The Wandering Caravan (Forever and Always #8)

by E. L. Todd

  “Any scratches?” Sean asked.

  “No…”

  He eyed me. “Anything else?”

  “I got pulled over by a cop.”

  His eyes widened. “Speeding?”

  “No…”

  Ryan laughed loudly.

  “Then what?” Sean asked.

  I looked at Monnique and smiled. “Public obscenity.”

  Sean looked disgusted. “Fucker.”

  Ryan laughed again. “He beat me to the punch.”

  “Which seat?” he asked.

  “Driver.”

  “Fucking gross,” Sean said.

  “Did you get a ticket?” Scarlet asked.

  “No,” I said. “I dropped your last name and he let me go. But…he intends on telling Andrew and Diane.”

  An explosion happened behind Scarlet’s eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

  I shrugged. “Sorry.”

  “Diane is going to make me divorce Sean now.”

  “She could hold a gun to my head and I still wouldn’t do it,” Sean snapped.

  “Too bad you signed that prenup,” Janice said.

  Sean shook his head. “Baby, let’s go before I kill your friend.”

  “Okay.” She hooked her arm through his. “What car did you get anyway?”

  We all waited for him to answer, smiles on our faces.

  Sean looked uncomfortable. “A Ferrari…”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Aren’t those cars ridiculously expensive?”

  Sean shrugged. “In a manner of speaking…”

  Scarlet sighed. “First, the house. Then, the bracelet. Now the car…”

  Sean pulled her close. “I wouldn’t buy these things unless I could afford them, baby. I’ve always wanted a Ferrari.”

  She sighed. “I can’t tell you what to do with your money, but don’t you dare buy me one.” She walked out the front door then disappeared.

  Sean turned back and gave me the eye. “Now I may have to buy a new one anyway.”

  When he closed the door, we started laughing again.

  11

  Sean

  When I woke up the next morning, I got ready for my first day of work. I wore my brand new Armani suit and tie, fixed my hair until it was perfect, and wore my most expensive Rolex. My workers would know who was in charge.

  When I went downstairs, Scarlet had breakfast on the table. Pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, toast, juice and coffee. She smiled at me when I came in then grabbed my tie. “You look really sexy.” Her hand pressed against my chest then moved down, feeling the muscles and lines. Now I didn’t want to leave. She gave me a gentle kiss. “I hope you’re hungry.”

  I eyed her body. “I’m fucking starving.”

  Her eyes smoldered at my words but she didn’t take the bait. She pulled out the chair for me and let me sit down. She was going out of her way to make sure my morning went smoothly. And I appreciated it. I was thankful she stayed home all day. Now I didn’t have to worry about her. We were getting a state-of-the-art alarm system installed, so I could lock my wife away and know she was safe. But right now, she had her family to look after her in my absence.

  Scarlet put my bag on the counter, the same one I used when I worked at my old firm. It brought back memories of our relationship before we were lovers. I was glad the playfulness between us hadn’t disappeared. She placed a sack lunch next to it. “I didn’t know what your lunch plans were, but here’s a sandwich and some fruit if you get hungry. You don’t have to eat it.”

  “Of course I will.” I pulled her to my lips and kissed her. “Thank you for doing all that.”

  She smiled then rubbed my shoulders gently before she returned to the kitchen. I shoveled the food into my mouth until my plate was empty. Cortland joined me a moment later, wearing a suit. He scarfed his food down quicker than I did.

  “Can I still get a ride?” he asked.

  I glared at him. “I suppose.”

  He smiled. “If you weren’t going to have sex in that car, somebody should.”

  “Oh believe me. I’ll be having plenty of sex in that thing.”

  Scarlet cleared her throat. “I know I eat hotdogs off the floor and have sex on planes, but I’m a little classier than that.”

  “Yeah right,” Cortland and I said in unison.

  She rolled her eyes and finished the dishes in the kitchen. After Cortland and I had everything ready, our ladies walked us to the front door. Monnique pressed her chest against Cortland’s and whispered to him. Scarlet cupped my face and gave me a warm smile. “Have a good day. I’m sure everything will work out fine.”

  I didn’t care about work. “I love having a wife.”

  Her cheeks tinted. “Because I cook you food? I’ve always cooked for you.”

  “No. I like that you’re there for me…you’re always there for me.” I grabbed her hand and kissed it.

  Her eyes softened. “Have a good day, baby.”

  “Thank you. Call me if you need anything.”

  “I’ll be fine,” she said firmly. “Don’t worry about me.”

  “I’ll never stop worrying about you.” I pulled her to my chest and hugged her tightly. I held her for a long time, enjoying the smell of her hair and the feel of her slight frame in my powerful arms. I wished I could just work from home and be with her all day. “Cortland and I are going to hit the gym after work, so I’ll be home around five.”

  “Okay. I’ll have dinner waiting.”

  I kissed her forehead before I headed out the door. Cortland came with me as we opened the garage and got into my Ferrari. When I pulled out of the garage, Scarlet and Monnique were standing on the sidewalk watching us leave.

  I stopped the car when the revelation hit me. This was my dream. Having a beautiful wife kiss me every morning before work and having her miss me all day until I came home was exactly what I wanted. The fact she was my best friend made it a million times better.

  Cortland winked at Monnique and framed her body with his hands, noting her prominent breasts and hips.

  She rolled her eyes but a smirk was on her lips.

  I put on my sunglasses then pulled out of the driveway, missing my wife the moment I left her.

  Work was hectic. The building my parents owned was an entire skyscraper. I had enough employees to occupy a small town. My dad was there and helped me through a lot of the changes. But my mind was still blown. I was amazed my father had so many responsibilities but he was so jolly all the time.

  When he was about to leave, he led me into my new office and grabbed my shoulders. “I know I dropped a lot on you today. But I have some advice to make you feel better. Ready?”

  I nodded.

  “One—never take yourself too seriously. You aren’t better than anyone in this office. This is your family away from home. Treat them with dignity and respect. It will go a long way.”

  My dad was always so wise. He was a great people-person. He was the most generous man I’d ever met. And I hoped I would be just a sliver of the man he is someday.

  “Second—I’m just a phone call away. Call me if you need anything. Remember, I’m not always going to be around. If you have questions, ask now. You won’t always have a chance.”

  I hated it when he said things like this. I couldn’t imagine my life without him. “Okay.”

  “Third—don’t let the money go to your head. I didn’t raise a piece of shit, entitled, asshole. You’re just like everyone else.”

  I smirked. “Scarlet will always keep me grounded. You don’t have to worry about that.”

  “That Ferrari says otherwise.” He gave me a smile.

  “That was my one vice.”

  “Speaking of which…I got a phone call yesterday.”

  Oh shit.

  “Give Cortland a high-five for me.”

  I laughed. My dad was so cool.

  “But your mother…she almost fainted.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Of course she did.”

  He
gave me a sympathetic look. “She wasn’t always this way.”

  “Then what the hell happened?”

  “Everything I just warned you about. The money went to her head, and she sees people as beneath her. I don’t want that for you, son.”

  “You never have to worry about that. Any other advice?”

  “Actually, yes. Work is important. I built this company with my bare hands. It’s very important to your mother and I, so please take care of it. But, there are more important things in life, and don’t ever forget them. Don’t get stuck at the office twelve hours a day, every day. Because your wife and kids are more important. Everything else can wait. I mean it.”

  “I would never do that to Scar.”

  “Good,” he said seriously. “Because I want her to stick around.”

  “I won’t let her go anywhere. She’s stuck with me.”

  He nodded. “She’s one of a kind. And you better tell her that every day.”

  “I will.” I gave my dad a playful look. “It seems like you love her more than me.”

  “Because I do. She’s my daughter and the only one I got.” He smiled at me. “You and your brother have driven up my cholesterol so many times. Scarlet makes me relax. I need her to stick around.”

  I laughed. “Okay. I guess I can understand that.”

  He clapped my shoulder again. “Mike has been here for the past week, so he knows the ropes a little better. Don’t hesitate to ask him for help.” He started to walk away. “Oh. And make sure we don’t have a sexual harassment lawsuit because of him.”

  I laughed. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

  “Good,” he said. “Good luck, kid.” He left my office then walked down the hallway.

  I stood alone in my office and admired the size. It was as big as my living room at the house. Pictures of Scarlet and I littered the desk, including a picture from our wedding. It faced outward so everyone would know I was a married man. I suspected some of the women would throw themselves at me in the hope they could steal me away, along with my money. I wanted to make sure they knew they didn’t have a chance.

  I played with my wedding band while I stood alone. I couldn’t believe I was the owner of a huge empire. Even though I was splitting the work with Mike, it still felt daunting. It was times like these when I wished I didn’t have to grow up.

  I got the hang of things as the week passed. It was a lot of paperwork and phone calls, but my dad answered every one of my calls and talked me through everything. Mike was also helpful—when he wasn’t stalking tail in the office. I gave him a serious talk about office demeanor. When he didn’t take me seriously, my father had to have a talk with him. That straightened him out.

  I needed an assistant so I sent out a request for an interview. I was very specific in the qualifications and they lined up in the lobby, waiting to be called in one by one. I wasn’t looking forward to interviewing them. I really didn’t care that much.

  Ryan stopped by, using the special pass I gave him. He could come and leave whenever he pleased. He walked into my office without knocking. “How goes it?” He sat on my large couch while I stayed at my desk.

  “Hectic,” I said.

  He wore a gray sweater and jeans, very casual.

  “What’s up with you?”

  “Working on the new shop. Still getting all the equipment and junk.” He seemed restless. “It feels weird not working. And Janice is busy so she doesn’t pay much attention to me.”

  “She’s supporting both of you right now.”

  He cringed. “I hate that.”

  I completely understood. “It’s not forever.”

  “How’s Mike?”

  “A godsend.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Did I hear you right?”

  “You did,” I said with a laugh. “He’s a hard worker. If I didn’t split the load with him, I’d be here all day, every day. And my wife wouldn’t be happy.”

  Ryan nodded. “That’s cool. “How’s Cortland?”

  “Good. He likes it here so far. He likes having his autonomy.”

  Ryan shook his head quickly. “He likes the money, man.”

  I laughed. “That too.”

  Cortland knocked on the door before he walked in. “Hey.” He put his phone back in his pocket. “Scarlet texted me and told you were coming by.”

  “Shop is moving like a snail,” Ryan said.

  Cortland went to my liquor cabinet and poured himself a scotch. He sat on the couch and downed the glass. “Who knew software could be so hectic?”

  I nodded. “I don’t know how my dad did it on his own.”

  “He’s a badass,” Cortland said. “That’s how.” He looked out the window of my office. “Why are there twenty guys applying to be your secretary?”

  “Because they want a job,” I said like a smartass.

  “Why are they all dudes? What are the odds of that?” Ryan asked.

  “I specified in the application,” I said.

  Cortland raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that discrimination?”

  “Probably,” I said.

  “What’s going on?” Ryan asked.

  “I just don’t want a female secretary.” It was that simple.

  Ryan shook his head. “Scarlet trusts you. Don’t worry about that.”

  “I just don’t want to deal with it at all,” I said. “I’ll be working with this person every day. I never want Scarlet to worry. I’ve already put her through enough shit—no more.”

  “Wow,” Cortland said. “You’re serious.”

  “I’ve never been more serious in my life. And I feel bad yelling at a girl. If a guy secretary does something wrong, I don’t have a problem ripping into him.”

  “I guess that makes sense,” Ryan said.

  “I don’t think Monnique or Janice would like either of you having a girl as your secretary,” I noted.

  Cortland nodded. “Probably not.”

  Ryan agreed. “But Scarlet isn’t like most girls. She doesn’t get jealous. She’s a pushover, remember?”

  “I still don’t want to deal with it.”

  Ryan eyed all the pictures on my desk. “Is that why you have a shrine of her?” He laughed while he looked at all the portraits. “The wedding ring isn’t enough?”

  “It will ever be enough.”

  Cortland refilled his glass and downed more scotch. “A few girls have come onto me. But that’s gonna happen no matter what I do.”

  Ryan nodded. “I know how that is.”

  “When you have money, it’s even worse,” I said.

  “We’re a bunch of studs,” Ryan said. “It’s not our fault.”

  “True,” Cortland said.

  Mike opened the door and barged in.

  “Don’t you knock?” I said.

  “Not when I see Ryan and Cortland sitting on their ass through the window.”

  “A knock would still be appreciated,” I said.

  Mike rolled his eyes then looked at all the pictures of Scarlet. “You’re such a pussy.”

  “I don’t give a shit,” I said. “I’m happily married, which is more than I can say for you.”

  Mike ignored my comment. “Working in a building full of hot chicks is torture. I can’t ask any of them out. And when they throw themselves at me, I have to push them off.”

  “Now look who’s a pussy,” I said.

  “What’s the point if they just want me for my money?” Mike snapped.

  I shrugged. “I don’t know what to tell you. Get over it.”

  Mike shook his head. “This is why I talk to Scarlet. She actually listens to me.”

  “I’m listening,” I said quickly. “But I’m not going to have girl talk with you.”

  Ryan poured a scotch and handed it to Mike. “Cut him some slack.”

  “You’re lucky my brother-in-law likes you,” I said.

  “Brother,” Ryan corrected. “Just brother.”

  “That was a pussy thing to say,” Cortland teased.<
br />
  “We’re throwing that word around a lot,” I said. “We should stop before someone hears us.”

  “You’re the boss,” Ryan said. “Who cares?”

  We sat in companionable silence, drinking our scotch and not being productive at all. I thought about Scarlet, the woman who was always in my thoughts.

  “I’m buying her a car. I just don’t know what to get her.”

  Ryan cringed. “She’s not going to like that. She has plenty of money. Let her buy it on her own.”

  “No,” I said immediately. “I’m her husband. I buy her everything.”

  “I’m telling you,” Ryan said. “Let her have some independence. If you don’t give it to her, she’s going to get pissed.”

  “Monnique is the same way,” Cortland said with a sigh. “It’s annoying as hell.”

  I didn’t like her buying her own car. “It doesn’t feel right.”

  “You already bought her everything she needs,” Ryan said. “She doesn’t need a car.”

  “What if she wants to go to the store or something?” I asked.

  “Scarlet has never driven in her life,” Ryan said. “She’ll kill everyone in her path.”

  I laughed. “I’ll teach her.”

  “And you’ll die,” Ryan said with a serious face.

  “What if she wants to come to the office and see me?” Sean said. “To check on me?”

  “To check on you?” Cortland asked incredulously. “She’s not a psycho wife that doesn’t trust you.”

  “Well…what if she misses me?”

  Ryan gave me a disgusted look. “Too much info, bro.”

  Cortland looked interested. “Can I do that with Monnique?”

  “Just don’t get caught,” I said. “And it’s better than doing it in my car.”

  Cortland smiled. “That was fun.”

  “You fucked Monnique in the Ferrari?” Mike asked.

  “Yep,” Cortland said.

  Mike gave him a high-five.

  I rolled my eyes at their exchange.

  “How’s that going?” Mike asked.

  “We’re good,” Cortland said. Everyone detected the sadness in his voice.

  “Are you sure...?” Ryan asked.

  Cortland shrugged. “She used to be engaged. After five years together, they broke up. She refused to tell me why.”

  Ryan and I exchanged a confused expression.