Don’t Mind If “I Do” by Everly Ashton
Thirty-Seven
Mazzy
Waking up in Nick’s arms the past few mornings has been like a dream. We haven’t slept together yet, but it’s definitely coming. Pun fully intended. We can hardly keep our hands off each other. Every night when we lie down, his fingers bring me to orgasm more than once.
I don’t know why we haven’t done it, but I’m letting Nick set the pace. He’s the one who ended our relationship, so he should be the one to choose how fast we piece it back together.
He’s working a shift at the hospital today, so I’ve made plans to check in with Sally on how everything is coming together for the fundraiser, then have lunch with my dad in his office.
Darius is driving me, and as I knew he would, he probes. “How’s married life?”
“Married life is good this time around, thank you.” I smile at him in the rearview mirror.
“Have to say, I was surprised you went and got married after what happened the first time.”
“Nick is nothing like my first husband. You wouldn’t know this, but he was a big part of my life for a long time before we had a falling out.”
“You sure he’s changed?”
I chuckle at his assumption that it was Nick who did me wrong. “Actually, I was the one who hurt him.”
His eyes widen and he glances back at me. “You don’t say.”
I nod. “Yeah, and we’re finally at a place where we can move forward and that’s what we’re doing.” My words are true regardless of the circumstances that brought us here.
“Well, I wish you both the best of luck. I just worry about you is all.”
I smile at him. “I know. But you don’t have to worry.” I cross my fingers where they rest on the leather seat.
We chat most of the drive into the city, except for when I’m on the phone with Ava—who called because she wanted to make sure “my husband was still giving me a good dicking.” I swear sometimes I wonder how her brain works. I assured her that I was well taken care of.
I hang up with her once Darius pulls up in front of the Pembrooke building. It’s a beautiful summer day and the tall concrete building contrasts against the bright blue sky.
My meeting with Sally goes well and we get some decisions made about the event. I’m feeling good when I leave her department and head up to my dad’s office a little early.
His assistant isn’t at her desk, but the door is slightly ajar, so I knock lightly and swing it open. I step into my dad’s office and see him talking to Richard, the head of the finance department. Neither of them looks happy. In fact, it looks as though they’re quietly arguing—until my dad looks over Richard’s shoulder and sees me.
“Sweetheart.” Dad smiles, but it isn’t sincere. “Richard, we can finish this conversation later.”
“Sure thing.” He turns and faces me. “Mazzy, good to see you. Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thanks, Richard.” I give him a quick hug and he leaves the office. “Everything okay?”
“Fine.” My dad gives me a hug then a kiss on the cheek. “Let’s have a seat. Mallory had your favorite lobster rolls brought in.”
“Oooh, can’t wait!”
We sit on the couch. The takeout containers are on the coffee table.
“So how’s married life? Nick treating you well?” Dad’s eyes shine with concern.
“He is. He hasn’t changed much in all these years. Still a great guy.” I open the lid of my takeout container and the scent of lobster wafts out. “Mmm, I can already tell this is going to be delicious.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I feel awful putting you in this position in the first place. I’m glad you’re with someone like him if it had to be this way.”
“You know I’d do anything for the people here. Lots of them have been a part of my life since I was born. I don’t want to see them lose their jobs any more than you do.”
He gives my hand a squeeze. “What did I do to deserve you, huh?”
I smile at him. I’ve always been a daddy’s girl. Ever since I was little, I looked up to my father as though he could do no wrong, and for the most part, it’s been true. Sure, we had our arguments, especially during my teenage years when I thought a crop top equaled freedom, but he’s always been a stand-up guy.
“Actually, I think this whole thing may have been for the best. It’s let me rebuild my relationship with Nick. I don’t know what might come of it yet, but it feels good to have him back in my life.”
“That’s excellent.” He bites his lobster roll, and I do the same, moaning around the food in my mouth. “Have you had a chance to touch base with Harold and find out what the procedure will be for you to get your money once the six months is up?”
“Not really. I mean, he knows I got married. I sent him a copy of the marriage certificate, but I haven’t talked to him since.” I take another bite of my lunch.
“You might want to. You know, just so the money can pass off to you as soon as possible after the six months is up.”
I frown. “Dad, is Pembrooke Financial going to be able to last the six months?”
“Of course, sweetheart. I just don’t want us to be caught unprepared when the time comes, that’s all.”
Something in his tone spurs me to question whether that’s really true. But my dad has never lied to me. Why would he start now?