The Work Wife

by Allison B Hanson

Her brows went up. “You think we should—”

  “Not us.” Her look of disgust was still insulting, but it probably matched his own. “We wouldn’t want to have sex with each other. I’m saying, I’m going to want to have sex with someone. A stranger.”

  “Oh. Right. Well, we could still see other people. We’d just need to be discreet.”

  “And if we decide we want to be more with those other people?” If ever he found the love thing.

  “If one of us finds The One, we’ll get a quickie divorce.”

  “I think a quickie divorce is a mythological thing. I’ve never known anyone who has ever had one.”

  “What if we tell everyone we have an open marriage?” she suggested.

  “I think an open marriage is even more mythical than a quickie divorce.”

  “We’ll deal with it if it happens. It hasn’t happened for either of us yet, and you’re already thirty.”

  “Am I a spinster?” he joked.

  “Up until now we’ve just been going along assuming that at some point we would find someone to spend the rest of our lives with. But what if we don’t? At least if we were married we could grow old together. We’d have someone to share our lives with. We might not be in love, or physically attracted to each other, but there’s a bond between us.”

  She had a point. A point that struck him in a soft spot. It was the reason he still hoped he might stumble into the love thing. He didn’t like being alone. Which was problematic for someone who didn’t particularly like people. Still, was this reason enough to marry his best friend? “I think we need to look deeper. I feel like we’re missing some big issues. Getting married is a huge deal. You gave me one night to determine whether or not marrying you would destroy our lives or not.”

  “Fine. Let’s take the weekend to think it over. Seriously. We have a few more weeks to sign up for the trip. I don’t want you to feel rushed into anything.”

  He didn’t think more time was going to help, he was simply stalling. He’d spent the previous night tossing and turning, trying to figure out why he was even considering such a thing. He should have laughed it off the day before, but here he was, having a rational discussion about quickie divorces and open marriages.

  The truth was, a few years ago he’d never had any intention of getting married. Ever. Not because he was a guy afraid of commitment, but because he was a guy who had seen firsthand what happened when commitment didn’t work. Or worse, when one party thought it was working, while the other person was screwing their assistant at the office.

  He had a valid reason to want to avoid marriage at all costs. But yet he was seriously considering this with Jamie. Because the fear of spending his life alone outweighed the fear of betrayal. Maybe that was what made Jamie’s offer seem appealing. He knew she wouldn’t betray him. She was the worst liar on the planet, and usually confessed two seconds after her attempt.

  He trusted her.

  Maybe he was still considering it because it didn’t seem real, or maybe because he had nothing to lose. Neither of which were great reasons to go for it.

  They talked about other things for the rest of the day and focused on the job they’d just started. Neither of them mentioned getting married, but that didn’t mean they weren’t thinking about it.

  People had started with less in a marriage than what he and Jamie already had, and it worked for them. Who knew where they might end up?

  He spent the weekend coming up with reasons why this wouldn’t work. From how they would be expected to take vacation at the same time to what would happen if she did want to change partners on the job. Not to Duane, of course, but there were many other talented engineers.

  Each time he texted her one of his concerns, she texted back a rational resolution.

  In the end, logistics and reason weren’t part of the answer. He was up for hours on Sunday night, and finally fell asleep peacefully after making his decision.

  Chapter 5

  “Well?” Jamie asked the minute he walked into their office on Monday morning. She was a wreck, and for the life of her she wasn’t sure if she wanted him to say yes or no. What she didn’t want was for him to play games. But this was Wes, so of course he dragged it out.

  “Well, what?” He handed her a cup of coffee and a bag with a giant muffin inside. She wanted to shake him for toying with her.

  “You promised me you’d think about it and decide. Did you?”

  “We’re not even married yet and you’re already nagging me?” he said, a grin forming on his face. He’d said not married yet.

  “Does that mean we are getting married?” Air wouldn’t come and the last word came out in a breathy squeak.

  “If you ask me nicely.” He crossed his arms over his chest, waiting.

  “Wes, will you marry me?” She pressed her lips together to keep from busting up laughing as he made a show of thinking it over.

  “Yes.” He nodded and let out a sigh.

  “You could pretend to be a little excited about it.”

  “As long as you know I would be pretending.”

  “What was it that changed your mind?”

  “The promise that I wouldn’t be expected to bed you.” Her eyes went wide and he laughed at her expression. “I’m kidding. It was the part about growing old with someone. I don’t want to be old and alone. You don’t annoy the hell out of me, so I think it’s a good deal.” He smirked, which meant there was something more. “And part of me wants to see the look on Duane’s face when we announce it.”

  “Nothing better than marrying someone for spite.” She rolled her eyes.

  “Because marrying someone so you can go to a couples’ retreat is perfectly acceptable, Ms. Judgy.”

  “That will soon be Mrs.”

  “Are you taking my name?” he asked, looking a bit shocked.

  “Would you mind?” It would go a long way in making it more credible.

  “I hadn’t thought about it.” Surely there were still tons of things neither of them had thought about.

  “Jamie Archer has a nice ring to it,” she said. Her stomach fluttered with a strange feeling. She was either happy or getting the flu.

  Wes must have had a similar reaction if his expression was any indication. He coughed and nodded.

  “It sounds nice. It’s your call.”

  “It would be more believable.”

  “Oh. That reminds me. Here. I got you a ring. It’s official.” He shoved the ring on her finger. She was surprised by how perfectly it fit. She looked down at the ring and laughed. It was enormous.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “You couldn’t have found one that looked a little more realistic?” She held it up. “If this were real it would be like two carats, Wes.” He shrugged and turned away. “It better not turn my finger green.”

  She shouldn’t have made fun of him. Men generally took the attitude of go big, or go home. It was a nice gesture, and how would he know anything about women’s jewelry? In the five years they’d worked together, she’d only known him to go out a handful of times.

  And now he was going to marry her.

  She never really expected him to go along with it. He was usually more sensible than this. But now she was going be married. Married. Christ. What had she gotten them into?

  * * * *

  “Okay everyone, so we know what we’re doing. Let’s go do it.” Rob dismissed the Monday morning meeting and everyone jumped up to leave.

  Wes looked at the coward sitting next to him, otherwise known as his new fiancée. They’d only decided to go forward with the plan two hours ago, but they determined it would be better to announce it that morning since they would be getting married in only a few days. It made sense that he would make the announcement since she would either laugh or confess halfway through.

  “Excuse me,” he
called before anyone got to the door. Mixed looks of irritation, dismay, and curiosity gazed back at him as everyone moved back to the table. “Jamie and I have an announcement to make.” Boy, did they.

  Jamie stood up and stepped closer to him. He reached for her hand at the same time she reached for his. As planned.

  “Jamie and I are getting married.”

  “Holy shit!” Rob said as Neil elbowed Duane and said, “You owe me twenty bucks. I told you they were together.”

  Duane glared at Wes and shook his head. Wes thought seeing Duane’s disappointment would be a highlight of this whole plan, but his victory felt hollow since he knew it wasn’t real.

  And because he knew Jamie didn’t want to be with Duane anyway.

  “Congratulations,” Rob offered, looking around the room at the other stunned faces. “I’m quite shocked. I had no idea you were even dating. I mean I knew you were close, but I didn’t realize it had turned romantic. Good for you.”

  “Thank you,” Jamie answered, her voice sounding small next to him. He squeezed her hand, feeling the ring he’d given her dig into his finger.

  “When’s the big day?” Rob asked.

  “Actually, it’s this Friday,” Wes offered.

  All eyes moved down, as the group focused their gaze on Jamie’s stomach.

  “We were going to wait to have a big wedding this summer, but we just finished a project and thought it was the best time in our schedule.” Jamie had rehearsed this twice, and while her delivery seemed a little stiff, she managed to convince them.

  “We decided it was time to let the cat out of the bag.” Wes smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. That felt odd, so he dropped his arm and took her hand again. They should have practiced.

  “Well then”—Rob glanced around the group—“perfect timing. You won’t need to pass off any of your projects before you leave.”

  “Leave?” Wes questioned.

  “For your honeymoon. Surely you’re planning to take off next week for your honeymoon.” Jamie was already off next week to go to her father’s for vacation. Wes could take a vacation as well. He had plenty of time to take.

  “Oh, right. Yes. Our honeymoon.” Jamie looked up at him, guilt evident on her face. Was she already rethinking the plan? He gave her hand another squeeze and she snapped out of it.

  “We all wish you the best.”

  There was a moment of silence before everyone collectively moved for the door and the deed was done.

  He let go of her hand as they walked back to their office. Cindy, their assistant, was waiting outside their office when they arrived, her hands clasped in front of her and a big smile on her face.

  “I just heard the news. I’m so happy for you two,” she said, grabbing Jamie up in a hug before turning her affections on Wes. Cindy was very touchy, which made Wes nervous when she first came on board. He’d never been hugged much as a child. Now, he was used to her. And maybe even liked it. A little.

  “They asked me if I had any clue and I told them I didn’t, but of course I heard that comment the other week, and deep down I was hoping the two of you would fall in love. You’re so perfect for each other. So respectful of one another, and you get along so well. It makes sense that your relationship would have grown.” She was all aflutter with excitement.

  “We have a lot of stuff to get ready before the wedding on Friday.”

  “I just love weddings. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. I’d be more than happy to call a florist or schedule a dress fitting.”

  “We’re not having that kind of wedding. We’re just going to go to the justice of the peace.”

  “My Carl and I went to the JP too, but that doesn’t make it any less of a wedding. Do you have a pretty dress?”

  “I don’t—”

  “The green dress you wore to the Christmas party,” Wes said without thinking. She’d looked amazing in that dress.

  “It’s green.”

  “You looked great.”

  Her cheeks flushed and she looked away.

  Cindy backed him up. “He’s right. I remember that dress. The emerald looked so nice with your dark hair and eyes.”

  “I’m not looking forward to having my legs out.” They all chuckled.

  “You can wear your furry boots with the dress,” Wes suggested with a smile.

  “I’ll go look at your flower options. And you’ll need a cake.” Cindy was an awesome assistant because she saw what needed done and did it. Apparently wedding planning was no exception.

  Jamie’s face lit up. Of course she was better now that cake was involved.

  * * * *

  The rest of the week rushed by with plans for the wedding. Everyone got involved.

  Wednesday evening the guys took Wes out for a drink. It was the closest thing to a bachelor party they could have, considering they all needed to be at work the next day and their bosses were in attendance. Both Rob Blain and Mike Douglas were nothing but happy for him. The party was a lot of fun until he found himself at the bar with Duane Larkson by his side.

  “I asked you if you were in to her and you told me no,” the man accused.

  “It was complicated.”

  “That’s such bullshit. You made me look like an idiot. I thought she wasn’t in to me. I didn’t know what was wrong. But it wasn’t me. It was that she was with you.”

  Wes fought off the laughter. He wanted so badly to tell this asshole that it was him. That he didn’t have a shot with her because he was a punk. But that would reveal their secret and mess up their plans. “Sorry it didn’t work out the way you’d hoped,” was all Wes could offer.

  “More power to you. I’m never getting married. I work my ass off, and I’m not going to give half my money to someone else.”

  Money. Wes hated money. Well, not the money, but the power it had over things. The way it took over and became the most important thing. The only thing.

  Jamie wasn’t about money. She didn’t come from money. She was smart with the money she had, she didn’t live above her means. She paid her bills and didn’t overspend. She’d already told him they would keep their finances separate, and if they did get divorced they would each leave with what they had. He knew it wasn’t about that for her.

  Still . . . he finally had someone he could see himself with for the long run. Someone he could trust. A friend.

  When he got back to his apartment, he pulled out his financial reports and looked them over. For the last five years, Jamie had worked next to him, not knowing what he had hidden away in his bank accounts.

  Was it time for her to find out?

  * * * *

  Benjamin Archer barely had time to look out his window at the Central Park view from his office. One hundred forty-two emails sat unread in his inbox and it was only ten a.m. But when his phone rang on Thursday, and his brother’s name popped up on the display, he answered immediately.

  “Hey, Wes.”

  “Hey, Benji.”

  He hated that nickname, but being the younger brother meant enduring whatever awful endearment his older brother used. “How’s things going?”

  “Great.” Ben surveyed his desk full of papers and frowned. He wasn’t great. Not at all. But he was doing his best. He liked the work, it was the fact that he was doing the work and not getting the credit for it. He wasn’t the CEO of Archer Worldwide, though he completed all the duties of the job.

  When his father died six years ago, everyone assumed Wes would take over, but something had happened before that. Ben didn’t know why Wes had suddenly packed up and moved to Boston to work for another firm, turning his back on the family company. Their father never mentioned it and neither had Wes.

  And then their father had died and Wes refused to come home. He said he liked where he was and didn’t want to move.


  Uncle Rich took over as acting CEO in Wes’s absence, but it was Ben who took care of running the company, while their mother fussed and complained about every decision he made.

  He’d never been good enough for her. He’d never been Wes.

  “What’s up? I have tons of shit to do.”

  “Sorry.” He heard the layers of guilt in his brother’s voice, which made him feel guilty too. Damn it.

  “Isn’t Uncle Rich pulling his weight?”

  “I was going to call you about that this week. He’s made some comments to people about retiring. He wants out by the spring so he can work on his golf game. That means you’re going to need to make a decision. I can only hold things together for so long.”

  “Maybe it’s time to look outside the company,” he suggested.

  “Wes, I’m not sure what happened with you and Dad, but is it worth throwing your family’s legacy into the hands of a stranger?” God, had he just used the words family legacy? He was turning into their mother.

  Silence. Not the angry kind, but the thinking kind. This was good. Ben just needed to make Wes think.

  “Take some time to really think this over. Don’t rush into a decision because you’re angry at Dad. Don’t punish me for something he did.”

  “It’s been nearly six years and I haven’t changed my mind yet.”

  “I know, but it hasn’t been on the line before. Rich was here to take up the slack. I’m already doing way too much to do any of it well. Rich might not have announced his retirement, but he’s letting things slide off of his plate onto mine.”

  “Why don’t they hire someone to help you?”

  “Because it’s more cost effective to make me do everything. Besides, Mother doesn’t want anyone else steering the company.”

  “But you’re supposed to be the vice president of operations.”

  “Yes. I am. I’m also the project manager. The director of marketing, the director of operations, and since Mother makes me review payroll so no one cheats us, I’m the director of human resources.”

  “I’m sorry. If there was something I could do . . .”

  Besides coming to New York to fill the role left vacant by our deceased father. Ben could hear the rest of the sentence as clearly as if Wes had actually spoken the words.