face. She’s not used to me getting this heated in a discussion, not toward her. But talking to me like I don’t know my own kids hits on a sensitive spot I haven’t inspected in a long time.
Natalie, Abby, and Maddy are my life. Yeah, I’m gone a lot, working hard for them. But I do the best I can to keep up on their life. To be present when I’m around. I heard Natalie’s complaints of how much I was gone and I’m working on that.
She gets up and disappears into the house. I glance at the back yard. Maddy’s in the sandbox and Abby is on the swing, each in their own world.
I go after Natalie. She’s at the counter. Her hands are pressed on the top and she’s glowering at the surface. Even though we’re on the brink of a fight, I still take a moment to admire the curves of her legs. My blood warms, reminding me to tread carefully or my days worshipping that body will be limited.
“I didn’t mean to get so upset.” I learned the art of I’m always wrong early. I can credit years of my own parents arguing and wondering why my father didn’t step back and admit that he was in the wrong once in a while. The ol’ Gainesworth pride. “I understand what you’re saying.”
She huffs out a breath. “It’s one thing to understand, but another to actually get it. They have to come first.”
Telling Natalie that I understand used to mollify her before. But saying it when I didn’t feel it led us to this point. I have to prove I get it or this argument could have me packing my bags, something I never want to do again. “Then I’ll play off the eligible bachelor bit and try to change the subject.”
Displeasure ripples over her face. I feel the same way. I have no issues going on TV and putting in print that I’m trying to win back my wife. But if she wants a buffer between the world and us, then I’ll give it to her.
“They’re going to be tenacious.” She waves her hand to me. “I mean look at you.”
Seeing my chance to dissolve the tension between us, I swagger over. “You think I’m good-looking.”
Her scowl is only partly playful. “It’s why you get away with so much.”
I’m briefly taken aback. “So much what?”
“Moving in? Sneaking into my bedroom each night.” She drops her voice to a whisper. “My office.”
Taking her on her desk the other night is an especially fond memory. It was the first time we’d done it in that room. “I believe you were the one that made the first move.”
A smile plays over her lips. “My parents are coming over on the Fourth. Want to do hamburgers and hot dogs?”
“Absolutely.” Since her parents know about us and are willing to come hang out when I’m here, maybe they’d be open to watching their grandkids for a date night Sunday evening before the Fourth.
I can’t gather Natalie into my arms. We’re right in front of the window and I respect her desire to keep our rekindling private.
Natalie licks her lower lip, making it hard to stick to my good intentions. “You really think all they’re going to care about is that you’re single.”
“If they think I’m ready to mingle, yes.” I peek outside to make sure I’m clear and give her a quick kiss on the forehead. “I’ll take care of it.”
“You shouldn’t have to.”
I lift a shoulder. “I did that stupid interview. I have to pay the consequences.”
“It…” She wrinkles her nose. “It was a good piece. Tasteful, surprisingly.”
“I got a few extra clients. I was afraid it’d scare the companies I wanted to invest with, but it was good publicity. They either don’t pay attention or don’t care since I was shown in a good light.”
“Helena has good instincts.”
“She does.” I think back to the last month. “She’s been… different the last few weeks.”
Natalie busies herself, getting out the supplies for sub sandwiches. “How do you mean?”
“More professional. Distant. It’s not like she’s an ass kisser, but she’s definitely cooler toward me.”
“Well, you have been handing off a lot more duties with little warning. Maybe it’s interfering with her own life.”
“I don’t know anything about her life. But she can always say something.” I tilt my head to admire Natalie’s ass while she’s digging in the fridge.
She backs out and tosses a bag of farmer’s market lettuce by the buns.