Page 159 of Stanton Unconditional

“Mmm, later,” he groans.

I can’t help it, compassion gets the better of me.

“Are you alright?” I ask as I bend and rub his forehead and gently kiss it.

He nods but doesn’t say anything.

“Are you going to go to the hospital and see about that broken hand?”

He nods again, still silent.

“Would you like it if I did this to myself and my body?” I ask.

“No,” he answers quietly.

“Then you understand why it drives me insane that you do this for fun.”

He nods again.

“I’m going to work. I will see you later.” I bend and kiss him gently on the cheek and he lies still. He must be really sore, he isn’t even joking about naughty nurses.

“Bye, babe,” he whispers croakily and then rolls over and closes his eyes.

Hmm, figures, I beg him to stay in bed with me all weekend and now on a Wednesday because it suits him, he is staying at home in bed, so typical.

It’s official, operation slim down is damn boring. “What will it be?” the cashier asks me.

I smile as I look at the coffee list on the blackboard on the far wall. “Damn it, I’m going to be naughty. Can I have a caramel latte with one sugar and a cinnamon roll, please?”

It’s Friday, I’ve finished work for the day and have called over to see the girls I worked with at SSAC. I’m not meeting them for another half an hour, so I called in here to fill in the time. I haven’t been to this coffee shop before as it’s out of the way. I sit at the bar bench and read a magazine as I wait for my order. “Order for Natasha,” the cashier calls. I take my order and am on my way out of the café when I catch sight of Joshua sitting in the corner of the café with Adrian and…that bitch from the wedding. Is he kidding? How is he still in contact with her? My blood boils and I march over.

“Hello,” I stammer.

Joshua looks up and his eyes widen in shock. “Tash…baby.” He stands immediately. “Join us.” He pulls out a chair.

I fake a smile. “Adrian.” My eyes shoot to Dolly Parton and she smiles broadly. I glare at Joshua who of course is looking his sensational best. Why does he have to be so fucking good looking? I fall into the seat uncomfortably.

“This is Tatiana.” Joshua introduces her way too quickly.

“We’ve met.” I smile a little too sweetly at him as I am reminded of why I called her Tittiana on our first meeting. His face drops. He was hoping I didn’t remember who she was…bastard.

“Tatiana works with us on this new job we are doing,” he stammers nervously.

Oh, this is just great. “Really?” I smile. “How nice.” My eyes flick to Adrian and he smiles knowingly.

“Yes, what a coincidence. I didn’t know she worked for this company. Did I Adrian?” Joshua is talking at double speed. Busted, asshole.

“Right.” I drop my head as fury starts to pump. We have discussed his work on numerous occasions, and he hasn’t mentioned this once. He puts his hand on my lap and grabs my hand. I smile sweetly.

You are one sneaky son of a bitch.

“So lovely to finally meet you, Natasha,” Tatiana purrs. “I’ve heard all about the woman who has finally tamed Joshua.”

Ha. What a joke! “I bet you have,” I purr.

I fake a smile at her as my eyes flick to Joshua who has started to perspire. Adrian smiles broadly and winks at me. He’s loving this.

“So, how long have you been married?” she asks. My eyes drop to her enormous breasts. Good grief, does anyone at all look at her face, she must wear a back brace under her clothing.