“We should get some sleep, Nora,” he said and started pulling up his boxers and pants. She watched him as he clasped his belt and started buttoning up his shirt. The last thing she wanted to do was sleep. She wanted more. She wanted him again already, but Theo stood up from the couch.
Nora suddenly felt more naked than she did when he was plowing into her. She felt exposed and vulnerable and started dressing herself. Theo had his back turned to her, as he stood by the window looking out as she dressed herself.
“Nora, you were feeling vulnerable tonight and I’m sorry if I took advantage of that,” he said, turning to her as she ran a hand through her hair to smoothen it into place. She shook her head and tried to smile.
“This is what I wanted, Theo. You didn’t take advantage of anything,” she said in a small weak voice. He thrust his hands into the pockets of his pants and nodded his head.
“I’ll sleep here. We can go see Andy in the morning when you’re ready,” he said and she nodded her head.
She walked dejectedly upstairs to her bedroom, thinking about how good it had felt when he had commanded her to get on her knees. She should have been happy for getting what she had always wanted. But she didn’t. Now that she had him once, she knew she would want him forever. She could never get over him now.
Chapter 17
“Dad! How are you?” Nora’s father was awake and eating jello in his hospital bed when they arrived.
“Nora!” he said in a soft voice and she thought she detected a groan. Theo was standing behind her, but his presence was strong in the room. They hadn’t spoken much since they woke up and he’d even refused to shower or change before they came to the hospital.
Andy hugged his daughter as tight as he could and then beamed at his best friend.
“Theodor Heffernan!” he said jovially and Theo stepped up to him, and Nora felt the brush of his arm against hers which made her flinch with desire. She felt guilt coursing through her veins as she watched her father hug him and now she was certain that he hadn’t heard or suspected anything. The stroke had been entirely of natural causes.
“I was eating with you two and the next thing I remember, I was sitting up in bed and not being able to breathe,” her father said and Nora stood by him, looking down at him lovingly.
“You had a stroke, dad,” she said, placing a hand on his shoulder and he looked up at her with tired eyes.
“So they tell me. I was very lucky that you still hadn’t left, Theo,” he said, turning to his friend again. Nora felt her cheeks flush and she avoided looking at Theo beside her.
“I was just about to leave and we heard you groan and rushed upstairs,” Theo said and her father patted his heart.
“As bad as it was, it was good timing nonetheless,” Andy said and Nora couldn’t help but steal a glance at Theo now. He looked exhausted and clearly hadn’t slept well. Just like she hadn’t been able to keep her eyes shut longer than a few seconds the previous night. His stubble looked darker and she could see the lines of tiredness around his eyes.
“You’re a trooper, Andy. You’ll come out of this stronger,” Theo said, thumping his friend’s back and Nora delighted in watching her father laugh whole heartedly.
“Stronger and hopefully with a lack of appetite! The doctors tell me that I have to start watching what I eat,” he said and Nora stroked her father’s shoulder.
“And how much you eat,” she said in a mock-scolding voice. Her father looked up at her, smiled and then nodded his head.
“I’m sorry if this has inconvenienced you, honey. You were supposed to be on a vacation,” he said and Nora shook her head and patted her dad’s shoulder.
“It’s no inconvenience, dad. I want to stay a while longer. I called the office this morning and told them not to expect me back anytime soon,” she said and her father’s eyes widened.
“Wouldn’t that cost you?” he asked and Nora shrugged, aware the whole time that Theo was staring at her. She hadn’t told him all this yet, because she didn’t want to see the look on his face. She knew he wanted her to leave town as soon as possible, so that they wouldn’t be tempted again. But now with her father’s condition, she had to stay.
“I’ll deal with that when I get back to New York. For now, I’m here with you,” she said and kissed the top of her father’s head.
Andy patted his daughter’s hand and she sat down on the chair beside him.
“Andy, I’m sorry but I have to attend an important meeting,” Theo said, looking apologetically at her father.
“Go, go! You look like you need a shower anyway,” he replied and Theo leaned over to squeeze his shoulder.
“Take care of yourself. I’ll come see you in the evening again,” he said, and the two of them smiled heartily at each other.
“And Nora, call me if you need anything. Anything at all,” he said, turning to her abruptly. She colored immediately, because an image of him behind her, ramming into her popped up in her head.
“Yeah, sure, I will,” she stammered and Theo was gone from the room in a flash. She turned to her father with a gulp, already feeling her body physically withdraw because of Theo’s absence.
“I’m seriously glad that Theo was there last night, honey,” her father said, interrupting her thoughts. Nora shook her head and smiled.
“Yeah, he was a big help. I didn’t know what to do when I saw you like that. I panicked and froze. Theo was thinking on his feet and he performed CPR on you,” Nora said, still smiling encouragingly at her father.
“He’s a good man. He really is…and a good friend. People tend to think he’s arrogant and stuffy, but for me he always shows up you know? I can rely on him blindfolded,” he continued and Nora felt the hairs on the back of her neck prick up. Hearing her father speak about Theo, praise the man she loved…it filled her with joy. Even though she couldn’t confide in him what had happened after they went back home.
“I know, dad. You are both lucky to have each other in your lives,” Nora said instead and Andy took in a deep breath and sighed.
“And I’m lucky to have a daughter like you. You make me so proud and everything I’ve done in life has been worth it because of you, honey,” he said and they held hands. Nora’s eyes filled with tears as she smiled at him, happy that he was there in front of her and that she could hear his voice again. She didn’t even want to think about what she had felt the night before; how close she had come to losing him.
“Anyway, I hope I’ve taught you your manners and you’ve thanked Theo properly,” he said, half-jokingly and Nora’s cheeks flushed again.
“Yes, I have daddy,” she said.
Chapter 18
Nora stopped by the local cafe the next morning, on her way to visit her dad in the hospital. She was waiting for the barista to whip up her cappuccino, when Violet Heffernan entered the cafe. Nora’s muscles stiffened instantly and she turned with her back facing the door, because she couldn’t bear to talk to Theo’s wife in that moment.
“Hello…Lucy!” she heard Violet’s sultry yet high-pitched voice and kept her back turned. Then she felt a tap on her shoulder and had no other option but to turn around.
“Aren’t you Lucy? The girl sitting in her lingerie with my husband?” Violet said, with a broad grin on her face. She had spoken loud enough for other people in the cafe to hear and Nora felt embarrassed.
“My name is Nora,” she said to her, trying to smile despite the rage that was coursing through her veins. So, Violet had noticed her that day, and had taken note of what she was wearing! That nonchalance was an act.
“Sure, Nora…but it is you!” Violet said and placed her perfectly manicured hands on her hips. Nora noticed the luxurious golden hued makeup she was wearing. The patent leather handbag dangling from the crook of her elbow. The high heels and tight dress. She was jealous of Violet of course, but she was also angry at her.
“Wait here. I’m going to grab a coffee. We should get to know each other,” Violet said and before N
ora could reply, she had turned and walked to the lady taking the coffee orders. Nora’s cappuccino arrived and keeping a firm eye on Violet, she sat down at a small table by the window.
She had no interest in getting to know Violet anymore. She had made her judgments about the woman well enough and yet she was curious now. She watched as Violet paid for her coffee and then weaved through the tables towards her and sat down with a graceful thump.
“So, Nora. How are you darling?” she asked, smoothening her dress as she crossed her endless legs under the table. Nora was in an old floral printed chiffon dress that reached her ankles. She hadn’t bothered with any makeup and was wearing simple leather sandals. She felt underdressed and unattractive as she sat in front of Violet.
“I’m well. How are you?” Nora asked, sipping her cappuccino. Violet’s black coffee arrived in a mug and was placed in front of her and Nora noticed how the woman didn’t bother thanking the waitress.
“I returned from a trip and found my husband missing from the house,” she said and leaned over the table conspiratorially. “Tell me, dear Nora, did you have something to do about his disappearance?” Violet asked, her voice dripping with forced humor. From her eyes, Nora could tell that the woman wasn’t exactly making a joke and was entirely serious.
“Not exactly. My dad suffered a stroke and Theo helped me bring him to the hospital,” Nora replied, holding Violet’s fiery gaze.
“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that dear,” Violet said, pouting her lips. “Is he alive?” she added and Nora flinched from her choice of words.
“Yes. He is in recovery,” she replied curtly and Violet sat back in her chair, stirring a wooden spoon in her coffee even though she hadn’t added any milk or sugar to it. Nora watched the motion, wondering what else she could possibly have to say to her.
“And did you both stay in the hospital?” she asked and Nora took in a deep breath.
“No, he stayed in the house to keep me company. My dad and him are best friends. Although, wouldn’t it be a good idea to speak to your husband directly?” Nora asked and Violet puckered her lips and smiled.
“It wouldn’t be this much fun though will it? I’m enjoying watching you squirm and wriggle in your chair, darling,” she replied and Nora did her very best to not roll her eyes at the woman.
“I really should get going. My dad is in the hospital,” Nora said and tried to stand up but Violet had clasped her hand on Nora’s wrist, forcing her to sit back down again. Violet’s eyes had narrowed and that sarcastic smile had disappeared from her face.
“My husband and I have an understanding. I look beautiful and he has to remain faithful,” Violet hissed, while Nora tried to wriggle her wrist out of her grip. “We’ve been married for seven years darling, and Theo has never cheated on me once. I’m not going to allow some twenty-something to come in and scoop his attention,” she said and Nora finally managed to tug her hand out of her grasp.
“You need to speak with your husband, Violet,” she said, standing up from her chair with a jerk. Violet rolled her eyes and that grin formed on her face again.
“And you should stay away from my husband,” she said in a snarly voice, loud enough for everyone in the cafe to hear. Nora looked up at the people who were looking at her from the corner of their eyes. A few of them were familiar locals and she colored deeply. Grabbing her coffee cup off the table, she clenched her jaw at Violet…debating whether to say more. Then she decided against it, turned and stormed out of the cafe.
She rushed to her dad’s parked car and got in, banging the door shut behind her. She sat, breathing hard for a few moments, trying to regain her composure. As much as she hated Violet and as embarrassed as she was, the truth was that Theo was somebody else’s husband. Bound to her by law if not by love. And she had slept with him.
Nora started the car and drove to the hospital, furious and embarrassed the whole way and now regretting her decision to remain in town a while longer. Now that some time had passed since that fateful night, she was beginning to realize that there was no hope for Theo and her and that she should be anywhere else but here.
Chapter 19
She brought her dad back home four days later, and it had been nearly a week since she last saw Theo. Nora could sense that he had been avoiding her. Every time she left the hospital and returned, her dad said that Theo had visited him. It was almost like he’d been keeping an eye on the hospital to make note of when she wasn’t going to be there, so that he wouldn’t have to bump into her.
Now that her dad was back in the house, Theo had practically no choice but to see her again. Nora opened the door when he knocked that evening, and he was standing on the other side with his hands thrust into the pockets of his jeans.
Nora felt a wave of emotions when she saw him. She was relieved and excited to see him, instantly aroused by just his sight and at the same time she was embarrassed and angry.
“Hello, Nora. You look well,” Theo said in his usual deep smooth voice which prickled her skin.
“Hi,” she replied meekly and tucked some of her blond hair behind her ears.
“How is Andy?” he asked, stepping into the house and Nora closed the door behind him. She was in a loose navy striped t-shirt and was wearing small denim cutoffs underneath. She noticed how his eyes travelled down her legs and back up again. He couldn’t help himself, just like she couldn’t help staring at him either. Now she knew exactly how his body moved, how his skin felt against hers, the strength in his grip…she gulped.
“Dad is fine. He’s in his bedroom now, with the TV on. The doctors have advised him to take it easy for a few days,” she said, following Theo into the living room.
“You’ll have to enforce the rules around here,” he said with a casual smile and their eyes locked and Nora looked away. She couldn’t stop herself from blushing while he stared at her, drinking her in.
“Nora, I’m sorry I’ve been avoiding you these past few days,” he said and she shook her head, trying to make him think she didn’t care as much as she did. “But I needed time away from you to think and clear my head. Do you understand?” he spoke like he was speaking to a child and Nora glared at him. She didn’t need him to explain what was happening. She knew already!
“I spoke to your wife. Or rather, she spoke to me,” Nora said and folded her arms over her breasts. She noticed the way he followed her movement and his gaze settled on her breasts for a moment and then he looked away again.
“Violet spoke to you? Where?” he asked, crossing his brows.
“We bumped into each other at the cafe and she insisted that we have a little chat,” Nora said and Theo took in a deep breath.
“What did she say?” he asked and Nora could already see the rising anger in his eyes.
“She suspects that something happened between us on the night that dad had his stroke. And she threatened me to stay away from you,” Nora said and saw that Theo was now clenching his fists and his jaws. He was pissed off.
“She is vile,” he said through gritted teeth and shook his head. “I’ve lost count of how many men she’s slept with over the course of our marriage,” he said and Nora’s eyes grew large. That wasn’t what she was expecting to hear.
“Violet’s cheated on you?” she asked and Theo threw her an angry look.
“At least a dozen times, as far as I know,” he replied and Nora felt confused again.
“And you both are still together!” she said and Theo gritted his teeth.
“I keep forgiving her and she keeps begging for forgiveness. Not that what happened between us is somehow all right just because Violet cheats on me,” he said and Nora gulped. She could feel her heart beating fast, her knees feeling weak. What gave him the right to be this righteous? Why couldn’t he for once do what felt right and not what he thought was the right thing to do?!
“Theo…I…” she began to say, with a tear rising in her voice and he threw her another threatening look.
“I’ll deal with
Violet, don’t worry. I’ll make sure she never harasses you again, Nora,” he said in a kinder voice and she shook her head. Facing harassment from Violet was not the problem. The problem was that she didn’t want to stay away from him. The past four days when she didn’t see him was torture, and he didn’t seem to understand.
“Okay, but…” she tried to say again but Theo interrupted her.
“You don’t have to worry, Nora. I’m sorry about all this,” he said and stepped towards her. Nora’s heart raced in her chest as she anticipated being in his arms again. She stepped towards him too and when they were inches away, they heard footsteps on the stairs.
“Theo, is that you? Come look at the tray of medications I’m supposed to be taking!” her father’s voice blew in and Theo backed away from her.
“Be right up, Andy!” Theo called out, keeping his eyes locked with hers. She bit down on her lip, suppressing a cry of anguish as she watched him walking away from her.
“Take care of yourself, Nora,” he said before he left the room.
She sank down on the couch. The very one they had made love on and she could hear his voice upstairs as he laughed with her father. She covered her face with both hands as she tried to think what the best thing to do would be. Leave, that would be the best option.
Chapter 20
Mr. and Mrs. Miller came to visit her dad at the house the next day, and while her husband was upstairs chatting, Juliet Miller came down to the kitchen to help Nora with the coffee and cookies.
“How are you doing, Nora?” Juliet asked, and Nora smiled and nodded her head.
“I’m fine, thank you, just glad that dad is recovering so well,” Nora replied and when she turned around, she found the older woman staring at her with narrowed eyes. She could sense that something was up, but the fact didn’t strike her immediately.
“Nora, I want you to know that you can confide in me. I know you’ve always felt the absence of a mother in your life, but it would make me very happy if you felt free to talk to me about anything,” Juliet said and Nora crossed her brows and then shook her head.
Unwrapped by The Billionaire Page 7