Love, Lies, and Spies

We all followed behind Tracy and headed into the conference room.

The moment we stepped inside, Colin started yelling at us without warning. He laid into everyone with a harsh scolding, and we were all left blinking at each other, completely confused.

From what we could gather, an out-of-town order had fallen through. Apparently, someone in the company had messed up, and it cost us the deal.

It had something to do with our reputation. Word was, someone had too much to drink and started running their mouth, saying all kinds of nonsense about the company.

The client ended up thinking that the company was a total mess.

In the end, they backed out. The contract we were supposed to sign next week was cancelled.

We were all exchanging looks, each of us wondering who the idiot was.

After Colin finally cooled off, he got down to business. The meeting turned to what we were going to do about it, and eventually, Colin said he'd handle the negotiations himself next week.

The meeting lasted around half an hour. Afterward, one of my coworkers grumbled as he walked over, eyebrows knit. "Seriously, dragging us in on the weekend for this?"

I replied, "Right? Wasn't Mrs. Booth the one who called the meeting? How'd it end up being Mr. Booth instead?"

My coworker shrugged. "Who knows with those two. Whatever's going on between them, salarymen like us aren't meant to understand."

As the meeting ended and I headed downstairs, I ran into Tracy, who was holding her bag.

"Honey? Honey, wait up!" she called.

I paused by the stairwell. "Weren't you lounging at home? What are you doing here all of a sudden?"

She was fully made-up—foundation, lipstick, the works. Stunning as always.

Judging by how long it usually took her to get ready, she must've spent at least half an hour putting herself together.

She said, "Oh, right after you left, Mr. Booth called me and told me to come to the meeting too."

I raised an eyebrow. "Well, you got ready fast."

She laughed. "Women can be quick when they want to be. It's the men who shouldn't be fast."

I couldn't help but chuckle. I caught the dirty joke right away.

On the bus ride home, I asked, "Nothing going on today?"

She shook her head. "Nope. It's the weekend; what could I have going on?"

But what I really meant was, why was she heading home with me this early? Shouldn't she be off somewhere with Colin on weekends?

I asked, "Is Mrs. Booth staying home?"

She frowned a little. "No idea. Why do you keep bringing them up?"

I scratched my head, not sure how to reply.

The bus was packed. What was I supposed to do? Ask her outright why she wasn't off cuddling up with Colin, or whether his wife was home so they couldn't sneak around?

I kept my mouth shut and dropped the subject.

The next few days passed quietly, just like always. Tracy stayed close, sticking to me like glue. Honestly, it was starting to feel like… like she really was my wife.

Then came another weekend morning. I woke up feeling something heavy on my chest. I didn't even have to look—I already knew Tracy had snuck into my room again while I was sleeping.

I pulled the covers back, looked down, and there she was, fast asleep. She was wearing a thin tank top, her pale, smooth skin glowing in the morning light. Her curves were impossible to ignore.

I mean, I was a normal man. With her throwing herself at me like this, I'd probably need to get checked out if I didn't do something about it.

While she slept, I leaned in and kissed her. She slowly opened her eyes but didn't pull away.

I wrapped my arms around her. She moved closer, resting her face on my chest.

In that moment, my whole body felt like it was on fire. I was excited—who wouldn't be? But more than that, I was confused.

Just a few days ago, she wouldn't even let me into her room. Now she was all over me like this?

I rolled on top of her, ready to take the next step, but she suddenly gasped and pushed at me. "No—don't!"

"Huh?" My pants were already halfway off. Was she being serious?

"Anything but that," she begged. "Please."

She was trembling, her body curled up. She looked terrified.

I asked, "Why not? Is it that time of the month?"

She shook her head.

Judging by the look on her face, I knew it wasn't happening. Not today.

With a sigh, I turned over.

She snuggled up behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist. I picked up my phone to check my messages.

There was a missed call and a text—both from Tracy.

The timestamp said it was sent just after midnight.

I opened the message, and what I read hit me like a punch to the chest.

[Honey, Mr. Booth asked me to go on a business trip with him to Joselton. I'll probably be gone for three or four days. Take care of yourself, okay? Don't skip breakfast. Love, Tracy]

Tracy had left for a trip last night?

Then who the hell was the woman lying behind me right now?