Winning Back His Wife (4 page)

There was no time for cuddling when their breathing had
slowed and Caleb’s heart settled.

Neela had to work and they made it back to the beach house
with no time to spare. Taking her into his arms, he kissed her tenderly, hating
that she couldn’t be with him tonight.

“Stay with me.” he pleaded in a whisper against her lips.

“I can’t. I have to work. If you want to, I can see you
tomorrow,” she answered, looking at her toes.

“Of course I want to see you, Neela. I wish we had time to
talk tonight.” he swore under his breath.

“I promise we’ll talk after your shift. Call me when you get
off, okay?” He kissed her again, hesitantly letting her go.

He turned abruptly to leave but stopped dead in his tracks
when he saw Blake standing on the sand with a smug look on his face.

“So now I know why you no longer need Krishna. Seems as
though you found other ways to occupy your time,” his friend insinuated in a
mocking voice. The bastard was having fun at his expense.

“Zip it, Blake. I’m in no mood.” he wasn’t. He hated the
idea of leaving Neela so soon after making love. One time was no way near
enough. Already he could feel his need for her building again, a need that he
would not be able to do a damn thing about until tomorrow.

“Hey, don’t bite my head off because you’re horny.” Blake
was trying to keep up with him as he stormed off toward the house.

“Hey Caleb, wait up, man. I was only playing.”

Caleb halted, turning to look at his friend. He ran a hand
through his already untidy hair.

“I’m sorry, Blake. I’m just a little bit confused right now.
I leave in a couple of weeks and the thought scares me half to death. I’ll have
to leave her and my head hurts just thinking about it,” he confessed, pointing
in the direction Neela went.

Blake’s face broke out in the most ridiculous smile. “Well,
I’ll be damned. You’re in love with her? The great Caleb Wilder is in love.”

“What? No, I’m not.” his denial came a little too fast.

“Okay, if you say so.” Blake left him standing on the beach
and headed for the main office.

Back at the beach house that night, Caleb did his best to
avoid his friend, their earlier conversation weighing on his mind. Sleep evaded
him as his thoughts were haunted with the memories of Neela -Neela smiling,
Neela in that wicked bikini, Neela in his arms naked, Neela calling out his
name as she reached the pinnacle. He was further plagued with a feeling of
dread every time he thought of going home and leaving her behind. God, why the
hell did everything have to be so complicated? By the time sleep finally came
in the early hours of the morning, he admitted one thing to himself - Blake was
right; he was hopelessly in love with Neela Moraine.

****

Two weeks later, Caleb stood at the alcove, Neela’s hands in
his and listened as the Minister recited the vows. He repeated them.

“I, Caleb Seth Wilder, take you, Neela Moraine, to be my
lawfully wedded wife…” She was so beautiful that it was impossible not to love
her. There was no way in hell he was leaving this island without her.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your
bride.” He did.

Neela was his wife and it was going to stay that way for the
rest of their lives.

“Congratulations, man. I wish you all the best.” Blake
offered, clasping his friend on the shoulder with one hand while he shook the
other.

“Thanks Blake. That means a lot, man. Thanks for
everything.”

“It was my pleasure. I know you guys will be happy together.”
his friend assured him.

As a wedding present to his friend, Blake had taken matters
into his own hands, arranging for the special license and the reverend to
perform the ceremony.

Caleb looked over to where Neela and Adria stood and felt
his heart swell. She looked so beautiful in the plain white knee-length dress,
her curls piled on top of her head, exposing the expanse of her long silky
neck. He made a mental note to start kissing her there, later when they were
alone.

If anyone had told him that he, Caleb Wilder, would meet a
woman, fall in love and marry her in six weeks he would have said they were
crazy, but that is exactly what he did. He had no regrets.

The next two weeks were spent making the necessary
arrangements for his wife to fly home with him. The nights he spent in her
arms. They stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, talking and making
love. He had been right. Once would never be enough.

When Blake drove them to the airport, it was with the
promise that they would keep in touch and return for his wedding.

As the airplane ascended into the clouds, Caleb looked at
the woman that sat at his side. He kissed the back of her hand that was clasped
in his. She smiled up at him.

“I love you, Neela!”

“I love you too, Caleb.” he brushed her lips with his and
lingered a little. This was his wife!

She cuddled close to him; placing her head on his shoulder
and he kissed the top of her head. He looked out the window at the islands as
they disappeared behind the clouds. Smiling he said a silent goodbye to the
beautiful little islands that had brought him so much happiness.

****

“I love her, Mom, and the sooner you accept that the
better.” Caleb tried to reason with his mother.

“You can’t be in love with her. You don’t even know her.”

Helen Wilder was no ordinary woman. She was like a lioness
with her cubs when it came to her children but she was also a pampered wife
that always got what she wanted.

His father had spoiled her rotten and what Helen Wilder wanted,
Helen Wilder got. Right now, she wanted Caleb’s marriage to Neela, to be over.
Standing in the middle of her large living room, Helen let loose the force of
her rage. Her son was not going to be married to a little nobody from some
godforsaken island no one had ever heard of. His father sat quietly listening
to the bickering between mother and son.

“I know her well enough to know that she makes me happy.”

His mother threw her hands up in mock defeat. Helen didn’t
look a day beyond forty, even though she had a son that would soon turn thirty.
Her strawberry blonde hair was wrapped in a tight bun, her face carefully made up
with the expensive makeup she never ran out of. Caleb found himself wondering
if his mother had any wrinkles. He certainly never saw any.

“Are you listening to this? I don’t believe this. George,
can you please talk to your son?” His father didn’t get the opportunity. Helen
continued.

“She doesn’t belong here, Caleb. She isn’t like us.”

“What the hell do you mean she’s not like us? Exactly what
are we, Mother?” Caleb was angry and he was growing angrier by the moment. His
fist folded and unfolded at his side, his skin pulled tight against his face.

“Son, I love you, and I only want what’s best for you and
marrying this girl is not. She comes from a different walk of life. For God’s
sake Caleb, she’s not even… American.”

He had the distinct feeling “American” was not the word on
the tip of his mother’s tongue. That did it. He wasn’t going to listen to any
more of this.

“I want you to listen to me, Mother, and listen carefully.”
His voice dropped to that no-nonsense tone he used strictly for business,
taking his mother by surprise. “You are my mother and I love you, but you have
no say in how I live my life. I love Neela, she’s my wife and it doesn’t matter
if she is American, Chinese, Indian or whatever else there is. There is a lot
she needs to learn and I will help her. I will not have this conversation
again. Neela is here to stay and you better get used to it. You will not
disrespect my wife again. Do you understand?” He was standing dangerously close
to his mother, his fist clenched at his side.

“Caleb I just want…” she began, taking a few steps back.

“That’s enough, Helen.” his father interrupted, unwrapping
his long body from his sitting position. He came to where the pair stood.
George Wilder knew his son was at a boiling point and he needed to put a stop
to this now.

“Caleb your mother is just worried about you as any mother
would be. Just give her some time to get used to the situation.”

“She can take all the time she needs, Paps, but I will not
tolerate her insulting my wife.” speaking to his father, he kept his eyes fixed
on his mother.

With nothing left to say Caleb left his parents staring at
his retreating back.

****

Caleb knew his mother would give him hell about his marriage
but he didn’t expect her to be this bad. He almost never raised his voice but
she’d gotten him so upset. There would be time for apologies the next day.

Standing at the foot of the large bed, he admired his
sleeping wife and felt the familiar stirring in his body. God, all he had to do
was look at her and he was completely turned on. Even though his body instantly
responded to his wife, he knew there would be time to ease this ache in his
groin. First he needed a bath.

The day had been horrible. Running a business was tedious
and being away for three months didn’t help. It had taken him three years after
leaving the fire service to build ‘Wilder Inc.” from scratch and now it was one
of the most sought-after software companies in the state.

His parents George and Helen Wilder were very prominent
figures in Washington, his father a Supreme Court Judge and his mother head of
numerous charities. Being the children of Judge Wilder, Caleb and his sisters
were always in the spotlight and he hated that.

 His sister, Daphne had been more accepting of his wife. She
was a fool for romance and thought that Caleb and Neela’s story was one for the
books. He smiled to himself. Maybe she was right.

Daphne was in her second year at med school and engaged to a
very good friend of his. He took Stuart O’Connor to work at “Wilder Inc.” in
the very beginning and Stuart proved himself to be a very dependable employee. He
knew the business as well as Caleb did, and he had no doubts in leaving him in
charge while he took his vacation.

Caleb knew Neela would have a difficult time adjusting to
his way of life but he would help. There would always be parties, functions and
charity events and as his wife she would have to host them all.

Being the wife of a Wilder was not going to be an easy task.
He would have to buy her a whole new wardrobe. She would have to learn how to
use makeup and how to dress for certain events. She needed a hair dresser to
style all that beautiful hair but it was never to be cut. That was the one
thing he wanted to remain exactly the same.

Resting his hand against the shower wall, he let the water
beat against his naked body. It was going to be hard. He knew what his mother
said was true. Neela was not from here and that would cause problems. If he did
not protect her, society would chew her up and spit her out.

Straightening up, he pushed his hands through his wet hair.
Why did he feel so frustrated? He was married to a beautiful woman who loved
him as much as he loved her. So what if some of his family members couldn’t
accept her as yet? They were happy together. That is all that should have
mattered for now. He was sure his family would come around sooner or later.
True, his mother would be the hardest nut to crack, but crack her he would.

Turning off the shower, he reached for the large towel
hanging on the bar and started drying off. Neela was lying on her side, her
head propped up by a hand when he stepped out of the bathroom.

“Did I wake you?”

She looked enticing, her hair tousled from sleep. The
bedspread was tossed at the foot of the bed and the blue lingerie she wore had
ridden up her thigh, exposing her smooth flesh. Sleep would be a long time
coming.

“No. I missed you.” she patted the empty spot next to her.
He needed no further invitation. Tossing the towel on a nearby chair, he
covered the space between him and the bed. As he sunk down on it, Neela rose to
take him in her arms. He could get used to this.

Hours later, he lay next to his sleeping wife; his own sleep
would not come despite the passion he had shared several times with Neela in
the last couple of hours. His mother’s word was inculcated in the back of his
mind, leaving him with a sense of discomfort. He didn’t like it!

****

The society pages were buzzing with news of the new Wilder
bride and the public was demanding an appearance. He would give them what they
wanted. One month after their arrival home, Caleb held a small social gathering
to introduce his wife to friends and family. Only a few were invited.

He chose a long pale yellow dress which clung to her
magnificent curves and left much for the eyes to desire. Around her neck, she
wore a beautiful diamond necklace; the matching earring hung low from her ear.
Her usually wild curls were carefully wrapped on top of her head— a few hung
loosely down her back. She looked enchanting.

Caleb observed her from across the room, where he was
conversing with his father. Mrs. Carrington was saying something to her but
Neela’s smile was as fake as the breasts on most of these women tonight. What
was she doing? If he noticed it, he was quite sure others would.

“She is beautiful, you know?” It was the first time his
father had spoken of her since his return home.

“She is, isn’t she?” Why had his father chosen this moment
to compliment his wife’s unique beauty?

“Are you happy, Caleb? I mean really happy?” Looking at his
father he answered honestly.

“I am, Pap.” That was all he needed to say.

“That’s good, son. I’m sure if you give your mother some
time she’ll come around. In the meantime, just be patient.”

“I hope so. I hate fighting with her.”

His mother was the only family member that was still giving
him grief about his marriage. His father didn’t have much to say on the matter,
until now. Daphne and Neela got along like old friends and KC thought her hair
was ‘rad’.

“You know your mother, Caleb. She’ll settle down.” He had a
feeling that it would be a cold day in hell before his mother accepted his
wife.

“Caleb, your wife doesn’t talk much, does she? Does she even
speak English?” Mrs. Carrington interrupted.

“I’m sorry Mrs. Carrington, but I don’t understand what you
mean.” He was puzzled. Of course Neela spoke English.

“Well, I asked her what she thought of my dress and she said
I looked like a ‘mampee’ whatever that means.”

Caleb choked. She didn’t! He knew very well what that word
meant. It was a word used in Trinidad to insult fat people.

“I’m sure she was complimenting you,” he lied. His eyes
followed the grey-haired lady as she disappeared into the crowd. When he was
sure she was out of earshot, he turned to his father.

“Paps, will you excuse me a minute? I need to speak with my
wife.” He didn’t get far before his path was blocked by Lori Parks.

“Caleb, darling!” she drawled, kissing him full on the lips.

“Lori…hi. How have you been?”

“I’ve missed you dreadfully. You left for your vacation
without telling me.”

“We weren’t seeing each other at the time, Lori, so I didn’t
see the need to tell you. You were seeing that doctor, remember?”

He and Lori had an on-again, off-again affair for years.
Everyone, except his mother, thought that they would eventually get married. He
guessed everyone was wrong.

“Yes, but you could have warned me you were bringing back a
bride. After Leo and I split I wanted to be with you.” Her finger was playing
with one of the buttons on his tux. Her lips pouted, she looked up at him from
hooded lids. He reached up and removed her hand, carrying them back to her
side.

“Lori, what we had was good while it lasted, but it’s over
now. I’m married. We agreed, no strings attached, remember?” He looked down at
her, emerald colored eyes, pale skin, long blonde hair carefully styled and her
face made up to perfection. This was the type of woman he was used to, the type
his mother would have preferred as a daughter-in-law, but he felt nothing.

“Yes but I miss you. I need you,’ she hissed, her hot breath
near his ear.

A movement from across the room caught his attention and he
looked up just in time to see Neela storming out toward the balcony.

He could hear whispers around him and knew it was about his
wife’s sudden exit. What was she doing now?

“Lori, will you please excuse me?”

He left her standing and followed the path Neela had taken.
He found her standing on the balcony, looking down at the city lights.

“Do you mind telling me what the hell was all that about?” His
voice although just a whisper, was laced with anger.

She whirled around, her face contorted in anger.

 “Do
I
mind? You’re the one playing seduce the groom
with that… that… woman,” she sputtered.

What the hell was she talking about? She was being
ridiculous.

“Keep your damn voice down,” he demanded through gritted
teeth. “How dare you insult Mrs. Carrington like that?” he asked stepping
closer. “Those people are here to meet you and instead of playing the proper
hostess you insult my guests. I try to have a civilized conversation with an
old friend and you act like a jealous fool. What is the matter with you?”

“Well, if that’s how your friends greet you I hate to see
how your lovers would.” She was being sarcastic and he didn’t like it. She was
not going to embarrass him with some stupid tantrum.

He stepped even closer, grabbing her by the upper arm his
finger cutting into her skin. His face close to hers, he whispered, his voice
hard, “I will have no more of this nonsense. You will go back inside and you
will act your part as my hostess, you will smile and make polite conversation. 
Do you hear me?”

When she didn’t answer he shook her. “Do you hear me,
Neela?” His finger tightened on her arms. She cried out, her eyes smarting with
tears. He didn’t let go. She nodded in understanding, and then he released her.

“Good, I’m glad we understand each other.  Now smile and
let’s go mingle with our guests.”

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. During the evening
meal Neela sat quietly at his side. She answered politely when she was asked a
question but volunteered no conversation. She didn’t look at him once. Putting
a hand under the table he gently squeezed her hand in an effort to apologize
for his earlier behavior but when she attempted to snatch it away he grabbed
for it again, this time squeezing a little harder than necessary, reminding her
of their earlier conversation.

It was late when their last guest left and Caleb’s anger
erupted.

“What were you thinking? Were you deliberately trying to
make me look like a fool?”

“No Caleb, you weren’t the one looking like a fool.
I
was. You were too busy having polite conversation with your
old friend
to notice.”

She turned with all intention of walking away but he shot
out a hand, grabbing her by the wrist, wrenching her around.

“Care to tell me what the hell you mean by that?”

She tried freeing herself but he tightened his hold jerking
her closer to him, his blue eyes glaring at her.

“What…do…you…mean?” he asked angrily; the tears welling up
in her eyes did nothing to calm him down.

“Caleb, you’re hurting me,” she cried, trying to yank her
hands away but his grip was like handcuffs.

“I go out of my way to throw you this party, dress you in
the finest clothes and jewelry, introduce you to some of the most influential
people in this town and all that matters to you is that I was talking to an old
friend. You didn’t even stop to think how your behavior could affect my
family’s reputation.” He let her go then, pushing her hard enough that she
stumbled backward.

“You really are a selfish bitch.” He jerked at his tie,
loosening it around his neck as he walked away. “I’ll sleep in one of the spare
room tonight.” he ended the conversation exiting the room.

****