“I’m herenow,” I say.“Areyouready?”I grab her coat and hold it out to her as she walks over.
She snatches it from my hand and pulls it on.“Are you going to act pissy all night?”
“I’m not acting pissy.Look, if you want to go without me, feel free.I’d be happy to stay home.I’ve got more than enough work to do.”
That’s a bluff I know she won’t call and a tiny, secret surge of victory rushes through me as her expression falls.
“You can’t stay home!I can’t go without you.How would that look, I tell people you’re sick at home, and I left you here alone?”
At least she’s predictable.Always worried about her image.
I’m reaching for the doorknob when the sudden realization hits me that I don’t feel the slightest bit guilty now the way I used to over manipulating her.
I’m…enjoyingit.
As miserable as she’s treated me throughout the years, I’mfinallyenjoying something about our marriage.
There’s irony for you.
* * * *
It’s a chilly October night with a biting wind.I don’t find it uncomfortable, after my seven years spent attending college in New York City, but my native Georgia wife hates it with a passion, turning her mood even more foul.
Olivia spends our entire drive on her phone and wearing a disgusted look on her face.The exclusive country club where this event’s happening tonight is familiar to me, because Olivia’s dragged me here several times over the past year for her social and work bullshit.In addition, GOP lawmakers and other politically adjacent folks have invited me to various functions held here.
Thank God I’ve put off applying for membership.Olivia wants me to, but I don’t.It would mean losing a perfect excuse not to play golf, and I’m sick of that fucking game.I hate it with a passion and always have.The only reason I learned to play was, of course, my father making me learn.
At least tonight’s a charity fundraiser and not a political event.
Doesn’t mean politics won’t be discussed.There will be plenty of sausage churned out at this event, I’m sure.
I can’t help hoping it’s not the only sausage I’ll be dealing with.
Yeah, that was bad, I know.But the faint hope that I’ll get to spend even a little time with Daniel tonight is the only reason I’m able to stomach being here with Olivia in the first place.The past two weeks have been busy for all three of us, and I’ve barely had any time alone with Daniel, or Liam.
We arrive on time and Olivia can barely contain her irritation behind her public peaches-and-shucks-y’all smile while I deal with valet parking.Then she hooks her arm around mine and nearly drags me across the portico toward the waiting door.
She tugs on my arm for me to lean in while I’m forcing my usual smile.“Donotembarrass me tonight, asshole,” she whispers in my ear, her icy tone chilling me even more than the biting wind.“I want to get into the prayer group Senator Jergens’ wife runs and I heard she might be here tonight.So turn on the charm and socialize and don’t be a damned wallflower.”
Fuck.Olivia’s focus will be anchored to me if I’m not with her.Until that connection is made, at least.
Before?I would passive-aggressively do any- and everything possible to stymie her.
Now?
I just want to placate her as much as possible.
That her desires dovetail with another recent command from my Sir is a pleasant little coincidence which simplifies my life somewhat.
We check our coats and once we’re signed in, I pause with her on my arm, just inside the doorway to the large ballroom where the event’s being held.We’re not late but we’re not early, either.Based on the number of chairs around the various tables, and the people in attendance, we’re in the first quarter of arrivals.The program doesn’t start for another forty minutes, with dinner being served during that.
Then shock slams into me when I locate our table and discover we’re seated with Liam and Daniel.
As in, Daniel’s place card is right next to my seat.
I don’t know how the hell he managed that feat but I’m already nervous as fucking hell.
And horny as hell.
