Nine

341 24 2
                                    

Demi

The guilt continued to eat away at me as I sat, staring at my laptop at 3am on Friday morning. The inspiration that I willed to come never came, like it hadn't all week. I haven't been able to remove Jesse from my thoughts. He's invaded everything. I groaned my frustration as I slammed my laptop shut. I slid it off my lap and then pushed myself to stand. As I walked towards the kitchen, my eyes landed on my wedding photo. Seven Years. How can I have been married for that long to now be having thoughts about my neighbour? I stared a little too long at it, the guilt weighing heavy on my heart as my eyes danced between me and Wilmer. I was so happy back then, and it's evident by the enormous smile on my face.

I met Wilmer at 18 and I fell so hard for him. He very quickly became my everything. I had never met anyone who captured my attention so fast. He was older, nearing 30, but it didn't stop me from wanting a future with him. I'd say it was love at first sight.

I rapidly blinked as tears welled in my eyes. I forced my eyes off the photo and headed into the kitchen. I grabbed myself a glass of water, leaning back against the counter as I stared out the back window and at my backyard. I've accomplished so much in the last 10 years. I can't ruin any of it by fantasising about my neighbour. That's messed up.

I still hadn't managed to get any sleep by the time 7am rolled around so I showered and dressed in a daze. Wilmer kissed me goodbye as I sat straightening my hair. I groaned at the dark circles beneath my eyes. I headed out once I was dressed and I looked half-decent. I climbed into my car and pulled from my driveway, unable to stop myself from glancing over at Jesse's house, his car wasn't in the driveway. He must have left for work already. I have a book signing in LA at 11. Why do I care what he's doing today? I grabbed myself a Chick-fil-A breakfast on my way down and I ate it quickly as I pulled into the parking lot of the library my book signing was taking place in. I don't even know how many of my own books I signed. A lot of them were my new release but some were an older release that people wanted signing. We also had a meet-up where I was asked questions about my novels. I enjoy meeting people who enjoy my books, it reminds me of why I do this. It helps a little with the inspiration too.

I headed to see Matthew for a late lunch once I'd finished and then I made my way home. Wilmer was home when I pulled into the driveway. I announced my arrival, heading upstairs when Wilmer announced his whereabouts. He was stood in the closet, buttoning up a shirt.

"Hi Baby. How did the signing go?" I nodded as I leant against the door, waiting for him to explain why he seemed to be getting dressed to go out. He's just got home from work, he normally changes into a pair of sweats.

"It was good, as expected. I had a late lunch with Matthew, that's why I'm a little later home" he flashed me a light smile.

"I don't mind, Nena. Is Matthew okay?"

"He's got an audition for a play tomorrow" Wilmer held his hand out for me and I forced myself to smile as I took it. I lightly laughed as he twirled me into him and he gently pecked my lips. "Why are you getting dressed up?" I questioned as I ran my hands down his chest and I fastened the last button on his shirt.

"I'm heading into LA, night out with the guys from work" his hands slid up my arms as my fingers caressed his jawline. "I was thinking of just getting a hotel room for the night. Is that okay?" I bit down on my lip as I nodded.

"I guess" he leant in to peck my lips. "Just please be careful, and try not to drink too much" I caressed behind his ear.

"I won't, Baby. I'll message you when I get back to the hotel if that makes you feel any better" I rolled my eyes as he laughed.

"You'll forget, Wil" I moved away from him as he shook his head. "I guess I'll try and get some writing done then" his arm circled around my waist and he pulled me into him, pressing a delicate kiss to the nape of my neck.

"I love you, Nena."

"Love you too" he pressed a kiss to my cheek and then removed his arms from around me. I turned to face him as he continued to get dressed, shoving a few items of clothing into a suitcase. I decided to change into something a little more comfortable so I grabbed some shorts and then one of Wilmer's shirts to pull on. I felt more at home as I began downstairs. I'd already eaten so I just grabbed a glass of wine and I lowered myself onto the couch with my laptop.

It was around 8 that Wilmer left, kissing me goodbye. I didn't hate that he was going out. It gave me time to breathe. It gave me a chance to try and quiet my inappropriate thoughts for my neighbour. I remained on the couch after he left, sipping on my wine as I managed to get a little writing done. The quiet really helped with my concentration so it wasn't a surprise that I was annoyed by the knocking on my front door. I released a breath, moving my laptop onto the coffee table as I pushed myself to stand. My heart stopped the moment I pulled open my front door and my eyes landed on him.

"What-What are you doing here?"

"I saw Wilmer leave about an hour ago" I nodded, willing myself to speak. "I've brought wine" he held up a bottle and flashed me a light smile. "I've also brought some snacks. Some popcorn and candy, there's some chips in..." he seemed to cut himself off, shaking his head as I nibbled on my lip. I could feel my lips wanting to twitch into a smile. He's cute when he rambles. "It's a Friday night, I have nothing to do and I was just wondering if you wanted to watch a movie or-or two?"

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