Wife Swap

Chapter 7

Brad's POV

Right after Em leaves I feel my chest tighten. The taste of her mouth, and skin still linger on my tongue.  I wanted to tell her about Rick with every piece of my soul, but the words just wouldn't come out. I couldn't be the cause of her pain. Even if that meant she would never be mine.  Stepping into the garage I start punching the punching bag. Every punch is fueled with the anger, frustration, and the pain I was feeling at that moment. Once I felt like I couldn't punch anymore I walk back inside, and make my way to the shower. Stripping down I step into the shower, and turn it to ice cold. I wanted it to numb all the emotion away. The evening plays over and over again in my mind. Em consumed my every thought. Turning off the shower I quickly dress into some sweats and a t-shirt. Making my way over to the fridge I reach for a beer, but then decide against it. I didn't want to numb the feelings away. I didn't want to numb Em away. This was the most feeling I had felt in a long time. Instead I reach for the stereo remote and play some relaxing music. Sitting on the couch I wonder if I will ever see Em again. Just as I begin to doze off the doorbell rings. It rings over, and over again. Holly fuck, don't they know that's annoying! Stepping over to the door and looking through the peep hole I see a distressed and broken Em.

Throwing the door open Em comes crying, and running into my arms. I encircle my arms around her knowingly. Her body feels light in my arms. It felt like we stood there forever before Em spoke. 

"I'm so sorry!"

Her sobs are strong and sting my ears. "Em, you have nothing to apologize for." I pull her tighter to my body. I want her to know that I am here for her. Slowly she starts to pull back, and lifts her head to look at me. 

"Rick, and Stacey... I found them on my bed together."

Pain fills my chest. "Yes, I know! There were so many times I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want to be the cause of the pain you are feeling now. I'm sorry you had to find out like that." My eyes search hers. I'm searching for a sign of relief, but all I see is pain. 

"Brad, I feel so betrayed. My life is a mess, and I want nothing more than for it all to go away. Can you help me forget?"

I want to take her right then and there. I could help her forget, but then would she want anything to do with me tomorrow? She needed a friend right now more than ever.  So I hold back. "Em, you are not in the right mind set to be making rash decisions. How about a glass of red wine, and a nice warm bath?" Confusion flashes in her eyes.

"You don't want me?"

The words shock me. Does she not know how much I crave her?  Rejection is in her eyes, and in a few steps I am holding her again. "I want you more than I have ever wanted anyone."

"Then kiss me!"

She doesn't have to say it twice. In one swift movement my lips are on hers. I kiss her long and deep, and it takes everything I have to pull away. "Now, lets get you in the bath." I walk over to the fridge, grab the red wine, and pour her a glass. Handing it to her I grab ahold of her hand gently, guide her through the bedroom, and into the bathroom. Bending over I turn the water on, and turn around to see Em in nothing but her underwear. She's looking at me with lust filled eyes. I can't seem to find the strength to look away, and I begin wondering how I'm going to hide this bulge in my pants. She is so sexy! She is also very vulnerable right now. It would be wrong of me to take advantage of her. Looking away I pull the door open.  "Enjoy your bath. I will be downstairs if you need me." Forcing my feet out the door I make my escape, and let out the breath that I had been holding. Fucking hell. I don't know how much more of this I can take. 

After quite a while, and not hearing anything from her I decide to go check on her. Lightly knocking on the door I wait for an answer. When I hear nothing I crack the door open and peek my head in. She's still in the bath, but asleep. I guess the wine relaxed her a little too much. As I walk in I see the cabinet open above the sink, and a bottle of sleeping pills out on the counter. Panic pulses through my veins. In a few strides I pat her on the shoulder. "Em, wake up!" No response. I pat harder, but nothing. She's still breathing, and that gives me hope. Pulling out my phone I dial 911. Adrenaline is pumping through my veins.