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."

Back in the hotel lobby, the air felt thick with everything unsaid.

"Take me to your room," I whispered.

"Payton, stop. Not like this." Teddy's voice was gentle as he brushed the tears from my cheeks. "You're just angry."

"No. I want to be with you tonight. Nothing has to happen-just comfort me, Teddy. Please." I pressed myself against him, arms wrapping tight around his waist, face buried in his chest.

He sighed, then led me upstairs without another word

.

Inside his room, a bottle of champagne sat chilling on the small table beside the bed. I dropped into the chair, poured a generous glass, and drank deeply.

"Whoa, easy," Teddy said, watching me finish the second glass in quick succession. "That stuff is stronger than it looks." He settled on the edge of the bed, eyes never leaving me.

I yawned, stretching my arms overhead. "My shoulders are killing me. Will you massage them?" I poured another glass and met his gaze as I drank.

"That's enough." He stood and crossed the short distance, gently prying the glass from my fingers. The moment he did, I rose, pushed him back into the chair, and straddled his lap.

"Oh, Teddy..." I tilted his chin up, grinding slowly against the hard length already straining beneath me. "You're not going to leave me like this, are you?" I knew I was already drunk. Maybe I actually wanted to get drunk so I can finally unleash this want inside me without guilt.

For a long time, I felt so guilty about my feelings for Teddy and tried desperately not to betray my husband. But after what I saw and witnessed today, I don't care anymore. Richard has been cheating on me this whole time.

How cruel.

I gasped as his hands found my ass, gripping firmly. "Are you sure about this, Payton?"

"Yes." I leaned in and kissed him hard, tongue sweeping into his mouth. "Please... fuck me. Hard."

I wanted him-badly. My lips moved over his jaw, his cheeks, his neck. I sucked at the sensitive skin there until he moaned, fingers twisting in my hair, eyes fluttering shut in pleasure.

He pulled back just enough to look at me, then slid the thin strap of my dress down one shoulder, then the other. His gaze stayed locked on mine as his hands cupped my breasts. I gasped, head falling back. A second later his mouth closed over one nipple, warm and insistent. I trembled under the assault, clutching his head to my chest while his other hand slipped beneath my dress, pushing my panties aside to find me already wet.

My mouth fell open in a raw, needy cry. He captured my lips again in a deep, consuming kiss. My fingers fumbled with his belt, then his zipper. The moment his cock sprang free, I wrapped my hand around him, stroking firmly. Another low moan rumbled from his throat.

"Fuck... yes," he breathed.

In one swift motion he stood, lifting me with him, and tossed me onto the bed. I laughed breathlessly as he stripped off the rest of his clothes, arousal written in every taut line of his body. He circled the bed slowly while I hurried to shed my own dress and underwear, leaving myself bare for him.

"I want it hard," I said, voice husky. "Do you mind?"

"Please," he growled, "take me as hard as you can."

He was on me in an instant, dragging me to the edge of the mattress, spreading my thighs wide. His mouth descended, tongue finding my most sensitive spot. I arched off the bed, screaming his name.

"Fuck-yes, Teddy! Give it to me-please-haaa... fuck!"

I came hard against his mouth, thighs shaking. He held my legs up, keeping me open as he rose and slowly pushed inside me. My eyes rolled back; for a heartbeat my breath simply stopped. Pleasure so sharp it felt like dying.

He froze, concern flashing across his face. "Payton? Payton-"

A hard slap to my cheek jolted me back. I sucked in a huge, ragged breath, then burst out laughing, wrapping my legs around his waist. "Don't stop."

"You crazy woman," he muttered, a grin breaking through. Then he drove into me harder, faster.

I rolled us so I was on top, riding him with a desperate rhythm. We both moaned, the sounds blending into cries. "On your stomach," he ordered.

I obeyed instantly. He positioned himself behind me and took me from behind, deep and relentless. The room filled with our gasps, our curses, our shared release as we fucked through the night.

Morning light slipped through the curtains. My head throbbed from the champagne and the hours of exertion, but I smiled anyway. Teddy slept beside me, face soft and peaceful-beautiful in a way that stole my breath. Last night was incredible.

Then Richard's face flickered in my mind. He might have had his own wild night. The thought should have hurt more, but right now it felt distant, almost irrelevant.

I slipped quietly from the bed and started dressing, searching for my panties.

"Looking for these?" Teddy's sleepy voice. He held the scrap of lace between two fingers, eyes half-open, mischievous.

I laughed softly. "So you're awake."

He caught my wrist before I could grab them and tugged me back into his arms. I looked up at his slow, sleepy smile.

"You weren't trying to sneak out, were you?"

"I was... sort of. We still have that morning meeting before we fly home."

He brushed a strand of hair from my face. "You were fucking amazing last night.

Makes me not want to go home at all."

Then he kissed me-slow, lingering.

"Not yet," he murmured against my lips.

In one fluid motion, he rolled on top of me, his lips crashing against mine in hungry, teasing kisses. I burst out laughing as his fingers danced along my sides, tickling me mercilessly.

"Stop-please, Teddy!" I gasped between giggles.

He paused, hovering above me, eyes dark and intense. For a long moment he simply stared.

"You look magnificent," he murmured, voice low and reverent.

A slow smile curved my lips. I pressed my thigh firmly against him, biting my lower lip as heat bloomed between us. He caught both my wrists in his right hand, pinning them gently above my head. His left hand slid down, cupping one breast, thumb brushing over my nipple until it hardened under his touch. A soft moan escaped me. I squeezed my thigh harder against his growing arousal.

Then his mouth replaced his hand-warm, wet, deliberate. He sucked gently, teasing the sensitive peak with slow circles of his tongue while his fingers continued their tender exploration. He released my wrists, and my hands immediately found his hair, threading through the strands as waves of pleasure rolled through me.

This was the first time in years I'd felt truly alive-like color flooding back into a world that had gone gray.

"Teddy..." I whispered, voice trembling.

His hand drifted lower, fingers finding my clit with exquisite gentleness. He rubbed slow, deliberate circles, watching every flicker of reaction on my face.

"I'm going to make you feel so good," he promised, voice rough with want. "Completely satisfied."

He guided me up until I was straddling his lap. His eyes never left mine as he positioned himself, sliding the thick length of his cock slowly along my inner thighs, teasing without entering. The heat of him, the deliberate drag of skin on skin, made my breath hitch.

This time we moved differently-slowly, deliberately. Our gazes locked, unblinking. Something electric sparked between us, bright and undeniable. We rocked together in a gentle, glorious rhythm, bodies speaking what words never could.

It felt like a dream I'd stopped daring to have.

Teddy had given me the Monday off-officially to "rest and sort things out" with my husband. The irony wasn't lost on me. Richard still hadn't come home from his so-called business trip. He'd called once the night before, voice casual, as if nothing had happened.

"Hello, babe. Are you still in Hawaii?" he'd asked.

I'd gone cold. "I've been home since Sunday," I told him flatly.

Silence. Then a quick recovery, excuses about meetings running late. I didn't bother arguing. I just hung up.

That evening I sat curled on the living-room sofa, absently eating apple slices, when I heard the familiar purr of Richard's car pulling into the driveway. He'd texted earlier that he'd be home tonight. I wasn't surprised, but my stomach still twisted.

The front door opened. "Hello, pretty," he said, stepping inside and closing it behind him. His smile was easy, warm-the same one that used to make my knees weak.

"I'm good," I answered, standing to meet his hug.

He pulled back slightly, reached into his jacket pocket, and produced a small velvet box. "Bought you something."

I opened it. A delicate diamond necklace sparkled against black satin-simple, elegant, expensive.

"Richard... this is beautiful." Genuine surprise softened my voice.

He caught my wrist, spun me gently, and pulled me into his arms. "Anything for my beautiful wife." Then he kissed me.

The kiss started soft, almost tentative. I froze for a second-why the sudden sweetness? Did he suspect something? But then his tongue found mine, slow and familiar, and old habits took over. I melted into it. God, I had missed him. Missed this. For years Richard had been my entire world, the man I believed I could love forever.

Until the memories crashed in.

The other woman. The lies. I'd already hired someone to dig deeper; soon I'd have proof. Real, undeniable proof. Then I would confront him.

His hand slid up to cup my breast. I pulled back gently, forcing a small smile. "You should take a bath and rest, dear. We have plenty of time."

"Hm. Of course we do." He kissed me once more-lighter this time-then headed to the bedroom.

I took a deep breath before sitting on the couch again. I really didn't know how much longer I could keep this up. But was he suddenly showing affection? Did he really want me now, or was he just trying so hard to make sure I didn't notice he was cheating on me?

I took a bite of the apple. I knew Richard loved me very much, but he didn't want me as much anymore. Whatever game he was playing was just to keep me from suspecting anything.

I smiled bitterly. In any case, as soon as I gathered enough evidence, I guessed I would take the next step.

The next morning I woke early, but Richard was already up which was unusual. Low voices drifted from the bathroom. I slipped out of bed and padded quietly to the door, straining to listen. Before I could make out any words, he stepped out.

"Good morning, baby," I said quickly,

"Morning, dear." He hugged me back. "Sleep well?"

"Very. Why don't we plan a weekend away-just the two of us?"

He eased out of the embrace, moving toward the bed. "Babe, I don't know yet. You know how business is." A pause.

"Besides, you should get ready for work, right?"

Work. Right. At least there I'd see someone who actually wanted to see me. "Oh-yeah. Of course."

I started toward the bathroom.

"A trip, though..." he called after me. "I'll find time. Promise." His smile was so warm and gentle just the way I like it every morning but what is actually going on I thought.

"It would be fun," I said over my shoulder, then shut the door behind me.

At the office, my phone buzzed mid-morning.

"Hello, Payton." That deep, velvet voice sent heat curling low in my belly instantly.

"Hello, Mr. Murphy." I couldn't hide the smile in my tone. Damn I was so excited to hear his voice.

He let out a low, rumbling laugh. "Come to my office with those files. I'd like to review them."

"Right now?" I asked, already biting the end of my pen.

"Yes." Click. He hung up.

I grabbed the folder and walked down the hall, pulse already racing. When I stepped inside, I set the files on his desk with deliberate care. "Here are the files, Mr. Murphy."

His eyes lifted, dark and hungry, locking onto mine. He inhaled slowly, as if savoring the moment, then rose-tall, commanding-and loosened his tie as he rounded the desk.

"Kiss me," he said simply.

I smiled, glancing toward the door. "The door, It's not locked."

In two strides he closed the distance, lifted me effortlessly, and set me on the edge of his desk. Papers slid sideways. His fingers brushed my cheek. "Do you want me to lock it?"

"Yes," I breathed.

"Beg for it."

"Please, Teddy."

He held my gaze for a long moment-searching, teasing-then turned, crossed the room, and clicked the lock shut. When he returned, he was too close, heat radiating off him. My chest tightened. What the hell was I doing? What if someone-Brooke?-suspected? Fuck it. I wanted him. I wanted him so badly it hurt.

He stepped between my thighs. "Are you going to kiss me now?" His hands slid up my skirt, bunching the fabric.

My legs parted on instinct. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down.

"Yes," I whispered.

And then his mouth was on mine-hard, claiming exactly what I'd been craving.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him flush against me. Teddy cradled my face in both hands, kissing my forehead, my cheeks, the tip of my nose-every inch he could reach.

"You're gorgeous," he murmured, eyes locked on mine.

"Teddy, you're killing me," I breathed, fingers already working his belt open. The zipper came down next, and there it was-the thick heat I'd been craving. I wrapped my hand around him and stroked slowly. A low moan rumbled in his chest as he kissed me harder, almost desperately.

He tugged my panties down in one smooth motion, then guided me closer. His fingers brushed my entrance before he positioned himself and slid inside. I melted against him, legs trembling, as he began to thrust-slow at first, then deeper. One hand stayed at my mouth, thumb tracing my lips, while those fearless blue eyes held mine captive.

The office phone shrilled on the desk. We ignored it.

"Yes... yes," I whispered, clutching his shoulders.

A sharp knock at the door.

Endlessly.

"What do you want?" Teddy called, voice strained but trying to sound normal. He didn't stop moving inside me.

I clamped a hand over my own mouth, eyes wide. The thrill of almost being caught sent heat racing through me.

"Someone's here to see you sir. I tried calling, but you didn't pick up." Brooke's voice echoed through the door.

"Who?" he asked, lifting me effortlessly and pressing my back to the wall so he could drive in harder.

"Teddy-" I gasped under my breath.

"Amanda. She says she's your friend."

"Let her wait in the waiting room. I'll be there in a minute."

"Alright, sir."

The footsteps retreated. Teddy buried his face in my shoulder with a guttural "Fuck-" and thrust once, twice more before pulling out abruptly. He strode to the private restroom attached to his office.

I scrambled to fix my clothes,smoothing my skirt, tucking my blouse, finger-combing my hair. My pulse was hammered. What now?

He returned a minute later, looking composed except for the slight flush on his cheeks. He cupped my face gently. "You okay? If you're not comfortable doing this here again, we won't. I mean it."

I searched his eyes. "Who's Amanda?"

He stared at me for a moment.

A slow, teasing smile curved his lips. "Jealous?"

"No," I said aloud, voice even. "Just asking."