The Tie That Binds

by Maura, Catharina

  The way his t-shirt stretches over his muscles barely leaves anything to the imagination. I wonder which is worse, the tight t-shirt or nothing at all. Both are torture, that’s for sure. Daniel looks up and catches me staring at him like a total pervert. I look away and pray my cheeks aren’t flaming as I walk towards the sofa.

  “You changed,” he says. I look down at my outfit and clutch my fluffy robe. I showered and put on one of my favourite jammies but I wasn’t sure if it would be inappropriate for me to walk around the house half naked, so I threw on my trusty old fluffy bathrobe.

  “Ah yeah, so did you,” I say, my eyes lingering on his muscular arms. It’s a shame he covers them up with suits every day.

  I sit down next to him somewhat awkwardly. The sofa is huge and I’m not entirely sure where I’m supposed to sit. Sitting too far away from him would be awkward and potentially rude, but so is sitting too close.

  “I— I like the glasses,” I stammer. Daniel blinks as though he forgot he was wearing them and pushes them up. He looks at me and smiles, and my heart skips another beat. How can a man be adorable and hot at the same time?

  I clear my throat to distract myself from my own thoughts and peek at what he’s working on. He shuffles closer to me and throws his arm around my shoulder, pulling me to his side. I glance at him in surprise but he keeps his eyes on his documents. I lean into him and get comfortable against him, putting my feet up like he has.

  “What is this?” I ask, not recognising the documents.

  He turns to look at me, his face far closer to mine than either of us expected. He pauses, his eyes dropping to my lips for just a second before he turns back to the papers in his hand.

  “It’s for Devereaux Inc. My mother can hold her own as CEO, but every once in a while I actually have to put some work in as the CFO. This year I want to focus on tightening our internal controls, but it isn’t easy. I’m thinking of hiring a team from DM Consultancy to implement the strategy I have in mind.”

  I look at him in awe. I remember he used to come in around noon when my father was still his co-CEO. I guess he spent his mornings working for Devereaux Inc while he spent his afternoons at DM. Since my father passed away he’s been handling DM all by himself. He’s usually the first to get in and the last to leave, so how has he been getting everything done for both of his jobs?

  “How can I help?” I ask, suddenly feeling guilty. Daniel hooks his arm around my neck and pulls me closer to kiss the top of my head.

  “You can help me by training as hard as you can. Within one or two years or so you’ll be able to take over as my co-CEO. Who knows, you might even want to be the sole CEO.”

  I frown. Me becoming Daniel’s co-CEO means our marriage would come to an end. If the idea of that happening is already unappealing now then how will I feel in two years?

  14

  I stand next to Daniel as he cooks dinner. The two of us have been in our own little bubble for the last couple of weeks and I’ve loved every second of it. I’ve never lived with a man other than my dad, and I didn’t realise it’d be so.. exciting. Catching Daniel in half undressed states has become my new hobby. My favourite is when he comes from the gym, his body slick with sweat. Daniel making breakfast in the morning half naked is a close second though.

  I stare at him suspiciously as he chops up vegetables but it looks like he actually really knows what he’s doing. “You know, I’ve never eaten dinner that you’ve made, but you’ve had dinner made by me so many times, both at my house and here.”

  Daniel grins at me. “Guess I’ve got some making up to do, huh?”

  I nod seriously. “I think you should tackle dinner this week and I’ll do breakfast. Deal?”

  Daniel pretends to think it over and nods. He’s so different in his own home. So much more relaxed. I didn’t even realise he was uncomfortable at his mother’s, but the difference is obvious now.

  “Are you going to hover over me or are you actually going to be helpful?”

  I giggle and shrug. “Hover.”

  Daniel shakes his head and throws the peppers in the pan. I never thought watching a man slice vegetables could be hot. Turns out it is if Daniel does it.

  “I liked the pink apron better on you.”

  He’s wearing a neat black one that only makes him look more handsome. It isn’t fair. He shouldn’t be allowed to be a good cook and handsome as well.

  “Buy me one and I’ll wear it if you put it on for me, but you’d better get yourself a matching one too.”

  I laugh. “Joke’s on you. I like pink.”

  Daniel laughs too and shakes his head. “No you don’t. You hate pink, thoroughly dislike purple and you love maroon.”

  I stare at him in surprise. How does he know that? He looks away and tosses the vegetables in the pan like a total pro. I’m beyond impressed. I thought I was a good cook but I definitely don’t have the same skills he does.

  “Is it weird that I kinda hope the food won’t taste good? It’s just unfair if you’re an amazing cook too.”

  He frowns. “What do you mean?”

  I shake my head. “Never mind. Doesn’t matter.”

  He looks at me funny and shakes his head. “Come here,” he tells me. I move closer and Daniel hooks his arm around my waist to pull me to him.

  “Stir this for me while I crack the eggs,” he says. I melt into him and nod. He smiles down at me and it looks like neither one of us wants to let go of the other. I’ve loved all of these small touches. At Mary’s Daniel would throw his arm around me if we watched TV together but that’s about it. Here in our own space he’s far more comfortable. He’s been touching me without even realising it and spooned me on the sofa last night when he fell asleep while we watched a movie. I find myself wanting more of his little touches.

  I take the spoon from him and purse my lips in disappointment when he lets go of me to grab the eggs.

  He walks back and stands behind me. I’m startled when he reaches around me to break the eggs. He’s essentially hugging me from the back and I’m tempted to lean back so my head rests on his chest.

  When he’s done cracking the eggs he takes a step closer so his body is flush against mine. My heart is racing and I’m blushing fiercely, but thankfully he can’t tell. He puts his hand on top of mine and stirs the vegetables leisurely. My heart beating loudly and I’m hyperaware of his movements. How would he respond if I turn around now and press my lips against his? Would he kiss me back?

  I turn around and place my hands on his chest. His entire body feels strong and I can’t help but wonder what his naked body would feel like on top of me. I bite down on my lip and look up at him. His expression is heated. Is he feeling what I’m feeling?

  Daniel tears his eyes away from mine and takes a step back. He smiles at me without a single trace of lust and I force myself to swallow down my disappointment.

  “Dinner’s done,” he whispers. I nod and escape the kitchen under the guise of setting the table. By the time he’s joined me at the dining table I’ve got my raging heart under control. I haven’t felt this type of crazy attraction since I was a teenager. Surely he must be feeling it too?

  “I wonder if it’ll be as good as it looks. Where did you even learn your mad knife skills? Food channel?”

  Daniel bursts out laughing and shakes his head. “No, I took some cooking classes when I moved out of my mother’s house. It was that or eat Mac and cheese every day.”

  I take a cautious bite of the stir fry he cooked us and moan. “Holy shit. This is amazing!”

  Daniel looks at me with wide eyes and bites down on his lips. He looks down shyly and I can’t help but giggle.

  “Really, it’s awesome.”

  “Hmm,” he says, his eyes twinkling. “You know, I could probably get away with not working tonight. We could watch a movie, and I promise I won’t fall asleep this time.”

  I smile at him, already knowing he’s definitely going to fall asleep. “Okay but I get to pick th
e movie,” I say.

  Daniel shakes his head indulgently and I know it’s because I always get to pick the movies.

  “How about Star Wars?” he asks. I frown. “That’s a trick question. Which episode? Original trilogy or the prequel? Or any of the newer ones?”

  Daniel grins at me. “How about The Empire Strikes Back?”

  I stare at him in surprise. I didn’t think he could get any more perfect but looks like he can. Did he know that one’s my favourite?

  “Hmm, well, I guess we can,” I murmur, trying to hide my immense excitement. I know every single line of the movie and I’m definitely going to struggle to not talk along.

  I’m almost jumping with joy when Daniel puts the movie on after dinner. Daniel sits down in his usual seat and I literally jump and shriek when the iconic intro starts to play. I jump onto the sofa like an excited little kid and Daniel chuckles. He hooks his arm around my neck and pulls me into him. He shifts so that he’s spooning me the way he did when he fell asleep on the sofa last night.

  It’s a good thing he suggested a movie I’ve seen a million times because there’s no way I could focus on it while his arm is wrapped around me, his fingers only an inch away from the underside of my breasts. I’m tempted to squirm so I can push my body flush against his and move his fingers to where I want them, but I’m scared he’ll pull away if I do that. It drives me crazy that I can feel his body right behind me, so close but just barely not touching me.

  I try my best to focus on Yoda as he messes with Luke, right before he decides to train him, but I can feel Daniel’s breath on my neck. He lowers his cold nose to my neck and my eyes fall closed. He gently traces a line from behind my ear to the middle of my neck. I almost stop breathing when he presses his lips to my neck, kissing me so gently I might not even have noticed if I wasn’t so hyperaware of him.

  I’m breathing erratically and eager for more. I’m about to turn around so I end up in his arms when he brushes his lips against my ear, eliciting a shiver from me.

  “Baby, your phone has been ringing non-stop. Maybe you should check who it is,” he whispers. It takes me a couple of seconds to realise what he even said. My brain is still stuck on him calling me baby in such a husky voice. I sit up and grab my phone in annoyance, which makes way for surprise when I realise Dominic has called me nine times. Daniel looks over my shoulders and tenses when he sees who’s ringing me.

  He sits up and crosses his arms as I pick up the call. “Hey, what’s up?” I ask, somewhat annoyed that he’s interrupting us, even though all we were doing is watching a movie.

  “Why didn’t you pick up? God, I’ve called you like twenty times. Where are you?”

  I lean back and drop my head on Daniel’s shoulder. He’s still tense and unlike usual, he doesn’t put his arm around my shoulder.

  “I’m home. Where else would I be on a Sunday night?”

  Dominic sighs. “You’re not home. I dropped by your house and the security said you haven’t been there in weeks. I dropped by the coffee shop you go to as well, couldn’t find you.”

  I glance at Daniel but he’s staring at the TV screen and ignores me. “Yeah, I’m at the downtown apartment, I mean. Not my dad’s place.”

  Dominic scoffs. “You mean you’re at Daniel’s? Since when is your dad’s place not your home? When did Daniel’s apartment become your home? You’ve only been there for what, three weeks?”

  I grit my teeth, annoyed. “Anyway, what’s up?” I ask, eager to end this conversation already. I’m not sure what it is that’s rubbing me the wrong way, but I’m annoyed.

  “Lucy and I had a huge argument. I’m at the hotel bar we always go to. Will you come have a drink with me?”

  I look at Daniel who’s pretending to watch the movie when he’s clearly focused on my conversation and I just want to stay home with him. I want to go back to three minutes ago when he had his lips against my skin. What would’ve happened if Dominic hadn’t called?

  “Please, Lyss. I need you,” Dominic pleads. I haven’t heard him sound so distressed in a long time.

  I sigh and close my eyes. “Yeah, of course. I’ll be there in twenty minutes or so, okay?”

  Daniel clenches his jaw but doesn’t say a thing. He seems tense as I hang up the phone and it makes me hesitate.

  “I— Dominic called—“

  He cuts me off before I even get my explanation out and shakes his head, a humourless chuckle escaping his lips.

  “Let me guess. My little brother called and you’re going running?”

  I frown at him. “It isn’t like that. He seems distressed about something. I’m just going to check up on him.”

  Daniel nods at me and turns back to the TV, dismissing me. I run a hand through my hair and make my way to my bedroom to change. I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. I’ll let someone down whether I go or not.

  15

  The doorman stops me before I enter the bar and looks at me apologetically. “I’m sorry miss, we don’t allow anyone in with trainers on. Our dress code is smart casual.”

  I look down at my outfit. I threw on jeans with a black tee and my trusty old converse. I probably look like a teenager trying to sneak in.

  I stare at the intricate logo of the hotel and rummage through my bag to find my wallet. I fish out the black card Daniel gave me and show it to him.

  “Does this help?” I ask him. He stares at it and speaks into his headphone quietly. Within a minute someone comes running up with a tablet that has an inbuilt card reader. He swipes the card and stares at the screen in disbelief for a couple of seconds before he hands it back to me. I’m oddly nervous. What if it shows Daniel’s name and they think I stole the card?

  The man hands me my card back with two hands, as though it’s precious. “I apologise, Mrs. Devereaux,” he says, bowing his head. I blink in surprise. Mrs. Devereaux? I bite down my smile. The sound of that gives me butterflies. I guess the system shows that I’m Daniel’s wife.

  “Please show the card to the bartender as well. He’ll put all your drinks and anything else you wish to consume on your tab. Our kitchen is also at your disposal should you wish the have a late dinner.”

  I glance at my watch and frown. It’s almost 10pm. Surely their kitchen is closed now? I thank the doorman and walk in. I walk to the end of the room and find Dominic sitting in our usual spot. I smile at the bartender and order myself a cup of tea and Dominic some water. He looks at me with raised brows but nods nonetheless.

  “You’re here,” Dominic says. He smiles and his eyes light up. I’m surprised when the sight that used to make me feel all giddy doesn’t even stir my heart.

  “You look like shit, Nic.” His eyes are red and he’s got bags underneath his eyes. Looks like he hasn’t been sleeping much.

  Dominic looks at me and laughs. “I missed you,” he murmurs.

  “You saw me a few days ago.”

  Daniel shakes his head. “No, I mean, I’ve missed you these last few months. We’ve barely spoken and I know it’s my own fault.”

  I sit in silence. I don’t know how to respond to that. I don’t want to agree with him, because I don’t want to make him feel even worse, but it’s true. He hasn’t been there, even when he was physically present.

  “So what happened?” I ask.

  Dominic sips the water I gave him and looks away. “She’s really insecure and keeps accusing me of cheating when I’ve been nothing but loyal. But then she’ll ogle Daniel all the time. She’s been to our house every single day that he was there, always hanging around him and trying to talk to him. I’ve seen the way she’s looks at him. The way you both look at him. I mean yeah, he’s so much more muscular than me, but then she’s my girlfriend, you know? She hasn’t come over the last few weekends, and it just so happens to coincide with me telling her Daniel moved out. I thought maybe she was just insecure about you being there, but I didn’t actually tell her you moved out too.”

  I’m at a loss for wo
rds. I also thought she was far too interested in Daniel and I didn’t like the way she looked at him, but I thought that maybe I was just being possessive. That it might’ve been in my head.

  “Do you think things might get better once she feels more secure in your relationship?”

  Dominic looks down, dejected. “I don’t know, you know. This is the first time I’ve given a relationship all I could, and it just doesn’t seem like it’s enough. Seems like I’m not enough. I just have this weird feeling. I’m hoping it’s just jealousy. Maybe I’m just jealous that she seemed to find Daniel attractive.”

  I nod. I usually have great advice for him, but today I truly don’t know what to say.

  “Good communication is key, Nic. You should tell her how you feel and explain to her how her behaviour makes you feel. It sounds like you’re already doing all the right things, but maybe you should talk to her more too.”

  Daniel looks at me in wonder. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

  It’s almost like he didn’t expect me to give him any good advice at all. Surely he doesn’t think so lowly of me that he’d think I’d drive a wrench between them when he’s already down in the dumps.

  “Sometimes I wonder, you know. What if your confession last year hadn’t scared me? What if I hadn’t been so scared to lose you? What if I’d had the courage to love you the way you deserve to be loved?”

  I look away. These are words I longed to hear a mere few months ago, but things are different now. The way he treated me shortly after my father died changed the way I feel about him. It made me realise how young and selfish Dominic still is. I doubt I was even in love with him. I guess it was more infatuation than anything else.

  “There’s no point in wondering, Nic. I was drunk. I wasn’t even being serious. Besides, I’m married to your brother now. If anything was going to happen between us it would’ve happened long before I married Daniel. You made the right call. If you and I hooked up we would’ve both regretted it.”