Page 81 of Power Play
Most of the time I steal a peek at Garrett, he's already looking at me.
"Excuse me, George." I say, scooting to the edge of my chair in preparation to stand. "I need the restroom. These little nuggets like to tap dance on my bladder."
"Of course, dear," he says as he helps me to stand.
I use the restroom, wash my hands, but as I step back out into the hallway, I'm gripped harshly by the upper arm.
"Ow!" I yell, pulling my arm out of the grip and spinning around. Garrett's father had been waiting for me. Gross.
I sneer at him. "I know what you're doing. I know he's paid you. Whatever he offered you, I'll triple it to disappear."
I scoff at him and go to turn back to the ballroom. He grips me again just above my elbow, hard enough I know it'll bruise, and my vision goes red.
I spin back at him. I've never been an angry, rude, or judgmental person. I pride myself on being easy to get along with, not rocking the boat, and fading into the background. Not tonight, though.
This man is trying to break up my family. The only true family I've ever had. The mama bear in me flares.
I step forward, jabbing Richard in the chest with my finger.
"He's not paying me a dime. He wouldn't have to. That man out there is one of the kindest, most thoughtful, caring men I've ever met and I'm proud to call him my husband."
I spin on my heel, ready to return to said husband, but Richard's not done being an ass yet.
"He only married you for the trust."
He thinks I don't know about the money. "Iaskedhimto marry me." I shout back over my shoulder.
"He's cheating on you. A man like that can never be faithful. He’ll use you for the money and then drop you and your babies on the street."
My heart freezes for a beat. I don’t care about the money, but that is a deep fear of mine. A wound created by countless betrayals. But in the very next beat, I do a gut check to see if I really feel like Garrett could cheat on me. The answer is a loud, resounding 'no'.
I spin back around and step into him again. I don't want to cause a scene and we're nearly back to the ballroom.
"You know what? I don't believe you. I don't believe you so hard you could show me proof of him cheating and I still wouldn't believe you. You know why?" I pause for effect. "Because I believe in him. You may not, but I do." I go to turn away again but stop myself. "He's going to be ten times the father you ever were. He knows whatunconditional love is because I give it to him. And he can't wait to love on our babies."
I turn back to the ballroom and my feet stutter. I look up and see Garrett. My Garrett. Blue eyes surprised and shining. His face wears a goofy grin, full of awe and admiration. I flush, a little embarrassed that he heard all of that, but only a little.
I grab his arm, tuck my hand into his elbow, and lead him back to our table.
"How much of that did you hear?"
He's quiet for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts. I look up at him and he tucks a piece of hair behind my ear.
"You believe in me?"
I nod, relieved. I hate the idea that Garrett knows what his father was doing, that he would go so far to try to break up our marriage, just for the trust, but I meant every word I said to Richard. Garrett is a good man, and I'm lucky to have him.
Sitting on the table in front of me is a beautiful, deep pink drink. I raise an eyebrow at him in question.
"It's a pomegranate mocktail."
The familiar prickle of tears appears behind my eyelids. God, I'm too hormonal for sweet gestures. Jonesy, the impulsive, selfish asshole, was merely hiding Garrett, my sweet, thoughtful husband. The one who shaved my pussy when I got too big to. The one who helps me put my shoes on in the morning and take them off at night. The one who runs out at two AM to buy me limes when I'm having a craving.
I take his face in both of my hands and drag him to me for a pouty kiss. His lips mold to mine and I sigh. I'm not sure I'll ever get enough of kissing this man.
When the kiss ends, he pulls back a little to take in my face. I can't help my chin and lower lip quivering in emotion.
"I love you," I whisper. The soft smile on his face only widens.
