Page 33 of The Unexpected Match

He sighs. “I know that was unnecessary. I’m just under a lot of pressure.”

Hesitantly, I sit at the bar. “It was more than unnecessary. It was cruel. How long did it take before you even realized I left?”

He deflects my question, setting me on edge. “I figure the only way for us to get back to the same place we were would be if I started staying home more. So, here I am.”

I stare at him, dumbfounded. I did want this at one point, didn’t I?

“I don’t know that I want you here after how you treated me. How you’vebeentreating me,” I reply, trying to force some bravado into my tone that I sure as hell don’t feel.

“Of course you do. I’m your husband.” The gleam in his eye frightens me.

I walk away, going up to the room I stayed in with Connor. We were never together in the master, because even with all the shit Andy has pulled, it still felt disrespectful to my marriage. At this moment, I am thankful I made that decision. I don’t want to sleep next to him. I don’t even want to be in the same room as him. Having this space that I shared with Connor makes me feel safe. I lock the door behind me and pull my phone out of my back pocket, opening the text app and sending two texts, the first to Connor.

Hadley:

Hey, baby. Call me when you can. Not urgent. I just need to hear your voice.

I add a kissing emoji before pressing send. The next text goes to the group chat.

Hadley:

My night went from joyful buzz to WTF. I came home to Andy in the kitchen declaring he will be staying here to “repair our relationship.”

The response from the group chat is instant.

Kat:

What in the actual fuck?

Ryan:

Jesus, Pickle, I didn’t think that you had that in you. What the hell though, Had? Are you OK?

Hadley:

I don’t know. I’m staying in the spare room. I don’t know what to think. He’s not who he was when we got married anymore. If he’s willing to try, though, shouldn’t I?

The texting is interrupted by an incoming call. I can’t help but smile when I see his name. I press the accept button and bring the phone to my ear.

“Hey, baby.”

“Mo stór, what’s going on?” His voice is laced with concern.

“Well…” I let out a sigh. “Andy was here when I got home. Apparently, he’s staying here to repair our relationship.”

“Oh.” The defeat in his voice breaks my heart. “Is that what you want?”

“I don’t know,” I admit. “I’m sleeping in the spare room. I’m not ready to share a bed with him.” I pause for a moment. “If you need to walk away, Connor, I understand.”

“Oh, beautiful,” he growls. “I don’t care if you’re married. You. Are. Mine.”

He enunciates the last three words to ensure there is no mistake in his meaning. It sends intoxicating chills through my body.

“Am I going to see you tomorrow night?” I change the subject to try to lighten the mood.

“I’ll be there at five. Stay the night with me?” he asks, his voice husky.

“I’d love to.” I smile brightly at nothing but my inner thoughts. “How late are you working tonight, babe?”

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