Page 72 of The Seven Month Itch
“Terrence?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“Who were you talking to in the home office?” I trust him, but that doesn’t mean I can’t ask questions.
“Another work call,” he says in a hurry. “Had to clear up some things.” His thumb rubs circles on my shoulder.
It’s a lie. The question is, why does he feel the need to do it? It better not be a side piece situation. For his sake.
I swallow to keep my composure and hold back the version of me who’s ready to burn all his clothes in his car and walk away smoking a cigarette. “I hope everything is alright…with the business and all.”
Terrence searches my face. He looks like he wants to say something but decides against it and gives me a kiss. “Just somedecisions I have to make, but nothing too intense, princess.” He cups my face for another kiss. “I know I’ve been busy these last few months with the training center, but I don’t want you to worry. You come first. Always will.”
Sincerity shines in his eyes. Maybe I have this whole thing wrong. But that doesn’t mean my eyes aren’t open.
Chapter 34
Terrence
“Do you really have to go? Can’t you send someone else?”
If I didn’t look up and see my wife, I would think an adult-size child was on top of my suitcase with folded arms and a pout. It’s adorable. I’ll miss her, even if it’s only for a couple of weeks. This is the first time I’ll have to leave her since we came back from the singles’ retreat, and I hate it.
I kneel in front of Justice, unable to contain a chuckle at her over-the-top performance. “Baby, we talked about this. I have to go on this trip to close out a contract with a client.” I kiss her on the forehead. “I know two weeks is a long time, but we’ll be together when you come out to visit.”
She doesn’t budge.
Justice shakes her head and stares at the wall. I lower my mine to keep from cracking up, but it’s hard. It’s not funny to see her upset that I have to go. Hell, I don’t like the thought of so muchtime away from my wife. Since we came back from Colorado, I’ve made good on my word to only travel for business when necessary. We’ve been home for months, and this is the only deal I can’t do over the phone.
Construction for the fitness complex is currently underway, thanks to the start-up capital I secured. My relationships with professional athletes and entertainers came through in a major way. I have people lined up to do their strength and conditioning at the new facility, and local schools have expressed interest in using it for off-campus practices and clinics. Even some celebrities I know want to train there for fight sequences.
It’s all coming together, better than I’d imagined. I just need Justice to scoot off my suitcase so we can get this last trip out of the way. It’s not like she won’t be with me in thirteen days.
Los Angeles will be home for a month. Yes, that’s a long time, which is why Justice will fly out in a couple of weeks and telecommute once she wraps up things in the office. A former client is on location in Europe and will let us stay in his Malibu home. If I were traveling by myself, I would find a hotel in Los Angeles and not deal with the commute. But I want Justice to be closer to Em so they can see each other more.
“Baby, I’ll miss my flight.” She shrugs, her eyes still fixed on the wall. “Okay.” I stand. “You leave me no choice.”
Justice looks up and rolls her eyes. “If you think now is the time for sex, forget it.”
My head snaps back with laughter. Only this woman. “You need some rest after the last two nights, princess. But you better believe when you arrive, your ass is mine.” I look at my watch. Time for my in-case-of-an-emergency stash.
“I ordered you dinner that should arrive in the next forty-five minutes.”
That gets her attention.
“I also have a stash of peanut M&M’s, Heath bars,andbottles of your favorite white wine in the refrigerator.“ I waggle my brows. “The big ones.”
“Oh, Terrence!” She jumps from my suitcase and wraps me in her arms. When in doubt, stock up on chocolate and wine. Does the trick every time.
I soothe her back and bend down to grab the luggage before she decides to sit on it again. “I’ll miss you,” I say against her hair. “We’ll call each other every night, okay?” She nods on my shoulder. I nudge her to lift her head and kiss her but notice a few tears on her cheeks. “Hey, hey. None of that.” It breaks me when she cries. “We’ll see each other soon. Plus, you’ll be closer to Emma’s house.”
Justice nods. “I know. I don’t know why I’m so emotional.” She laughs. “Tell me whose house we’re staying in?”
“Nope.” I move around her for the front door.
“Oh, come on!” She runs to catch up. “I won’t say anything.”
I shake my head. “People like their privacy. The last thing I need is my wife geeking out on social media. No.”
