Page 43 of Cheater

“So, last night was wonderful, Derek,” I say, looking into his eyes. He twists sideways, too. “It really was,” I emphasize.

“Yeah,” he says softly, eyes sparkling as he runs the back of his fingers along my cheek sweetly.

Gosh, this guy is swoony.

“And it’s not something I’ve ever done before,” I go on, “A casual one-night thing. Especially when I’m already in a relationship. But… I actually didn’t technically cheat on my fiancé. I’m not the cheater type. At all. I actually had permission to do this, and I didn’t even know if I could, but you kind of made yourself irresistible.”

I’m hoping the honest compliment will soften things here.

He cocks his knee as he adjusts his position a little, and props his elbow on the back of the couch, putting his chin on his palm. He patiently waits for me to continue.

With intent, I get up and walk to the counter to grab my bag and fish around until I find my engagement ring. I slide it back on my finger and then I look at him. He’s staring at my hand.

I stay where I am.

“Late last year, my fiancé was in a bad accident. He suffered a spinal cord injury and to say things have been tough is an understatement.” I moisten my lips.

Derek doesn’t visibly react, so I keep talking. “He can’t… um… you know…”

“Fuck you,” he finishes for me, straight-faced.

The harsh way he says it feels a little off, but I nod. “No. He can’t. He–”

“I know,” he states.

I frown.

“You know?” I parrot.

What?

“How do you know?” I ask, coming back to sit beside him.

He scratches his jaw and rubs his lips together for a second while I fix the shirt after accidentally flashing him.

“The night we met? I heard your conversation with your friend. I know all about the hall pass.”

The room twirls. I grab for the edge of the couch cushion to steady myself.

He keeps going, “I was listening in on and watching the bartender. He was stealing from the club, also from patrons, so I was gathering proof of theft and I happened to overhear what you and the blonde were talking about. It caught my attention.”

I blink in shock. Utter shock.

I try to recall my and Alannah’s exact conversation. It’s a little foggy, but snippets wash over me. And those snippets make bile rise up into my throat.

I cup my mouth, absolute mortification sinking in with the reality of what Derek is saying to me.

“Don’t.” He leans forward. “No need to be embarrassed, Chloe. I’m glad I heard that. I’m glad we met. I’m very glad you’re here right now.”

He reaches for my hand. I pull it back and shake my head.

“Oh my God,” I whisper. “I don’t know how much you heard, but… Oh God, I’m so embarrassed.”

“I heard it all. And don’t be.” He puts his hand on my leg.

I back up. I’m not just embarrassed. Anger is flooding my system.

“I… I’m gonna go.”

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