Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
B ree rejoined Adam and the Danvers with a smile she knew didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Adam gazed over at her, his smile faltering as he lifted a brow, but didn’t say anything.
About that time, an old song began to play,. “Color My World” by Chicago.
Adam put out his arm to Bree. “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
“Oh…I.” She looked at Stacy and Wade. She wasn’t sure she should be that close to Adam and hoped the Danvers would save her.
“Go on, my dear,” said Stacy. “This is one of my favorite songs and if I could, I’d be out there dancing alongside of you.”
Bree smiled at the woman and then turned to Adam. “I’d love to.” She placed her hand in the crook of his left elbow.
He covered her hand with his right, and they made their way to the dance floor on the west side of the room.
Adam wrapped his arms around Bree’s waist and pulled her close.
Bree wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest. Being in his arms calmed her.
He leaned down and placed his cheek on the top of her head. “Do you want to tell me what happened in the bathroom? And why your left cheek is red like someone hit you?”
Bree sighed. “I ran into Valerie in the bathroom. I might have told her the truth about Simon and Janie’s marriage.”
He leaned back to meet her gaze. “The truth?”
“Yes, what you told me. That Janie owns fifty-two percent of Simon’s company, that he will never leave her, and that Janie knows about their affair and doesn’t care. She didn’t take the information well. She slapped me and called me a liar.” She felt him stiffen.
“She shouldn’t have hit you. You weren’t lying about Simon.”
They swayed to the music, and, for some reason, Bree felt mostly content. She had a handsome husband who had his arms around her. She liked the feel of his body against hers. Bree fit him in all the right places, like she’d been made just for him. She loved him, and she hoped he would someday love her. And she also had a beautiful daughter who had called her mama for the first time that day. Remembering brought tears of joy to her eyes, but she held them back. She didn’t want to ruin this moment for anything.
“What are you thinking?”
She turned her gaze up to his. “I was thinking about Lilly.” Bree couldn’t help but smile. “She makes me so happy and not just because she’s a good baby. Even though she’s teething, she’s not overly cranky which is a feat I’m not used to seeing. My brothers especially were horrible when they were going through it. Every one of them cried and carried on like they were dying.”
Adam chuckled. “Maybe they were just big wusses…like they are now.”
Bree laughed. “I think I’m supposed to be insulted, except I agree. I think they’re growing up though. Even Mother says so.”
“How is your mother? We haven’t talked about her very much since we got married.”
She noticed the other dancers for the first time and realized she’d thought she and Adam were alone in the room. In her cocoon, she saw and heard only him. “Living the dream. Seriously, Mom’s doing great and seems happy. Dad is, too. They’ve become better friends since he retired, which surprises me. Did you know that she and Janie Chandler’s mother are friends?”
“I did not.”
She leaned back and looked Adam in the eyes. He held her close, his arms around her waist. “Do you think Janie will ever divorce Simon? I don’t think he’s a very smart man other than he married Janie.”
Adam chortled. “Janie always was a smart woman. I never understood her marrying Simon, but knowing her, she had a good reason. Whatever it was she needed from him she got and now she’s done with him. She leaves him to his dalliances and keeps control of the business.”
“My guess is she wanted children, at least one of each and that is exactly what she got. Once she had her children she was done with him. She might divorce him, but I think that’s unlikely. She’s comfortable and sees no reason to change.”
“So, you think she only married him to get her children?”
“I do. I don’t think Janie actually likes him at all. Keeping Simon is insurance that no one bothers her, and she can live her life as she wants. She has her own money, makes her own decisions and doesn’t have to share, or ask permission or answer to anyone.”
Adam swayed to the music. “It’s not unlike us. You married me so you could have a child.”
She stiffened her back before she realized what she was doing and relaxed again. “And you married me to have a wife and mother to Lilly.”
“Do you regret marrying me?”
“No,” said Bree, not missing a beat. “As far as I’m concerned, it was the best thing I have ever done. I wouldn’t give up Lilly for anything.” She lowered her gaze and rested her head against his chest again.
He was a good head taller than she was, so she fit perfectly under his chin.
“Do you regret marrying me?” Bree didn’t look up, but kept her head on his chest.
“I don’t.”
She pulled back and stared into his eyes. “I’m glad.”
He pulled her tight against his body. “Good.”
They danced for a while longer, then Adam pulled back and took her by the hand. “Let’s go home. We’ve made nice for long enough. We’ll say our goodbyes to Wade and Stacy and then leave.”
“Sounds good.” She didn’t pull her hand out of his, but walked by his side over to the Danvers.
“We need to be going.” Adam extended a hand to Wade. “This has been a nice evening. Thank you for inviting us.”
Wade took Adam’s hand and shook it, then looked around at the crowd. “It has been a good get-together. I’ll have my assistant get in touch with you so we can talk business.”
“Yes, sir, I’d like that.”
Bree went to Stacy and held out a hand. “Thank you for everything. I’ve not enjoyed myself this much in a long time.”
Stacy took her hand lightly and squeezed it. “I enjoyed talking to you, my dear. I hope we can do it again soon.”
“I hope so, too. I’d love to have you meet my daughter, Lilly. She would absolutely adore you.”
“That would be lovely.” Stacy’s mouth turned down.
Her sadness was clear.
Stacy’s eyes were glassy. “My children have all moved away from Denver, so I don’t get to see my grandchildren as often as I would like. I’m afraid traveling is difficult for me, and even though the kids come out several times a year, it’s not enough for me to really get to know my grandchildren.”
“You are welcome in our home anytime. Call me, and we’ll make the arrangements, or we can come to you. Whichever you prefer.”
Stacy looked down for a moment and then turned a radiant smile on Bree. “Having you come to me would probably be the easiest.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do. Lilly loves traveling in the car, though she might fall asleep before we get there.” Bree shook her head and laughed. “But she wakes up happy, so that isn’t a problem.”
“Perhaps you could come for tea on Tuesday, say around two?”
Bree nodded. “That sounds good. We’ll be there. What’s your address?”
Stacy rattled off the address. “Better yet,” she reached into her evening bag, came back with a business card, and handed it to Bree. “Then it’s a date. This has our address and my private number.”
Bree looked at the card and then tucked it into her clutch. “I would never have thought to have a business card with me.”
Stacy chuckled. “I learned a long time ago to carry them. You never know when a business opportunity or a personal one, will come up.”
“That’s really smart. I’ll have to get some made.”
Adam sidled up next to Bree and placed an arm around her waist. “Are you ready?”
“I am,” answered Bree.
He stepped nearer to Stacy, took her right hand, and kissed the top. “Thank you for your delightful hospitality.”
Wade stepped close to his wife and rested a hand on her shoulder.
“We’ve enjoyed having you.” Stacy looked at Bree. “I’ll see you on Tuesday.”
“Definitely.” Bree smiled before turning toward Wade. “It was nice meeting you.”
The older man smiled. “It was a delight meeting you. I think Adam did very well for himself with you.”
Adam lifted a brow. “I have to agree. Goodnight, now.”
They walked out to the coatroom and Bree retrieved her wrap. Then they got the SUV from the valet.
The drive home was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Because of the lack of traffic out at that time of night, it only took them about fifteen minutes to get home.
After pulling into the garage, Adam killed the engine and hurried around to help Bree from the vehicle.
He looked down at her shoes and shook his head. “I don’t know how you manage to walk in those things. What if you had to run?”
“I’d kick them off and never look back. You didn’t seem to mind when I fit directly under your chin when we danced.”
They stepped into the kitchen as Adam chortled. “No, I didn’t, did I. I have to admit, I like how we fit together.”
Her lips tipped up. “It was nice. I’ve never danced with anyone who I fit with so well.” She walked to the island and laid her clutch and her wrap on the counter.
“Not even Brad?”
Bree’s smile slipped. “Not even Brad.” Brad only danced with me a couple of times. He hated dancing, but he did it for me.
He stepped toward her and clasped her hands in his. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought him up. Let’s have a cocktail and talk about something else.”
She nodded and pulled back her hands. “We didn’t think to eat at the party. Do you want me to whip up something? I think we still have some roast pork from dinner last night. It would make great sandwiches.”
He leaned on the island. “That sounds good. White bread, please. I’ll get the drinks. What would you like?”
“Something simple and fruity.” She placed an index finger on her chin. “How about a pina colada? Do we have the ingredients for that?”
“We do. It’s one of Carole’s favorite drinks. She always makes sure to keep them stocked.” He walked away toward the stairs, heading down to the movie room and the bar, next to it.
While he was gone, Bree got out the roasted pork leftovers and made them each a sandwich. By the time she finished, she saw Adam returning with the drinks.
“Here you go.” He handed her one of the glasses.
He’d even garnished it with a quarter slice of pineapple and a pink umbrella.
“Wow, just like at a real bar.” She held up her glass for a toast. “To best friends.”
Adam eyed her for a moment and then raised his glass. “To best friends.”
I wonder if we can be more to each other. Would I be jeopardizing our friendship if I let him know I wanted more?
After they finished their sandwiches and drinks, they cleaned the kitchen together.
“You know,” said Adam. “Carole will do this in the morning. It’s kind of what I pay her for.”
Bree sighed. She still wasn’t used to having a housekeeper. “I don’t want to leave her a mess. She has enough to do with keeping the house up as it is.”
Adam shrugged. “Your wish is my command.” He waggled his brows.
Bree laughed, as she was sure he intended.
After they were done in the kitchen, they made their way to the movie room. They sat on a sofa, watched The Avengers: Endgame and she had a couple more pina coladas.
Bree curled up next to Adam and leaned against his side.
He put his arm around her shoulders, anchoring her.
They were almost like a real married couple.
She wondered if they would ever have a genuine marriage. One where they loved each other and had more children. She had to admit, she longed for that. She and Adam had been married for over two months but had been best friends for much longer than that. Their mutual love for Brad had brought them together, and it had grown from there. But had it grown enough? Could he love her? She needed love before they would have a real marriage. She knew that and wasn’t about to fool herself.
Bree yawned. “That was fun and a nice way to spend the evening. I’m tired though, and we still have to pick up Lilly in the morning.”
“I can pick her up and bring her back by myself.” He gave her shoulders a small squeeze.
She shook her head. “No, I want to go with you. I miss her.”
“I know. I do, too.”
“Well, goodnight. I’ll see you in the morning around eight-thirty so we can go get our girl.”
He picked up his empty glass. “Sounds good. Goodnight. I’m going to stay up for a while. Maybe watch another movie.”
Bree stood. “Okay. Goodnight, again.”
Adam stood, too. “Should I walk you to your door, little girl?” He lifted a brow and gave her a grin that would have had female heart’s thumping everywhere…if they’d seen it.
As it was, it was just for her, and her heart was the one pounding in her chest, wishing theirs was a true marriage.
“Bree.”
Knock! Knock! Knock!
“Bree.”
She woke up hearing her name and sat straight up. “Lilly?” She shook her head to rid it of the cobwebs left from sleep. A glance at her phone told her it was half-past three in the morning. “What now?” she whispered to herself. She threw back the blankets to get out of bed.
“Bree! Let me in.”
“Adam?” She blinked her eyes and again shook her head.
The door suddenly opened wide, and Adam stood in the doorway, turned into a silhouette by the light in the hallway behind him.
“Adam! What are you doing here?”
He stepped into the room and over to the bed.
She wished she could see him. All she could make out was that he was wearing only his boxer shorts.
“I need you, Bree. Do you need me, too? Can you need me, too, just for one night?”
He needs me. He loves me but is afraid to say it. Is it true or is it just my heart wishing for it?
She believed him and lifted her arms to his, opening them wide.
He understood, dropped his boxers, and came to her in the bed, gathering her in his arms. Then he found her lips with his and kissed her. He rolled with her until she was on top of him, then his lips were on her again. Kissing her deeply, urgently.
The kiss made her feel things she hadn’t felt in a long time.
She wanted him, and the fact that he loved her made it all right. They were married, after all.
Adam spent the night with her, making love to her several times.
She was worn out but felt well loved.
Adam woke before Bree. He enjoyed looking at her as she slept and hoped he’d get to see her in the morning every day. She looked like a perfect angel, with her blonde hair forming a halo on the pillow. He wanted to touch her, to make love to her again, but he knew she was probably sore. She hadn’t had a boyfriend since Brad, and she wasn’t the type to go in for a one-night stand.
He didn’t know what she would feel this morning, in the glaring light of day. If Lilly had been there, he would have suggested that all three of them remain in bed for the whole day. But that dream wouldn’t happen today. Maybe soon, if he had his way.
By morning Bree was exhausted and she cuddled next to Adam, weary, but happy.
Adam ran his fingers up and down her arm. “Bree, we have to get up and go get Lilly.”
“Ugg. I just want to lie here and rest. I’m tired.” Her body ached but in a good way because she knew she’d been loved and made love to.
He chuckled. “I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who’s tired today. I have a meeting today but perhaps when Lilly takes a nap, you can, too.”
She lay with her head on his chest and her arm draped across his waist, enjoying the feel of his taut warm skin and the muscles that rippled underneath. “That would be nice, but it is not likely to happen. I need to be awake when she wakes up. I don’t want her in a wet diaper any longer than necessary.”
“Well, we should get up and get showered.”
She waggled her eyebrows, not letting her nerves get the better of her. “Do you want to save water and shower together?”
Adam looked away. “Um, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I don’t want you to get the wrong impression.”
Bree narrowed her eyes. “And what impression would that be?”
Adam closed his eyes and sighed. “I knew this was a mistake, but I couldn’t stay away. We are well and truly married now, but that doesn’t mean we are anything more than best friends. You realize that?”
Her chest tightened as she clenched her jaw and narrowed her eyes. He’d used her. He didn’t love her at all…not the way she needed and wanted. “Of course. What else would I think? Hmm? Maybe that you were in love with me? But that’s ridiculous. You simply had urges and couldn’t get them handled any other way because you’re married now, right?”
He ran a hand through his hair.
Any other time she might have smiled, but now a smile over anything wasn’t in her. Regardless of the fact he looked like a mad professor, with his hair up in all different directions. Today it didn’t amuse her.
He turned back toward her with a frown. His nostrils flared. “Oh, don’t put it that way. You enjoyed yourself, too. We’re married. There’s nothing wrong with what we did.”
“Right. Nothing wrong.” She jumped out of bed. “I’ll get Lilly. Why don’t you go to work and get to your meeting?”
He took a deep breath. “I can come with you to pickup Lilly. The meeting can wait.”
“There is no need for that. I’m perfectly capable of picking up our daughter from her grandparents. Now, I need to shower and prepare to go. You can shower and get dressed for your meeting…in your room.” She turned on her heel and headed for her bathroom, leaving Adam with his mouth open.
“This isn’t over,” he called after her. “Not by a long shot.”
“We’ll see.” She stopped long enough to turn and glare. “We’ll see.”