VALOROUS (A Quantum Novel)(82)

Natalie has been unusually quiet, which I chalk up to the decision about her job that’s hanging over her. I want to ask her what she’s thinking, but I’m afraid of what she might say. I don’t want to go back to New York. I want to take her to Mexico on the honeymoon she deserves. I want to spend some more time completely alone with my wife.

Then it occurs to me that she probably doesn’t have a passport. “Hey, Nat,” I say from my perch in bed. Thrilled to be back in my own bed, I’m waiting for her to join me.

“Yeah?”

“Do you have a passport?”

“Uh-huh. I got one when I changed my name.” She comes into the bedroom rubbing lotion into her hands and wearing a gorgeous nightgown I haven’t seen before. “Ironically, David Rogers suggested I get one while we were taking care of everything else.”

“Is it here or in New York?”

“It’s here. I keep it zipped into my purse so I have ID on me since I don’t have a driver’s license. Why?”

“Just wondering, if we end up going to Mexico. Have you ever used it?”

“Nope. Never been out of the country. My parents weren’t comfortable with me being out of the country when I traveled with the Stones, so I never went on those trips.”

“Now I really want to go to Mexico so I can be with you for another first.”

She slides into bed and turns to face me. “I want to go to Mexico, too, Flynn. I want a honeymoon.”

I take hold of her hand and link our fingers. “What about your job?”

“I’m going to call tomorrow and ask if I can have next week to figure things out. I’m sure they’ll be willing to give me some time since I thought I’d been permanently fired.”

“Do you have Addie’s number in your phone?”

“Yes, she texted me earlier.”

“Will you text her and tell her Mexico is a go for tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow? She’ll be up all night making plans if we go tomorrow.”

“Nah, I have a house down there, so all we need is the plane and to let the staff there know I’m coming.”

“You have a house in Mexico.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Where else do you have houses?”

“I have a place in Aspen and one in the south of France. And the place in New York. That’s it, though.”

“Oh, thank goodness. For a minute there, I wondered if your house collection is as big as your car collection.”

“Smart-ass.” I smile as I kiss her. “Now will you send that text, please? I feel like I’ve had an arm amputated without my phone.”

“Awww, poor baby. Yes, I’ll send the text.”

Addie replies right away. Got it. I’m on it.





“Does that poor girl ever sleep?” I put my phone on the bedside table and snuggle up to Flynn.

“Yes, she gets plenty of sleep.”

“When? You’re bugging her morning, noon and night.”

“She loves her job.”

“Sure she does.”

“She does! I’m great to work for. I pay her a ton of money. I bought her an awesome car. I set her up rent-free in a condo we own in Santa Monica. She’s doing just fine.”

“It does sound like a pretty sweet deal, especially since she gets to work for you.”

“I know, right?” he says with a cocky grin.

I poke his belly, and he laughs. “If we go to Mexico, when will I be able to see my sisters?” I’ve texted with both of them every day, and all we talk about is getting together as soon as we’re all free at the same time.

“Addie has been in touch with them about the logistics, and it seems like the weekend after next is better for them because of school and work and everything they’ve got going on. Will that be okay?”

“Sure. That’ll be great.” We’ve waited this long. Another week or so won’t make a difference. Everything in my life feels so uncertain and up in the air. Except for the man currently wrapped around me, who begins to snore softly.

I stroke his hair and caress the stubble on his cheeks. He’s so beautiful all the time, but he’s even more so when he’s asleep. Even with the gorgeous rings on my fingers, I still can’t believe that this incredible man is my husband, that I get to keep him forever.

My phone rings, and I pounce on it, hoping it won’t wake Flynn.

“Hello?” I get out of bed and leave the bedroom, closing the door behind me.

“You were looking awfully smug last night, which leads me to wonder how much you know about the man you married.”

“Who is this?”

“The first Mrs. Godfrey.”

I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. How did she get my number? “I have nothing to say to you.”

“I have a few things to say to you. I’m sure you’ve heard about all the ways I ruined his life, but you should know how he ruined mine. Have you seen his sick little playroom in the basement yet? If you don’t believe me, you should check it out for yourself. He keeps it locked, but there’s a key in the kitchen. It’s hanging on a hook by the door.”


I need to end this call right now, because I know how awful she’s been to Flynn. But remembering his obvious physical reaction to Hayden’s playroom keeps me from ending the call. “Why’re you telling me this?”