Page 14 of Checkmate
“What do you mean?”
“You’re a flirt, Alex. You can try to deny it, but I’ve seen you in action. It’s never bothered me because you’ve never given me a reason to doubt you. However, I’d hate to think you were giving the wrong impression.”
“Okay, I may flirt just a little, but never enough to make someone think they have a chance. And it’s not like I hide that I’m married.”
He held up his hand, pointing to his wedding ring. Erica raised an eyebrow, tilting her head.
“Why are you getting so defensive?” She asked. “You’re not on trial, Alex.”
He stared at her, not really looking at her. For a moment, Erica thought they were heading towards an argument, feeling herself tensing. But then Alex relaxed, looking away and dropping his hand.
“Sorry, love. You’re right, I’m overreacting. I see your point, and I’ll watch the flirting.” He cleared his throat, his eyes darting around the room as though looking for an escape. “Do you mind if I head downstairs? I think I need to let off some steam.”
“Good idea,” she agreed, gathering their plates. “Go release some frustrations and I’ll tidy away dinner.” She smiled over at him. “If you’re lucky, I’ll give you a massage when you’re done.”
“You’re an angel, Alex said, kissing the top of her head as he passed her. She smiled at him, but inside her stomach was churning. Something about that entire interaction felt off, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on why.
Had Sophie actually dared to try something? Was that why Alex was being so cagey?
Erica couldn’t imagine any scenario where Alex wouldn’t tell her. Over the years, they’d laughed as people attempted to hit on them, understanding that, despite their commitment to one another, it didn’t stop others from trying their luck.
He would have told her. She had no doubt about that.
Unless he had something to hide.
Erica shook her head at the thought, gathering their plates before the idea could take hold of her mind. She needed to do something physical, something to keep her mind busy.
Opting to wash the dishes by hand, she stared out of the kitchen window, casting her gaze over the darkening shadows that danced in their garden.
Would she know if he did something?
Erica watched her reflection in the window as her lip curled. Why was she entertaining such a stupid thought?
In a world of so many changing things, something Erica had complete faith in was Alex’s love for her. He was her one constant and would never risk losing the life they shared.
No. Absolutely not.
Her reflection paused, a soapy dish in one hand, a sponge in the other. Erica noted the apprehensive expression on her face, tilting her head as she studied herself.
Alex was more attentive these days. More generous with his time. Surely, in whatever cheater’s handbook that was out there, treating your spouse better was rule number one. Even if to throw them off the scent.
He was spending more time with Sophie. The two of them were constantly in touch, often in such close quarters to one another.
There were suddenly longer workdays and extended meetings that had him arriving home later and later.
“Stop it, Erica!”
Scowling at her reflection, Erica washed her hands and turned away from the window, taking a couple of calming breaths.
She had worked herself up into a panic for absolutely no reason at all. Alex had never and would never hurt her in that way. She was positive about that.
She had allowed another woman’s actions to cause a lack of faith in her husband, and that was unacceptable.
Resolving to forget the whole silly thing, Erica left the kitchen and made a beeline for her crafts room.
Sitting in front of her laptop, she pushed a button and waited as light erupted from the screen. Still paused on an online tutorial, Erica grabbed her latest project and pressed play.
Dark skies replaced a setting sun as Erica focused on her current stitch, her eyes straining as she lost the natural lighting.
