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I turn and make introductions, only to feel like stomping on Greg’s foot when he places his arm around me, staking his claim, which really is unnecessary considering Aiden knows about our marriage.
“I’ve just arrived in town,” Rae adds to the awkward silence. “It’s a beautiful place.”
“I love it here and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.” I offer a soft smile and feel heat rise into my cheeks with Aiden’s stare.
“We have shopping to do so we’ll see you around.” Greg rudely drags me away and mumbles under his breath.
“What’s wrong with you?” I hiss the question.
“He wouldn’t stop looking at you.”
“Are you kidding me? You don’t have any right to be upset. None.”
He grabs my arm and turns me to face him. “As long as the gossip in town is about him and her, I don’t want you near him,” he points out. “She might be his friend, but I won’t let him hurt you again.”
I sigh. “I’m tired, Greg. Really tired. I’m tired of the life I have.” I blink away the tears gathering in my eyes. “It’s hard work pretending.”
“You know that I need to hide who I really am. The company I work for are prejudiced bastards, you know that. It’s a good job, otherwise I’d have walked years ago. Only a few more years and then I’ll qualify for the company pension.”
“I understand that, but surely they won’t object if your wife left you?” I raise a brow. “I mean if she left you, then it can’t be your fault, right?”
Greg glances around us and moves in closer. “This is the most we’ve talked in a while.” He meets my eyes. “Let’s continue it at home, okay?”
I nod.
“I’ll go grab the milk and meet you at the checkout.”
Watching him go, I feel like there might be hope for Aiden and me…until I glance out of the store window.
Aiden and Rae are standing close together at his truck when he grabs her face, kisses her, and then grins before they both climb into the car and drive off.
Tears fill my eyes at the unexpected scene I’ve just witnessed. There was nothing sisterly about it.
“I’m going to drop you and the groceries off back at the house,” Greg starts. “I need to go and check on something.”
Never feeling as lonely or abandoned as I do now, I mumble, “Don’t lie to me anymore, Greg. I know you mean you need to go and see Matthew.”
Greg has the good sense to look chastised. “No more lies. Goes for you too. We’ll work something out, Sarah. I’ve spent years lost in my own life without really giving thought to how you felt.”
“Let’s just get the groceries home so I can put them away while you go and enjoy yourself.” I quickly put my hand up to silence him. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I’m going to take a long soak in the bath and then settle into bed with a book.” I smile. “Stay the night with him, Greg. We can talk tomorrow. One more day won’t make a difference.”
I fight tears all the way home, and through putting the shopping away, and then I finally give in to them when I submerge myself in the large bubble bath. Then they won’t stop.
AIDEN
“Why didn’t you tell me that she was married?” Rae asks, and I hear her disappointment in me. “Her husband knows as well, right? You could tell by the way he staked his claim on her.”
I knew there’d be questions the minute Greg appeared and the introductions had been made. I easily avoided mentioning the married part when I’d told Rae about Sarah.
I sigh. “I love her, Rae. Her husband…her marriage isn’t what it seems.” I stare at the road ahead while driving us back to my father’s home. “I’m not sure what was going on with Greg, but he knows about us. He accepts that we love each other.” My hands clench around the steering wheel. “I love her and that’s all that matters.”
When I glance at Rae she offers me a small smile. “I got that from her, but I don’t understand why? I mean her husband is a good-looking guy, with his blond hair and boyish looks. What went wrong between them?”
I raise my brow.
“I’m serious, Aiden. You know I love you like a brother, and you’re my best friend. I’m curious about her.” Rae sits comfortably with her feet up on the dash.
“I can’t tell you what’s going on with Greg because he told me in confidence. It’s just not a normal relationship.” I look away and concentrate on driving.
