chapter 7

I paused for a few seconds trying hard to stay cool.

“Why do you have to go back to Seattle? What happened?” I asked, forcing my tone to stay casual even as anger burned beneath my skin.

“There are some problems with a business deal there. I have to go fix it in person.”

I stared at him. “Huh. But you can always video call from your laptop or set up a meeting from home. You don’t have to travel all the way to Seattle again.”

He took a deep breath and reached across the table to hold my hand. “Babe, I really have to be there. But I promise—when I get back from Seattle, we’ll go straight on that trip you’ve been talking about. Just pick a place, any place, and we’ll book the flights. Just you and me. Okay?”

I didn’t know what to say. The anger inside me had turned molten. I couldn’t believe he was still treating me like a fool.

I yanked my hand away and stood up. “Whatever. Do what you want. I don’t care anymore.”

I stormed to the bedroom before the tears could fall in front of him. As soon as the door closed behind me, they came—hot, angry, unstoppable. Images of him with that woman flooded my mind. He was lying to me again and again. Why was Richard doing this? What had I ever done to deserve it?

I sank onto the edge of the bed, wiping my face with shaking hands.

I couldn’t keep pretending everything was fine.

I couldn’t keep letting him hurt me like this.

I knew I would have to do something about this. I must do something about this.

The next morning,still in bed, I opened my eyes and I saw Richard. He was just stepping out of the bathroom—completely naked, towel in hand, wiping water from his body. God, he looked so sexy right now. His strong muscles, his hairy legs, that firm white butt… I chuckled softly, hugging my pillow tighter as I remembered how he’d tried to make peace with me last night. He’d wanted to make love, but I’d been too angry to let him. Now, staring at him, I regretted it. I felt so horny just watching my husband’s beautiful body.

He turned and caught me looking. I quickly closed my eyes. When I opened them again, he was already closer—now wearing boxers—which left me a little disappointed. I would have loved to stare at him a bit longer.

He chuckled as he sat beside me on the bed.

“Baby, you’re awake.”

I stretched my arms, yawned, and sat up properly.

“I just woke up,” I said.

“Aren’t you going to work today?”

“Yes, I’ll go shower soon.” For a moment, he just stared at me.

“Is there something on my face?” I asked, curious.

He moved closer and kissed me softly. “I love you, Payton. No matter what happens, I want you to know you are my world. I can’t live without you.”

I was confused. Why suddenly?

“Richard, what’s going on?” I cupped his face gently. “What’s wrong? You can tell me.”

“It’s nothing, baby. I just… realized how much I love you.”

“You love me? If you really did, you wouldn’t be going to Seattle,” I thought bitterly.

He stood up. “Once I’m done with Seattle, it’s just us for the weekend. I can’t wait.” He threw me a playful kiss and headed to the dressing room.

I sat there, very confused. Something was clearly bothering Richard—I just couldn’t figure out what. I checked the time; it was already past 7. I’d better get ready for work.

At work, in my office

I was busy reviewing some documents when someone knocked on the door.

“Come in,” I said without looking up.

“Good morning,” came an unfamiliar woman’s voice.

I lifted my head immediately. She was a little older than me, but stunning—elegant in a stylish dress that hugged her figure perfectly.

“Good morning, ma’am. What can I do for you?”

“I’m here to see Richard.”

“Okay… what’s your name?”

“Amanda.”

Hearing her name, I froze for a second. She was the same woman Brooke had mentioned that day.

“You’re Payton, right?” she asked.

“How did you—?”

“It’s on your ID,” she said with a small smile.

“Oh,” I let out a nervous laugh, touching my ID badge. “I’ll call to let him know you’re here. Please, take a seat, ma’am.”

“No worries, I’m fine standing.”

“Okay, if you insist.” I picked up the phone and dialed Teddy’s extension.

“Hello?”

“Hello, sir. Miss Amanda is here to see—”

“Alright, Payton. Send her in.”

“You can go in now,” I told her.

“Thank you, Miss Payton.” She gave me a wide smile—almost mocking. I didn’t quite understand what it meant, but it left a strange feeling in my chest.

Half an hour later, Amanda left and Teddy called me into his office to bring him some documents. I felt a hot rush of jealousy mixed with anger. What the hell were they talking about for so long? Who is Amanda to him, really? And the way she had looked at me… Has Teddy told her about us? No. He wouldn’t. He couldn’t.

I stepped inside and found him sitting behind his desk, smiling at me the second I walked in.

“Here are the documents you asked for,” I said, dropping them quickly and turning to leave.

“Hey, Payton.” He shot out of his chair and crossed the room in three strides. “What’s the problem?” His voice was gentle, his face full of concern.

“Nothing, sir.” I tried to slip past him, but he caught my wrist.

“Come on, Payton. I know you’re mad at me. Tell me what’s wrong.” He pulled me closer until my hands pressed against his chest. I yanked them away and looked anywhere but at him.

“Payton… come on, darling. Talk to me,” he murmured, tilting my chin up so I had no choice but to meet his eyes.

“Who is Amanda to you?”

A slow, wicked smile spread across his face. He stepped backward until he was leaning against the edge of his desk, then bit his bottom lip in that way that always made my stomach flip.

“Are you jealous of Amanda?”

“I’m not!” I snapped. “I just didn’t like the way she looked at me today. It felt like she knew something was going between us.”

He chuckled softly. “Amanda is just a friend and a business partner. She doesn’t know about us.” His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Hmm… though maybe she suspects something.”

“What?” I froze.

Teddy threw his head back and laughed. The sound was warm and way too attractive.

“Teddy, this isn’t funny!”

“Oh, but your face right now…” He stood, closed the distance between us, and gave me a quick, soft kiss. “I’m starting to really like you, you know that?” he whispered, sliding his hands around my waist and pulling me flush against him.

“Teddy, stop. I’m still mad at you.”

“Hmm… okay.” His thumbs traced slow circles on my hips. “Let me make it up to you. Whenever you’re free, let’s go on a date.”

“What? Teddy, you know I can’t be seen in public with you.”

“I meant at my place,” he said, voice dropping lower as his thumb gently stroked my bottom lip. “You’re going to love it there. I promise you… it’s going to be the best night of your life.” He leaned in and gave me a slow, deep kiss that made my knees weak. “Say yes, baby girl.”

God, he’s so sweet. Every kiss was melting my anger away. But no—I needed to make him work for it. I planted my hand on his chest and pushed back just enough to break the kiss.

I cleared my throat dramatically. “Hmm… I’ll think about it, Mr. Murphy,” I said with a wink, then turned and started walking toward the door. When I glanced over my shoulder, his eyes were locked on my ass.

“Hey, Mr. Murphy,” I teased, “stop staring at my butt.”

We both grinned. Then I slipped out of his office, heart racing and a smile I couldn’t wipe off my face.