Page 68 of Forever in the Country

He stands and kisses my cheek. “Speaking of reading, I need to go next door to Wandering Pages and see if my book is in.”

“Do I even want to know?” I ask.

He fakes swooning as he says, “Arranged marriage, mafia kingpin, and oh so spicy.”

“You’re ridiculous.” I giggle and stand.

“Maybe.” He lifts a shoulder as he turns to leave then says, “but Everett reaps the benefits from all that spice. Bet you will too.” Throwing me a wink, Hayden whistles casually and walks across the bakery, leaving me to attempt another round of cookies while I think about just how spicy things are about to get.

29

SORREN

Ispend the entire morning fielding messages from Cullen’s private investigator, Tom Oakden, and checking in with different shelters and vendors. Every time I thought I could break away to see Rhea, something else popped up and I was back to a vicious cycle of guilt and frustration.

She’s responded to the few texts I’d sent this morning but it’s not enough. Sighing, I take out my phone and hesitate only a second before hitting send.

SORREN: I’m screwing things up with Rhea

HAYDEN: Not surprised

SORREN: I didn’t see her when I got home last night

HAYDEN: That tracks

SORREN: What?

HAYDEN: She was murdering sugar cookies today

SORREN: …

SORREN: This is not helpful

HAYDEN: YOU HATE THE MISCOMMUNICATION TROPE!

SORREN: Why are you yelling?

HAYDEN: (gif of guy face palming)

HAYDEN: You need to talk to her

SORREN: I know but that’s part of the problem—it’s not the same

HAYDEN: Umm you’ve been friends with her FOR YEARS

SORREN: That was different

HAYDEN: What’s different?

SORREN: I don’t want her to leave

HAYDEN: I’m hugging you the next time I see you

SORREN: No

HAYDEN: Not negotiable

HAYDEN: What if you ask her to read with you?

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