She kept staring at me.
“Listen, Jenna. I know you want to yell and berate me. That’s fine. I’ll take it. I deserve it. I know I need to earn your trust, and I will. Somehow, I will. Just don’t”—I waved my hand, not sure how to ask—“just don’t punish Katy.”
She tapped her foot. “I like the idea about the cruise ship you had earlier.”
I blinked in confusion over the fast change of subject.
“Ah, good.”
“Maybe we can discuss it more this afternoon.”
“Sure.”
She turned on her heel, pausing at the door. “When I’m ready to talk about the rest, I’ll let you know.”
“All right.”
“Until then, I’m glad you’re back.” She pursed her lips, her hand back on her hip. “I’ve missed your surly ass around here.”
I couldn’t help my laughter. “Thanks. I’ve missed our chats.” I winked since usually she was the one chatting and I was the one listening.
“Don’t let it go to your head.” She huffed. “We aren’t friends again.”
“Of course.”
“Not yet, anyway,” she added and left.
I sat back down at my desk.
It was a start. At least she was speaking to me. A little.
By Thursday, I felt like I got my groove back. The days were filled with meetings, strategy sessions, and a lot of work. It was much like my time before, although now, I had somewhere I wanted to be at day’s end.
Home with Katy.
I loved arriving home, knowing she would be there. I enjoyed our nights together, sitting, talking, and sharing our day. I craved the feel of her mouth beneath mine, and the way our bodies moved when we came together at the end of the evening—or earlier, as the mood dictated. We used various surfaces in the condo—the kitchen counter, the sofa, even the wall inside the door. My desk in the den was still one of my favorite places to take Katy. Dinner was often an afterthought—I couldn’t get enough of my wife.
Tonight, I stopped and bought flowers for no reason except I wanted to show her I loved her. It was still an odd sensation for me to want to express an unfamiliar emotion like love, but I kept trying. I found Adrian a good sounding board for advice at times.
Entering the condo, I heard voices. I stepped into the main room, stopping when I saw Jenna sitting with Katy at the high counter separating the kitchen. An empty bottle of wine was between them, their glasses half-full. Jenna had left the office around two, and I suspected she’d been here since leaving. I bit back my grin as I strode across the room, handing Katy her flowers, kissing her hard. She beamed, eyes wide with happiness. I knew what it meant, Jenna being here. The silence from her had weighed heavy on Katy’s heart, and it frustrated me I could do nothing to make it better. It was something they had to deal with between them—and the ball was squarely in Jenna’s court.
“Shall I order some Chinese for dinner?” I asked, bending low, stroking her pink cheek. She always flushed when drinking. I liked kissing her skin when it was warm. So, I did—I trailed my lips over her cheek to the edge of her mouth, pressing against her full lips.
“Yes, please. And thank you for the flowers.”
I placed another kiss to her tempting mouth and stood up.
“Two spring rolls”—I looked at Jenna—“or three?”
“Four,” Jenna replied. “Adrian will be here in a while. I’m sure he’ll be hungry, too.”
“I’ll get another bottle of wine.”
Jenna shrugged. “Or two.”
Chuckling, I squeezed her shoulders as I went past. “Good to see you, Jenna.”
She dismissed me with a wave of her hand. “Whatever.”
I caught her sly wink to Katy, however.
They started chatting again. I stopped in the hallway listening. Katy’s laughter was low and happy. Jenna’s voice was its usual excited tone as she told Katy about a new art exhibit we all had to attend together. I drew in a surprisingly shaky breath and smiled. My wife had her friend back.
Katy was slowly picking up the pieces of her life, which meant mine was aligning with hers. We were creating a new life.
Together.
RICHARD
JENNA BENT FORWARD, TAPPING A mock-up. “I like this one.”
I shook my head. “No, it’s flat.” I shifted through a pile of heavy stock, grabbing one near the bottom. “This one gets your attention.”
“It’s too in your face.”
“It needs to be in your face, Jenna. We’re selling fun here. It has to grab you.”
She pursed her lips, and I took the chance to take a sip of my coffee. I’d been “back” for almost three months. My relationship with all the Gavins was on solid footing, both professionally and personally. My career had never been as fulfilling as it was now.
My life with my wife was amazing. Katy brought a peace to my world I never realized I was missing or needed. She was my nucleus, and everything I did revolved around her in some way. She spent her time volunteering, and two days a week, she worked at The Gavin Group—but not for me. She assisted Laura, and the two of them made a great team. It was a win-win situation for me since I could see her in the office and still have her at home.
Jenna pushed away the mock-up with an angry snort. “I still hate it when you’re right.”
I chuckled at her indignation. Before I could speak, her phone rang. She answered, another low groan made me grin at her level of frustration.
“Fine. No, I’ll make other arrangements.” She hung up, tossing her cell phone on the table.
“Problem?”
“My car is in the shop. The part is back-ordered and won’t be here until tomorrow. Adrian is away and I need a lift home. I have to see if I can catch Dad.”
“He left for a meeting right after lunch. He said something about heading home after he was done.”
“Shit.”
“I’ll run you home.”
“You sure?”
“Yep. I can swing by and pick you up tomorrow, too.”
“Dad will drive me in. You don’t have plans with Katy tonight?”
“No. In fact, she has her computer course tonight, so I’m free as a bird.”
“Great. Thanks.”
“Sure. Now, let’s finish this, then I’ll take you.”
The drive was pleasant and quick. Having been there many times, I didn’t need directions. Jenna, as usual, found lots to chat about, filling the time in the car with stories of looking for a new sofa.
She and Adrian lived on the edge of town in a new subdivision. It was close to the water, the homes large and set well apart. I liked the quiet, affluent look to the area.
After dropping Jenna off, I took a drive around the surrounding streets, admiring the houses and the peacefulness of the neighborhood. I slowed down, pulling to the curb in front of a house that caught my eye. The deep gray of the brick and the vivid blue trim stuck out in the area of more subdued colors. Two-storied with a huge wrap-around porch and large windows, it looked homey. What caught my eye, though, was the man pounding the For Sale sign into the ground. There was also a cylinder attached with a place to keep information sheets about the house. Without thinking, I was out of my car, walking toward him. He grinned at me when I asked for a copy.
“Those are still in the house. I need to grab them,” he replied in answer to my query. “The owners aren’t home, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind. Did you want a quick look?”
I looked back at the house, not at all certain why I was interested. Katy and I had never broached the subject of a house, or moving.
Except, I liked it.
“Yes, I would.”
An hour later, I was back in my car, the information sheet clutched in my hand, another appointment booked for the morning. I wanted Katy to see this place.
She looked over the sheet, confused. “A house? You want a house?”
I tapped the paper. “I want this house.”
“Wh
y? You don’t like the condo anymore?”
I had been thinking about it all evening, while I waited for her to get home. “It’s fine. I’ve always liked it. I was thinking, though, it’s not a good place in which”—I nervously scratched the back of my neck—“to bring up children.”
Her eyes widened.
“They need a yard to play in, yes? A place to run?”
She grinned, patting my hand. “Well, they aren’t dogs, but yes, a yard for children is a good thing.” She ran her tongue over her bottom lip, a mischievous smile curling her mouth. “Are you . . . are you pregnant, Richard?”
“No,” I scoffed. “I was thinking one day, you would be.”
She laughed, then turned serious. “One day in the near future?”
I inhaled a calming breath before replying. “If you wanted to be.”
“Richard,” she breathed out. “Are you sure?”
“I’m not saying tomorrow, or even next month. Eventually, yes, I want a family with you, Katy. However, I don’t want to bring them up in a high rise. I used to wish for a yard instead of only being allowed to play at the park for a set amount of time. I want that for my children.” I paused, clearing my throat. “Our children.”
“Then I would love to go see this house with you.”
“It’s close to Jenna,” I added.
“Is that a plus for you or a drawback?”
I smirked. “Depends on the day.”
“You really liked this place?”
I nodded. “It’s only two years old—the owner built it himself, so it’s solid. His wife’s been transferred which is why it’s up for sale. It’s open and light. Four good-sized bedrooms and a great office for me. It’s got a well-equipped kitchen I think you’ll love.”
“Sounds great.”
“The backyard is huge. Plenty of space for a pool, which I’ve always wanted. We’d have to fence it off, of course, but it’s doable.”
“It sounds as though you’re ready to move in.”
I wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “As long as you like it, I am. If you’re happier here for the time being, then this is where we’ll stay. If you want to look at other places, that’s fine, too.” I looked down at the picture. “There was something about this place I liked.”
“I can’t wait to see it myself.”
Katy loved it even more than I did. She went from room to room, opening closets and looking at fixtures. In the master bedroom, she gazed in silence at the view from the private balcony. We were close enough you could see the ocean. To the left and right of us, tall, thick trees surrounded the property. It was spectacular.
“You like it?”
“It’s amazing,” she murmured. “It’s so peaceful.”
I pointed to the break in the trees in the middle of the yard. “There’s a path that leads right to the edge of the property. It’s all open at the end. You can see the ocean for miles. It’s like at your cottage. Your own little piece of paradise.”
“Oh, Richard.”
“I want to give you that.”
She turned in my arms, her eyes luminous. Cupping her face, I drew her into me, kissing her full mouth.
“Let’s go see some more, okay?”
“Okay.”
The en suite was luxurious. The deep corner tub made me think of relaxing in the warm water with a glass of wine, and my wife nestled in my arms.
I drew her into my embrace, resting my chin on her shoulder. “I want you in that tub, Katy,” I whispered, dragging my lips up her neck to her ear and nibbling on the lobe. “I want to make a huge puddle on the floor and hear the way my name echoes off these walls as you scream it.”
She shivered, and I placed another kiss on her neck. I stepped back with a grin, holding out my hand. “Shall we keep looking?”
She narrowed her eyes at me, making me chuckle. I loved making her flustered.
The kitchen got the biggest response. I crossed my ankles, relaxing against the counter, watching her as she walked around. I always loved observing her reactions. She traced her hand over the richness of the wood cupboards, the cold of the quartz countertop and the sleek appliances.
“I could cook so many things here!” she exclaimed as she peeked in the double ovens, and sighed over the huge sub-zero refrigerator. “I’m not sure I’d ever leave this room!”
Meeting her eyes, I knew we’d found the next step in our journey together. I wanted to do this for her—for us. I wanted to give this to her. A home of her own, where she would feel safe. A place we could create memories that belonged to us and build a life.
I raised my eyebrows in a silent question. There was no hesitation in her nod. I knew we could look at other places; in fact, we probably should, but this one felt right. It felt like us.
Turning, I smirked at the agent, who was watching us with eager eyes.
“We’d like to make an offer.”
I was certain my ears were going to burst when we shared our news with the Gavins a few days later. We invited them all for dinner and, after we ate, told them we purchased a house, and we would be living only a few blocks away from Jenna.
“The gray one?” She squealed. “With the bright blue trim? I love that house!” She threw her arms around Katy. “We’re going to be neighbors!”
Katy beamed, her intense blue gaze finding mine. She had been smiling all day—joyful and laughing. Her eyes were peaceful, her happiness evident. I felt a sense of pride that was different from the kind I was used to experiencing. This had nothing to do with a job well-done, or praise for a campaign I had put hours into. This was personal pride based on the fact I had made another human being happy. A human being I loved more than I thought was possible.
I had done that.
Graham caught my eye, tilted his head toward Katy, and raised his glass in a silent toast.
I lifted mine, accepting his unspoken approval, knowing that for the first time, ever, I had earned it.
RICHARD
THE FAMILIAR ACHE FORMED BY degrees in my head, my eyes became heavy, my shoulders and neck sore. I stared out the window at the gathering storm, wondering if I would make it home before it and the massive headache hit.
The three raps that Amy always used sounded like gunshots to my aching head. I slouched back against the cool leather of my chair, shutting my eyes.
“Come,” I called as loudly as I dared.
“Do you need anything, Richard?”
I didn’t bother to lift my head. “Can you cancel Board Tech?”
“I already did.”
“Great. You might as well take off the rest of the afternoon, Amy. I’m going to be useless.”
“Can I do anything else?”
I sighed, keeping my eyes closed. “If it wouldn’t offend you, a cup of coffee and a couple of pain relievers would be appreciated. If you can get my wife on the phone, it would be great.”
Her chuckle was low. “I think I can handle it, Richard.”
“Thank you.”
She left, and I rubbed my temples. I knew when I spoke with Katy, she would tell me to leave my car and grab a cab home. I also knew, when I got there, she would have cold compresses, much stronger pain pills, and her soothing touch to make the headache ease. I only had to get to her. The coffee and Tylenol Amy brought me would help until then.
I heard footsteps, felt pills pressed into my hand, and the smell of coffee hit my nose.
It wasn’t Amy’s voice that met my ears, however. “Drink.”
I swallowed the pills gratefully and reached out blindly for my wife’s hand.
“What are you doing here? You aren’t scheduled to be in today.”
“Amy called and said you were off this morning. She thought you had one of your headaches coming on, so I came to take you home. I intercepted her on her way back from the lounge.”
With a groan, I bent forward, burying my head into Katy’s stomach. The icy temperature of the compress felt good as she draped it across
my neck and ran her fingers through my hair.
“We’ll give the pills a bit to kick in, then I’ll take you home.”
“Okay.”
“You should have called earlier,” she scolded gently. “You know how these low-pressure storms affect you.”
“I had work to do,” I protested, tightening my arms around her waist, wanting her closer.
“And how much did you accomplish?”
“Not a lot.”
“Good plan, then,” she teased.
“Go fuck yourself, VanRyan,” I muttered, using her favorite phrase.
She shook with suppressed laughter, never stopping her tender caresses.
“Thank you for coming to get me.”
I felt the press of her lips to the back of my head. “You’re welcome.”
“Our boy unwell, Katy?” Graham’s voice was low in the hush of the office.
“Bad headache.”
“I wondered. He wasn’t himself in the meeting this morning.”
“Everyone knows me so well,” I snipped, not lifting my head. “Can’t a guy have a headache without everyone noticing around here?”
They both ignored me, as if I hadn’t spoken.
“You’re taking him home?”
“As soon as he feels up to it.”
I waved my hand. “He’s right here.”
Katy patted my head. “He’s always grumpy when he isn’t well.”
“I’ve noticed.”
Laura’s voice suddenly became part of the discussion. “Oh no, a headache? Poor Richard!”
I groaned. This was getting out of hand.
“I’m fine,” I mumbled.
“He’s grumpy,” Graham stated. “Rather argumentative.”
“He always is when the headaches hit him,” Laura mused. “Good thing you’re here, Katy.”
“Do you need any help?” Jenna asked, the click of her heels announcing her arrival. “Maybe we could carry him to the car or something?”
I was done. Nobody was carrying me anywhere. They all needed to back off.
I lifted my head slowly, peeling open my eyes, fully intent on telling them all to leave. I met Katy’s concerned gaze. She smiled, cupping my cheek, arching her eyebrow. I shifted my gaze to the people behind her, and nothing but worried and caring expressions met my stare. Graham leaned against the wall, looking amused, knowing how I hated being fussed over. All the anger drained away when I realized the people surrounding me were there for one reason only: they cared.