Chapter 11
385words
Question marks swirled through my brain like confetti.
Why was James at a restaurant where the cheapest appetizer cost more than our weekly grocery bill?
Why had he ignored my text earlier?
Why did a millionaire businessman look terrified of my supposedly ordinary boyfriend?
And since when did James smoke expensive cigars behind my back?
I'd kept quiet in public, not wanting to cause a scene.
But the man beside me was radiating anxiety.
His hand gripped mine too tightly, his palm clammy with nervous sweat.
We knew each other's tells by now.
This was James in full panic mode.
And I rarely saw him like this.
Back in our apartment, I dropped my bag on the sofa and faced him, arms crossed.
"Explain. Now."
James approached slowly, his eyes downcast.
"Honey, I used to be Morgan's assistant on a project. That's why he treats me with respect."
He hung his head like a scolded child.
"I should've mentioned it before. That's on me."
"My company landed this emergency project, and we just heard Morgan was back in the country."
"The boss promised huge bonuses if we can lock down this deal."
"I thought if I scored that bonus, we could finally afford a bigger place."
"So you wouldn't keep bruising yourself on our cramped furniture."
I studied his face for a long moment before pulling him into a tight hug.
"I'm sorry you have to hustle so hard for us."
"So... how big is this bonus anyway?"
I felt James tense against me.
...
"Listen, Morgan's flying out tomorrow, and we haven't nailed down the details yet."
"So... I might need to go overseas with him."
"Just until we close the deal. Then I'll be right back."
"If all goes well, just a week or so."
"Promise me you'll take care of yourself while I'm gone."
"If anything happens—anything at all—call me immediately."
"Don't try to handle everything alone."
"And please, don't keep secrets from me."
"You know you're everything to me."
His fingers combed gently through my hair.
I trusted him completely, as he trusted me.
That night, he never asked why I was at that fancy restaurant.
But as we made love, his breathing was more urgent than usual.
