Page 101 of A Taste of Vanilla

My stomach drops, and I look down.

“And you,” she says, her finger pointing at me. “Do not sleep with my brother ever again.”

“Understood,” I say quickly.

“Oliver.”

He stands up straight. “Why am I involved?”

“Because you let this happen.”

“I didn’t let anything happen. I provided water and clear objections.”

“You own the location they met.”

“That’s not legal liability.”

“It’s an emotional liability and that’s worse.”

He sighs.

Marley looks between Warren and me, her shoulders slumping. “I love both of you.”

Warren almost looks affected.

“But,” she continues. “My life is not becoming a weird little sex triangle of secrets, baked goods, and Oliver’s poor judgment.” She looks at me. “I know you’re hurting. I know you didn’t know. I’m not mad at you for wanting to feel good.”

My eyes burn.

“Mar—”

She holds up her hand. “I am, however, furious that I now know about my brother’s piercing.”

Warren closes his eyes again. “I did not provide that detail.”

“No,” Marley snaps. “Your nameless one-night stand did.”

I wince. “Please don’t call me that.”

“Oh honey, I’m sorry,” she says, getting up and hugging me.

And it kind of makes everything worse. The kindness and theapology are just a reminder of everything I’m going through right now.

“I really didn’t know,” I whisper.

“I know.” The answer is immediate.

Warren looks at Marley. “Neither did I.”

She turns to him.

“You didn’t know she was my Halston?”

“No.”

“My Halston,” I repeat softly.

Marley shoots me a glare. “Do not make me cry. I’m still mad at you.”