Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(59)

“When I walked in earlier I was surprised to see someone who looks like you working there. A friend of mine told me it was run by a bunch of old married men.”

“I guess your friend is mistaken.”

She’s even closer. “Maybe after work you could show me around?”

“That’s not a good idea.” I hold up my ring finger. “I’m married.”

She laughs and bites down on her lower lip. “That’s too bad. You’re the first guy I’ve hit on in as long as I can remember.”

She’s throwing me bones and I’m just not desperate enough to take them. “Sorry. Married with a kid. That’s me.”

“You country boys are so boring. Girls like me don’t care if you have a ring on your finger.” She leans closer to my ear while I stare at the building. “Your little wife will never have to know about me. I’m only in town for a week. If you change your mind I’d like to go for another kind of ride.”

What the f*ck?

Was this a nightmare?

Is this my conscience playing tricks on me?

She keeps talking. “I better go inside before I make you want to do bad things.” I feel her hand on my thigh.

This is insane.

Just as she reaches the hem where she’ll find my dick I shove her hand away. “What the hell is wrong with you? I said I was married. If I wanted to f*ck around on my wife I sure as hell wouldn’t point that out. People like you need chastity belts. You’re the reason good men lose everything.”

“Haven’t you ever wanted to be bad? Haven’t you ever done things because you can’t resist?” She’s snickering and I’m disgusted.

“I’ve looked, but never touched, and I’m not going to now. It’s not worth it. You’re not worth it. I love my wife.”

“Who cares about that? You’re here, I’m here. We’re both two attractive people passing the time. The things I could do to you would be life-changing. It’s nature’s way. Humans weren’t meant to be monogamous.”

She’s unbelievable, and I’ve had enough. “Just get the f*ck out. You can walk your ass back to the dealership for all I care. Fuck the review.” She doesn’t move. I suppose she’s stunned. “Did I stutter?” I question.

“Just to be clear, you’re turning me down? If I take my clothes off and straddle you in this car would you still feel the same, or will you break down and give me all you have to offer?”

She’s up in my face again. I guess she expects me to pounce. I bring my lips as close as possible without touching her. “Get the f*ck away from me before I knock your ass out.”

Now she’s finally gotten the hint. She’s readjusting her skirt and turning, but not making any effort to exit the car. “This could have ended badly for you, Brandon.”

Wait. “Did I tell you my name?”

“No.” She’s putting the cardigan back on. “You didn’t have to. I knew exactly who you were when the appointment was made today.”

Now I’m really getting pissed. “What are you talking about? Who told you to do this? Was it the guys in the office? Is this some kind of joke?”

I’m sure this is someone at my work playing a trick on me. I’ve told them I spent the last couple nights with Shayla and they seem to believe nothing has changed. They keep rubbing it in my face.

“I assure you, it’s no joke.” She extends her hand with composure, unlike any she’s displayed this whole time we’ve been in the car. “Thank you for turning me down. I didn’t want to have to go through with anything.”

“Go through with anything? Tell me right now who put you up to this?”

“I’m Shayla’s friend, Char. We haven’t been formally introduced.”

I can’t believe this. “What? Shay put you up to this?” Before I can say something that will get back to her I have to calm down. “Why would she do that?”

“She had to know the truth.”

“Which is what?”

“That you can be faithful, even when no one will ever discover the truth. I have to say, I gave it my all. My tits were practically hanging out and you barely gave them a glance. The man she described to me wouldn’t dare turn that down. Shayla is wrong about you, Brandon, and I can’t wait to be the one to tell her.” She climbs out of the car. “I’m just going to walk back to the dealership to get my car. Congratulations. You passed the test.”

Okay, I’m pissed.

I’ve done everything she’s asked of me only to be seduced by her friend to prove my faithfulness. In so many ways I want to call her up and let her have it. She deserves to be punished for putting me through hell for months. She’s playing head games with my heart, and now this.

When she notices I haven’t left the parking lot, Char approaches. She knocks on the window and I roll it down enough to hear her. “I saw you sitting out here. I told her this was a bad idea. I knew either way you’d be pissed.”

“Why? I don’t get it. We were so close to reconciling.”

“Don’t you get it? Shayla has worked her ass off to be the person you fell in love with. She’s taken time to reinvent herself. There was just one thing she’s never been able to shake and it’s prevented you from getting your family back.”