Love Me (Irresistible Husband) Page 11

  “Then we heard he’d receive a posthumous hero’s award for his bravery, and I couldn’t take it off until after that ceremony—at least I thought so. For weeks after the ceremony, people expressed their sorrow and admiration of his heroism and made comments about his bravery and the sacrifice he made. That made finding the right time to take off the ring harder. Right when I thought the appropriate amount of time had passed, I ran into Kathy Hayes in the hall. We spoke briefly. I can’t remember the details, but it was work-related, for sure. Near the end of the conversation, she took my left hand in hers, and tears filled her eyes. ‘You miss him, too,’ she said. I couldn’t tell her that I didn’t, and I felt like crap. I didn’t want Byron to die, but I didn’t miss him because I’d stopped loving him. Our marriage was in name only when he passed. So, it seemed I had missed my window to take off the ring.

  “I decided to keep it on a little bit longer, and the weeks stretched into months. On more than one occasion, I’ve noted Victor looking at my hand, and it became clear that he expected me to continue wearing the ring—without saying a word. I knew if I took it off, I would be gone. Selfish, I know.”

  There was no judgment in Axel’s eyes. “It’s called survival. You did what you had to do,” he said.

  Naphressa traced circles in the white sheet with her fingernail. “You know I take it off at night, when I remove all my other jewelry, and I thought if I could prove my worth to the company over time, I’d eventually be able to remove the ring permanently and no one would bat an eye. Now I realize how flawed my thought process was. I backed myself into a corner because of my own insecurities.”

  “Tough lesson to learn,” Axel remarked.

  “Tell me about it.” She moved closer to him and placed her head on his pillow. “I’m definitely leaving Hayes Realty after the Brixton deal is signed. I know I’ve told you before, but I mean it. I’ll get my bonus and then turn in my resignation. After I paid off some personal debts, I saved quite a bit of money during the four years Byron and I were together because I didn’t have to spend much. I should be fine if I can find another job in about six months or so.”

  “He was a rich man. Did he leave you anything?”

  “He didn’t have anything to leave me. People thought he was a millionaire, but the truth is, the house we lived in belonged to his parents. I moved out not long after he passed and rented my townhouse. There were a few thousand dollars in our mutual account, but that’s it. Byron earned a salary at the company, enough for the average person to live comfortably, but not enough to afford the lavish lifestyle he indulged in. The cars, the expensive vacations, the jewelry and other gifts he gave his mistresses—all of that was subsidized by his parents. That’s why he appeased them by marrying me.”

  “To keep the flow of money coming.”

  “Yes. Plus getting married demonstrated he was mature and responsible, which was important for them to see since he was the sole heir.”

  “When you walk away from Hayes Realty, whatever happens, you know I got you. Anything you need, I’m there,” Axel said.

  “I know.”

  “Do you? Do you really understand what I’m saying?” His left hand cupped her nape, warm and comforting.

  “I do, and I appreciate it.”

  His eyes became very intense as they looked into hers. “I’m trying to tell you what you mean to me, Naphressa. I’d do anything for you. I love you.”

  The air stilled, and her heart began a riotous beating in her chest. Tears misted her eyes, but she had no idea why she was about to cry except that his words made her extremely emotional.

  “Axel, do you mean it?” she whispered. “You love me?”

  “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t. I don’t use those words lightly. You’re sexy and funny and smart as hell. When a man knows, he knows, baby. You’re it for me. I love you.”

  Naphressa flung herself on top of him and kissed his lips like she was starving and he was her last chance at sustenance. She caressed his bearded cheek and looked down into his eyes. “I love you, too,” she whispered against his lips. He’d allayed her fears and made her believe in love again.

  How could she have made the mistake of thinking he was like Byron? Her husband had been outwardly kind and unassuming, but behind closed doors he was unkind and selfish. Axel, on the other hand, was the real deal. Outwardly arrogant, some might say cocky, he was actually quite tender and his protectiveness made her feel as if she had a dependable teammate—someone to help her win in the game of life.

  A sexy grin spread across his face. His dark eyes brightened with the same happiness that must be reflected in her own, to know that after years of misery and choosing wrong the first time, there was no doubt they had chosen correctly this time.

  She gazed down into his handsome face. “All I ever wanted was for Byron to love me,” she said. “But he didn’t. I wish you and I had met before. My life would be so different.”

  “Let’s not worry about the past. Byron is gone, and Rose is gone, but we’re together now. I promise to give you all the love you need and deserve.”

  18

  The halls were mostly empty as Naphressa walked to the copy room with the phone to her ear. She was high off the long weekend she’d spent with Axel. Despite all the fun activities, the highlight had been when they declared their love for each other. How lucky was she to have found a man like him? Someone needed to pinch her!

  “I hate you have to work late tonight,” she said into the phone.

  “This brief won’t write itself,” Axel replied, regret heavy in his tone.

  Naphressa stopped before the copy machine and slipped the two pages into the feeder. “When will I see you again?” she asked, lowering her voice.

  “Not until Friday. I’ll be working long hours the next few days.”

  “You can’t sneak in a little time for me tomorrow?” Who was she? First she’d limited them to Fridays only, but now here she was on a Tuesday afternoon fiending for Axel. And they’d recently spent four glorious and fun-filled days together!

  “Afraid so.”

  She glanced over her shoulder to make sure that she was alone. “I should come by your office and get a quickie. Something to hold me over until Friday.”

  “Oh yeah?” Axel said, voice lowered.

  “Well, we christened my office, so it’s only fair that we christen yours, too.”

  He groaned. “Baby, don’t torture me like this.”

  Naphressa spoke in her sultriest voice. “Say the word, and I’ll be there to give you a break, by mouth or hand, or any way you like.”

  Axel swore softly. “I can’t see you tonight for sure. Our whole team is working late, and we’re having dinner brought in. You have plans tomorrow night?

  “I have absolutely no plans. Unless something changes, I’ll be sitting at home, twiddling my thumbs since I can’t spend the night with you.”

  Seeing him and talking to him had become a necessary part of her life. She didn’t know how she wound up in this position, but she didn’t want to leave it. Being with him felt so good, so right. Had she known that this was what a real relationship should feel like, she would never have accepted Byron’s marriage proposal.

  “In that case, we’re getting together tomorrow night. I’ll call about an hour or so before I plan to leave work and then you can come to the house. Does that sound good?”

  “Yes. I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.”

  “Love you, too, baby.”

  Naphressa blew him a kiss through the phone and hung up.

  “Who was that?”

  She swung around and to her horror saw Victor standing behind her. Her heart darn near leaped into her throat. “Victor.”

  “Who was that?” he asked again, in a steelier tone of voice.

  “A friend.”

  “A friend. That phone call sounded like more than a friend to me.”

  She wanted to ask how much of the conversation he’d overhead but was afraid to hear
the answer.

  “My son has barely been dead a year, and you’re already sleeping around?” Anger flickered across his face.

  “I am not sleeping around.”

  “No? Then tell me who that was.”

  Naphressa straightened her spine. Mentally, she was in a much better place than months ago and would not let him bully her. “I don’t think that’s any of your business,” she said, in a firm tone.

  “Is that right?”

  Fear trickled down her spine. She didn’t like the expression in his eyes, the way they’d narrowed and turned hard.

  “It was a personal conversation.”

  “While on company time. You may not like to hear this, but while you’re here, we expect you to do your work. Anything less is unprofessional.”

  “I do my work, and I’m always professional.” That was one thing she would not let anyone accuse her of being—unprofessional.

  “We have a problem, Naphressa.”

  “And what would that be?”

  “I don’t think that we can trust you anymore.” His head lifted to a haughtier angle than normal.

  “Where is this coming from? I was having a private conversation with someone—”

  “Someone who you refuse to give any details about and refuse to tell me the nature of your relationship with. But I don’t need you to tell me because I’m well aware of what’s going on. Quite frankly, I find it disturbing that you’ve moved on already. Makes me wonder if wearing Byron’s ring means anything to you at all.” His scathing gaze lanced down at her left hand and the ring she wore. “Is it all for show? Did you even love my son?”

  “Of course I loved him.” Once upon a time, before they grew apart and she learned about his affairs. “But Byron is dead, and you can’t expect me to be alone forever, Victor.”

  “Not forever, but surely you can forego screwing around and tarnishing our good name.”

  “Oh for goodness sake, I am not tarnishing your name. If anyone tarnished the Hayes name—” She ended the sentence abruptly.

  “What were you about to say?” Victor asked, low and slow.

  Heart racing, Naphressa made a decision to say what she should have said long ago. It was time Victor knew the truth about his son. “I went through a lot with Byron.”

  “Don’t you dare speak ill of my dead son. He was a hero!” Victor snapped.

  “Yes, he was a hero, but he was a terrible husband. He was cheating on me. He was a womanizer. I found out he’d cheated on me the entire time we were together with numerous women.”

  “I don’t believe you. Stop it!” Victor barked.

  “It’s true!”

  “You’re a liar, simply trying to tarnish his good name to save your own dirty reputation,” he seethed.

  “The last year of our marriage was all pretend. Once I confronted him about the cheating, he didn’t hide his affairs anymore. I don’t know how many women there were, but there were multiple.”

  “And why did you stay? I’ll tell you why, because you got something out of the marriage, didn’t you? You were quite the social climber. We allowed you into our world. You seduced him, convinced him to marry you, and then used your position as his wife and a member of the family to work your way into the position you have now. Project manager—we gave you the position of project manager—despite you not having a college education or any prior experience or certifications in that area.”

  His words struck at the core of her insecurities. She could hear her father now, yelling at her mother, belittling her lack of education. She could hear Byron’s words, letting her know that she had attained her role in the company because he had chosen her. There was nothing special about her.

  Naphressa refused to doubt herself any longer and fisted one hand at her side. “My work ethic got me to where I am.”

  “I’m not so sure about that. Perhaps we need to reevaluate your role at Hayes Realty.”

  He was about to do what she’d feared all along. “Victor, don’t be rash.”

  “We need to have a meeting with Kathy to discuss these latest developments. Byron is no longer here, and I’m not convinced we really need you anymore.”

  “I’m working on the Brixton project, and it’s not complete. I’m a good manager, and you know it.” She hated that her voice trembled at the end.

  “As I said, perhaps we need to do an evaluation. Come with me, please.” He stalked away, clearly expecting her to follow.

  Naphressa left the two sheets in the feeder and followed more slowly, dread pounding away in her stomach. This was actually what she had been afraid of all along—the possibility of losing her job because Byron’s parents no longer wanted her there, and he more or less said that.

  She sat on the edge of the ornate couch in the outer office in Victor’s suite of offices. She clutched her phone, wondering if she should make a quick call to her sister or Axel, but she was too afraid to move, much less dial either of their numbers.

  Victor’s assistant had only asked her if she wanted something to drink, and after that she had turned her attention to her computer. Naphressa listened to her fingers move rapidly across the keyboard, the constant tapping loud and annoying in the quiet of the room.

  The meeting between Victor and Kathy lasted about fifteen minutes before he called her into his office. She stood slowly and walked in to hear the verdict. Victor stood with his arms crossed in front of the desk. Kathy, looking poised and emotionless in a burgundy suit, stood next to him with a string of pearls around her neck and her chestnut skin covered in pancakelike layers of makeup.

  “Kathy and I talked, and we’ve made a decision. In truth, we should’ve made this decision a long time ago. After Byron passed, we didn’t want to toss you out on the street. You were, after all, his wife. But it seems you’ve moved on, and perhaps it’s time for us to move on, as well.”

  “You can’t be serious.”

  Naphressa had suspected this would be the outcome if they found out she was seeing another man, but having her dismissal actually play out still took her by surprise. Could they really be this petty and vindictive?

  The door behind her opened, and Randy, the guard from downstairs, entered.

  “You can remove her from the premises,” Victor said calmly.

  Naphressa’s mouth fell open. “Victor, Kathy, is this really necessary?’

  Victor’s expression was icy cold. “Remove her from the premises. Now,” he said to Randy.

  With an apologetic expression, Randy approached.

  She sidestepped him. “You don’t have to touch me. Can I at least get my personal things from the office?” she asked Victor.

  The older man nodded, and without another word, Naphressa left the office on barely functioning legs. She didn’t know how they didn’t fold under her as she stopped to pick up an empty box in the copy room. She then proceeded to her office, averting her eyes and flinching internally at the curious stares from employees on the way there. Randy stood guard outside the open door until she’d gathered her paintings, purse, and other knickknacks. She hoped she hadn’t forgotten anything, but she’d reach out to Loretta later. She could count on her making sure she received any items of value left behind.

  Naphressa handed Randy her building pass without a word, and he followed her as she walked back out toward the front. Loretta was coming in from lunch and stopped short. Her gaze quickly swept over Randy, Naphressa, and the box.

  “Naphressa, darlin’, what’s going on?” she asked, though it was clear from her horrified expression that she knew exactly what was going on.

  Naphressa gulped back the humiliation. “Today is my last day. Goodbye, Loretta.”

  “I don’t—I don’t understand…”

  “It’s been a pleasure working with you.” Balancing the box on her right hip, she pulled Loretta into a one-armed hug, but the woman was so stunned by the unfolding events she didn’t hug her back.

  “Naphressa, honey, please, talk to me.”

>   Naphressa shook her head and blinked back tears. “I’ll call you later. Goodbye,” she whispered.

  She continued her walk of shame out the door with Randy close behind her. They rode the elevator to the first floor in silence, and he made sure to walk her out the glass doors at the front.

  “Goodbye, Naphressa. I’m really sorry about this.” He grimaced and cast his eyes toward the ground.

  “It’s okay, Randy. I know you were just doing your job. Goodbye.”

  Head held high, she walked to her car and dropped the box in the back seat.

  The tears didn’t fall until she was halfway home.

  19

  Axel leaned on the doorbell outside Naphressa’s townhouse.

  He’d been calling her since yesterday, and other than a short text saying she didn’t feel well and wanted to be alone, she hadn’t responded again.

  It was now Thursday afternoon, and with work out of the way, he’d reached out, only to have his message ignored. Well, she couldn’t avoid him forever.

  “Naphressa, open the door! Open it now, or I’ll have to assume something is wrong with you, and I’ll break it down.”

  He waited, anxiously flexing the fingers of his left hand, fully prepared to back up and deliver a running kick that would knock the door out its frame. Luckily, nothing so dramatic was necessary. Naphressa came to the door looking like…crap.

  Her eyes were red and puffy, and her hair pulled back into a messy ponytail that did more to highlight its uncombed condition than convey any semblance of order. She wore a green and white terry-cloth robe over what appeared to be a white T-shirt with a yellow—mustard?—stain near the collar.

  “What happened? What’s wrong?” Axel rushed forward and pulled her into his arms.

  She collapsed against him and started crying into his neck, her quiet sobs slowly stripping away the outer layers of his heart. Her pain became his pain, and he was determined to bring back order and peace to her life. He backed them away from the door so he could close it, and with one arm around her shoulders led Naphressa to the sofa in the living room and sat beside her.