“Some. A lot. I've tried to be careful not to take on more than I can handle.”
“Loans? Credit cards? Tell me straight.”
“Mostly student loans. I have only one credit card and the Prius is paid off.”
“I will need a current balance on all of that so we can get it taken care of.”
“No! My debt is my own! I am not taking your money, Judas.” she looked mortified but he wasn't backing down.
“You will be my wife. That makes your debts my own and there is no reason to allow them to linger.”
“I don't want your money! I want you!” she shrieked.
“Done. Next subject, please?” he smirked playfully.
“Jerk.” she muttered. “Now that you know how pathetic I am, tell me about your family.”
“You're not pathetic, doll. My family isn't exactly the easiest to get along with either. The biggest mystery is wondering who jammed the stick up my Mother's ass. Unless we delve into why Dad doesn't pull it out and beat her with it.”
“Erm..” she had no idea how to respond to that but he quickly continued.
“Mother was born wealthy and to say she's a snob, is an understatement. She's miserable and makes sure everyone around her is too. Dad... well, I used to think he stayed for us boys but now I just think he finally went numb.”
“Boys? You have brothers?” she asked quietly.
He smiled as he thought of them. “Mathew and Liam. Both younger. Matt's doing well on his own and Liam gets by. I don't hear from them much but we catch up when we can.”
“No sticks?” she smirked.
He chuckled, “No sticks. They're just trying to survive like the rest of us.”
It was dark outside now and they had finally moved their camp inside. He found her home to be cozy, if not claustrophobic but it was tidy and organized. The living room was scattered with romance novels and fashion magazines, leaving no question of how she spent her free time.
She was obviously a dreamer, but she made no excuses for it. They ordered a late dinner and by the time they were finished, he knew it was time to go. He regretted having to leave, but he had an early client in the morning and it was nearly midnight already.
“Thank you, Adessa.”
“There's no reason to thank me. I want to do this with you,” she assured him.
“You trust me?”
“Do you trust me?” she threw back at him.
He smiled warmly, understanding the point she made, and leaned in to kiss her forehead. She was naïve. He told her he would call her in the morning and promised to show her his home. Tomorrow they would decide on a wedding date.
CHAPTER three
His first client was already waiting by the time he strolled into the office with what was left of his first cup of coffee. He nodded toward the young man, who was there for an initial consultation and quickly disappeared down the hall.
He settled into the chair, behind his large wooden desk and grabbed the file, giving it a look over before picking up the receiver. “Send him back, Carrie,” he said, starting to rearrange the clutter that had become his desktop. His client swiftly appeared, and Judas waved him inside.
He introduced himself with a hearty handshake and the young man sunk into the sturdy armchair across from him and began to explain his dilemma in precise detail. Judas made notes and asked all the appropriate questions. His mind was wandering but he managed to give the man sound advice and after the allotted thirty minutes, he was gone. The next client hadn't shown up yet, so he kicked back, resting his feet on the edge of desk while he made a few phone calls. Carrie poked her head in with her usual friendly smile. “Good morning, Mr. Quinn. Refill?” she mouthed quietly.
He nodded in response and she tiptoed in to collect his empty mug but didn't immediately leave. “Good morning, Carrie,” he said, hanging up the phone.
“Gonna explain the mystery woman you ran out of here after, or are you keeping me in suspense?” she giggled.
He couldn't help but grin. “I met her at the party the other night.”
She playfully arched a brow. “Oh? Does the future Mrs. Quinn have a name?”
He smirked, “It's Adessa. How did you know she and I are getting married?” He knew she was teasing, but her words had landed right on the mark.
“Pretty name for a redhead,” she answered, but quickly added, “Wait. You're really going to marry her?
He nodded in response.
Holy shit, Mr. Quinn! I mean...” she broke off. Her voice hinted on both amusement and shock and he shrugged as he answered. “Sure, why not?”
“Good question,” she shrugged. “I just never saw you as the type to settle down, and this is kind of sudden.”
“It is sudden, but long overdue,” he agreed. “It'll work out. I have faith. She's a good girl, I think you'll like her.” He could easily picture Carrie and Adessa as friends, but he didn't get the impression Adessa would warm to her very quickly. Given Adessa's past, it might never happen. Carrie was a good worker and she was friendly enough, but she was young and they really didn't have much in common. He had hired her when his last secretary, Martha retired. That was almost four years ago.
He didn't know a lot about Carrie, save for that she seemed to be All American, and had a seemingly normal family life. Either there wasn't much to tell about her, or she was the real deal. He really hadn't been interested in finding out which. She was just another young girl doing her best to make something of her life.
He and Carrie talked for a few minutes but had to break the conversation when his client finally arrived. It was another young man, and Judas thought they were all beginning to look the same and have the same story. Whether he was retained or not, he always gave the best advice he could and conducted himself in a professional manner.
The morning was going well but the mention of his engagement had gotten Carrie's attention and she seemed genuinely excited for him. Her own wedding had only been a month ago and she had a lot of unsolicited advice to share. He allowed her to chatter on, but when he disappeared into his office with a tall, waif-like brunette, she left them alone.
“Can I ask you something, sir?” she asked as he entered the small kitchenette to grab another refill.
God, he hated when she called him that. After months of trying to get her to use his first name, he had given up. Even when she posed at events with him, he was always Mr. Quinn to her. “Sure, Carrie,” he said as he flicked two sugar packets between his fingers.
She drew in a deep breath before finally just asking, “Are you going to tell your wife about the women who visit you?”
He silently opened the packets and dumped them into his mug, stirring the mixture with a plastic spoon, considering his reply. “I haven't really thought about that, to be honest.” That was the truth. He hadn't even considered what Adessa's reaction might be to that, but it was all connected to his situation with Jaime, and though he didn't want to lie to her, he wasn't sure he had a way around it. He had to figure something out.
“I see,” she said thoughtfully.
“I don't plan on lying to her, if that's what you're asking.” he said flatly, “I just don't know what the options are yet.”
She nodded, “I didn't mean to imply that, Mr. Quinn. It's just that I can't see where it fits into your fairytale.”
“It doesn't. It has nothing to do with it, and that's how it will stay,” he made up his mind. “My sex life is mine, she has no reason to know.”
She rifled through the mini-fridge, not bothering to look at him. “I'd like to see this work out for you. Just please be careful.” And that is where the conversation stopped.
Carrie had never asked about the women before, but it had long been an unspoken understanding between them. She still treated him with respect, whether she had any for him or not and she still seemed to enjoy her work. She accepted his answer, though he got the feeling she didn't agree with it.
It was the only answer he had, and he
really couldn't care less what her feelings about it were. He was going to marry Adessa as soon as possible and it made no difference to him what anyone thought, other than Adessa herself. For a brief moment, his mother popped into his mind but he brushed it off. Yes, Mother would have to get over it too.
He picked Adessa up for a late lunch and she chose a small cafe near his office, where they both ordered a salad and club sandwiches. The temperature was perfect for the middle of September and the bright colors in the leaves formed a picturesque backdrop for their meal. She had worn a simple white cotton dress that stopped just above her knees and red sandals, which complimented his navy blue sweater and taupe slacks. They looked like the perfect pair, despite the fact he was tall and muscular, where she was petite and curvy.
“You look gorgeous, doll,” he said, leaning back against the seat.
“Thanks, but I'm really pretty plain today,” she started to explain.
He arched a brow. “Alright, first thing we need to work on is your ability to take a compliment,” he said playfully. “I'm well aware you're not wearing war paint and your manicure is a bit chipped.”
“It is?” she sputtered, checking her nails.
He laughed, “Your nails aren't what I look at.”
She rolled her eyes. “I guess I'll just throw out my entire beauty regimine,” she playfully threatened.
“Adessa,” he said, taking her hand, “I am taking you as you are. Not what you dress up as. Right down to those unbelievably kissable lips.”
And that was the kill shot. She was putty.
She changed the subject and they began to make plans for their future. Without much protest, they decided that she would move into his place as soon as they were married. She was going to keep her small little home, and she might even rent it out. She had lived there too long to just get rid of it, and he agreed that she should hang onto to the place.
He was very considerate in asking what she wanted, or what she needed from him, and she was amazed at how faceted he seemed to be. From what she had known of him so far, his temperament ranged anywhere from soft to outright vulgar and really, she liked everything about him so far. She was willing to overlook the occasional arrogance, because he was well entitled in her opinion.
Somewhere during the conversation, she slipped into her own thoughts and as she looked at him, she couldn't help but imagine him moving over top her the way Micheal had done. She couldn't wait to feel this man inside of her and just the anticipation of what would surely come, caused a rush of heat to form between her legs. Ms. Verino's words were echoing in her mind. “Penis.” He was looking at her now, and she could tell she had missed something important. He was expecting an answer.
“Excuse me?” she bit her lip, hoping he couldn't read her mind.
“Are you unhappy with that? I mean, we can do it sooner if you don't want to wait.” he was considering the thought and she assumed he was talking about their wedding date.
“How soon?” was the only plausible response, given the fact she wasn't listening to whatever it was he suggested.
“You're already wearing the white dress, how about now?”
“Um...uh... What about your family?” she stuttered.
“This is between us. Our life, Our future. How soon do you want it to start?”
Dear God, he was serious.
“Today.. is good.” she nearly choked, “but what about rings?”
He gave her a wink, “No worries. I got this.”
“If you say so,” she replied, unsure what that sexy wink had meant.
“Go pay. I have some calls to make.” he said, already punching in the county clerk's number into his phone. He spoke with the receptionist as he handed Adessa his credit card and she eagerly grabbed it and headed to the counter with their bill. He didn't have to tell her twice!
When they pulled up at the courthouse, he was still on the phone. He called Carrie to let her know he would be out the rest of the day, but Adessa had been deep in thought and didn't catch whatever else he was saying. He hung up and quickly hopped out of the dark gray pickup. She already had the door open and he took her hand to help her out, leading her to one of the overflowing planters that sat along the sidewalk.
He reached down and picked out a single daisy and placed it in her hair, pushing her scarlet tendrils over the stem to secure it in place. Her heart skipped a beat at the thoughtful gesture. She couldn't believe this was really happening. Not only did this guy like her, he was making her his wife.
As they walked into the massive, three story stone building, she felt a sting of regret that her parents wouldn't be here to witness this day. Though it was the second time around, she was confident and she knew this man would never hurt her, the way Micheal had. He couldn't. Judas was kind and caring and he wanted her. She just hoped that eventually, he would love her.
After filling out the paperwork and showing their ID's, they waited in the hall while the papers were processed. An hour later, the Judge called for them, and Adessa was so nervous she could barely speak. Judas held her hand and stood by her side as they spoke with the old man who had agreed to do the ceremony.
It didn't take long for word to spread throughout the building and several people had already come to congratulate them. The excitement grew and as the Judge prepared for their union, and a small crowd had begun to gather to witness it. Most of the “guests” were either staff or colleagues that he already knew and he introduced her to every single one.
Adessa startled as a woman burst through the doors, already shouting for Judas. She was running in three inch heels and amazingly, she didn't fall on her ass before she reached them. “The rings!” she blurted out, handing Judas a small box. “I got the sizes you told me, I hope they fit,” she added breathlessly.
“Thank you, Carrie. You're a lifesaver!” he said as he hugged her. “You can stay and witness if you'd like,” he offered.
“Of course I would!” she squealed, turning her attention to Adessa. “It's nice to meet you, again by the way. Bout time someone nabbed his ass!” she teased.
“Actually, I think he did the nabbing. I didn't stand a chance,” she giggled, still fidgeting nervously.
The judge pronounced them husband and wife and he leaned in to kiss her on the mouth for the very first time. His lips were soft and warm and she had wished it would last forever but as he brought his hand up to cup her cheek, intensifying the kiss, someone shouted, “Get a room!” and the entire place erupted into laughter. He pulled away and gave her a playful grin before stopping to thank everyone who had showed up. “We'd love to stay and chat but my wife and I have some family to call.” he cheerfully announced.
They walked out of the courthouse hand in hand just before six o'clock. He drove her to her place to pack a few bags, and when they finally walked through his front door at seven, they were both exhausted from the day. She took her time entering the two story brick mansion, admiring the french windows that extended from floor to ceiling, and were framed by clean white shutters. The entrance was framed by two twisted topiaries that stood like guards poised to welcome her home.
He showed her where to put her bags and went to order dinner. Her eyes were wide as she looked around, taking in all the rich textures of the furniture and the rugs. He had spent a fortune decorating this house after Leanna passed. The neutral color scheme flowed throughout along with the smoothly polished hardwood floors. It was massive for only one man but he had never really given up hope that he would fill each of the four bedrooms it contained. His chest swelled with pride as he watched her expression. “It's yours now, doll,” he told her.
“It's amazing! Did you do all this yourself?” she asked, pointing to the intricately carved molding that surrounded the enormous living room.
“No, Leanna chose that. One of the few things I didn't change,” he told her. This was his favorite room and not only because of the massive stone brick fireplace, but also because it was surrounded in floor length book
shelves that were piled high with every type of hardcover book imaginable. It was cozy, despite it's size and he spent more time in here than anywhere else.
A small office joined the living room and through a set of french doors, was the kitchen. Adessa wandered through every room and he explained that some of the décor had been heirlooms but most of it was new, including the expensive art that hung on nearly every wall. He didn't show her his... their bedroom because he wanted to save that for last, but he did give her a tour of the grounds. They walked the small path around all five acres of manicured grass, and she was impressed with how well kept the place was. All the hard work had been born of either boredom, or severe depression, but he didn't tell her that.
“Feel free to make changes if you'd like,” he said, referring to the décor throughout the house. “I know neutral tones are kind of bland. Fuck, make it all pink for all I give a shit. As long as you're happy here, I won't complain.” He meant that too.
She gasped at the thought, “Judas, no! I wouldn't even know where to begin. It's all so lovely! Not that I don't think you'd look sexy surrounded in pink, but I wouldn't shame our home that way,” she laughed.
“I wouldn't call it shaming,” he chuckled, pulling her close. It was getting dark now and the soft glow of the sunset was beginning to fade. He couldn't help but lean in and kiss her, long and slow. She cupped his face in her tiny hands and it was all he could do to finally pull away.
They made their way back inside just in time for their dinner. They took their containers of Chinese food outside and he made a fire in the outdoor fireplace. They sat on the small wicker sofa and ate and talked until nearly bedtime. The later it got, the more he was becoming impatient with waiting for what would happen next. He had it all planned in his mind and he was certain she wouldn't protest.
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