Page 37

I scrub at my skin, trying to erase last night. I dress quickly, my heart still racing, and grab my bag. I need to get out of here, need to put as much distance as possible between me and Andrew.
By the time I arrive at the office, my mind is still a chaotic mess. I pull out my phone and, without thinking, dial Lisa’s number. She picks up on the third ring, her voice groggy.
“You better have a good reason for calling me so early,” she says with a yawn.
“I did something stupid,” I blurt out, my voice loud and laced with panic.
“Uh-oh, spill,” Lisa says, suddenly sounding more awake.
I take a deep breath and recount the whole thing to her—how I’d gone to check on Andrew, how he’d pulled me into bed, how we’d kissed and… everything that followed.
By the time I finish, my hands are shaking. I brace myself, expecting her to scold me, to tell me how reckless and irresponsible I’d been.
But instead, she bursts out laughing. “Way to go, girl! It was about time you removed those cobwebs.”
“Lisa, I’m serious!” I say, exasperated. “This is a business marriage. We’re not supposed to be having sex.”
“I don’t see why not,” she says, completely nonchalant. “He’s your husband, isn’t he? Sex comes with the territory.”
I shouldn’t have expected any different from the woman who treats one-night stands as casually as changing her underwear. “Lisa,this is different. This isn’t a real marriage. We have rules, boundaries—”
“Stop overthinking it,” she interrupts, a teasing edge in her voice. “Andrew is hot as hell, and if I were in your shoes, I’d be enjoying that hot body every night. You’ve got a golden ticket, Em. Enjoy the ride.”
She’s not getting it. “It’s not just the physical aspect I’m worried about,” I admit, my voice quieter now. “What if I fall for him?”
Lisa goes silent for a moment, and when she speaks again, her tone is serious. “You won’t. You can’t. That’s the fastest route to getting hurt, and you know it. Keep your emotions out of this, Em.”
“Easier said than done,” I mutter, knowing she’s right but also knowing how hard it will be to follow that advice.
There’s a pause, then she says cheerfully, “Don’t forget yoga today! You could use the zen after your wild night.” She laughs, and before I can respond, she hangs up.
Maybe Lisa is right. Maybe I’m overthinking this. But there’s a sinking feeling in my gut that tells me last night wasn’t just a one-off moment of weakness.
My mind drifts back to Andrew, his arms around me, the way he held me like I was the only thing keeping him steady. The way his hands worked my body as if he was familiar with every nook.
I’ve never been that turned on. Never wanted someone as badly as I wanted Andrew. An ache forms between my legs from the memories. It was the hottest sex I’ve ever had.
I push away the memories but my body obviously has a mind of its own because it won’t let me forget. I’m so shameless and so wet right now. My breasts are heavy and I ache in my core.
Then, with a jolt of panic, I remember—I haven’t called my mother. Guilt floods me as I realize I’ve been so caught up in my own drama that I haven’t checked on my dad.
I find my mother’s number, my heart in my throat, and it feels like an eternity before she picks up.
“Emily,” she answers, her voice softer than usual, but there’s no immediate panic in her tone, and that gives me a sliver of hope.
“Morning Mom,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “How did Dad sleep last night?”
“He’s stable,” she says, and I release a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “The doctor was here earlier this morning. He explained that a coma brings down a person’s immunity, so he’s bound to catch a few infections. But they’re keeping a close eye on him, and the fever seems to be under control for now.”
Relief washes over me, but it’s quickly replaced by the familiar weight of worry. “That’s good to hear. That fever is worrying.”
“I know, sweetheart,” she says gently. “But the doctor thinks it’s manageable. We’re doing everything we can to keep him comfortable.”
I close my eyes, letting her words sink in. “Thank you, Mom. For everything. Please let me know if there’s any change, okay?”
“I will,” she promises, and then there’s a pause, like she’s considering saying something more. “Is everything okay with you?”
“I’m fine,” I lie, forcing a smile even though she can’t see it. “Just a lot on my plate right now.”