Monica hated to admit it, but Grace’s remarks had gotten under her skin. Obviously, Troy had hawk eyes when it came to choice female anatomy. Men were visually stimulated, and like every guy she’d ever dated, if an attractive woman strolled past, he was going to look.

But cheating?

Troy wasn’t a man known for restraint. He could be passionate about his interests to a degree that bordered on obsessiveness: fitness, eating organic foods, taking nutritional supplements, riding his Harley, following the Chicago Bears, investing in the stock market.

And let’s not forget, sex.

Even eight years into their marriage, his sexual appetite showed no signs of abating. She enjoyed sex, too, loved and craved the intimacy they shared, but oftentimes, after a long day at work and then an evening spent with the children, she didn’t have the energy to participate in bedroom activities. Troy usually seemed understanding, would give her a quick kiss, bid her goodnight, and roll over and drift to sleep.

Maybe he didn’t push because he was wetting his whistle elsewhere.

She had no tangible evidence that he’d ever had an affair. None. He came home on time every night. No women called the house. He didn’t take any unusual or frequent business trips. He answered his phone whenever she called him. He absolutely adored the children, and he showered her with affection. She had nothing to complain about. Grace’s commentary should have rolled right off her back.

But it hung with her, like an eyelash stuck in her eye.

“Let’s forget my little slip of the tongue, dear,” Grace said with a dismissive wave. “I was, I believe, commenting on your adorable children?”

“Well, Junior is low-maintenance, easy-going. Lexi is a handful, as you’ve seen.”

“She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. That’s an admirable quality in a female and will serve her well in life. But you do need her to listen to you.”

“She listens to Troy.” Because they’re peas in a pod, Monica almost said, but bit her tongue. She didn’t want to delve into another character analysis of her husband. “We’re working on it.”

“I’ve had plenty of experience with headstrong children. I would be happy to offer a few tips if you’d like.”

“Some of my siblings were headstrong?”

Grace laughed lightly. “I’ve worked for many, many years as a live-in nanny, tending the children of wealthy families. I’ve seen everything you can imagine, and much you probably could not. ”