Page 55 of Teacher's Pet

Half naked. Smug. Like he belonged here.

He was beautiful,yes, that was an undeniable fact, but there was venom in his eyes and a smirk on his lips.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” I snarled. “Where is my wife? What did you—” I grabbed a fistful of his hair, pulling just enough to make him wince.

“Ow—stop,” he whined. “I didn’t do anything!”

“You expect me to believe that? Where is she, you stupid little—”

“She saw us. Okay? There. She saw us and left, idiot.” The last word was muttered, but I heard it.

I froze, letting go of his hair. “What the hell do you mean she saw us? Us doing what? Answer me.”

Ryan sat up straighter. “What do you think? She saw us laying here together and just assumed.”

“Just assumed?” I scoffed. “Why are you even in my bed, Ryan? You seriously want me to believe this was a coincidence? You think I don’t know your type?”

“My type? Fuck you. I was doing you a favor.”

“A favor?” My voice rose. “You made my wife think we were sleeping together. Did you do that on purpose?”

He didn’t answer. And the look on his face told me everything.

“So what if I did?” Ryan shot back. “You didn’t even want a baby, and she’s cheated on you before. I heard it. So what’s the big deal? I’m helping you dodge a bullet. A little gratitude wouldn’t kill you—”

“Dodge a bullet?” My voice rose. “You ditzy idiot. She’s my wife. If we have a baby, that has nothing to do with you.”

He stood, tugging up his pants with an air of defiance.

“She wasn’t good enough for you.”

I barked out a laugh that held no humor. “And you know what’s good for me? You? You’re a child.”

This couldn’t be happening. My chest felt tight as I yanked on boxers, searching for my phone like my life depended on it.

Where the hell did she go?

Message after message from Lilly lit up the screen. And a few from my mother.

Lilly:

You’re such a coward. All those years I thought you forgave me for one mistake, and you were just waiting to get back at me.

Hope screwing that blonde was worth it.

And really, a boy? He looked like a teenager, you piece of shit.

You’re a real piece of work. Expect divorce papers. Don’t bother apologizing. I’m done.

Mother:

Why is your wife blowing up my phone?

My God, Nathaniel, what did you do?

You stepped out? Call me. Now.

“Fuck.” I tried her number. Straight to voicemail. Again. And again.