Page 73 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“Hi,” I respond back. “I didn’t know you were coming inside. I was waiting for your call.” He arches a brow with a smirk.

“I decided to be a gentleman and pick you up from your station. I even gave Martin the afternoon off so I could drive you around,” he teases.

“How chivalrous of you,” I reply with a smirk, though the corner of my eye is on Dr. Beiz, whose eyes have darkened, with a tight jaw and a steely face, despite his efforts to mask it. I can’t discern what could possibly be upsetting him right now.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Blythe. Dele is very hardworking,” he says, clearing his tight voice.

“That she is,” Luke responds, kissing my cheek. I inhale his scent.

“Just curious: why is she working with all your wealth, if, as you say, she’s your wife?” His words are spoken with the venom of a man not used to being the little man when a bigger man steps in. He’s grasping for a semblance of his pride, when he should have walked away.

I feel Luke tense next to me, the fury in his eyes immediate. He drops his hands from my waist and steps in front of me like he’s shielding me, turning to Dr. Beiz.

“My wife can work if she damn well pleases, or not work if she damn well pleases. The question is, how the fuck is it your goddamn business what my wife is doing or not doing?” His tone is harsh, even from behind him. I can feel the anger emanating from Luke. Dr. Beiz poked the Lion of Blythe.

“Do I need to pull my power strings and have you transferred so my wife can work without harassment? Or do I need to file a harassment suit against you? Take your pick. I can make either happen in a snap.” Dr. Beiz’s eyes widen at the realization of the power he’s dealing with.

“Have a good day,” Dr. Beiz says, walking away. A little too late, Luke is already upset.

Luke turns to me. “Come on,” he says. I quickly signal to Jax that I’ll be back. I already informed her that I would be gone for lunch, and she promised to cover if I ran late. She nods. I avoid little Ms. Gossip’s eyes. I know the news of Luke and I will spread like wildfire around the nurse’s station before I return. I really wish Luke had called. I’ll think about that later. Right now, I need to calm my husband, who’s moving fast. I know he’s upset. Fucking Beiz.

Luke’s car pulls up, he tips the valet, and I get in. He drives without saying anything to me. Thankfully, traffic is light, and we arrive at his dad’s building in record time. The moment he puts the car in park, I have to say something.

“I’m sorry Dr. Beiz upset you,” I say, holding his hand. He squeezes my hand.

“How long has he been asking you out?” His tone is angry. He’s not looking at me.

I turn his face to me. “Today was the first time. He never approached me. I’ve worked with him many times and he’s never asked me out until today. I’m sorry you witnessed that.”

“I’m glad I witnessed it, and hope he got the message.” I smile at him.

“I’m sure he did, Lion of Blythe,” I say to him, and his smile widens. I’m glad I broke through his anger.

“What did you just call me?” He turns to me with a smile.

“Lion of Blythe,” I repeat. He pulls me into a passionate kiss, devouring my mouth. I break away from the kiss when I feel his hand cupping my breast.

“I need to get back to work. Let’s see Baba and we can continue this when I get home from work.” He nods.

“I like my nickname.” He kisses my forehead, my seal of safety. I smile. We get out of the car. I realized I left my backpack behind with him. I hold his hand, the comfort and safety I feel as we ride up to my father-in-law’s place is everything.

He unlocks the door, and we go in smiling. I follow the sound of the commentator shouting, “Goal.” I drop Luke’s hand and race towards the living room, a quick hello to the nurse as I pass her.

“Dele, you missed it. It was a good goal. Here, I’ll rewind.” Baba says the moment I race into the living room. He rewinds the play, and I stand, watching as the player makes a pass. The goalie catches it, but the ball falls out of his hands, and another player kicks it right back in. I jump up, shouting, “That’s a good goal!”

“Yes!” I give Baba a high five and a hug for our team scoring. I pull back from the hug.

“Is my son behaving?” Baba asks. I nod to him. I feel bad for coming here yesterday in my mood, but I wasn’t going to disappoint him and not visit him as promised.

“I can kick him out if he’s not behaving.” I smile.

“He’s fine. I think I’ll keep him,” I joke, and wink at Luke, who winks back at me.

“Good riddance. I don’t want him anymore,” Baba jokes back.

“You two know I can hear you, right? Because I’m right here.” Baba waves him off.

I sit next to Baba and continue to watch the game. Luke’s on his phone. We go through our moments, enjoying the game together, yelling at the TV. When the game is over, I get up and give Baba a hug.

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