As an ICT expert, you had attended a work related conference in Ogun state and stumbled upon this guy you admired.
After exchanging pleasantries and introducing yourselves to each other, he as Adams and you as Lauretta, you both got acquainted and started talking.
Much later, he requested for your contact which you gave out without hesitation. He gave you a flash call telling you to save his number which you did, and promising to call back once he's settled.
You both didn't see each other again till the conference ended and you returned back to Port Harcourt where you reside.
You had just concluded your morning routine one Thursday when his call came in. You blushed, cleared your throat and quickly balanced your ass on the nearest couch in your sitting room as you answered the call.
"Hello, Lauretta speaking. Who's this please?" You asked, pretending not to have saved his contact.
"Don't tell me this beauty didn't save my contact." Came his baritone at the other end of the line.
"Well, a little introduction won't hurt, Mr." You smiled sheepishly to yourself.
"Very well then, it's Adams speaking." He said.
Now you felt those butterflies throwing a feast in your stomach just at the sound of his voice.
"Oh Adams!" You exclaimed, feigning ignorance of his identity.
"Yeah, Adams." He retorted sarcastically.
"Wasn't expecting your call." You lied, knowing well enough you've been aching to hear his voice.
"I'm sorry to have taken this long to call. Honestly I had you in mind since the last time we saw, just that I've been swamped and caught up in my schedule." He apologized in a calm tone.
"Oh, it's fine. I've also been busy with work you know, so no offense taken." You replied.
" Okay then. Do you stay in port Harcourt?" He inquired.
"Yeah I do. I live here in port Harcourt." You replied.
"If that be the case, I'd like us to meet, on a more proper atmosphere, at your convenience." He said.
You wanted to scream out your lungs because you've been dying to see his handsome face again. But you kept your cool, allowing silence to dominate the arena for some minutes of silence, pretending to be thinking about it.
"Hello Lauretta, are you still there?" His voice rang in your ears again.
"Yes, yes I'm here." You replied.
"Uhum, I'm sorry if I'm been a bit too pushy, I'm really so_"
"No no no, it's fine by me." You cut him off. "I'll pick a date and get back to you."
"Alright then. Will be expecting your call. Do have a nice day pretty." He said and hung up.
You screamed out immediately the call dropped. Throughout the day, his voice kept ringing in your head. You blushed so hard that your cheeks almost tore and since then, you've been ecstatic about seeing him again.
You had just returned from work to rest your head, when your bestie, Bisola, called in.
Bisola is the only friend you had. Rather, the only one you called a friend. She is a sweet soul and had been your companion for the six years you had spent in pH. She's an influencer and a model and was doing pretty well for herself. Just like you, she's the only daughter of her family but the first child. The one thing that had drawn you to her was her lively spirit.
She's someone you called life of the party. You both met during a friend's marriage anniversary and since then you had kept the friendship rolling.
Though you both are close, there are some things you kept secret from her especially your relationship with Kemi. You had never mentioned anything relating to Kemi to her, and she had never asked either respecting your privacy.
Door bell rings.
"Who is that? I'm coming," you got up to answer the door.
Before you could reach the door to answer it, it rang again causing a hiss from you.
"What were you doing that made you take long to answer the door, eh this woman?" Bisola asked, walking into your apartment.
"I don't understand. Are we paying rent together? Besides I just returned from work and wanted to take a rest before your presence ruined all of that." You gave her a playful glare.
"That one is your business. Anyways, what did you cook? I'm famished," She asked throwing her handbag on the sofa.
"Are you deaf, or you're pretending to be deaf. I just said I got off work just now, I haven't even had anything to eat yet. If you're hungry, you know your way to the kitchen." You told her. And Please prepare something for two you hear."
"As what na? Your house help abi?" She replied back while going into the kitchen to fix something for you two.
After you both had satisfied your stomach with the delicious pasta Bisola made, you decided to tell her about Adams and to know her opinion towards his invitation.
You had never said anything about your intimate life to her but you felt you should open up to her about this one.
At least she deserves to know, considering the fact that the guy in question resides in Port Harcourt. "Per chance anything should go wrong between you and Adams, she would know." You thought to yourself as you agreed to spill the beans. And she was happy you did.
"Ermm, Sola? You called to her.
"Hmm." She replied absentmindedly, eyes glued to the movie she was watching.
"Sola give me your attention na. There's something I want to share with you and I need your honest answer on it." You told her.
"Okay, what's it, I'm all ears." She replied.
"Okay. I met this guy a month ago when I went for the conference I told you about in Ogun state. We haven't been in touch since then though. He called few days ago apologizing for not calling all these while as if he's obligated to. He's a nice guy actually, good looking. He's also financially stable too from the look of things. He's comfortable enough for someone in the tech world. I know I saw him only once but my heart hasn't been at rest since then. I like him. I think he does too because he has shown it through his actions. So, he invited me for a date, and I'm yet to give him a reply. "I don't know, what should I do?"
"Do you like him? Scratch that, do you love him?" Bisola asked with all seriousness.
"Well, I like talking with him, and I always feel the jiggling in my stomach whenever I hear his voice." You replied.
"See girl, feeling the butterflies or whatever in your stomach is not all there is to love and you know it. It might just be a silly crush, who knows. There has to be more. I won't dictate to you what you should do. Just study your feelings and know if you truly want to be with this guy. Besides he hasn't professed love to you, has he?" Bisola asked.
"No he hasn't." You replied.
"Good. Don't just rush into conclusions when the guy in question hasn't expressed himself. And even if he does, give yourself enough time to decide so you won't make a mistake. Besides, you never can tell, he may have a girlfriend somewhere and just wants to use you to pass time. Don't rush, don't decide quickly. Take your time on this okay?" She advised.
"I will. I just want to know what I should do if he eventually pops the question."
"I know. Above all, just do whatever your heart wants and know that whatever decision you make, I got you on it okay?" She told you.
And this one you finally said something about a man, seems he's a big catch." She wriggled her brows teasingly.
"Mtcheeew. Leave me jhoor. So you don't like it as I told you abi?"
"That's not the point. You've never said anything about having a man in your life. I was beginning to think you were a lesbian sef." She joked.
"Maybe I should start the lesbianism relationship with you first." You said laughing.
"I cover myself with the blood of Jesus." She said. Abeg na man I like o. But as I said, do what your heart wants."
"Thank you so much Bisola, I love you," you smiled.
"You're welcome darling", she replied with a hug.
Two weeks on, you called Adams but he didn't pick up. Hours later he returned your calls.
"Hi Lauretta." Came his voice .
"Hi Adams, good day." You replied over the phone.
"My phone was not on me when you called earlier. Had to visit the supermarket to do groceries shopping forgetting my phone at home, I'm sorry." he apologized.
"Oh, okay. It's fine."
"So how have you been, and to what do I owe this call?" He asked.
"Are you trying to say I can't call you or something?" You joked.
"No na. I don't mean it that way. I'm saying, since the last time we spoke, you haven't called or sent a text to check up on me or to even respond to my proposal. At some point I was becoming scared you might turn me down thinking I had rushed things with you. That's why I spaced out too, giving you time to decide." He said.
"No, you didn't rush anything with me. And for the silence, I've been you know, trying to decide while choked up with work. That's the reason I'm calling actually. I thought about it and it won't be a bad idea to hang out with you." you blushed playing with your hair.
You could also feel his excitement over the phone as he gave his reply.
"Alright then. So when are you disposed so I can come and pick you up?" He asked.
"This weekend will do." You replied .
"Ermm.....if you don't mind, I'll like us to meet up at my place. But if it won't go down well with you, you can choose a more suitable location, I don't mind." He said.
Now you were thrown into perplexity. "Is it right to visit a man at his house first time you're hanging out with him?", you asked yourself. You knew it isn't right. You knew this guy was being too pushy with things. You knew you have every right to decline this invitation.
Your subconscious mind was against this idea but you didn't burge. You're about to throw away everything you have: your moral and religious beliefs, your dignity, your self respect, even your relationship! Your canal mind didn't want you to turn the humble request of a gentle demigod while your subconscious mind was scolding you against it. After much deliberation, you gave in to the latter.
"Hello?" He called, but you didn't respond as you were lost in thought. "Hello Etta?" he called a second time, still no response from you. Your mind had wandered off into the land of thoughts. "Etta, are you still there?" He called again, louder this time and that seemed to bring you back.
"Oh, yeah , yeah I'm still here, sorry about that." You replied slowly.
"Are you okay? You were gone for like five minutes. See dear, if you aren't comfortable with my proposal you can turn it down okay? As I said earlier, I don't want to push you." He said calmly.
"Hey, it's fine. I'll come over. I'll send you my address immediately after this call." You replied.
Once again, you felt a sting of guilt struck you. Your mind kept screaming, "you shouldn't be doing this!" You have a man in your life already! Rather than feel guilty, you screamed back, "I don't have a choice!"
"Okay. Will be waiting for your text. Take care of yourself. Love you!" He said as he ended the call without waiting for your response, and you were glad he didn't wait. What would you probably reply with when your conscience wouldn't let you be.
Adams was at your apartment on Friday evening to pick you up. Few rings from him and he was ursherd in.
"Good day Adams, please do come in." You welcomed him.
"Thank you. Nice place you've got here." He responded as he looked around briefly.
"Thank you and have a seat." Please give me few minutes to apply finishing touches to my preparation as I was almost done before you arrived. I'll be right out." You told him.
"It's fine. Please take your time." He replied.
Some minutes later, you were out, all dressed up and looking as breathtaking as always to venture on this date your man had planned.
"You look ethereal Etta. Your so... I don't know the adjective with which to qualify you right now." Adams complimented, staring deeply at you.
With smiles you replied back with a "thank you".
"Shall we?" He asked, standing up to his feet.
"Sure." You replied.
The drive to his residence took roughly one hour, twenty minutes. Throughout the drive, he ensured you weren't bored or quiet. He fed you with jokes and stories about his university days and some likeable things to talk about. You were so into his talks and caught up with laughter that you didn't know when you arrived at his place. He drove the car into the compound, and parked properly at the parking lot. Before you could alight from the vehicle he rushed towards your direction and opened the door for you, giving you the gentleman's vibes.
Getting to his apartment, you were awed. It wasn't too big but cozy, simple and neat. You loved how arranged the furniture in the sitting room was.
There's a big television sitting on the wall, and a television set in front of it with remotes of different types and a decoder on top of it. On each sides of the sitting room are couches of brown colour. Then, there's a mini dinning furniture set up just behind one of the couches. Opposite the opposite the dinning is a door that leads to the kitchen. In the middle of the sitting room is a round, medium sized table with a flower vase on it. The walls were beautified with brown and white color, matching the color of the couches. The walls were adored with pictures of him and few other persons.
Though his home wasn't screaming luxury, It was a setting for an average young man who is doing well for himself .
"Welcome to my small humble abode." His deep baritone brought you back from your land of thought.
"Oh, thank you." You embarrassingly replied, as you were caught staring.
"Please make yourself comfortable." He said.
"Thank you. And you have a nice and cozy place too. It's beautiful." You replied back.
Smiling, he replied, "thank you. It's not big enough but with time I'll upgrade." You gave a slight chuckle to that statement.
"What would you like to take my lady?" He gently asked.
Again, you were mesmerized by his simplicity and how he uses words. It's not like it's the first time in your existence that you heard such words, but these words coming from him was different to you. It was soothing to hear and it melts your heart.
"A juice would do for now." You said.
"I'll be right back." He said.
He turned on the television and selected a channel for you to keep you company while he zoomed off into the kitchen to get the juice.
Being in his company was something you enjoyed and cherished so much. Adams made sure you never regretted coming to see him. He told you a lot about himself, his family and occupation and you enjoyed all of it.
He works as an ICT Helpdesk Engineer, in Benet I.T Solutions Company, there in Port Harcourt. He is the second child and son of his family. He's a very humorous person, the life of the party you may say. He's in his mid thirties and doing very well for himself.
After the chit_chat, he went into the kitchen to fix a sumptuous meal for you while you watched with so much admiration. You kept him company admist jokes and laughter.
"So you can cook too?" You asked, smiling at him.
"Of course. What do you take me for?" He replied returning the smiles .
"I just hope you don't end up preparing poison for both of us." You jokingly said causing him to laugh.
"Just sit and watch me, my lady." He said.
The cooking processes ended with the production of a mouthwatering jollof rice with spiced chicken breasts. You were thrilled, marvelled at his culinary skills and thanked the heavens that you met such a man. Of course he had worn your heart by impressing you with his cooking skills.
Settling at the dinning, you munched on the meal he served you and himself accompanied with chats, smiles and the likes of them.
After the meal, you both joked, laughed, played and gave few kisses here and there until nightfall . During this period of momentary pleasure, you forgot totally about Kemi and everything that has to do with him, and you were happy that he wouldn't know what was going on because he was faraway, somewhere in the country, so you were happy and decided to enjoy it while it last.
It's was getting late already and Adams wasn't saying anything about you leaving. You kept quiet and observed him but he said nothing still.
Standing up, you picked your bag wanting to leave but Adams politely opposed against it.
"You are leaving already?" He asked.
"Yes. It's late. I need to leave now so I can get a cab that will take me to my place." You answered.
He kept mute, not knowing how you'll accept his suggestion for you to sleep over. You stayed silent too, watching him as you already know what he wants to say. Much later he threw his plea at you.
"Ermm, it's late as you said. And your place is not close by. Why... What if.... I mean, just stay for the night, please. I'll drop you first thing tomorrow morning." He requested.
You were silent. Your conscience was yet again judging you on your decision. You wanted to turn him down. You wanted to reject this particular offer because you already know how it'll end. You wanted to end all these, but no words formed out of your mouth. Your whole being was affirming a NO! But you just glued to your spot saying nothing.
"I know it's sudden but it's for your safety. Plus I love being with you Etta. I love your company. I don't want to let you go. I love your vibes, your energy. Everything about you is drawing me to you. We have so much in common, so, please, just stay." His voice interrupted your thoughts.
Now you were swayed by those sweet words slipping out of his mouth. You felt your knees grow week. You were vulnerable and gave in to it.
"But nothing will happen between us. I mean nothing. Just a night and nothing more." You warned.
But you knew that was a lie. Something was bound to happen between two adults sleeping together in the same room, on the same bed with hormones in their body system.
"Cross my heart. Nothing will happen. I'll respect and accept your boundaries till you're ready." He promised.
He quickly dashed into his bedroom to rearrange the bed to your taste. Then swiftly to the bathroom to fix a bath for you.
He dropped one of his T shirts and shorts on the bed for you while you were bathing as you didn't come with any clothing. He had his bath immediately after you had yours, then you both left for the dinning to have dinner. You wanted to help in setting the table for dinner but he objected.
"Etta, pls go sit at the dinning and allow me give you the treatment you deserve." He said, gently taking you away from the kitchen to the dining. You felt your cheeks and body became suddenly hot just by this mild contact.
"Will you have rice for dinner or should I make you something else?" He asked as a gentleman that he was.
"Rice is fine by me. You've done enough for today." You answered.
He quickly served the dish and in the next minute, you dived into it.
Done eating and clearing the dishes, you both decided to see a movie before retiring for the night.
After much argument on the type of movie to watch, you settled for a horror movie. Seeing the movie together was fun because while watching, you both kept your mouths busy with snacks Adams had bought before you arrived. You found yourself enjoying every bit of it and praying the night shouldn't end. What a hypocrite you are!
Time went by and you were sleepy and exhausted. You left for the bed. After some minutes, Adams joined you on the bed.
Now laying on the bed with him, you couldn't sleep. You don't know why. It seemed like the sleep your eyes and body craved for eluded you immediately you laid down. You both just laid together, staring into each other's eyes and waiting for who'd make the first move of the thoughts that ran through your minds.
You were lost in your thoughts as you stared deep into his eyes that you didn't know when he came for your lips. He savoured your lips more deeply than the playful kisses you both had exchanged earlier.
"I shouldn't be doing this." You had said, yet you didn't withdraw from the kiss. You allowed him devour your lips, savouring the taste of the jollof rice you had eaten in your mouth. After some minutes of breathless kissing, he withdrew, and again, you felt those butterflies tingling in your stomach!
The remaining hours of the night was spent kissing, cuddling, giggling and the likes of it.
You prepared to leave the next day, yet, deep down you knew you didn't want to leave. You didn't want all of it to end. You knew what you were doing was totally wrong yet you wanted more of it.
Getting back, you began thinking hard, comparing both men and wondering who'd make the perfect husband you've always dreamed of. You enjoyed both men's company but you preferred Adams's more.
While Adams,is a tall Idoma dude, brown skinned, humorous, handsome, playful, intelligent, knows when to say the right word and sometimes naughty and works in the ICT field as you,
Kemi on the other hand, was not so much. He is a dark skinned man, a Yoruba breed, works as a wholesaler and retailer of motor parts, good looking, and a bit older than you. You began to see him as "old school", too old for your liking, too protective and immature sometimes.
You saw a brighter future with Adams. You both shared a lot and have so much in common. You both posses the same energy, vibes and more. You envisioned the kind of marriage you want, and you only saw it coming into reality with Adams by your side. These thoughts you nursed began changing the feelings you have for Kemi.