by Sam Crescent
“Sweetheart, my heartache was different. Your mother died. There was no way for me to get over her. Wayne is still living and breathing. I can’t give you any advice but time. Time to get over him and time to heal.”
Lily stood up walking toward the kitchen. The children were safe in their areas with protective bars. She ran her fingers through her hair after she put the kettle on to boil.
“I can’t deal with this,” she said.
George came up behind her. He squeezed her shoulder offering her comfort. Tears sprang to her eyes. “You’ll deal, honey. You’ll find a way to cope.”
“I love him, dad. I always will. It doesn’t matter what he’s done for us or how we began our marriage. I know he thinks he’s doing the right thing. I don’t know how to tell him he’s not.” Lily wiped the tears away. George moved away while she made two cups of tea.
“Men can be fickle, Lily. Maybe you need to show him how you’ve changed. I don’t know. Go and date some other guy, or maybe go and sing at a club? Wayne loves you, honey. I’ve seen the love he has for you. I just wish I knew how to make this right.” George smiled taking a sip of his tea.
Twenty minutes later, Scarlet turned up with her children. George stayed with them in the sitting room while Lily talked with her friend.
“How are you and George getting on?” Scarlet asked.
“He’s helping. I sleep in the kids’ room while he takes the spare room,” Lily said. She was pleased her friend had chosen to visit.
“Why aren’t you sleeping in your bed?”
“Too many memories. Could you sleep in the same bed if Richard was planning to divorce you?”
“I guess not. Has anyone been in touch with a divorce?”
Lily shook her head. She couldn’t answer the door for fear it might be someone with divorce papers. “I don’t know what’s going on. I wish there was a way for me to grab his attention. I miss him so much.”
Scarlet sat in silence for the next few minutes. Lily drank her tea and thought about how to capture her husband.
“I’ve got a suggestion. The only problem is you’re not going to like it,” Scarlet said. She was smiling at Lily, which made her nervous.
“What suggestion?” Lily asked.
“Opal mentioned to me about John Barnes liking you.”
Lily groaned. She knew the older man cared about her. They’d met at a barbeque and were discussing some medical problems that had been in the news. Wayne had become very possessive of her.
“I got in touch with John and told him your problem with Wayne. I may have done some conspiring with Richard, and I shouldn’t know that Wayne has a business dinner tonight with clients at this Italian restaurant within the city. I also shouldn’t be telling you that I got Richard to book the table in plain sight of Wayne’s table.” Scarlet put the card of the restaurant in front of Lily. Her friend was nibbling her lip.
“Why do I feel there is more for you to tell me?”
“Well, Richard and I are taking the kids tonight for you. I also don’t know the fact you’re going on a date with John in order to find the opportunity to talk to Wayne.”
“Scarlet!”
“What?”
“That is unfair. I don’t want to blackmail Wayne or force another guy to take me on a date.”
“John is willing to take you. He wants to see you happy. Please, Lily. This may be your only chance to find out what the hell is going on in your husband’s brain.”
Lily sighed as she picked up the card. “This is my favourite restaurant. They serve great pasta and desserts.”
“I want you to be happy, Lily. I’ve got your dress in the car. I knew you’d hate this, but at least you’d get the chance to see Wayne. I know he’s dodging you. Fucking coward.”
“Scarlet!”
“It’s Christmas, and he’s ditching you even though he loves you. Every woman should have a happy ending, and if I have to be a total nut-job to make sure all of us get a perfect Christmas then that is what I’m going to do.”
“I didn’t know you were nuts about Christmas,” Lily said.
“Richards knows I go insane at this time of year. Everyone deserves a miracle and happiness. I don’t like the thought of my best friends not being happy. You and Wayne were perfect for each other. You are still perfect for each other. I’m not going to allow something stupid to come between you. It’s not acceptable.”
Lily chuckled then glanced down at the card. Wayne was dodging her, and if going on a date was the one thing to grab his attention then she was more than willing to do it.
****
Lily pushed the black dress down to cover more of her legs. Richard and Scarlet had already picked the kids up, and she was alone waiting for John to turn up. She hated using a man like this. Regardless of what Scarlet said she was going to make sure John was okay with everything.
She checked her reflection in the mirror. Wayne usually commented on her dress, or he’d come up behind her grabbing her ass or cupping her hips. Lily pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind.
A knock at the door stopped any chance she had of escaping this night. She took a breath and opened the door. John stood there with a dozen red roses.
“John,” she said.
“Hi, Lily. You look dazzling.” She smiled then tucked some hair behind her ear. He wasn’t Wayne, and no matter how hard she tried, she felt wrong doing this.
“They’re holding our table until eight-thirty, and then they’re giving it to someone else.”
“Right, I didn’t expect them to hold tables for longer. They can get quite busy at night.” She grabbed her jacket from the rail. The December chill was seeping into her bones. Her hands were shaking. She locked the door then followed John to his car. He stopped, opening the door.
“Crap, these are for you.” He handed her the roses.
“They’re lovely, John. Thank you.” She lifted the roses to inhale their scent.
He climbed into the driver’s seat then turned on the ignition.
“Wait,” she said. John turned to her. “I can’t do this. I know, Scarlet set all this up, but it’s only been a couple of days since Wayne left. I don’t want you to think this is a date.”
He reached out taking hold of her. “I’m not under any illusions, Lily. Yes, I care about you. If things were different I may take a chance with you myself. I’m not stupid, and to reassure you, I’m not in love with you. Scarlet called me and told me what was going on, and I wanted to help. Wayne’s biggest problem is his head. He over-thinks everything. If I can help and bring him to his senses then I’m more than happy to do that.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” she asked.
“Lily, if in a year’s time we’re here again, and there is no chance for you and Wayne, then I’ll give it a shot. Until then, I see this as two friends going out for some good food and drinks.”
She sat back in the car finally feeling relaxed. “I can do this. You’re really good company, John. Why did your wife divorce you?” she asked. “Shit, sorry, I shouldn’t ask. Sorry.”
He chuckled. “It’s nice to be around a woman who speaks her mind. My wife left me because I was never home, and I couldn’t stand her laugh.”
“How did you last so long together?”
“Because I was always out of the house, and she liked my money.”
“Sorry, that must have been awful for you,” Lily said.
“No, there were other matters, but I’m not going to go into it. They’re private.”
“You’ll find someone, John. A woman who loves you for you, no matter your money or job.”
“I hope you’re right.” They talked about the weather and the upcoming festivities and then turned to Wayne.
“What do you think you’ll do this year if this doesn’t work?” he asked.
“My dad will spend Christmas with us, and I’ve got the kids. I don’t know. I don’t want to think of a Christmas without him. I love him, John. My feelings for hi
m are not going to change.” Lily rubbed her palms over her dress. They were damp, and she didn’t like feeling insecure about her feelings. Wayne really was her rock, the other part of her heart and soul.
“Do you think another woman is involved?” John asked.
“I didn’t even think of another woman. I hope not.”
“Why?”
“Because then I’ll kill the bastard for cheating on me,” she said, making herself laugh.
John joined in.
They were both happy when they pulled up to the restaurant. It was quiet, which was one of the reasons Lily loved it so much.
The valet took the car from John, and they both walked into the main foyer. The maitre d’ looked shocked to see her, and she knew Wayne was already there. She squeezed John’s arm for support as they followed the man to their table. Lily kept her eyes down as John seated her. She didn’t know if Wayne was there. John leaned down to her ear. From where he stood to others it looked like he was kissing her neck.
She bit her lip and tried not to move away.
“He’s spotted you. Wayne is here and has his eyes on you.” John turned from her to take the seat in front of her.
“Thank you,” she said.
“What for?”
“For taking the seat facing him. I don’t think I could have done this while seeing him.”
John reached across the table. “I don’t know if he can lip read, but I think you’re right. This is not about another woman. He loves you and wants to tear me apart from being near you.”
Tears filled her eyes, and Lily batted them away. Tonight she needed to be strong. Wayne was going to have to deal with her whether he liked it or not. He’d turned her into a woman who fought for what she wanted. Maybe he’d live to regret his decision.
She hoped with all of her heart she could win him back.
Chapter Five
Wayne glared at John. He knew his older friend saw him. It was clear in the smile John sent his way. The son of a bitch leaned over taking Lily’s hand. Wayne’s hand tightened around the wine glass he’d been given. The business meeting had been in celebration of the latest acquisition for his company, the same business merger he’d shared with Lily. She’d advised him on what course to take in getting through to the older man sat opposite him. She’d never met the man, and she’d known exactly what to say to get the man on his side.
He nodded at what the woman on his right said. His main focus was on his gorgeous wife. Wayne knew it was Scarlet’s and Opal’s doing that she was on a date. He’d not done this for her to go on a date. She had a beautiful voice worthy of a contract or two.
Does she want that? She’s always said otherwise.
The waiter went to their table. John reached over giving Lily’s hand a squeeze. Wayne wished he could see her face. How was he going to get through the next few hours watching them behave like a couple?
It had been a matter of days, and she was on a date.
He listened to what the others were saying all the while observing his wife and the guy she was with. Halfway through the meal John got up to use the restroom. Wayne kept staring. His leg bounced to an uneven beat as he debated with himself.
Tony’s words came back to haunt him.
“How are you going to be able to cope with seeing her with another man? You’re giving someone else an opportunity to take what is yours. A stepfather for your children.”
“No, that’s not going to happen,” he said aloud.
“Mr. Brown?” the other guys said.
“I’m sorry to have to do this. I’ve made a mistake, and I’ve got to go and deal with it.” Wayne wiped his mouth on the napkin then threw it down. He got up from the table and made his way to Lily. John had gone back to the table while he’d been fighting with his own demons.
“Lily,” he said as he stood next to her by their table.
She gazed up at him, all the pain and hurt clear for him to see. His heart was torn out of his chest at the look she gave him. He hadn’t anticipated what his actions would really do.
“Wayne,” she said before turning back to John.
“We need to talk.”
“We do? I don’t think so. I’m going to enjoy my meal with John. You made your decisions without consulting me. Now, go back to what you were doing.” Her back was stiff, and her gaze was fixed forward.
“Please,” he said.
“No.” He saw her grit her teeth, and he knew her defences were wobbling. The other diners had stopped eating to watch them. Wayne knew she hated the attention. He crouched down to her.
“I swear I never meant to hurt you.”
A tear slipped down her face.
“I’m sorry, John, I’ve got to go.” Lily got up from her chair on the other side of the table and made her way outside. John went to leave, but Wayne stopped him.
“I was an asshole. I see that now. She’s my woman, and I’m not giving her up without a fight.”
“Opal and Scarlet figured it would take seeing a man with her to change your mind. No harm done ... yet. You either fix this, or I’m going to take a chance with her, Wayne. She’s a good person.”
“Why not take her from me now?” Wayne found himself asking.
“Look, I care about her. She’s a lovely person, and with the work I do I like being around someone who likes to laugh and smile. Lily is a kind-hearted woman who only wants to see people happy. I love her, Wayne. If you don’t fix this then I’ll be fighting for her, and I will win. She’s more than just great company.”
Wayne saw the fight within John’s eyes. He didn’t like it and refused to go down without a fight himself.
“You better put those feelings to bed, friend. Lily is mine, and I’ll be damned if I let you take her from me.”
“Then keep her. Otherwise, she’ll be mine.” John signalled the waiter. Wayne took this as his opportunity to follow her.
Lily was taking her jacket from the maitre d’ when he walked through the door. He moved the other man out of the way to take over.
Like so many times before, he cupped her neck turning her to face him. Tears streamed down her cheeks. He stroked her cheek hoping she was able to forgive him.
“I’m sorry.”
“No, I thought that was all it was going to take for me to forgive you, but I can’t. This hurts, Wayne. You made love to me then left me with nothing but a stupid note. All the years we’ve spent together, and you just walked away. I’m not going to be able to forgive you that easily.” She pulled away from him. Wayne didn’t know what to do to keep her in his arms. Each second he let her take a step away it was a second he was losing her. The pain he’d caused might never be healed.
What the hell had he done?
“Lily, wait.” He grabbed his coat from the guy waiting and followed her out. She was trying to grab a cab. “Stop this. I’ll take you home.”
“No. I thought I’d be able to do this, but I can’t. You hurt me, Wayne. You promised me forever, and then you left me. This is not fair. I can’t handle this. Leave me alone.”
He took her arm in his.
“Let go of me.”
“No. I promised you forever. Our friends did this tonight to gain my attention. Do your dramatics, but I’m taking you home.”
She pulled her arm out of his grip. “I don’t have to let you do anything. You’re divorcing me.”
“I’ve not gone through with it, Lily. You’re mine, and you’re staying mine. Now start walking to my car, or I swear to God I will put you over my shoulder, and when we get home I’ll spank your ass.” He growled the words at her getting right up close.
She pushed him away.
Wayne snapped. He knew he’d fucked up, but he wasn’t letting her get away with it anymore. With a speed he thought he’d gotten too old for, he walked in front of her and lifted Lily over his shoulder. The jacket she wore covered her generous ass as he moved toward his car.
She screamed and began pummelling his back. The small fists
did no lasting damage. He was proud of her anger. Lily had grown some fire in her over the last few years. She was no longer the shy, virginal woman he’d taken. He wanted her claws and her fight.
One of the valet guys walked over.
“Don’t even think about intervening, pal. I’ll have your job and your life. She’s my wife.” The other guy nodded holding up his hands in surrender.
“Don’t listen to him. He’s a jerk,” Lily said. Her voice rose with each word.
He dumped her in the passenger side of his car making sure the child lock was on so she wouldn’t escape.
Within moments, he started the car and pulled out onto the main road and was driving them home.
She folded her arms staring out of the window. The anger inside him didn’t dissipate. When they got home he was going to put her over his knee. He’d threatened her enough times. Wayne knew he was going to do it. The air around them was thick with anger and arousal. A quick glance at his woman and he saw her nipples were puckered and pressing against the front of her dress.
He put his foot down on the accelerator. He didn’t care about the rules he was breaking. Within twenty minutes he was pulling up to his home. There were a few lights on. She kept trying to open the door. When he got out and walked round to her side, he saw her frustration.
Wayne opened her door. She got out making her way for the front door. He followed behind her the tension inside them driving them both crazy.
She got inside. He stopped her from shutting the door. She walked into his office and glared at him. The challenge she was throwing at him made his cock pulse inside his pants. The tip was leaking his cum. He knew tonight was only going to end one way. With his dick inside her.
Her arms were at her side. The breaths she took showed her need for him. He knew every inch of his woman. Her arousal was written in her eyes and body. Her tits were thrust up, and he saw her tummy trembling.
She wanted him.
Wayne knew she also wanted to claw his eyes out. Her arousal was what he worked on. The anger wasn’t as strong as her need. He moved closer to her.
“What are you doing?” she asked. He saw the flash of fire in her eyes. The lick of her lips. She was practically begging him to make a move. To take her.