A Hand to Hold

Chapter fourteen

~ Ronan

*

Wow. I’d managed to f**k things up with Natalie in record time. She wasn’t one to anger easily, but insulting her character was one of her triggers. She cared about what people thought of her. Well, maybe not everyone, but certainly her friends and family. The problem was I wasn’t sure I fit into either category. What surprised me was that I wanted to.

*

I retreated into my bedroom and took a hot shower. All the while, I couldn’t erase the image of Natalie’s hurt and insulted expression from my mind. I always knew I’d make a shitty husband, but now she knew it too. I shouldn’t have made assumptions about her … again. But I didn’t know what to think when I heard her mention divorce. I was already uneasy when she wouldn’t meet my eyes during our wedding. I’d kill to know what went through her mind when Harrison pronounced us husband and wife.

*

Wife. Natalie had become my wife. As I lay in bed, waiting for sleep to overtake me, I contemplated how to make things right with her. I wasn’t well practiced at coming up with solutions that didn’t involve money. And if there was one thing I knew about Natalie, it was that money didn’t impress her. It was a very ineffective way of winning her over. Before drifting off to sleep, I resolved to talk to Katrina first thing in the morning. If anyone knew how to get on Natalie’s good side, it had to be her best friend.

~~*~~

I woke before my alarm the next morning and immediately went downstairs for a workout. Afterwards, I didn’t waste any time in showering and dressing for work. From the outside, it seemed as though nothing in my life had changed. I should’ve found comfort in that. But I didn’t.

*

I hadn’t yet seen Natalie that morning, not that I even knew what I would say to her when I did. As I made my way to the kitchen for breakfast, I thought she might be there. However, she was nowhere to be found. Was she sleeping in or purposefully avoiding me? Then, it occurred to me that if I hurried, I could escape to work before seeing her, giving myself more time to think on how to earn her forgiveness.

*

Fifteen minutes later, I was in the Rolls Royce on my way to the office. Along the way, I called Candace to ask for Katrina’s number. While on the phone with her, I asked if she could spearhead the search for my new PA. She very smugly pointed out that the best candidate was currently residing in my apartment. Why did I not think of that sooner? Of course, Katrina would be the perfect choice. Not only did I know her to be capable, considering she put up with John for over a year, but if I talked her into moving back to Chicago, that would give me an advantage in gaining Natalie’s forgiveness. I sent Katrina a brief text, and she responded almost immediately. She was awake.

*

I knocked on the door of apartment 1626, and a moment later, a sleepy-eyed Katrina answered. Her light-brown hair was tied up in an exceptionally messy bun, and she looked vastly different without a stitch of makeup.

*

“You’ve f*cked up already,” Katrina stated as a matter of fact. “That must be a record.” She gestured for me to enter. “She told you?” I asked as I walked into the kitchen.

“Yep. Lucky for you, Nat isn’t the type to hold a grudge.”

“I know, but I still owe it to her to apologize properly. The problem is …”

“You don’t know enough about her,” she finished for me.

“Exactly.”

“So, you’ve come for the kind of insider information only a best friend can provide?”

“That’s one reason.”

“And the other?”

“In short… I need you.”

“I beg your pardon?” she asked in confusion.

“You used to be John’s PA,” I said with a charming smile. “It just so happens I’m in the market for a new one.”

“Natalie’s quitting?”

“My personal assistant cannot be my wife. It’s company policy.”

“Oh … well, I wasn’t actually planning on staying.”

“Hear me out.”

*

Katrina sat herself on a barstool as I leaned against the island and began, “First, it would mean a lot to Natalie if you stayed.”

“You mean it would go a long way toward smoothing things over with her if you convinced me to stay,” she astutely pointed out.

“That too,” I admitted casually. “But also, the perks of working for me are the best you’ll find, and you’ll never have cause to slap me for coming onto you.”

“Oh God.”

*

Katrina covered her face in embarrassment, and through her fingers, asked, “Nat told you about that?” I chuckled and nodded, saying, “Don’t be embarrassed. It gave me a good laugh.”

“Not one of my finest moments,” she mumbled.

“John had it coming, I’m sure. Anyway, I will pay you the same salary he did.” Before she could negotiate, I quickly added, “And I’ll throw in this apartment, rent free.”

“Really?” she asked, bright-eyed.

“Really.”

*

Katrina thought it over for less than a minute before she said, “When do I start?” I smiled victoriously and replied, “Anytime this week would be good.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Fantastic.”

*

“Your first task as my assistant,” I said, “tell me how to smooth things over with Natalie.” Katrina eyed me questionably, then said, “Normally, I’d never spill my best friend’s secrets. But… seeing how it is in her best interest… I’ll give you the rundown on Natalie.” She cleared her throat and continued, “She is not impressed by fancy five-star restaurants. But she’s from Texas. So, take her to an authentic Mexican food place, and you’ll have her eating out of your hand… pun intended.” With a soft chuckle, I said, “Alright, what else?”

“Even though she’s not a materialistic person, she loves flowers.”

“I knew that much.”

“But did you know… and she’ll kill me for telling you this… none of the loser guys she’s dated have ever given her any.

“Really?” I asked in surprise. Katrina nodded, saying, “If you ever reveal that I told you, I’ll quit so fast your head’ll spin.”

“Noted. Anything else?”

*

Katrina gave my question some thought while I waited patiently for any helpful information she could provide about my own wife. “Her favorite colors are red, pink, and green,” Katrina informed me. “Oh, and she’s obsessed with mountains. She’s always wanted to go to Austria to see the Swiss Alps. Honestly, she is a simple, down-to-earth person. She’d prefer anything you put thought into over anything you spent money on.”

“I figured as much. Thoughtful gestures aren’t exactly in my wheelhouse.”

“You built a billion-dollar company,” my new assistant pointed out. “Surely you can figure out a way to please your wife.”

*

I stood and moved toward the door as I said, “I’m grateful, Katrina. You’ve really helped me out.”

“For Natalie, anytime,” she replied. Before I left, I turned and said, “Oh, one more thing… what kind of flowers?”

“Pink ranunculus.”

“Pardon?”

“More commonly known as buttercups. Just make sure they’re pink.”

~~*~~

Upon stepping into the main elevator, a ding from my phone alerted me to a new email. The message itself wasn’t significant. What caught my attention was that it’d been forwarded from my PA’s account. Who the hell was on Natalie’s computer? Seeking a quick answer, I swiftly crossed the lobby, ignoring the sickly-sweet greeting from Tiffany as I passed.

*

When I entered my assistant’s office, I discovered Natalie at her desk, wearing her typical business attire, as if it were just another day at the office. Surely, Natalie knew she couldn’t continue working as my assistant now that she was my wife.

*

“What the hell are you doing here?” I demanded to know.

“Good morning to you too, Mr. Ó Ceallaigh,” she replied calmly, not looking up from her computer.

“It’s Ronan to you,” I corrected, “and I asked you a question.” She finally stopped typing and looked up at me, her eyes void of emotion. “I know you did. I am not deaf. I simply do not respond to incivility. If you would like an answer to your question, kindly refrain from using profanity when addressing me.”

“My. Office. Now.” I told her through clenched teeth. I half-expected a refusal from her, but she was not that obstinate, even when angry.

*

As we walked into my office, she shut the door and began giving me a rundown of my schedule for the day as part of our usual morning routine. Had I gone mad? Had we not just married the day before? I caught myself sparing a glance at my left hand, where my wedding band rested, just to be sure I hadn’t imagined everything.

*

“Natalie,” I began, as calmly as I could muster. “What are you doing here?”

“I work here,” she replied matter-of-factly.

“Not anymore. You are my wife now.”

“So? What does that change?”

“Everything.”

“Does it change your need for a personal assistant?”

“No, but my wife cannot be my PA.”

“Why not? I’m still the best person for the job.”

“That may be, but it’s against company policy. On top of that, you have a target on your back. Or have you forgotten about our dear friend, Alexi?”

“Of course, I haven’t forgotten,” she spat back.

*

“How did you get here, by the way?” I wanted to know. “Your car hasn’t moved from the parking garage, and I know Harrison didn’t drive you.”

“I took an Uber,” she informed me, like it was no big deal when, in reality, it was a massive breach of security.

*

“F*ck, Natalie!” I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. I was doing my utmost to remain calm, but she was making it extremely difficult. “Do not curse at me, Ronan!” she exclaimed. She failed to grasp the severity of the situation if her biggest concern was my profanity. I was Irish; cursing was in my blood and unavoidable when angry. “You may as well have served yourself up to him on a silver platter!” I barked. “How the hell am I supposed to protect you if you insist on making idiotic choices?”

“Don’t speak to me like I’m a child,” she yelled. “I survived just fine on my own before I met you.”

“If you believe nothing’s changed in the past two days, what the hell did we get married for?” My question was met with stony silence as she knew I was right.

*

I made a valiant effort to lower my voice and speak calmly as I said, “Natalie… Alexi has eyes and ears all over the city. He could have easily intercepted your Uber.”

“I don’t see how it’s any different than riding with Harrison.” It was evident by the look on her face she was also attempting to remain calm but failing. “If you’d have asked me, I could’ve told you. First of all, the Rolls is bulletproof. Secondly, Harrison may seem like merely my driver, but I hired him as my bodyguard. He is a personal security agent and a damn good one. Lastly, until I have more information about what Alexi wants with you, I don’t want you going anywhere at all.”

*

Fighting with Natalie led me to a better understanding of the woman I married. It was clear whenever I exerted control, she became angrier. She was accustomed to her independence and didn’t respond well to commands. Despite this understanding, it was still my responsibility to keep her safe. That was part of our arrangement.

*

“I can’t just cease living my life and become a hermit,” Natalie stated defiantly.

“I am not asking you to,” I replied softly. “I already have the best PI in the country working on this, and we should have more information in a matter of days.” I could tell by the crestfallen look on her face she’d conceded the argument. She leaned against the arm of the sofa in defeat.

*

Natalie tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear with her left hand. When I noticed her ring finger was bare, I lost my head. “Where the f*ck is your wedding ring?!” I demanded to know as I grabbed her hand. She jerked away and said, “I will not answer anything if you insist on speaking to me that way.”

“I’ll speak however I damn well please! Now answer the question!” She stood and replied, “I left it safely at home. Your grandmother mentioned how special it is to you. I didn’t feel right wearing it to work. And I wasn’t sure what we were or were not telling people about our relationship.”

“Our marriage isn’t a secret if that’s what you’re implying.”

*

I reached into my front pocket and said, “I’m calling Harrison to take you home. When you get there, put on your damn ring, and don’t take it off again. Do I make myself clear?” She looked at me with fury and acidly replied, “Perfectly.”

“Good.”

“Now, let me make myself clear.”

*

With her index finger pressed into my chest, Natalie hissed, “You may be my husband now, but if you think for one second I will tolerate being spoken to in such a way, without an ounce of respect, think again. You’ve made it clear I am no longer your employee. So, don’t you dare order me around as if I am. You can tell Harrison I’ll be waiting in the garage.” The sound of the door slamming reverberated throughout my office. Instead of earning my wife’s forgiveness, all I’d accomplished that morning was digging myself a deeper hole.

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