Page 58 of Robert

“They ended up getting a divorce shortly after. “She smiled at him. “You probably know the man. He has been in and out of rehab several times now. Dr. Gray Lyttle.”

“Ah.” Understanding dawned. “His wife would be Althea Lyttle. She’s on the Board of Hope General.”

“And you’ve contributed quite a bit to their pediatric wing.”

“Yes.” He traced the outline of her bottom lip and felt when she quivered. “Tired?”

“No.” She whispered, suddenly wanting to feel him deep inside her. “Not at all.”

Chapter 13

He was in a chipper mood. The negotiation, one that had been going on for months had finally come together. Faulkner Industries was now the proud owner of a cruise line. A smile touched his lips as he zipped along in the afternoon traffic.

November was almost at an end and December was just around the corner. He had so many things planned that involved his wife- A grin split his face at how easily it came to him.

His wife. His love, his heart, his entire being. Last night had been wonderful- no, he shook his head and did not mind in the least when a gray SUV cut him off as he reached the intersection. He was happy, so much so that it scared him.

Last night she had opened up to him about her grief of losing a friend. And afterwards, they had made love, sweet, prolonged love that had them shivering in the aftermath.

She had been there to help with his sister and showed that she was supportive. He would tell her about the cruise line and suggest they take a trip to check it out. Go on the maiden voyage.

The line had been shabbily managed of course and would need some massive makeover. It was going to be a celebrity cruise line with fabulously furnished state rooms and all sorts of activities offered. Live performances by well-known artistes, food from all over the world. He would ask for her input because she was his wife.

Christ! He laughed shakily. It should be a sin to be this happy. And his gut warned him that there was bound to be something lurking around the corner, something to tamper with this bubble of joy inside him. But he was going to ignore it.

His meeting had taken up less time than anticipated and his next meeting was not until two. Which means he could surprise his wife by taking her out to lunch. There was a fabulous French restaurant not too far from her office and it was time he knew where she worked.

He wanted her to come to his office too, so that he could show her off.

He had a feeling that the managers all thought he was making her up.

Wait until they get an eyeful of her.

He smiled whimsically as he recalled how she looked leaving the apartment this morning. She had swung by her place to pick up some extra clothing and the black streamlined pants suit teamed with the pale pink blouse looked fabulous on her.

He had kissed her goodbye when he dropped her off this morning with the assurance that she was coming to his place tonight. A frown touched his brow as he thought about that. This back and forth will not work. He had also had a heated discussion with his lawyers, and they had insisted on Sonya signing a prenup.

“It’s the law.” The stodgy head of his team had told him stubbornly. “Anything can happen, divorce…”

“I would advise you to keep that line of conversation to yourself. And remind you that this is my damn money, and you work for me,” he had told the man tightly.

But Sonya had insisted on signing and he had reluctantly succumbed. He was going to buy her a different ring and suggest they hold another ceremony.

He was also going to declare his love for her. He would try and beat her home to set the scene. Candles, roses, did she like roses? He wondered. Several dozens and wine. He had some of the best in his wine cellar downstairs. He would bring up a bottle or two and pop the cork. He loved her and he did not see the point in not saying it.

Touching the left turn signal, he drove into the parking lot of the renovated warehouse and parked beneath a palm tree and sat for a little bit.

Perhaps he should call. She might be out at a meeting. Tapping his fingers on the wheel, he stared out at the flow of people going into the antique store. She had told him that she shared the place with a friend and that the friend wanted to meet him.

Making his decision, he pushed the door open and dragged on his jacket, cutting off the bite of the wind. With a slight smile on his lips, he made his way towards the building.

*****

Jason stared at the exquisitely shaped diamond on her fingers a little critically. “The man’s a multi-billionaire and couldn’t spring for anything bigger?”

Pulling her hand away, she gave him a mild look. “I happen to like it. Very tasteful and far from ostentatious. I would prefer not to draw attention to myself.”

“You’re married to Robert Faulkner.” He shook his head incredulously. “A guy you ignored because of his upbringing. He must feel pretty good about himself.”

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