Chasing His Rejected Wife
Chapter 44 -

As the guy approached with an easy saunter, two things hit me at the same time.

The first was that this guy was probably a delivery guy as I'd assumed. Which led to the second thing. Whoever he was, this guy was more than an acquaintance to my wife, if the way he was looking at her and the way she responded to his presence was a big unmistakable clue.

I clenched my jaw, trying to ignore the jealousy and anger that simmered just below the surface and threatened to spill over. I had to remind myself that I had no right to feel any of those things, after all the only claim I had over Jessica was a mere piece of paper that recognized her as my wife.

"Hi again, Jess," The not-a-delivery-guy replied as he came to stand beside me. This close, I noticed we were of similar height, though I had a few inches on him. "Sorry to bother you."

"It's not a bother at all." Jess replied, still with that hint of breathlessness that worried me even though I tried to ignore it. "Are you done with work for the day?"

"I am." Kenzo answered with a slow nod then held out the bags of food. "I brought the leftovers as promised."

"Really?" She stepped forward and reached for one of the bags then peered inside. It smells yummy, thank you so much again." She seemed to remember that I was still standing there, watching the exchange and her smile turned self- conscious. "You guys should probably come in."

"No, it's alright." Kenzo said, glancing at me and back to Jess. "I have something to do, but we'll catch up later, yeah?"

"Okay." Jess replied, giving him another grateful smile. "Thanks again."

"No problem." With a nod at me, he turned, walked a couple of steps in the other direction and stopped in front of the door that was next to Jessica's.

He's her neighbor? The realization struck me like a ton of bricks as I watched him open the door and disappear inside. This new bit of information did explain a few things like the familiar way he spoke to Jess, but at the same time, a coil of unease twisted in my gut.

"Well, I guess you'd better come in then." Jessica said with a small sigh. Without waiting to see if I followed, she turned and walked into the living room, clutching the bags Kenzo had given her. I followed, shut the door and ensured it was locked then stopped as I noticed the room.

There was a marked change from the bare space I'd seen this morning. The ugly blinds on the windows were gone. In their place were delicate looking beige curtains that framed the windows, a plush couch piled with half open packages and light green and cream cushions sat in the space the worn-out armchair had occupied and an olive-green rug on the floor. There were a few open boxes sitting on the floor and the counter, their contents spilling over. The cold, empty room from this morning had been transformed to a place of organized chaos.

"Sorry about the mess," Jess muttered as she placed the bag on the counter and began unpacking plastic containers of food. "I'm still in the process of getting everything sorted and I get tired easily these days."

She waved a hand in the general direction of the sofa. "Please sit. Do you want some coffee? I bought a new coffeemaker today... by the way, did you know there's a home depot right a few blocks from here? Anna and I discovered it on our walk today and that's where I got all this new stuff. Well, not the sofa, because I already ordered that online a while ago and it just arrived today."

She was rambling, something she usually did when she was nervous and she studiously avoided looking directly at me, busying herself instead with putting the containers in the fridge.

"I'm good, thanks." I stood at the edge of the chaos and watched her move with a torrent of nervous energy. When she gave me a puzzled look, I gestured at the coffee maker she'd been talking about. "I don't need coffee." "Oh." She blinked, shrugged and carried on with her task. "Okay then."

I tried not to notice the way the t-shirt had ridden up to the very top of her legs or the hint of dark blue panties that peeked from under the hem. I felt my body tighten and averted my eyes, focusing instead on the small pile of what looked to be carefully wrapped books lying on the floor in front of me.

"So, Kenzo." I made my voice as casual as possible and my face a neutral mask that betrayed none of the curiosity or irritation I felt at the thought of that guy living next to my wife.

Within easy reach.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

She paused, and lowered her head, carefully avoiding my eyes. "What about him?" She asked quietly.

"What exactly does he do?" Feigning more nonchalance, I crouched down to study the topmost book on the pile which turned out to be a book on impending motherhood. "I thought he was a delivery guy at first, but it appears I was mistaken."

Some of the tension eased from her. "Because of all the bags, right? But no, he isn't one. He's my neighbor and he owns a noodle shop. He gave me so much free food and offered to drop by with the leftovers I couldn't finish." She brandished a plastic container, to punctuate her point.

Then her expression hardened and she shot me a look tinged with defiance. "He's been very helpful and I'm glad he's my neighbor." She said this last bit as though she were daring me to say something about that.

"I see." I nodded and let the matter drop, deciding it wasn't worth it to say anything especially since I could hardly claim to be uncomfortable about her friendship with a man, not when I had done worse.

I kept my gaze carefully fixed on her upper half, resisting the urge to just take one peek of those gorgeous legs that made me want to feel them wrapped around me again.

Which in turn made me remember the last time that had happened, the wet heat that drew me in, encircled my dick in the tightest sheath I'd ever felt, the heady rush of pleasure that surrounded me, as I moved inside her, urged on by the sweet, breathy sounds she made and her nails digging into my back.

That night had stuck in my memory, my traitorous brain digging it up at the most inconvenient of times - like right now.

And it was all I could think about during the moments I laid in my bed at night, waiting for sleep to claim me.

I shook my head to clear it, highly aware of the way my body tightened in response, and my throat felt dry. I shifted from one foot to the other, thrust my hands in my pants pockets to relieve some of the tightness.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

Jess finished with her task and perched a hip on the counter, watching me, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth, and looked nervous. "So, are you here because Vincent told you he met with me today? He told you I had questions about the marriage contract?"

"He did," I confirmed with a nod. And her alarm visibly worsened, so I added quickly. "But that's not why I'm here and squared my shoulders, mentally bracing for what I had to do. "Why don't you come sit down?" I gestured towards the sofa, holding her gaze.

Her expression assumed a mixture of curiosity and mild alarm. "Why?"

"You mentioned you were easily tired." I replied. "And you've been busy with unpacking and setting up all this. A little time off your feet should be helpful."

She pursed her lips, clearly not convinced. "I just woke up from a nap, I'm fine." Her tone indicated I should just get on with it.

I sighed, pulled out my phone. "A media outlet published a story about us." I explained, as I opened the news article, those damning headlines emblazoned on my screen as though mocking me. "It's about our relationship."

Sidestepping the packages littered everywhere, I crossed to her and handed her my phone. She took it slowly, searching my face as though she were trying to figure out if I was being serious or not. A frown creased her forehead as she studied my grave expression.

Finally, she glanced down at the phone in her hand and began to read silently. I watched her steadily so I knew the moment the realization hit her.

Jessica's eyes widened and she gasped, one hand flew up to her chest. "Oh my god! What is this?"