Chapter 6
Natalie slipped into the bathroom, and Shawn headed out to the balcony to grab the call.
“Shawn, you picked up! can’t handle this hotel, It’s spooky being by myself after dark. Can you swing by and hang out?” Tracy’s sweet voice went through the line.
Tm at the Guzman manor. Tonight’s not cool for me to split. I’ll get Charles to hook you up with an apartment tomorrow. You can bunk there, Shawn said.
He felt mixed up about Tracy, unsure if those old feelings were still flickering, but he remembered the vow he made to Natalie during their marriage–to keep her safe from harm. He was keeping that promise, so he pushed the housing hassle to Charles.
“Thanks, Shawn. I get it, you’re hitched and it’s pushing it, but I can’t lie. You’re on my mind every day-
“Alright, get some shut–eye.” Shawn cut Tracy off quick, feeling his emotions stir. He had to keep a lid on things, not wanting to mess up with Natalie before their marriage officially wrapped up; playing it safe seemed like the smart move for now.
“Okay. Shayn I’ll be waiting. Tracy said, ending the call and clutching her phone like a lifeline. She knew Shawn’s marriage. was more of a business deal than a love story, which meant he wasn’t really into Natalie. She guessed that he was probably with Natalie because of Henry. No matter what, Tracy was determined to get Shawn back on her side.
Shawn didn’t waste a moment after Tracy’s call; he dialed Charles right away.
“Hey, what’s the late–night buzz, Shawn?” Charles‘ voice came through, all chill.
“Find an apartment for Tracy tomorrow, will you?”
*For real, man? You’re gonna two–time her? Playing the secret girlfriend game and acting all sneaky? I’m not feeling it!”
“Let’s save it for tomorrow. Meet me at the office, Shawn shot back, hanging up quickly. Charles‘ words hit him hard, making him question what he really wanted. He’d never been this indecisive before. Maybe this was just how things had to play out for now
“Should I spill the beans to Natalie? If I don’t, how am I gonna look her in the eye later? Ugh, man, you’re such a schemer, always painting me as the bad guy, Charles grumbled to himself flopping on his bed and letting out a frustrated sigh.
Natalie stepped out of the shower to find Shawn still on the balcony, just wrapping up a call.
Tm all set. Are you planning to take a turn?” she asked, wondering if he was on his way out, which would mean he wasn’t bunking down at the Guzman manor tonight.
“Can’t but the lay without a rinse. I’m a mess. You don’t mind, right?” Shawn shot back with a playful grin, checking out Natalie in her long, modest cotton nightie. Her hair was loose, cascading down her back. Her small, delicate face, accented by her elegant brows, was framed by a pair of deep, clear eyes. Her lips were slightly curved, giving her a gentle look, as if she never had a cross word.
As Shawn kept his gaze on her. Natalie suddenly remembered she was in her nightgown only. She scurried to the bed. pulling the blankets around her like a shield.
Seeing her hurry, Shawn let out a soft chuckle.
Earlier, while they were chilling with the TV, Tracy had tried calling a few times, but he’d let it go to voicemail. For some
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Porket Broker–tu
Jan 29
Chapter 6
reason, he didn’t want Natalie to catch wind of Tracy, especially that she was back in town. So, he’d sent Natalie off to shower to dodge the calls.
After his own shower, Shawn found Natalie all curled up on the bed. Her breathing was light and even, her eyes peacefully shut. Her long lashes made a soft shadow on her cheeks. He moved to the other side of the bed, sliding in slowly.
Feeling the bed dip, Natalie’s eyes fluttered open. She’d been faking sleep. She was on edge about Shawn’s intentions, especially with her pregnancy. The doctor said to tread lightly for the first three months, no getting too close. Plus, she was curious if Shawn’s stay meant he had other plans. She thought, it time for me to speak up for myself and our little one? Or, as Grandpa would say, maybe the baby will be the game–changer for our marriage!
The next morning. Shawn was up with the sun. Natalie was still sawing logs, so he didn’t bother her. He had a full plate at work, so he headed straight to the office, skipping breakfast.
At the Evercrest Group’s HQ up on the top floor in the CEO’s office, the founding members were in a huddle, hashing out work stuff. Shawn took his spot at the big desk, tuning in as everyone ran down their updates.
“Shawn, the Meadowland project’s a total mess. The new Laurence family boss, some dude named Keen, doesn’t play by the rules. He’s trying to squeeze us for an extra five percent. But he’s been a no–show, just sending his minions to make waves,” Aaron reported
“Aaron, you’re on a flight to Meadowland tomorrow. Talk turkey with the old man himself. If he’s in for a partnership, he signs. If not, we’re done. Hayden, hit up our Daharam buddies. They’re all over this chance. Given our long haul together. we’ll give them one last shot. If the Laurence family wants to get tough, let them hit the road empty–handed, Shawn ordered
“Copy that.” Aaron and Hayden got their marching orders and were about to bounce.
Fred ran the fun side of their empire. A regular in the tabloids, he was always tangled up in rumors and linked to celebs. Known as the Janisburg Casanova, he had a way with the ladies, showering them with swag like purses and cribs. They all sang his praises. “Yo, you guys bailing? What about little Charles Fred spoke.
“Hold up: we’ve got a job to do,” Aaron and Hayden said, grabbing their notes and making tracks.
Once the duo was out, Fred kicked back on the couch, gaming and chilling.
A bit later, Fred heard Charles burst in and crash on the sofa. “Phew, I’m wiped. Finally got Shawn’s squeeze sorted.”
At that, Shawn glanced up from his paperwork and gave Charles the stink–eye. “Charles, watch your tongue.”
Charles clapped a hand over his mouth, zipping it.
“Charles, what gives? Shawn is playing both sides with Natalie?” Fred put his phone down, all ears. As the head of their entertainment wing, he had a nose for gossip, especially when it starred their own unsuspecting buddie,
Everyone figured Shawn had moved on after his last fling, but now it looked like he had a secret stashed away. Shawn was the man–usually low–key, but when he made a move, it was a showstopper.
“Fred, you should ask Shawn straight up. I’m too shook to talk behind his back, Charles said, all jittery. He wouldn’t blink if Shawn blew a fuse and booted him out.
“What do you mean ‘behind his back? I’m just keeping it real,” Fred shot back, leaning in. “C’mon, lay it on me. What’s the
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Wed, Jan
Chapter 7
