A Hand to Hold

Chapter sixteen

~ Ronan

*

I kept stealing glances at Natalie the entire drive home. Katrina hadn’t been lying when she said authentic Mexican food was the key to Natalie’s forgiveness. I hadn’t seen her smile that way, with uninhibited joy, in all the time I’d known her.

*

She gazed out the window, looking quite content from a full belly and a buzz from her margarita. Natalie was an ideal match for me— simple and easy to please. I’d yet to even show her the second part of her surprise before she’d already extended forgiveness.

*

My talent lay in subtle seduction. Dating was not my forte. However, the contentment Natalie and I enjoyed in each other’s company that evening came about so effortlessly. She’d opened up about her early years in Texas and even had me sharing what I could remember about growing up in Ireland, something I hadn’t done with anyone, not even my sister. Natalie was quickly becoming someone with whom I felt genuinely comfortable.

*

When we arrived home, instead of dropping her off at the front door, I drove around to the side of the house and parked inside my spacious garage. “I haven’t seen this part of your property,” Natalie commented as I helped her out of the car. The twinkle of her wedding ring caught my eye, causing me to smile to myself. I’d noticed its return earlier. She may have been pissed with me after our morning disagreement, but she’d still done what I asked.

*

“I’m sorry,” I replied. “I was distracted the night I gave you the tour.”

“I’ll say,” she muttered. I ignored her, gesturing to the space as I said, “Allow me to present the garage.” The Rolls Royce, the Lamborghini, and now my Mercedes were all parked inside with plenty of room to spare. In addition to the cars, I also owned a couple motorcycles.

*

“There is room for more,” Natalie pointed out. “Did you at one point have others?”

“I did, but when I began to pour all my time into the business, I sold most everything I didn’t have time for, except the Lamb and the motorcycles. I love those too much to part with them. But it worked out for the best because now there’s room for your car when I buy you one.”

“I already have a car.” I scoffed and said, “If you can even call it that. You need something better.”

“Why?”

“Because a billionaire’s wife cannot be seen driving a Corolla.”

“You forget, no one knows I am your wife.”

“A problem I soon intend to remedy.”

*

Natalie’s face fell in concern. Something troubled her. “How do you intend to do that?” she asked. I hadn’t had a plan yet, but as she stared at me, waiting for an answer, it came to me. “How about we make our debut the night of the Christmas Charity Gala?” I suggested. She blinked a few times in surprise before replying, “Are you sure you want to announce our marriage so … publicly?” I shrugged and answered, “I don’t see why not. It’s less likely the press will make a scene if we come out together at the charity gala.”

“Um, okay … I guess that would be alright.”

*

I took Natalie by the shoulders. “Look at me, bean chéile.” When she did, I continued, “Remember what we talked about tonight. Don’t hold anything back from me. Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I’m worried people will think I’m not good enough for you.”

“I’m worried people will think you’re a damn sight too good for me, bean chéile. Good thing it doesn’t make a bit of difference what people think.”

*

“Come on,” I said, taking her by the hand. “I have one more surprise for you.”

“You do?” she asked excitedly as I turned out the garage light and led her into the house through the side door. “I do. I didn’t expect you to forgive me quite so easily.” She laughed lightly.

*

When we entered the living room, Natalie’s eyes doubled in size. With a soft gasp, her hand flew over her mouth as she took in the sight of hundreds of pink buttercups covering every surface. Upon witnessing the delight in her eyes, I smiled with satisfaction.

*

“Jesus,” Natalie muttered in astonishment. I hadn’t heard such a swear from her before. I leaned near her ear and corrected, “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.” She looked at me in confusion, leading me to explain, “If you are going to blaspheme, do it properly, lass.” After a moment of stunned silence, she burst into a fit of giggles, a beautifully infectious sound that immediately took root in my chest.

*

When her laughter subsided, Natalie looked at me questioningly and said, “Admit it, this was the work of your new assistant.”

“I don’t deny Katrina had a minor role, in revealing your preferred type of flower. But I refuse to let her take credit for the quantity. That was all me.”

*

Before I could react, Natalie’s arms were around my neck. “Thank you,” she softly said into my ear. I wrapped my arms around her waist as I replied, “You are most welcome, bean chéile. Thank you for putting up with me.”

“You’re proving to be worth it.”

“Seriously?” I pulled her arms down and leaned back to gauge her expression. “Dinner and flowers is all it takes with you?”

“It’s not the things; it’s the gesture. No one’s ever done anything like this for me before. But don’t expect it to work every time you screw up.”

“I don’t. Why do you think I hired your best friend as my new PA? I need all the help I can get with my new wife.”

“Speaking of which… thank you for that too.”

“For what? Firing you?” I asked in jest.

“No, for keeping my best friend in Chicago.” I rubbed her upper arms. I couldn’t stop myself from touching her. Up till that point, I hadn’t allowed myself to do so, and for good reason, as it proved to be just as addictive as I feared it would be.

*

“You’re welcome,” I replied. “But if I’m being completely honest, Katrina was the most qualified person I could think of, and I hate breaking in a new assistant.”

“That doesn’t surprise me in the least.”

*

We shared a moment without speaking as we looked at each other, and I thought that would be the perfect moment to kiss her… until she yawned. “Damn, Natalie. It’s not even nine o’clock,” I pointed out with a chuckle.

“I can’t help it. Alcohol makes me sleepy.” I looked into her perfect tea-green eyes. She was smiling up at me. Her rosy pink cheeks matched her delectable lips, and I kicked myself for missing my moment.

*

“Off to bed with you then,” I said.

“I don’t need to be tucked in, Ronan,” she answered as I began leading her toward the stairs.

“I have no intention of tucking you into bed, lass. I wouldn’t trust myself not to take advantage of you.”

“You wouldn’t,” she stated overconfidently.

“I really would. Don’t doubt that for a second. You’ve been thoroughly wined, dined, and wooed, and I haven’t been laid in months. Don’t test my restraint.”

*

When we reached her bedroom door, I said, “I think it’s best I say goodnight here.” I gently kissed her hand and walked away, appreciating the vast improvement to the evening’s end compared to the night before. I could build on this. Time was on my side… right?

~~*~~

~ Natalie

*

Ronan was a mystery to me. One I fully intended to solve. I wouldn’t have guessed he was capable of being apologetic. He seemed the type to view admitting fault as a weakness. There was an untapped side to him no one was aware of, possibly not even himself. Then I remembered what Brigid told me immediately after the wedding— that Ronan had a profound potential for love. Was she right? I couldn’t afford to hope. But maybe I could look harder for proof of Brigid’s claim.

*

That night, I dreamt about my husband. It wasn’t the first time I’d had an erotic dream; I’m only human, after all. But it was the first time the subject of such a stimulating dream was a real person. Usually, my fantasies were based on fictional characters from books or movies. I was smiling like a giddy fool when I woke up that morning until I realized Ronan’s effect on me from a mere dream. It had me feeling uneasy. I couldn’t allow my husband to have so much control over my subconscious. So, I took a lukewarm shower, hoping it would eradicate Ronan from my mind. It didn’t work.

*

Despite having no plans for the day, I found deviating from my regular routine challenging. Which was why made my way downstairs for breakfast shortly after sunrise. Ronan sat at the kitchen island, reading the newspaper. He looked up at me as I entered and said, “Good morning,” in his dreamy morning voice. I went to pour myself a cup of coffee and replied, “Good morning to you, too.”

“Sleep well?” he inquired. I smiled slyly and answered, “Yes… thanks to you.” I buried my face in the refrigerator, hoping to hide the flush in my cheeks. “How so?” he wanted to know. I cleared my throat and peered around the door as I said, “Thanks to the wonderful dinner you treated me to, of course.”

*

I noticed the coffee creamer in the door and reached for the bottle as I looked questionably at Ronan. “Hazelnut?”

“I think Marie drinks that crap,” he explained.

“Really?”

“Really. Don’t go thinking that I brought that nasty stuff into this house just for you.”

“I wouldn’t dream of accusing you of such kindness.” He rolled his eyes and dove back into the newspaper.

*

After making my toast, I ate standing at the island across from my husband. Halfway through my meal, I asked casually, “Is your new PA starting today?” Ronan looked up at me but didn’t say anything, so I continued, “Need me to come in to train her?” I nibbled the toast, awaiting his answer. He calmly folded the paper and said, “If you want me to admit you are difficult to replace and that it will be a challenge to get by without you … you are, and it will be. Luckily, I found the next best person for the job.”

“Come on, Ronan, let me come in for a few days, just until she gets situated.”

“I’m sure she can manage, bean chéile.”

“Fine, but I still intend to come with you today. If for no other reason than to collect my things from the office.”

*

I looked around the room and added, “Then… I guess I’ll just come home and be bored. Unless Marie needs help.”

“You are not to help Marie,” Ronan said flatly.

“What? Why?” I asked in disbelief.

“Because you are my wife.”

“So, I can’t work at the office, and I can’t work at home. Is there anything I am allowed to do as your wife?” He looked at me with a devilish grin and replied, “Do you really want me to answer that?” I ignored his innuendo, saying, “What do you expect me to do all day?”

“Find a hobby. Just so long as it doesn’t involve leaving this house.”

*

Though irritation bubbled beneath the surface, I couldn’t logically argue with him. I could see where he was coming from. It wasn’t Ronan’s fault I had a target on my back. I decided to take the path of least resistance by not pushing back over every little thing we disagreed on. I’d have to pick my battles if I ever hoped to win any.

~~*~~

On the way to the office, I gazed across the backseat at Ronan, intensely focused on reading emails on his phone. “Ronan,” I said.

“Hmm?” he responded.

“Am I still allowed to talk to you about work?” He looked up from his phone and answered, “Of course, why would you ask that?”

“Many of the projects you’re currently working on, we began together. I feel like I’m missing out on their progress.” He reached for my hand, resting on the seat beside him, and said, “Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I didn’t realize you felt that way. Just because you are no longer my assistant doesn’t mean I no longer value your opinion. You’ve been a valuable asset over the past year, and I should’ve told you that long before now.”

“Better late than never,” I said with a smile.

*

He didn’t let go of my hand for the remainder of the drive. I didn’t know how much more of nice Ronan I could take, before I fell hopelessly in love with him. With any luck, he would piss me off again, and I’d be able to take a step back.

*

When we arrived at the office, Ronan withdrew the empty boxes I’d put in the trunk, insisting on carrying them upstairs for me. Katrina had not yet arrived, but it was still early. “Do you need any help?” Ronan asked, placing the empty boxes on the desk. “No, there isn’t much,” I replied. “I’ll also show Katrina your calendar before I leave.”

“Thanks, Natalie.” He stared at me momentarily before reaching out and brushing his thumb across my chin. It was a simple gesture but the most intimate we’d shared thus far. I smiled as he disappeared into his office.

*

I made short work of packing my things, wrapping up just as my best friend arrived with coffee in hand. “Morning, hon. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I needed to clear out my stuff to make room for my job stealer,” I joked. “And I know you don’t need a bit of training, but I was going to point out Ronan’s important appointments.”

“Thanks, doll. If I’d known you’d be here, I would have gotten you coffee, too.”

“No, biggie. I won’t be here long.”

*

As expected, walking Trina through everything she needed to know didn’t take long. When I stood to leave, Tiffany strutted in through the door Trina had inadvertently left open, a mistake I knew she would not soon repeat. The snooty receptionist looked around the room and immediately took notice of my boxes. “Oh my,” she expressed, “look who finally got fired! And your best friend is taking your job? Talk about getting stabbed in the back. But I guess you can’t help that she’s so much better than you, right?”

“Why would you assume I got fired?” I asked.

“It’s obvious she quit,” Trina pointed out. “Otherwise, she wouldn’t be helping me with the transition.” Ronan had said our marriage wasn’t a secret. But I wasn’t sure he was ready for everyone at the office to know, and that is precisely what would happen if I told Tiffany why I had to leave.

*

“You’d never quit,” Tiffany sneered, “because as far as PA positions go, working for the CEO of Ó Ceallaigh Enterprises is the best it gets. You could not have gotten anything better, especially with your plain face and lack of skill.” I could sense Trina gearing up to come to my defense, as she always did, but I stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. Something about being Ronan’s wife had given me newfound confidence.

*

“As it turns out, Tiffany,” I said casually, “there’s a company policy that prohibits married couples from working together within the same department.”

“The only person in your department is the boss himself.” She then looked at me with fake concern and continued, “Oh my gosh… that is so cute. Do you actually believe he will make you his wife if you quit your job? Did he tell you that? As if that was the only thing standing in the way of marrying you. Honey, he just told you that to get you to quit of your own free will. You are so gullible.”

“Am I?” I asked calmly. “Then why did he marry me?”

*

I displayed my hand proudly for Tiffany to see. Her face paled when she noticed my wedding ring, and she snatched my hand to get a better look. Her smug smile slowly returned as she said, “Good God, you are delusional. Nice try, but there is no way a billionaire with such fine tastes as Ronan Ó Ceallaigh would ever put such a pitiful ring on his real wife.”

*

“How dare you!” We all heard Ronan’s voice boom from the doorway of his office. His hands were casually in his pockets, but there was fire in his eyes. Tiffany didn’t falter but looked at me victoriously. She thought Ronan had addressed me. Until he walked up to her and growled, “How dare you come uninvited and unwelcome into my territory and insult not only my wife but also my late mother’s wedding ring?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~