After Hours

Chapter 2

Since Noah travels a lot, we do our best to remain intimate as much as possible. I once read that sleeping naked with your partner creates a stronger bond so we have done it ever since. I'm laying beneath the thin sheet on our bed, checking my phone in hopes of receiving a text. When I got home earlier I texted him but he never replied. After an hour of waiting, the bedroom door opens. I smile as he enters the room. "Hey, babe."

"Hey," he says tiredly.

"Leave your stuff by the door and I'll take care of it in the morning," I say.

He leaves his luggage at the door and goes to his side of the bed. Leaning down, he turns on the lamp before he empties his pockets and takes off his watch. I watch as he undresses, stopping at his boxers and that's when I know something is wrong. He sits on the edge of the bed and turns to me. "We should talk."

I frown. "What is it?"

He rubs his hands over his face. "I fucked up," he groans. "I fucked up really bad."

"Is it about the money? Did something happen with one of the hotels?" I ask worriedly.

His hands drop into his lap and he looks at me with the most pained expression I have ever seen. "I cheated on you and I have never regretted something more in my entire life. As much as I wish I could take it back, I can't. All I can do is tell you the truth and answer all of your questions."

My body is completely numb and for some odd reason, I can't seem to cry. "Okay," I mutter, not knowing what else to say.

I can tell he truly regrets it but that doesn't change the fact that he did it. My mind is foggy and I can't seem to string together a sentence so I lay down and turn my back to him. The weight of his words linger over me and I can feel the pain now but I still can't cry - my body won't allow it. After a long moment, he shuts the lamp off and lays beside me, careful to keep a reasonable distance between us. The coldness wraps around me and I hug the blanket a little tighter.

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The next morning I shower and get dressed but don't make breakfast like I normally would. I can't seem to find the strength to do anything for him after what he did. He doesn't deserve it. So I sit at the table with a glass of orange juice as I check my emails. When Noah appears in the kitchen, I avoid eye contact. He sits across from me and takes a deep breath. "I can answer any questions you have. Don't be afraid to ask. I need to be honest with you."

"Who was she?" I ask.

"Her name was Nicole. I met her at a club while I was out with the guys."

"Do you plan on seeing her again?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "Of course not. Neither of us had any intention of contacting each other after it."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" I ask calmly. "Do you remember why my ex and I broke up? One of his one night stands told him she was pregnant and he didn't know if it was his. What if the same thing happens to you?"

"It won't. I know I'm stupid but I still used a condom."

I raise an eyebrow. "That tells me that you were already planning on it."

His eyes widen. "No. She had the condom."

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. "I have to go to work."

Opening my eyes, I gather my things and place my glass in the sink. Neither of us says anything as I walk out the door, grabbing my sunglasses on the way. I may not have cried, but the lack of sleep definitely shows. Putting them on, I get into my car and make my way over to the property where Jackson, John, my team and I are meeting. When I park my car in the empty lot, I am pleased to find my team already taking measurements and notes on the property. I go stand with John and Jackson near their cars. "Good morning," Jackson smiles.

"Good morning," I reply.

One of my team members shows me their progress so far while one of the others talks with John and Jackson about the process for getting supplies and obtaining permits. The three of us stand around for almost an hour as my team does their jobs, making calls and taking notes. When a car pulls onto the lot, everyone's eyes are on it and I want to scream in frustration. I make my way over to the car as Noah steps out wearing a suit. "What are you doing here?" I ask.

"I called your office to arrange lunch later but your office said you were here with him."

I sigh in annoyance. "This really isn't the time for you to be jealous. It's a fucking job. We didn't even realize we'd be working together until we met yesterday."

"Why didn't you tell me you were working with him?" he asks.

"Why didn't you tell me you were unhappy?" I counter. "I tried being everything you wanted and more but apparently it wasn't enough."

"I am happy. I love you - you know that. I had been drinking and -"

"Look, this isn't the time. My client is waiting and my employees need my help."

He frowns. "Can we go out for lunch so we can talk?"

"What's there to talk about?" I ask, exasperated. "You met a girl and you fucked her. That's all I need to know. Just give me some space."

He stares at me for a long moment before glancing behind me. "Will you still come home?"

I sigh. "Yes. Just go please."

He hesitates for a moment before climbing back into his car and driving away. Sighing, I turn around and make my way over to Jackson and John. After a few words with the contractor and the other men, we part ways.

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