Page 122 of A Temporary Forever

Cora’s eyes shine with unshed tears. “No, of course I want pics of you too.” She sniffles.

“What’s wrong?” Saar turns to her.

“I’m just…” Cora wipes her cheek. “You’re all so generous with your help. I’m so grateful.”

“Oh, sweetie, believe me, having a pic taken here is nothing. Lily’s ideas are great. And I’ll repost. Don’t sweat it.” Saar pulls out the elastic and tosses her messy hair to the side. Of course, it looks like she styled it for hours. Effortless and real.

“Besides, I was promised free lattes,” I deadpan.

“God, I missed you all. Even you, Lily, and your horrible coffees.” Saar winks.

Lily rolls her eyes. “Seriously, will I ever live my barista skills down?”

“Never,” we all say at the same time.

“You’re evil.” She pretend-glares at us, a smile on her face. “Not you, Saar, I’m grateful for your help.”

“Don’t even mention it. So what else is new?”

I tense. I haven’t told Saar I’ve been sleeping with her brother. But of course, Cora glances my way, and it catches Saar’s attention immediately.

“What did my brother do?” Saar groans.

I let out a long sigh. “We kind of got a bit involved.”

She takes off her glasses, and I’m concerned about the red lines in her eyes and the deep shadows under them, but my heart hammers in my ribcage for a different reason.

I want my friend’s blessing. Not that there’s much to bless, or that she should have any say in it, but it still feels important.

“You slept with him?” She leans back.

I nod, the words lodged in my throat. Or in my mind, because I’m not quite sure what to say.

“So, the marriage is…” Saar’s eyes dart to Lily.

“She knows,” Cora confirms. “Do you guys need a minute?”

Saar shakes her head. “Obviously you’re all in the know more than me. Stay.” She turns back to me. “So the marriage is real?”

My shoulders fall slack. “It’s complicated.”

“Of course it’s complicated. It’s my brother. He never even commits to bringing a woman to his bed.” Saar puts her sunglasses back on.

Bringing a woman to his bed.All the instances of our affair rush through my mind. I alwaysassumed that he had a public sex kink, and frankly, I didn’t mind discovering it was mine as well.

But was it actually more than that? Not just a kink, but a deep fear of commitment? I’m just one of his women. A lay he doesn’t bother to bring to his bed. Because in all of our encounters, he never has.

Last night? He wouldn’t even stay in mine.

You’re irreplaceable.

What a lie. I’m as dispensable to him as any other.

Chapter 32

Caleb

Celeste straddles a chair and, gripping the armrests, tilts her head back. I fist my hands, willing myself not to react, my palms sweaty and ready to touch her. To pull her to me. To kiss her. To own her.

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