Every Last Secret(18)
“Which is why we hired her.” I picked up my bag, mentally done with the conversation. “Look, I love you, but I’m going to run.”
“Okay.” She kissed my cheek and gave me a warm hug. “We leave Thursday, so let’s grab lunch before then. And wait a minute.” Walking over to the bookshelf, she pulled out a thin binder and set it on the counter. Flipping through the pages of business cards, she paused, then worked a white card free of its plastic holder. “Here.”
I examined the gold-embossed print on the card. Tom Beck. Beck Private Investigations. “Is this the guy who followed Josh?”
“Shhh . . .” She glanced into the hall to make sure her teenagers weren’t around. “Yes. He’s good. Really good.”
“I’m not having anyone follow—”
“It’s not for William. Lord knows that man is head over heels for you. But if I were you, I’d have Tom do some digging on Neena. She’s your next-door neighbor and your employee. You should find out more about who you’re bringing into your life.”
“I don’t know . . .” Even as I wavered, I dropped the card into the open neck of my purse.
She shrugged. “Just keep his info and think about it. And if you do call, tell him that I sent you. He’ll take good care of you.”
I gave her a hug and tried to dismiss the idea of hiring a private investigator to look into William’s newest employee. He’d be furious. HR would have already done a criminal background check and drug test. William would accuse me of paranoia and snooping.
It was a crazy idea. But then again, what harm could it do? And how would he ever find out?
CHAPTER 10
NEENA
With the phone pressed to my ear, I rounded the far end of the lake and glanced at the Winthorpe building, the reflection of water and sky glimmering against its all-glass facade. The first floor was retail, the second Winthorpe Capital. Tech occupied the third and fourth floors, and the top was under construction—rumored to be the future home of Winthorpe Development.
Matt was in the third minute of a long and drawn-out story about propane-tank relocations. I cut him off as I entered the north section of the trail, and the view of Winthorpe disappeared behind the row of cypress trees. “I have to run. I’ll call you in a few hours. I love you.”
He returned the sentiment, and I ended the call and worked the cell phone into the side pocket of my bag.
I did love Matt. No matter where our marriage and relationship would eventually go, I would always love him—if for no other reason than the fact that he was heartbreakingly in love with me. I could screw William Winthorpe on the middle of Matt’s desk and he’d still take me back. Beg me to stay. Bring me flowers and believe that I deserved them. With that sort of unwavering loyalty and security, why wouldn’t I stray?
My first affair was so innocent. Lust plus opportunity equals sex. It was quick, dirty, and pointless, the excitement fading as soon as the man returned to his twenty-two-year-old girlfriend.
The next lasted longer. A series of midday meetings, my enjoyment heightening as the affair grew deeper. When it ended, I immediately returned to the hunt, addicted to the tumultuous risk.
Matt’s younger and better-looking brother was next, and the close proximity fueled my arousal to new levels. After our first time together, he cried, dismayed at what he’d done—and I’d never felt so empowered. After all, what better ego boost than to know that a man had risked his most crucial relationship to be with you?
I watched as William Winthorpe rounded the bend in the trail, his head dropped in thought. He was a man of habit, and I quickened my pace, wanting to meet him before he moved past the services center that housed, among other things, a restaurant.
William was a man with everything to lose. The perfect wife. The perfect life. The reputation of the community, of his businesses, and of his charity foundation. Would he risk any of it for me?
Mark had been a feather in my cap. Ned Plymouth, a million-dollar payday. An affair with William Winthorpe would overshadow them both by leaps and bounds. At just the thought, my thighs tightened, my breathing shallowed, and I struggled to walk slowly, casually, as the distance between us shortened.
“Neena.” He came to a sudden stop. “What are you doing out here?”
“Needed to clear my head.” I glanced around, pleased to see that the path was empty. “The fresh air helps.”
He chuckled. “Yeah.”
I nodded to the sleek glass building beside us, a smaller version of the Winthorpe tower, and one that contained a small bistro. “I was actually about to stop in and grab something to eat. Have you had lunch?” I knew he hadn’t. His schedule, like everything else in his life, was precise. A long walk at eleven thirty, followed by lunch. Afternoon meetings, then home by seven. Tick. Tock. Every day. Was the monotony killing him yet?
“Not yet.” He glanced at the building, hesitating.
“They have a killer grilled-cheese sandwich,” I offered. “You have to try it.” I took a few steps backward toward the entrance and gave him a teasing smile. “Come on . . .”
“Grilled cheese?” He squinted at me. “I thought you were no carb.”
“I like to cheat every once in a while.” I winked at him and could tell the moment when his resolve wavered. The fun side always got to them. Dark and tempting was intriguing, but light and happy paired with breathless admiration was the strong cocktail that fed bad decisions. An unexpected combination of the two and I’d have him naked in my bed within the month.