chapter 8

I walked to my office still unable to wipe the smile off my face. Teddy was such a smooth talker—he always knew exactly what to say and when to say it. My heart felt light knowing how deeply he cared for me.

Yet a quiet jealousy gnawed at me. Why did it sting so much? He had every right to be with any woman he chose. I had no claim over him. I shouldn’t care.

But the moment Amanda’s name came up, my chest tightened, sore and heavy. I knew I had feelings for Teddy—real feelings that went beyond friendship. At the same time, I loved Richard so fiercely that even the thought of losing him felt like it would shatter me. The two truths lived painfully side by side inside me.

I pushed open my office door.

On my desk sat a brown envelope.

From Tom.

Was Tom here? The thought barely formed before the door swung open behind me.

“Hey.”

“Brooke, what’s up?” I asked, holding the envelope loosely in my hand.

She nodded toward it. “A guy named Tom dropped that off. You weren’t in, so I just left it on your desk for you.”

“Thanks, Brooke.” I dropped into my chair, slid the envelope into my drawer, and tried to refocus.

“Um… actually, I need to ask you for a favor,” Brooke said, sliding into the chair across from me.

“What’s going on?”

She leaned forward, eyes bright with nervous excitement. “I think Derick is going to propose. Like… tonight.”

“Oh my God, Brooke!” My face split into a genuine grin, happiness flooding through me. “Are you sure?”

She nodded vigorously. “One hundred percent.”

“I’m so happy for you!” I stood up. She rose too, and we crashed into a tight hug before sinking back into our seats, both laughing.

“That’s actually why I need your help,” she said, biting her lip.

I already knew what she wanted to ask.

A warm smile spread across my face. “Go get ready, Brooke. I’ve got everything here covered.”

“Really?” Her eyes widened. “Oh, Payton—” She jumped up, came around the desk, and threw her arms around me again. “I love you, girl.”

“It’s fine,” I laughed softly. “I’ll just stay a little late today. That’s the list I could do.”

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow—and I’ll tell you everything!” She planted a quick kiss on my cheek and practically danced out the door.

Watching the pure joy radiate from her made my heart swell. I hoped—prayed—he would propose tonight. Brooke deserved this. She’d had such rotten luck with relationships for so long. Since I started working here, I’d become one of her closest friends, privy to the heartbreak after heartbreak. She was brilliant at so many things, but love had always been her weak spot.

Then Derick came into her life two years ago, and everything changed. She’d been lighter, happier, more grateful every single day. All I wanted was for her to finally have her forever with someone as kind and steady as him. He really was one of the most humble, gentle people I’d ever met.

My gaze drifted back to the drawer.

I pulled the envelope out and tore it open.

The first photo made my vision blur. I blinked hard, wiped my eyes, and looked again.

Richard.

hand in hand with that young lady Elizabeth. The photo was taken this morning. They were heading toward the airport. Tears burned down my cheeks before I could stop them.

Tears spilled instantly, hot and unstoppable. Every sweet word he’d whispered to me this morning echoed cruelly in my head: how much he loved me, how much I meant to him.

Lies. All of it.

Again.

He’d looked straight into my eyes and lied, made a fool of me—over and over.

I buried my face in my arms on the desk and sobbed, loud and broken.

Why does it hurt this much?

It wasn’t just him cheating.

It was the betrayal laid bare—the way he’d smiled so tenderly while feeding me falsehoods, knowing exactly what he was doing.

My heart felt like it was exploding.

It was already evening, and I was still at the office, trying to wrap up the last of my work. Almost everyone had gone home. I tried calling Richard again—straight to voicemail. The hurt had been gnawing at me all day. Not a single text, not even to say he’d landed. The nerve of that man. How was I supposed to stay in this marriage after everything?

God, I was so broken.

A knock on the door startled me. Before I could answer, it swung open. Teddy. Exactly the person I needed to see.

A genuine, warm smile spread across my face as he walked toward me. He looked exhausted, yet still so damn handsome.

“You haven’t gone home yet?” he asked, stopping beside my desk, his hand gently stroking my cheek.

I shook my head, looking up at him. “Nope.”

He squatted in front of me, concerned and filled his eyes. “What happened to your eyes? They’re swollen.”

I cupped his face and kissed him—soft at first, then longer, deeper. When I pulled back just enough to speak, the words came out quiet but certain.

“I want to go home with you tonight.”

His eyes lit up. “Really?” He caught my hands, still cradling his face. “But… What about your husband?”

I let go of him, reached into my drawer, and pulled out the envelope. I handed it over without a word.

He frowned, opened it, his expression darkened as he saw the photos—Richard and his mistress, captured that very morning.

“He told me he was flying back to Seattle to settle some business issues,” I said, voice cracking as tears welled up again. “Can you believe the nerve? He hasn’t even called since he left.”

The tears spilled over before I could stop them.

“No, no—Payton, don’t cry.” Teddy rose quickly, guiding me to my feet, arms wrapping around me tightly tossing the envelope on the table. “I’m so sorry.”

He held me harder, one hand cradling the back of my head. “Stop crying now. I’m here.”

He pulled back just enough to look at me, thumbs brushing away my tears. “It’s going to be okay. Whatever you decide, I’m right here for you. Always.”

“Thank you, Teddy.”

“It’s nothing. Come here.”

We hugged again, longer this time. His fingers threaded gently through my hair, stroking, soothing. I pressed closer, breathing him in—God, he smelled so good. I lifted my head, and he smiled softly before leaning in, capturing my lips.

One hand cupped my chin; the other slid to my lower back, pulling me flush against him. The kiss turned hungry. I melted into it, vulnerable, needy. His tongue found mine, and heat surged through me.

I wanted him—badly.

His palm slid to my breast, rubbing gently through my blouse. I gasped when his thumb grazed my nipple. My own hand drifted down instinctively, finding the hard length of him straining against his pants. He groaned quietly into my mouth.

He broke the kiss slowly, breathing uneven, and cradled my face in both hands. Those piercing eyes were warm now, full of care and something deeper.

“We should get out of here,” he murmured.

I could only nod.

Then I kissed him again—harder this time—telling him everything I couldn’t say out loud. If not for Teddy I would have been a broken woman by now he was now my rock.