Page 34 of Checkmate
“Younger. But much smarter than me.”
What a perfect icebreaker.
Marcus was completely at ease as Erica shrugged off her jacket, a sure sign that she had also deemed him safe.
“I think she’s probably desperate for you to kidnap me so she can show off how prepared she was.”
“Surely not?” Marcus laughed, watching as amusement flickered in Erica’s eyes, making them sparkle under the light above them.
“Maybe not quite that bad,” she admitted. “But she’s definitely waiting for a reason to use your number.”
“Well, I have no plans on giving her one,” he said, taking another drink.
Silence settled between them, forcing Marcus to remember why they were there.
“So,” he said, shifting in his seat.
“So,” Erica replied, sitting up straighter. “Have you confronted Sophie yet?”
Marcus shook his head.
He’d wanted to so many times, and when she’d brought home that fucking lingerie, he’d nearly broken.
How heartless did she have to be to bring sexy clothes to the home she shared with her husband, knowing she was going to wear them for another man?
And then to model them for him just to cover her tracks.
As if he’d go anywhere near her, knowing what she had been up to. But man, did it feel good to reject her after riling her up.
His joy was short-lived, however. The sound of her sobs carried down to where he sat at his desk and he’d felt like a prick.
He wished he could be as heartless as she was.
“I’m going to presume Alex doesn’t know either,” he said, refocusing on Erica. He didn’t need her to answer. He was sure Sophie would have something to say about Alex’s marriage imploding.
“No. And I don’t plan on saying anything for a while.”
He paused with his cup halfway to his lips, raising his eyebrow. “You don’t?”
“I don’t think so,” she said with a shrug. “Although it depends entirely on the outcome of this conversation.”
“You’ve piqued my interest,” he admitted, finally taking a drink. “So, what’s up?”
“I think we should have an affair.”
Whatever Marcus had been expecting, that wasn’t it. He spluttered on his drink, banging his fist against his chest to clear his throat.
Across from him, Erica hid a smile behind her hand, watching him as her eyes sparkled.
“Erica,” he said, clearing his throat again. “You’re an incredibly beautiful woman, but I don’t cheat. Even if they deserve it.”
Erica remained silent, her expression giving away nothing. After a moment, she dropped her hand, composing herself.
“Good. I’m not a cheat either.”
“So, then… what? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
She took a drink and Marcus followed suit, just for something to do with his hands. His head was spinning, and he needed to ground himself.
