The Affair

Chapter 1

2 1/2 YEARS BEFORE...

As I go up in the elevator I straighten my tie and look myself over. I'm pretty well dressed up tonight, in a three piece suit complete with my tie pin and John Lobb Oxford style shoes. They go well with the navy blue of my suit and the red tie.

I'd much rather be at home right now, reading a book, writing, or lounging around my apartment. Parties aren't really my thing, they haven't been since I was much younger. I'm fine with going to a bar if it's not overcrowded or even a club, but this is a smaller scale. I'm sure I'll know a lot of people who are here tonight and they know I've just signed with a new publishing house, the owner of which is the man that's throwing this party.

The doors are opening and I'm stepping into the penthouse. I quickly take in my surroundings, straightening my already straight tie again, and run a hand through my hair. Why am I so anxious? It's just a stupid party.

It's vast, large, with high ceilings, and filled with people. It's not much different from my place, except for the furniture and colors. Soft music is playing from a small band situated in front of floor to ceiling windows. From those windows, even from where I'm standing way across the room, I can see my building in the distance.

"Would you like a drink sir?"

I look to an attractive young woman dressed in a waitress' uniform, smile, and nod.

"Yes, please. Thank you."

I take a glass of champagne off of the tray she holds and we continue to stare at one another for a moment. She's blushing and I can see that she wants to say something to me, so I wait.

"I'm a very big fan of yours, Mr. Maddox. I just wanted to say that."

I raise an eyebrow as I take a sip of my drink, grimace at the taste of the champagne, and sigh. She speaks quickly and it's obvious that she's nervous.

"Thank you... Lisa," I say quietly, leaning in to read her name tag. "Maybe before I leave tonight we can speak again."

She nods, excited by that prospect, and as she hurries off I stare after her. I wonder how hard it would be to get her to come back to my place with me. Probably not hard at all. I've just put a fresh set of sheets on my bed after sleeping with a woman last night and again this morning, so I wouldn't have to waste any time before getting her into bed.

"Maddox, over here."

I look to the crowd and see Hugh, waving me over to where he's standing in front of an ornate fireplace. I shoulder my way through, shaking hello to anyone who says hello to me first, and stop when I reach him. I'm smiling again, he shakes my hand firmly, and I turn my attention to the woman who's standing next him.

It's his wife, I know, because I've seen her picture in his office. I thought she was very attractive, but she's much more beautiful in person. Stunning, actually. Not just her face, but the glance I give her body is just as perfect.

"Darling, this is the writer I've been telling you about, Benjamin Maddox. Maddox, this is my wife, Theo."

I hold my hand out to her and she shakes it, I don't take my eyes off of her, and search her face. She's smiling at me and I focus on her eyes, which are the most lovely shade of green. The eyeliner and mascara she wears makes them pop. It goes well with her dark red hair and the freckles that are spread across her face.

"It's very nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you, too. Theo? Is that short for something else?"

"Theodora," she says with a smile. "But everyone calls me Theo."