Page 48 of Forbidden Obsessions

“Alright, you filthy fucking heathens,” Mia calls with a megaphone. This girl was made for this. No wonder her sorority loves her.

“First up: shots. After that: shots. And then: strip Twister.”

Tomas glares at me. “Don’t you give me that look. You agreed to this,” I tell him.

“Let’s go outside,” Tomas prompts, dragging me. I expect Mia to protest, but she watches with a wry smile.

“Okay, but only if we’re back in time for strip Twister.”

“Deal.” Tomas leads me out onto the back porch, into the backyard.

“They planted a garden.” There are rows of various yellows, pinks, and purple flowers, blooming happily in the spring late afternoon sunshine. Beyond it, there’s a variety of budding fruits and vegetables.

“This is awesome,” I say, walking through excitedly. I’ll have something to take care of all summer. Besides rotting my brain with smut and adjusting to married life, I have no plans. Well, learning how to live without Mom, too.

“I have a feeling this summer is going to be exactly what I need.” Tomas pulls me close and guides me to the bench overlooking the garden. I’m about to sit when I notice the inscription.

In loving memory of Maura Eliza Hamilton, 1974-2024.

“Tomas, did you facilitate this?”

“Yes,” he says with a somber smile. “I figured you’d get a lot of use out of it.”

“I will,” I promise as a sob chokes me.

“The owners didn’t care?” I lay my head on the crook of his shoulder, remembering how I did the same while Mom was in the hospital. She was just coming to terms with her prognosis. It seems so long ago, but really, it wasn’t.

“Close your eyes,” Tomas says abruptly. I do, waiting until he tells me to open them. “Okay, open.”

A brass key sits in my hand.

“Is this what I think it is?” There’s no way. Is this real life? Tomas gives a soft nod, then brings his lips to my knuckle.

“The lady in town. Youhadmet her,” I exclaim.

He beams as I catch on. “The cabin was hers. She’s widowed and wasn’t really using it. She says it’s too big for her. She was happy to support the cause.”

“I love you, husband. Thank you for giving Mom everything she wanted and me everything I didn’t know I needed.”

“And I love you, wife. Thank you for being everything I needed and more.”

Could I imagine us here on the first day of class? Absolutely not. Tomas was supposed to be a quick way to build confidence and help me get over my shitty, abusive ex-boyfriend. He did that and beyond. Every day, he puts us first. He’s patient and loving and all mine.

“Thank you for sticking with me to get to this place, Liv. It’s been a rollercoaster. Between Vanessa and Nathan, I’ve draggedyou into violence and so many dangerous situations. I stand by what I said before your mom’s oncology appointment. You’re too good for me, but I am so thankful for whatever good karma I’ve managed,” Tomas says, swallowing thickly.

Tomas cups my chin, tilting my lips toward him for a tender kiss. As if on cue, Mia returns with her megaphone.

“Okay, time’s up. Get in here and prepare to strip,” Mia calls.

“Uh, it looks like everyone just about lost,” I say, laughing at our friends, twisted in various painful positions, and in various states of undress.

“Nope, we’re starting again,” Lex says, getting up to pour another shot. She brings it to her lips and downs it in a single gulp. There’s a soft knock at the door. Our heads swivel in surprise.

Lex drops the shot glass from her hand as the woman enters. “Hope everyone doesn’t mind, but I invited a friend.” I recognize her. She was there the night of the masquerade ball. She and Lex disappeared for a while. From what I gathered, they spent the night together.

Judging from the daggers Lex is shooting Mia, she does mind.

“Hi, Dagny,” Mia says, excited.Lex’s face turns crimson. I don’t know what’s going on, but it doesn’t seem good.

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