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."

A little while later I slipped down to the company coffee shop. I ordered a latte and was heading back when I froze. There she was-the same woman I'd seen with Richard in Hawaii. I could see her vividly from the glass door. Our eyes met; she blanched and quickly turned away, walking faster.

I started after her-instinct, not thought-when Brooke appeared, hurrying toward me.

"Where the hell have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you."

I stared at Brooke confused about what to say for a while.

I lifted the cup. "Getting coffee. See?"

She studied me for a long beat. "You've been acting strange lately, Payton. Is there something I should know?"

"No. Trust me." I said looking over Brooke if I could still see her but she was gone.

"You're supposed to be in your office-not me covering for you."

"Fine," I said, linking my arm through hers. "Let's go."

That evening I drove home, mind still churning. A sleek black car rolled past me just as I turned into the driveway. I frowned. We rarely had visitors, especially not in the evenings unless it was a special occasion.

I parked, stepped out, and glanced back toward the gate, still puzzled.

Inside, Richard was waiting right at the door.

"Baby, you're home early," he said, a nervous edge beneath the smile.

"Who was that?" I nodded toward the wide glass window that overlooked the gate.

He scratched the back of his head. "Huh? Just a friend. Business talk."

"At this hour?" I dropped my bag on the console and crossed my arms.

He closed the distance quickly, hands gentle on my upper arms. "I know we agreed-no late visitors-but this was important. Trust me, okay?"

I held his gaze for several seconds. "Is there something you want to tell me, Richard?"

He smiled-too easily-and slid his hands up to cup my face. "Actually, yes. We're going on that trip this weekend. Just us."

"Really?"

"Yes, my love. I've missed you." His lips brushed my ear-my weak spot-and he whispered, "Your beautiful body..." before capturing my mouth in a deep, hungry kiss.

For a moment I let myself believe it. The vulnerability, the heat-it felt like the old Richard. A dream I'd almost given up on.

But the truth clawed at the edges: him cheating. Me cheating. The lies stacking higher every day. I couldn't keep doing this.

I pulled back gently, cradling his face. "Why don't we wait until the trip? Make it special."

He searched my eyes, with concern flickering. "Baby, are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. Just tired from work. I need to rest."

"Alright. Dinner's on me tonight." He pressed one last soft kiss to my lips.

"Hmm. I'll go, freshen up first."

I slipped away to the bedroom, closing the door behind me, finally able to breathe.

The weight of everything pressed down harder than ever.

I sank deeper into the warm bathwater, bubbles clinging to my skin, but all I could think about was Teddy.

The way his hands moved over me these past few weeks-slow, deliberate, possessive. The way his eyes darkened with raw hunger every time they locked on mine. A small, secret smile curved my lips. What more could a woman possibly want than to feel so fiercely desired?

But then there was Richard.

Suddenly he was trying to be nice again, playing the perfect husband. And that woman-his lover-had the nerve to show up at my workplace today. Something wasn't right. I could feel it in my bones.

I stood up, water streaming down my skin, dried off with a towel, and slipped into my silk robe. Grabbing my phone from the vanity, I fired off a quick text to my private investigator.

Me: Hello Tom, what have you found? Not quite long, he replied.

Tom: Hello ma'am. Her name is Elizabeth Andres, originally from Germany. Not much yet, but I'll have more for you before tomorrow night.

I set the phone down and took a deep breath. Time to face the performance waiting downstairs.

Richard had already set the table-fried chicken, noodles, hot dogs, and a bottle of my favorite red wine. Soft, slow music played in the background, the kind we used to dance to years ago. I smiled despite myself as he pulled out my chair like a gentleman.

"Here you go, my love," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

"Thanks, hun."

We ate in near silence for a while. I watched him across the table, studying the familiar lines of his face, the way he cut his chicken with precision. I remembered the first time we met-him nearly running me over in the parking lot because he was late for some important meeting. How he'd jumped out of the car, wide-eyed and apologetic, insisting on making it right. He'd taken me to a fancy restaurant to "make it up to me," and we'd laughed until the place closed. God, I really did love my husband.

But Teddy...

"So... Do you like it?" Richard's voice pulled me back.

"Like what?"

"The food."

"Oh-yes, my love." I tilted my head, genuinely curious. "What's the occasion? It's been years since you last cooked for me."

He reached across the table and took my left hand, his thumb brushing over my wedding ring.

"Babe, I'm sorry. For everything. I love you. I want this-us-to work." His eyes were soft, sincere. "Business has taken too much of me lately, but I swear I'm going to make it up to you."

Business. Right.

I stared at him, searching for cracks in the performance. His eyes looked earnest, almost pleading. For a moment I almost believed him.

"You look extremely handsome tonight," I said quietly.

He froze for half a second, then let out a loud, genuine laugh-the same deep, unguarded sound he used to make when we were new and stupid in love. The first real laugh I'd heard from him in three years. My heart lurched. I wanted to climb across the table, wrap my arms around him, kiss him until we both forgot the last few years.

Then his phone rang.

His expression changed instantly, the laughter dying as if it had never existed. He glanced at the screen and stood up.

"I have to take this," he said, already standing. "Be right back."

He walked into the living room, phone to his ear, trying to keep his voice low. Every few seconds he glanced back at me and flashed that practiced smile, as if to prove everything was fine.

I wasn't fooled.

It was her. I knew it was her-that bitch-calling my husband.

And Richard? He was just putting on another show so I wouldn't suspect a thing. I don't know what game he is playing or what he thinks all this is all about but I will make sure to get to the bottom of this. I have to know what is really going on.

Elizabeth. Who is she really? And what does she really want?

He returned to the dining room and sat down. As he began to eat, it was clear he wasn't himself. After the phone call, he seemed distant-confused, slightly troubled.

"Richard, what's wrong?" I asked. concern tightening my voice.

"Oh babe, it's just business issues," he said quietly. "I'll have to go back to Seattle."

Fear stabbed through me the moment he said Seattle. He was going to see her again. I couldn't believe he was lying to my face-again.