Sasha shot up from the couch and took a giant step toward Brian. "What did you just say?"

"Calm down Sasha. I thought that would be a good starting point for my explanation."

"You've completely lost me Brian."

"Leighanne accused me of having an affair with you when I found out she was still having an affair."

Sasha's mouth gaped open. She swallowed hard. Her breath felt like it was caught in her throat. "She cheated on you?" Brian nodded. "Why would she do that? And why would she think you were cheating on her? With me of all people?"

"Let's sit back down Sasha." Brian directed. "She doesn't actually believe I cheated on her. I think she was just looking for an excuse to leave."

"But still Brian. Why me? I mean, it is not that I don't find you attractive, because I do. But…"

"You find me attractive?" Brian interrupted.

"Yes," Sasha replied slowly, thinking perhaps she shouldn't have said that. "But that is beside the point." She took a deep a breath and began to speak more rapidly than she normally would due to the extreme nervous feeling that had suddenly overtaken her. "Up until about 20 minutes ago I thought you were a happily married man and I would NEVER have an affair with a married man! And especially not a married man, who is my boss and whose wife is heavily involved in the company as well! I am not an idiot!"

Brian put his hand on Sasha's arm. "I never gave her a valid reason to think anything was going on."

"Then why would she think that?" Sasha asked quietly.

"She made up some excuse about the fact I take you to lunch, buy you flowers as often as I buy them for her and how we work late from time to time."

"You're kidding right?" Sasha laughed softly. "Just because we work late is no reason to think we are having an affair! She was usually there anyway! As for buying me flowers and taking me to lunch, you only do those things when we have a reason to celebrate. And besides, even I know those are tax write offs Brian!"

Brian chuckled. "So you think I take you to lunch so I can write it off on my taxes?"

"Maybe that part didn't come out quite right." Sasha grimaced.

"Sasha, I do those things for you because you are a good employee. I never have to worry about the business falling apart when I can't be there every day." He sighed. "It was just an excuse. I know Leighanne was just… I told you this was ugly. I'm sorry Sasha."

"It is OK. I think I overreacted. Brian, " She paused for a moment, drawing her legs up Indian style. She faced Brian again. "Wait a minute! You said 'still having an affair.' How…when…what made you think Leighanne was cheating on you?"