Page 5 of The Mrs. Clause
I'd memorize every second of those stolen minutes. The curve of her waist, the shape of her lips, her walk. I'd greedily consume every detail, the color of her coat, the number of buttons on her shirt, how her scarf knotted at her neck. I committed every second to memory, knowing these stolen moments had to sustain my hunger for another twelve months. Then, after she was safely seconded in the elevator, heading up to meet with people who wouldn't appreciate the gift of her time, I'd leave, knowing if I stayed any longer, I wouldn't let her be walking out of the building alone.
I raised the tumbler to my mouth, throwing back the scotch then pouring myself another. The liquid did nothing to calm my frustrations.
Five years ago, Collins had walked out just as I'd been about to land the biggest contract in our company's history. The contract had guaranteed our future, stopped the company from collapsing, and saving thousands of jobs.
But I'd never told her about that. Never told her that her father had misled us about the performance of Knight Industries, it was only after our marriage that I'd discovered how dire a situation his negligence had put us in. It had taken all my time and effort to pull us out of that hole. Everything I did, I did for us. I'd promised to love and protect Collins, and I'd worked hard to ensure that happened – even if she no longer cared for me.
My cell buzzed and I leapt for it, a man desperate for answers.
Collins: I agree to your terms, on one condition.
The temptation to reply with ‘anything’ was strong. But I needed to play this out, needed her to trust me.
Nick: And that is?
Collins: If it doesn't take the first time, you'll agree to IVF.
My fingers hovered above the screen. Could I put myself through this? Give myself heaven only to have it snatched away?
Anything had to be better than the purgatory I lived right now. This heaven and hell middle ground where nothing felt right, where I didn't see her, touch her, taste her.
Nick: Agreed. Be ready at 10 tomorrow morning.
I immediately switched off my phone, tossing it on the coffee table and moving to my large living room windows. I stared at the street below.
If I only had a finite time, then I'd capitalize on every minute spent with her.
I walked to my study, picking up the landline, dialing my second-in-command.
"Townsend, it's Nick. I have something I need you to discuss with you."
***
I waited at the restaurant, alone but for my body guard and a sole waiter. I'd booked out the restaurant. I wanted privacy for this conversation. When you become a household name and your fortune is as big as mine, people would do anything to get a whiff of that money. I'd never told Collins, but she also had a contingent of bodyguards – though I'd place money on the fact she still didn't know.
I waited, sipping the coffee the efficient waiter had placed before me. I'd arrived early, perusing the contract my lawyer had sent around earlier that morning. I paid him an obscene retainer for just this type of immediate attention.
The door to the restaurant opened, and Collins stepped through, a gust of cold air following. Her emerald green coat, black knit scarf and cap hid most of her from view. I stood, buttoning my suit jacket and stepping across the restaurant to her side.
"Here, allow me." I helped her shrug out of her coat, tucking her cap and gloves into the pocket and draping her scarf over the coat. I handed the pile off to the hovering waiter who immediately tucked it under her arm, heading for the coat room.
"Shall we?" I asked, pressing a hand to Collins' back. The warmth of her skin radiated through the thick knit dress she wore, her tights and knee-high boots an additional concession to the cold outside.
She allowed me to direct her to our table. I pulled out her seat, helping her settle, then moved to my own across from her. She looked around, a small frown marring her forehead.
"It's quiet in here."
"By intention," I agreed. "I booked the restaurant out. I wanted us to be alone for this conversation."
Her gaze snapped back to me, her eyebrows lifting in surprise. "Do we need to be alone for this?"
I waved the waiter over, allowing her to take our order before answering her question.
"Most business meetings I have are best conducted in privacy. I expect personal arrangements are no different."
Her lips twitched, whether from amusement or some other emotion, I couldn't be sure.
For long moments we made small talk, discussing the weather, her family, my family. Anything that kept her talking as I took my fill of being in the same room with her again. I knew she was unsettled by the intensity in my gaze, her eyes darting about the room, barely settling on me. Every time she happened to meet my gaze she immediately flushed, looking away.
