Page 1 of All Autumn
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~ Autumn ~
Today wasmy husband’s birthday, and I planned to surprise him at his office. He’d once told me that he fantasized about bending me over his desk and having his way with me. I intended to make that come true, my birthday gift to him.
After a little playtime using his desk as a prop, I’d then talk him into taking the rest of the day off. His favorite cake, German chocolate, held center stage inside a glass-domed cake stand on the dining room table. Gaily wrapped presents surrounded a bottle of his favorite French wine. For dinner I’d made his favorite food, lasagna. All I had to do was slide it into the oven.
The table was set, candles ready to be lit, and I could already imagine how the flames would reflect off the crystal wine glasses. The interior designer in me ran a critical eye over everything, reassuring myself that all was perfect. Just before we sat down to eat, I’d turn on the Jacuzzi so it would be the right temperature when I led Brian out to the deck. My husband wasn’t going to know what hit him, starting with my unexpected appearance in his office.
Sure, I’d gone a little crazy for his birthday, but we were newlyweds, and the glow hadn’t worn off. Well, it had a little, and that was why I planned to put some spice back into our sex life.
We were truly blessed for a couple in their late twenties, both of us having great careers and the kind of income most people our age only dreamed of reaching someday. I would do everything in my power to see that we stayed blessed, including doing something as uncomfortable as walking out the door wearing nothing but a black raincoat and red stilettos.
I grabbed the bottle of champagne I had chilling in the fridge, and snapping up my purse and keys, I headed to Stratton Automotive, the car dealership Brian owned. I didn’t love him because he gave me nice things, like a new Lexus, three-carat diamond engagement ring, a honeymoon in Hawaii, and a beautiful home.
All those things were great, but Brian was my soul mate. He made me laugh, listened when I talked, and usually respected my opinions. I’d love him even if he couldn’t afford to give me more than a thin gold band and a small two-bedroom house. Hell, I’d live with him in a tent if it ever came to that. He was my world, my dream come true. Eventually there would be the happy laughter of children in our home, kids who would have a mother and father who doted on them. That was my promise to my future children.
Because we lived in Blue Ridge Valley, North Carolina, a small town surrounded by mountains, Brian had installed satellite radio in my car since it was impossible to keep stations in nearby Asheville from fading in and out. Brian was thoughtful like that. I turned the volume up, letting the station that played love songs all day get me in the mood for some loving.
How did I get so lucky? Of course, Brian was lucky to have me, too. How many wives showed up at their husband’s office naked just so they could give him his fantasy? Not many, I bet. Well, I planned to do a lot of things like that so our marriage didn’t go stale. It was important to keep a man happy and satisfied
This had been the best four months of my life. I loved every minute of my job as an interior designer, and the word had spread that I was good. Brian hadn’t outright said that he was proud of me, but I didn’t doubt that he was. I’d been busier than ever the past four years making Designs by Autumn successful, but I was firm about not allowing my career to interfere with my marriage. Brian was also good about not letting the dealership dominate his time. Sure, he had to work late once or twice a week to catch up on paperwork, but that was to be expected. He had a lot of responsibility on his shoulders.
I’d timed my arrival for Brian’s lunchtime, knowing he closed himself up in his office for an hour of much needed quiet. Recharging his batteries, he called it. Well, today, he was definitely going to get them recharged. A little giggle escaped as I pulled into a parking space near the door. Boy was my husband going to be surprised.
“Autumn, what are you doing here?” Paul, Brian’s sales manager, said as he rushed toward me.
“Just stopping in to say hi to Brian.” I walked faster, hoping he’d lose interest in conversation. Although I’d normally stop to chat, I just couldn’t, knowing I was naked under my raincoat. Not that Paul would even be able to guess such a thing, but he might wonder why I wore a buttoned-up raincoat when it wasn’t raining.
His eyes flicked from me to the door. “Let me tell him you’re here.”
“No need.” My hand on the doorknob, I glanced over my shoulder. What was with that panicked look on his face? “Do me a favor and make sure we’re not interrupted.”
“Shit,” Paul said as I opened the door.
Well, that was a strange response. I stepped inside, closed the door behind me, and held up the champagne bottle. “Surpr…” My voice trailed off as I stared in horror at Brian and the woman he had bent over his desk.
“Surprise,” I whispered.
“Autumn, what the hell are you doing here?” Brian said as he scrambled to stuff his penis back into his pants where it damn well belonged.
The woman kept her face turned from me, but I recognized that bleached blonde hair. Oh, did I ever. That was the thing about a small town. No one was a stranger. “Lina Kramer, get the hell out of here.” I figured Lina heard the urge to murder in my voice because the bitch took off, trying to pull her panties up as she ran.
“Autumn,” Brian said, holding up his hands as if asking for understanding.
Well, I’d show him understanding. I walked to the desk that I’d burn to ashes if I only had a blowtorch.
“I can explain, baby. Just listen, okay. She wouldn’t give up, you know? I had a weak moment. It’s never happened be—”
“Shut up, Brian.” I slammed the champagne bottle down on the desk with all my strength, which was fed by the fury burning hot through my bloodstream. Shattered glass flew in all directions, the liquid drenching papers and folders, ruining them. I hoped they were important.
“Come on, baby. Let’s talk this out.”
I held out the neck of the bottle still clenched in my hand. “You say one more word, I swear to God, I’ll stick this in your eye.” He stepped away. Good, I had his attention. “I told you there was one thing I could never forgive.” I didn’t wait for an answer. “Considering what I just saw, apparently you didn’t think I meant it. Well, I have news for you. We’re done.”
“I swear it didn’t mean anything. It was just a stupid mistake.”
“Yeah, it was stupid all right. Don’t bother coming home.”
