He couldn’t think not a woman having such a hold on him as Chalondra did. Hence, his eagerness to free himself from the intense desire he felt for Chalondra. He was still in his thoughts when his phone started ringing. He was excited that Chalondra had decided to return his call and didn’t bother checking the ID before he answered it.

“You’ve decided to return my calls. That’s a step forward, Chalondra,” David said with a grin. He said her name with a soothingly calm voice he knew she wouldn’t be able to find irresistible.

“Who is Chalondra? Is she the new catch?” Benjamin, his eldest brother, said, and David’s smile dropped. He took his phone away from his ear to check the ID. His suspicion was confirmed when he saw Benjamin’s name boldly written on the caller ID. He was excited to speak with Benjamin, especially since it had been long since they spoke. Benjamin owned a top technological company; hence he was always busy, just like the rest of his siblings. However, David was disappointed because he had expected that it was Chalondra calling back.

“Benjamin,” David said as he sighed.

“You aren’t so excited to hear from me,” Benjamin said as he chuckled.

“It’s not that,” David said as he slightly shook his head.

“It’s exactly like that. Tell me who the girl that has my brother tied up in knots, the way you’re in,” Benjamin said.

“She doesn’t have me tied up,” David said with a firmer voice than he intended.

“Calm down. I was only pulling your leg. However, if your reaction to this is anything to go by, then I’ll say she has you tied up,” Benjamin said.

“Let me guess, like Gabrielle has you tied up,” David said as he chuckled. Gabrielle was Benjamin’s wife of ten years. They had two kids together, Taylor and Ferdinand.

“Exactly. Who knew my brother would find someone to tame him?” Benjamin said as he chuckled while David let out a groan.

“You know no one can tame me,” David said. He knew the hold Chalondra had on him would dissipate as soon as he had her. Hence, he had nothing to worry about.

“Don’t be so sure about that,” Benjamin said.

“I am. Please don’t let Mom hear this, or I won’t hear the last of it. She might start making wedding plans,” David said, and Benjamin burst into laughter. Everyone in the family knew how much their mother pestered David to settle down with a woman. In their mother’s words, it was time David found love. David was content with his no-strings-attached affair to give up his freedom to be with a woman.

“I can imagine how that would go,” Benjamin said as David winced at the possibility.

“Please don’t,” David said with a shudder.

“How is it going with you, asides from nailing topnotch deals?” Benjamin asked, and David smiled. Of course, he knew the news would have reached his brothers and Amelia, their only sister. She was the last born of the family and owned a fashion house in New York. The fashion house was one of the fastest-growing in the USA.

“Nothing much,” David said.

“Of course, the news would have reached you,” David said with a smile.

“Yes, it did. Mom called me yesterday evening to tell me about it and also invite me, Gabrielle, and the kids,” Benjamin said. “I’m guessing it’s going to be a full house on Sunday,” Benjamin added.

“I guess so,” David said with a smile.

“Come on, tell me. What have you been up to asides from making Dad proud?” Benjamin asked.

“Nothing, Ben,” David said.

“Come on; I’m sure the girls over there have something to deal with when you are there. Congratulations, brother,” Benjamin said with a grin. Everyone knew about David’s playboy ways; he was always spotted with different women almost everywhere on topnotch magazines. This doesn’t bother anyone except his mother.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” David said as he smiled.

“Anyways, I called to tell you that I’m proud of you. With you on that seat, I have no regrets that I followed my dreams in technology,” Benjamin said in a more serious tone. David smiled as he recalled how their father had been distraught when none of his children wanted to follow in his path. It was part of what had surprised David when he had informed Craig of wanting to take over, and Craig had insisted that he worked his way to the top. He was grateful their father had done that because it was what shaped him into what he was today in the business world.

“I’m glad you did,” David said with sincerity. He felt glad that all his siblings were making something out of themselves in other fields. He felt proud that the Murray name was a force to reckon with.

“I called to congratulate you. More wins, brother,” Benjamin said.

“Thank you. I heard of the new device you are about to launch,” David said with a smile. It was a mobile phone with more advanced features. It was what was currently making waves in the technological world.

“Yes, about that,” Benjamin said.

“That’s brilliant of you. There has been no other talk ever since your company made the announcement,” David said.

“Yes, it’s stressful having to prepare for the launch,” Benjamin said.

“I’m sure it will come out fine,” David said. He was confident in his brother. Benjamin had pulled off successful launches in the past; hence David knew the new one would be a success.

“I hope so. Speaking of which, you know you aren’t allowed to miss it,” Benjamin said.

“Of course,” David said.

“Good, I’ll bring everyone’s special invite on Sunday during dinner,” Benjamin said.

“That’s great.”

“Yes, I won’t forget to bring a ticket for your plus one,” Benjamin said as David chuckled.

“You can do that,” David said; even though he had no girl, he could make his plus one at the moment. However, he was self-assured that it wouldn’t be a difficult task for him.

“I have to go now. I have a meeting to attend,” Benjamin said.

“Okay, thank you for the call,” David said.

“You’re welcome,” Benjamin said.

“Okay, extend my greetings to Gabrielle and the kids,” David said.

“I will,” Benjamin replied.

“Bye,” they simultaneously said before they ended the call. David felt it wasn’t so bad speaking with his brother again but was worried that Chalondra wasn’t returning her calls. He wondered how long it would take for Chalondra to give in to him. David was a patient man, and he was ready to wait for as long as it would take.

*****