An Unexpected Love (Women's Fiction/BWWM Romance) by Stacy-Deanne Page A

not
being open?”
    David rushed to Patrick’s desk. “I don’t
want you to get the wrong idea. But I’m struggling with something, and I’d like
to know your opinion.”
    “Okay.” Patrick put on his reading glasses
and started typing. “Shoot.”
    “Have you ever been attracted to another
woman while being with Layla?”
    “Course I have.” He chuckled. “That’s
normal. Is that all?”
    “Hell no, it ain’t all.” David lowered
himself into the chair. “We haven’t even scratched the surface yet.”

 

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    Patrick glanced from around his monitor. “Are
you having an affair?”
    “No.” David fidgeted. “I swear.”
    Patrick scooted away from the computer. “Do
you want to have one with someone?”
    “No, I...”
    Patrick glared underneath his glasses. “ David .”
    “Honestly, I don’t know if I want to or
not.”
    “Bullshit.” Patrick snatched off his
glasses and laid them down. “If that was the case, we wouldn’t be having this
conversation. You can be honest with me. I’m not gonna tell Val.”
    “Okay, I’m very much attracted to another
woman. But I love Val more than anything. I’d never risk my marriage to have an
affair.”
    “But…”
    “But I can’t stop thinking about this
woman.” A wave of relief flooded within him. “It feels so good to say it.”
    “You haven’t said shit yet.” Patrick
propped his elbow on the desk. “Who is this woman?”
    “She’s kind, compassionate, and funny. I’m
so comfortable with her…like I was when I first met Val. We can talk, and I
don’t have to worry about an argument.” He touched his blazer. “She seems so
wrapped up in me. She’s concerned about me. She asks me questions about my day and
how I’m feeling.—stuff Val doesn’t even think about these days.”
    “Who…is…this…woman?”
    “And she’s hot.” David whistled. “Woo wee.
She stirs up things inside of me. I mean, we have an emotional connection, but it’s
physical too. I can’t deny that anymore.”
    “Anymore?” Patrick picked up his glasses.
“How long have you known this woman? Is it someone you work with?”
    In answer, David looked at the carpet.
    “Do I know her?” Patrick probed.
    “Yes, very well.”
    Patrick seemed to contemplate the mystery.
“The only women I know very well that you know are Layla, her mother, Val, and
Corrine…” Patrick’s mouth hung open. “You got the hots for Corrine?”
    “ Uhhh …”
    Patrick grabbed him. “You got the hots for Corrine ?”
    David pushed him off. “You gotta broadcast
it, man?”
    “Oh no.” Patrick walked in a circle. “No…David…”
    “I know it’s wrong to feel this way, but I
can’t help it.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’ve tried to stop
thinking about her, but I can’t.”
    Patrick stopped in front of him. “You have
to.”
    “You just said it’s normal to be attracted
to someone other than your wife.”
    “Not your wife’s sister!” Patrick slumped back
behind his desk. “This is dangerous.” He sat down. “You have to let it go.”
    “I’m trying…but…”
    “Forget trying. You have to.” Patrick put his glasses back on. “Do you realize what
could happen if this turns into something more than an attraction? Not only
would you lose Val, but she’d kill both of you. She hates Corrine. She thinks
she caused that miscarriage.”
    “Which is ridiculous. Corrine wouldn’t
have wanted us to lose our baby.”
    “Too bad Val doesn’t agree. If she knew you
had these feelings for Corrine—of all people—she’d be devastated. It would hurt
her to the core.”
    “I know.” David closed his eyes. “It’s not
like I want to feel this way. Ever since we met, Corrine and I had a
connection. I always said if I hadn’t met Val first, I think Corrine would be
the one.”
    “Well, you did meet Val first.” Patrick
pointed at him. “You can’t even put yourself in this position. You have to stay
away from