Anthony took an analysing look at his reflection in the mirror. His haircut was perfect, beard carved to aptness and his look clean and attractive. Lola loved him looking this way if he remembers so well. He does not know if she loves his beard but he recalled she played with it in the past. In a button down shirt and denim jeans, he looked dapper. Slowly, the edges of his lips quirked up. That smile would be good enough to charm her like it used to.

The day before, Lola had given him a call to inform him about her visitation to his place. He was mystified yet ecstatic. In an unhurried movement, he turned away from the full length mirror to his dresser where he took out one of the perfumes he had. The bottle of musky fragrance had been her favourite. She had chosen it for him when they had both gone for shopping during the time they were together.

"I love this. It would smell nice on you" He remembered the words she had said with that heart stopping smile. That day, he could still feel how his heart had ceased beating and what had struck him hard in his chest like the strike of lightening. It was as though she bloomed again like a new flower looking pretty, tender and fresh. Smiling at the memory of the past, he spray the musk on his shirt, just enough to have the room wrapped in its scent.

Few minutes later, he was heading down the grand staircase that led to the living room. Servants moved around, busy and preparing for the arrival of their boss's very important visitor. Floors were scrubbed. The dining room was set with delicacies and the smell of flowers. She does not like flowers so he could not gift her one but she appreciated the beauty of sculptures and he had fine pieces of sculptures, glassware, and figurines in his house, in various forms, colours and sizes.

Getting to the end of the stairs, he paused, adjusting his shirt's collar. His cool eyes swept around the wide spread, decorated with expensive leather seats and home facilities. The floor beneath his well-polished shoes, shone from been wiped to a crystal -like radiance. Satisfied, he took a walk around the house to inspect. He was in the library when a servant had come to call him.

"Sir" A servant's timid voice floated across the room. He replied with a slight turn of his body. "Miss Lola has arrived"

Miss? He mused. He wished she was but Lola Kola-Daisi was yet to add her husband's name to her name. Why would she when she does not want to be known as nobody. Yes, he headed out of the library, Joshua Olamiposi Erinoso, is nobody but he, Anthony Crest, is somebody and he is her kind of man. He chuckled lowly to himself.

He saw her in the lobby studying a sculpture. She wore a burgundy high waist skirt that flared out but stopped mid-thigh. If he recollects and with what he saw, she got pretty legs, long and lustrous. One of her features he loved so well. She had a flora spaghetti strap top made from chiffon to go with it. His throat clogged, dried like dust. Oh! He felt the overpowering lust that came. She had always had a great body, one he had touched. He can still feel her silky skin beneath his fingertips. That smooth feel. The sweet tang of that chocolaty skin on his tongue. His finger twitched to the need to touch her. Black twists cascaded down her back, past her waist to her bum. He gawked at the round curve of her ass. It has a nice feel. He had always enjoyed slapping and squeezing that ass. Her soft fragrance was thick in the clean atmosphere of the lobby.

"I got it from an auction in Morocco" Anthony spoke as he halted next to her.

He watched her lips, smeared with nude lipstick, curl. Today, she kept her makeup cool, one of the rare times she made her makeup such. "I like it" She responded as she stroked the sculpture.

"It is beautiful" The sculpture was carved from wood, polished brown wood. It was a man playing a flute. Very simple for her liking.

"I agree" Lola spun to look at him. Her smile was easy and soft. He surveyed her from her face to her toes, his eyes assessing, slow and cautious. The same light shade of purple on her fingernails coated her toenails. The skirt revealed no part of her stomach which was always flat without a little bit of fat. He hoped she still had her belly button. He had accompanied her to get it along with three piercings in her earlobes. The memory was still vivid in his brain, clear like it happened yesterday.

In one swift sweep over him, she said "You look good, Tony. How have you been?" She moved to plant a kiss on his cheek making his pulse lurch and cheek tingle from the brief contact of soft plush lips, the same lips he wanted on his.

"Fine" He placed a hand on her face to sweep back her braids from her ear. The five piercings in her ear had gold studs and rings of different shapes glistening in them. When did she get another piercing? Pleased, he removed his hand. "You still look as beautiful as I can remember" He praised.

She won't be flattered, he knew. Her eyes were cool without the slightest hint of blush across her cheeks. "I see you have done a lot for my arrival" She took a quick glance at the expanse.

"Aren't you my very special guest?"

"Am I?"

He studied her face. She was confident and her smile was unwavering including the look she gave him. He hated it. He wanted the woman who trembles around him. He needed the woman who feared him, the woman who would shake when he speaks, beg him when he says he would do something and cry for his mercy.

Anthony smiled. "Come on" He held out a hand. "Let's go in" Without hesitation, she kept her hand in his.

He led her into the living room. The living room was neat as a pin. It was an evidence that Anthony had put his servants to work. The floor was scoured, table and windows polished. The electronics were dust free. The curtains had been changed and lemon fragrance filled the air.

"What would you like to do? Eat? Sit and relax?" Anthony enquired.

"I would rather sit and relax and water would do for now"

After she sat, he pressed the button. He took the seat opposite her just as a servant came in.

"A glass of water" He ordered.

"You got a beautiful home"

"Thanks. Decorated it in your style" He flashed her a pleased grin. "Elegant, flamboyant, expensive"

"Is that how you see me?" Lola lifted a questioning brow.

"It is who you are" He held her eyes.

Silence dawned in. The servant walked in just in time and Lola could never be more grateful. She can't imagine an awkward silence with the man with her.

"Your visit surprises me, Lola" The servant dropped the tray on a stool then left. Lola grab hold of the tumbler.

"Does it? Don't be, sweetheart" She laughed sitting back to cross her legs then drink water. "You will see more of me from now on"

"Are you finally accepting my offer?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Of course not, babe. You don't have and never will" His smile became smug.

Lola's mouth curved then she kept the cup on the side stool. "I was thinking" she ambled towards him, her hips swinging, then sat next to him. "We could hang out sometime soon like old times. Just you and I" She placed a hand on his chest, her body touching his. "What do you think?" Her voice was sweet as though it was coated with honey. It was subtle that it could mingle with the air and not be heard.

"Perfect" His hand came to rest under her chin so that his dark eyes looked into her brown eyes. "But your husband?"

"Can we just forget about him?" Her voice turned cold and distant as she backed away. It seemed his question pissed her and it pleased him to know she was not in good terms with the so called husband who is yet to know his wife is cosy in another man's house and soon in his arms. "You have nothing to worry about. He won't disturb us" she leaned in again with a smile.

"You don't know how much you make me happy at the moment" Anthony's wide hand left her chin to slide down her arm.

"I am glad I could make you happy. Anthony, about what happened in California, can we forget about it"

"You can but I can't promise to forget mine"

She let out a soft laughter. "I thought as much" She stroke his beard. Not surprising, the hair around his chin and jawline was soft. "I am sure you made food for my arrival"

"I had your favourite Japanese meal made"

"You still remember what my favourite Japanese dish is?"

"You got no idea how much I remember about you. Lola, you are just a woman I can't forget"

"I am flattered" she said, her voice dry.

He laughed. "You should be hungry. Let's eat" He linked his fingers with hers. Just perfect where it is meant to be, he thought.

Lunch was nothing like they expected it to be. They had Japanese rice along with flaked salmon, Goma-Ae as side dish, miso soup and some prickled vegetable. They spoke like old times. Anthony brought back memories they both reminisced yet they prevented talking about the incident that had broken them apart. From time to time, Anthony would touch Lola's hair, brush a finger over her cheek and to know if she was attracted to him physically, he had skimmed his finger over the corner of her lips to remove rice. When Anthony speaks, Lola locked eyes with him. She remembered, her eyes had been one thing that enthrals him. She'd smile and laugh a lot at many things he said, compliment his look and was expressive by fluttering her eyelids while smiling and touching him on his arm, shoulder and hand.

After lunch, Anthony took her around his house. The sculptures had captivated her including the paintings he hung on the walls of every room. The china that decorated the hallway was another thing she could not resist touching. He took her across a hallway that led to two massive mahogany doors. The door had images carved on it into patterns.

"I love the inscription on the door" Lola trailed an engraved design with a finger.

"It is custom-made"

"That sounds cool. So what's behind the door?" She turned the knob.

The door opened to reveal a swimming pool sitting in a wide expanse. It was a Grecian pool of still blue water. The decorative tile of the pool gave it its characteristic blue colour. Instead of walls, the area was framed with glass panel that gave a nice view of nature and the exterior of his house she had never been to. Above was plain white ceiling and luminous light that splashed over water. The white marbles were as white as a snow obviously from bleaching and perfect scrubbing. The gleam of the marble floor gave her reflection which almost amused her. Sunlight streamed through the glass panels and slashed dazzlingly over the expanse. There was a staircase so the swimmer do not need to jump but tread in. Lola's heart lurched at the sight. The pool was beauty on its own.

"An indoor pool?" She mused out releasing the knob to walk on.

"Yes, an indoor pool"

"This is beautiful!" She shrieked. "I love this, Tony!" Tony gave her a gentle smile. "It has been a hot day. Do you have a towel?" She kicked off her flat sandals.

"As many as you want"

"Perfect" She gripped the end of her skirt and began to pull it down.

Anthony's eyebrows came together. "What are you doing?" He did not sound surprise neither pleased. His cool demeanour was one thing Lola had liked about him.

"Isn't it obvious? I am stripping out of my clothes. I want to swim"

His eyes lingered on hers before he said "OK. Will get a servant to get you a towel?"

She had expected him to turn away yet he stood and stared at her. With a smirk, she pulled the skirt down her waist bit by bit until it laid in a pool of burgundy at the end of her feet. She stood in all her glory in nothing except the blouse she wore and her panties. It was then he had a good view of her legs. Her limbs were long and graceful. They were the kind that made a man wonder her marvellous they would be wrapped around his waist. Lola gave him a smile then proceeded to pulled off her blouse. In a single tug, the blouse was over her head leaving her in nothing but marching lace of white panties and strapless bra.

Anthony tried to not to draw in his breath. Despite the way his desire built, he kept his look serene as though the sight before him had no effect on him. His eyes took in the sight of her, bit by bit. His blood warmed up and passion rocketed. She was the kind of woman who would arouse a man at the mere sight of her. Now, he had a perfect view of her. Long graceful limbs made of slender bones. Skin that glowed from expensive treatments and pampering. Taking pride in herself, Lola took two steps back, turned then dived into water. When she disappeared under water, Anthony turned away to ring the bell. Someone needs to get him two towels.

-----

He arrived with a giant teddy bear in hand. It was a gift for Esosa. Esosa's still awed at how huge the teddy is. It's taller than her and she can't stop telling her that. She had turned to find him standing at the entrance of the ward. Each part of hers went on pause and her heart bounced in her chest. His lips were twisted into a smile, one she had only imagined and dreamt of for weeks. His eyes glittered with toppling spout of rapture as they met hers, the black of his eyes reflected light that made his eyes shine. She held in the urge to scream and rush to meet him. There was tumbling surge of excitement rushing through her as she looked at him but she had just smiled then walked to him, trying not to trip on her feet. She knew she was just going to embarrass herself, not when her daughter was just pestering her about him.

His arrival was least expected. He told her he was coming back few days later which she had only looked forward to. Each day that faded away and night that waned away intensified her agitation. She felt like she was standing on unbalanced toes, looking forward to that day he would arrive but he came back before the scheduled day amidst her conversation with Esosa.

"Mummy, do you like him?" The child had asked.

"What are you talking about?" She questioned, tucking Esosa into bed.

"Do you like Uncle Jafar?" She repeated, the pitch of her voice increasing with the right hint of innocence. The girl's just curious and her inquisitiveness urged her to ask the question.

"Where do you get those ideas from?" She had giggled, hoping the blush on her cheeks would go unnoticed by the child.

The kid is just way too smart for her age. How can she sense such thing? Esosa had wanted her to realise her feelings for Jafar but she had succeeded in diverting her attention to something else. Is it obvious that she has fallen hard for that Arewa man? Every day, she glanced at the doorway during the visiting hours, expecting him to walk in like always but she knew better. What can she do when her heart does nothing but sing his name? Her days are restless. So was she. Her nights are nearly incomplete without talking to him on phone. His voice was all she needed to have a smile on her face after another stressful day. He gifted her a wristwatch which he had worn around her wrist. That day, he held her hand while they sat on the bonnet of his car. There was nothing to say but she knew she felt a lot been with him.

Her mother loves chess and Jafar can play. Before her father died, chess had been a way for her parent's to connect. Over their thirty years of marriage, they played chess. Whenever her mother misses her father, chess was a way to recall all her memories with him. The good and bad. In her living room, her mother played chess with Jafar and she watched the game. He made her mother laugh at the way the game was going and things he said. They spoke like they never did.

It was the first time they are having a conversation that's more than just greeting. Her mother's eyes sparkles each time she released another bolt of laughter from her lips. Osas admired his carefree nature, a very rare traits of his. He's shy but when he loosens up with someone, he's usually free and talks more than he used to. Osas smiled, heat bloomed on her cheeks. What is he doing to her? Her heart is not at peace. It is always dancing at the sight of him and her pulse can't stop pounding. She knows she likes him. Oh, it's more than like. The feelings are familiar. They are ones she had felt before, yet, they felt so foreign. Maybe because they are more passionate than they had been. Why is she always fidgety when she's far away from him? He's giving her reasons to be with him, many than she can count. He's the man they do not have in her family and he fits perfectly in, right beside her. Is she dreaming when she's not when to be? Why is she hopeful about their relationship when she knows better?

He stayed for dinner as per her mother's request. Dinner was lively. It was good to be home after five long weeks. Esosa had been discharged that day after some good news few days back. Her arrival came with a lot of preparations. She made sure the house was scrubbed and disinfected to prevent her daughter from having any infections. She looked forward to going home, sleeping a comfortable bed with no sharp odour of antiseptics and drugs. She would wake up again in her room and not in a hospital room with white walls and machines that remind her of what her daughter is battling with. At week four in the hospital, Esosa had not entered emission which had broken her but the fifth week brought good news and they can finally go home. The chemotherapy is working.

He held her hand when she walked him out later that day. She felt like a teenager again. Her stomach knotted. There's multitude of colour in her heart. Everytime he want to leave, she want him to wait a bit longer. There is something different about Jafar since he arrived. He's trying to pass a message without talking. It's there in his body language, the way he looks at her and some things he says. The end of her dress flapped to the wind that announced the coming of rain. The lullaby of the wind soothes her in the relaxed quietness. It was a song that made the moment unforgettable. It made it perfect. She stood under an unending dark cover with him by her side, nothing interrupting their quiet moment. How peaceful she felt. Her hair made a fine flag in the cold current of air. She had changed the hair after so many persuasion accompanied with sarcastic and insulting words from Lola.

"I am really grateful for everything Jay" The soft pitch of her voice shattered the moment as they halted next to his car.

"It was actually nothing" He lifted his hand to her hair with the aim to push the restless strands from her face. In the moment, their fingers brushed. She went rigid. Thousands of electric shock exploded through her. When was the last time she felt that way with a man? There was a tickly stir at the spot he touched.

"I don't know how to thank you or show you how much I appreciate what you have been doing" She found herself grasping his hand, the one he held unto. There's a voice in her head that tells her she needs to enjoy whatever was happening.

"You don't have to do any of that"

Her lips formed a smile as soft as the morning light. "You will call right?" She held his eyes. His eyes are different, softer than they had ever been. They were eyes that belonged to a man who loves deeply. She took in a loud gulp of breath, going rigid. Something burn in those eyes, strong and intense. She knew what it was. He wanted her to see it.

"You know I will always call you"

Her eyes dropped. "Then call me" She retracted her hand from his then turned away.

"Osasere"