Obsession (26 page)

The decision to forgive Andrew had lifted the burden in my heart. I knew that things had irrevocably changed between us, but offering my forgiveness gave me a renewed sense of hope. So much so that when I pulled into the hotel parking lot at five-thirty, I was excited. Andrew had called at three to say he was thinking about me, and I’d been grinning like a fool ever since. I hadn’t answered when he’d called the house phone in case Peter had a way of listening to my conversations, but Andrew had then called my cell, which I had picked up.

I’d asked Andrew for a hint as to where we were going, and all he told me was that I should wear my sandals.

I have to admit, I was anxious—in a good way. This was exactly what we needed. Time to hang out like a young couple in love, instead of a married couple trying to get past problems.

And the fact that we could do that with Peter on the other side of the country…I felt like I’d won the lottery.

I was wearing gold sandals and a pink cotton dress with a wide skirt. It was cool and breezy—and would provide easy access if our necking evolved into petting.

But I was determined to make sure we didn’t end up in bed. Sex was easy—and it wouldn’t solve our problems. Besides, I wanted him lusting after me, and me lusting after him.

Andrew was waiting in the lobby when I entered the hotel, and he walked right up to me, took me in his arms and kissed me unabashedly. He wasn’t concerned about the guests in the lobby or his staff witnessing his affection for me.

I liked that. A lot.

Before we were tempted to forgo the date and ended up heading to one of the hotel rooms, I now took a step backward and secured my clutch under my arm. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

“No hints?”

“No hints.”

“Are we taking separate vehicles?” I asked.

“Only if you want that.”

I shook my head. “I don’t. I’m more than happy to ride with you. I trust you,” I added with a smile.

Andrew took my hand, and together we headed out to his Cadillac Escalade. We separated only to get into the vehicle and, once there, resumed holding hands. Then Andrew leaned in close and kissed me. A deep, meaningful kiss that had my heart filling with warmth.

“Hold it there, cowboy,” I said, but my voice sounded shaky. Despite what I’d told him about not having sex tonight, I suddenly wanted to drive to our place and do just that. Reconnect on a physical level.

But I didn’t suggest that, because having a special date where we could talk, hold hands and reconnect emotionally was far more important after what we’d been through. And if we were both left a little sexually frustrated at the end of the date, then that would only give us something to look forward to the next time we went out.

Besides, I knew that jumping into bed with Andrew would be in part a way to try to push Peter out of my mind.

Sex, when we got to that, would be when we were both ready to take that important emotional step.

Once he drove out of the hotel parking onto International Drive, I asked, “Now will you tell me where we’re going?”

“You’re the one who wanted me to surprise you.”

I faked a pout. “I didn’t know you’d take me so seriously.”

Andrew reached for my hand and drew it onto his lap. “Don’t worry. You’ll be impressed.”

I got a hint as to where Andrew was going when he merged onto I-4 heading west. West was Tampa, and the beach. And Sarasota, a place we used to go on weekends early on in our marriage.

We listened to the soft jazz playing on the car’s stereo, content with each other’s company. We’d argued bitterly over the past weeks about what had happened, and I didn’t want to talk about any of that anymore. Isabel was out of Andrew’s life, and I was working on getting Peter out of mine.

From here on in, we would concentrate on each other.

About an hour later, Andrew pulled up to a parking meter along a beautiful stretch of beach in the Tampa area. He parked the Escalade, and we both got out. Then he went to the back and pulled out a large wooden picnic basket and blanket.

“A picnic on the beach,” I said, grinning.

“When was the last time we did this?” he asked. “Maybe seven years ago?”

“About that.”

We walked together to a portion of beach that was free. I helped Andrew spread the blanket on the sand.

“Sit,” Andrew told me. “Then close your eyes.”

“Okay.”

I lowered myself onto the blanket and then shut my eyes.

“No peeking,” Andrew said.

“I’m not. But don’t keep me in suspense forever.”

I could sense him going down beside me, hear him opening the picnic basket. Then I flinched slightly when I felt something cool on my lip.

“Open your mouth,” Andrew told me.

I did. Something brushed against my tongue. It took me only a moment to figure out the slightly rough texture belonged to a strawberry.

“Take a bite,” Andrew told me.

I did. The sweet flavor of the fruit filled my mouth. “Mmm.”

“Keep your eyes closed.”

“Okay, okay,” I mock-protested.

A moment later, I felt something else brush against my lips. It was wet and cold.

An ice cube?

No. I smelled the citrusy scent of pineapple. I took a bite and moaned my approval. The pineapple was the right mix of tangy and sweet.

I chewed, swallowed, then spoke. “Strawberry and pineapple, my two favorite fruits. What’s next?”

“The best surprise of all. At least I hope.”

I couldn’t help it, my eyes popped open.

“Hey,” Andrew protested.

“Sorry,” I said, and this time put my hands over my eyes.

The next several moments passed in silence, though I could hear Andrew’s hands rustling around in the basket. I could also hear the sound of the waves crashing to the shore, and the cry of seagulls in the air.

“My hands are getting tired here,” I said.

“It’ll be worth it,” Andrew assured me.

About a minute passed, but it seemed like hours as I anxiously waited. Suddenly, I felt something go around my wrist.

Was that—

Yes, it was. Andrew was undoubtedly fastening the clasp on a piece of jewelry he had just put on my wrist.

“Go ahead and—”

“Can I open my eyes now?”

We spoke at the same time.

“Yes,” Andrew said. “Open your eyes.”

Lowering my hands, I popped my eyes open. My focus went immediately to my wrist. And then I gasped.

“Do you like it?”

“Like it? Oh, my God, it’s
beautiful.
”

Beautiful was an understatement. The tennis bracelet was set in platinum, dazzling with rubies and diamonds.

I knew, because I’d seen it before.

“You wanted that for our anniversary,” Andrew said, “and at the time…” His voice trailed off, leaving his statement incomplete. “I realize now that price doesn’t matter, not compared with your happiness. When you’re happy, I’m happy.”

“Oh, sweetheart.” I kissed him, hoping to convey not only my appreciation, but my love.

He poured champagne for both of us, and I almost didn’t accept the glass. But now wasn’t the time to tell Andrew about my being pregnant. I would have to, but not now when everything was going so well.

One glass of champagne won’t hurt me,
I reasoned.

“To a new start,” Andrew said, and raised his glass in a toast. I clinked my glass against his. “To a new start.”

I was feeling good about taking the step to save my marriage.

I knew it was time.

I was on a high that night when Andrew and I returned to the hotel parking lot. On a high when he gave me a kiss good night. I’d turned off my cell when I’d been with him, not wanting to take the chance that Peter would call, but once I was back in my car, I turned it on.

It rang immediately.

I glanced at the caller ID. Andrew’s number.

I quickly opened the phone and put it to my ear. “Hey.”

“Now and forever, Sophie,” Andrew said. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Good night.”

“Good night, Andrew.”

Peter called about an hour later. I acted happy to hear from him, but also put on a weak voice, telling him I was sick.

“Is it the baby?” he asked.

“No,” I said through a feigned-hoarse voice. “I think I’m coming down with a cold. I had some lemon tea with honey, and I’m going to bed. I’ll be fine.”

“I hate to say this, but there was a problem with the shoot today. I’ll be delayed another day.”

“Oh no.”

“I wish I could get back to you.”

“We’ll be together soon,” I told him.

“Did you speak with your husband?”

I paused. “Yes. I told him, Peter. He knows it’s over.”

“
Bella,
I am so happy. I wish I could be there with you to celebrate.”

“We still have to deal with getting the divorce, and that’s going to take some time. Maybe it will be messy.”

“We’ll get through it. And then we’ll get married.”

“Yes, sweetheart. But can we talk tomorrow? I’m very—”

“Of course. Get some rest.”

I was relieved when he was finally off of my line.

The next day I felt even better, knowing that Peter would be out of town an extra day. I debated going back to the police station to tell the cop I’d spoken with that Peter was really dangerous and I was afraid of him. Not only did I debate it, I got in my car and drove to the police station. But when I got there I kept driving, then doubled back and returned home.

I didn’t want the cops getting angry with me and deciding to charge me for obstruction.

Once home, I called Marnie from my cell and told her about my evening with Andrew.

“Oh, sweetie. That’s wonderful.”

“I think we’re going to work things out,” I said. “We’ll put all the crap behind us.”

“Did you say anything to Andrew about…about the baby?”

I sighed softly. “I couldn’t, Marnie. Not…yet. Not when we’re trying to get back on track. I know I should, but…”

“I’ve been thinking about your pregnancy. At least everything I’ve ever heard about pregnancy.”

“What do you mean?”

“How do you know the baby’s not Andrew’s? You know you’re pregnant, yes. But what if you got pregnant before we went to the Bahamas?”

“I had my period shortly before we went away,” I said. “Though it was really light. I remember that. Once I got back, Andrew dropped his bombshell, and we definitely didn’t have sex after that.”

“I’ve heard stories about people having periods right until the time they give birth. You never know. What you do know is when you met Peter. You need to go to the doctor and arrange an ultrasound, see how far along you really are.”

I wanted to cling to the hope that I might be carrying Andrew’s baby, but it seemed far-fetched.

“One way or another, you need to know,” Marnie said.

“I’ll call my doctor now.”

My house line rang before I had a chance to call the doctor. The caller ID told me it was Andrew calling from the hotel, so I picked up the receiver.

“Morning, Andrew.”

“Morning, sweetheart. I have to tell you, I thought about you all night long. I hardly got any sleep.”

“Is that right?”

“Uh-huh. And I can’t wait to see you again.”

My heart fluttered, and I smiled. “Me, too.”

“How about tonight? I’m off tomorrow morning…”

“Are you now?” I asked, getting the hint.

“You know I’m off every Friday.”

“Oh, that’s right,” I said, pretending I’d forgotten.

“So we can make use of tonight…if you want.”

“Sounds intriguing,” I said, and giggled. “Shall I buy some board games?”

“If you want…though we might end up playing another game.”

I giggled again, enjoying this fun banter.

“Sweetie, I’ve got to run,” he said suddenly. “But I’ll call you later, okay?”

“Okay.”

I hung up the phone knowing that I had to make an appointment with the doctor. First, I needed a professional pregnancy test. Then, like Marnie had said, I needed an ultrasound.

Something suddenly struck me. I wanted this baby. Even though it might be Peter’s and that fact might be the end of my marriage, I wasn’t even considering the other option available to me.

Abortion.

I was a grown woman, old enough to act responsibly. If I’d conceived a child with Peter, it had been conceived in passion and maybe something more. I wouldn’t terminate the pregnancy simply because that might make things a bit easier for me.

I’d never be able to live with myself.

If Andrew chose not to forgive me for getting pregnant by my lover, so be it.

But the first thing I needed to do was figure out exactly when I’d gotten pregnant. Then I would go from there.

I was able to get an appointment with my doctor late that afternoon, and she confirmed what I already knew. Yes, I was pregnant. An ultrasound couldn’t be booked until late the next week, however, which was disappointing, but there was nothing I could do about that. I resigned myself to the fact that I would have to wait to learn the exact time of conception.

What I debated, as I drove home, was exactly when to tell Andrew about the fact that I was pregnant.

I didn’t want to lie to him, but I also didn’t want to give him the news about the baby until I knew for sure who had fathered my child. If it was Andrew, then he didn’t need to know I’d ever wondered if Peter could be the father. But if it was Peter…

“Cross that bridge when you get to it,” I told myself as I turned onto my street. Realistically, in the scheme of things, one week wasn’t too long to wait. But a week of Andrew wondering whose baby I was carrying…that could be too much for him, and too much for our relationship.

I spotted Andrew’s SUV parked in the driveway. It was only after four, so he must have left work early to come home and surprise me. I found myself smiling. A bittersweet smile, given the secret I would have to keep for a week, and not knowing what the outcome would be. What I did know was that I was ready to see Andrew again, ready to repair our relationship. It would require work, perhaps lots of it, and I would do what it took to save my marriage. It wouldn’t be easy, and there might be times when I wanted to walk away when the memory of his betrayal got to be too much. If the baby wasn’t Andrew’s he might not be able to get past that. But I hoped that we could overcome all of our obstacles.

Please, God—let me be carrying Andrew’s baby.

I pulled into the driveway and parked beside Andrew’s Escalade. My heart was racing as I got out of the car and hurried to my front door. It was nice to be excited about seeing my husband again.

As fast as I could, I tried the knob, found the door unlocked and threw it open. A little too harshly, because it hit the doorstop and bounced back toward me.

“Andrew,” I called. “Sweetheart, I’m home.”

Three simple words, words I’d used often over the years, but they meant so much more to me now.

Today, they meant a new beginning.

Andrew didn’t reply, and as I stepped farther into the house, I saw that he was sitting on the sofa in the living room.

“Baby—” I stopped short when he turned toward me. The expression on his face…

He looked like someone had died.

I rushed toward him. “Andrew.” I dropped myself onto the sofa beside him and drew his face into my hands. I’d never seen him looking so grim, so lost. “Baby, what is it?”

He turned away from me, leaving me facing his back.

Tentatively, I reached for him. Placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Andrew…”

“I thought you wanted me back. I thought…”

“I do. Of course I do. We talked about this last night.”

There was a pause. “I know I messed up. More than messed up. But I hoped…maybe I was stupid.”

“What are you talking about? Last night we had a great conversation. What’s changed between then and now?”

Andrew turned to face me, his eyes misting with tears. “Are you in love with this guy you had the affair with?”

Where was this coming from? “No.”

“You sure about that?”

Andrew’s questions were reminding me of Peter’s insane accusations. I couldn’t deal with his doubt. Not now, after what he’d done and the fact that we’d gotten to this point where we’d vowed to start over.

“What’s the problem?” I asked, anger rising inside me. “You can’t deal with the fact that I slept with someone else? That was your idea, remember? You wanted me to ‘even the score’ so we could go on with nothing to hold over each other’s head.”

“You want me back, or are you just interested in the money I got from my father’s will? Because if that’s what you’re doing—”

I slapped him. I couldn’t believe the words coming out of Andrew’s mouth. Never once had I been into him for money, and he knew that. He’d never known me to be materialistic in any way.

“How dare you?”

He picked up the remote from beside him on the sofa and switched on the television.

“What are you going to do? Shut me out? Turn on a friggin’ football game?”

Andrew didn’t answer. Instead, he also started the DVD player.

I got to my feet. “Fine. You want us to be over—”

“Sit.”

Something in Andrew’s voice made me do just that. “Andrew, I don’t understand.”

The words were barely out of my mouth before I heard the moaning. Moaning I recognized as my own.

Oh, my God.