I'm Not Your Husband!

Thanks so much for your continued interest in this fiction.

Chapter 7

"It's about time you got back here?" Mouth admitted to his best friend when he entered Nathan's office early Wednesday morning. Mr. Scott had been lecturing about video animation and graphics at one of Florida's school for art and design for the last two days.

"Miss me?" Nathan teased.

"Never leave me again." Mouth mocked dryly. "Anyway where were you Saturday? I tried calling you like ten times. Haley's staff hung out at the club where I was Deejaying. Let's just say the ladies treated me well." He boast with a wicked smile. "Good times were had by all, Man. You missed it."

"I was too worn out to go out Saturday night. I told you I had the promotion at the mall. I actually got ideas for two new games."

Mouth gave him a thumbs up. "So you were there all day?... I'm not buying it." He gazed at him suspiciously as he set down his computer bag and leaned against Nathan's desk. "You weren't hanging out with Haley James were you? Is that what or who wore you out?"

Nathan could feel the telltale signs of a blush coming up his throat. He looked down at the sheet with the companies video sales for the week and took a moment to compose himself. He was doing a moderate job of keeping Ms. James out of his thoughts thus far today.

"I told you I had a promo. Do you need a memo?" He stated somewhat defensively, then in an effort to change the subject he reached for the folder with Jennifer's name inked across it and mumbled, " You wouldn't happened to know Jenn's schedule for the day, would you?"

"No. I haven't seen her yet...Why?"

Nathan flashed his friend a broad grin. "She called me Friday night, Dude. I was so excited I dropped my cordless telephone in a sink full of water, then busted my ass trying to get to the telephone in the living room." He chuckled as he friend rolled his eyes at the story.

Looking around to see if anyone was in ear shot, Nathan leaned in to whisper to his best friend. "I think she's into me."

"Did she say so?"

"Not in those exact words." Nathan frowned.

Mouth seemed far from enthused for his friend. That slightly disturbed Nathan.

"Then why did she phone you?"

Nathan rolled his chair further into the desk, bending to speak to his buddy in a low tone once again. "I think she might be jealous." He whispered.

"Really?" Mouth eyes bulged.

"Is it that surprising?" He remarked, but he was too happy to take much offense to Mr. McFadden's attitude.

"Exactly why would Jennifer be jealous?" Mouth countered next.

"Maybe I'm blowing things out of proportion because it's what my head wants to believe, but she did call." He confessed honestly.

"What did she say?" Mouth urged, sounding extremely interested now. "She had to have some real reason."

"She wanted to thank me for those articles on athletic cleats, but we both know that was just an excuse. She kept asking if I were alone. That clued me in on the jealousy."

"It could have been lots of reasons for her to ask that." Mouth suggested.

"But she wanted to know if Haley was at the apartment or not."

"and was she?"

"Of course not," Nathan said righteously. He didn't feel guilty about hiding the fact that she had been there earlier or that the had spent nearly all of Saturday together. "Jennifer probably overhead Haley's ridiculous remark when I left the office on Friday. I bet that's what convinced her to call. If I wasn't so pissed at Haley's behavior, I might be grateful."

"What's that?" Mouth asked abruptly, pointing to the folder in Nathan's possession. His lips were tight as if he was annoyed-about what his friend had no clue.

"This, my amigo," He began, holding up the folder " is the key to my future with our lovely boss lady."

Marvin didn't immediately respond and looked more cross than before. "How do you mean?"

Nathan had an odd feeling something was off with his sidekick; he seemed to holding something back. However, Nathan had known Marvin for a long time. He would tell him when he was ready. He hated to be pushed or prodded.

"The folder," Mouth flicked it when Nate didn't answer.

The dark haired man flipped it open." I spend all day Sunday reading through statistics on cleats looking for articles that might interest Jennifer. I must have gone back five years. I copied the articles I considered the most valuable and included a brief synopsis of my own. That's why I was asking if you know her schedule."

"Unfortunately I do not." Mouth babbled tersely. He straightened up, picked up his computer bag and made a show of checking his watch. Then he looked over at Nathan with a reassuring smile. "I better start inventing something. I'll comeback later and give you some feedback on your new game ideas."

"Thanks," Nate said, then added, "Wish me luck with Jennifer."

"You know I do. I always have your back, Man." Mouth grumbled on his way out the door.

Wednesdays were generally calm around the office and the day prattled on, especially with Haley James away. Monday and Tuesday she had business in the company's Cincinnati office and had not returned. She and Nathan had talked each night until they both fell asleep. They were growing extremely close and the thought of their friendship made Nathan smile, but that's all it could be, friendship.

Nathan looked up every how and then half expecting to see Haley lounging in his doorway. Her crew had started bright and early like busy little bees, but by noon, Haley still was no where to be found. He started to worry that there may have been a problem with the morning flight she was suppose to take from Ohio.

Not until much later did he realized it was Jennifer he should be expecting, not Hales. Jennifer was his love interest and it was pestering him that Haley seem to occupy his thoughts.

As it happened, Jennifer did stroll past his office shortly after 2pm fantasy of Haley as a futuristic sex kitten clad in leather and carrying a whip, strutting her stuff for him. Jennifer's dominant flowery scent took him from his day dream and he race down the hall to his boss's quarters with the folder in hand..

"Good afternoon, Jennifer." He said cordially as he stood in her doorway clutching the paperwork. "Do you have a moment or would you rather I come back?"

She looked tired, as if the day had been long and grueling. It was all Nathan could do not to offer to massage her worries away like Haley had done for him on more than one occasion. Oops! iNo thoughts of Haley are allowed/i He warned himself. His heart swelled with a renewed wave of love. For a wild, impetuous moment, it was true, he suffered his doubts. Any man would have when a woman like Haley curled up in his lap or kissed him so fiercely. She might be confident to a fault and one of the biggest pranksters he had ever met: despite all that, he had a certain charm. But now that he was here with Jennifer, he remembered sharply whom he truly loved.

"I don't want to be a bother." He told her softly.

She gave him a listless smile. " Come in, Nathan. Now is fine." She gestured toward a chair.

He hurried into the office trying to keep the spring out of his step. Knowing he would be spending a few extra minutes alone with Jennifer, Nathan had taken special care with his appearance that morning. He wore a new light blue dress shirt with the Navy blazer Haley had bought him at the mall when she was suppose to be on a break from the promo. She said he looked beyond handsome in it. His cheeks turning crimson at thoughts of her admiration. She always knew how to boost his confidence.

She glanced up and smiled at Nathan again. This time he though he could see Jennifer's appreciation for his new jacket too. "What can I do for you? I hope your please with the final results of your office. I think Ms. James company did an excellent job." She frowned slightly.

For a second, he forgot what he was doing in Jennifer's office and stared at her blankly until her own gaze fell on the folder. "The renovations are fantastic. I'm sure they will help with efficiency." He said quickly. " Um… the reason I'm here…" He faltered, then took a deep breath and continued. " I went through some sports journals I have at home and found several articles that I think will interest you in relations to the advancement on cleats." He extended the folder to her, like it was the Holy Grail.

She took it from him and opened it. "Wow." She said, scanning the pages and surveying his written suggestions. "You really worked hard on this."

"It's nothing." He would have done a hundred hours more to gain the approval and admiration of his future love.

"I won't be able to get to this until later this week." Jennifer said.

"Take you're time. I know you're a busy woman. I just though this might help with the new shoe line."

"It was very thoughtful of you."

"I was glad to do it." He grinned with his most sexy smile.

When she didn't respond, Nathan hesitantly rose to his feet. "You must have a boatload of work to finish after being in Cincinnati yesterday and in meetings most of the morning, So I'll be going."

He was almost at the door when she spoke. "I only dropped in to grab a few things before I head out for the night. I have a hot date tonight."

Nathan felt like his feet had come from under him and he had been slammed to concrete. "Date?" He choked before he could stop himself, his jaw tight with a phony smile.

Jennifer's smile was downright giddy. "Yes, I'm meeting him for dinner."

"Well, enjoy your evening."

"Oh, I will." She almost squealed, her eyes glowing with happiness. " Oh and by the way." Jennifer added, tapping the folder he had worked diligently on, "Thanks for all the time and toil you put into this, Nathan. The company is lucky to have you."

"You're welcome." He buzzed. The company is lucky to have you! What the hell?

By the time Nathan got back to his office he felt stupefied. Jennifer was dating. It wasn't as if he thoughts she was living like a nun, but before today she hadn't mentioned seeing anyone. He might have suspected she had thrown out the information hoping to make him jealous if it had not been for one thing. She was practically floating with excitement about her upcoming day, she couldn't fake that. Besides, Jennifer was straightforward and didn't resort to games.

"Nate, dude," Mouth proclaimed, marching to his office a few minutes later, "Did you eat something bad a lunch? You look kind of green?"

Nathan tried to swallow his cottonmouth and gave his a wiry smile. "I gave Jennifer the research I did and we had a little chat."

"She didn't like your ideas?" Mouth picked up the poster of Tony Parker's animated image in Nathan's latest NBA game doing a lay up and pinned it to the door.

"She thanked me for it," He replied. "What she doesn't want is me. She doesn't even see me." He brushed his hand over his grown buzz of raven hair and braced both forearms on his desk, feeling completely crippled with heartbreak. Unless he acted quickly, he was going to lose Jennifer to a nemesis he doesn't know a damn thing about.

"You've been a blind spot to her before. What's different this time?" Mouth took the poster back down remember Haley didn't find it professional to place those items on the office door. She assumed she would be back tomorrow Yes, she could still kick his a ss.

"Jennifer was hurrying home because she had a date she was all stoked about. She's definitely into this guy or she wouldn't have said anything.

The information seem to surprise Mouth as much as it had Nathan. He was silent for a few seconds before he asked. "Are you going to do something about it?"

"Like what?" Nathan moaned, dropping his head to his desk. He remembered suggesting to Haley he stand on Jen's desk in all his glory. It had been a joke, but it was becoming more and more appealing as his desperation set in. Some serious measures were going to have be taken he just didn't know what.

Mouth created an excuse and raced out of the room. It wasn't until Nathan lifted his head, that he realized his friend had abandoned him. He moped sadly. He had arrived at work with such promising expectations only to have them crumble to ashes by 3pm. He had not felt this bummed in a very long time. He knew the best cure would be to force himself into some physical activity, something to get his blood pumping and his mind distracted.

The last thing he needed was to go home, lounging around and pout. Maybe he could go for a run, but the temperature was 90 degrees, in the shade. He knew that wasn't safe, but it would get him out of the house and maybe a breeze from the water would make it seem cooler. Besides, if Haley called, he would be out of the house. She always sensed his moods and he really didn't want her to know what happened with Jennifer.

Before he could finish his thoughts, a small form settled against his doorway.

Haley.

She wore a tailored black business suit that fit the woman like a glove to subtly enhance her wonderful physical attributes, and the sexiest pumps Nathan had seen a woman wear to work, he loved her feet. Even the way her hips rested against the wall was enticing.

"Hi, gorgeous." She drawled, giving him that sensual, intimate smirk or hers. The one Nathan vowed was meant to give him a hard on. But it wasn't happening today, not with his present state of drama.

"Don't you have workers to boss around?" He asked harshly.

"Hmph!" Haley stated, shaking her head. Ignoring his lack of welcome, she swayed into the office and perched herself at the edge of his desk with her shapely legs crossed and her knee-length skirt inching up to mid thigh. "Well you're as sweet as vinegar today."

"After the day I have had, It is my right... Listen, Haley. As you can tell, I'm not in a chatty mood. Go tease the boys in telemarketing, if you're starving for attention."

"Ouch! I think my g-string just froze. Excuse me, if get icicles on your desk." She lifted the waist band of her skirt, pretending to check beneath for ice. "What has you more anal than usual?" She quipped with more concern than satire, the excitement dwindling from eyes as she studied him.

He sent her a glare meant to burn a hole in the ozone and her ego. But as always, Haley seemed immune to Nathan's grumpy behavior.

"How do you know I'm not here to help you created a video game that will make you a legend?" She dared, rubbing her hand up and down her calf and watching Nathan following her dancing fingers with his narrowed eyes.

Nathan wasn't about to fall for her little scheme. "Are you here to do my job?"

"Of course not, you ogre. I was wondering if you would-"

"Then come back when you are!" He began typing furiously on his computer. But being impolite, even to Haley was not his style. His wanted to stop his fist from clutching and hold back his developing need explain his actions, and apologize for them when he shot out of his seat.

"Have it your way, Mr. Crab. If wanting you to come with me to pick out new electronics for my theatre room a felony, then"

"You're buying that projection television we were talking back and a home entertainment system?"

"That's what I just said." She huffed, bouncing off the desk and heading for the exit.

In that moment, Nathan felt like the jackass he was being. She had come here wanting his opinion on a very important investment and he had driven her away with his vicious words and foul mood.

Nathan isn't whiny, What?... He isn't! But he was struggling to keep his composure. He clenched his fist over and over and paced the floor. It felt like the day Haley told him her family was moving when he was fourteen. Only, Jennifer's doing the moving on now. Sure, he pretended not to care when his sister cried herself to sleep on his bed at the thought of her best friend moving far away. After all, they fought all the time. However, he was a wreck. Haley James was special then. She is now. Now his self-pity was there for another woman. He would stay at home and wallow in his sadness while Jennifer was out having the time of her life.

Realizing it was now close to 5pm, he stuffed his things into his bag in an unusual chaotic fashion. He covered his head with his Carolina Panther's baseball cap and loosened his Family Guy tie.

Haley was talking to her assistant, who had been fluttering around the building like a maniac the last couple of days making sure her employees continued to do a thorough job while the boss was away. Haley stopped when she saw him making his way down the hall, halting her discussion. Nathan's eyes momentarily met hers and although he tried to hide how sorry he was, he did a poor job of covering. She walked his way, but Nathan turned away, too stubborn to admit he was wrong.

He had to walk past Haley to get to the elevator. He forced himself to rummage through his bag, so they wouldn't make eye contact again. The thick assistant tapped her foot impatiently. Obviously, she wanted to return to their conversation, but Haley's attention was directed at Nathan. He could feel her eyes boring a hole in his back. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he turned around to face her with a tight jaw and a heaving chest.

"Nate," She yelled out.

He stalked to the lift, fearing he would have a complete meltdown before he could escape. He didn't bother to respond, knowing it would only cause him to make a greater idiot out of himself than normal. He wasn't even sure what made him say those nasty things to her. She wasn't the one he was frustrated with, but he had unfairly taken his irritation out on her.

He should have know a clean getaway was impossible. He almost sprinted through the office and past the receptionist desk, headed for the elevators. Damn he felt like the elevators kept moving further away the closer he got to them.

"Aren't you going to answer me?" Haley fussed, hot on his heels. The girl could seriously move in six inch heels.

"No, Ma'am." He concentrated on the lighted numbers about the door, which switched at a snails paces. Four more floors and he would make his escape.

"What's so insulting about asking you to go by electronics with me? I didn't ask you to tag along to a sperm bank to pick out semen!" She vocalized loudly.

He waved her away, praying he wouldn't keep probing. His throat was dry and his heart hurt.

"Tell me." She commanded for a second time.

Nathan swallowed. "You wouldn't get it." Why in the world was the elevator so freaking slow?

"I'm all ears."

It was either relent and explain how he had lost Jennifer, probably to be showered with I-told-you-so or stand there and argue with a woman that should have been a lawyer instead of a company re-structurer. The first option was easier, because Nathan was too spent to fight with her. Heaving a sigh, he began.

"It all started when I showed the folder full of information I researched on Sunday about the cleats to Jennifer…."

"Why am I not surprised Ms. Lindley is involved?" Haley whispered under her breath.

"I wanted to really show her I could add to the work she complimented me on during her call on Friday and really get a friendly dialogue going so I could eventually ask her out . But things didn't go as expected."

"What did Jennifer do?"

Nathan lifted his cap and placed it back on his head. "If you're going to keep interrupting me, I'm going to shut up."

"Haley!" Her assistant called out, sounding impatient.

Just then the elevator arrived and the doors opened, revealing a dozen or so men and women. They stared out at Haley and Nathan as she blocked the entrance, gripping him by the elbow.

"Haley," He hissed, "Let go!" Recognizing his compromising position, he yelled out. "This woman won't release me." If he expected them to turn on the dainty woman, tugging at him, he was sadly mistaken. His word lay on deaf ears as Haley stuck her head inside.

"Not to fret folks, we're married. " Haley charmed with another one of her bright smiles that reminded everyone of sunshine.

"Ms. James." Her assistant pleaded again.

"Take the rest of the day off." Haley shouted without taking her eyes from Nathan. "Take the staff to Victoria Secrets on the company credit card. Then send them home to make it an early night with their significant other."

"You really want us to buy lingerie on the company tab?" Tasha deduced with surprise. "I thought we were behind in production?"

Haley moved into the elevator with Nathan.

"I'm sure a special night with their favorite guy will boost morale. It always does for me." She winked before giving a reddening Nathan a sly grin as the doors closed.

Nathan never felt more naked in his life. Every eye was locked on him and Haley. It was all he could do to stand proud with his eyes forward.

When the tension became intolerable. Nathan viewed his fellow passengers. "I'm not her husband!" He announced.

"Yes he is." Haley disagreed casually. "He justt has some memory issues." She said sadly, stroking his muscular arm.

"I didn't forget about our marriage. Don't tell them that bogus story about me have early signs of Alzhmeirs again."

"But honey-"

"Stop it right now, Haley James. No one believes you. I'm sure everyone can see I'm the one telling the truth. I have worked with these people for years.

The elevator finally stopped on the ground floor, a fact to which Nathan was elated about. The doors parted, two men stepped out first, but not before leering at Haley.

"Is he always an attention hog?" One of them asked, directing his question to Haley, her amusement obvious.

"God, yes." she answered, giggling she wrapped her arm around Nathan's bicep and led him into the foyer. He would have drew back, but they had made a big enough scene and Haley had a death grip on him. "Seriously, how could anyone forget they have me as wife?" She flirted with a couple of the guys as they shook their heads in disgust at Nathan.

Practically walking a hole in his living room floor, Nathan smoothed his cargo length swim trunks. They were red with white stars and he was wearing a white wife beater. His heart was pounding as he waited for Haley to pick him up. It was Saturday. They were going to the annual Company picnic at Jennifer's estate. His stomach was in twist.

The mystery man Jennifer was dating was going to be there. He would finally get a chance to size up the competition. Nathan had checked his image in the mirror numerous times, trying to be objective about his chances with Jen based on his looks alone. Honestly, he looked great. He never had trouble getting admiration from woman, it was just never the one's he wanted.

The doorbell rang and he bolted across the room, throwing open the door. "Do you know what you are, Haley James?"

"Late?" She offered in short yellow board shorts and blue tank that revealed the straps of a bikini underneath. Her hair was in a curly pony tail. Nathan couldn't deny how refreshingly beautiful she was.

Nate pretended not to hear her, regaining his thoughts. "A thug," He said. " A badgering bully. I don't know why I let you talk me into going to Jennifer's party with you. I've lost my mind."

"You're probably hoping to corner me in the pool so we can make out or make babies." She remarked, ogling him and liking her lips. "Not that I'm opposed to that idea in any way...Oooooh, and never, ever try and use slang again."

"First you practically highjack me into going television shopping with you." He raged. "Then-"

"Aw, Nathan. You had fun. Be honest." She lounged on his sofa while he put on his watch and got his sunglasses.

"Who would believe a woman who barely watched a few hours of television a week would be so picky about her selection."

Haley had taken him to six different stores before finding the equipment that suited her needs.

"I made you dinner afterwards, didn't I? Dessert wasn't so bad either." She raised a seductive brow and Nathan fought a smirk.

Haley had gone out of her way to make him forget his troubles and Jennifer with a sensual massage, relaxing steam in her sauna and champagne in the hot tub with a little kissing and touching a la carte. Upon making it home around midnight Wednesday, Nathan's had fell asleep as soon as his head met the pillow on his bed. There were not any nightmares of Jennifer out with another man.

"I don't want to go anymore." He decided suddenly, rubbing the tension from his temples with his thumbs. He couldn't have a good time watching the woman he loved gallivanting with another man she loved.

"But you rearranged your flight schedule so you could leave on Sunday to see Nikki and not miss today's party."

"That was before." He stood stiff and elevated his chin, just enough to show Haley he meant business. She might be able to coerce him into shopping, but this was entirely different. "He'll be there," Nathan concluded.

"He?" Haley repeated slowly, tightening the string to her shorts.

She looked hot in the skimpy clothes, her confidence making her even that much more intriguing.

A strand of wavy locks fell from her pony tail. Nathan fought the urge to tuck it behind her ear, because he doubted he would stop himself there. He would end up taking out the band and running his long fingers through her shimmering mane. Why he was even thinking about such a thing right now unnerved Nathan. He had stopped trying to figure out his feeling for Haley a long time ago. She was a friend and a confidant, even if she behaved like a mental patient at times. Just remembers some of the comments she had made to embarrass him brought color to his cheeks.

"I assume you would have the guts to meet him." Haley challenged. "That way you know what you're up against."

"I don't want to know anything about him." Nathan protested sharply. He didn't need to, he was dating Jennifer. "He going to be some rich and good looking son-of-a-bitch."

"So are you."

Nathan gave a small, chuckle. Yeah, he was wealthy and attractive, especially this evening. But he wasn't going to kid himself. He wasn't another Orlando Bloom or Matthew McConoughey. Measuring himself against Jennifer's sure-to-be-a-Justin Timberlake look alike, nameless date was like comparing Tropicana orange juice to Tang.

"I never took you for a coward," Haley said in a flat tone as she headed for the door.

Apparently she wasn't even going to argue with him. Nathan almost wished she would, just so he could show her how strong his will was. Nothing she could say would make him change his mind and convince him to attend the party.

"I'm not afraid, Haley." He told her, trying to remain emotionless. "I'm using common sense. Watching them together will only depress me more during my vacation. I leave for North Carolina in the morning. I don't want to be a total downer to Nikki and Jenny."

"Well, if you're sure about this?" Haley frowned before opening the door to leave.

"Positive." He was mildly surprise his friend was taking it so calmly. He had expected her to going into a full-scale verbal battle.

"It's you're life." She granted, shrugging. "But if it were me, I would spend the whole evening regretting it. You know you want to be there." She studied him when she had finished, then gave her a smile Nathan could only describe as crafty.

He groaned inwardly. If there was one thing he hated about Hales, it was the way she mad the most outrageous statements. Then, every once in a while she would say something so wise and poignant it made him doubt his own beliefs. This was one of those times. She was right. If he didn't go to Jennifer's he would regret it. Since he was leaving the next day for a weeks vacation, he wouldn't be able to ask about the party but Mouth and he was distant and sketchy lately.

"Are you coming or not?" She demanded.

Growling under his breath, Nathan held the door for the lady. "I'm coming, but I don't like it one bit!"

"You're going to have a great time."

"I bet that's what they told the passengers of the Titanic as they boarded...

Pamela