Chapter Three

I Try

Macy Gray

Natalie

When I wake up, Easton’s gone. I check my phone to see a text from dad that they’ll meet us for breakfast. I immediately call Easton’s phone and get no answer. Angry, I shoot off a text.

Our parents are here. Can you please just table your anger towards me long enough to eat breakfast with them? We’re meeting at the restaurant in thirty.

I get no reply.

Tossing off the covers in irritation, I shower quickly and put on one of my favorite new dresses—an off-white halter that’s cut into a V at the small of the back. It’s similar to the dress I wore the night in Dallas when I admitted I was falling, before we collectively leapt together.

I leave my hair curly but twist it up loosely and do minimal makeup before heading downstairs. Dreading giving another excuse for Easton’s absence, to my surprise, he’s already at the table alongside our parents. I force a smile for them and kiss his temple with a low “hey,” before taking the seat beside him. When I feel Easton’s eyes rake over me, I turn and see the slight recognition for the dress—for that night—before he darts them away.

“You two over whatever you were arguing about?” Dad asks point blank, as I open the menu, deciding to let Easton enlighten us all since he’s decided to drag it to the breakfast table.

“Jesus, Nate,” Mom scolds.

“Not one human at this table is fluent in bullshit,” Dad argues. Apparently, Reid had decency enough to not make good on his ‘later’ promise to dad, or Stella put the fear of God in him. I toss a look her way and get a reassuring wink that’s the case. I can’t help my small smile.

Truth be told, I’m crazy in love with Stella and admire her strength. She used to be the picture of aspiration career-wise for me, but she’s so much more than one of the world’s most revered journalists. Like my own mother, she’s fiercely protective while remaining maternal to all she loves. A quality I hope to eventually exude like they so effortlessly do.

“Yeah, this awkward shit silence is not going to fly,” Dad prods, his irritation clear. “What’s going on?” He demands this of the whole table.

“Nate,” Reid says in protective warning, for his own sake, with a slight jerk of his chin.

“My daughter looks like she’s about to burst into tears, and your son hasn’t said more than two sentences since he sat down.”

“Dad—” I sigh, knowing this will only end one way—badly.

“He’s right,” Easton tosses his linen napkin onto the empty table, announcing his imminent departure. “I’ve never been the guy to put on a front, and I’m not about to start now.”

“Christ, Butler,” Reid snaps. “Seriously, you couldn’t have led in with the weather?”

“Since we all know it’s fucking sunny in Mexico, I don’t see the point.”

“Ah, another shit show,” Stella pipes in, slightly amused as the waiter drops a line of tequila shots in front of her. She takes one in hand and shoots it before finishing. “You two are past qualified to host, as you well know. After all, it was your show last time, so don’t get jealous for the spotlight because we all know how well it worked out.”

Both our fathers have the good sense to remain silent.

“Hey, you,” Stella addresses Mom, who sits across from her. “How about we leave the kids to clean up their own mess while we repeat the buzz we got last night and follow it up with a massage.”

She lifts another shot and downs it. “Nothing like a little hair of the dog. Hey, Jr,” Stella continues, summoning my attention, “feel free to join us if my son becomes too much to bear.”

“Easton,” I snap as he moves to stand. “Please stop this.”

“Stop what? You drive a fucking axe through someone’s chest Natalie. They can’t ignore it.”

“This is private,” I bite out. “They came all the way here to spend time with us.”

Easton leans over the table. “We’ll let’s clear the fucking air then, wife.” He looks pointedly at everyone at the table as he speaks. “We decided to make you all grandparents yesterday, but after further consideration, your daughter is rethinking marrying a musician.”

“Well, that’s fake news, husband, because I married a fucking rock star, twice, with zero hesitance,” I snap before giving them each a pointed look of my own. “He’s pissed because he’s afraid he won’t be there to be a parent. Stella agrees,” I add, “your father missed your first steps and nearly missed your birth. It’s a valid concern.”

“Jesus fuck,” Reid rasps out as Easton’s attention snaps to his parents for confirmation. “Is that true?”

“Natalie,” Stella says, picking up another shot as Reid grumbles about the time of the morning. I look over to Stella as she ignores his protest, “not the best time to bring up something I told you in confidence.”

I wince. “Shit Stella, I’m so sorry, I really am, but if we’re setting off truth bombs, he’s already being completely unbearable, so I’m giving him back for a bit. Do what you will.” Easton glares up at me, and I keep him from standing as he slides back his chair. “No, dear husband, you stay and enjoy your shit show. I’m sure these qualified hosts will help you through it.” I toss back my own shot of tequila as I stand. “This is humiliating. I’m sorry, truly,” I say to each of them. “I’ll be at the pool.”

“What is it about Mexico?” Reid asks, shaking his head, looking over to my dad as I shoulder my beach bag.

“Don’t blame the place. Blame the tequila,” Dad mutters in reply.

“It’s stupidity,” Mom chimes in, “and mostly due to one too many swinging dicks who can’t seem to read social cues or withhold their unsolicited observations. Come on, Stella. I’ll take you up on that proposal.”

I lean down so Easton’s forced to look at me. “Just couldn’t help yourself, could you? Why don’t you fill them in on just how well you can toss that axe back, musician.”

I stalk off after my two mothers, who I desperately need, as they near the elevator.

“Mom, Stella, hold on,” I call as I try to trail them into the elevator. Mom stops me from entering by raising her hand and blocking me.

“What the hell?” I balk.

“We love you, heart and soul, but we decided last night that this deserves to remain between the two of you. We’ve done our time as newlyweds, and we’re here to escape and commiserate about being married for decades to the two jackasses we just left at the table. So go, find your beautiful husband and make nice. And make it quick. We want that baby.”

“Mom—”

“Don’t think for one minute we won’t be expecting that fiery grandchild in the next ten to twelve months,” she adds.

“Mom, seriously?”

As the elevator doors close, she gives a sarcastic wiggle of her fingers.

“Some parent you are!” I snap as a deep chuckle sounds from behind me. I turn to see a distinguished-looking older gentleman in an expensive suit, eyes twinkling with amusement.

“How long have you been there?”

“Only long enough to hear your parting comment.”

“Good,” I say, stalking past him.

“Hope you have a better day,” he calls after me.

I shield my eyes to better see Holly, who basks snugly in Damon’s arms. They are both wrapped in sheets, no doubt making good use of the monstrous bed in their new downtown apartment. Damon has yet to put a ring on it, but it’s coming.

I know this because we picked it out last month, and I threatened death if I wasn’t present when he finally wrapped her finger. Like everything else, they’ve taken their sweet-ass time progressing their relationship, but once they got a real feel for the other, it was all-in on both sides.

Surprisingly, Holly was the last to truly come around to the idea that it was real and lasting—no doubt because of Damon’s track record. Even so, I vie for their current state of contentment before I lift the phone and turn it around.

“Look familiar?”

Damon full-on laughs as Holly chimes in. “Good thing Damon isn’t there to stoke the fire.”

“Seems like she’s doing a good enough job on her own,” Damon adds snidely.

“Girl, you in that bikini, he’s toast. Got the chain on?”

“Yes, and he forbade me to wear this in public.”

“So, you’re the one stoking the fire,” she chides.

“Maybe. If he’s going to be an ass, ignore my calls, texts, pleas to talk, and my apology, I’m going to try to enjoy the time off. He accused me of hiding something, but it’s clear he’s going through something too. He’s never behaved like this, so for now, I’m at a loss. Figure I might as well try for some Zen if I can find it until he’s ready to talk.”

“She’s so trying to get angry dick,” Damon coos. “But seriously, what a way to murder a hard-on, especially with the threat of a baby as a reward.”

Holly turns on him instantly as they start their own private conversation.

“You don’t want kids?” She snaps.

“Baby, one step at a time. I had to beg you to move in with me.”

“So that’s a no?”

“We can make one right now.”

“Right, when you just called a baby a threat.”

“Want to see if I’m serious?”

“Hi!” I interject, “Name’s Natalie. We were in Pampers together. Husband angry. Help.”

Holly keeps her eyes on Damon before slowly floating them back toward me.

“I begged him to forgive me, and he just outed our shit in front of our parents at the breakfast table. He’s that mad.”

“Oof,” Damon chimes in.

“Ignore him. Hang in there. It’s just a fight. I’m willing to bet you’ll be knocked up by the time you leave Mexico.”

“Oh, I’m going to get the kid a Made in Mexico onesie,” Damon says with a chuckle.

I roll my eyes. “Love you both, but you’re worthless today.” I lift and shoo them with my hand. “Go forth, be happy.”

“Yeah, totally looking forward to marriage,” Damon snarks before his eyes widen. “Oh, fuck baby, let it go, too tight, too tight, Holly!”

I can’t help my laugh as Damon wails due to Holly’s obvious and painful grip on his junk.

“Love you, I’ll call you later. I just want to listen to the waves for a while.”

“I’m here for you,” Holly whispers. “Seriously, I’m here if you want to talk it out more.”

“I just need to get through to him, but ten out of ten recommend you,” I say with a smile. “I love you.”

“What about me?” Damon asks.

We both give him the stink eyes.

“Fine. I see what’s happening here. But listen,” Damon takes the phone from Holly and closes in on his face to ensure he’s heard. “Just take it easy on him, okay? I’m still trying to get him to go in with me for season tickets.” Damon’s face twists in pain. “Okay baby, okay, Jesus Christ, don’t break it!”

“Break it,” I order her with a wicked grin before ending the call to Damon’s lady-like squeals.

Staring out into the ocean, I absorb the lull of the waves as I rub a little sunblock on my chest and stomach. I’m careful not to snag the thin gold chain draped around my waist, originally meant to draw a different reaction. It’s now being used to pour a little salt in the wound he’s refusing to close. He’s fighting dirty, so I’m being petty.

But Stella’s right. We need this fight. If I can get him to at least fight me, that will be a good enough step in the right direction.

I spend the next hour slowly, so slowly, sipping tequila while mentally summoning him.

It’s when I feel shade covering me that I open my eyes to see the same businessman who saw my mini meltdown standing over me in mild amusement. The same warm smile greeting me. Taking him in, I realize he was hiding quite a bit behind that suit. The definition of a silver fox—the man has the body of a God and the face to match. That’s all I allow myself to gather before averting my gaze.

“In case it wasn’t evident, I’m in quite the mood and heavily married.”

“It is, but I thought I would come over and check on you.”

“I’m fine, thank you.”

“Well, I’m alone for the next few, so do you want to congregate in the interim?

“Not a good idea.”

“Why is that?”

“Because believe it or not, I’ve been here, not like déjà vu, like literally been in this exact same chair in a shitty predicament, and at the moment, my husband is very angry with me and somewhere in the vicinity. The sight of you and I congregating will only add fuel to the fire.”

“What if I told you that I’m well aware I’m almost two decades too old for you and heavily married myself, and my wife will be joining me poolside in mere minutes?”

“That changes things, but for me, and possibly you, it’s still a bad idea.”

“Sounds like he needs a little kick in the junk.”

“Fair warning, it’s your heartbeat, buddy,” I quip, which earns me a chuckle.

“I’ll take my chances.” He takes the lounger next to me and lays back, fully relaxed, eyes fixating on the cloudless blue sky. “Love this place.”

“First time?”

“Yeah. I needed this. Just flew in from a few meetings.”

“Ah, good on you. It’s a great place. The spa is supposed to be world-class. That’s my next stop.”

“Yeah? We’ll check it out.”

“So, how long have you been married?”

“Twenty-eight years. You?”

“Just celebrating anniversary two of our second marriage. And we’re in a fight. Jesus, that sounds terrible. Gah, long story.” I take another sip of my second drink and find it empty. “Did you happen to drink my tequila?”

He grins, clearly finding me entertaining. “Nope, wasn’t me.”

“Huh, well,” I say, noisily slurping the remnants, “as a veteran, would you care to impart some wisdom? Since both my mother and mother-in-law are too busy getting their own tequila buzz on?”

“Chances are they’ve been there. Are your parents still together?”

“Yep.”

“How long have they been married?”

“Decades as well.”

“Exactly. They’ve been there. And honestly, do you really want your parents involved?”

I wrinkle my nose. “Yeah, no.”

“There you go.”

“Well, unfortunately for them, they’re on vacation with us. So, how did you meet your wife?”

His answering grin says it all before he speaks. He’s smitten. “I was a pitcher in the minors, and she came in and fucking stole my attention from the game. I think I knew then. Just after, she gave real chase. Wanted not a damn thing to do with me. So much so, she flat-out lied and told me she was a lesbian.”

I can’t help my smile. “No shit?”

“Yeah. Though I was content—and not really looking for anything—I quickly realized what I was missing. Once she finally gave in, I was a goner. She keeps me on my toes, hourly, and I wouldn’t fucking change a thing.”

“I love it.”

“Yeah, well, it hasn’t been a smooth ride into the sunset. It’s got its perks, but it’s work, and we still struggle to make it work sometimes.”

“Oh,” I jump to sit. “I know who you are,” I snap my fingers and point at him. “God, I’m so sorry. Rafe Hembry. Four-time national champ. Played for Colorado, right?”

“Yeah.” He grins. “Surprised you recognized me. I hung my glove up years ago. You like baseball?”

“Honestly? Sorry, I’m a football girl.” I wince. “But I run a paper, and you made a lot of headlines when you played.”

“So, do you have any kids?”

“Two. Boy and girl. Clover and Nolan. We’ve been dealing with empty nest for a hot minute which is one of the reasons we’re here. We’re bored. But the idea of grandchildren happening in the near future kicked in, and we fled.”

I can’t help my laugh.

“Can I ask you a personal question?”

He chuckles. “Wasn’t this a personal conversation already?”

“I suppose,” I pause, and he doesn’t object. “How did you do it? Being on the road, being there for your wife and kids.”

“It was hard, really hard sometimes. At times she felt like a single parent, and to her credit, she was. It bothered me a lot. Especially when they were sick. I fucking hated not being able to hold my little girl when she cried for me. Luckily my wife was and is a pilot who owns her own private jet company. That helped a lot. But when they hit school age, it got hard again.”

“I’ll bet.”

“So, what does your husband do?”

“He’s a musician.” Rock star.

“Anyone I would know of?”

“Possibly…probably. Easton Crown, he’s the lead singer of—”

“Reverb. No shit? My wife and I fucking love that band! Wow.”

This time he sits straight up in his chair. “I’m not one to get stoked over this kind of shit often, but you said your mother-in-law is here. Does that mean…”

“Both sets. So yeah, Reid and Stella are here too.”

“Shit, I would love to meet them. I love the Sergeants, too. Grew up on them, you know? Any chance they are baseball fans?”

“I can speak for my husband and say he’s not really a fan of any sport, much to my best friend Damon’s detriment, but Reid? Hmm. Not sure.”

I feel the ever-present static the minute Easton draws near and am instantly on alert. Rafe’s next words only confirm my suspicions as he speaks up, hilarity in his tone.

“I have a feeling your husband isn’t a fan of baseball or retired pitchers at the moment.”

“How pissed does he look?” I ask nervously.

“I can hold my own, but I gotta say, from his expression, I’m pretty relieved my wife is right behind him.”

Easton stops just short of my lounger just as Rafe is about to speak up in greeting, but his wife beats him to it.

“Hey baby, sorry it took me so long. Should have known I’d find you chatting up the prettiest girl at the pool. Hi,” she introduces herself, “I’m Alice.” Alice is, though years my senior, a gorgeous and vivacious blonde who seems every bit the spitfire Rafe described.

I extend my hand and see Easton’s shoulders relax in my periphery. “Natalie. Rafe was just telling me how you met, and about Clover and Nolan. Their kids,” I inform Easton, who looks like he’s killing me slowly with his stare before I introduce him. “This is my husband, Easton.”

“Oh, yeah, I know,” Alice says, somehow blushing in the sun. “I’m kind of having a moment.” Alice turns to Easton, her adorable honesty refreshing. “I’m sorry, but I just have to say it, Rafe and I are huge fans of yours and your fathers.”

Easton’s molten gaze flits over her and instantly softens as he takes her hand. “Nice to meet you, Alice.”

“Rafe Hembry,” Rafe offers his hand to Easton, and he shakes it, seemingly without hostility.

“Good to meet you, man. I’m a fan of yours too. Your last game was legendary.”

“Ah,” Rafe glances over at me with a grin. “Your wife told me you weren’t an MLB fan.”

“When you pitched, I was.”

“That’s fucking awesome to hear. Alice and I had every intention of catching your show, but our dog got sick. We’ll be at the next one. You touring again anytime soon?”

“Not sure at the moment, but we can exchange numbers, and I’ll send you a private invite. You still in Colorado?”

“Never leaving,” Rafe fires back.

“Then it’s a plan.”

“I could fly you in,” Alice offers with a wink for me. “I can pick you up in Austin or Seattle if you aren’t with him.” She palms her forehead. “Sorry, I read People religiously. The article said you had homes there.”

“Don’t be sorry,” I laugh. “I think it’s incredible you’re a pilot and would love to hitch a ride with you anytime. I’m the one who’s embarrassed. I didn’t figure out who Rafe was until a few minutes in.” We both glance over as Rafe and Easton bump phones, exchanging their info, and a little ray of hope lights my chest.

“Well, he’s not a rock star,” Alice says as Rafe turns and narrows his eyes on her.

I smirk at Easton’s flinch due to Alice’s use of the term he hates me using regarding his profession, as she backtracks under the weight of Rafe’s stare. “I mean, you are, were, a world-class athlete, baby—”

“Yeah, yeah,” Rafe says, shaking his head at Easton. “Seriously, what’s a guy got to do to earn some respect?”

“When you figure it out, text me,” Easton quips, his dig for me.

“When you were in your prime,” Alice continues digging her hole deeper as Rafe stands suddenly and sweeps her into his arms, eyes glittering down on her.

“Seriously, had to call me out like that? Can I ask just how you plan on redeeming yourself?”

She giggles. “Ummm…Body shots?”

“Doubtful, but we’ll see.” He turns with Alice in his arms. “Nice to meet you both. I’m going to drown some respect into my wife as I try to retrieve some masculinity.”

“Nice to meet y’all,” Alice adds.

We both give them friendly farewells, unable to help our smiles as Rafe jumps them into the pool. Easton turns back to me, his grin fading significantly as he feasts on me in my bikini, and his eyes narrow further when they zero in on the chain.

“Why the fuck are you wearing that bikini?”

I fire right back. “To piss you off because I was feeling petty.”

“Mission accomplished. You’re petty.”

“If it helps, I haven’t turned over once since I’ve been out here, so I’m pretty sure my tan is fucked for the week.”

“It doesn’t.” His eyes drop to the chain again, another reminder of the night forever ingrained in both our hearts and minds.

“Of course I brought it. I want to relive every memory that involves this twenty-dollar trinket. Except it seems to have backfired us into another déjà vu. Tell me, will there be a gorgeous pop star coming behind you to tell me these last years were a dream, and I didn’t get the guy?”

He sighs, and I drink him in, his chest bare, shirt in hand. His skin absorbs the sun so easily that his tan seems to darken by the second. My thirst for him ignites as I sweep him appreciatively from head to foot.

“So, were you really coming out here to go caveman and kick Rafe Hembry’s ass?” I giggle.

A whisper of a smile ghosts over his lips, but his animosity wins out.

“Come on, Easton, I’m trying here. I don’t want to fight.”

“The hell you don’t. Put your coverup on. If you want to talk, we can go upstairs.”

“Maybe I don’t want to talk,” I say, pulling again on my empty drink.

“Natalie,” he grits out.

“Fine.” I pull on my coverup and fasten my shoes before grabbing my bag. The second I stand, I wobble a little, and Easton quickly helps to steady me on my wedges.

“Whoof, okay, that last sip might have done it,” I giggle as Easton escorts me inside, full of piss and vinegar. A far cry from the husband who greeted me yesterday. As we pass the infamous bar, I see a familiar face.

“Oh my God, Easton, it’s JERRY!”

The bartender turns around, features pinched until recognition sets in, and he smiles at us in greeting. “Hey! Didn’t think I would see you two here again.”

“Sup, man?” Easton replies, flashing him a breezy grin as he escorts me to the counter before turning to me. “How many drinks did you have?”

“Two, party police.”

Easton dips his chin. “For old times’ sake, line me up two for the road.”

He obliges, instantly pouring two shots as they make small talk, and Easton tosses one back. I grip the other, and Easton grabs my hand so the shot glass is at his lips before he tilts it, forcing me to feed him the liquor instead. “Petty,” he grumbles in reminder before placing a bill on the bar while pulling me further into his side. Just after my tequila opportunity is stolen, he stalks us toward the elevator.

“Later, Jerod,” Easton calls, and in return, he gives us both a warm parting wave.

“You’re being a real dick, you know?” I snark as he ushers me into the elevator. “And I know his name is Jerod. It’s a running joke. Are you really going to be that guy right now?”

“We haven’t even scratched the surface yet, Beauty.”

“Then why bother coming for me if you just want to dragggg this out.”

In a flash, he pins me to the back of the elevator, fury in his eyes. I can’t help the spike of adrenaline I feel at the sight of it. He’s so fucking sexy when he’s possessive and pissed. “Want me to be open about everything, Beauty? Well, you’re about to get a really good fucking dose of truth.”

“Fine with me,” I snap right back.

“We’ll see,” he says, keeping us close and staring down at me.

“Hey, if you’ve got complaints to air, musician, by all means, lay them on me.”

He sniggers at me. “Oh, I’ve got complaints, Mrs. Crowne.”

“Well, you weren’t shy about airing them publicly mere hours ago. Why wait now?”

The elevator opens, and he tugs me out of it while retrieving his keycard. As he opens the door, I can’t help but appreciate the expanse of his back, the way his beautiful jet-black hair feathers in pieces along the nape of his neck. I’m jonesing for him, and I just want this fight and separation over. I just want to rewind the last twenty-four hours and have a do-over.

In the next second, I’m plastered to the back of the door.

“Our Mexication is starting to become more like dejavucation,” I giggle as Easton plucks the strings of my bikini bottoms before snatching them off me. I jerk forward with the movement as he pushes me back lightly against the door. Thirsty, ready, and willing to work out the aggression he’s clearly feeling, I’m just about to let him know as he makes a show of ripping my bottoms apart.

My jaw drops. “You ass! That was the most expensive bikini I’ve ever bought!”

“I asked you not to wear this in public because I didn’t want the world to see so much of what I hold so fucking sacred. Was that really too much to ask?”

“Was answering one text, one phone call too much to fucking ask?”

He has the decency to look guilty.

“If I did that to you, you’d flip shit, and you didn’t have a problem when your ex was wearing a similar bikini.”

“She wasn’t you, there’s no goddamn comparison, and I don’t know why you are—” he cuts himself off.

“Why I’m what? Easton. Say it,” I challenge.

“I know why. I just fucking hate it.”

“So do I,” I counter.

“We’ll get to that.”

“So, you get to control this fight too? You know, we have a lot of growing up to do. Rafe and Alice can talk to other people in bathing suits without losing their minds. Alice didn’t even flinch when she saw Rafe with me at the pool. That’s the way normal couples should behave. It’s mature. It’s grownup. Rafe and Alice don’t get stupid jealous like we do.”

“Okay, you first,” he taunts. “Let me go a week without hearing from you that I’m someone’s fucking hall pass.”

“Touché,” I say, holding up my hand. “All I’m saying is he’s a good-looking public figure as well. They’re good influences.”

“Yeah, I bet if the tables were turned, he’d go fucking caveman.”

Fury. Nothing but fury. I don’t consider it a victory. This isn’t a fun, angry fight. “You’re drunk,” he surmises.

“Buzzed, and you’re ruining it, but I’m very aware of my words. I’m just a little loose. Sue me. I’m supposed to be on vacation with my husband, who I haven’t seen a real trace of in nearly twenty-four hours.”

His eyes flare as I untie my top and toss it, standing naked in front of him. “By all means, Easton, feast away if you’re feeling territorial. I’m yours. But you know that.” He doesn’t move.

“Jesus, Easton, let’s just squash this already. We’re ruining our vacation and our parent’s vacation. My dad won’t stop worrying until he knows we’re okay. Yours too. They’re worry-warts. Our mothers, on the other hand, are day drinking and probably in the midst of getting a tattoo while planning on how they’ll heckle us later, but still.”

I wrap my arms around his neck. “Easton, forgive me, or don’t, but please touch me.”

Gripping my forearms, he turns me to face the door and grabs my ass before spreading me, his heated whisper tickling the back of my neck. “Is that all you want, Natalie? Is that what matters most right now, a reminder?”

“I wouldn’t mind it over fighting or…during fighting.”

Before I can gather my wits from the feel of his finger rimming my entrance, he’s on his knees, thrusting it into me. Fire shoots straight through me when he sucks the whole of my pussy into his mouth. Moaning his name, I arch my back to give him more access. He spreads me further before aggressively spearing me with his skilled tongue. Just as I start to climb, he disappears. Turning, I see his anger is back as he slowly stands to hover over me, placing a palm against the door next to my head. “I licked it, so it’s mine. We good?”

“Fine. I’m listening. Go ahead with your grievances. But you have to admit, talking isn’t really getting us anywhere, is it? Especially since you haven’t listened to a word I’ve said.”

“Maybe,” he licks his lower lip as if savoring my taste. “But I did hear you ask for the details, so I thought I would lay out a few.” Gripping my hair, he slowly wraps it in his fist, his eyes cutting in warning before he voices it. “But if you want extra, I can’t promise I’ll be gentle.”

“I think you know I can handle you.”

“We’ll see.”

We’re entering dangerous territory, but we’ve been here before.

“I watched you talk to him for twenty minutes before I couldn’t handle another fucking second, knowing that you would never go there, never betray me.” He walks me back toward the bedroom as he speaks. “I get fucking jealous, too, Natalie, don’t pretend not to know. You played on it today.”

“Yeah, well, we’re both being idiots.”

“Get. On. The. Fucking. Bed.”

I sit on the side of it, and he shakes his head.

“All fours.”

I do as I’m told, goosebumps erupting as he pulls me to the edge of the elevated bed, putting him at an advantage where I’m easily accessible. I’m already wanton as he starts to massage me while he berates me. “You pull this shit,” he runs his palm over the slope of my back. “Mere hours after our first fight.”

“I’ve apologized profusely.” He dips a finger into me, and I instantly push back against him, needing more before he withdraws it.

“You fucking move an inch, and my confessions, my details stop.”

I still, eager for more, shifting more toward his confessions. I did intentionally start the fight today, but we need to have it. A lot of our fights take place in the bedroom, where we sometimes make up immediately with orgasms and smiles. I pray for that now, despite how mad he is.

Anticipation thrums through me as he keeps one hand on my ass, and the rustle of his shorts sounds in the quiet room. A second later, warm lips hit my skin before his heat-filled whisper reaches my ear.

“Here’s another. I got fucking jealous when I came home from the road to surprise you.” He pushes two fingers into me, which has my clit pulsing and thrusts them slowly in and out, stopping just before he speaks. “Only to find you leaning on the side of that dick sports columnist’s desk, looking so goddamn gorgeous in that green dress—the one you know I love—laughing with him like you didn’t have a care in the fucking world.”

“Easton—”

“My turn, Natalie,” he barks from behind as he spreads me further, adding another finger and stretching them before his hand lands squarely on my ass. I let out a surprised yelp. Not a first in this department, but unexpected. He soothes the sting with his palm before he begins to fuck me slowly with his fingers, prolonging my orgasm. My body responds as my heart and mind absorb his words. It begins to elevate my need for him. The distance becoming too much.

“You think I give a fuck about the women calling my name on stage when my own wife doesn’t notice for a good five minutes when I’m standing feet away, watching her, in hopes she’ll realize I’m there?”

“I didn’t know.”

“You didn’t notice because while I was out there working day and night, just like you, you’re living your other life without me, too.”

“I love you so much,” I confess honestly. “You’re all I see.”

“Doesn’t make that shit hurt any less,” he snaps, his fingers more aggressive as he runs them along my G, stopping to stroke there with the tips of his fingers until my legs begin to shake. On the edge of release, he pulls them out, and I swallow back my protest.

I started this fight, but he’s intent on finishing it. Adjusting me where he wants me, I feel his weight on the bed, his fingers digging into my hips a second before he thrusts into me fully, stealing my breath. I cry out as he mutes his grunts, his pleasure, and I hate it.

He keeps his pace, slowly thrusting in and out, edging me, teasing me into a pool of submission. I build and build as he remains silent while working me into a frenzy, continually stopping just before I orgasm.

Refusing to fuel the fire he’s creating, I stay still when he stops briefly to stack and situates some pillows beside me, making a T-shape. Once satisfied, he turns me over to lay atop them, my head tilted down due to the height and my hips inclined up. Palming the back of my thighs, he lifts my legs before thrusting back into me so I have a clear view of his cock, and my stretch around him.

“Oh, God,” I rasp, pleasure coursing through me. The sight of us, of the way we connect, heightens me to the point I’m instantly there, tightening around him. He stops his thrusts again, snatching it away just as I start to tip over.

“Hurts, doesn’t it?” I look up to see residual hurt and anger mixed with a hell of a lot of heat in his beautiful hazel eyes.

“It’s starting to,” I respond with a shaky breath as our gazes lock.

“You’ve got it all twisted, wife.” He slams into me and stills. “See, I’m still the guy who begged you to stay in Seattle one more night,” he pulls out to the head, “who begged you to recognize we had something special,” he thrusts in fully, and my back bows. “The guy who begged you not to let go in Dallas, who begged you not to buy into the fucking illusion.”

He stops altogether and leans over as my eyes begin to sting along with my heart. “But you bought into it, even after I claimed you, gave you my name, so tell me, Beauty, who’s failing who?”

“Easton,” I croak, tears building.

“Maybe I’ve been blind to what’s going on inside you, but your vision is so cloudy right now. How could you possibly see me?”

“I do. I can. I’m trying. I just miss you.”

“You want me to share everything, Beauty? Because it’s going to hurt.” He grinds into me before slowly starting to fuck me. “Don’t you dare fucking come.”

Gripping the sheets in my fists, I call his name, pleading for more, for connection, for him.

“Please, what? Give you relief? Why should I? I get none because of that very reason. I know what I have, and I know what I have to lose if I don’t protect it,” he exhales as he rolls his hips, his eyes hooding. “You think I don’t know how close I need to keep you, to hold you to me? Jesus Christ, that’s all I’ve ever done!”

He slams into me a few more times before palming my stomach and pressing down, so I feel every bit of the drag of his cock along my G. Sweat breaks out on my skin as I get lost in his words, his thrusts.

“You think I don’t know how precious what we have is when I’m the fucking one who had to convince you of us in the first place?”

“You didn’t have to convince me,” I rasp, “I knew.”

“That’s right, you did. You knew. You should still know, so why have you forgotten?”

Licking his finger, he lowers it to massage my clit and thrusts up, hitting me exactly where I need him. It’s then I go feral, clawing at his chest, pulling at his neck to close the space between us. On the precipice of falling over, I look up at him with the love I feel, his expression a mix of arousal and hurt. “I’m pissed you’ve been hiding from me, and I didn’t catch it. So, who’s been absent, Natalie?”

“Easton—”

“I need you to remember because there’s only so much I can fucking control,” he leans over so our lips are close, planting his forearms next to my head as he picks up his pace. We share mingled breaths, chests heaving. “You need this, need me? I need my wife, too. Where’s the girl I met?”

“I’m still here, Easton.”

“No, the confident girl I met wouldn’t play dress up in comparison to a ghost from my past.”

“I’m still here.”

“Are you?” He thrusts again, licking along my throat, my neck. I cling to him as he fucks me roughly, fusing his pain into me. Within a few more seconds, I detonate, convulsing around him until I’m ashes. Blinding white light washes over me as my pulse fills my ears.

“I love you,” I murmur as we keep our eyes locked and he pulls out of me, coating my stomach with his release.

Tears glide down my temples as he pulls away and leaves the bed. The searing pain from his action brings me past my boiling point. When he returns with a wet rag, I slap it away.

“Too far!” I cry, tears streaming down my cheeks as I stand and pull on his T-shirt. Instant remorse fills his eyes when he sees my pain and expression. I palm my stomach where he struck. “Too fucking far,” I choke out, forcing him to see exactly what he just did to me.

He takes a step toward me, and I lift my hands and step away. “Beauty—”

“No, Easton, I know this is how we fight, but this is too fucking important, at least to me. Jesus.”

“Fighting doesn’t stop just because we got married, Natalie.”

“Yeah, well, it’s been a while since we’ve had one this brutal, so pardon me if I forgot how hard your right hook lands when you’re too hurt to see me. I won’t do this with you. I won’t be a fucking stain again.”

“Jesus Christ, Natalie, no,” he whispers hoarsely. “It’s not like that.”

“Then what’s it like, Easton? Because I fight with you to get through things, but you’re so mad, you seem intent to keep this going.”

He steps toward me, and I move out of his reach. “Too late for that,” I wipe my tears away with the back of my hand. “I’m sorry I’ve disappointed you, Easton.”

“Only by hiding from me.”

“Well, maybe we should talk about why. Why was my confidence shot? Why am I playing the comparison game? Why am I not quite back to myself? Because while you think I fed into the illusion, the fucking reality of being your wife nearly ate me alive.” I slap at my tears. “See, while they worship and adore you, Easton, they want me to disappear completely.”

His eyes drop.

“So yeah, it screwed me up for a while, and I’m just starting to find myself again. You think I don’t want that strength back? I’ve been fighting like hell to retrieve it. I got knocked down, so fucking hard praying for your hand, the hand that is always reaching for mine and holds me steady. But it wasn’t there because you couldn’t be. I couldn’t blame you for it, and I try so hard not to. Instead, I do everything in my power not to complain so you won’t one day decide this is too much and walk away.”

“Jesus Christ, baby, I’m sorry, I am… it just felt like it came out of nowhere. And you’ve never made me feel like you held it against me until you leveled me in the shower yesterday.”

“That wasn’t intentional, and this isn’t out of nowhere.” I shake my head, exasperated. “You’re lying to us both now. Why are we here, Easton?”

“What?”

“Why are we in Mexico? We could have gone anywhere in the fucking world, so why are we back here?”

He bites his lip.

“Because this isn’t out of nowhere. Because you feel the distance between us too, you do. You’ve felt it like I have. The truth is, we’re both here to reconnect…and instead of doing that, we’re…fuck, I don’t even know what we’re doing. What are we doing?” I ask as tears fill both our eyes.

“You’re right. This has gone too far. That’s on me.” He reaches for me again, but I’m too raw.

“Just…,” I shake my head. “Just leave this room, and don’t come back until you want to talk this out, really work this out. I won’t rip our relationship to shreds to help you figure out why you’re so angry with me. Just…leave me alone.”

I walk into the bathroom and lock the door.