What He Won't Do

Chapter 10

"Mam... mam, are you okay?" The voice was gentle but urgent as Tomeka's eyes fluttered open.

She blinked, struggling to clear the haze. "You? How did you get in here?"

The man smiled warmly, pointing to his name tag. "Security, let me in. The people next door heard a scream, then a thud like someone falling."

Tomeka's gaze swept across the room. More flowers than she'd ever seen before flooded the suite. A strange mixture of awe and disbelief settled over her. All this... and it's from him? She shook her head bitterly. He wasn't good for her, hadn't been for years, but he was trying — desperately.

"Did all this come with you?" she asked, voice shaky.

"Yes, ma'am. The owner insisted we bring everything up and clear the lobby," the man answered, excitement barely masked.

"The owner?" Tomeka whispered, curiosity stirring.

She had never met this man, but his reach felt endless. Surrounded by luxury flowers, jewelry, and designer clothes, Tomeka felt a surreal detachment. This was a fantasy, and she wasn't sure if she wanted to wake up.

When everyone had gone, she settled by the door, lost in thought. What does he want from me? Why this obsession? The questions tangled in her mind.

Slowly, she began to undress, stepping into the shower. Moments later, the phone rang, breaking the quiet.

Who could it be? No one knew she was here.

She picked up from the couch. "Hello?"

"Good evening, Mrs. James. This is a reminder of your 2:00 appointment at the spa for your VIP experience."

Tomeka's brow furrowed. "I'm Mrs. Willing, room 317. No spa appointment."

The voice hesitated. "There must be a mix-up. It says here 'full house VIP experience, room 317, on the house.'"

"I'll be right down," she said, hanging up, heart pounding.

This owner is relentless, she thought. There has to be an angle. Why go through all this trouble?

At the spa, eyes followed her every move. She was alone, just her and the soothing sound of water trickling from the fountain. The serenity felt almost unreal.

"Mrs. James," the man greeted her with a smile.

She smirked. "You're everywhere, aren't you?"

"I have many jobs, ma'am," he replied, bowing slightly. "Right now, I'm here to guide you through your VIP spa experience. Shall we begin?"

He took her hand and led her inside.

The room was a dream, candlelit pathway, champagne chilling in ice, soft flickers dancing on the walls. Her heart raced.

He handed her a robe and stepped out.

Alone, Tomeka inhaled deeply, her body relaxing for the first time in forever. All of this... for me?

When he returned, his hands were warm and soothing, tracing gentle lines along her tense muscles. A shiver ran down her spine, a reminder of something long lost.

He began to speak, but Tomeka was too deep in the moment to hear.

"Nobody's ever seen Mr. James' wife. It's nice to finally meet you," he said softly.

She opened her eyes, a small laugh escaping. "I'm not his wife. I'm Mrs. Willing."

He looked puzzled. "He pointed you out to us. How do you not know your own husband?"

She bit her lip. "James, if you see the owner—my husband—please tell him to come to my room. He knows the number; it's under his name."

"Where are you going? Your spa day isn't over yet," James insisted.

"I appreciate everything, but I need to go."

Wrapped in her robe and clutching her clothes, Tomeka retreated to her suite.

Lying back, she stared at the ceiling. Who was this man who treated her like a queen? The thought sent a confusing swell of emotions through her. Her heart, no matter how tangled and torn, still belonged to her husband, but a new feeling was stirring; undeniable, dangerous.

How do you fall for a stranger?