Free All I Need by Karen Stivali Page A

change from the other girls he’d dated. Confident. Bold. Sexy as all hell. And, most importantly, no game playing. She wanted him, and she made it clear. That was the sexiest thing of all. He felt as if he could trust her, and that mattered more than anything.
    The minister came up beside Daniel. “It seems there’s a slight delay with a bridesmaid. Looks like we’ll be waiting a little while longer. Now’s a good time if you want to take a bathroom break.” He patted Daniel on the shoulder.
    “Don’t even think about making a run for it,” Travis said, with less sarcasm than the statement should have contained.
    Daniel gave a nervous laugh. “Right. Back in a bit.”
    He made his way past the towering urns of flowers and down the long corridor to the men’s room.  As he rounded the corner his shoe slipped on the slick marble floor. “Bugger,” he muttered, catching himself before he fell. Make a run for it. I can barely walk in these bloody shoes. Not that he had any desire to run out on his wedding. He didn’t. Not now. There had only been one time he’d considered calling off the engagement.
    ***
    They’d been at dinner at Le Cirque when Justine’s father had sprung a job offer on him, out of nowhere.
    “Daniel, I’ve done some restructuring in the media department and I’ve got a position that would be perfect for you. Management, but with a high level of creative input. You’d be looking at a VP position in a handful of years.” He’d said it more as a statement than a question, as if he was certain Daniel would say yes.
    Justine sat across the table from him, looking composed, but with a notable smile on her face and no hint of surprise. She knew about this. Daniel felt positively ill. He was steps away from completing his Ph.D. in English and had every intention of staying on to teach at NYU. “Thank you, sir, that’s a very generous offer, but I’m quite content with my position at the University.”
    Justine’s father was always an imposing figure, but never more so than when he was displeased. Darkness clouded his already stern features. “This is an offer most young men would kill for, Daniel. I suggest you take some time to think about this so you make the right decision.”
    Right decision? You mean your decision. Daniel bristled at the idea. “I assure you, sir, my mind won’t change. I truly do appreciate the offer, but it’s not for me. I enjoy teaching plus it gives me the opportunity to write. Those have always been my priorities.” Justine knows this, knows how much it means to me.
    Justine’s lips were pursed, her usually clear eyes depthless as she glared at him. “Daniel, let’s talk about this later.”
    They’d been saved by the arrival of dessert, which they all consumed in silence. Even the luxurious sweetness of crème brulee couldn’t counteract the bitterness Daniel felt. How much did Justine have to do with this offer? Judging by the looks she was exchanging with her father he imagined it had been quite a lot. His throat tightened at the thought.
    When the meal ended they headed out into the crisp autumn night. Daniel was thankful for the cool air, he’d felt as if he were about to suffocate.
    “Good night, Daddy.” Justine said, going up on her toes to kiss her father’s cheek. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
    No sooner did his car pull away from the curb than Justine turned to Daniel, her expression beyond furious. “What were you thinking?” Her voice was piercing.
    “What was I thinking? Your father blindsided me with the suggestion that I suddenly change careers to suit his whims.”
    “It’s not a whim, Daniel. My father is one of the top businessmen in the country. People don’t say no to him.” She planted her hands on her hips.
    “And they don’t usually say no to you either, but this time I am. No.” He turned to start walking in the direction of their apartment but Justine grabbed his arm and jerked him back.
    “We’re not done