Chapter 4 The Taste of Temptation

Andre's POV

Sitting at the dining table, I stared at the screen of my laptop, struggling to focus on work. My mind kept wandering to the same thought: the idea of divorcing Paula's mom. I didn't want to hurt her, but I felt trapped. As time passed, I realized something was changing between me and Paula, and it made me uneasy. She was trying to be around me more often and I was even taken aback.

I looked over at the kitchen, where Paula was humming to herself as she helped prepare dinner. Ever since we met that very first time, I had been trying to get her back. Who fucking knew that I would end up with her mother and now, be trying to get out of a marriage with said mother but keep Paula with me.

Although, recently, I noticed she trying to get my attention. She acted playful, and it felt like she was flirting with me. Or maybe I was reading too much into it.

Just then, Paula glanced my way. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, looking very–sexy?

"What the fuck?" I whispered to my was I took my eyes off her. I could never tell what the Minx was up to. I couldn't help but chuckle when she picked up a tomato slice and tossed it toward me.

"Andre, catch!" she shouted.

The slice flew wide and hit the wall instead. I burst out laughing. "Nice aim, Paula but do better next time"

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she tried again. "Okay, both of those were on purpose!"

"Oh, sure they were!" I laughed. "Next time, maybe aim for the target instead of the wall."

Every day, I noticed her trying to get closer to me, almost like she was testing the waters. I wondered how far she would go.

Then, I realized I shouldn't be thinking that way. I was still married to her mother. But as I kept watching her little hints, part of me found it amusing. When she reached for the same plate as me, or lightly bumped my shoulder, it was hard not to smile. I sometimes wondered if she was trying to flirt, and it made me chuckle inside.

Later that night, I felt my mind drifting back to my problems with Julia. While Paula was being so lively and fun, Julia was distant and angry. I couldn't deny that it was affecting me. Maybe it was time to talk to Julia about our relationship. But then, I thought about how it would affect Paula. I really didn't want to lose her. I had to make sure everything was ironed out and settled. I couldn't handle women drama.

In bed that night, I lay awake, thinking about everything. I cared about Julia but felt a bit confused towards her daughter and I didn't want her to be hurt by my decisions.

Paula's POV

Dinner time came, and I was setting the table, feeling nervous. I hoped tonight would be different. Andre was usually late, and I wanted to make the most of our time I had. He and mom had been arguing if recent and now, I was going to take my chances.

When he finally walked in, he looked deep in thought. "Hey, Andre, how was your day?" I asked, smiling at him.

"Mmm, just thinking about a few things," he replied with a distant look.

I wanted to know what he was thinking. "You should talk to me about it. I want to help."

He gave me a faint smile, but I could tell he wasn't ready to open up. We sat down to eat, and I kept glancing at him, trying to find ways to get him to talk but he seemed to be far off.

"Andre, my mom complains about some things a lot, especially recent." I said casually, stirring the conversation.

"Really? What does she say?" he asked, looking a bit surprised.

"She just thinks you work too much and don't pay much attention to her anymore," I replied, wanting to draw something out of him.

He sighed. "She may have a point but it's complicated."

"Maybe you could try showing her that it's not like that," I suggested.

What the fuck was I saying? It was like I was trying to push him to her when I wanted him for myself.

Wait, wanted him for myself?!

I pushed the thought and focused on him instead. "I don't know if it will help," he said softly as he stared at me.

We had dinner and all through, Andre had his eyes on me with an unreadable expression but I pretended like I didn't notice it.

After dinner, I noticed Andre looking even more troubled. I decided to take a chance. "Hey, Andre, can you help me in the kitchen?"

"Sure," he replied, following me in.

As soon as we were in the kitchen, I felt bold. "Could we talk? About everything going on?"

"I'm listening," he said, taking a step closer.

"Nuh uh Mister, we are talking about your issues here."

"what if I want to talk about something else?" he whispered.

Time seemed to stop. I leaned in closer, feeling the change in the mood. "I want to know what you're really thinking."

Andre stepped closer, and I could feel his breath on my face. "Paula..."

Before I could back out, I grabbed his shirt and pulled him in.

Before I could say anything, he began to kiss me. His lips were warm and soft against mine, and it sent shivers throughout my body.

I didn't even want to think about the consequences. My heart raced as I lost myself in the moment.

But just as it began, the sound of footsteps interrupted everything. "Andre! Are you coming to watch the show with me?" my mom called from the living room.

We pulled apart, panic flooding through my veins. "Oh no, Mom!" I whispered.

My m eyes went wide as he didn't seem to hear but kept stealing my breath.

"Andre" She called out again and he heard this time but the door was opening. His lips were still on mine as I pushed him away but I wasn't fast enough, she had seem something.

"What's going on here?" she demanded, and I knew in that instant that I was fucked.