Page 56 of Mr. Infuriating

And I couldn’t help but think it wasn’t just about business that I wanted to bend my rules.

“Hey, speaking of being lucky to have you for my brother…”

He narrowed his eyes at me. “I never said those words, exactly.”

“Well, do you think you could help me load some cabinets into my truck after the game?”

Chapter Twenty

Gretchen

At five forty-five, I received a text from Gabe that he was on his way.

It was a small gesture, but I appreciated it. Troy had done that in the beginning of our marriage, but slowly got worse about it until he’d just stopped.

At the time, I’d chalked it up to him being so busy at work that he didn’t even have time to break away to call me.

I couldn’t count how many dinners I’d prepared that I’d ended up eating alone. By the time Jake was born, I didn’t even count on Troy to be home for dinner and would be surprised the few times he did show up.

And I’d actually felt bad for him, taking care to reheat his plate for him when he finally arrived home. Even if I were already in bed, I’d get up to ensure he had a warm meal.

I’d been so stupid.

Troy had shown me all along who he was, but I hadn’t wanted to believe it. I’d been so desperate for him to be the husband and father I’d made him out to be in my head that I ignored all the warning signs: late nights, showering the second he got home, moving his phone so I couldn’t see who he was texting, constantly picking fights. I’d even chalked our lack of intimacy up as a byproduct of how much he was working to provide for his family. He did, however, find time to work out on a regular basis. I convinced myself it was so he’d be a healthydad.

Even when my attorney told me that Troy wanted to relinquish custody, I’d made excuses for him, wanting—needing—for them to be true. How could he not want at least partial custody of our son? He fought me more for the mattress than he had our child.

I’d been so devastated when I realized he really didn’t care about Jake that I would have let him walk away without having to pay child support. Fortunately, my attorney quickly put the kibosh on that.

In exchange for no alimony, I got the house—and the mortgage. Granted, it was at an enviable interest rate in today’s market, and I had good equity, but making the monthly payment on my salary stretched me thin.

I was awarded child support, although it was the lowest amount Troy could get away with since I had sole custody of Jake. When my ex relinquished his parental rights, my heart hurt for my son that his dad wouldn’t be in his life. But as time passed, I came to see it as a blessing. Troy was the last person my son should look to as an example on how to be a good man.

When it came time to sign divorce papers, I’d finally come to see my ex for what he really was.

I vowed the next time a man showed me his true colors, I wouldn’t try to put a rosy spin on it. Which was why things between Gabe and I had to end tomorrow morning, after one more night of amazing sex. I’d tuck away the memories of our weekend together and bring them out for future use with my battery-operated boyfriend.

Gabe had flat-out told me he wasn’t interested in more kids. Jake and I were a package deal, not to mention I wantedmore kids. I had no grand illusions that Gabe would change his mind.

But hopefully he’d find a way to work with me about making payments on the cabinets.

A thought popped in my head.

What if he wanted the occasional hookup in exchange for making a deal?

The idea didn’t repulse me like the little voice in my head—the one that sounded an awful lot like my mother’s—said it should. In fact, thinking about it kind of turned me on.

What did that say about me?

That raising Jake in Lancastle is important, and I’ll do what it takes to make that happen.

It was a weak justification for a kink that I hadn’t been aware I had until last night.

And why should I have to justify it? I’m a modern, single woman. He’s a virile, single man. We’re consenting adults…

That annoying voice whispered,I’m also a mom and teacher who’s supposed to be a role model.

Would something like that violate the morality clause in my contract?

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