Claire stared at him momentarily, “You’re right.” She reached for her iPhone.
*****
The angry sound of Derek’s voice brought Sophia out of her restless sleep. She could hear his tone and see his expression; she couldn’t understand the cause. With his hands on her shoulders, he turned her to face him. “Why Sophia? Why in the hell are you sleeping in here?” Disorientation from the sudden wake, muted her ability to speak. “I reached for you and you still weren’t in bed. I thought you might still be drawing. But you’re sleeping, without me!”
Her mind reeled, “How did you know I was drawing?” Her soft voice didn’t mirror his irritation, though it did a poor job of hiding her unhappiness.
“What’s the matter? Why are you crying?”
This time a little stronger, “How did you know I was drawing?”
“I watched you.” As he spoke and her body convulsed with repressed sobs. “You looked so beautiful with your hair up, that sexy nightgown and charcoaled fingers.”
“But, you didn’t say anything. I never knew you were there.”
“I didn’t want to disturb you. It’s the first time you’ve drawn since you moved here.”
She tried to turn her face away. His expression was no longer upset, she saw the man she loved. Even with limited light she could see the concern and relief in his soft brown eyes.
“Please don’t look away. Talk to me.”
She couldn’t move her arms with his hands on her shoulders, so she lifted her head to reach his lips. His hands left her shoulders and scooped her body into his arms. Between kisses, surrounded by his embrace, she whispered, “I thought you didn’t want me because I can’t be what you want.”
Derek stopped kissing and looked into Sophia’s beautiful gray eyes. The sadness made his heart wrench, “What are you talking about. You’re everything I want. When did I ever say anything different?”
She pushed herself up to sit. “You didn’t. But ever since I got here, I feel like I’m expected to be someone else, you know, Mrs. Derek Burke.” She wiped her eyes on the clean sheets, “I’ve been trying...”
“Stop trying. Stop trying to be someone you’re not. I love you.” His embrace squeezed the air from her lungs. Her body collapsed against his. “I’ve missed my Sophia. Besides, who the hell is Mrs. Derek Burke?”
Sophia smiled from behind her tears as the sparkle returned to her eyes. It was the glimmer Derek hadn’t seen in what seemed like ages. It was the most beautiful sight he could behold.
The last two weeks of stress melted into a fury of passion. For the next few weeks, every time Sophia walked by their guest room, she’d blush.
Together they reconnected their bodies and minds. Glorious sensations sent both of them to untold heights. When their exhausted bodies finally fell into tender embraces, their words revealed more of their misconceptions.
“I don’t want you to be anyone else. Not, Mrs. Derek Burke. You’re Sophia Burke and I love you!” His heart swelled with the recent vision of blue clouds floating across his wife’s beautiful eyes.
Sophia revealed her insecurity around people like Danielle and how she felt inadequate amongst the professionals in his life.
While allowing his lips to roam over her full breasts and tight midsection he tried to ex-plain and demonstrate his approval. Yes, she’s his wife. Nevertheless, he didn’t want her identity to be a reflection of him, only of her. “If you want to work at an art studio, and it’ll make you happy,” his smile shimmered in the darkened room, “go for it. Do what makes you happy.” Never once did he want to marry someone like him. Truthfully, he never wanted to marry, until he was awestruck by the most amazing, energetic, caring, and possibly crazy, woman he’d ever met.
They both knew they’d just overcome a difficult time for their marriage, learning a valuable lesson -- the need to communicate. Neither should assume they know the other’s thoughts. They don’t. That ignorance keeps life exciting.
Inhaling deeply, Sophia nestled into his warm shoulder, listened to the beat of his steady heart, and drifted into a peaceful sleep. When she awoke he was gone, presumably off to work. For the last two weeks she’d tried to get up and make him coffee and breakfast. Smiling into the tear stained pillow, she realized he didn’t want or need that. He wanted her. Relishing the soft sheets of the guestroom bed, Sophia drifted back to sleep.
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.
-- Confucius
Chapter 22
Claire reread the email:
To: Claire Nichols
Date: May 8, 2013
Subject: Printed Retraction
From: Meredith Banks
Claire, here is the final copy of the retraction we discussed. It will appear in coming issues of People, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and various on-line publications. There is always potential, in this mass media world, for it to be picked-up by other sources. I hope you find this final draft acceptable. If I do not hear from you, it will be submitted. Therefore, if you request changes, please contact me immediately. I look forward to furthering this agreement. I appreciate your decision to work with me on this endeavor. I promise to represent your interests to the best of my ability. Meredith
Claire clicked the attachment:
“Journalist Seeks Redemption”
In pursuit of stories, many reporters and journalists close the gap between perceived and truth. We make this jump for the benefit of our readers. In September of 2010, I made such a leap in an article I wrote concerning Claire Nichols and Anthony Rawlings. There were speculations regarding a relationship between this unlikely couple. I used my familiarity with Ms. Nichols to learn more. I spoke to Ms. Nichols in Chicago; it was not an official interview. I purposely made myself available to an old friend and asked to chat. Following that discussion, I wrote a story insinuating a connection between Nichols and Rawlings. While that connection proved in time to be accurate, I am publically declaring Ms. Claire Nichols did not reveal the relationship to me during our chat.
She has, however, promised me exclusive rights to her story, promising an enlightening view into the world of her true relationship with one of this country’s wealthiest men, as well as the truth about her arrest, plea, incarceration and unconventional release. Please stay tuned, the wait will be worth it!
Meredith Banks, Independent Correspondent
Still dressed in her work-out clothes and sipping coffee, Claire approvingly read the attachment. Savoring the warm liquid, she considered the implications and wondered if she’d hear from her ex-husband. No, Claire wondered when she’d hear from him. She hadn’t heard his voice since he left Amber’s condominium nearly two weeks ago. And although Harry continued to declare her paranoid regarding Anthony’s influence, she knew in her heart, Tony’s power was limitless.
Thankfully, the inspection of the SiJo Gaming air fleet came up clean. There were no signs of tampering with any of the company’s aircraft. Emily and John were well and would soon be in California for a visit. And, Amber and Harry remained accident free.