Free Skin Like Dawn by Jade Alyse Page A

everything set up in the house.”
    “Not a problem, Mr. Greene,” Addison assured him.  “Take your time.  Art Director is an exciting position.  Nervous?”
    “Not really,” he answered confidently.  “I’ve always been a sucker for a good challenge.”
    He looked down at Natalie and winked at her.  She blushed. 
    “I have no doubt in my mind that you will be successful,” she appraised.  “And Natalie you’ll be…?”
    “My wife will be working on making the house our home,” he interjected looking down at her.
    She wasn’t sure how to feel – but she couldn’t ignore the subtle, initial sting.  She shuffled in the wooden seat beneath her, and pursed her lips, feigning a small smile for the sake of her small audience.  
    “Very well,” she replied resolutely.  “You’re almost all set.  As soon as you sign on a couple of pages, we’ll be good to go.  I’ll hand you your keys and I’ll drive you over to the house myself if you like…”
    “That’s very nice of you, Addison,” he answered.  “We’d very much appreciate it.”
     
     
    SHE DIDN’T THINK TO BRING IT UP UNTIL SHE WERE BRANDON WERE ALONG THAT NIGHT, AND RELATIVELY SETTLED. It was the first time in a long while, where she felt her irritation brimming on the edge, bursting at the seams, hardly contained
    They were sitting across from each other, eating pizza, and he glanced up at her, eyebrows furrowed.  “Why the hell are you staring at me like that?” 
    She’d been ogling at him relentlessly for several minutes, unblinkingly acute.  
    “Natalie,” he pressed. “Answer me.” 
    She cleared her throat.  “So...you said something to Addison today that I thought interesting...”  
    “Oh? What’s that?” 
    “I don’t know,” she sang. “Something about how you don’t want me to work?” 
    His eyes flickered. “Oh...” 
    “Yea. Care to elaborate on that?” 
    “Of course.” He dropped his napkin on his empty plate.  “You’re not working.” 
    “And why is that?” 
    “Because you don’t have to.” 
    “Don’t put it on me, Brandon,” she said, rising to her feet. “Be a man and tell me it’s because you don’t want me to.” 
    “Fine. I don’t want you to.” 
    “And why not?” She’d raised her voice.  She didn’t give a fuck.
    “Because you’re my wife. And there’s work to be done here.” 
    “Are you hearing what you’re saying right now?” 
    “Yes, I’m pretty conscious of it, thank you.” 
    “I can’t believe you, Brandon Greene.” 
    “What? I thought that this would be something that you’d want to do. You’re pregnant, Natalie. Why start a new job if you’re only going to have to leave in seven months? You’ve done so much for everyone else. Allow me to do something for you, for once.” 
    “Oh, so you just made that decision for me, huh? Without consulting me? How fair is that, Brandon?” 
    He stood up, too, mimicking her stiffened stance.  “I’m doing what I feel is necessary for us, Tallie. For our sanity.” 
    She chuckled emptily. “No, you’re not. You’re doing this for you. To make you feel better. This was never about me.”  
    She had every intention of walking out of the room, away from him. But, he followed her, yanking on her arm to turn her around to face him.  “Don’t do that,” he muttered. 
    “What? Are you telling me that I don’t have control over where I go in this house anymore? Is that what you’re saying?” 
    “You can take whatever you want from what I’m saying, but it stands.” 
    Natalie looked toward the ground, hands on her hips defensively.  “Where is it?” 
    He looked confused. “Where is what?” 
    “Your foot. I haven’t seen you put it down yet.” 
    “Oh, it’s definitely down, smart ass. Are we through with this conversation?”
    “Yea, I guess we are.” She started for the stairs. “Our bedroom’s going to be a little crowded tonight. You better find somewhere