Page 4

Erica

“Oh, Alex, it’s beautiful.”

Admiring the silver Celtic knot, adorned with a single green gemstone, Erica beamed at her husband. “I hope this isn’t an actual emerald, however.”

Alex shook his head, chuckling. “No. If I thought you were at all serious, I’d have paid for a real one. But this is peridot, my love.”

Taking the necklace from the box, Alex moved behind her, gently sweeping her hair over her shoulder as he placed the chain around her neck. The coolness of the metal sent chills across her skin, contrasted by Alex’s warm breath against her back, raising chills of a different kind.

“So, you won the contract?” She asked to distract herself.

“As good as,” he replied, moving back into her line of sight. She bit back a smile as she noted his puffed-out chest, a sure sign that he was feeling confident. “I don’t see why they’d call a meeting just to tell us to fuck off.”

“Yeah, that wouldn’t make much sense,” she agreed. “This is exciting, Alex! Congratulations, darling. You’re so clever.”

“I think this one was all you, Eri.” Alex grabbed a glass from their drinks trolley, pouring himself a whiskey. “Honestly, this time last night I thought this was one I had to admit defeat on.”

“I didn’t believe that for a moment. You always get what you want in the end.”

From the moment she had met him almost nine years ago, her confidence in Alex had never wavered. He had the gift of the gab. Charismatic, he could sell water to a fish.

Although the Morgan company had caused a handful of sleepless nights, somehow Erica just knew he’d win them over in the end. And she didn’t believe for one moment that she had anything to do with that.

Sure, she helped him refocus and gave him a new angle to work from, but the rest was all him. She’d always thought he was wonderful, and it was about time other people recognised that too.

“Hey, how was your lunch with Sophie?” she asked, changing the topic.

“Nowhere near as exciting as dinner is about to be, I’m sure.”

She smiled graciously, glancing down at the dining table where their food still waited under the cover of a cloche. “That told me absolutely nothing.”

“Because there’s nothing really to tell, love,” Alex said, finally taking a seat. “She’s a nice enough girl, but she doesn’t have much going on upstairs if you know what I mean.”

“Alex!” She scolded. “That’s very mean-spirited.”

“But in no way not true,” he insisted, finally pulling the cover off his plate. “This looks delicious, Erica. My absolute favourite.”

Erica chuckled as she uncovered her own meal and revealed the lobster risotto she had made a hundred times before. “I figured you’d want an old favourite to celebrate your victory today.”

“I don’t need an excuse for lobster, darling,” he said, taking a generous mouthful. “Absolutely delicious.”

“So, where did you end up going for lunch?” She asked, taking a bite. “I hope your meals haven’t ended up too similar.”

“Giovanni’s,” he said, curling his lip. “I made the mistake of telling her she could choose anywhere.”

“Expensive taste.”

“Yeah, expensive and no taste. The food’s shit, which she’d know if she paid attention. But no, she just saw a price tag.”

Erica widened her eyes in surprise as he unleashed his frustrations. It was no surprise that Sophie enjoyed the finer things in life. The girl dressed head to toe in designer brands and only drank some fancy make of bottled water .

“I mean, did you see that ugly jewellery she was wearing today? Like I said, no taste.”

“I believe her husband bought her that jewellery,” she reminded him. “And it wasn’t ugly. It was old and worth a pretty big chunk of change.”

“But that proves my point,” he said, waving his fork around. “Wants the price tag no matter what it is. I bet that water she drinks tastes no different from tap water, and yet every day she sips on it like it’s liquid gold.”

“Who knew you were holding all this anger inside?” Erica said, taking a drink. “Although I have to say, hearing you talk like this has eased some worries I had.”

Alex’s expression changed almost immediately, confusion furrowing his brow. “What are you talking about? You’re worried?”

She shrugged and considered her words as she chewed her food. “No. That was the wrong word. I’m not worried .”

“So, what is it?”

“I’ve just had the feeling that Sophie has a crush on you,” she said with another shrug. “I’ve never brought it up before because it didn’t feel important.”

“But you had worries that needed to be eased?”

“What would I have to fear about another woman crushing on you? I’m sure plenty have over the years.”

“ Nothing ,” Alex said firmly. “You have nothing to fear because other women don’t exist to me.”

Erica smiled at his insistence.

He reached across for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Sophie is irrelevant, and if anything about her makes you uncomfortable, she’ll be gone first thing in the morning.”

“God. No, Alex. That’s not what I want at all. I might be completely wrong.”

He smiled across at her and nodded. “Okay, fine. I’m just saying. There’s nothing more important to me than you, and I won’t risk anything making you doubt that.”

“As if I ever could,” Erica replied, leaning closer to kiss the corner of his mouth before settling back into her chair to continue her meal. “You’ve never made me feel anything other than completely loved. I’m sorry I’ve put that thought in your mind.”

“It’s fine.” He took another bite before spreading a smirk. “I think I quite like seeing a little jealousy in you.”

Erica rolled her eyes and pushed her plate away, having eaten her fill. “It’s nothing to do with jealousy.”

“No? Not even a little?”

“Not even a smidgeon. I only mentioned it because she seems to get progressively frostier towards me. I figured it was because she was the jealous one.”

“Oh, she’s certainly jealous,” Alex said, dropping his fork to his plate. “Look at you. Who wouldn’t be?”

“Sophie is a beautiful woman—”

“But she’s not you, Erica. No one is. I firmly believe every woman on this earth would be a little jealous of you.”

“Okay, you’re laying it on a bit thick,” she laughed, shaking her head. “Let’s move on, shall we?”

“In a second,” Alex said, knocking back his drink. “Erica, you know you’re my priority, right?”

“Yes,” she agreed. “I sort of wish I didn’t bring it up now. I just wanted to warn you. Make sure you were being tactful around her.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re a flirt, Alex. You can try to deny it, but I’ve seen you in action. It’s never bothered me because you’ve never given me a reason to doubt you. However, I’d hate to think you were giving the wrong impression.”

“Okay, I may flirt just a little, but never enough to make someone think they have a chance. And it’s not like I hide that I’m married.”

He held up his hand, pointing to his wedding ring. Erica raised an eyebrow, tilting her head.

“Why are you getting so defensive?” She asked. “You’re not on trial, Alex.”

He stared at her, not really looking at her. For a moment, Erica thought they were heading towards an argument, feeling herself tensing. But then Alex relaxed, looking away and dropping his hand.

“Sorry, love. You’re right, I’m overreacting. I see your point, and I’ll watch the flirting.” He cleared his throat, his eyes darting around the room as though looking for an escape. “Do you mind if I head downstairs? I think I need to let off some steam.”

“Good idea,” she agreed, gathering their plates. “Go release some frustrations and I’ll tidy away dinner.” She smiled over at him. “If you’re lucky, I’ll give you a massage when you’re done.”

“You’re an angel, Alex said, kissing the top of her head as he passed her. She smiled at him, but inside her stomach was churning. Something about that entire interaction felt off, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on why.

Had Sophie actually dared to try something? Was that why Alex was being so cagey?

Erica couldn’t imagine any scenario where Alex wouldn’t tell her. Over the years, they’d laughed as people attempted to hit on them, understanding that, despite their commitment to one another, it didn’t stop others from trying their luck.

He would have told her. She had no doubt about that.

Unless he had something to hide.

Erica shook her head at the thought, gathering their plates before the idea could take hold of her mind. She needed to do something physical, something to keep her mind busy.

Opting to wash the dishes by hand, she stared out of the kitchen window, casting her gaze over the darkening shadows that danced in their garden.

Would she know if he did something?

Erica watched her reflection in the window as her lip curled. Why was she entertaining such a stupid thought?

In a world of so many changing things, something Erica had complete faith in was Alex’s love for her. He was her one constant and would never risk losing the life they shared.

No. Absolutely not.

Her reflection paused, a soapy dish in one hand, a sponge in the other. Erica noted the apprehensive expression on her face, tilting her head as she studied herself.

Alex was more attentive these days. More generous with his time. Surely, in whatever cheater’s handbook that was out there, treating your spouse better was rule number one. Even if to throw them off the scent.

He was spending more time with Sophie. The two of them were constantly in touch, often in such close quarters to one another.

There were suddenly longer workdays and extended meetings that had him arriving home later and later.

“Stop it, Erica!”

Scowling at her reflection, Erica washed her hands and turned away from the window, taking a couple of calming breaths.

She had worked herself up into a panic for absolutely no reason at all. Alex had never and would never hurt her in that way. She was positive about that.

She had allowed another woman’s actions to cause a lack of faith in her husband, and that was unacceptable.

Resolving to forget the whole silly thing, Erica left the kitchen and made a beeline for her crafts room.

Sitting in front of her laptop, she pushed a button and waited as light erupted from the screen. Still paused on an online tutorial, Erica grabbed her latest project and pressed play.

Dark skies replaced a setting sun as Erica focused on her current stitch, her eyes straining as she lost the natural lighting.

“Four double stitches, back into the ring,” she muttered to herself, repeating the calming voice of the tutorial. “Chain three and flip.”

“You know, we could just buy you a blanket and save you all this hassle?”

Erica jumped as Alex’s voice came from behind her, looking over her shoulder to see him standing in the doorway with only a towel covering his modesty. “It’s not hassle ,” she insisted. “I enjoy this.”

She paused the video as Alex stepped into the room, looking over her shoulder at the small square in her lap. “That’s all you’ve done? You’ve been up here over an hour!”

Erica took a slow breath, calming herself before she answered. “Quality work takes time.”

“Babe, I don’t mind buying— ”

“Alex, I know you don’t understand, but I don’t want a bought blanket. This is a hobby for me, and it just so happens I get something out of it in the end.”

“But they take so long,” he insisted. “By the time you’re finished, summer will be here, and you won’t need a blanket.”

“There’s always a need for a blanket,” she said, trying to hide her irritation. “And again, this is something I enjoy doing .”

“How can you enjoy this? It’s so repetitive and time-consuming.”

“You explain your golf. I’ll explain my hobbies.”

Alex chuckled, kissing the top of her head. “Okay. Point well made. You coming to bed?”

Erica glanced at the clock and frowned. “It’s barely even nine.”

“I didn’t say we’d be sleeping.” He winked at her, fingering the edge of his towel. She chuckled and bit her lip.

“Tempting. Very tempting.” Glancing down at her crochet, she sighed. “I just need to finish this row, otherwise all of this work was for nothing.”

“Erica…”

“Half an hour, Alex. It’s all I’m asking.”

“Okay, but if you’re not fast enough, I’ll start without you.” He squeezed her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “Hey, you’re doing great. It looks fantastic.”

With a smile, he left the room, whistling as he went. Erica waited for a moment to make sure he was really gone before hitting play on the tutorial once more.

Erica’s hobbies had been a source of contention more than once. Alex didn’t understand why she would put the effort into making something he could buy for her.

Growing up poor and watching his mother work herself into the ground, Alex had resolved to be the biggest success he could, and make sure his mother never had to struggle again.

Unfortunately, she passed away before Alex could repay her for the sacrifices she made for him .

Now Alex made sure that Erica wanted for nothing, never wanting to relive the feelings of inadequacy he felt after his mother’s death.

Erica found it all overwhelming at times.

Raised by two working parents who taught her the values of hard work and being self-sufficient, she hated feeling like a kept woman. They’d never really struggled with money growing up because her parents tried to be as frugal as possible.

Erica tried to apply their lessons in all aspects of her life, saving money where she could. But Alex was always there, thwarting her efforts.

When she had started a vegetable patch, Alex hired a gardener. If she wanted to create something with her own hands, Alex would buy whatever she wanted to create and ‘save her time’, and when Erica opted to work out at home rather than the gym, Alex had turned their basement into a state-of-the-art at-home gym room.

His intentions were good.

She truly believed he wanted nothing but the best for her. But oh, how she wished he’d listen to her sometimes. Over the years, he had smothered her with unwanted gifts, the majority of which went untouched.

He had built her wardrobe into one of their spare rooms, so big it was full of clothes she would never wear. He’d bought her jewellery that was so expensive it stayed in the house, unworn out of fear. Twice now she had taken her bag collection to a second-hand shop only to find he’d surprised her with replacements.

She understood this was who Alex was, and there was no changing him. She gave back when she could and tried her best to rein her husband in.

As difficult as that could be sometimes.

With a sigh, she finished up the last of her stitches and closed the lid of her laptop.

Admiring her handy work, she stretched out the aches of sitting in one position for too long. Placing her work to the side, she padded down the corridor to their bedroom .

Alex was already asleep, one hand curled around his phone. Erica smiled at the sight, pulling the blankets up around him as he slept.

She watched him for a moment, her heart fluttering as a swell of emotions washed over her.

How could she have ever doubted this man?

Quickly undressing, she joined him in bed, shifting against him. His arms moved around her automatically, wrapping her in security and warmth.

As she drifted off, Erica made a promise to herself. She would stop doubting her husband and, instead, turn her attention to Sophie. If she overstepped in any capacity, she’d find herself the victim of Erica’s wrath.

And when rattled, she didn’t play nice.