Distant Love

By Kaycee Dee

For Edward, Elizabeth is the epitome of the perfect womanblack hair, creamy skin, and a voluptuous body that begged to be touched. He considers her his soul mate, with one problem: her husband, Michael, an attention-hungry, self-centered jerk, who Edward considers to be an imposter in his perfect world. The three of them have been friends for thirty years, but Edward has never made his feelings about Elizabeth known until now.

It begins harmlessly enougha few sexy notes and playful gifts from a secret admirer. Elizabeth would never suspect Edward, and he wants to keep it that way, to shield them both from scandal. But the notes and gifts escalate, until Edward finds himself pulled into the depths of obsession, stalking Elizabeth and watching her every move.

Edwards love from a distance is soon out of control. As he loses his grasp on reality, he also loses his grasp on sanity. Told from the perspective of a man tumbling down the tunnel of madness, Distant Love details Edwards addiction to Elizabeth, from innocent to evil. Is it possible for Edward to peer into the darkness and return to face the light? Or will his harmless game mean the end of his lifeand perhaps, the life of someone else?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 11, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450269858

Kaycee Dee

KAYCEE DEE works with special education students and has been writing for over fifty years. In addition to Distant Love, she has three books currently planned for publication. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area in California.

Book preview

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Dedicated with all my thanks to

Laura Venton for helping to make this a reality

Clare LePell for being honest with her comments

and

Judith Ford for believing in my abilities

Chapter One

The restaurant was filled with my fellow computer nerds from work. Only in San Francisco does a company reserve an entire restaurant for a Christmas party.

After routinely greeting several coworkers and friends, I found a table in an obscure corner where I could watch the room while sipping on my Jack Daniels.

Always being the center of attention, I knew my boss, Michael, would be here early, and wherever he was, my soul mate, Elizabeth, would be. My eyes eagerly searched the room, finally searing through the crowd and focusing on a far table. There she was, her long raven hair curling around her creamy oval face with its wide blue eyes and sumptuous pink, heart-shaped lips. I could feel my heart pounding as I watched her adjust her stout, sensuous body with its amorous breasts so she was against his wide masculine chest, his arm encircling her shoulders as he leaned back against his chair.

I wondered what it was about him that she found so attractive. Was it his dark hair and eyes that contrast so perfectly with his tan colored skin and bulging muscles, or the combination with his broad white smile and voluptuous laughter? His dress was casually formal and ordinary, the usual black tux and uncomfortable shoes. I, on the other hand, looked high class in my dark blue three piece suit which sported a baby blue vest. Elizabeth deserved a debonair, well dressed romantic that would fulfill her every need, and deep inside I knew it was up to me to break through Michael’s spell and free her from the imposter.

Michael’s deep voice broke into my thoughts as he shook hands and greeted everyone at my table. I had been so deep in thought that I hadn’t noticed his movements. I heartily shook his hand and gave him my brightest smile. Hi Edward, he said with that huge smile that lights up his face. I wouldn’t be fooled by his friendly smile and aristocratic manners. He was just fulfilling his obligation as the boss and my best friend, and I would play along. My voice came out heartily as I thanked him for such a lovely Christmas party and a great successful year with the company. As one of the managers, I had already been given a substantial Christmas bonus, but I had the good taste not to mention it in front of the employees.

I asked him Where’s your beautiful wife, Michael? pretending I hadn’t seen her. Elizabeth’s over gabbing with the women as usual, he replied laughingly. I smiled and made the usual comment I thought that was your daughter, to which he laughed. Michael talked for a few moments and then excused himself so he could continue to move around the room. My eyes moved back to his table where I could watch her without the torture of seeing him maul her. My ears tuned out the mundane conversations at my table as I concentrated on her beautiful alluring smile that lit up the entire room.

I began formulating my plan to win her love and then she would be mine. I deserved to win Elizabeth over. In all the passing years since I met her, I had remained totally faithful to her, fulfilling my sexual needs without the use of a woman, waiting only for her love. Again my thoughts were interrupted, but this time it was by the waiter ready to take my order. After telling him what I wanted, I forced myself to join in the boring conversation at my table. The others spoke mostly about their kids, Christmas presents, and the impending holidays. Ever so often I interjected the appropriate comments that were expected, such as I can’t believe he’s that old already or does your wife still make that delicious pecan pie, always keeping a cheerful smile on my face as I spoke.

It was a delicious Christmas meal, served with roasted duck in a sweet orange sauce, along with asparagus tips and baby carrots. I forced myself to comment on the sweetness of the meat contrasting with the bold taste of the vegetables. In the spirit of Christmas, I ordered sparkling champagne for the table. If I couldn’t be alone with my deep feelings for this vivacious creature, then I would make the best of it by drinking and pretending to be the life of the party.

The evening was moving along quickly, so Michael finally took her hand and they began dancing. As the song was ending, I rushed to the dance floor. Before they had the chance to sit down, I asked Michael May I have the next dance with your beautiful wife? He said yes, of course so I carefully took her enchanting stature into my arms. Her graceful movements and sweet charm enhanced the romance of this slow rhythmic dance that I was trying to will to never end. What would be her response if I were to tell her the passionate feelings I had? Too soon the music stopped and I had to release her from my arms. My mind tried to search for a reason to hold on to her, but it came up empty, so the best I could do was take her arm and escort her to her table. She looked at me, smiled and said thank you for a lovely dance, as she wished me a Merry Christmas and lightly brushed a kiss on my cheek. I was breathless and elated as I mumbled Merry Christmas to you Elizabeth. I quickly returned to my seat so I could continue my pondering in peace.

All too soon the evening was over and I had no excuse to detain her, so instead I bid them farewell as I secretly made my first New Year’s resolution, to quell the monster of a husband and claim my soul mate.

That night was torture as I tossed and turned in my bed, seeing her with Michael in my dreams during the times when I managed to drop off. The restless night passed and I rose early, anxious to begin my campaign of love.

My Christmas gift had to appear to be for both of them, but in reality it would be hers alone. After gobbling down a meager breakfast, I drove to a nearby mall where I could browse various types of stores. After hours of perusing a variety of shops, the angel of love led me to the pet store. Wandering up and down the aisles aimlessly, I hit upon the perfect gift. It would endear me with Elizabeth and be a constant reminder, when I was absent, of who gave them to her. It was such an appropriate gift and yet would subtly suggest my love for my kindred spirit. Rushing to pay for it, I then sped to her house.

Elizabeth answered the door dressed in faded jeans and a peach colored tank top that launched my imagination into an erotic fervor. She looked as if she could still be a college student rather than a middle aged housewife. It would be impossible for her to ever look anything other than beautiful. Looking surprised to see me, she said Hi Edward. I’m sorry, but Michael’s at work. That’s ok, I replied. I had a dentist appointment today so I was in the area and thought I would drop off your Christmas present. Eagerly I handed her the lovebirds. What a charming and thoughtful gift she said as her face lit up in a radiant smile. I’ll name them Romeo and Juliet after the fateful lovers. How appropriate I secretly thought. Where are my manners she expressed, come in and visit for a spell. This was a dream come true. I was ecstatic in the knowledge that I would at last be alone with her. Her manners were impeccable as she offered me the usual complimentary beverage. As a way of extending my visit, I accepted a cup of tea and croissants.

We spoke of the holidays and the inevitable chores left to do. Elizabeth said Edward, we will be going to Hawaii for a New Year’s vacation. We will need to hire a house sitter for twelve days. Do you know anyone who would like to house sit?

This was the perfect opportunity for me to begin my conquest. I’m having my house fumigated over New Years for 4 weeks, so house sitting for you will solve my problem of finding a place to stay, at least for twelve days, I quickly stated. You would be doing me a great favor.

Thanking me profusely, she fully agreed, happy that someone they trusted would protect their little love nest, and it won’t be any trouble for you to stay the extra two weeks with us on our return she stated. It will be my pleasure, I said sweetly, thinking how well it fits into my plans. Anything you need me to do, just let me know.

My time with her had glided by swiftly without my realization. All too soon, Michael walked through the door. Hi, Edward he heartily greeted me. What brings you our way? In her excitement, Elizabeth told him about my future house sitting, to which he eagerly agreed. His trusting unawareness would be his undoing. They asked me to stay for dinner, stating that after the meal would be a good time to show me around. I wholeheartedly agreed smiling generously to keep up the deception.

My mind stored mental photographs as Michael showed me around his house. Opening the door to the guest room he stated, this will be your bedroom for your stay with us. It was furnished with oak furnishings and sported a large king size bed. I pictured Elizabeth quietly coming into the room dressed scantily in a lacy teddy. Michael broke into my thoughts as he stumbled over words that were meant to make me feel at home.

When the evening ended, I willingly drove home where I could dream about her in peace. Everything was falling into place so quickly I knew it must be preordained that Elizabeth and I would forever be together.

Christmas came and went with little change from the other days of the week. Mother gave me a shirt and a coffee cup with Eddie stenciled on it, and of course money. I hated it when she called me Eddie. It is a name for a child, not a man with a romantic soul. My father’s name was Edward, but Mother called him Eddie. I think it made Mother feel closer to him when she called me Eddie. He had died when I was three, and I don’t remember much about him, except for what I picked up from Mother’s incessant ramblings about him. Mother raised me alone, teaching me all the skills I would need to take care of myself. By the time I was seven, I could cook, sew, do laundry, and shop for groceries. Of course, Mother also taught me manners and to be a gentleman at all times.

Regardless of what I wanted, she made sure I attended Sunday School and Church both morning and evening every Sunday, and I went to Bible School and Bible Camp every summer. Mother felt a sound religious upbringing would give me a stable foundation for life, and it had certainly made me a patient and tolerant person. Since Mother never dated and I had little daily exposure to men, I learned about sports, women, and other manly topics, from my peers at school, teachers, and of course television.

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