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

“Please. The big guy has been telling everyone.”

“You can’t call him by his first name, but he sure brags about you,” June hums beside me.

I ignore her comment and tug her closer to me. “Greg, I want you to meet my wife.”

“Oh, yes, I’ve heard about you. Nice to meet you.” They shake hands, and others join us. I end up introducing June to many of my colleagues on my immediate team. Instantly, in only June fashion, she wins them over. She always had this aura around her that people gravitated to. June seems to relax as well, no longer keeping a death grip on my hand.

“Do you want to eat or dance?” I ask after I get tired of sharing her with everyone.

She tilts her head. “What do you think?”

“I think you want the biggest serving of pork ribs and potatoes.”

She shoves my shoulder. “Not while I’m wearing this dress.”

“Then let’s take it off.” I wink. “You make a mess and I’ll lick it off of you.”

“In front of all these people? I don’t think I’m into exhibitionism.”

“We’ll go to my truck.” She giggles and I swoop her into my arms. “That sounds like a yes,” I growl into her ear.

“Not even close, but since you have me like this, dance with me, Mr. VP.”

“I’m not VP, yet,” I say as I pull her out to the dance floor. A few couples and kids are spinning around.

“But you will be shortly. He’s not going to change his mind now.”

“I guess it still doesn’t feel real.” I shrug as we sway along to the music.

“You won’t believe it till you have your office and your title under your name?”

“Maybe.”

“Be happy. It’s everything you ever wanted.” She rests her head on my shoulder and I pull her closer.

“Almost.”

“What else could you want?”

You. Forever.

I lean down and kiss her, but before I can get swept away in her, there’s a tap on my shoulder. I grind my teeth to hold in my growl as I glare back over my shoulder.

I should’ve known it would be Adrian.

“I know I shouldn’t break up the magic—”

“Then get lost,” I grumble cutting him off.

Adrian claps my shoulder. “Oh, I love you too man, but I want a dance with your lady.” He gives her a wink which makes her giggle. “You showed her off to everyone but me.”

“She knows you.”

“And the problem? Now move.”

“You’re lucky I like you.”

“I consider myself blessed.” Adrian rolls his eyes, as he places his hand over his heart. “Now move your butt.”

“One dance.”

“Two. You’ve been hogging her enough.”

“Will you be okay?” I ask, pushing her hair back.

“Of course. It will give us time to do our favorite thing together, gossip about you.” She smirks.

“Oh yes, I have tons more stories about your boy.” Adrian takes her hand and pulls her out of my arms. “Also, we need to talk about you inviting me over for dinner again.”

Adrian sways with June across the dance floor, pushing their way to the middle of the other couples before I can protest further. Not that I was going to. June is herself around him. I think it’s mostly only because Adrian doesn’t know the meaning of a secret. The last time Adrian came over last week, he wouldn’t stop flapping his lips.

I figure I could use this time to get a bite to eat, but I’m stopped by Mr. Hayes the moment I step off the dance floor. He’s eager to show me off to an old client and tell them how I’ll be filling August’s shoes. Once we finish talking, I head for the buffet station, but I don’t make it again.

“Congratulations on the promotion, boss.” Whitney snakes her arm around my back and leans up to kiss my cheek.

I shove her away. “What are you doing?” I growl. “Don’t.”

“I’m only congratulating you. Everyone is buzzing about it. I wanted to come over sooner, but June is already keeping you on such a short leash.” She runs her hand up my shoulder. “It’s nice to finally get a free moment with you.”

“Well, you’ve had it. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

“Why are you being so rude, Alex? You’re acting like we can’t be friends?” She puts her hand back on my shoulder and leans into me. “After all I do for you and have done for you.”

“You know what you are doing, Whitney.” I push her hand off again. “Now cut it out; this is your final warning.”

"Whatever,” she scoffs and crosses her arms. “I’m sorry, but I’m serious about the promotion. You’ve earned it.”

“Thank you. Now if you’ll excuse me.” I move over to the buffet table, just wanting something to fucking eat and ignore Whitney whose perfume lingers as she follows me.

“What?”

“I just want to talk.”

I bite into my mini quiche and look to the large water fountain in front of me. My boss, his wife, and a couple of designers are talking around it, holding their mini paper plates, and flutes of champagne.

“I've heard everyone thinks your wife is pretty great."

"Well…she is." I grin.

"Fuck, she really has got to you all over again, hasn’t she? How does she do it?"

"Do what?"

"Charm everyone? She did it all the fucking time. She had De…" She stops and takes a long swig of her champagne. "Never mind. It's just she did something so terrible and you are just letting her get away with it.”

"I think it’s just time to forgive her. It’s been five years and it’s just…time." Time I don’t want to waste again. And time I sure don’t want to waste explaining to Whitney.

"You can't be serious." Whitney huffs and I roll