I put a hand over my racing heart. Okay, so it’s not so terrible. My shame is safe. Just between me and this Miles Wellington person. Who the fuck is he?
When it’s time for lunch, I gather my bag and get up. Nate comes out of his office with a smile that says he’s satisfied with the world.
“Let’s go get lunch,” he says.
“Actually, I can’t,” I say, feeling slightly bad about it.
“Oh, come on. Don’t tell me you’re going to turn me down again. We’re married. It’s only right I provide you with lunch. Just because I don’t pound my chest and hunt saber-tooth tigers doesn’t mean I’ve lost all my caveman instincts.”
I pat his pecs, not merely to soothe but because I just want to touch him. “I already told Kim I’d eat with her, and she’s not going to feel comfortable talking to me if you’re around.”
He leans closer, the hot, woodsy scent of his cologne acting like a drug on my brain. “Are you ladies planning to talk about me?”
“Maybe.” I give him a quick peck on the cheek, since we’re in the office, and I’m not bold enough to do a kiss on the mouth when coworkers could be watching. “I’ll have lunch with you tomorrow. I promise.”
“Deal.” His expression grows a bit serious. “You should probably consider moving the rest of your stuff from her apartment into our place, though. Mom’s staying with Justin, and your mom’s gone, so this is the perfect time.”
“Oh.” That’s right. I left my things there because I didn’t expect this marriage to last.
“You can hire movers.”
“No, no, it’s okay,” I say quickly. I’m still traumatized and confused about Miles Wellington. My psyche just can’t bear the idea of strangers pawing through my things, even if they’re paid professionals.
“If you’re sure. Then do you want to go do it today? I don’t have any meetings for the rest of the day, and you can get it done. I don’t know who might be visiting on the weekend.”
I nod. “Okay. If you need anything, though, call me.” Still in assistant mode.
Nate and I go down to the lobby together. He’s holding my hand, and I let him, loving the skin-to-skin contact. Handholding isn’t that much of a public display of affection. I just don’t want to make my coworkers treat me differently because I’m Nate’s wife now (or become hyperaware of my new status), and I feel like blatant PDAs are going to be like rubbing it in. We should limit ourselves to when we’re alone or in the elevator—or in the lobby, if there aren’t many people around.
When we step out of the elevator, I see Kim waiting. She’s in a bright, form-fitting dress you just can’t miss, and matching heels that are eye-popping. I start toward her, but Nate stops me. “Here. Treat yourselves to something nice and fancy. And take a long lunch.” Handing me his black AmEx, he kisses me, full on the mouth, with all those people milling around.
His tongue flicks against me for a taste, and I lick him back, unable to resist. God, he tastes so good, as my body zings again. It’s such a shame to do only one lick, so I go for another, then one more.
Finally he pulls away.
My cheeks heat, but embarrassment is no match for the heat he elicits in me. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he’s really an alien from Planet Sex. NASA just hasn’t discovered it yet.
“See you later,” I say quickly, then dash toward Kim, who’s been watching us with both eyebrows raised.
“Wow. That was something.”
“That bad?” I ask, slightly uncomfortable, as we head toward the garage to get into her car.
“No, but girl. He’s really into you. Everyone can see it.”
Groaning, I place a hand over my eyes. There goes my attempt to downplay my marriage to Nate.
“Don’t worry. You’re married. Who’s going to turn you and Nate into HR? Wannabe Unemployed ‘R’ Us?”
“You’re not helping.”
“No. I’m here to tell you the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Don’t tell me you can’t handle the truth.”
I eye her. “Were you watching A Few Good Men last night?” After watching a movie or a TV show, Kim quotes it for days afterward. It can be a bit awkward when she’s been binge-watching South Park.
“Yup. Tom Cruise was sooo delicious in that movie. He should’ve argued nude. More love from the audience.”
We settle inside her car. She notes the plastic in my hand. “What’s that?”