ONE WEEK LATER
“So, what’s the surprise?” I asked as Naijhel breezed through my door.
“That’s part of it right there,” he stated, pointing at a van pulling into my driveway behind him.
I frowned at the logo with a bucket, mop, and cleaning supplies. Halle’s Housekeeping was the name emblazoned on the hood of the van and the side that I could see.
“What’s this?”
“The day before yesterday, you told me that this last week you’ve had to work later than normal. You told me you were tired and just needed a day of pampering, and you wished someone would come in and do all the things to your home that you hadn’t had time to do yourself. I heard you, beautiful. That’s where Halle comes in at. Her and her staff are going to clean your house from top to bottom.”
I scrunched my face. “I don’t know, Naijhel. I’m not comfortable with people going through my house and my personal things like that, especially while I’m away.”
“Listen, I can stop her now before her and her crew comes up here. You won’t be gone, though. That’s where the second surprise comes in at; we’ll both be here. But let me know,” he repeated, as the driver, whom I presumed was Halle, and two other ladies climbed out of the van and went to the rear.
I sighed. “Can I tell them what I do and don’t want touched?”
“Absolutely. They’ll go over a specific plan that is detailed for you. They have the move-in, move-out, the standard cleaning, and the deep cleaning, but you can customize it to how you want it. Just so you know, I paid for the deep cleaning for you, but if it’s too much, let me know.”
Halle and her crew were still rumbling around in the back of the van. I thought about everything that I said to him on the phone the other night. I had been tired and overworked. My house needed cleaning, and I had not found the time or the energy to do it.
“It’s fine. Let them come in.”
“Okay.”
I ran through my house to make sure that it wasn’t too crazy or nothing out of order before they came in. By the time that I went into the living room, they were there. Naijhel sat with me while I went over the expectations with Halle. She customized a service for me, and in the end, I felt comfortable.
“Now, are you ready for surprise two?” he asked as Halle and her crew got to work on the living room and dining room.
“I don’t know. You’ve outdone yourself with this one, Mr. King.”
He winked, lifted my chin, and kissed me gently.
“How about we head to the back on the lanai?” he suggested, getting off the couch and taking my hand.
“What’s happening on my lanai?”
“Well, while you were running around checking to make sure your dirty laundry and vibrators were put away?—”
“Boy, shut up! I do not have vibrators.”
He twisted his lips and looked at me. “Okay, so what? You use your hand.”
I was mortified and wanted to sink into the floor. “Stop,” I hissed, praying that the ladies hadn’t heard me. They were still within hearing range.
“I’m just asking a question, baby. No reason for you to be upset. I don’t mind using them on you to help bring you the release you need,” he stated, winking at me.
“Oh my gosh, Naijhel,” I mumbled, trying not to laugh.
“What? There’s nothing wrong with using them if that’s your thing.”
“Okay, okay. I have a couple of dildos, a rose, and a few other toys.”
“Mm.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He just winked at me, and I turned to look out onto the lanai as he pulled the door open. I was surprised to see two massage tables set up and two ladies standing there smiling and waiting for us.
