Her Reluctant Husband by Erica Marselas (summer beach reads txt) 📗

again, needing to just escape, and to never look back so he can never find me. There’s no music playing, and I don’t even care that I haven’t packed a thing. I hardly notice as the green fields all around me have turned to nothing but a sea of tall buildings and smog. Then, I stop. As if I’m on autopilot, I pull into a parking lot, in front of a familiar place, and turn off the car.

The tall silver building of Shay and West reflects in my rearview mirror.

I ran to Alex?

I step out of my car, not really sure what my subconscious was thinking bringing me here because I have no idea what I’m going to say if I see him, but there is a reason. Is it time to pop the bubble with Deacon so damn close?

I give a quick look over my shoulder before I head inside.

The lobby is a little busier than it was the last time I was here. I’m on high alert, my eyes darting around every big wig in a suit walking around the floor for someone that doesn’t belong. The Stepford receptionists are at their desk and I wonder if I can bypass them straight to the third floor.

I’m just rounding their desk when a hand grips my shoulder. Fear pulses through me, and I scream.

“Fuck, June!” Adrian’s voice pipes through, and I spin around to face him.

My eyes dart around the lobby to see everyone looking at me, including the Stepford receptionists, for my silly overreaction.

“You scared me.” I throw my hand over my racing heart.

“I see that. Damn, you okay, girl? You’re quite pale.”

“You did just scare the crap out of me, but I’m okay.” Fuck, I’m not. I screamed down a whole lobby thinking Deacon followed me. “Do you know if Alex is busy?”

“I think he has a meeting in a few, but I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you. Let me take you up there.”

Of course, he’s busy. I’m at his job. What the hell was I thinking?

You weren’t thinking.

“Um, you don’t have to.”

“Nah, it’s what friends are for.” Adrian swings his arm around my shoulder and leads me to the elevator bank.

“So, what brings you to see the asshole?” Adrian jokes as the elevator ascends.

“I haven’t had my daily dose of his annoyance.” I grin, making him laugh.

“I feel like he says that about me.”

“He shouldn’t. You’re great.” I adore Adrian. We had him over for dinner last week and his spirit is so engaging. I honestly wish he would come over more. He’s funny and has all the best dirt on Alex, but he’s also a good friend, which Alex needs, and he’s the best at keeping my husband’s head on straight.

Like I know Adrian had to say something to Alex after he left the dance studio to make him come back home a completely sane person. But I’m not here about that.

“Oh, you’re a gem.” He winks. “You’re my favorite Wilks now.”

The doors slide open to the third floor, and we step off. I spot Whitney as she takes a sip from her coffee mug. Our eyes meet and her lips twitch in a snarl. Her viral disgust now makes me wonder if she’s why I’m really here. She is the reason Deacon knows I’m here. She might know where he is and could tell Deacon to go away if I throw my punches right.

“I’m sure he’s in his office,” Adrian starts in the direction of Alex’s office and I grab his hand to stop him.

“Hey, I’m going to make a quick detour to the restroom before I go in to see him. Long drive and all.”

Adrian tilts his head. “Are you sure you’re okay, girl?”

I nod and glance over at Whitney. “Perfect.”

“I’ll let Alex know you’re here.”

“Great. Thanks.”

Adrian glances back at me before he disappears into Alex’s office. Once the office door is closed, I turn my sights back on Whitney. I slap my hands onto her desk and sneer. "Tell Deacon to back off."

She looks me up and down with a nasty smirk. "Or what?"

“Or nothing, Whitney. I’m not making a threat. I just need you to do this. He left a note on my door today and I need you to tell him to just go away. Or tell your uncle because he shouldn’t be here.”

“You’re the one who shouldn’t be in Kinder Falls.” She scoffs crossing her arms. “And it’s Alex’s door, by the way. Not yours. Don’t think I don’t know your whole marriage is a sham. He only married you to get the house.”

“This has nothing to do with my marriage to Alex. I’m asking you to tell him to stop, Whitney. Please. I’m serious.”

“Aww. Are you begging?” She fake pouts.

“Maybe I am.” I breathe. “He didn’t know I was in Kinder Falls till you found out about me being here.”

“Well, despite what I may have made you think, I haven’t told him anything. I don’t talk to Deacon anymore.” She glances down at her computer and starts to type. “Now, can you go?”

“You don’t have to lie about it. You're the only one that could have told him.”

“Am I?” she tilts her head. “Bet you didn’t know Alex still talks to him.”

“No, he doesn’t,” I say hesitantly, as I rub my right hand, where I have the tiniest scar from the cut I got before our wedding because Alex mentioned Deacon’s name. It’s like a quick flash…he wanted to invite him to the wedding because he hadn’t seen him in years. Not because they hadn’t talked. Fuck.

She smirks. “According to his email log, they do. So, I guess you don’t know your husband that well.”

“I don’t believe you.” But why shouldn’t I?