Stolen Kiss (Erotic Thriller)

Chapter 16

David cut off the engine of his Mercedes and listened to the silence. He could only stare at the snow-blanketed home with its high sloping roof and deep covered front porch. The brown shingle siding was illuminated by the exterior lights, giving way to a neatly manicured flower bed and front yard.

His fingers played with the bow next to him, sitting atop a beautifully wrapped present in Lego paper. He took a deep breath and stepped out of the car with the gift, up the paved walkway and stone steps. His shoes crunched the fresh fall of snow and he made a mental note to clear the driveway for Natalie.

David's warm breath chilled as it hit the cold air. He hesitated before ringing the doorbell, knowing he could be hauled off to jail if she chose to call the cops. He could hear the faintest sound of music and tapped his foot in rhythm.

The door opened and his voice caught in his throat. Natalie's raven hair swung into view and she gave him a small smile. "You made it before I got him to bed," she said, stepping back and opening the door further.

He entered the warm home, stomping the snow from his shoes and shaking it from his hair. "I hope you don't mind," he whispered, gesturing to the gift. "It's a kids basketball and t-ball set."

"Not at all," she replied, helping him out of his jacket and hanging it on a wall hook. "I'm sure he'll love it. Make yourself at home. I'll get you a drink. Beer or whiskey?"

She still knew his preferred choices. "Whiskey. This place is beautiful. Very cozy," he complimented. David kicked off his shoes and placed Raiden's gift under the modest Christmas tree in the corner.

The living room was intimate with a large L-shaped white sectional, dotted with red Christmas pillows and a red throw blanket. A handsome stone fireplace was the prized centerpiece of the room, decorated with silver garland, two stockings and surmounted by a large TV.

Photos and paintings lined the walls, most of Raiden at various stages of development or smiling with his mom. One picture caught David's attention; his son sitting at a small black piano and grinning ear to ear.

"I thought you'd never get to see that one," Natalie's voice came from behind, pulling David from his thoughts.

"He looks really happy," he said, taking the glass of whiskey gratefully.

"He is. I have copies of all these pictures too," she admitted, "Guess part of me always wished..."

David took a step towards Natalie, his fingers gently cupped her chin. "You don't have to wish anymore, babygirl. I'm here and no one's gonna stop me."

"Too bad that wasn't your attitude four years ago," Natalie murmured, pulling from David's grasp and sitting back into the plush sofa. "You know Lexi won't like you being over here."

David sat next to her, nursing his drink and his mind racing. He had to sound sincere no matter what. Remorseful. Compassionate. "When she found out about us, I'll admit I was afraid of losing my marriage. I lost it. As shitty as that sounds, another divorce would have killed me. It's no excuse for how I treated you."

"Daddy!" Raiden screeched as he ran full speed at David, a piece of paper clutched in his small fist. David embraced the child, lifting him into the air and kissing his cheek as the little boy giggled. "I made this!" He held out the paper to David as he settled on his knee, showing him a drawing with three figures.

"Who's this?" David pointed to one stick figure with thick black crayon strokes around the head.

"Momma," Raiden replied and Natalie smiled at her son. David then pointed at the tiniest figure. "Me!"