Chapter 7: Cheques and balances.

"Yes, yes okay. Hold on a second," Carlos spoke into his cellphone.

Sharon watched as Carlos jumped up from the couch to answer a phone call, then rushed into Carli's bathroom speaking to whomever that was on the other end of the line. He got his day off today and said he wanted them to talk before she left for work. He was just about to tell her something when the phone rang and he went into their daughter's room.

She was curious to know who it was, but it wasn't something that was a burning question. Carlos would usually tell her who called anyway. It was only when she heard her husband shouting from the room that she became concerned and quietly moved to the bathroom door to hear what was being said.

Chapter 8: Just the beginning.

Carli lay in bed. It was 3 a.m. She had come home from her date with Jason over four hours ago, but she couldn't sleep. She touched her lips. He had kissed her again at the end of the night. The first kiss he gave her was a little friendly one. The contact did shock her a little, especially since it felt awkward after she told him the truth about her lack of experience. The last kiss however was the one that branded her. Even now it was as if she could still feel his fervent lips on hers.

Chapter 9: Family ties

It was 6 a.m. Carli was already up. She wondered if Jason was awake and already preparing to come for his final day of work. Her aunt mentioned there was a possibility that she would give him the contract to paint her new airbnb when it was done. 

Carli hoped he would get it. He was very skillful and it was obvious he knew what he was doing. But Carli just wanted to see him. After their conversation the night before about him being a Christian and practicing celibacy, she thought about all he had said. 

She had been angry with him for not telling her earlier but was also aware that their relationship had experienced a few snags in the road. She was however willing to put the physical and sexual attraction aside to get to know him. Beyond those strong muscles that made her swoon whenever she saw them, she did really like him. He was patient, he made her laugh and he had a gentle spirit that she was drawn to.

Chapter 10: Tell no lies.

Carlos parked in the driveway of their home. The lights in the living room were on. Sharon was home after all. This thing about fraud was crazy. Why hadn't she said anything to me? He thought. 

He exited the vehicle, locked and armed it, and entered through the front door. It was unlocked. He smelt the aroma of food being prepared. It smelt like stewed beef, his favorite, but this was something Sharon only cooked on weekends. Now he wondered how serious this situation was. 

He began thinking: 

What should I do? Should I just come out and confront her about what I heard? Paul has probably called her to let her know that I know now?

Maybe I should pretend like I don't know anything and see what she will do? Yeah, that's what I'll do. He thought. Let's see if she'll say anything to me.

Chapter 11: Finding paradise

 

Jason carefully stopped the car beside the sidewalk. He turned to Carli, leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.

"Baby, you okay?" he asked. He was a little worried about her. She still had a spaced out look on her face. 

Carli nodded.

Jason touched her face. Carli lifted her hand and briefly touched his hand. She smiled.

"You called me baby?" Her eyes lit up.