Chapter 6

Six

Presley

When I was twenty-three, I decided to take a leap and move to Manhattan.

To date, it was the scariest move I had made in my life. Growing up in Virginia meant I was surrounded by beautiful green nature. There was room to run around and take impromptu bike rides down to the lake. I loved to read, spending countless hours underneath the gorgeous Eastern Redbud tree dad grew in our backyard, falling in love with characters and stories who transported me to another life.

It all seemed so simple back in the day, until, of course, I became a teenager and realized there was more to the small town I had grown up in.

Being hours away from my parents brought a sense of relief. They loved me, I never questioned that, but their opinions of what I should be doing with my life became a broken record.

I attended the University of Richmond, only a few hours away from home. Occasionally, I found myself homesick, but for most of the part, I enjoyed the freedom and welcomed adulthood.

Manhattan was always a pipe dream. I’d fantasized about visiting as a child, read countless stories about the concrete jungle and the endless opportunities. I saved every penny working various jobs at night and on weekends, so the second I graduated, my bags were packed ready to move to the Big Apple.

The moment my feet hit the pavement, I felt like I was transported to a different world. It was incredibly dirty, and I wasn’t used to seeing so many homeless people on every street corner. The constant sounds of sirens, tooting horns, and the subway beneath the steaming grates was a rude awakening.

But as many people have said, it’s the one place which never leaves you.

I attended Broadway musicals and spent hours wandering the museums. The nightlife was something else—bar hopping with girlfriends, dancing the nights away only to wake up with the biggest hangover the next day. I dated many men but none who warranted long-term relationships. It was the best way to spend my twenties—carefree without a worry in the world.

I was fortunate enough to land a few jobs to tie me over, but my luck came when David Sadler offered me a job at Lantern Publishing. It was the break in my career I needed. I worked hard, endless hours to prove my worth. During that time, I met my then fiancé, Jason Hart. Life, at the time, seemed almost perfect. A little too perfect which is never a good thing.

Fast forward years later, I married Haden—the co-worker from hell. A man I never envisioned settling down with. For starters, the guy is incredibly sexy. Way above the men I had normally dated. Women were constantly throwing themselves at him. I blame the black-rimmed reading glasses and chiseled jaw. He is like that perfect book boyfriend authors often explained to me their readers fantasized over.

And his body, Haden is ridiculously cut up. Almost every day I admire his toned physique, run my hands along his abs and stare longingly at the ‘V’ shape just about his waistline.

The one-night stand between us turned into the biggest blessing of our lives. Although I loathed Haden and never showed interest in him prior to our drunken night at the club, he often told me his eyes had been on me long before that moment. It’s rather sweet and unlike him to profess his feelings but one of the many reasons why I love him.

Trying to co-work while in a relationship comes with many challenges. Prior to David stepping down as the publisher, he offered me the role of Editor-in-Chief.

With my experience and dedication to the company, he strongly believed I was the right person for the job. Timing was perfect since the person previously filling the role had moved back to London.

But like with any win in life, it came with a spray of negativity. People who I considered friends in the same industry believed I only landed the job due to my relationship with Haden. It was challenging to step into a role I worked hard for only to hear the office gossip circulating about my willingness to sleep with whomever to further my career.

I didn’t take those rumors lightly. Offended people thought my work ethic and skill set weren’t strong enough to land me that role. Often, I would vent to Haden, but he simply reminded me that no matter what would have happened between us, I was always the person marked for that role. David’s mentoring over the years was for that very reason.

I’d grown over the past few years. I learned not to get caught up in the irrelevant details and focus on my set goals. I’ve always been determined, and even motherhood won’t stop me from achieving my career objectives. I just need to figure out how to balance my time, so nobody suffers.

Easier said than done.

Weeks have passed since Haden received the call from Marshall, and he didn’t back off like Haden anticipated. Marshall is a known risk-taker. I, on the other hand, thrive on new projects. As soon as we were given budgets, I threw myself straight into a project timeline which prompted the meeting today.

All eyes are on me in the boardroom as I stand beside the projector screen and finish explaining our targets. Clint is distracted by my outfit, slowly eyeing me from head to toe with a judgmental expression. I find myself looking down, making sure I haven’t spilled anything on my olive-colored tunic style dress I bought online.

“Any questions?”

Clint raises his hand. Knowing him very well, this could easily go two ways.

“Are we considering increasing headcount?” He looks at his peers, many appearing overwhelmed and flustered by our tight deadline. “I’m only speaking for myself, my head’s barely above water. I’m drowning, swallowing the endless work coming in. My chest is tight, heavy weight on my shoulders—”

I cut him off as the team snickers.

“I get it, cue the dramatic play-by-play. Look, we’ve acquired Indie Press, and Haden is working closely with their team. We’d like to avoid losing talented staff and will do our best to retain employees.”

Our meeting carries on for another hour until our receptionist knocks on the door advising me my next meeting has arrived.

“Okay, any questions, you know where to find me.”

Everyone leaves the room except Clint. His lingering presence is annoying, yet I prepare myself for the sea of questions.

“So, what are we dealing with? Are you talking sexy Clark Kent employees or boring, ‘I wouldn’t screw you with a bag over your head’ employees?”

Clint’s priorities are frivolous at the best of times. “I’ve been single forever. Quit judging me.”

“I’ll quit judging you when you stop looking at my dress.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure olive is your color…”

I fold my arms beneath my chest, pursing my lips trying to cue the frustration.

“Listen, Haden is managing that team for now. I’m not heavily involved because I have more important matters to handle. I trust him, and considering he is also your boss, you should trust he is making the right decisions for this company…” I pause, patting the skirt of my dress. “And I quite like this dress. Maybe your salmon-colored shirt isn’t exactly the best choice for you, either.”

“It’s Winterberry, thank you very much.” Clint’s expression shifts to shock, covering his mouth as if he’s unraveled some secret. “Trouble in paradise? You know, I haven’t seen him much. The last time I saw him, you guys were arguing over the Fleishman project, and you threw the word divorce around.”

I laugh his nonsense off, packing my papers in front of me.

“You haven’t seen him much because he’s been traveling back and forth to San Fran. It’s easier for him to do that so I can take care of Masen at night.” With my papers and laptop in hand, I push in the chair. “And no trouble in paradise. In fact, Haden and I are in a good place. I had my periods at the time, you know, PMS dragon unleashing.”

“So, he’s getting blown and you’re getting sleep again.”

I shrug my shoulders, followed with a lopsided grin. “Never underestimate the power of a good blow job.”

Clint places his hand flatly on his throat, faking a gasp in his ever-so-dramatic fashion.

“Mrs. Cooper. What has that man done to you?”

I wink, making my way toward the door. “More than you can ever imagine.”

Leaving the boardroom with Clint walking the opposite way singing Shania Twain’s “I Feel Like a Woman,” I head toward my office where Mr. Yukon and Mr. Griffith are sitting quietly. They are here to discuss market trends on our online platforms.

Noah strolls into the room, shaking their hands before taking a seat. I haven’t seen him for a few weeks given he is transitioning out of this role.

About a year or so ago, I had dinner with his then wife, Morgan. Things between them were tense. At that time, they postponed their divorce while Noah sorted out the mess with this other woman.

And somewhere along the line, Noah had rekindled his friendship with Kate which led to a romantic ending. Kate moved to Paris a few years ago, and though we kept in contact, both of us were so busy that we barely spoke much. I’m glad they found each other, and she moved here to LA.

Noah is finally settled and happy, shedding his playboy ways.

At least, that’s what I’m led to believe.

You never know with men.

Of late, Noah has asked Haden to join him for drinks. At first, it didn’t bother me, especially when they went out with my best friend Charlie’s husband, Lex. He is the most mature of them all and will rein them in if they ever decided to misbehave. But the last few times, it has been only Noah and Haden.

I don’t want to be that wife. Yet sometimes, I wish he would spend the time at home rather than hang with his friend drinking bourbon and God knows what at the bars they frequent.

Greeting everyone hello, I offer the three of them a beverage before taking a seat. Our receptionist, Maria, brings in a tray with coffees prompting us to start our meeting.

It was just after five when they left, and luckily, Gemma’s taking Masen to watch some kite competition at the park, so I can get a few more hours in.

“Those two are always intense,” Noah says, rubbing his face.

“I barely understand Mr. Yukon with his accent let alone Mr. Griffith and his constant rambling. I’m exhausted.”

“You’re telling me. I flew in this morning after going to bed at three in the morning. Haden would be just as tired.”

“Wh… why?” I stutter, his words catching my attention. “What were you guys doing?”

“Oh, just this new club opened, and we ran into these guys we knew from the gym.”

“Is that it?”

Noah surveys my jealous-streaked face, shaking his head with an annoyingly playful smile. “Haden loves you, you know that, right?”

I clear my throat. “Yes.”

“So, you know he’d never do anything to jeopardize your marriage?”

My eyes scan his face, staring at his overgrown stubble while he waits for me to respond. The problem is, the two boys are like magnets around women. I would never openly admit this, yet I have seen it with my own eyes several times. I’ve often heard new employees gossiping in the kitchen about how ‘fuckable’ these guys are and listing them as hall passes.

“I’m sure, if I’m being honest, you thought the same way when you were married. But look how that turned out.”

Noah bows his head, tapping his finger against his knee.

“Look, Noah, I’m sorry. It’s all in the past. I’m a bitch for even bringing it up when you’ve moved on.”

“Hey…” He smiles, clearing the momentary painful emotions from his face. “Like I said, your man only has eyes for you. You can trust him.”

I return the smile, letting out a relieved breath because he didn’t castigate me for my inappropriate outburst. Beside me, my screen lights up, and there is a text from Haden.

Haden:I’m in the office. Wait for me, baby. I miss you.

My lips curve upward into a satisfied smile. I’ve missed him too. Haden was traveling more so than usual much to my disappointment, but we both agreed we need to do what is best for Masen.

However, things between us were great.

Ever since Marcus’s wedding, we reconnected the intimate side of our relationship. We discovered a new routine—midnight quickies in the study or bathroom while Masen is sprawled out on our bed. The condom topic was squashed, but Haden agrees for me to continue the pill until Masen starts school. It is a compromise which satisfies us both and alleviates the tension that was mounting between us.

Staring at my computer, I try to organize the chaos running through my mind. I’d pushed my team, pushed myself to work as much as I can, but the hard, cold reality is that we need more staff. We are growing at a faster pace than we envisioned, and although Haden’s plans to retain staff will ease some of the burden, there will be a lot of training involved and more of my time.

I take to the bathroom, feeling slightly unwell. The air conditioning has been playing up, and maintenance is slow to do anything until Haden lost his temper and demanded they fix it as soon as possible.

With a splash of cold water to my face, I feel a lot better and decide to pack my things to head home.

Popping my head into Haden’s office, his face is riddled with concern, which usually means he will stay back.

“Hey, you,” I greet him, keeping my distance as other employees walk past me. “I’m heading home. Not sure why I’m exhausted today.”

Haden snickers, raising his eyes to meet mine. Leaning back in his chair, it’s impossible to ignore how sexy he looks in his charcoal suit. “Perhaps it had something to do with the midnight marathon the other day. You always say you can’t come twice, but you proved yourself wrong.”

I’m quick to hush him, scanning the hallway in case anyone hears. “Can you keep your voice down? And you’re right, it did take it out of me.”

“Give me five minutes, I’ll just finish this email up then come with you.”

Surprised he is coming home, I tell him I’ll meet him at the car, desperate to remove my heels from my aching feet.

True to his word, he enters the car five minutes later. I gently lean in, caressing my handsome husband’s face before he draws closer, placing his lips on mine. I’ve missed the smell of his skin, the taste of his lips, and the way he makes everything in the world disappear in such an innocent kiss.

We pull apart, taking shaky, shallow breaths. Unable to contain our desperate need for each other, Haden holds my head in his hands, pulling me in for a fiery kiss. His tongue explores my mouth, gentle moans escaping as the car begins to heat up, and the windows fog up.

His hands work their way around my body, feeling each crevice, each line along until they’ve slid in between the opening of my thighs. I gasp, clutching his wrist as he grazes closer to my panties, and without hesitation, slides his fingers inside me causing me to yelp.

“Shh,” he whispers into my ear. “You gonna come for me, baby?”

I nod, keeping my eyes closed as the wave of pleasure seeps into every part of my body. Despite the stifling air inside the confined space, my skin breaks out into small goosebumps, desperate to explode all over his soaking wet fingers.

“Harder,” I beg, quietly. “Harder, please.”

The speed of his thrusting increases, and the second his tongue glides down my neck, he claims me completely with his fingers, the pleasure tearing through me like a tornado, my breathing catches inside my throat as I moan loudly.

Haden withdraws his fingers, bringing them to his lips as I open my eyes. He carefully rolls his tongue around them, licking every inch of me off. How does this man do this to me every time?

“You ready to go home?” he asks with a satisfied smile.

I nod, barely able to function.

On the car ride home, I close my eyes as Haden takes a business call. The second I open them, we are driving up the driveway.

“Nice snooze?”

“Sorry,” I yawn. “I had three cups of coffee today. You’d think I’d be pumped and raring to go.”

Haden sneaks a kiss on my cheek. “Go inside and take a bath. I’ll take care of Masen. How does that sound?”

“It sounds like you’re playing Prince Charming because you need to get blown tonight.”

He parts his lips, a grin forming as he moves my hair away from my neck. “Sounds like you know your husband very well.”

Masen’s eager to see the two of us having spent the day at pre-school, then with Gemma. He has a dozen stories to tell—how he fell over and scraped his knee, quick to point out the smallest of sores on his already bruised knee where he scraped it last week at the park, to the games they played which included a song about dinosaurs.

Rosa’s also still around and has made us dinner which I appreciate so much since it isn’t part of her job description. Today has really taken a toll on me, and that orgasm has completely knocked me out. I ask her to stay, but she tells us she has church to attend tonight. Not wanting her to take the bus so late, I offer to drive her home.

“Are you sure? I can do that,” Haden offers. “You still look tired.”

“No, it’s fine.” I grab a bottle of water, downing the whole bottle in one go. Dehydration often led to my body feeling flat, so this should help for the next few hours.

“I have to pick up some stuff at CVS. I ran out of shampoo, plus Masen didn’t see you last night. You spend time with him.”

Rosa lives twenty minutes away, and with the traffic easing, it doesn’t take me too long. After dropping her off, I quickly pop into CVS grabbing a basket in my hand. On the ride here, I made a mental note of other supplies we’ve run out of.

My hair, as usual, requires the most attention and reacts to certain products. It is the hardest thing in my life to manage aside from Haden’s libido.

I grab my shampoo and a few other supplies, then decide to head to the checkout.

Passing the feminine hygiene aisle, I pull up to a stop. Dr. Somersby’s warning suddenly comes to my mind. The pill is only ninety-nine-point-seven percent effective.

Yet my feet walk on their own accord until I’m facing the pregnancy tests. So, I’m one day late, which means absolutely nothing on the pill. There are still a few days before panic is warranted.

Menstrual cycles have a way of delaying due to stress. Work is piling up, the house is getting a bit out of hand, and all signs point to just that—stress. Yet, it won’t hurt to ease my worrying mind, for all intents and purposes of eliminating the stressful elements.

There is a substantial number of pregnancy tests perched on the shelf, each box displaying its accuracy and speed. It’s been five years since I last completed a test. So much looks like it has changed, yet maybe, nothing has at all.

I throw one into my basket and quickly pay, then head back home.

Masen has just finished his bath and is getting ready for bed when I arrive. I put away my supplies, shoving the test underneath the vanity amongst my tampons.

Haden is reading a story to Masen, the two of them almost falling asleep in sync. Haden’s also been pushing himself lately, and I am worried it will soon take a toll on him. Between flying back and forth, acquiring Indie Press, and Marshall’s demands, I don’t want him to burn out. He often refers himself as a machine, but machines can only run for so long before they blow a fuse.

I clear my throat, and his eyes spring open at the sound. Haden places the book down, kisses Masen on the forehead, then climbs off his bed and shuts the door behind him.

“He’s knocked out cold.”

“As were you,” I tease, unbuttoning his shirt. “Come to bed. You need rest.”

“I’ve got to work tonight. I won’t be too long. Promise.”

Haden disappears into our study as I make my way to the bathroom. I never got that bath earlier and contemplate having one now, but the test is burning a hole in my vanity and making me extremely anxious.

With the door locked behind me, I take a deep breath and remove the stick from the foil package. The instructions are simple—pee on stick, wait five minutes before checking the final result.

The thoughts are accelerating inside my head. I want them to slow down, so my rational thoughts can talk this through. Breathe, just breathe. I’m on the pill, we’ve never had a mishap in the last four years. When it came to taking the pill, I am diligent. Always on time, at least, I think I am always on time. I close my eyes, racking my brain for possible slip-ups. I can’t come up with any, but we have been having quite a lot of sex. More so than we have had in a long time.

My breaths come in gasps, the uncertainty warranting a panic attack. The room begins to spin forcing me to sit on the toilet to prevent myself from fainting.

Just do the damn test and get this over with. You’ll be fine.

Releasing a breath, I open my eyes and grab the stick, placing it beneath me as I pee. When I’m done, I put it on the vanity, wash my hands, then flush the toilet.

Pacing the bathroom, I keep my head down while my heart begins to hammer in my chest like the loudest of drums. I squat on the floor, trying to make everything slow to something my brain and body can cope with.

I don’t know why I feel something is off.

Like something in my life is about to change.

I am not ready for this. Haden should be in here talking me off the ledge except he wouldn’t be talking me off the ledge, he would be standing in front of me, pom poms in hand cheering on a new baby.

My body is screaming at me, begging me to raise my eyes and meet my destiny.

One, two, three, eyes open.

As I raise my head at an agonizingly slow pace, the corners of my eyes are drawn to the vanity, tracing the line in the middle of the stick.

Correction, lines.