Maria came and hugged me. “Nat, you deserve a wonderful man and a happy life. I have a good feeling about this.”
“Thanks, Maria.”
When my shift was over, I was glad to go. I loved my friends at work, but my emotions were was all over the place and I hated crying in front of people. The brave front had been my mantra ever since I could remember. My need to please and make others feel comfortable, was deeply ingrained in me.
Maria and I went to punch out and get our handbags from security. She guided me so I knew where to go.
“Natalie, I know your instinct is to think something is going to go wrong.”
I looked at her quizzically. “How do you know?”
“I’ve been watching you hide from life for a long time. You and Kate…two peas in a pod. Kate has found her happily ever after. Now, it’s your turn. Open yourself up to this experience. Live Natalie. It’s time.”
Tears streamed down my face. I placed the enormous bouquet on the ground, and Maria pulled me close. “Your parents would want you to go on and find happiness. Promise me you’re going to give Mac a chance…a real chance.”
“I promise,” I choked out.
We let go of each other and Maria looked closely at me. “You deserve this, Nat.”
I smiled and managed to say, “Thanks, Maria. I don’t know what I would do without you and the rest of the girls. You’re like my family.”
“We are your family, sweetie. We all love you.” She was right. I was truly thankful.
Maria guided me to my car and I buckled the flowers into the passenger seat. Then I took out my phone and saw Mac’s text. He wanted to have dinner if I was up for it. I texted him back that I would love to, and to pick me up at seven.
“Keep being open. Things are going to work out,” Maria assured me. In that moment, I felt so blessed for Kate, Charlie, the women I worked with, but most of all Mac.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Maria.”
“I’ll be waiting to hear how your date went,” she said with a wink.
***
I got home with enough time to do all of the date preparations—I showered, redid my makeup, and scoured my closet for a great outfit. I put on my charcoal-gray pencil skirt with my pink off-the-shoulder top. It was fitted, and certain to get Mac’s undivided attention. A few minutes later, there was a knock at my door.
Mac was wearing a navy blue suit that brought out his piercing blue eyes. “You look stunning,” he said, picking up my hand to kiss it.
“You’re looking pretty good, yourself,” I responded back.
“I came here straight from work. Taking Friday off means putting in more hours this week.”
“I’m sure as the boss, your responsibilities never end.”
“It’s intense to run an international company, but my staff are amazing.”
Mac eyed the floral arrangement sitting on my dining table. I looked up at him and said, “Someone sent me an embarrassing display of flowers today.”
“Looks like you have an admirer,” he said, with a very serious look on his face. If his eyes could devour me I think they would have—his gaze pierced me.
“Perhaps I do,” I said smiling. “You’re very thoughtful and I love them. Thank you.”
Mac took my hand and kissed it. “They pale in comparison to you, Natalie.”
A warm sensation flooded me. Still holding my hand, he pulled my body into his, wrapped his arms around me, and breathed me in. My body pressed against his, caused a tingling that gave me a jolt between my legs. I inhaled his essence and wanted him to do a whole lot more than hold me. I wanted his hands and mouth to cover every inch of my writhing body. Desire welling up inside me was scary, and normally I wouldn’t take a risk, but Mac was worth the possibility of heartbreak, even though that seemed more and more unlikely.
Our embrace ended as I asked, “Would you like to come in for a glass of wine before we go?”
His eyes seemed to darken at my offer, as if he was struggling to stay committed to his original plans. I couldn’t believe I have such an effect on him.
“Perhaps I will take you up on your offer after dinner. I made reservations at Pehoe’s in Coronado.”
“I’ve always wanted to go there, but never have,” I said, beaming at the man standing before me, who had a way of anticipating what I would like. How were we already kindred spirits?
“Shall we, then?” he asked, extending his arm. I entwined my arm with his and we departed.
Pehoe’s was an enchanting restaurant inspired by the Hawaiian Islands. The cuisine had a tropical flavor, with endless seafood to choose from. Coconut shrimp caught my eye and I felt goose bumps gazing at Mac while he perused the menu. My heart was pounding just thinking about the fact that he wasn’t just my date…he was the man I married just a few days ago. Pondering that thought should have been overwhelming, but somehow it was comforting, like a favorite pair of jeans that have been washed a hundred times and are always just the right fit.
“Have you decided what you want?” he asked.
“I know exactly what I want,” I replied, looking at his handsome face. But what I wanted wasn’t on the menu. I had no idea how deprived I had been until I woke up Saturday morning in bed with this beautiful man. I didn’t want to be too forward, but I also wanted him to know I was as interested in him as he was in me.
“Me too,” Mac said, placing his hand on my thigh. His touch made me quiver on the inside and I only hoped he couldn’t feel me shaking. My attraction had increased with such intensity; I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it.
“So, now that we are back in reality and not in the fantasy world of Vegas, how are you feeling about everything that has happened between us over the last few days?”
The directness of his question took me aback a little. I picked up my glass of water and took a sip, to give myself a second to compose my thoughts. Mac had been pretty honest with me, so I decided to wear my heart on my sleeve and be honest as well.
I put my hand on top of his, smiled, and said, “I’m feeling good about us, Mac. I don’t know exactly how everything is going to work out, but I want to explore the possibilities of our relationship.”
“You know I want the same thing. What do you think are the possibilities?”
I took another long swig of water. It was getting hot in here and I was beginning to feel somewhat exposed. But Mac had told me in Vegas he was falling in love with me, and we had spent a wonderful evening together in his home. The romantic in me was imagining the fairy tale ending, but the practical side was scared out of my mind.
The waiter, thank God, interrupted us to take our order, so I didn’t have to answer right away. We ordered our food and Mac’s eyes again were piercing a hole right through me. He said nothing, waiting for my response to his question.
It was time to take a leap, and have faith a net would be provided to catch me. I swallowed hard and said, “I do want to stay married to you, as insane as that sounds to my own ears, and I want to create what we each experienced growing up.” There. I said it. I said it, but part of me was committed and the other part was trembling on the inside as fear coursed through me. Death had taken so much from me. I was terrified of losing Mac. It was almost easier to not try at all than to have any more loss.
But, I was going to be quiet and see what he had to say. Mac didn’t speak. Instead, he took my face in his hands and began kissing me slowly. His soft lips caressed mine, creating a surge of electricity between us. My mind was taking me to places I couldn’t or shouldn’t explore in public. His kiss told me everything I needed to know. Staying his wife was what he wanted…what we both wanted. Strange turn of events since waking up in his bed Saturday morning.
When our lips parted, he said, “I’m so glad you said you want to stay my wife. I know everything is happening quickly, but I know in my heart this is right. What we have is meant to be.”
“I feel the same way, Mac.”
He kissed me on the c
heek and asked, “So do you still want to keep this from Kate and Charlie?”
“Actually, yes, I do. If that’s okay? Kate is going through so much with Roger still being out there and her wedding being so soon, I just don’t want her to worry about me. Let’s face it, our friends are going to think we are crazy.”
“Well, I am crazy…crazy about you.”
Mac’s words made me gooey on the inside. I loved his honesty…it was such a good trait. My parents may have died when I was just a young woman, but their marriage taught me so much about relationships. Honesty was a key ingredient. If I could have a marriage like they had, I would be the most fortunate woman alive. Mac had an amazing example of marriage from his parents as well. The loss of our parents drew us together…like they had prearranged this whole thing somehow. It brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. It also gave me hope; something that I could see had died in me with the death of my parents, and the loss of Ty.
“What are you smiling about, Mrs. Carter?” Mac asked.
My heart skipped a beat when I heard him call me Mrs. Carter, and I knew I would never grow tired of hearing it. “I was just thinking we are both blessed to have had parents who were happily married, that we could learn from them and have a shot of creating something similar.”
Mac closed his eyes and let out a brief sigh. “Nothing in the world would make me happier than to have what my parents had. They loved each other so much.”
“So did mine.”
“I know it’s been a short time, but this is what I know about you. You’re a kind, loving woman who puts her friends before herself. You were strong for your sister during the worst time in your lives, giving up what you wanted to take care of her. You’re willing to do whatever it takes to demonstrate your love for the people in your life. I admire those qualities and I want to know more about you…everything.”
My eyes filled with tears and one escaped down my cheek. “Oh Mac…” but before I could say anything else, Mac wrapped his hands around my face and kissed me again. He was making me want him, need him, and it had been a long time since I had let my guard down. It was a relief to be this way with him.
After dessert and a decaf coffee, Mac drove me home. Holding my hand in his, I imagined what it would be like to be his full-fledged wife—with all it entailed. Waking up in his arms, making love to him, spending quiet evenings at home. I said a silent prayer for all of this to work out—knowing I may not be able to take it if it didn’t.
Mac walked me to my door. “Would you like to come in?” I asked, longing to be alone with him.
“I do want to come in, but it’s getting late and we both have work in the morning. But I’d love to see you tomorrow night if you’re not busy. We could just hang out, get a pizza, watch a movie?”
“I’d love that,” I uttered, as his hands found my waist and he pulled me close. He kissed me goodnight and departed, leaving me wanting more.
***
I woke up the next morning eager for it to be evening again. I hoped work would fly by so I could be in Mac’s arms—the only place I wanted to be.
I arrived at work about thirty minutes before the store opened and told Maria all about our wonderful dinner, leaving out the part about being married, of course. Maria would flip if she knew that. When the store opened, I had a surprise visitor…Cassie.
I was taken completely by surprise when she walked into the kid’s department looking like she was on a mission. I didn’t know what she wanted from me, but I did know she wanted Mac back.
“Natalie, so nice to see you,” she said, with a sickeningly sweet voice. How did Mac date her for so long?
“Can I help you with something, Cassie?” I asked in a businesslike manner.
“I thought we could grab a cup of coffee since we have something in common.”
I wasn’t happy at the thought of having coffee with her, but I was intrigued to know what she wanted.
I looked at my watch. “I could take a fifteen minute break. Why don’t we have coffee in the Café?”
“That sounds just charming, dear,” she said in a condescending manner.
I glanced at Maria who had a scrunched up face. “Maria, I’m going to take a break,” I said.
“Okay,” Maria said. “Have a good time.” Her voice went up at the end of her statement as if she was saying it as a question.
Cassie and I went to the Café, ordered our coffee, and sat down. I stared at her, waiting to hear the web she would spin.
“I just wanted to come give you a friendly warning. You seem like a nice girl, but Mac and I have been through break-ups before and we always get back together. I don’t know what he has told you, but ultimately he can’t stay away from me.”
I wanted to wipe that smug look off her face, but I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of knowing she’d rattled me.
“Thanks for the heads up. But I’ll wait to see what Mac decides.”
“I just don’t want you to get hurt, sweetie. Mac always goes through a couple of girls when we are apart and then he comes crawling back to me. So you should make it easier on yourself, and just walk away now.”
I wanted to scream at her that we were already married, but I knew she needed to stay in the dark. Telling her wouldn’t benefit me in the slightest. Even though, it would be great to see the look on her face and her jaw drop open. But, that just wasn’t me, either.
“Don’t you worry about me,” I retorted. “I can take care of myself.”
“Oh, I’m sure you can. I’d just hate to see another girl get hurt by my Mac, that’s all.”
“Anything else?” I questioned before I stood up.
Cassie shook her head.
“I must be getting back to work. My break is over. Thanks for the coffee.”
“You’re welcome. Just keep in mind what we talked about.”
I walked away with haste. How did Mac date her for two years? She was such a viper. I had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time we saw each other.
The rest of the day flew by. I answered all of Maria’s questions about my unexpected visitor, but the person I really wanted to talk to about it was Mac. He would be at my place around seven for pizza and movies. I would get the 411 then.
I had picked up wine and beer on the way home, not knowing what Mac would prefer. My condo seemed so empty without Jessica and my thoughts turned toward our last conversation. I hoped the trial would provide some closure. I didn’t know what I would be doing with myself right now if I didn’t have Mac. I smiled inwardly, as I changed into my favorite jeans and soft grey knit shirt.
A knock on the door brought me out of my mental funk. When I opened it and saw Mac standing there, I couldn’t help myself. I leapt into his arms, wrapping my body around his. He wound his muscular arms around me as my mouth met his. There we were in my doorway, passionately kissing. Perhaps Mac thought it would be better to be in private. He began walking us toward the couch. He must have memorized my apartment because he managed to not only find the couch, but he sat on it with me straddling him. Our tongues continued to swirl and every cell in my body had come to life. God, how I wanted him to make love to me. I had been thinking about it all afternoon.
“That’s quite the welcome, beautiful girl. A guy could get used to this.”
I smiled. “I’m happy to see you. I can tell you are happy to see me, too,” I said suggestively.
Mac had a way of not only relaxing me, but also bringing out my sensual side. His hands moved from my waist to my hips. “So how was your day, baby?”
“It was interesting. I had an unexpected visitor.”
Mac’s brow creased. “Unexpected visitor?”
“Yes. Cassie, your ex.”
“What?” Mac practically shouted. “She came to see you at work?”
“Yeah. I thought it was weird. But she’s pulling out a last ditch effort to get you back.”
“What did she say to you? Did she threaten you in any way? You didn’t
tell her we are married, did you?”
“No. What’s going on? Why are you getting so upset?”
“I just don’t want her to bother you. She’s a little bit…crazy.”
“I could tell. She told me that you two break up often and you come crawling back to her after you have had your fill of other women.”
“Natalie, I can assure you, not only is that not true, but I don’t want to have anything to do with her. She is my past and you are my future.”
“I know. I kind of felt sorry for her today. She was grasping at straws to keep you in her life and the desperation just radiated off her body.”
“You are being very generous right now. Did she say how she found you?”
What? “I assumed she knew from you. You didn’t tell her I work at Nordstrom?”
“No.”
“Then how did she know?”
“I have no idea. She’s very resourceful and has a way of getting what she wants.”
“Well, I have news for you…she’s not getting you back. You’re all mine, Mr. Carter.”
Mac smiled. “Good to know, baby. Good to know.”
Just then there was a knock on the door. “That must be the pizza.”
“Let me get it,” Mac said.
I moved off Mac’s lap and watched him stride toward the door. Interesting that it wasn’t exactly pizza I was hungry for at that moment. It was the pizza delivery guy, so I got up to get plates, drinks, and the salad I had made.
“I thought we could set everything up on the coffee table. I have several movie options.”
“Great. What are the choices?” Mac asked, as he set the pizza down on the table.
I rattled off the choices and we decided on The Princess Bride, one of my all- time favorites. Mac put his arm around me and I snuggled into him. Being casual with him felt perfect. Natural. I watched the movie halfheartedly since my mind kept wandering to what might happen after the movie was over. Having Mac so close, touching him, breathing him in, was a deadly combination that heightened all of my senses.
When the movie ended, Mac looked at his watch. He seemed preoccupied. “Still thinking about Cassie?” I asked.
Beholden to You Page 7
