by S M Mala
Quickly her skin started to tingle and his lips now found her neck.
‘Your breasts look wonderful,’ he whispered. ‘I want to suffocate in them.’
Sophie let her husband caress and stroke her skin before he carefully lay her down on the bed. He was mindful of how he treated her baby filled body. His hands and lips glided up and down, caressing and loving.
The smell of alcohol was on his breath.
After a time, she had got used to it and wondered if he had to drink to make him more sexual, to relax him or to be with her.
That she could never be sure of.
He turned her on her side while laying behind, his hand gently reaching between her legs. She felt his lips on her neck. Everything in her body responded to how he touched her. Harry knew how to turn her on and which buttons to push.
Right now, he was pushing one button to make sure she would have an orgasm.
It didn’t take long as she groaned into the pillow and felt him move closer, grinding himself gently in while pulling up her thigh so he could go in deeper.
And all the while he made love to her, Sophie wondered if he had made love to another woman since they got married.
You could never quite tell what he was up to, at any given time.
‘I don’t know what I think.’
Jonah and Ross sat in their living room on Monday evening. He hadn’t spoken to Onya since Friday night and didn’t want to.
‘No offence, but your girl is a bitch.’ Ross grinned as he said it.
Trying not to smile at his best friend, Jonah watched Ross fiddle with his short, sticking out dreads before rubbing cocoa butter onto his dark brown skin.
Skin flawless for a man, as many would point out, which would make Ross smile in delight. His face was something of perfection and he was just under six foot tall, with a lean muscular body.
‘Do you want some?’ he asked, holding the moisturiser out. ‘It will keep your tan for longer. You white guys just think it’s normal to peel, and it’s not. Moisturise, as my mum says. She used to say ‘cream yourself’ before my bro told her what it meant. She was pretty vexed.’ He started to laugh before sighing. ‘Why are you with Onya?’
‘I like her.’ Then he frowned. ‘When she's nice. Of late, she's a cow.’
‘And you want to go away for Christmas? You’re better off taking me instead.’
‘Believe me, if you looked good in a bikini, I would,’ he laughed and let out a miserable sigh. ‘I’ve got things lined up in the next few months so we’ll see what happens.’
‘She has got the hump you’re spending time with Harry’s wife,’ said Ross, putting down his bottle of moisturiser. ‘Show us a pic?’
‘I haven’t taken any.’ That stumped him. ‘Don’t know why.’
‘She that ugly?’
‘She’s not.’ Then she smiled, recalling speaking to her on Friday evening. ‘Pregnancy suits her.’
‘Oh?’
‘Oh, what?’
‘Jonah, do you like this woman?’ He stood up and took the two empty beer bottles off the table. ‘And don’t lie to me. It’s written all over your face. If I was Onya and I saw that expression on Friday night, I’d be a bit pissed off. Mind you, I would have paid to see it.’
‘Can’t a man be a friend with a woman without it being sexual?’ he asked, feeling himself blush. ‘Soph is married to Harry. I wouldn’t shit on my own doorstep.’
‘You told me what he said about him wanting the baby to die. He’s not that much of a good guy. Get my point?’
Ross walked off towards the kitchen as Jonah thought hard about his friend’s comment.
‘I really like her.’ Jonah sat back in the sofa. ‘We get. It’s not challenging; it’s fun.’
‘I see.’ Ross plonked the bottle in front of him and sat down. ‘This woman is just a friend? If you say that Harry is up to mischief, and you’re the one that’s distracting her, how is she going to react when she finds out what you’ve done? What sort of friendship is that?’
‘I’m not lying to her.’ He felt miserable thinking about it. ‘I feel sorry for Soph.’
‘Are you sure it’s just sympathy you’re feeling? I don’t want to rain on your parade but you talk about her a lot.’
‘No, I don’t!’
‘Don’t get pulled into what’s going on in her marriage.’
‘We’re just friends.’
‘You think?’
‘I’m unsure.’
Sophie was sitting with Kay in her offices in Soho on Tuesday morning. ‘I don’t get him.’
‘It’s Harry, what do you expect?’
Looking around the room, she realised her friend was busy and knew she shouldn’t be interrupting.
‘Anyway, I’ll leave you to it. I need to check out baby bedding.’
‘Sophie, stay here for a while. I don’t mind.’ Kay looked up at her with concern etched on her face. ‘And tell me more about Jonah’s bitch girlfriend.’
‘She didn’t like me. The way she stares and how she spoke. I felt like I gate crashed something.’ Checking her phone she noticed a message from Harry. ‘I don’t know what I did to piss her off.’
There was a flicker on Kay’s face as she looked away.
‘What?’ asked Sophie.
‘Rumour has it she was kicking about with someone who was stringing her along. Onya is a woman who gets what she wants but the next thing you know, he has gone off, leaving her high and dry.’ Kay grinned mischievously. ‘Serves her right.’
‘That’s not nice, even for her,’ grinned Sophie, sipping her water.
‘Anyway, she eventually set her sights on Jonah and he didn’t stand a chance. She probably sniffed out that he was going to be big. What do you two talk about?’ asked Kay, pulling up her glasses to look at Sophie.
‘Life and things.’
‘And things? He’s very easy on the eye, don’t you think?’
‘If you say so.’ She stood up. ‘Better get going.’
‘Sophie?’
‘Yes.’
‘Is there something you want to tell me?’
‘Like what?’ Sophie knew what Kay was getting at. ‘Not only is he easy on the eye; he’s easy on the soul. Remember, he’s being forced to be nice to me so my husband’s guilt can be alleviated at the prospect of fatherhood.’
‘I think Harry’s jealous you might love someone more than him.’
That was the truth and Sophie knew it.
Heading off to the busy town centre, she went into the department store then suddenly felt deflated.
She was doing this all alone and Harry didn’t want to be involved.
That hurt.
Sometime in the future, she would have to make a decision on what she was going to do about the man she married.
Sophie realised it might not be what he expected.
But it may be what he secretly wanted.
‘I’m sorry about Friday.’
Sitting at the kitchen table in Sophie’s home, Jonah felt bad as soon as he saw her. He was waiting to do the child safety items before approaching the subject. ‘I don’t know what got into her.’
‘We were chatting non-stop and you’d just flown home that day. Maybe she wanted some attention?’
‘I gave her some attention when I got in.’ Then he realised what he said as Sophie grinned into her glass of water. ‘You know what I mean.’
‘She doesn’t like me. It happens.’ She shrugged and smiled. ‘Harry thought it was reasonably amusing.’
Jonah stared at Sophie.
Once again she looked exceptionally pretty and it made him want to smile, though he held it in. All she did was rub her tummy and then she caught him.
Jonah looked away and then back at her.
‘You don’t have to do these things around the house,’ she said, starting to smile.
‘I don’t mind. I’m flying out to Prague on Saturday so I’ve got the time.’
‘Can I see your wor
k?’
He did a double take and let out a little laugh.
‘Why?’ Jonah watched her surprised expression. ‘You’ve never asked before.’
‘I’m interested. And if I think you’re good then I’ll commission you to take baby photos, if you don’t find it a little twee.’
‘Twee?’ he started to laugh. ‘If I show you mine, will you show me yours?’
‘I take it you’re talking about the shelter homes?’ Sophie then scowled. ‘You know if you do take photos, you have to make sure the mothers and kids can’t be identified.’ A smile broke out across her face. ‘Are you sure you want to?’
‘We’ll go together and I can check it out.’
All Jonah wanted to do was look at her.
‘Can I take some photos of you?’ he asked, watching her scowl. ‘I think you’d make the perfect subject.’
‘I’m nearly eight months pregnant. Do you have a wide lens?’
‘Sophie, you’re beautiful, and right now at your most womanly.’
‘You mean big boobs?’
‘I mean you look amazing.’ He watched her look at him with a puzzled expression. ‘What did I say?’
‘Are you being kind because of Harry or do you like me?’ she asked, and he noticed she seemed upset. ‘You say the nicest things. Of late, Harry doesn’t say anything, he just looks at me with disappointment.’ Then he saw it, the sad expression. ‘I asked him if he wanted me to move out, but he doesn’t respond.’ Her eyes filled with tears and she forced a smile. ‘Hormones, ignore me.’
‘Are you unhappy?’ Jonah’s heart twisted seeing her look so upset.
‘I’m scared about what’s going to happen when I have the baby. I want him to love her as much as I do, but I don’t think he will.’ She quickly wiped her tears away. ‘This isn’t what I expected it to be, our marriage.’ Then she quickly shook her head. ‘Forget I said anything.’
But her head was hung and he saw the tears splash onto the wooden surface of the table.
It was an image which showed pain.
Then her eyes darted up and she smiled again.
‘When you have babies with Onya, you’ll have to go through this with her. I know you’ll be a brilliant father and will adore your children.’
‘He’s a lucky man, but he can’t see it,’ he whispered, touching her hand. ‘I know we don’t know each other very well, but I’m here for you.’ Then he leant closer. ‘My mum lost a baby when I was little. She only survived a few days; there was a heart problem. Amelia, she was called. Babies are such precious things.’
Sophie looked up at him and sighed, nodding in agreement.
‘You’re right, they are precious,’ she said quietly.
If she weren’t pregnant with his agent’s child, Jonah would have kissed her.
There was a massive urge and he was fighting hard to resist it.
Right now, she was vulnerable, and he wasn’t quite sure what he was feeling, but it was something strong in his chest.
‘Yes,’ she whispered. ‘You can take photos of me but not when I’m crying. When I’m happy.’
Then she got to her feet, wiping her face once more.
‘Have you ever felt lonely?’ she asked, looking down at him. Then she shook her head from side to side. ‘I shouldn’t be talking to you about things like this.’ Sophie walked away and put her glass in the sink. ‘When can I see your work?’
Jonah didn’t answer because he was still trying to figure out what he was feeling about Sophie.
And right now, he was very confused.
‘Hi there.’
Sophie walked into the studio to be met by a very handsome guy, grinning from ear to ear. ‘Is Jonah around?’
‘Yes he is and I’m Ross, his roommate.’ He put out his hand. ‘Should you be travelling around? You’re fit to pop.’
‘I know. Four weeks and then she arrives.’
‘Hello!’ she heard from above and Jonah was leaning over the balcony of the mezzanine. ‘Don’t listen to him. He knows nothing about babies.’
She was shocked to feel a sudden rush of excitement when their eyes met.
Sophie smiled in response.
‘That’s where he crashes out to sleep when he’s exhausted from being creative,’ Ross said, looking at the pair of them. ‘Nice to have met you.’
‘You too,’ she said, glancing at him while watching Jonah descend the stairs.
It was confusing, the emotions bubbling fiercely in her chest.
She hadn’t seen him in a fortnight. And Sophie desperately missed Jonah.
He jumped down the final two steps and smiled.
Sophie immediately went up to him, kissing both his cheeks and couldn’t stop smiling.
‘What’s up there?’ she asked.
‘A place to sleep when I get tired. Ross is right; being creative is hard work.’
‘You look great!’ she said, examining his beautiful face. Jonah was smiling and she felt like sighing, but knew it was totally inappropriate. ‘How was the trip?’
‘Good. And you look blooming. How did you get here?’
‘Came by tube. One train all the way.’
She felt like her throat was constricted and didn’t know what else to say.
‘Are you sure you should be travelling alone? Soph, I would have picked you up.’
‘Don’t be silly! In a few more weeks I’ll be housebound for the foreseeable future so this is good. And I got a seat.’
‘Right, the tour.’
He showed her around the studio and they went to a table where there was a portfolio.
Jonah spoke through each piece of work but she wasn’t listening.
She couldn’t.
All Sophie thought about was how happy he seemed when talking about the photographs.
It made her find him all the more attractive.
Knowing this was all down to how she was currently feeling about Harry, Sophie put it in a little compartment in her heart to stop showing Jonah that she liked him.
Liked him more than she had liked anyone for a long time.
Then he stopped and looked at her.
They didn’t speak, just stared.
She didn’t know what was happening.
His ringing mobile made them snap out of it.
‘Hello,’ he said, turning around. ‘Yes, I’ll be there at seven like you said. Nope, it’s fine. Yes, I’ll get a bottle. See you then.’ Jonah let out a little sigh. ‘Onya’s checking up on me. We’re going to dinner with some friends.’
‘That’s lovely.’
All her nice thoughts disappeared on hearing the copper haired beauty’s name.
Jonah continued to talk about the pictures but she noticed he seemed a little less happy and more distant.
She decided that after she had seen everything, it would be best to leave.
And she waited for him to show her around, looking at some work hanging in the studio.
‘That’s it!’ he said proudly, forcing a smile. ‘Was it worth the trek to the other side of London?’
‘Yes, it was,’ she replied, her elation from how she felt on seeing him quickly subsiding.
‘I never offered you a tea or coffee? Would you like a drink?’
‘That’s sweet but you need to crack on with work and I better go.’
‘You’ve not been here for long.’ He looked confused. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Just a little twinge,’ she lied, rubbing the side of her swollen belly. ‘Thanks for sparing the time.’
‘Are you okay? Do you want to sit down?’
Nodding quickly, he took her to a chair and Sophie inelegantly placed her backside on the seat as he sat next to her.
‘It’s probably the excitement of going out on an adventure,’ she said, letting out a weak laugh. ‘Your work is very good. Harry mentioned there was talk about some Sunday magazine sending you off on a big shoot.’
‘I know, it’s great!’ he said excitedly. ‘Harry’s been
amazing, setting up things. I’m in debt to him forever.’
‘He takes a cut of your money,’ Sophie whispered. ‘So that’s good enough pay back. Anyway, your services to babysit me will be over soon so you can concentrate on interesting things.’ She smiled, watching him glance away and then back again at her. ‘But you’re very welcome to come round for a cup of tea or something to eat if you’re passing.’
Jonah was staring and she didn’t know if she said something wrong.
‘You don’t have to if you don’t want to,’ she quickly added. ‘You’re not being forced.’
Sophie was stumped on what to say.
‘Shall I escort you to the station?’ he whispered, this time starting to smile.
‘I’ll be fine.’ Standing up, she drew a deep breath and looked around the studio. ‘It’s a creative part of town to be in. There’s a buzz about it. I’ll see you when I see you.’
As she headed out, she could sense he was following; then he reached out to hold the door open.
‘Thanks again for sparing the time,’ Sophie said, turning to look at him. ‘Take care.’
‘You too.’
Carefully following the path until she came to the bustling main street, it suddenly swept over her need to cry.
She had been fooling herself about their friendship; pinning a little bit of hope that he genuinely liked her, not the fact he was indebted to Harry.
But she stood in this strange part of town and didn’t know what to do.
In her head, she had planned to go to the studio, then suggest they went somewhere to eat before she headed off home. All Sophie wanted to do was spend time with Jonah, but soon as he got the phone call from Onya, reality sunk in that it was Sophie’s little day dream to be friends. He had a girlfriend; and Sophie was a pregnant, unhappily married woman.
All her hopes and dreams had been dashed by Harry but she had a little twinkling of happiness when she was with Jonah. It was now she realised it was all make believe in her head.
The feelings could and would never be mutual from Jonah, and why should they be?
He was Harry’s client and Sophie was just the lonely wife.
‘You were quiet.’
Onya was holding Jonah’s hand as they walked down the road after dinner. ‘Everything okay?’
