“Yeah, but you don’t know what he told her behind closed doors. If it was the same girl I spoke to the day I came to see you, she’s young and probably thinking with her heart, not her head.”

“Babe, she might be young, but she’s old enough to know that you shouldn’t get into a relationship with a man who is married.”

“I think we can both agree that sometimes, when you’re living in the moment, you’re not thinking about the consequences of your actions, big guy.” Her cheeks darken as her eyes roam my face.

“Touché.”

“And I’m not excusing what she did.” She wanders back into the kitchen, with PJ following her. “I just think she might deserve a little grace.” Her eyes come to me after she gives him a bone-shaped treat from a jar on the counter.

“Even knowing Billy’s wife and how this might affect her and their kids?” I lean back against the sink across from her, and she crosses her arms over her chest.

“If you and I were together and I told you that we were in a committed relationship and that there would never be anyone but you, but then I cheated with another man, would that be the man’s fault or mine?”

Some made-up fucking scenario shouldn’t make my neck tighten, and my hands clench into fists.

“Does he know about me?”

“Maybe.” She shrugs. “Yet I could have told him that we were separated but still living together because of the kids or that you’re a dick and treat me like garbage, and I’m just waiting for the chance to leave you. The possibilities are endless because he doesn’t know you. He only knows what I tell him about you and our relationship.”

“Then it would be your fault.” I try to keep my voice even.

“Exactly. Shelly’s marriage vows were with Billy, not with whatever her name is. So, at the end of the day, he’s the only person in that situation who is responsible for what’s happening or what might happen,” she says, and I stare at her. “What?”

“Nothing.” I shake my head.

“You want to say I’m right, don’t you?” Her smile is so smug I want to kiss it off her fucking lips. “It’s okay, big guy.” She closes the distance between us and pats my chest. “You don’t have to say anything. I’m happy living in the knowledge that you and I both know I’m right.” With one last pat to my chest and her smile even brighter, she turns on her heels and walks to the table, leaving me watching her go.

Yeah, she’s going to fuck up my life.

CHAPTER 11

Francisca