Page 85 of Snapshot

I laugh. “I’m one grad degree and about ten years of corporate experience away from calling the shots. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“Hey,” he practically barks. “Mrs. Hessler, I’m going to need you to start trusting yourself as much as I do. Your heart makes you regal, and even in your white tank top and pink pajamashorts, you look like royalty to me. We’re all listening. Speak up whenever you want to.”

“Dex, thank you. That is so sweet and…wait”—I glance down at my pajamas—“how’d you know what I’m wearing?”

“Security app sends me an alert every time someone passes the motion sensors. I’m surprised you went for sparkling water, by the way. In three years of knowing you, I’ve never once seen you drink Perrier. There’s beer in the beverage fridge.”

“The beverage fridge?” I ask.

“It has more specific temperature controls. It’s underneath the bar in the living room where you set your purse.”

I turn down my lips and nod. “I’m not really feeling the stalker vibes right now,” I say sarcastically. “Maybe you could turn it up a notch.”

“Sassy,” Dex murmurs. “I had them installed when I moved to Vegas. It’s for security with the staff. I’ll have them taken down now that we’re moving in.”

“Watch me all you want. I have nothing to hide. I’m just surprised you didn’t call.”

“I’m sorry.” He’s quiet for so long, I know I made him feel bad. “I was in back-to-back meetings and I just…”

“Oh, hey, I’m messing with you. I’m not trying to be clingy.”

“Please be clingy,” Dex says simply. “Lets me know you’re thinking of me, which is nice because I’m always thinking of you. Len…I’m sorry. I promised I’d be there and I’m not there. Clearly, I’m under the Hessler curse.”

“It’s fine,” I assure him. But it’s not lost on me that we’re already starting this marriage with broken promises. Dex said he’d be here, and he’s not. I said I’m okay with it… Am I? “I understand you have to work. It’s okay.”

Still, Dad’s warning circulates in my mind. He told me good businessmen know how to say and do whatever it takes to get a deal done. Am I simply a deal to Dex? If he wanted to be here,he could be. His attention is where he feels it's most needed right now.

“I’ll make it up to you,” he hurries out. “I’ll wrap up here and call you when I get home.”

“No need. I think I’m going to get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning after that interview?”

“Interview?”

“Denny set something up, I guess.”

Dex grumbles underneath his breath. “Did she send you talking points?”

“No. But she’s meeting me there first to prep me.”

“Please be careful. Reporters can be a little invasive. Believe me, I’ve been burnt a time or two. Just stick to whatever Denny advises.”

“Okay, got it.” I blow out a deep breath. “I have to admit, it would’ve been nice to have a day to shop. Now, I’m going to have to show up to this thing in a sundress.” I think back to the time I met Dottie and the outfit she wore. Elegant and professional. I’m going to look laughable in an outfit suited for a low-budget backyard barbeque.

“It’s probably just the interview portion. The photo shoot is usually scheduled separately. I’ll double-check with Denny. I don’t like her putting things on your schedule without running it by me first.”

“Uh oh… Are my babysitters about to fight?”

“Hilarious. But by the way, what’s wrong with a sundress?”

“It’s too casual. My most sophisticated sundress is light blue with feather outlines on it. Basically, I’ll look about as professional as a puppy.”

He laughs. “For the record, I like feathers, I like sundresses, and I really like when you’re just you.”

“Good to know.” I smile into the phone. “Goodnight, Mr. Hessler.”

“Goodnight, wife.”

23

---