Page 22 of Her Filthy Mistake

I inhale and slowly exhale while reopening my eyes.

“Yes, it is.” She crosses her arms over her chest, causing her breasts to flow over the tops of her arms, and threatens to give me a heart attack. I lick my lips. I have better control than this. “You didn’t catch me right. It’s almost like you wanted me to fall.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Let’s do it again.” Elise claps her hands and instructs our movements again.

As I catch her again, I growl under my breath. Seriously? I’m such a pussy that I keep doing this rather than walking out?

“Again!”

This time, Zoe’s body moves slowly toward me. As she nears my chest, I cradle her against me, and the air evaporates from my lungs. Her slender neck is close enough to kiss and it takes everything in my power not to indulge until we crumble to the floor and…. Shit. Wake up.

She glances over her shoulder, and the heat swirling in her eyes is a mixture of desire and regret. I suck down a gulp of air, taking in her scent, and my chest tightens. Shit. Get control of yourself. Her lashes lower, denying me access to her gaze. Was it desire? Or was that wishful thinking on my part?

Her body feels perfect against mine as I splay my hands along her taut belly. During the previous trust fall, her cover-up came untied and now her silken skin is under my fingertips. Every inch of my body zings with excitement. I want….

She scrambles upright while straightening her cover-up. The color on her cheeks makes her even prettier, which thirty seconds before, I wouldn’t have thought was possible.

“Well done.” Our instructor beams at us as if we’re her greatest success story. “Take a quick break, and we’ll meet back in here for the second portion of the session.”

Chapter Twelve

Zoe

The second I see my mom; I grab her arm and haul her over to the side of the hallway. The atrium windows overlook the crystal blue sky and ocean, momentarily making me forget that I’m angry. What I wouldn’t give to stay in paradise and pretend Jace and I were a real couple enhancing our already amazing relationship–just because.

Right. My mom and Landon. I cross my arms over my chest. “Why are we here?”

“Because you dragged me away from everyone and into the atrium.” She glances around the room at the potted plants, lounge chairs, and other intimate seating arrangements. “And it’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is. But you know that’s not what I meant. Why are you and Landon at a marriage boot camp? Is something wrong? Did he cheat?” I know it isn’t true, but I’m hoping to shatter her resolve and force her hand. I want the truth this time.

“That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it?” I tilt my head and study her as color stains her cheeks.

“Yes, it is. Landon wouldn’t cheat on me. I can’t believe you even said that. Not after everything with your father.”

“And it’s ridiculous that you’re at a resort for married couples on the brink of divorce and dragging me around, forcing me to participate. Especially since you and Landon couldn’t be more in love.”

“You’re right.” She glances around, looking to see if anyone is listening in on our conversation. “Okay, here’s the deal, my boss is thinking about buying the resort, and he wanted to know everything about it, from the way the staff interacted to the programs they present, but he didn’t want them to know who he is or that they were being monitored, so he sent me. He’s paying for the trip and wanted me to recruit some people or couples to go through everything as if they were paying customers.”

“Oh….” I straighten and drop my arms to my sides. “Why didn’t you say that in the first place?”

“I told Landon we were here as an anniversary present, and that I won the top prize in a contest.” Her face flushes as she slips a strand of hair behind her ear.

“So, he doesn’t know either?”

“No.” She grabs my upper arm as the bracelets on her wrist clink together. “You’re the only one that knows, and you can’t screw this up. I’ve got to come back to my boss with a completely authentic review of the resort. Can you go along with everything and help me out? I’d appreciate it.”

“Of course.” I’d do anything for my mom. She’s been my biggest supporter and best advocate throughout all my life.

When I played sports or sang in the choir, she was there in the front row with her video camera or cell phone, recording the activity. And why was she recording everything? Because my dad was too busy to come. He was too busy for…. everything. But then she met Landon. He’s never put work or anything before her. Like right now. He’s standing several yards away, watching her every move with eyes that light up when they meet hers. And my dad is absent. Arriving later. Always later.

“Thank you, dear.” She leans over and kisses my cheek. “I’m so glad you’re my daughter. I love you, Zayden, and Zorya so much.” Her eyes darken as thoughts of Zayden and the dangers of his job take some of the joy out of her exotic getaway.

“Mom.” I wrap my arms around her, absorbing her slight tremor. “He’ll be fine. He’s a smart man, and while he takes risks, they’re calculated for safety. He also has a great team around him.” I frown and wrinkle my nose. “Where is Zorya? I hope she’s not stuck in the room with nothing to do.”

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