Asshole Husband

Rachel wanted a big family, and he was more than happy to provide it for her. No other man was ever going to do for her, not on his watch.

He finished his coffee, which was instant and not nicely ground fresh coffee beans he preferred. A lesson learned and he’d buy the items to make his own. With the internet, everything was easily accessible to him.

Washing his cup, he smiled. He was even doing his own dishes; he normally had a cleaning maid for that task.

After everything was done, he glanced around the kitchen.

Rachel had already cleaned up, and just as he was about to go and find her, the doorbell rang.

Who could possibly be calling for her now?

This was his house too, and seeing no problem answering the door, he did so, only to come face to face with problem number one, Ryan. The single dad, who stood on his fucking doorstep with a little too confident a smile for his liking.

“Hello,” Wolfe said. He had to be polite to this fucker when all he wanted to do was let the guy know there was no chance in hell of getting with his woman.

“Hey, is, erm, is Rachel home?”

“Yeah, she is. Who are you?” Wolfe asked, playing along.

“Ryan Ward, and you are?”

“I’m the husband.”

“The husband?”

“You know Rachel is married, right? I’m sure she wouldn’t leave that tiny insignificant detail out of the discussion.”

“She said she was married, but it was complicated.”

“Well complicated just returned.”

“Ryan, you’re here. Damn, I thought I was ready in time,” Rachel said, coming up behind him. “Wolfe, this is Ryan. Ryan, this is Wolfe, my husband. I have told you about him. Well he dropped by last night. Where’s Billy?”

“He’s in the car, waiting. We’re still good for the day.”

“Of course I’m not changing our plans. Benjamin is so excited about it. He’s been talking all day about going to the museum. I’ve packed us a lunch.”

“Wait, wait, what is going on here?” Wolfe asked. He didn’t like feeling he was missing something, but he really was.

“Benjamin did tell you. We’re taking him and Billy to the science museum. I booked a day off, and rearranged my schedule as did Ryan. I did tell you all about this.” She lied badly.

“Is there room for one more?” he asked. Wolfe wasn’t allowing his wife or his son out of his sight for an entire day with this man.

Ryan was smiling, but Wolfe saw he wasn’t happy.

His assumptions about this man was spot on. Ryan wanted Rachel, and you know what, it wasn’t going to happen, not on his watch. He’d deal with this little … problem. Rachel was always going to be his. The past five years had caused a setback but not one he thought they couldn’t get over.

“Sure, I don’t see why not,” Ryan said.

“Excellent.”

He didn’t need to go and grab anything. He’d already placed his jacket beside Rachel’s. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulled her close, kissing her cheek. “Where’s the picnic, I’ll grab it?” he asked.

“In the living room,” she said. “Let me help.”

“I’ll get Benjamin in the car,” Ryan said.

They walked into the living room, and Wolfe had a clear view of the man as he lifted Benjamin up into the car and strapped him in.

“What the hell are you doing?” Rachel asked.

“You really think I’d let you go alone with him for an entire day, knowing you want a divorce? I wasn’t born yesterday.”

“Nothing would ever happen, and you’re being completely unreasonable.”

“Oh, no, I’m being perfectly so. You’re still my wife, and there’s no way I’m letting that man raise my kid.” He lifted the picnic. “You better accept I’m here to stay, sweetheart.”

“You will get bored like you do with everything else. You think I haven’t seen the newspapers with all the models and actresses? You move from one to the other. Just like you do in business. You never stay on the same course. I’m surprised you still want a space on my family’s board. The moment you’re done, you’ll sell it and move on.”

“Last time I checked, I didn’t leave you. You left me.”

“You could have made me stay. Let’s face it, Wolfe, you’re a damn good liar. All it would have taken was a few nice words and I’d have been yours, but you didn’t want me. You got what you sort me out for, and I became old news. Do not ruin this day for Benjamin. He’s been looking forward to it. Nothing is going on between Ryan and me. Nothing ever will be going on between us. I can’t do this now. Just try not to be an asshole.”

She picked up a backpack and left the room.

He wasn’t trying to be an asshole. It came naturally to him.

He grabbed the picnic, locked the doors, and followed them back to the car.