21. abbi #2
“Well, if you’re a fool, then so am I.” It’s not just on him; I could have spoken up sooner. I’m not sure why I turned mute over what was happening or how I was feeling. I guess I was caught up in keeping the status quo.
We’re both quiet, sitting with our latest discovery.
The sky is a dark indigo, making it easy to see the brightest yellow star in our night sky.
Our breaths are visible in the cold night air, and a shiver races up my spine.
Now that the high from my orgasm has worn off, the chilled air seeps through my jeans and I shudder.
Nix rubs his hands along my leg to create friction, then leans in to kiss the tip of my nose.
“Maybe we should have our dessert in the car where it’s a little warmer,” he suggests.
I nod. “Good idea.”
We untangle ourselves, stealing glances, our smiles soft and genuine as we pack everything up and head back toward Nix’s truck.
He cranks up the heat, and we delve into our pastries, which are as delicious as we remember, but terrible for my waistline.
I can’t eat stuff like this without repercussions the way I used to.
I sigh as I wipe my fingers on a napkin. “We should make this a regular thing again.”
I catch Nix nodding out of the corner of my eye. “I’d like that.”
Relaxing into the seat, I drop my hand on Nix’s firm thigh. He covers it, linking our fingers together. “Are you looking forward to Prue starting with you next week?”
“I am. Once she’s familiar with the installation process, I’ll employ another electrician to support her so she’s not going into homes alone as a solo woman. I think I’ll build a team around her, so we can expand that side of the business.”
I grin at him. Trust him to think of our daughter’s safety.
“I know she always worked in pairs at her last job, and it makes sense. It’ll be nice to have her as part of the Steele Security team, and she’ll bring a sense of fun to the office.
” He exhales a long, heavy breath. “I’m also in the process of finding five more security specialists to add to the team.
That way I can concentrate on scheduling and chasing contracts …
growing the business while ensuring I reduce my working hours. ”
I’m not surprised, but I am. Since that dreadful day, he’s made significant changes.
He’s made the effort to be more available.
More present. I guess I didn’t trust that it would be permanent, but with these changes, they will be.
I twist my body and lean over the console to kiss him—a sweet kiss to show my gratitude—then pull away a little and capture his eyes.
“Thank you.” I shake my head a little. “Those two words don’t seem enough to convey how much I appreciate you for choosing me … choosing us.”
He slides his fingers into my hair, cupping my cheek. “I should have always chosen you. You shouldn’t have to thank me for that,” he grumbles, then captures my mouth in a bruising kiss.
I finish rubbing the moisturizing cream into my arms, then drop my butt onto the mattress.
My heart feels full to bursting with hope and happiness.
Everything’s going so well and I think Nix and I are on the right track to staying married.
Heat rises from my chest as I replay dry humping my husband in a public place.
My fingers stray to my cheeks without instruction, and a chuckle bubbles up, quickly growing into a full-on belly laugh.
Gosh, it felt great. The whole night was incredible.
The intimacy, the laughter, the talking. I want to do it again and again.
I grab my phone to text Callie because I need to share with someone, and she’s always asking for updates.
Abbi
I just came home from the best date night
It doesn’t take long before my phone lights up with her reply.
Callie
Ahhhh, tell me all about it
Abbi
He took me to one of our old make-out spots because it’s where he first told me he loved me
Callie
Awwww, so sweet!
Abbi
We laughed together
I can’t remember the last time we really let go like that
Callie
I remember you guys always laughing at anything and everything
That reminder is like a punch to the gut. We did. We always had so much fun together.
Abbi
I know
And we talked
So much
Callie
Being able to talk with your partner is important, Abs
That’s basic
She might as well stab a rusty knife through my chest. I know. It’s one of the reasons I asked for a divorce. I felt lost when we stopped communicating. As if I’d lost my best friend.
Abbi
I know, but we lost it for a long time
I feel like I can talk to him again
Things are really improving between us
Callie
I’m thrilled for you
You deserve to be happy
Abbi
Thanks, I think we’re on the way to being happy again
Callie
So, what else did you do on your date?
Heat rises again, and I press my hand to my cheek. There are some things too personal to share, even though I shared too much about our sex life before. I want to keep some things just between Nix and me. But I can share a little.
Abbi
We made out like teenagers
Callie
Oh yeah!
A GIF quickly follows of an African/American woman twerking with “Get it!” written in bold text at the bottom. A bright laugh bursts out of me. Trust Callie.
Callie
Spill
I shake my head. Another text follows immediately.
Callie
Actually, don’t spill
I don’t need the visual
I’m still scrubbing my brain from last time
Abbi
So dramatic
Good night, kiss the girls for me
Callie
I will
Good night
Another text follows quickly.
Callie
I’m so happy for you
Abbi
Thank you
Me too