Imperfect Consequences

by Piper Stone

  Crack!

  The slap came merely as a reaction, anger fueling her. “How fucking dare you. All you ever did was accuse me of having an affair with everyone, including the mailman. It was never just me with you. I could never have any time alone without you following me, hounding me.” Shannon said every word through clenched teeth, bile rising in her throat. “You were the one having all the affairs, tasting every girl you could get your hands on. I was an idiot back then. God.”

  “Yeah, and I’m sorry for putting you through that. It wasn’t right and completely uncalled for. Except for the one time.” Tilting his head, Mark stared into her eyes.

  Shannon slunk back. “Yeah, one time and the man I was starting to care about, someone I thought could free me from my prison, you took care of. Didn’t you? That man paid for giving a shit about me with his life. Forgive me if I don’t want to ever see you again.” Moving around him, she was ready to bolt.

  “I’m never going to go a day without thinking about him, about what I did. I feel so guilty about everything, his death and especially about how I treated you during our marriage. But I’ve changed Shannon. I have.”

  “Forgive me for not believing you. Same song and dance. Wallow in your self-pity and leave me the hell alone.”

  Mark wrapped his hand around her arm, jerking her forward. “Listen to me.”

  “I suggest you take your hand off the lady or I’ll break it. Do you understand?”

  Hearing Jameson’s voice gave her relief. She sucked in her breath as she removed her arm from Mark’s clutches and turned to face him as she held out her hand toward Jameson. “I can handle this.” Inching closer, she lowered her voice. “Don’t you ever come near me again. I don’t care that you think you’ve changed. If so, good for you, but I don’t want you to be a part of my life. It took me a hell of a long time to be happy again. I still have the nightmares. I still see the way he gasped for air, blood gurgling from his mouth. Don’t you get it?” A full minute ticked by. “Search your soul for the real man inside before it’s too late.”

  Mark inhaled, but remained quiet.

  Very slowly, she turned. “Time for a drink.”

  “I suggest you take your own advice. I didn’t give you the nightmares because of what I did. You’re having nightmares because of who you are.”

  Mark’s words chilled her to the bone.

  Chapter 4

  David heard the front door opening and closing, then a thump and a clattering noise. Glancing at the clock, he frowned and rolled over in bed. It was almost two in the morning. Where in the hell had she been? He’d been asking the same question for a few hours, finally dropping into bed a little over an hour before. There hadn't been, nor did he think there was going to be, any sleep tonight.

  Drinks with Bruce had been a very cathartic experience with many words of wisdom coming from his best friend. He’d even cut the night short, arriving home a little after ten to talk with Shannon, help them both understand the reason for the trip. He’d remained happy in his expectations until the clocked continued to tick. Slowly, worry turned into anger, ebbing into his rational mindset. As the time grew later, his thoughts revolved around confronting her. Why the lie and who was he? He could tell she was shuffling through the kitchen and he heard what sounded like her bumping into the table.

  “Ouch.”

  Was she drunk? They might have an occasional glass of wine in the middle of the week, but for her to be drunk was more than unusual. Anger boiled through him. By all rights, he should drag her into the bedroom and give her a serious ass whipping. That’s what a decent Head of Household would do. Decent. He wasn’t good at this any more than he was at being a husband. He sat up, placing his feet on the floor and dropped his head into his hands, unsure of what to do. A few seconds later, he heard Shannon coming into the room, her footsteps slow and unsteady.

  She didn’t turn on the light, merely moved toward the end of the bed.

  David turned his head and was able to see her through the sliver of moonlight coming in from the partially open blinds. She either didn’t notice he was sitting up or didn’t care, but there was no doubt she was intoxicated by the way her body was swaying.

  Shannon stripped off her clothes, dropping them on the floor and crawled into bed. Within seconds, she was breathing regularly.

  David turned all the way around and shook his head. She was facing the wall. Even in her drunken state, she didn’t want to be close to him. Where had he gone so wrong? Knots remained in his stomach as he moved closer. Reaching his hand out, he hovered over her face, longing to touch her. The scent of her perfume lingered, the musky fragrance the one he appreciated the most. She only wore the very expensive perfume on special occasions and… The realization brought tears to his eyes. Very gently, he brushed the tips of his fingers down her neck and shivered.

  Watching her slumber was something he’d done often on nights he couldn’t sleep, but those occasions were usually about worry with money or work. Tonight, he simply needed to look at her, admire her beauty. There were so many thoughts, so many ideas racing through his brain, but he didn’t have the energy to deal with them. Rage was building where anger had been. Easing off the bed, he grabbed his pillow. Time alone was definitely something he needed.

  David dropped the pillow on the couch in the den, then moved into the kitchen. Her purse had been placed on the kitchen table then knocked over. Swallowing hard, he looked over his shoulder. Snooping wasn’t something he normally did. They both needed privacy. He’d always purported couples needed a space of their own, one sacred to just them. Trust was something he relished more than anything in a marriage. He’d had enough crap in his past relationships, he certainly didn’t need to be the man he’d once been – crazy jealous.

  Tonight, wasn’t normal though, and he couldn’t get his mind wrapped around the fact she’d lied to him. Lied. Growling, he stood over the purse and spilled contents. The zipper on her makeup case was open, lipstick and Chapstick falling out. Her brush popped out from one corner as well as her cell phone. Only one thing captured his attention – folded papers. He reached out twice before picking them up.

  At first, he was confused by the pictures, high-rise buildings overlooking a thin strip of beach as well as a dazzling ocean. Then as he flipped the pages, he realized they were layouts for condos. “Miami?” What the hell? Stunned, he continued to flip back and forth until his stomach churned. He dropped the entire batch. They scattered over the table. He stumbled into the den and went straight for the mini bar. He only had one client to see tomorrow. Being hung over he could risk. Besides, it was Friday and they were…

  David barely managed to wrap his hand around the bottle of bourbon. The trip. Why in hell was there a point in going? There was no point. Seeing a counselor about their mishaps with domestic discipline was the least of their worries. After pouring a full glass, he took a long swig, the burn comforting. He was going to cancel the trip.

  Tears falling down his face, he walked toward the window, placing his palm on the glass. So much for being the man of her dreams. They were living a nightmare.

  The noise was too much. Covering her ears, Shannon groaned and rolled over, eyeing the alarm clock. Everything seemed so fuzzy in the dark. She inched closer and her stomach lurched. Everything was swimming. Why was she so…? Then she remembered. Oh God. She’d spent the night drinking. Shit. Jerking up in bed, she almost vomited. Waves of nausea made her shiver to her toes. Trying to put the pieces together was difficult. What she did remember forced her to sit up. Bile rose to her throat. She swallowed hard and rubbed her eyes. She had to get in the shower and get dressed. The breakfast meeting was in a little over thirty minutes.

  She managed to stand a few seconds later. Her clothes were piled on the floor. Jesus Christ. A quick look told her David was already up. Great. Shannon didn’t even remember coming in the night before. What was she supposed to say to him? There was no way to make him believe she was just out for business. Why
had she had the third and fourth glass of wine? She folded her arms and played back the night as she walked to the bathroom. They’d been at the club having a couple of drinks. Jameson had been his usual pompous self, then she’d gotten the offer and went to the bathroom. Mark. God, Mark. After turning on the water, she glanced at her reflection and snarled. Today wasn’t going to be a good day.

  After the quick shower, she grabbed the first thing she saw might perk up her sour mood and dull complexion. The dress was no fuss. Makeup and hair was done in a few minutes and now it was time for coffee. By the time she made it to the kitchen, she wondered whether David had already left for work. Of course, he’d have a lot to do in order to get ready for their trip. The moment she turned on the kitchen light, her gaze fell to her purse. Shit, she had been drunk. “What is wrong with me?”

  There was no coffee made and no appearance there had been, which meant David had left quickly. She shoved the contents back into her purse, then proceeded to find an empty coffee can. “No.” No coffee until she got to breakfast. Maybe she’d stop on the way and grab a cup. It was at that instant she realized she had zero memory of getting home. “Shit.” Had she driven? Had she been that stupid? “No, no, no.” After gripping the sink and calming her nerves for a full minute, she walked, then raced toward the front door to take a peek for her car. As she passed by the entrance to the den, the doorbell rang. Jumping two feet into the air, she gasped. A different blip caught her eye from the den. Tipping her head, she could tell there was something on the arm of the sofa. Shannon flipped on the light switch just as she heard a knock on the door.

  “Coming.” The pillow was from their bed. David had slept in the den. He was pissed. That’s why he wasn’t here this morning. He was angry with her. Well, of course. Shannon opened the door and her suspicions were confirmed. “Jameson.”

  “Good morning, sunshine. Thought you might need this,” Jameson said as he handed her a large cup with a Starbucks logo on the side. “Wow. You certainly don’t look worse for wear. Red is definitely your color.”

  Self-conscious, Shannon could tell he was undressing her with his eyes. Maybe she should file a sexual harassment claim. Right. That would fly well with her bosses. All Jameson had to do was tell one naughty story and she had a feeling she’d be crispy toast.

  “It’s just coffee. I assure you I didn’t lace it with anything,” Jameson teased.

  “Funny.” She’d never been so grateful for a cup of coffee in her life. Taking the steaming brew, she took a step back, allowing him inside. “Let me guess, you brought me home last night?”

  “Seemed like the gentlemanly thing to do, given you pretty much couldn’t talk by the end of the evening. Besides, I was worried about your ex harassing you again.”

  “God! I am so sorry. I am very sorry.” As if she was going to tell him any more about Mark. Shannon hid behind her cup and took several steps backward. The pillow was the good indicator of her condition. She had to bet David attempted to ask her what had happened, and she probably mouthed off to him.

  “It’s no problem. I told you we were celebrating and seeing your ex can kick anyone in the gut. I understand,” Jameson chuckled as he closed the door and followed the direction of her gaze. “Oh shit. That got you into trouble, huh?”

  “I don’t know. I honestly don’t know. I can’t remember. I’m so embarrassed.” She held the cup to her head and could only imagine what David had to be thinking. What ridiculous behavior. She prayed to God she didn’t tell Jameson any damning details about Mark. She knew the attorney in him would never leave it alone.

  “Well, you don’t have to be from my end. I’m glad you relaxed and shared with me some of your life. I loved getting to know you. That will make working together that much better.”

  “Oh God. Did I agree?” She remembered getting a little too close to Jameson. This wasn’t happening. Shit. Shit. Shit.

  Jameson grinned. “No, you insisted you had to tell David about this more than once. But you did leave this.” Tugging out the envelope, he narrowed his eyes. “At least keep the offer with you. We can talk about it over breakfast. I think you can use some sustenance since we didn’t have dinner. I apologize for not insisting.”

  She grabbed the paperwork and headed for the kitchen. “Let’s get this over with.” Gulping the hot coffee wasn’t an option. Maybe she really needed the liquid intravenously. She shoved the papers in her purse and steadied herself, drinking some of the coffee. This morning was little different than the night before. She was having difficulty looking Jameson in the eyes. A series of memories flashed in her mind. Pressing her fingers across her lips, she stole a glance in his direction. The look in his eyes confirmed they’d kissed, and quite passionately.

  “You make this sound like you’re going to the dentist for a root canal. I’m not that bad. At least that’s not what you said last night.”

  Shannon refused to take the goading. Swinging her purse over her shoulder, she gave him a harsh look and walked past. “Are you coming?” she asked as she reached the doorway.

  “Yes, ma’am. Tough taskmaster,” Jameson said under his breath.

  “I just have a lot to do today.” As they walked out, she closed the door behind her and fished for her cell phone. She needed to find out David’s mood.

  “Allow me,” Jameson stated as he opened the passenger door.

  “This isn’t a date. This is just work.”

  Jameson sighed, waited for her to slide into the car then closed the door.

  Shannon turned on her phone expecting a series of text message, or at minimum, a voicemail. There was nothing from David. That wasn’t a good sign at all.

  After he started the engine, he gave her a look before zooming down the street. “You know, we can share moments together as well as work. People do it all the time.”

  “Moments together? There is nothing between us but work.” Except for the heated kiss. Was she remembering a real kiss? Shannon looked out the window and bit her lower lip.

  “Fine. Have it your way.” Jameson fiddled with the radio, settling on an alternative rock station.

  She contemplated whether she should call David from the car. Having Jameson overhear her conversation, perhaps knowing she was being lectured and no doubt a spanking promised wasn’t the best thing for her boss to hear.

  “Tell me about the trip.”

  “Just a little getaway for the two of us. To the islands.” As if she was going to tell this man anything about her personal life.

  “Well, maybe given the pillow, you both need some alone time away from everything.”

  “How dare you!” Frustrated, Shannon tapped the phone to turn it on, sliding her finger across the bar quickly. The decision about whether she was going to call her husband had been made for her. “You don’t know me or my life or my life with my husband either so… David.” She was shocked he answered on the first ring. “Hi, honey. I’m sorry about last night. I was talking about some business, a few of the cases we were working on for updates while I’m gone on the trip. I just lost track of time. I should have called you. I know that, and I apologize. I’m certain we’ll talk more about it later, but I just wanted you to know I am sorry. Hope your day is going well and we’ll have a nice dinner tonight before we go. Okay?” Terribly uncomfortable, she could tell Jameson was gleaning every word.

  She closed her eyes and wasn’t even certain the call was still active. The display said the call was engaged. “David?”

  “There will be no trip.”

  The words didn’t settle in right away. When they did, she issued a single moan. “No.”

  “Something wrong?” Jameson asked.

  Nodding over and over again, she was shocked as hell. David wasn’t just angry with her. The tone in his voice said he was through. “We’re not going on the trip.”

  “Perhaps because he could tell you were lying.”

  Turning her head toward him, the words reverberated between her ears. Yeah, she had lie
d.

  PLEASE talk to me

  Shannon studied the text before hitting send. How many texts had she sent him in the few hours she’d been at work? How many voicemail messages had she left? David wasn’t just ignoring her. He’d shut down. “Ugh. I’m so stupid. Stupid bitch. Just stupid.” The words issued as Wendy entered her office, she hissed seeing the look of amusement on her assistant’s face. “Don’t say it. Just don’t, okay. I’m having a really bad day.”

  “Well, you already uttered the words and I can clearly see how bad of a day you’re having. Even the dress looks frumpy on you. What gives today? You should be glowing since you’re leaving for the islands with your own personal cabana boy.” Wendy swooped into the office, laying a set of files down on Shannon’s desk.

  “Frumpy? Perfect. I have my last client to meet with in ten minutes. I don’t need to look anything but top notch professional.” Shannon stood and smoothed down her dress. She glared at the phone, willing the damn thing to ring. David wasn’t going to call. He was punishing her in his fashion and would continue. If the trip was really off, she had a feeling he’d go stay with Bruce for the entire week. He’d done this before.

  “At least I have good news then. Mr. Shepard pushed back the meeting until you get back. He’s going to be out of the country on some sort of business, so he said he’d reschedule.”

  “That’s interesting. Okay. Then more time to finish the paperwork. I don’t know if I’ll be in on Monday or not.” Shannon fiddled with the stack of folders, her mind elsewhere. Should she try another tactic? Yeah. Maybe calling Bruce was a good idea.

  “Okay, what is going on?” Wendy challenged.

  “Making a phone call.” Her nerves were on edge and as Shannon called the main office line, she prayed maybe David would answer. “Hi Margie, is Bruce in?”

  “Shannon?” The woman asked.

  “Yeah, sorry. Just need to ask Bruce a quick question.” Shannon heard hesitation. “Just a little surprise.”