kept watch in all directions and didn’t stop looking around until the valet brought David his rental car and they were riding on I-20, headed toward her house.

“Look, David, what happened last night ... Well, that can never happen again. Is that understood?” Sheba said sternly.

“Sheba, your wish is my command.”

“So, you’re not going to try to talk me into it again?”

“Nope.” David kept his eyes on the road and never once looked in Sheba’s direction.

“Oh, so I’m just another notch on your belt,” Sheba said, fuming.

For the first time since getting in the car, David turned his head to look at her. “Sheba, you’re special to me.”

Sheba didn’t believe him. All she wanted was to get back home safely and to be out of his presence. She had to, because something about David drew her to him, and she didn’t want to feel that way. She wanted to hate him. She wanted to despise him, but she didn’t. She didn’t feel any of those things.

David pulled up into her driveway. He walked around and opened her car door. He walked her to the front door. While she searched for her keys, they stood face-to-face. Sheba could feel his breath on her face.

David said, “You’re more than just a booty call to me. I love you.” He then walked away, leaving Sheba to mull over those words.