Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(57)

“And if you decide it was a mistake?”

“It wasn’t.” I assure him. “We made love, maybe for the first time in our lives. I know what it represents. I’m not trying to be stubborn or a bitch. I’m not going to say I don’t want you back, because I do. I want to be your wife – to be happy.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“I’d rather make sure it’s the right decision then to assume it is and have to ask you to leave in a few days from now because it can’t work. Please. I’m not asking you to stay away. We’ll pick Ab up together and bring her home. We’ll have a nice Sunday dinner as a family. If you choose to stay the night I won’t stop you.”

“I don’t understand. How is that different from me moving back in?”

“It just is.”

“I don’t get it, but whatever. I’m at your liberty to decide what happens next. You know where I stand.”

I lean over and kiss him. “I do. I just don’t want to go back to the way it used to be.”

He takes my hand and brings it up to his lips. “I’m not going to take you for granted again. I’ve seen what being away has done to us.”

“I know.”

“I love you, Shay. I love you so damn much it hurts.” His eyes fill with tears and he wipes them away. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I love you too.”

He brings his forehead to mine. “Whatever it takes.”



I finally believe him.





Chapter 27




After a perfect Sunday dinner Brandon chooses to give me space by heading back to his parents. I think he’s trying his hardest to be strong, but it’s more obvious he’s desperate for reconciliation. I take a long hard look at what’s happened in the last couple days and decide it’s time to put the past to the side and live toward a future. There’s just one thing standing in my way. Well, two to be exact.

I call Char and invite her over after Brandon leaves for work. It’s important they don’t meet, because I need a favor.

I’m nervous when she arrives. I reconsider asking for such a ridiculous assist. “What is it? You could have at least made me pancakes when you called me here, Shay. Are you scared to tell me you and the hubby got it on? Did he ruin my dress? If so, I don’t want it back. Cum stains can’t be removed, you know?”

I almost laugh, but know what I’m about to ask of her will test our friendship. It’s inappropriate and she’ll get angry, or decide I’m not the kind of person she wants to keep company with. “I need a favor, and you’re probably going to think it’s a terrible mistake.”

Now she’s curious. “Okay. Give it to me straight.”

“I need you to hit on Brandon.”

“What? How? Why?”

“It’s no secret I’ve been insecure. I don’t know where my trust issues derive from, but it’s time I settled my ill feelings once and for all. I’ve decided to let Brandon come home. I don’t want a divorce, or to break up my family. We can be better. I know we can.”

“Then why are you asking me to ruin that?”

“Because I need to know if he’d go through with it, if given the chance.”

“What makes you think he’d even be interested? It’s crazy, Shay. I can’t.”

“Please.” I’m staring at my beautiful friend more desperate than I’ve ever been. “It’s not like you have to go through with it. I just need proof. Good or bad, I have to know and you’re the only person I trust to do it.”

“No.”

She’s made her mind up. “Please. It’s as simple as an oil change. I’ll give you money. Take your car in for service. Flirt a little. See what comes of it. See if he bites.”

“You do realize he’s a man and it’s possible this could end badly?”

“If it ensures my happiness in the future, I have to know.”

I can tell she’s against this idea. She doesn’t want to hurt me. I don’t want to be hurt, but I have to know once and for all.

“Fine, I’ll do it, but be aware he may recognize me from my online profile.”

“No. Wear something sexy. He claims he had nothing to do with that profile, so even if he checked out a few photos it’s not enough for him to put two and two together. He’s not that observant, especially if it was against his will.”

“You are insane. There’s no way I could do this if I were in your shoes.”

“You would if you had as much to lose as I do.”



The plan is in motion. Shay’s called and arranged to have her oil changed at eleven. She heads home to shower and change while I sit in my kitchen bawling my eyes out in fear. Maybe I am a lunatic. Only a crazy person would want someone to seduce her husband.

As the time on the clock ticks I’m feeling guilty.

Brandon sends me a text asking if I want to get lunch with him. He’s never done this before. Of course, of all days, he wants to me to share a meal with him while he’s still on the clock. I tell him I have a doctor’s appointment and will have to come tomorrow instead. I need to give him a reason to be upset with me. Maybe it will trigger something he’s trying to keep dormant. Maybe the inner pervert in him will show it’s ugly face and give me the answer I seek. Good or bad, I’ll have my answer by the end of the day.