Belong (Seven Year Itch #3)(53)

Knowing how much you love me helps. I know the pain is only temporary. We’ll be together again. To the ends of the earth my heart will follow yours. I know that now. – Rachel



Every time I look at you tomorrow I want you to think of it as a kiss. If you need me just call this number. I’ll check it as much as possible. Stay positive. This shall pass. – Chad



I managed to sleep for a couple hours that night without waking and needing to use a box of tissues. When I woke, I realized I’d have to shower and dress appropriately. I couldn’t let Chad know how bad I’d let myself go since he’d last seen me. I hadn’t bathed, gone to work, or even put on more than an old T-shirt and pair of underwear.

I considered not wearing makeup, but compared to his perfectly pasted wife, I needed an extra bit of pizzazz to feel acceptable. I did little under my eyes, because I feared I’d have most of it running down my face before the meeting was adjourned. After changing my clothes three times, I settled on a blouse and a pencil skirt. My normal office pumps were appropriate, and finally I added some jewelry to liven up my outfit.

During the drive, I considered how intimated I was about being around Veronica. I didn’t have to fight for Chad’s love, but she still had his attention, because she was forcing his hand. I felt like it was necessary to make her feel threatened.

I was halfway down my street before turning around and making a beeline for my front door. I ran upstairs, going into the furthest part of my closet and finding the slinkiest red dress I owned. I hadn’t worn it in years, and worried it was so old it was dry rotted. Thankfully, it stayed in one piece once I had it on. The curves of my body were extremely noticeable. As I ran my hands over my hips I imagined the way it felt when Chad did it. I closed my eyes and could almost feel it happening, as if he was standing right behind me.

Instead of keeping my hair up, I let it down. My natural waves gave it body. I did a couple extra sprays to keep it in place and applied a darker shade of lip-gloss.

Two could play this game, and if I was going to be treated like a home wrecker, I at least wanted to look the part.

My drive to the attorney’s office was full of regret. I worried Chad would be disappointed I’d gone to such extremes to get Veronica’s attention. Perhaps he’d get mad because she’d never let him hear the end of it. For some reason I’d thrown my morals out the window and kept on driving.

It wasn’t until I walked into the huge building and saw the two of them sitting in the waiting room where I felt like I’d made a huge mistake. Chad’s eyes met mine and I could feel my body heating up. In that moment there wasn’t anyone else in the room. From one side of the room to the other I knew exactly what he was thinking, and how much I’d made the situation ten times worse.

I didn’t bother giving Veronica my attention. I smiled at Chad before checking in. We waited for a few more people to show up, one being Gracie. I wondered who was watching Harper until I saw her coming around the corner with what looked to be an associate of the legal team. She had a handful of candy and started to show her mother. The moment she spotted me she came over and gave me a hug. My heart melted. I knew it was wrong, but I needed this from her. The acceptance was beautiful, because I knew it was one hurdle we wouldn’t have trouble crossing. When I spotted Chad he was more serious, giving me a look of displeasure. Veronica squinted her eyes as if she were trying to use telekinesis to send the ceiling down overtop of my head. I patted Harper on the back and watched as she headed in the direction of her parents.

While we waited to be taken back to the conference room, I sat in a chair away from them, replying to several business emails. I hadn’t noticed one from Chad pop up, but opened it as soon as I had.

Rach,

You look beautiful. Did you wear that dress to torture me? Remember that night we went out to dinner years ago and you wore that little black number? Later on it got stuck in your hair and we ended up f*cking the hell out of each other? That’s how I felt again when I saw you just now. You’re just as stunning, and it’s taking everything in me not to find a private room to bend you over in.

PS: I love you.

Chad



I laughed out loud, catching the attention of not only Veronica, but everyone else in the room. When my eyes met Chad’s I could see amusement. He knew he’d get a rise out of me and was quietly waiting for it to occur. He winked at me quickly before turning his gaze elsewhere.

The little game he was playing may have been childish, but I could appreciate the sentiment. It was another reason I knew he was the one for me. I didn’t care if I had to sit across from his bitch wife, or promise not to see him, because I knew it wouldn’t keep us apart. Nothing could.

The thing is, I never would have imagined what was about to happen, and how it was going to change everything.





Chapter 28


Rachel probably thought I was angry with her, but I couldn’t have been more entertained. I’d spent the better part of two days trying my best to focus on Harper and what the future would be for us. I’d started looking for places in the same vicinity as my California home; one that would have at least two extra bedrooms for the kids to be able to stay the night comfortably. Veronica may have wanted me to pretend we were a happily married couple, but I was finished with the charade, especially when Rachel was right across the room from me.