Tainted Too: The Wesley Johnson Story

By Regenia Bowens

About the Book
Wesley Johnson has just about everything he wants in life: a nice car, a luxury apartment with a stunning view, and a scheduled roster of gorgeous women at his beck-and-call. There is a reason people call him “Wes the ladies’ best”, and he plans to keep it that way for the rest of his life.
No marriage, no kids, no commitments.
Enter Maria. A hardworking nurse and single mother of a teenaged daughter. Smitten from the minute he sees her, Wesley adds Maria to his roster, but something about this woman is different. He wants to protect her and get to know her daughter, Luna; he wants to be the loyal man of their dreams, but old habits die hard, and Wesley’s playboy lifestyle threatens the love and security he desperately needs.
About the Author
Regenia Bowens is a Delaware resident and University of Alabama graduate. She debuted with two inspirational novellas The Lyrics of Life: Executive Decisions and Conversations: Woman to Woman. Her most recent work Tainted is a five book contemporary romantic series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Company
• Release date: Dec 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890278890

Book preview

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The contents of this work, including, but not limited to, the accuracy of events,  people, and places depicted; opinions expressed; permission to use previously published materials included; and any advice given or actions advocated are solely the responsibility of the author, who assumes all liability for said work and indemnifies the publisher against any claims stemming from publication of the work.

All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2023 by Regenia Bowens

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, downloaded, distributed, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented without permission in writing from the publisher.

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ISBN: 979-8-89027-391-8

eISBN: 979-8-89027-889-0

Chapter 1: Breakthrough

Pulling into what was to be one of his designated parking spaces at his newly leased downtown condo, a dimpled smirk appeared on Wesley’s face. He brushed non-existent wrinkles from the brown shirt with black paisley print after exiting his SUV. As he scanned the well-manicured landscape and sleek designed buildings, he nodded his silent approval. The sunlight glistened brightly on the three gold chains he wore. The diamond studs in his ears twinkled with each turn of his head.

Inside the building the elevator carried him to the 12th floor. Unlocking the door, he stepped inside for his first in-person view of the place. Nice, he thought with an approving nod. The condo was semi-furnished with very modern pieces just as advertised. Having leased the place with only a virtual tour, Wesley was more than pleased. The bracket over the gas fireplace he noticed was the perfect size for his coveted television.

Moving into the massive master bedroom there was ample room for him to place his second favorite piece of furniture, his recliner. The owners had left a complete king-sized bedroom set. The all-white modern bath contained both a shower with multiple shower heads and a Jacuzzi tub. Moving to the balcony that could be accessed from the living room as well, he took in the skyline of the city and was thankful the owner had thought to leave the two all-weather chaises.

His previous apartment had served its purpose as a bachelor pad quite well. This was especially true when it came to access to single women. Which was one of the motivating reasons why he had selected it. However, as time passed, he discovered that single also, more often than not, meant children. It wasn’t that Wesley disliked children. He just didn’t have any and wasn’t interested in becoming a father figure to kids that were not his.

The tumultuous lyrics of his own childhood had been difficult enough and it was a song he had no interest in revisiting. He knew the second bedroom was completely empty. It would serve as a guest room and the location of his own bedroom furniture. That was the plan once he emptied the storage room he had rented and filled several months earlier when he began to actively pursue the position of general manager.

So far, his scheme to impress those in decision making positions at Terner was working. The idea had come from Nadine. She had encouraged him to do the unexpected. Her words were, They already know that you are good Wes, she had said. Show them that you are better than they realize.

He was asking his supervisor to give him the title and salary that coincided with the work that they depended on him to perform.

Ask for another assignment when this one is over, she had encouraged.

They won’t expect it. Shock them, she had said. Stop applying and waiting. Force the issue.

He listened and so far, everything was going as planned. He thanked her every day for caring and prayed she’d one day allow him to show his appreciation. The Wesley kind of appreciation. His plan was to be nice and not assign her to a specific day.

My spontaneous excursion, he’d silently ponder smiling whenever Nadine Swift came to mind. A little special treatment for her, considering her concern for his dream.

He stood a few minutes longer gazing at the magnificent skyline before turning to begin the task of unpacking. A quick check and he realized that he needed linen to fit a king-sized bed as his was a queen. He also needed groceries and kitchen ware. Simple enough fix, he decided. Depositing his luggage in the walk-in closet he set out to make the necessary purchases after a quick shower and change of clothes.

Image was important to Wesley. Whenever he left home, his shoes always matched his outfit perfectly. He had a natural eye for the smallest of details. He wasn’t necessarily a name brand consumer. His focus was more on the overall style and quality of the item-except when it came to cologne.

Always smell like a million dollars was his private motto. He was confident in his masculinity. He had the looks that women loved. His body was strong and chiseled. His face, smooth and held dimples that flashed effortlessly. Clothes simply accentuated his appeal.

After checking his appearance in the full-length mirror, he reached for his keys on the table near the door. Pausing before exiting the condo, he braced himself against the doorframe. That’s new, he thought. Having never experienced dizziness before, Wesley attributed it to having not eaten the entire day. With a shake of his head the thought was dismissed. He exited the building dressed in grey jeans, a white tee-shirt with grey BOSS letters across his muscled chest, a grey denim jacket, and white sneakers with grey Adidas symbols finished his look.

Women stared as he approached the entrance of the store. He smiled in their direction never ignoring the admiration of a female.

Is there something that I can help you with, sir? asked a female salesperson as he perused a comforter.

Scanning the woman from head to toe before answering forced her to blush bright red.

Are you sure you want to? he asked with obvious implications.

I think I can handle it, sir, she replied pretending not to understand his insinuation.

Wesley, he said introducing himself.

Well, Wesley, I’m Tori, she said smiling. What specifically are you in need of?

At the moment I’m in need of several things, he said as his eyes scrutinized her body. Bedding, he finally said. For a king-sized bed.

I’m sure I can help you with that.

Quality and comfort over price, he stated never taking his eyes from her.

Then let me show you to our luxury section.

Wesley purposely allowed his hand to briefly touch hers each time she showed him various comforters and linen sets.

How do you think these would feel next to my skin? he asked.

Well, she stammered. They have a 1000 thread count, so they should be exceptional, the woman answered.

Have you tried them? he inquired.

Not this particular brand.

Interesting, he said then moving away.

Wesley selected two of everything before the pair moved to the section that contained cookware and cutlery.

I’m surprised your wife or lady friend isn’t helping you with this, the woman stated fishing for information.

No wife, he said moving slightly closer. You’re a lady. You can be a friend too. I mean, you are helping me.

Inhaling his scent deeply and at a loss for words she stared at him. Swallowing she searched for an answer. Yes, I suppose I am.

Before making his way to the cashier Wesley shook the woman’s hand thanking her for her help discretely passing his business card to her. He had already decided that she would be a definite addition to his extra-curricular routine. A little something to break in his new place. An easy pastime activity when bored.

He had written the words How about dinner? on the back of several cards. He liked being prepared for every opportunity. Another female opportunity was always just around the corner. It was a big store after all and undoubtedly had more than one shift of female workers.

Wesley made his way to a nearby Chinese restaurant after loading his purchases into his SUV. As he placed his order, the elderly oriental woman smiled and seemed to purposely stroke his hand as she handed him his receipt.

You smell good! the woman commented loudly with a strong accent.

Thank you, he replied smiling politely.

Ten minutes. Ten minutes and your order ready.

I’ll be back, he said turning to leave. Wesley liked women. All women. Just not the older versions. I don’t do cougars, he thought pushing open the door to leave.

At the liquor store next door, he purchased a six-pack of beer to go with his meal. The move downtown had taken him too far from Pat’s Parlor. It was one thing that he would miss being downtown-but he was confident that he would adjust. His new community was gated with security, so he no longer had to worry about being secretive about his place of residence. Unexpected or disgruntled females would no longer be a concern.

Thank you for coming, called out the elderly woman as he exited the restaurant with his order.

He glanced back to give the woman a respectful wave and caught a glimpse of two younger oriental females peeking from the kitchen. One had a wide smile pasted on her face while the other held the sultry look of hot desire. To her he nodded acknowledgment. The grinning younger female immediately disappeared while her accomplice gave an answering nod before he turned and left.

This shit is too easy, he thought.

As he exited the elevator two neighbors on his floor walked in his direction. The scantily clad female immediately smiled. The male grabbed her hand possessively. Wesley chuckled softly and greeted the couple politely as they passed. He was used to that reaction. Men often spotted the threat that he posed. Women on the other hand were completely oblivious. The only physical threat he felt that he posed to women was sexual. Whatever emotional injury they sustained—from Wesley’s perspective—was due to their own inability to accept his version of honesty.

He never made promises that he knew he had no intention of keeping. He always promised to show up on their assigned day. And he kept that promise for as long as they were useful in the lineup. What he guaranteed, was to fulfill their sexual thirst. It was his habit to inform all his females that he had ‘lots of female friends and none of them were serious relationships’. It wasn’t his fault they failed to realize that the statement included them as well.

* * * * *

The following evening, Wesley parked in front of his friend Nadine’s house just as an unfamiliar couple arrived. It had been months since he’d been in this part of the suburbs. He’d been overseeing simultaneous sites a three hours’ drive away. Upon exiting the car, he assumed the couple were related to Andrew as the female bore familial resemblance.

You must be Wesley, the man said extending his hand. Nadine has mentioned a Wesley and Everett. I’m pretty sure you are not him based on her description.

Your assumption is correct, he said grasping the man’s hand in a tight grip.

I’m Marcus and this is my wife, Gayle, the man introduced.

So very nice to meet you finally, the woman said. I’m Andrew’s sister.

Gayle was a curvaceous petite with chestnut shoulder length hair.

I’ve been out of town for a few months—working, he explained. Nadine says she has a surprise for me.

Oh, you’re going to be surprised, the couple said in unison with a laugh.

The three were politely greeted at the door by Andrew, Nadine’s too close for Wesley’s comfort significant other. Andrew had seen the attraction Wesley had for Nadine. He had correctly been viewed as a threat. Getting up close and intimate with Nadine was and remained his intent.

She was different—a challenge to him. She was beautiful, professional, intelligent, and mysterious all at the same time. She was also dick-hardening sexy and seemed oblivious to her appeal. He wanted her. Unfortunately, she had discouraged him. Choosing to place him in the friendship category and Andrew in the intimate one instead. It was for the best, considering she was wife material and had already endured a bad relationship in the past. Wesley had no intention of marrying any time soon.

You’re pregnant! he exclaimed seeing Nadine’s very significantly protruding stomach.

Yes, Mr. Dick-Magnet. Drew beat you to it didn’t he? joked Everett, Nadine’s very gay best friend.

His added sexual gestures caused everyone to burst into laughter.

He never gives me a break, laughed Wesley. I’ve missed you too, Vee.

I’m just telling the truth. Calling a spade a spade, honey.

Nan, Everett continued. Did you tell them the story about the waitress?

No! she laughed joining Everett in his teasing. Wait until you hear about the birthday party guys that Wes and I went to.

I’ve never in my life witnessed anything like that, remembered Andrew.

Really, Drew? Where’s the male support here? And Chris, you haven’t said a word, Wesley said speaking to the other men in the room.

I’m enjoying the show and waiting to hear about the party, replied Everett’s partner Chris.

The sound of the doorbell announced the arrival of more guests.

Wait until I get back, Andrew called out.

* * * * *

As the final guests entered Nadine and Drew’s home, across the street an uninvited visitor stalked the house and its inhabitants. His face scowled at the sight of Andrew greeting the guests. He really thinks he’s the man of the house, thought Antonio with his seat reclined to conceal his presence as he watched the house.

Nadine’s horrible best friend Everett with his cheesy comments entered along with his companion. Wesley the male whore of the city arrived moments later with relatives of Andrew. A final unknown couple arrived carrying even more bags. Each time, the guests were greeted by Andrew.

She has lots of friends all of a sudden, he grumbled.

It angered Antonio that neither he nor his sister had been invited. The last time he had seen Nadine, Drew clung to her like a jacket on a windy day. He had also been annoyed by Andrew’s insistence to answer questions for her.

The closed windows caused the caustic smell of cigarette smoke to assault his nose. There was nothing that he could see, yet he sat watching. For hours he watched and smoked cigarettes. Images of Nadine and Andrew embracing bombarded his mind increasing his agitation. His anger grew to the point that he banged on his steering wheel repeatedly.

Gripping the wheel with both hands while gritting his teeth together to prevent himself from yelling out, Antonio forced his emotions under control. Taking deep breaths, he calmed himself just as the door of the house opened and the first of the guests began to leave. Everett accompanied by the gentleman Antonio assumed was his partner were the first to leave. Soon after, another couple shook Andrew’s hand before exiting.

Wes, the fucking best, thought Antonio as he glared at the man from his dark hiding place. He didn’t care for Wesley not only because of his attraction to Nadine but also because he was a confident smug chick magnet. Women flocked to Wesley without effort on the man’s part. Even his own sister spoke starry eyed of the man’s magnetic effect on her.

The repugnance he felt towards Wesley paled when compared to what he felt for Andrew and his spawn that grew inside Nadine. He wanted to rip the thing from Nadine, crush it with his bare hands, then rid the earth of the existence of Andrew Noah. Antonio was jealous of Wesley. It was unadulterated hate that he felt for Andrew.

He fell asleep waiting for the final couple to depart. He awoke a few hours later. With the unfamiliar car still parked in the driveway he realized the couple were obviously spending the night. With a sigh of resignation, he pressed his ignition button after quickly glancing around. He slowly pulled into the street to head home not turning on his headlights until he was half a block away.

* * * * *

Back in his downtown condo, Wesley mused over the thought of Nadine being pregnant. She was the one that got away. For now, anyways. He liked challenges. Once the baby was born, and the boredom of being with reliable old Drew started to wear on her, he was confident that she’d be glad for a taste of something new.

After responding to some text messages and ignoring others, Wesley began to scan Marketplace on social media. It had been months since he had sold any merchandise. Things were progressing towards the promotion that he wanted but he had to refocus on building his own business. He wanted to move into e-commerce—turn what many, himself included, viewed as a side hustle into a legitimate fulltime business. That was a personal goal that he had only shared with Nadine.

He was about to begin scanning social media sites for merchandise when he noticed an overlooked email from his supervisor. He was invited to a virtual conference on Monday. The two sites that he was overseeing were ahead of schedule. He was slightly below budget on both and had submitted his reports before heading to town for a few days leaving the foremen in charge while he got settled in.

The invite piqued his curiosity, but he wasn’t overly concerned. Placing the iPad aside, the thought of purchasing merchandise and Nadine forgotten. He grabbed the TV remote and began watching Sports Center. Being a Dallas fan, there was always Cowboys news to catch up on.

* * * * *

Walking swiftly towards his doctor’s office the following Monday, Wesley hoped this would be a quick diagnosis. He had a video conference meeting with Mitch his supervisor that afternoon. He signed in and took a seat in the small waiting area. He hated the cold sterility of these places. They were dreaded reminders of the finiteness of youth and virility. Because of this, he rarely obtained consistent annual checkups.

Mr. Johnson? a very beautiful Hispanic nurse called out scanning the room.

Right here, he said rising from his seat.

The woman smiled as she quickly scanned him from head to toe. She inhaled deeply once he approached him. This didn’t go unnoticed by Wesley.

This way, sir.

He focused on the roundness of her derriere as she walked. Nice, he thought.

Have a seat on the examination table please, she said with a gesture.

I’ll be taking your vitals and then the doctor will be in to see you.

Yes ma’am, he responded softly inhaling her perfume as he stepped past.

She performed the usual tasks of checking his blood pressure and pulse rate then typing the results into a computer. All while attempting to make small talk.

I see that you are not a new patient, Mr. Johnson.

No, I’m not, he responded. And please, call me Wesley.

Alright, Wesley. I’ll just need one more thing from you, she said.

What will that be, lovely lady? he asked.

A drop of blood from one of your fingers, she said smiling.

Oh wow. Is that all? he asked softly smiling.

She busied herself pricking his finger then commented, For now.

As she turned to type the results into the computer. Wesley’s penis answered for his brain with a quick jump that said, Yeah baby! to his brain.

The doctor will be in soon to talk with you, she said glancing down to find a business card being handed to her.

Give me a call, Maria, he said glancing at her name tag. I’m sure we can find something else I can give to you besides a drop of blood.

Definitely, she whispered quickly placing the card in her pocket as the doctor walked in.

Half an hour later, Wesley left the building with instructions to alter his diet and prescriptions for pills to regulate his blood pressure and cholesterol. He was also informed that he was in the early stages of being a diabetic.

Your glucose and blood pressure are higher than I like so I’m going to give you an injection to lower it, said the doctor.

The pills the nurse has will lower your blood pressure, the man added.

Wesley only half heard the man as he was busy admiring the beautiful nurse who stood pretending not to notice.

If you keep a close watch on your diet, Mr. Johnson, we may be able to avoid having to take more drastic steps, the doctor had said.

Sure thing, doc, he had responded absently.

These prescriptions are for insulin and pills to regulate your blood pressure and cholesterol. Follow the instructions exactly Mr. Johnson, instructed