Pulling the truck door open, I felt glorious in my fight with Jessica. A snide grin tugged at my lips. I had felt her jealous stare all night; I basked in the light of it. Liz had needed no encouragement to get her to rain attention on me, attempting to seduce me. Had I not had Jessica and the kids, I might have taken Liz up on her promise of a good night. It'd be a better night than going home.

Glancing at Jessica's pinched face... No, this ride home was going to better than any pussy Liz might have given me.

Will I allow Jessica to wait for the fight, watch her squirm around, waiting for me to bring up the little scene she started? Or will I give her relief? I weighed the options, pushing away the slight nagging sensation that perhaps I was in the wrong. I had purposely blocked her from joining in the conversation. Jessica is your wife – so I'm reminded every day.

Why did she insist on coming? I didn't need her to watch over me. This was my thing, not hers. The kids didn't need her watching over them either. Did she really think I would let something happen to them? They aren't fucking babies.

She was just fucking jealous that I had something great in my life and she had nothing – gave everything up like she always did. Her name should be Jessica Give Up Poole. Better yet, she should go back to using her maiden name. Could I make her give up on me? Walk away? How hard would it be to drive her away – make it her idea to leave? Make it all her fault. Now that would be a fun game to play.

A small laugh left my lips as I purposely cut off a diesel. I was invincible. If cement didn't kill me, no diesel will. Watching Jessica's hand grasp the door handle encouraged me; I'll make this a ride she won't forget.

Settling into the inviting seat behind the wheel, glancing in the rearview mirror, my heart stirred for a moment. I shouldn't have talked to Jenna like that; I was wrong. When we get home, I'll apologize.

Glancing at Jessica, who also stared absently out the window, her face pale and tight, my heart thumped just once with some unknown feeling. Longing filled me as I attempted to remember what the feeling was.

With the simple turn of the key, I roared the engine to life, pushing back any encroaching vulnerable emotion. I'll just ignore Jessica. Let her stew for a while.