by Marie Harte
“Rex, seriously. If anyone’s to blame, it’s Jason.”
“Yeah, sure.” He cupped her neck. “I know you need time. Hell, whatever you need, it’s yours. Just… Don’t go too far away, okay? I love you, Nat.”
She smiled, and a deep hurt festered inside. Why, she had no idea, because the man of her dreams was confessing something awfully important. In this time when she’d need him most, he promised to be there for her.
She just wished she could accept his help without feeling like a failure.
“I’ll be fine.” She blinked hard to clear her vision.
He frowned, concerned. “Shit. Sugar, you call me if you need anything. I mean anything. Ice cream, to hit me, to hit Jason, some sex to ease this hard time,” he tried to joke.
Her watery smile didn’t help matters. Before she burst into stupid, unhelpful tears, she left the car and Rex behind.
The night hadn’t turned out anything like what she’d thought it might. The dinner with his parents had been amazing. Their time at the club even better. But those were fantasies, and she knew better than most how dreams could die.
Her parents hadn’t stayed together. Her first steady boyfriend—her boss a lifetime ago—had turned on her, stabbing her in the back to get his own promotion. She should have learned her lesson, but she had to try pushing the envelope. And not just by dating a major player in the city, but by taking her kink semi-public.
She knew better than to play out her games behind any closed door but her own. At least she used to hit the private spots outside of town. But being here, where so many people knew her, and knew each other…
Wiping her eyes as she stalked around her house, she eventually turned to cleaning to work off her energy. Monday morning and all its problems would come soon enough.
“I love you, sugar.”
Unfortunately, memories of Rex only made everything harder to handle. Because she loved the guy back, and she had no idea what to do about it.
Monday morning, she stared at the mayor standing before her desk. Lucky for her, Emily Deerborn, her boss, had come down with the flu, so the mayor, head of the city council, had taken it upon himself to give her the bad news.
“It’s a funny thing to hear. Especially about you.” To his credit, Tom Jessup looked uncomfortable. “But we all signed a decency agreement coming on to the job. Like the banks and educators, we public servants have a duty to the people of this city.”
“I know that, Mayor.” Nat refused to display any emotion. She’d cried out her frustrations yesterday and used tea bags and cucumbers to reduce the swelling under her eyes. Now she thought she just looked tired.
“You and Rex Samson, a fine upstanding young man, engaging in a bunch of…well, some odd activity with another young man? And in public? I frankly don’t believe a word of it.”
Even though your son started the rumors? And even those he didn’t get right. Public my ass.
“But,” Jessup continued, “our policy is to investigate any questionable issues involving staff. So you’re on a temporary leave of absence pending our review.”
She’d toyed with the idea of quitting and saving everyone the hassle, but screw Josh Jessup. The fuckhead wanted her job? He could fight her for it.
“No problem, sir.” She forced a smile. “I haven’t had a vacation in years. I’ll take the next two weeks to see family. You have my number.”
“Oh, well, I’m sure it won’t take two weeks.” Now he seemed worried.
That’s right, Tom. I do a lot of work around here. You think it’s so easy? Let your asswipe kid handle things. “Well, regardless, I’m going to take the next two weeks to think things over. And hey, while I’m gone, you can always have Josh take over. He’s been wanting my job for a while, hasn’t he?”
The mayor flushed. “Now, hold on. I’m not forcing you out to put my son in place. The council made the decision, not me personally.”
She took pity on him, since he kind of had to respond to Josh’s rumor mongering. The council had a responsibility to do the right thing until they knew more. “I know you aren’t,” she said. “But he’s someone who can fill in for the interim. Use him. In the meantime, I’m on vacation.”
He nodded, probably relieved she wouldn’t be throwing a hissy over the matter. “Fine, fine. I’ll let Emily know. Try to keep a positive mind about this, Natalie. I’m sure it will all blow over.”
“Yes, sir. I will.” She waited until he left, then mentally shot him the bird and grabbed her purse. The halls were especially quiet as she left, and few people said more than goodbye as she traipsed down the hall. She could only imagine what they’d been told and forced herself not to show shame or upset that she was being forced to leave.
Her cell phone buzzed in her purse. Probably Rex wanting to know how he could help. Yesterday had been tough, handling her problems on her own. And that bothered her. Normally she took whatever hand she’d been dealt and worked through her issues. Alone.
But her instinct when this shit hit the fan was to go to Rex. He’d help her just by being that calm, levelheaded guy everyone else seemed to lean on. He didn’t get spun-up over matters. He handled things and resolved them to his satisfaction. Or heads rolled under his sweet Southern drawl.
Nat needed to be her own woman, though. This was her career, not Rex’s. And it would do her good to take a break from him, to see just what he meant to her when he wasn’t around to cloud her judgment.
She returned home, packed a bag and decided to visit her sister Beth in Charlotte. A two-hour drive and she could clear her head on the way.
Once in the car, she paused. Doing the right thing, she dialed Rex. He answered on the first ring.
“Nat?”
“I’m okay. I’m on administrative leave, as I figured. I’m going to visit my sister in Charlotte for a few days. I need the break.”
“Shit. I’m so sorry—”
“Stop saying that,” she snapped, then sighed. “Sorry. It’s not your fault, Rex. Stop getting all guilty. You’re pissing me off.”
He chuckled, surprising her. “I hear you. Sorry. I mean, yeah, uh, you go visit with your sister.” After a slight pause, he asked, “Want me to come?”
“No.” Not wanting to hurt his feelings, she added, “I need this time to think about things. My job, you, my life… I need to think about where I am and what I want.” Would he respect that? Understand this had to do with her, and not him?
“I understand, sugar.”
“Do you?”
“Believe it or not, I do.” He sighed. “Years ago, something similar happened with me. So I get you. This isn’t about me or even us, I don’t think. It’s about you and what you need. Take your time. I’ll be here when you get back.”
“Not if I get back?” she persisted, still fascinated with his confidence.
“No. When. I know you, sugar. You’re hooked on me,” he teased. “Like Mama’s red velvet cake.”
His assuredness eased one worry dogging her—that she’d have to take care of him when she really needed to take care of herself. “Thanks, Rex.” I love you.
“No problem, Nat. Just remember, I’m only a phone call away. Love you.” He disconnected.
Immediately, she felt alone and lonely and resolved to re-grow a spine. With stiff determination, she called her sister. Always happy to hear from Nat, Beth welcomed her timely visit, pleased because Julie, her wife, had gone on a business trip.
“Great, little sis,” Beth said with a laugh. “It’ll just be you and me for a while.”
“Perfect.” Nat hung up and drove, thinking and not thinking, and missing Rex the whole time.
Rex kept himself occupied by his expansion in Charleston. He used the week to see to his business, trying to keep his mind off the woman making him simultaneously miserable and overjoyed.
She w
as the fucking light in his life, and he knew it now. Not that he hadn’t before, but the last few days without her had been hell. Fortunately business had taken him away from his folks, who would have seen right through him.
Brian, best friend that he was, had spent the weekend with Rex on the waterfront. He walked into the lounge of the hotel where Rex had upgraded to a suite for them both.
“Ah, there he is. My heartbroken best bud.”
“Fuck you,” Rex muttered when Brian sat next to him. He gave the waitress hovering nearby a wink, gratified when she blushed and bent all over backward to get him anything he wanted. At least someone still appreciated him.
He ordered himself and Brian some drinks and wings, then sat back to wallow in his misery. “She texts some but hasn’t called.”
“Woman needs some space. Give her time.” Brian didn’t seem worried. Then again, Brian was fat and happy with Faith. Not lonely and needing Nat.
“I am giving her space. I told her I’d be waiting for her.” Rex groaned. “I’m such a pussy.”
“Yep, you are.” Brian smiled at the waitress when she brought their order. “Thanks. Keep the drinks coming.”
“I will.” She left.
“Quit flirting or I’ll tell Faith.” Rex ate a chicken wing with little enthusiasm. “You think Nat will come back?”
“Come on, man. Buck up. Of course she will. Harper’s making a huge fuss over this. You know he’s her assistant, right?”
“Oh yeah.” Harper loved Nat. That was a good thing.
“Well, he’s been ranting and raving to Freddy, who told me that Josh is a horse’s ass with a case of self-aggrandizing importance. Or maybe that came from Dylan, because I doubt Harper’s big on diagnosing narcissism.”
“Yeah, and?” He drank half his beer to put out the fire in his mouth. Damn hot wings.
“And word is no one believes the crap Josh is spouting. I mean, prim and proper Natalie Wielder playing sex games?” Brian snorted. “Yeah, right.” He leaned closer to Rex. “Though I have to tell you, putting on that show for you guys was super hot. Faith was totally into it.”
“She didn’t know it was me though, did she?”
“Hell no. Just that some random couple watched. She’s okay with you seeing us, but Nat might weird her out a bit.”
Kind of like Nat had been freaked about knowing they’d watched Brian and Faith, but Rex didn’t say anything. “So what else is going on?”
“The planner’s office is backlogged. Nat kept a tight ship and Josh is clueless. Harper’s breathing down his neck, as is Derrick. And Marly Bennett, Nat’s secretary, is pulling her hair out.”
“Isn’t Marly that pleasant older woman who always smells nice?”
Brian grinned. “Pleasant to you. She’s a right bitch to everyone she doesn’t like. Derrick only squeaks by because Dylan smoothed the wheels for him. She tolerates Harper. But she loathes Josh. She’s been complaining about him all week, and the woman has some clout at the office.”
“I like that.” Something good to come from this mess. Nat would be able to tell her real friends from the assholes at work.
“Still, from what I hear, it’s not guaranteed Nat will keep her job. That’s up to the council.”
“Not the mayor?”
“Nah. He’s small potatoes when it comes to council stuff. He just likes to think he’s integral to everything.” Brian took a swig of his beer. “I gotta tell you, bro, we’re more worried about you. Faith, Derrick, Dylan, Harper. Even Freddy. We all like you for Nat.”
Rex blinked. “Since when? I’ve run into Harper a few times. Derrick a bit more than that. They’re nice guys, but I don’t know them, exactly.”
“You know me.” Brian buffed his fingers against his chest. “And everyone loves me. Therefore, you’re golden.”
“Shut up.” He chuckled. Trust Brian to lift his mood.
“Look, she might not be the easiest woman to work with—Harper’s words, not mine—but Nat’s amazing at her job. And she’s always been more than fair with people who work hard. Again, Harper’s words. Derrick’s too. So you’ve not only got my seal of approval, and Faith’s, but all the Warrens too. Those guys know a lot of people.”
Things were starting to look up for Nat. Too bad she didn’t know it. He didn’t think she’d been keeping in touch with Harper either.
“Should I give her more space, Brian, or call her? What do you think?”
“I think your girlfriend has had more than enough time to be with family. A whole week and no Rex. I bet she’s missing you something fierce.”
“You really are a good friend, aren’t you?”
Brian grinned. “The best. I gave up my lady to be with you.”
“Liar. I happen to know she’s coming tomorrow to finish the weekend with you.”
“Oh, er. Well, I gave up tonight.”
Rex laughed. “You’re a good egg, Brian. I mean that.”
“Gah. Stop with the Goode shit. Seriously.”
Rex laughed again, feeling better about life in general. If Nat didn’t have to lose her job, she couldn’t be too mad at him. Because no matter what she’d said, she had to blame him, at least a little, for her current predicament.
But so long as she came home, he wouldn’t worry too much.
She just had to come home.
One more week. I can handle that.
He groaned and finished his beer. As requested, the waitress cleared his empty glass and brought him another fine S&F ale. Yep. I can handle one more week without the love of my life. I’m not that big a pussy, am I?
Chapter Ten
I miss him so much. Nat sat with her sister and brothers, still not sure how she hadn’t killed any of them yet. At least Beth made her visit pleasant. Beth and Julie had been happily married for two years now, together for a total of ten. And Beth had recently announced they were expecting a baby in nine months.
I’m going to be an aunt.
Yet that excitement couldn’t make up for the fact she missed Rex like crazy. It was all she could do not to call him five times a day to share funny stories about her family or bitch about her brothers. Instead she made do with a text now and again. No more than twice a day. Her rule.
She sat drinking coffee and shook her head at her oldest brother’s latest news. “James, really? Another girlfriend gone?”
He frowned. He and Aaron had descended on Beth unannounced, no calls ahead of time or even asking to stay. They just assumed their sister would have time and room for them.
At thirty-five, James seemed a little old to be so oblivious of the world around him. And just a year younger, Aaron should have known better too. Beth was only a few years younger than that, but like Nat, the baby of the family, she was considered one of the responsible Wielders.
Except it had taken Beth a lot longer to get her head on straight than it had Nat. Nat, her parents liked to say, had been born with the responsible, mature gene that her siblings strove to find. With marriage and now a kid on the horizon, Beth had caught on.
Aaron might follow in their sister’s footsteps. James? She loved him, but Nat considered him a lost cause.
“You know, Nat,” James said, “we can’t all be as homey as Beth and Julie. I don’t see a ring on your finger, oh thrower of stones.”
She frowned, especially at Beth’s raised brow. Beth, the poor woman, had heard all about Mr. Wonderful—Rex I-love-him-but-what-do-I-do-about-him Samson.
“For your information, I am in a relationship with a man I like…” love “…very much.”
“Yeah?” Aaron answered. “Where is he then?”
“He’s working.” Though she’d toyed with asking him to come to Charlotte to meet her family. Her family. She must be in love to consider that.
“I bet he’d take a few days to be with you though,” Be
th said kindly. She knew how much Nat wanted to see him again. “With Mom and Dad not around, now’s a good time.”
Aaron snickered. “Yeah. He just has to tolerate James for a few days. Until big brother takes up with his ex’s sister.”
As one, they looked at James.
“Hey, she came on to me. I swear.”
Nat cringed. “James. That’s just…not right.”
“Look, Danielle and I aren’t together anymore, so she shouldn’t care. And her sister is frickin’ hot. I mean, really…you know.” He held his hands out from his chest as if he were holding a pair of basketballs.
Beth grinned. “Oh?”
“Totally your type.” James nodded.
Nat slapped him in the back of the head. “She’s married, dumbass.”
“But not dead. Nothing wrong with looking,” Beth said. “Julie’s worse than I am.”
“Hell. They’re the only couple our age that I know who are still together after ten years,” Aaron pointed out. “Cut her a break.”
“But it doesn’t help that numbnuts is trying to make her stray.” Nat glared at James. A little boy in a big man’s body.
So unlike Rex.
She still couldn’t get over how understanding he’d been about everything. He hadn’t begged or whined about her leaving. Instead, he’d been there to support her. Strong but not imposing. Solid, dependable, and with a smile that made her whole world brighter.
“I think I love him,” she blurted, needing to hear the words out loud.
Everyone looked at her.
Beth smiled with satisfaction. “About time you admitted it. I want to meet him.”
James and Aaron frowned. “Me too,” they said together.
Despite the fact she’d always been the one to take care of her older siblings, they now pulled together to rally around her. None of them had even blinked at the supposed rumors about their baby sister—not that she’d gone into great detail. James hadn’t even asked if they were true. To her astonishment, they seemed to be handling the curves life had thrown at her better than she was.
“This is a surprise. You all being here, no drama for once. So surreal.”
