Chapter 3

We paused, frozen, as his office phone erupted into relentless ringing. Neither of us moved. I blinked a few times, then gently pressed my palm against his chest, easing him back.

“You should get that,” I said quietly.

His expression darkened in an instant—anger flashing through those fearless eyes.

“Hell, who could that be?” he muttered.

He finally released me and stepped away, but not before helping smooth my skirt back into place with careful, almost reluctant hands.

“I should go,” I said, quickly adjusting my blouse and hair. I slipped out of his office before either of us could say anything more.

I nearly collided with Brooke in the hallway. 

My heart lurched.

“Hey, Payton,” she said brightly. “I swung by your office earlier, but you weren’t there. Looks like you were just leaving our resident sexy boss’s domain.”

I forced a casual smile. “Of course. I’m his assistant, remember?”

“That’s just a fancy excuse to see him every day,” she teased, her eyes narrowing with playful suspicion.

“brooke stop. Please.” I sighed. “I’m married. I love my husband. I’m not gossiping about this kind of thing.”

She raised both hands in mock surrender. 

I brushed past her. “I have to get back to work. You should too.”

Back at my desk, I couldn’t focus on anything. My mind replayed the heat of Teddy’s mouth on mine, the way his hands had gripped me, the ache still pulsing between my thighs. I was restless, needy, and wet. I paced my small office until I finally dropped into my chair.

I grabbed my phone and dialed Richard. I needed to hear his voice—needed the reminder that I was married.

“Hello, babe,” I said when he picked up.

“Baby, I’m so sorry. Let’s make up already,” he replied, sounding genuinely remorseful.

“Richard, I miss you so much,” I said, my voice cracking slightly. “When are you coming back? This is driving me crazy. I want to have sex with you. Is that really too much to ask from my husband?”

He went quiet for a long moment. “I understand. I’ll make it up to you.”

“When?” I pressed.

“When I get back. I have to go now. I love you.” The line went dead.

Frustration crashed over me like a wave. Tears stung my eyes. Deep down, I already knew he’d have another excuse when he finally returned. He always did.

Still drowning in that familiar ache and disappointment, my office phone rang . I cleared my throat and answered.

“Hello, Payton speaking.”

“The meeting with E&Y has been moved to Hawaii,” Teddy’s voice filled the line—cool, professional, all business. “We leave Friday.”

“But sir—”

“No buts. It’s strictly business. Start making the preparations.” He hung up without waiting for a reply.

I exhaled slowly. His tone had been clipped, detached—like he’d already rebuilt the wall between us. Maybe pushing him away earlier had worked. Maybe he’d stop looking at me like that. Maybe he’d even start ignoring me completely.

It should feel like a relief. He was my boss, after all.

I stared at the phone for a long moment, then forced myself to open my calendar.

This was for the best.

I repeated the words in my head, trying to convince myself I didn’t secretly wish he still wanted me.

Then suddenly.

Throughout the week, things between me and Teddy stayed strictly professional. No lingering glances, no stolen moments—just cold, efficient business. He’d changed overnight, and it felt like a slow-motion nightmare. I couldn’t figure out what was going through his head or why he’d suddenly decided to pretend I didn’t exist. Part of me told myself it was for the best. I almost believed it.

Thursday evening, I was at home folding laundry when I tried calling Richard. The call wouldn’t connect, so I left a quick voicemail: “Hey, I’m heading to Hawaii tomorrow for a business meeting with my boss. Call me when you receive this.”

The next morning at eight sharp, I climbed into a cab and headed to the airport. Teddy was already there, waiting in the terminal hallway—tall, imposing, dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, wheeling a sleek suitcase, dark sunglasses hiding his eyes. He watched me approach without a word.

When I reached him, he gave a curt nod. 

“Let’s go.”

He turned and walked. I followed.

The flight from New York was long. By the time we landed in Hawaii that evening, exhaustion had settled deep into my bones. We checked into our various rooms, I immediately dropped my bag, and headed straight for the bathroom. The deep, clean tub called to me. I sank into steaming water, letting the heat loosen the knots in my shoulders, trying not to think about what came next.

Later, wrapped in the hotel’s soft white robe, I sat on the edge of the bed scrolling through my phone. No messages from Richard. Nothing.

A knock startled me.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me. Teddy.”

I stood quickly, happily but trying my best to look professional before opening the door.

God, he looked good. Fresh from his own shower, hair still slightly damp, wearing a crisp white button-down and tailored black trousers. His gaze locked on me, steady and unreadable.

“May I come in?”

“Of course.” I stepped aside, gesturing him into the room.

I turned to face him. “So… what’s up?” My voice held a flicker of excitement I couldn’t quite hide.

“The meeting starts tonight,” he said. He stepped closer, voice lowering. “I’d like you to dress… a little sexy this evening.” His eyes traced me slowly. “Can I count on you?”

“Certainly.” The word came out softer than I intended.

He reached out suddenly, fingers curling gently around the back of my neck, thumb brushing slow circles against my skin. Heat flared through me.

“What did I tell you about calling me ‘sir’?”

“I thought we were keeping things professional these days,” I murmured.

Something flickered in his expression—memory, maybe regret. He released me and stepped back.

“Call me when you’re ready. I’ll be waiting in the lobby.” At the door he paused, glancing back. “Please hurry.”

I smiled to myself after he left. He was still affected. Good.

I chose the red gown—the long, clinging one that left most of my back bare. When I stepped into the lobby, Teddy’s eyes darkened with appreciation.

“You look stunning,” he said quietly, offering his arm.

“Thank you.” I slipped my hand through it.

“Shall we?”

We walked side by side into the warm Hawaiian night.

At the upscale restaurant, we were deep in conversation with the client when I glanced through the wide glass window—and froze.

A man who looked exactly like Richard was walking past, arm around a young woman. They were laughing, heads close. My stomach dropped.

It couldn’t be him. Richard was supposed to be in Seattle on business. It had to be a mistake.

But curiosity—and dread—pulled me to my feet.

“Excuse me,” I said abruptly.

Teddy’s brow furrowed. “Where are you going?”

“I’ll be right back.”

I slipped outside and followed them at a distance until they disappeared into a nearby resort. Hidden behind a palm, I watched as Richard kissed her—deep, familiar, laughing against her mouth. They hugged like lovers who’d known each other forever.

My chest cracked open. Richard, my steady, dependable husband, a cheater? I couldn’t believe it. No wonder he hadn’t touched me in years. He’d been getting his pleasure somewhere else. What had I done that was so unforgivable? One terrible mistake—one I hadn’t even chosen—and this was the punishment?

I took a step forward, ready to storm over and demand answers.

A firm hand closed around my arm.

“Don’t,” Teddy said quietly. “Don’t make a scene.”

I whirled on him. “That’s my husband. He’s supposed to be in Seattle. Instead he is here with another woman.”

“I know.” His voice was gentle, almost tender. “But you’re shaking. You’re not thinking straight. Confront him later—when the anger isn’t burning through you.”

Tears blurred my vision. I looked back at Richard one last time, then turned into Teddy’s chest and clung to him.

“Please,” I whispered, voice breaking. “Take me back to the hotel.”

He held me for a long moment, steady and warm.

I pulled back just enough to meet his eyes.

“And fuck me, Teddy.”