I'll Try to Behave Myself

I’ll Try to Behave Myself

By

June Kramin

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I’ll Try to Behave Myself

By June Kramin

Copyright © June Kramin, 2012

V4

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All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

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This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

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Published by Pau Hana Books, March 2013

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This e-Book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. No part of this e-Book can be reproduced or sold by any person or business without the express permission of the publisher.

Published in the United States of America

Cover Design: Valerie Kramin

To DeeJay

The little brother my parents didn’t give me.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

About the Author

Chapter 1

Payton scooted closer to his wife, wrapping his left arm tightly around her. He gave her neck a gentle kiss just below the ear. I am so in love with you, he said, kissing her again. She let out a sleepy moan and lifted her arm up. He slipped his hand under her nightgown and cupped her breast. He scooted in even tighter. I am so lucky to have you for a wife.

She wrapped her hand backward and ran her fingers through his hair. No, I’m lucky. How many women wake up to this kind of affection on a daily basis after five years of marriage?

About as many men that still get it almost daily after five years of marriage.

They both laughed. It was always a topic of conversation at almost every gathering with their friends. Who was getting it more often. Payton and Charlene always came out on top, not that it was a contest to them. They had been sexually compatible since their first time and had always enjoyed the closeness of each other. The constant discussion of their sex life among their friends was almost a nuisance to Charlene.

I wish your husband wouldn’t have bragged to mine about you two, more than one friend would complain to her over lunches and such. Now we have to ‘do it’ just to keep up with the Murphys. When I say no, I’m a bad wife. I don’t know where you get your energy for it, Charlie.

She tried to smile and dismiss their comments, not at all understanding their complaints. Charlene was in love with her husband, deeply, and could never imagine not wanting him. Sex was initiated as often by her as it was by him.

Of course their marriage had its ups and downs, but fights were always resolved and the making up was always a pleasurable aftermath. If they went to bed too tired to make love at night, the morning cuddle was, more often than not, replaced with lovemaking instead. They could not be more content in their lives or marriage.

Charlene rolled over and faced her husband. How about I stop taking the pill after I get this deal signed? We’ll start playing some roulette when I get back.

Payton’s silence was a little longer than she was comfortable with. If you’re really sure you’re ready, Charlie, then I guess I am, too, he said with the slightest of smiles then gave her a gentle kiss on the nose.

Really?

Really. You want to practice for when you’re off the pill? He rolled her on top of him and began to pull her silky nightgown over her head.

Forty minutes later, Charlie placed his breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast in front of him, giving him a kiss with a low growl.

Aftershocks?

You da man. She winked and headed toward the refrigerator.

Payton sipped his coffee as he admired the silhouette of his wife. The light was shining perfectly through her nightie. Five-foot-four, flat stomach, perfect breasts. He wanted to burn this into his memory so he could picture her when her stomach would appear to be concealing a basketball and she could no longer go braless when her breasts were engorged with milk. Payton began to sweat.

You okay, hon? Charlene asked as she placed the orange juice and strawberry preserves in front of him.

Huh? Oh, sure. I’m just wondering what I will do without my Charlie girl for the next five days.

You want to go another round to help hold you over? She giggled as she straddled his lap.

Now it was his turn to growl. I wish I could, but I have to eat and run, baby.

She feigned a pout then sat in her own chair. You hesitated this morning.

Really? I thought our timing was perfect. He took a bite of his eggs and reached for the morning paper.

Not that, oh stud muffin of mine. You hesitated when I asked about stopping the pill.

Payton choked on his eggs.

She flew off her chair and patted him on the back. You okay?

He sipped his juice then inhaled deeply. I’m fine. It went down the wrong pipe.

You’re not ready, are you? Charlie spun around.

Payton stood and wrapped his arms around her. Of course I am. You know your worrywart husband, always planning things to death. You can never be prepared fully for a child. I trust your instincts. If you say we’re ready, then I’m ready.

She turned around and rested her head in the security of his chest. He was a whole foot taller than she was. Payton was a man’s man who took care of his body. Charlie made no secret of loving every inch of him. If his green eyes or dimples hadn’t reeled her in that first day, his perfectly sculpted body certainly would have.

He kissed the top of her head. I have to run. He released her then grabbed the bacon and toast off of his plate. Call me when you land, okay? I’ll start warming up your welcome home dessert. Kick some ass, baby. He gave her another kiss goodbye. I love you, Charlie.

I love you more. See you in a hundred and twenty-two hours.

She missed him already.

Charlie tried to take him at his word about wanting a baby. Maybe I’m just reading into things too much. She cleaned up the breakfast dishes, dressed, and put the last of her toiletries in her suitcase. Picking up the last item, she hesitated. Giving it only a moment’s thought, she threw her birth control pills into the garbage can. What’s an extra week? She smiled and put her hand to her stomach. She couldn’t wait to be pregnant and to feel the little life she and Payton were soon to create inside of her. Anxious already for the trip to be over, she hurried downstairs to wait for the company car that would take her to the airport. When it arrived ten minutes early, her knees began to shake. The doorbell rang. She opened the door to her boss’ wide smile.

You ready to bring down the house, Char baby? Andrew grinned.

It was a look she was immune to, but it never failed to melt the hearts of any other woman within a hundred-mile radius. Andrew had dark wavy hair and deep brown eyes. His natural skin tone was a caramel shade that had the appearance of a perfect tan even during the deep winter months. He had five years on her, but he could easily pass for his early twenties. No one would have guessed he was thirty-one.

She crossed her arms. I thought we talked about that nickname name, Andrew.

He laughed. If you weren’t the east coast’s top schmoozer, I’d have to talk with you about that attitude.

It’s the attitude that keeps me at the top, and you know it.

Fair enough. He reached for her bag, but she refused the help.

I can get it myself, she said, picking it up.

Undaunted, he removed it from her grip. Shelf the woman’s lib crap, Char. I’m your boss, not your cabana boy. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t want in your britches, either. He walked toward the white Cadillac and put her bag in the trunk. He held the door open while she climbed in. Champagne? he asked, holding up a bottle of Dom once they were on their way.

No, thanks. We’re trying to get pregnant, and I want to start off on the right foot.

Andrew dropped the bottle to his lap. Pregnant? When were you going to tell me?

I believe I just did.

But what about the Kensington account?

It’ll be a done deal and running smoothly long before I even need to think about getting a temp to assist you while I’m on maternity leave, assuming I even get pregnant right away. Is that all you can think about? How about ‘good for you and congratulations?’

No boss wants to lose his best employee—

I’m your only employee.

Still…You’re the best. I’ll be damned if I’m going to be happy while you run off to play Susie-Homemaker.

You’ll live without me for a few months when the time comes.

He poured two glasses of champagne, despite her refusal, adding a splash of orange juice for color. You’ll be gone from that love machine of a husband of yours for five days. Any traces of alcohol will be out of your system by then. Congratulations. Now, drink up. That’s an order.

She let the slightest grin show then accepted. They clinked their glasses together then sipped the mimosas on the way to the airport.

Charlene grew restless at the airport lounge. They had been waiting for three hours. This is crazy, Andrew. I’m taking a cab home. She tugged on her boss’ sleeve to make sure he’d heard her. He had been on his cell phone non-stop since they’d arrived and were told of the delays flying into Florida due to the weather. There were hurricane threats; flights were being delayed then finally canceled.

He held up his hand for her to be quiet. Okay. He placed his phone in his belt holster. I called the driver back. Let the car drop you off; I’ll get a cab to the office. The meeting is rescheduled for tomorrow. I’ll pick you up again at the same time.

You sure you don’t need me back at the office?

Your presentation is as ready as it’s going to get. Enjoy the day off. They’ll hold your bag here till tomorrow’s flight unless you need it.

It can stay here. I’ll see you tomorrow. Char walked away, trying not to let her frustration show. She was nervous enough. This was a big account. One more day of stewing on it would drive her insane.

As the car pulled up at her house, she caught sight of Payton’s car in the driveway. He was almost never able to get away mid-day. Char had an added hop to her step, hurrying to the door. Wanting to surprise him, she kicked off her heels. When she didn’t find him in his den, she went to the kitchen. That room was empty as well. Is he sick and in bed? Hoping that wasn’t the case, she climbed up the stairs and opened the door to their bedroom. With the rest of the house empty, she expected him to be in bed; she didn’t expect him to have company.

Oh shit! Charlie! Payton flung aside the woman who had been on top of him. I can explain! he shouted after her as she ran down the hall. Wait! Catching up to her, he grasped her by the arms then spun her around.

She slapped his face hard and bared her teeth. Let go of me, you bastard!

After running down the stairs so fast she almost fell, she picked up her shoes then ran down the street in her stocking feet, sobbing.

Puerto Rico? What the hell are you doing in Puerto Rico? Andrew screamed into his cell phone.

Long story. You’re on your own for the proposal.

The hell I am! Get your ass on the next flight right now, Char. I’m not screwing around here.

Well neither am I! Fire me. I don’t give a shit. Even if I wanted to go, I can’t. The same storm system that was hitting Miami is hitting here. You’re lucky my cell phone works. There’s no electricity here right now.

What?

Hurricane season, boss man.

He sighed heavily. You going to tell me what’s going on? There was nothing but silence on the line for a long time then suddenly she let out a crying gasp. Char baby? What is it?

She sniffed. I told you not to call me that.

Spill it.

I needed some time away.

Bullshit. Put Payton on the phone.

He’s not here, she said with a sudden firmness in her voice, holding her chin high and proud.

Now we’re getting to the bottom of it. You two are joined at the hip. You didn’t want to go on a five-day business trip without him, but now you’re off to Puerto Rico alone? What the hell happened between you two?

I don’t care to discuss the matter, if you don’t mind.

Like hell I don’t mind. Char, I need you for this. I don’t care if he took some hatcheck girl for a ride. Get your ass on the next plane back here…now!

I’m sorry, Andrew. I really am. She hit end on her cell phone then held it tight to her chest. She’d lost her husband and now she probably lost her job. She scrolled through the call log; Payton had called twenty times, but she refused to answer. There was no way she’d talk to him yet. Wait, I can explain? she screamed at the phone. Explain this, fuck-wad! She hurled the phone against the wall, shattering it.

Three days later, in the late afternoon, Charlie was lying by the pool half asleep in the sun. A moan of pleasure escaped as she felt hands on her shoulder blades, rubbing on lotion. She imagined they were Payton’s hands in her half-awake state. Coming back to reality caused her eyes to pop open. She tried to get up, but the arms gently pushed her back down.

It’s your cabana boy, Seňorita. Relax.

She spun around at the familiar voice. What are you doing here, Andrew?

Char babes, I’m on vacation. Call me Andy.

Vacation?

Yep. He lay down on an available lounge chair next to hers then folded his hands behind his head. I decided to spend some of my former employee’s bonus. Too bad she fled town before landing the Kensington job. They were mighty impressed with her proposal. I was lucky to pull it off alone. No, I’ll take credit. It was my skill. He was more patronizing than being arrogant.

Too bad for her. Charlie flopped back down. And quit calling me Char baby.

"I didn’t. I said Char babes."

Well, knock it the hell off.

Or what? You’ll file a sexual harassment suit against me? You no longer work for me, remember?

Up yours.

Touché, my dear. Drink? Oh wait, that’s right. No drinky. You’re going to try to get pregnant.

She sat up and flagged the waiter over. Holding up an empty hurricane glass with a plastic shark on it she said, Another Shark Attack please, Juan, and whatever this shark wants. He’s buying.

Make that two. Andy placed a hundred-dollar bill on the tray. Keep them coming till that runs out. Juan nodded as he accepted the empty glass from Char then returned to the bar.

Must have been one hell of a bonus.

It’s a living. Andy removed his shirt then settled back down. Charlie was grateful for the large dark sunglass to conceal the expression on her face. She’d never seen Andrew without a shirt on before and had no idea he was built so well…not that she cared. She leaned back into the lounge chair and swallowed hard. Looking down and suddenly feeling horribly exposed, she pulled a beach wrap off the chair beside her and sat up to cover herself.

Don’t bother.

Pardon?

Don’t cover up on my account, Chuck.

Chuck?

Make up your mind. You didn’t like Char baby.

What’s wrong with Charlene? she asked as she hastily pulled on the wrap.

Sounds too old lady for you.

Old lady?

Lighten up, would you? He accepted the drinks from the waiter then handed her one. To us.

Us?

Come on. Do you think I was going to let you quit?

I thought I was fired.

He turned in the chair, planted his feet on the ground then leaned into her. Not if you take that wrap back off. He laughed when she stood up in a huff. Sit back down. I told you four days ago I don’t want in your pants; now, lighten up. That’s an order.

She sat back down in the lounge chair but left the cover on. I’ve had enough sun for today. I was about to go back in when you showed up.

Looked to me like you were about to fall asleep.

Precisely why I need to go back in.

When he stood, she thought they were going to leave. He held his hand out to her, motioning for her to remain seated. In minutes he came back with a large umbrella in a heavy cement stand and placed it by her chair. Voila. No sun.

I don’t remember you being such a bully over the past three years, Andy baby.

It’s not every day I have a husband of my partner killed.

What? she yelled, shooting to her feet.

So, you would care. I’m teasing. Sit down. He placed his hands on her shoulders, gently guiding her into the chair. I take it he’s in the clear again? You guys have make-up sex all night and he’s in the room waiting for your return?

Not exactly. After Char downed half of her drink, she coughed, spitting some out in the process. It was his turn to hop up and pat her on the back. Did you say partner?

I was wondering if you caught that. He grinned. Yes, partner. You have to know how much that account meant. I couldn’t have done it without you. What do you say?

That’s a pretty big move.

It’s always been your dream. Tell me it hasn’t. He sat next to her on her lounge chair. She silently stared off to the distance as tears welled in her eyes. Let me guess. So did being a mother.

All the emotions she had been holding back came flooding out. She let out a loud cry before the tears flowed freely. He opened his arms to her, and she sobbed on his shoulder for several minutes. When her sobs became a soft whimper he asked, Feel better?

She shook her head.

How many of those shark attacks have you had?

She didn’t answer.

Chuck?

Five.

Five? Come on. Let’s get you to your room.

What if I want to stay here and have another drink?

I missed the part where I said you had a say in the matter. He pulled her to her feet then picked up her bag. Try to take it from me, woman, and you’ll be pulling back a bloody stump. What bungalow is yours?

Twelve.

Let’s go.

He hadn’t even noticed she was intoxicated until that moment. Crying must have taken all of her remaining energy. He wrapped an arm around her to help steady her as she walked. Once they were inside the bungalow, he poured her into bed. She fell asleep the second her head hit the pillow. It was only five o’clock, but he wasn’t about to try to keep her awake. He left her dressed then covered her with a light sheet. He couldn’t help but to gently brush through her hair with his fingers as he spoke to her sleeping body.

"You’ve been a good friend the past few years, Char. This is killing me seeing you like this. Wish I could kill the bastard for whatever it is he did to you. Andy didn’t usually get jetlagged, but he was beat. I think I’m emotionally drained for you, doll. Not bad for a self-centered man-whore, huh?" After kissing her forehead, he crawled into bed next to her and fell asleep, remaining above the covers.

Charlene woke up with an arm around her. Again, she let out a content moan. The realization kicked in after a moment that it wasn’t Payton. She screamed. Andrew!

He bolted awake then ran a hand down his face. What time is it? He slid off the bed then casually strolled around the room searching for a clock. When he couldn’t find one, he reached for his cell phone. It was in a pile on the floor with his shirt and shoes. Don’t people need to know the time when they’re on vacation? Just as he picked up the phone, it rang. He looked at the number then returned his attention to Charlene. Do you want to talk to him?

What are you doing in my room?

He offered her the phone. You want to answer or what?

She scrunched her face. Payton?

He won’t stop calling me.

Here. She put her hand out, reaching for the phone. Give it to me.

He raised his eyebrows, surprised, but gave it to her.

She stood, took her best pitcher’s stance, then heaved the phone against the wall, shattering it as she had shattered her own.

Nice form, Bob, but I’d give it a five. Andy went over to the hundreds of pieces of his new Blackberry. Damn. I really liked that phone.

You never answered me. What are you doing in my room?

Mental note: no more shark attacks for Chuck.

She let out a frustrating grunt then stormed to the bathroom and slammed the door. After five minutes, he gently rapped on the door. It’s nine o’clock, but the flyer here says the restaurant is open until eleven.

I’m not hungry. Go away.

You decent?

I’m washing my face. You think I’d shower with you—

His breaking through the door interrupted her talking. He held out a sundress that he had removed from the closet. Put this on or go as you are. I don’t care but we’re going to eat. You have five minutes. I’m starved.

Asshole, she mumbled as she snatched the dress from his hand.

That’s ‘partner asshole’ to you, lady. He closed the door as best he could with the damage he had done to the trim work. After five minutes, he gently rapped on the door again.

She flung it open. What was left of