Wifey Talk [COMPLETED, 18+]

Chapter fifty-three

SOFIA'S POV

For the weekend, James surprises me by telling me that he's taking me on a trip. He gives me twenty minutes to pack my things into a suitcase, which of course sends me racing. I throw all of my shirts, bras, and underwear into the small suitcase, and James sets it in the car.

When I ask, James informs me that we're planning to go to New Jersey. The drive up from New York takes a few hours, and we listen to pop music and chat on the way up.

"How's work been going?" I ask him.

"I feel like I've been working nonstop all the time. I need a break. Even now, I'm thinking about how much work I'll have to do this weekend."

"Do you at least like it?"

He laughs. "I like the money."

I grin. "I like your money too."

"You did marry me for it," he says matter-of-factly.

"Hey!"

"It's true," he hums.

"It is true, but that doesn't mean we have to talk about it."

"It's okay, I'm glad I married you," he says.

That surprises me. I'm not sure if I believe him. "Are you actually glad?"

He looks over at me from the road. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

"You just don't seem satisfied. We hardly spend any time together during the week other than when we go to bed. You're always working or drinking and sleeping with other women. It just doesn't seem like you like my company is all," I say honestly.

He looks surprised. "I like your company!"

"Not when I'm shark diving," I tell him, thinking of how terrified he was then on our honeymoon.

"Okay, but that's just when you're being a crazy thrill-seeker!" He says.

"It's really not that crazy. I learned a lot about shark conservation efforts," I tell him.

"That's not the point. You put yourself in danger! All just so you could swim underwater with giant ocean predators! What if something happened to you?"

"Nothing happened. I'm fine."

"Well, you should know that I enjoy your company. If I didn't, I wouldn't spend my free time this weekend with you. I just want to see you happy," he says.

That was interesting. It didn't seem like he was interested in my happiness when he was sleeping around with other women. Then again, what was I so jealous for? I had always known he was a womanizer when I met him.

It's hard to believe him. "I guess."

He sighs. "It's the truth. Why don't you believe me?"

I shrug, staring out the window at the shifting, lush landscape.

"Sofia, I'm a very busy man. I can assure you that if I didn't want to spend time with you, I wouldn't."

I glance at him. He looks so handsome and powerful, driving with one hand on the steering wheel. The wind is blowing through his hair, messing it in all directions. He sounds like he's being honest. "Okay James. I believe you."

~~~~
JAMES' POV

When we arrive at the hotel, I check us in right away. We head up to the tenth floor and set our things down in the room. Sofia flops onto the bed.

"I feel exhausted, and we haven't even done anything."

"And I'm the one that's been driving," I tell her, checking out the menu for room service on my phone.