Secret Date

by Victoria Pinder

  “It’s Axel.” Damien patted his mother’s knee.

  Galen’s eyes narrowed as he sat forward with his arms together, like he did in a meeting when he was listening. “What about him?”

  Damien said, “Turns out he got married when he was eighteen but never divorced. His wife just filed—Axel admitted what happened and now he needs our help.”

  Wow. Sure, she’d talk to her parents about her big decisions, but she had no siblings to know if this was normal behavior for them to be involved too.

  “Never?” Galen asked. “Who did he marry?”

  Mitch answered, “Some groupie from that show he was on that he met in Orlando.”

  Galen turned toward her. “Natalie, do you know a good divorce lawyer?”

  Well that was fast, to be included. She tapped her lower lip. “Off hand, no, but I can research it and let you know when we get to work.”

  His mother pinned him down with a look. “So, you didn’t know anything about Axel then?”

  Galen’s eyes widened. “Absolutely not.”

  His mother slowly got to her feet. “We’ll let you finish your breakfast.”

  Galen stood quickly. “Mom, this is Natalie. Natalie, this is my mom, Fiona Dupree.”

  Right. She held out her hand to shake, but his mother leaned in and hugged her instead. Natalie said, “Nice to meet you.”

  Fiona let her go, but then stared into her eyes like she was searching for something. “You seem like a nice girl. I hope you don’t smoke.”

  Galen’s bad habit. She glanced at Galen. “Absolutely not, ma’am.”

  Fiona smiled. “Good. My boy needs to quit.”

  Galen crossed his arms like he needed to defend himself. “I went twenty-four hours without a cigarette now.”

  The other men led Fiona to the door without much goodbye. Galen asked, “Damien, are you coming to work?”

  Damien shook his head. “My wife and I are finally planning our honeymoon to Paris.”

  “Have fun.” Galen followed and closed the door behind them, then turned around to her.

  His family was important. He’d said that, but now she saw for herself. And there was no way they’d want him to marry after a first date. The word shouldn’t buzz through her head like it did. She wasn’t ready for marriage, not yet. Even if his dark eyes seemed to speak to her soul, marriage wasn’t possible.

  Galen’s chest felt heavy. Mitch had defeated him at the gym soundly that morning, but he couldn’t concentrate. Natalie not saying yes to marriage when he’d asked shocked him, and he wasn’t capable of thinking beyond that.

  Today’s workout hadn’t helped clear his head.

  He arrived at the office, shoulders still tense, where Natalie sat at her desk typing, her black frames slipping down her nose.

  He strolled past her, and pretended he hadn’t looked through the glass to her office.

  The elevator beeped, and he waited and shook hands with his rock star little brother. “Axel! Glad you could come.”

  They walked in silence down the hall, but Axel peeked into Natalie’s office on the way as she worked on the computer, oblivious to their attention.

  Galen closed his office door and motioned toward the chairs. He took the seat beside Axel as Axel said, “It sounded important. That blonde in the hall was Natalie?”

  Axel adjusted in his seat but lifted one of his legs, never able to sit still. Galen sighed. “Yes. That’s her.”

  Axel craned his neck toward the door as Natalie walked past and headed toward the copy machine. He patted Galen’s shoulder. “She’s cute and actually smiled, which was more than your last girlfriend did.”

  Tightness grew in his stomach. The last thing he needed was more competition especially from his siblings. “I didn’t ask you here to talk about Natalie.”

  Axel leaned forward, hugging his right leg. “So you don’t want my band singing at your wedding?”

  A small laugh escaped his throat as he relaxed. “Raincheck on that one.”

  Axel’s astute gaze sharpened, and he pushed his long blond hair behind his ear, then tapped the handles of his chair. “Well that’s interesting. I thought you were anti-marriage.”

  The redhead who’d filed for divorce after one discussion with his father and ten million dollars, had taught Galen not to trust anyone. However, his father was dead now and couldn’t hurt him like that again. “Alison soured me. So what’s this I’m hearing about a divorce for you?”

  Axel nodded. “News travels fast. I’d like to see her again before I sign anything.”

  None of them had heard a word about any wife, ever. Everyone knew Galen was divorced so there was stigma. He crossed his arms. “Who exactly do you want to see?”

  Axel again bopped his head. “Rossie. She just left without a word one day and I’ve wondered what happened for years.”

  One woman being on his brother’s mind made no sense. Galen leaned forward and pressed his hands into a fist and catcher’s glove, like he played baseball in his chair to himself. “You’re a rock star and former child TV star. You’ve had more women than the rest of us.”

  Axel glanced up, but then did that stupid smile that had all the girls swooning on that show as a kid. Galen, also offered a part, had refused—even as a kid he’d known that fame was for other people, and Galen didn’t need the world to know his every move. Axel having such a huge secret didn’t fit with his character. “True, but Rossie struck at my heart years ago—no big deal, I just want to know where she is and how she’s doing.”

  Perhaps Galen had misjudged the situation. He sat back in his chair. “I married Alison at eighteen because our father would never approve. Why did you marry your Rossie?”

  Axel lowered his voice. “Possibly the same reason, though Rossie wasn’t like other girls I met.”

  Seriously? But then Natalie wasn’t either. Galen shifted his chair to stare directly at his brother and asked, “How?”

  Axel gave him that far off look he did when he was thinking about a song or something else. “She spoke to me like I was a normal person and then she was gone.”

  Galen noticed when Natalie left the copy machine and headed back to her office. She made him feel normal too. Galen glanced at his brother again and gave him the reason he called him down. “Mom is worried about you.”

  Axel leaned forward in his chair and confided, “I just want to know what happened—did our father get to her? I honestly don’t know.”

  There was solace in that Galen knew and never wondered why Alison had walked away. Money was more important. Galen relaxed. “That sounds fair.”

  Axel grinned and shrugged off the questions. “Now let’s talk about your Natalie. I know Mom met her this morning and she’s hoping to see her again.”

  Yes, their families talked too much sometimes. Galen felt the weight of rejection on his shoulder. “That’s up to Natalie really.”

  Axel drummed his fingers along his chair. “You sound disappointed.”

  The last thing he needed was to be called out, by his brother. He tightened his tie. “No, just figuring out how to go after what I want. Once I have my plan, then I’ll execute it fully.”

  Axel laughed. “Maybe I can help. Want me to write her a song for you?”

  That wouldn’t work. Galen shook his head no but smiled. “No. I want to keep her in my life, but I don’t want to scare her off if I press too fast.”

  Axel’s eyes grew wider. “You want to marry her?”

  Had he said that? Galen stilled and narrowed his gaze. “Yeah.”

  Axel smoothed his rock star hair. “That’s heavy. Why get married again?”

  This wasn’t the intention of this conversation. Galen stood, crossed his arms, and saw that her office door was open. “Natalie is different.”

  Axel came behind him. “You knew her for a year and didn’t think that.”

  Galen turned back and uncrossed his arms. “I felt it, though you’re right, I didn’t see it. Now that I see I need
to figure out my plan to keep her.”

  “Why?” Axel asked.

  Galen didn’t want to talk about this. He said, “Because…” but then he pressed his lips together.

  Axel winked at him. “Can’t answer?”

  No. That wasn’t true. Galen widened his stance and lifted his chin. “She’s a part of me and that’s all I need to know. I keep what’s mine.”

  Axel sat on Galen’s desk and shook his head. “Well, that sounds like what a bad guy in a movie might say about kidnapping his victim.”

  Galen lowered his head. He’d never force anyone, but most especially Natalie. “I’m not going to hurt her. She can tell me to get lost and I wouldn’t pressure her.”

  Axel took the pen from Galen’s desk but then jumped up again. “If you want to convince her that you’re the one for her then you’re going to have to sweep her off her feet.”

  Now that was a good direction. Galen remembered she’d never been anywhere, though he had no idea if she even had a passport. He could show her travel, and the perks of being his wife. He nodded. “Any ideas?”

  Axel then walked toward the door. “Figure out what she wants and desires more than anything else and then do it. Don’t hold back if you want her. You are a Morgan, after all.”

  True. Travel was just one part. He needed to ensure she had everything. His mind raced, but he held out his hand to shake. “I was supposed to talk sense into you today. I promised Mom.”

  Axel laughed and leaned forward to hug him. “Glad we were reversed for once and good luck with your Natalie. Free tip though, I doubt having her type a report at her desk is very exciting for her.”

  “Talk to you later, Axel.” Galen walked him to the elevator.

  Once his brother was gone, he walked right toward Natalie who looked up at him, taking off her glasses. She smiled, “Was that your brother Axel?”

  Her curved mouth radiated warmth and the tension in his shoulders dissipated. He then leaned on her desk. “Natalie, I’d like to take you out of town for a few days to assist me on something. Do you have a passport?”

  Her brow furrowed as she said, “Yes, I have one.”

  The sooner he could show her the world the better. He stood. “Good. When can you be ready?”

  She pursed her lips for a moment and then said, “Tomorrow. I’ll tell my parents and then pack a bag before our date tonight—which, don’t forget, is casual.”

  He didn’t want her stressed, at all. “Since I’ll be keeping you close the next few days if you need to go home now to get ready, please go.”

  “I did just finish that report you wanted on the new possible construction sites.” She bit her lower lip, glanced at her computer but then said, “Okay, thanks. See you at eight at my place.”

  He walked out of her office. This was a solid plan. Natalie could live out her dreams with him because they had to be together. Soon he’d convince her to marry him and finally settle the unease in his shoulders that came from fear of being without her. Natalie was going to be his, for life.

  Natalie took a deep breath and hoped her parents wouldn’t ask why she was here early for the second day in a row. She pasted a smile on her face and bounced into the room, where she knocked on the side of the door to get their attention, then continued to walk in. She kissed her mother’s cheek. “How was your treatment today, Mom?”

  Mom adjusted the bed while her father read his newspaper. Her mother quickly answered, “Good. I’m tired actually, but glad we started a new plan. I just want to go home with your father, healthy.”

  Her dad flipped the pages of his paper in his “no words necessary” agreement.

  Natalie had no idea where Galen needed her to go. He’d never asked her on a trip before and she hadn’t asked. She swallowed and took the seat next to her father. “I’m going out of town for a few days for work.”

  “Work?” Her mother narrowed her gaze. “Or to be with your new boyfriend?”

  Immediately Natalie imagined sightseeing in Grand Central Park, New York City, holding Galen’s hand. Her face heated and she lowered her head, hoping her parents didn’t see any blush. “Perhaps both. Is that a problem?”

  Her mom reached out and Natalie scooted closer to her and held her hand. “Are you sure you want to do this, Natalie?”

  Right. They were worried. She swallowed and glanced at both of them. It was time to tell the truth. “Mom, Dad, Galen asked me to marry him this morning.”

  Her father put the newspaper down.

  Her mother massaged her shoulder. “That’s serious honey. What did you say?”

  She met her mother’s gaze. “I said no, but I was tempted. He’s so different than me. I’m afraid.”

  Her father’s voice was firm. “My daughter shouldn’t be afraid of anyone.”

  Wow, that could be interpreted wrong. She turned toward her dad. “I’m not afraid of Galen at all. He’s dreamy and sweet and nice, but his world is so different. His home could double as a museum and his family is really big.”

  “He probably had a decorator, sweetie,” her mom said. “If you want, I’m sure he’ll let you transform the house into a home.”

  True. She needed their logic and being afraid of money meant she was probably being a bit of a snob too—hadn’t she warned her parents not to do that? She lowered her eyes to her mom’s thin wrist. “It’s not just that. I met his family.”

  Her parents shared a look and then her mother said, “Wow, that’s good if he’s introducing you to his family. When do we get to meet your Galen?”

  Her mother’s voice but her dad’s command. She knew them, so she glanced at her father, “I’ll invite him over soon if things get serious.”

  Her father nodded. “Only if you want to, sweetheart.”

  Her body relaxed as she’d shared everything “I want you to like him, Dad.”

  Her father reached over and took her hand. “Well I don’t know about that, but he clearly has good taste.”

  A huge smile grew on her face. Her parents were the best. She laughed. “Aww, you spoil me for every other guy, Dad. But promise me you’ll give him a shot.”

  Her father let her hand go, picked up his newspaper, and said, “He’ll have to be super special if he gets my approval.”

  “I’ll let you both know soon.” Natalie stood, eager for her date that night.

  Hope surged through her veins that her mother would be cancer free, though she’d never voice that out loud. She had a bounce to her step as she exited the hospital, found her car and drove home.

  The question where she was going tomorrow flew in her mind, over and over again. Galen could mean anywhere. She had no idea what to pack for their trip, where she’d sleep, how long they’d be gone… but she looked forward to getting to know him better. Natalie stopped at the security desk the moment she spotted her ex in the lobby. She met the guard’s cautioning gaze but then walked over to the couches as he stood. “Rocco? Why are you in my lobby?”

  He reached out and tried to touch her, but she pulled back. “I wanted to see you again.”

  No. Perhaps she hadn’t been clear before and she needed to be. She put her hand on her hip. “Whatever this is about for you, it’s not the same for me. I have a boyfriend and I’m happy, Rocco. I don’t want to see you around anymore.”

  His eyes widened. “The guy from yesterday?”

  “Yes, Galen Morgan.” She nodded and stepped back. “It’s time for you to leave and not come back here, ever.”

  Rocco took a step closer and goosebumps of alarm raced up her arms. “I see. I hope you’re happy Natalie.”

  Whatever. She was safe. Security was ten feet away. She nodded, “Okay, goodbye now.”

  She then trekked to the security desk and waited until Rocco left. Once he was behind the doors, she smiled her thanks at the building staff and headed toward the elevators.

  Inside she found her suitcase in the back of the closet and realized this was the first time she’d use it and not head to Or
lando for a theme park. Finally. Her heart jumped even though she knew this was for work while she sorted out a few date outfits to pack, tonight’s jeans and cute top, a few work outfits to pack including today’s new suit and found her toiletries.

  Once she freshened up, put on makeup, and finished packing, the doorbell rang. She checked her cute purple lace top was on right and then opened the door. Galen stood in her doorway, dressed in a button down black shirt and a pair of black pants which only made him look sexier. She waved him in, so she could get her purse. “Galen, come in.”

  “Your apartment is cozy.” He walked in and glanced at the art on the walls and her silver trimmed mirrors on both sides of the windows to help distribute the light into the space.

  She checked her lip gloss and picked up her Coach pocketbook. “I’ve lived here for years now. There’s a lot of me in the decorations.”

  He stopped near the kitchen wall and stared. “You have so many pictures.”

  Now that she thought about it, he hadn’t had a lot of family pictures around. Interesting. She walked beside him and saw him focus on a Christmas portrait. She smiled. “True. That’s my parents.”

  He nodded and studied the three of them in various pictures. “They seem nice. Your dad smiles.”

  “Yeah, I have his blue eyes.” She pointed toward her own eyes.

  He turned toward her and wrapped his arms around her. “I can see the same gleam. So what’s the plan for tonight?”

  “You’ll see.” She winked but then his lips met hers. Her skin felt warm and alive and last night’s pleasure raced through her veins.

  He let her go quickly and motioned toward her suitcase. She nodded and he took the handle as he asked, “Can I drive us at least?”

  They headed toward the elevator and she locked the door behind her. “Okay. We’re going bowling on Sunset.”

  “Bowling?” His eyes widened and he hit the button to go down.

  She followed him and her bag into the elevator. “Have you ever been bowling, Galen?”

  “No,” he said while the elevator stopped at the lobby. He motioned for her to leave first and stayed at her heels. “It’s one of those things they do in the movies, but I didn’t think anyone actually bowled anymore.”