“And I won’t?” I sputter. I can’t believe she’s alluding to the fight between Azmir and Brian Thompson. “I was trying to surprise him romantically that first day. I think I’ve proven I’m not like the others. And the fight was…a mess, but we’ve worked through that mishap. We’ve moved on—together.” I square my shoulders, feeling a burst of confidence. “I may not have been perfect while dating, but I will be the best wife I can to him. I will work damn hard to give him the partnership he deserves.” Peg’s eyes ascend to meet my determined gaze. “I love him. I can love him. I will love him.”
We engage in a stare down. I will not waver. I’m sick of doubting myself and I certainly won’t tolerate being doubted by others. If Azmir wants me after all of my running, second-guessing, and mistrusting, then damn it, no one else can judge me!
“Understood, Ms. Brimm. I guess time will determine all.” With a slight nod, she continues, “My best to you and your nuptials.”
I know that’s as close as I’ll get to her approval. So I accept it, hoping it will begin a course to a warmer exchange between the two of us. I give Peg a firm nod and proceed to Azmir’s office door instead of waiting as she asked, feeling good about myself for finally standing up to Old Lady Peg. I, in fact, feel like I have a better understanding of her. Whether or not that feeling is mutual remains to be seen.
I enter the office with my eyes in search of A.D. in the massive room. I immediately recognize the voice of a woman—actually two. My gaze finally lands in the conference area where Azmir is seated with Shayna and Dawn. My first inclination is panic, but considering my conversation with Peg and my new resolve of who I am in Azmir’s life, I refuse to coil.
I can tell the moment Azmir has processed my presence. His eyes slowly go into a priapic slant and he whispers my name, “Brimm...”
Azmir rises from the table and meets me in the middle where he takes me at the small of my back and plants the most passionate kiss. It isn’t the most indecent; I know Azmir’s oral embraces now. There is one where he needs me, another where he misses me, and one where wants to smash and my clothes will be torn off momentarily. And then, there’s this one when he’s just…happy to see me.
Not too long ago, I would’ve folded under the presence of Dawn Taylor. But today, I fold into his lush stature and let him smudge my lip-gloss.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes,” he murmurs lazily. Then with his eyes squinted, he asks, “You okay?”
“Yes, of course I am,” I answer with light incredulity. I don’t like to see him all worked up over me. I’ve caused enough trouble. “I’m bringing your pocket watch,” I murmur as I pull it from my white coat pocket. “I still can’t believe you left it behind. That’s not like you at all,” I admonish as I study the pocket watch while handing it over to him. “You’re known for this timepiece.”
Azmir takes the watch and lets out a bellied chuckle, “Only by you, Brimm...only you,” he scoffs.
He looks adorable in his plaid business shirt, wondrously fitted dress pants and matching tie. Without his suit jacket, his Prada belt—my favorite belt—is displayed. Azmir looks delicious as he always does, no matter what he’s wearing. My hands itch to caress the stubble on his beautiful face. He looks just edible, which brings me to the reality that is our surroundings, our mixed company.
I crane my neck to see beyond Azmir. “Hello, Shayna. Hi, Dawn,” I greet the ladies who are still sitting with dozens of papers, folders, and pictures in front of them, on the small conference table.
“Hi, Rayna! How are ya?” Shayna returns.
I give her a courteous nod and notice Dawn on her phone. She gives me a brief wave, which lets me know that she is aware of my presence.
I tentatively turn my gaze back to my handsome man in front of me. He’s too good to be true...and he’s mine. I feel my cheeks heating up and my face cracks into a full-on smile.
“I should go. I need to grab a bite before my one thirty arrives,” I mutter.
“Wait,” he pulls me into him more snug. “How was your doctor’s appointment?”
I didn’t expect Azmir to want to make small talk while he’s in the middle of a business meeting, but there’s this austere look in his eyes that I can’t reject. I quickly decide to entertain him. “It was, for the most part, routine. I’m still healthy after your excessive usage,” I whisper in jest.
Azmir laughs again. My smile widens as a result. I’m experiencing his laugh more and more lately after all of these months of knowing him.
“So that’s it? She just examines you and that’s it?”
“Pretty much. We did chat about new...” I take a minute to readjust the volume of my voice. “…method of birth control. She’s sent me away with a bunch of brochures to help me decide.”