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“YoukissedRyan?” Sophie screeched, voicing the question Cassie was too devastated to ask.
Brooke’s grin faltered as she finally read the room. “Yes. After he said he couldn’t photograph me because of our personal relationship… Why? What’s wrong?” Her gaze swung from Sophie to Cassie.
Sophie looked to Cassie for an answer. What could she say? She’d asked Ryan to keep everything the same, and he’d done as requested.Just like last time.
Pulling in a deep breath, Cassie plastered a smile on her face. “Nothing. I’m sorry you didn’t get your pictures. Ryan’s a great photographer.” He’d just never be a faithful partner. At least not to Cassie.
“He said he’d exchange the boudoir for a regular session. Maybe even some head shots or something.” Brooke’s smile returned.
Cassie tried to match the gesture. “Well, that’s nice. I’m sure whatever you choose will be great.”
Jana came out of the back, freezing when she spotted the trio at the counter. “Um…It’s after five.”
Thank God. Now more than ever, this day needed to end.
When no one moved, Jana continued, “Aren’t we closing at five?”
Sophie sprang into action, hopping from the stool. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t even realize the time.” She snatched her package from the counter.
“Me too,” Brooke chimed in. “I’ll just come back tomorrow. I didn’t mean to keep you.”
“No worries,” Cassie assured her, though nothing but worries invaded her mind. “We open tomorrow at nine.”
With one last glance around the store, Brooke nodded then turned and trotted out. Sophie followed the other woman, but instead of leaving with her, she locked the door.
“What did I miss?” Jana had moved from the spot in the middle of the walkway to join Cassie at the counter. “Who was that?”
Shrugging, Cassie busied herself with cleaning up the wrapping supplies. “A potential customer.”
Unconvinced, Jana asked, “And?”
“And Sophie’s friend.” Cassie threw away the scraps of paper, not looking at either woman. Inside, a tangle of emotions writhed: hurt, anger, jealousy. No doubt her face displayed them all.
“You know her?” Jana asked
“Yeah.” Sophie returned to the counter, but she didn’t sit. “Cassie?”
“Do you know when Ryan’s planning to get Ellie from your house?” She had to pretend Brooke’s words hadn’t ripped her heart out. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to make it home to fall apart. She’d known this would happen. Truthfully, the only surprise was he’d stopped with a kiss. Later, he’d probably wine and dine her. Maybe even take her to a hotel room and screw her brains out too.
When Sophie didn’t answer, Cassie looked up to find both friends watching her. “What?”
“I have no idea,” Jana answered. “But I’m not an idiot. What’s wrong?”
“Ryan kissed that woman,” Sophie spat.
Jana shrugged. “Ryan’s kissed every woman in town… Except me. He has not kissed me.”
A small smile tugged at Cassie’s lips.
“Today,” Sophie clarified. “The bastard kissed hertoday.”
“What the hell?” Jana exploded.
Cassie glanced from one friend to the other. Both looked ready to castrate Ryan. “Calm down.” Though calm was the last emotion she felt. “Ryan isn’t a bastard. He didn’t do anything wrong. Jana’s right, he kisses women all the time.”
Sophie squinted, making Cassie squirm like a bug under a microscope. “Yes, but not when he’s with you.”
“He’s not with me. We slept together, and he moved on. Like last time.” How had she fooled herself into thinking otherwise?
