“Brad, let’s go, Edgehurst is expecting us.” Ruby’s voice brought him back to the present.
This is it, Brad decided. “This is our last meeting with Edgehurst. I don’t care what he says I’ve had enough.” He followed Ruby. Edgehurst could pound salt for all he cared. He had a wife he hadn’t seen in over a month, had spent less than a week with. “It’s time to go home.” He caught Ruby’s disappointed look.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Michele went to the O’Neil’s. Work had begun on the kitchen, and Patrick still hadn’t put in an appearance. Despondent over Brad’s last phone call, she found it difficult to concentrate. She threw herself into her work. Jane had chosen pewter blue for the walls. Michele had suggested a stainless steel sink and counters of natural concrete, with slate tile behind the sink and range. The natural gray complemented the stainless steel appliances and created a rich, elegant feel to the kitchen. Jane seemed pleased with the choices and samples. The light fixtures arrived, and she scheduled the electricians for next week. She arranged to return the next day.
Michele went home tired and still out of sorts from Brad’s phone call. She picked up the mail off the hall table. “Anna, I’m starved, what’s that delicious aroma? Can it be turkey and biscuits?” She went toward the kitchen and caught something in the living room out of the corner of her eye. She backed up and went in. Brad stood in the middle of the room.
“Brad!” Her heart raced, her stomach flip-flopped, and her pulse quickened at the sight of him. She hadn’t seen his car in the drive. “I didn’t expect you.” What a surprise. She wondered if her face betrayed the delight at his unexpected arrival.
“Looks like you’ve been busy.” He waved his hand around the room. “I like it.”
She stood in the doorway, wanting to run to him, but restrained herself. “I’m glad you like it. Now if we can get rid of this white carpeting and overstuffed, over-sized furniture...” Her voice dropped to a whisper as he came toward her, reached his hand up, and ran his finger across her lips. She shivered from his touch. Catching a movement out of the corner of her eye, she saw Louise watching them. Before Michele had a chance to speak, the girl disappeared. She turned away from Brad. What was Louise up to? Was she sneaking around and spying on them. Her stomach growled, and she remembered how hungry she was. Brad stiffened at her resistance. “Whatever Anna is cooking smells delicious. I’m starved, let’s eat.” She turned toward the kitchen.
“Michele...”
She stopped, turned, and looked into his eyes. “What?”
“Never mind, let’s eat.” He dropped his hand to his side and followed her.
He stopped at the entrance to the dining room. “Wow!”
She smiled, appreciating his approval. She loved the color and once she replaced the furniture, she’d love to eat in here. “I’d like to take up the carpet and replace it with a hard wood floor and area rug.” May as well broach the subject now. Get it over with. “I hate white carpeting, and I’d like to get some new furniture. This set is too heavy and overbearing for this room.” Darn it, she hated that she talked too much and too fast, almost to the point of babbling.
He pulled her chair out for her and looked around the room. “You’re right this furniture is too heavy. I don’t know why our parents didn’t consult us. Do whatever you want. I trust your judgment.”
Disappointment washed over her. She had wanted to pick out the furniture with Brad, not by herself. Not sure how to broach the subject, she let it pass.
Anna fussed like an old mother hen. “Here, Mr. Brad, mashed potatoes, gravy.” She brought the food to the table and set it in front of him.
Michele laughed, watching the attentiveness. “Careful, Brad, she’ll be feeding it to you next.”
Brad smiled and seemed to enjoy the attention. There wasn’t much time even for small talk, as Anna hovered nearby.
Michele sat back while Brad smooth talked Anna, glad now she’d kept the woman on. Louise, on the other hand, bothered her. What was the girl up to? She left without saying good-bye, as usual. Much as she tried, she couldn’t crack Louise’s reserve.
They ate dinner with Anna hovering nearby, encouraging Brad to eat more. Michele stopped just short of being full, knowing Anna had a fabulous dessert ready. Anna didn’t disappoint, coming out of the kitchen with a Boston cream pie. Brad leaned back in his chair.
“Does she feed you like this every night?” He patted his stomach.
“Just about, I’ve even gained some weight.” Michele patted her stomach. “I’m going to have to stop her, or I’ll look like a blimp.”
“I can see why.” Brad stood and came around to her. He pulled her chair back from the table, but didn’t move away.
Michele caught the knowing look on Anna’s face as she disappeared into the kitchen. Heat crept into her cheeks. “Brad, I need to talk to you about something.”
He looked at her, raised his hand to caress her cheek. “It sounds serious.” He took her hand and led her into the living room. He sat next to her on the couch, one arm around her shoulder, the other came up to caress her face. He leaned in and met her lips with his. “Can it wait? I’d like to sit here and just enjoy my wife for a while.
The suggestion that he might have missed her both flustered and excited her. The very nearness of him caused her heart to skip several beats and sent heat spiraling through her. His kiss did things to her insides. Strange things. Things she’d never experienced with any man but him. She melted against him, all thought of conversation gone from her mind. This man, her husband, desired her, wanted her. Right now, she wanted nothing more than to give in to her own desires. Her own needs.
He mumbled something against her lips. Michele couldn’t quite make out what it was, but she thought it sounded like he missed her. Her heart danced in her chest. Could it be? Could he really have missed her?
The phone rang. She tried to ignore it. Brad swore and pulled away. Frustration ran through her as he got up to answer it. She’d like to disconnect the dumb thing. Just for one evening she’d like to have her husband to herself. His gruff voice came from the hall, “Ruby.”
He came back in the room, a look she didn’t recognize on his face. Was he upset, angry? She wasn’t sure. “I have to go.” He came to her, planted a brotherly kiss on her cheek. “Don’t wait up. It’s going to be a long night.”
Michele watched him leave. Her lips still burned, her heart still raced. Just like that, a phone call and he left. She couldn’t bring herself to move as tears stung her eyes. He wanted her, she knew it, saw the desire in his eyes, felt it in his kiss. Why then, did she have the nagging doubt that he was going to Ruby?
She spent the rest of the evening making lists of new furniture she wanted to purchase. Anything to occupy her mind. She’d bring up the furniture to Brad again later. Maybe he didn’t care about the furniture, because this wasn’t a long term marriage. She decided to turn in, no point in sitting up by herself. Nothing on television interested her.
She tossed and turned, trying to put Ruby and Brad out of her mind. She dozed off and awoke with a start from a dream so vivid, she had to shake herself. Brad and Ruby locked in each other’s arms, taunting her.
“You may wear my ring, but it’s only make believe. I’ll be in Ruby’s bed tonight,” Brad’s voice sang over and over.
Michele looked at the clock on the nightstand, four o’clock. She threw back the covers and went in search of Brad. Had he come home and gone to the guest room again? Her heart ached at the idea of him sleeping in there, but the alternative hurt worse.
Not finding him there, she went downstairs. The rooms were empty. Tears stung her eyes. What kind of business did he have at this hour? She shivered from the answer that came to mind.
After pouring a glass of ice water, she sat at the kitchen table. How could she ever hope to win Brad’s heart if he didn’t stay home? It suddenly became important to make this marriage long term. Not long ago she’d have laughed if anyone sugges
ted it, but she’d fallen in love, and it happened on their short honeymoon. She finished the water and turned off the light. Bright moonlight, through the arched window in the stairway, guided her path.
A key turned in the lock. She halted in the middle of the stairway. Brad stood framed in the moonlight. He swayed and leaned against the door. Obviously drunk. Barely able to hold himself up. She stood against the wall, hoping he wouldn’t notice her. He staggered into the kitchen, and she hurried up the remaining steps to her room. She lay still in bed, trying to catch her breath. What had come over him, he hardly ever drank? This was unbelievable. A few minutes later, Brad staggered up the steps. She opened one eye. He stopped at the door to their room, lingered a minute, then turned and went into one of the guest rooms.
Michele got up in the morning after a sleepless night, and took her shower. Still confused at Brad’s drinking, she didn’t know what to do about it. How sad, she didn’t feel secure enough with her husband to bring it up to him. Dressed and ready for work, she came downstairs as Anna let herself in.
“Morning, Missy.” Anna’s cheerful voice made it difficult to stay in her present mood.
“Morning, Anna. I’ll just have toast this morning, I’m not very hungry.”
Anna grinned. Her look that seemed to say ‘I know what you did last night’. Too bad she was so wrong. “The mister was out late last night, so he’ll probably sleep in this morning.”
The grin on Anna’s face faded. The back door opened and Louise came in, carrying a six, maybe seven-month-old baby. She froze in her tracks. Fear showed through her dark eyes before she lowered them.
Apparently the girl thought she’d be gone.
“Good morning, Louise.” Michele watched as Louise pulled the baby close in a protective manner. Was she afraid Michele might take the child away?
Louise kept her eyes lowered, as was her habit when she spoke to Michele. “I’m sorry, Miss, I...”
Anna went to the girl and began talking to the baby.
Michele approached Louise, drawn by the baby. “She’s beautiful, Louise. Is she yours?” The baby reached chubby arms out to her. “May I?” Michele held her hands out to the baby.
Louise appeared reluctant, but let Michele take her. “What’s her name?” Michele cradled the child, enjoying the warmth, softness, and smell of baby powder.
“Mikayla, I call her Miki.” Louise’s voice was little more than a whisper and avoiding looking at Michele.
Poor thing was embarrassed. No wedding ring so she probably wasn’t married. Curious about the situation, something told Michele now wasn’t the right time to ask.
She looked at the clock. “Oh, time to go.” She handed the baby back to Louise and turned to leave.
“Miss.” Michele almost didn’t hear Louise, she spoke so quietly. “It is okay, I brought her to work. My babysitter is sick. I had no one to leave her.”
Michele stopped in the doorway. “No problem, Louise, you can bring her anytime.” She turned to leave, stopped. “Oh, and Louise Mr. Lawson is sleeping, you can ignore the blue guest room today.” Michele noticed Louise shrink back as if in fear. “It’s okay, Louise. Anna, you tell Mr. Lawson I gave Louise permission to bring Miki.” Anna wasn’t afraid of Brad and after last night had him wrapped around her little finger. Louise sighed and seemed to relax. Michele smiled at them and left.
She met Brad in the hall. “Brad!” She hadn’t expected to see him awake and dressed so early.
“I hoped I’d catch you before you left. How about meeting me for lunch today, say around noon?”
Michele couldn’t keep the delight and surprise out of her voice. “Sure, where do you want to meet?”
Brad came toward her and stood in front of her. His gaze met and locked on hers. Heat rose to her face as he stared at her, open lust showing in his eyes. He reached up and stroked her hair, his hand stopped behind her head, pulled her toward him, and his lips came down to meet hers in a crushing kiss.
She dropped her keys. Her arms came up involuntarily around him. A moan escaped her lips. The thought that he might have been with Ruby last night filtered through her mind and left just as quickly. Someone in the other room coughed, probably Anna. She pulled away, knowing her face blazed with the heat she felt inside.
“Where do you want to meet me?” Michele pulled herself together.
“Oh, uh, come to the office, we’ll go from there.” He dropped his hand to his side letting her go.
“Okay, see you later.” She turned to leave. A baby’s cry stopped her. Brad looked toward the sound.
“Oh, that’s Louise’s baby, Mikayla, Miki. I told Louise it’s okay to bring her to work. I have to run.” She came back and planted a kiss on his cheek, wishing she could stay home with him, wanting the warmth and comfort of his arms around her. “See you at noon.” She almost danced out the door. Her husband wanted to take her to lunch.
***
Brad stared after her, reluctant to let her go. She had no idea how he hated to leave her last night. Problems with the Edgehurst campaign were becoming a thorn in his side. The man was intolerable, arriving in town late at night and insisting on doing business well into the middle of the night. If he didn’t have to go to the office now, he’d ask Michele to take the day off, spend it together, maybe even do some furniture shopping. He hated the stuff their parents picked out as much, but he liked the colors Michele chose for the walls. He’d been surprised when he went in the guest room last night. Even with having too much to drink, he noticed the color and different comforter. Much more appealing to him then the pale yellow walls. His mother’s decorator must have gotten a deal on the paint. She used the same color in all of the bedrooms. The blue was much more to his liking. This morning when he went into their room, he found the green walls welcoming and calming. Michele definitely knew her job, and he had the utmost confidence in her decorating ability. Still, it might be fun to shop with her. He had a feeling their taste in furniture would run as similar as their taste in vacation spots.
Maybe he could take the afternoon off. He went to the kitchen for coffee.
“Morning, Anna, Louise.” He approached Louise who stood against the refrigerator. Poor thing looked scared to death. “Ah, here’s little Miki.” He reached his hands out to the child who willingly raised her chubby arms out to him.
“May I?”
Louise lowered her eyes as she gave the baby to him. “Hey, pretty little girl.” He raised her over his head, enjoying the delightful giggles that only a child this age made. He noticed the surprised look on Louise’s face, and wondered who the father of this beautiful baby was. He didn’t think Louise was married, but he didn’t know much about her. His parents hired both Louise and Anna. He had a suspicious idea they were supposed to report everything that went on here directly to either his or Michele’s mothers.
“What would the Mister like for breakfast?” Anna hovered nearby, watching him play with the baby. “She sure does like you, Mister.”
“Bacon and eggs, Anna, and white toast.” He handed Mikayla back to Louise and rubbed the top of her silky dark head. He poured a cup of coffee and picked up the morning paper, sat down, and waited for breakfast. The memory of Michele’s face when she came home and saw him yesterday filtered through his mind. She looked happy to see him, and it promised to be a great evening until Ruby called.
Damn Edgehurst, but better him here then California. Either way the man kept him from spending time with Michele. After entertaining him half the night and dropping him at his hotel, it was too late when he got home to bother Michele so he slept in the guest room. Again. Not a habit he intended to keep. He wanted to go into their room, wanted to wake Michele, to take her in his arms, and make love to her. He had been tempted as he stood in the doorway watching her sleep. The moonlight cast its glow on her, making her look so damn sexy. Something stopped him. She’d been receptive to his earlier advances, before Ruby called, but then something changed in her. Something in her eyes when
he told her he had to leave. Relief, maybe, he wasn’t sure. It was a strange look. One he’d seen when he was packing for California.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Michele met Sarah at the office doorway. “Morning.” She held the door for her tired looking secretary. “Late night?”
“Oh,” Sarah groaned. “You can’t imagine.” She went to the coffee pot and started the coffee.
“Well do tell.” Michele leaned against the counter, while Sarah fumbled with the filters. “Give me those.” She took over the job and waved Sarah aside.
“I don’t think you’re going to like it very much.” Sarah moved aside. “I met this guy...”
With the coffee started, Michele went to the desk, sat down opposite Sarah, and laughed. Nothing new about that, Sarah was always meeting guys. Always the same story, this time it was real, he was the one. Sometimes she wanted to shake Sarah. The girl fell in love with every guy who gave her the time of day. “Okay so what’s new about that?”
Sarah sat at the desk, rubbed her temples and looked out of the top of her eyes. “He’s the son of your present client. Mark O’Neil...
“Mark! You went out with Mark O’Neil? Oh, Sarah, do be careful, his reputation as a ladies’ man is worse than Brad’s.”
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