Page 52 of When Forever Falls Apart

I never said that.

Elliot

Jealousy looks hot on you, Bugs.

My heart races, and my lips curve upward at the mention of the wordhot.

Me

Why would I be jealous? You’re single, I’m single. If I wanted to go sow my oats, who would stop me?

The phone jolts to life, its shrill ring slicing through silence.

“I’m not jealous,” I declare, trying to sound more assured than I feel.

“Defensive. Is that really the stance you’re taking?” Elliot teases.

I let out a groan, but keep my smile at bay. “What’s so urgent? Why are you calling?”

“Because you didn’t believe me. I just received a text from Eva inviting me to the city for dinner with her and Aston. It’s supposedly important, and I’m pretty sure it has something to do with the wedding. Plus, there’s a meeting with a supplier. Eva is keen to switch flour companies, but I’m not so sure.”

I wonder if Eva will finally tell Elliot she’s pregnant. Though to tell Elliot she has to tell Aston, unless she’s doing it all in one night.God, she’s out of control!

“This really sounds like a stretch, you know,” I say, pretending to question his motive.

“You don’t trust me?” Elliot protests with an air of arrogance. “Fine! Why don’t you join me in the city?”

The thought crosses my mind, but hanging out in the city would mean leaving Billie here all alone. Lately, Chloe has been busy with God knows what, so she’s not working as many shifts as she should. I think she likes the lifeguard at the swimming hole. It explains why she’s always hanging out there with her friends.

“Um, pass,” I drag, pretending to be uninterested. “My brother is getting on my nerves. Plus, no offense, but nothing sounds more boring than sitting through a meeting about flour.”

“Okay, suit yourself. So, about this wedding,” he shifts the topic smoothly.

“Semiformal attire, look hot, and don’t worry about the cowboy hat,” I explain, my tone light but firm.

“And chaps?”

“That would just be plain awkward.” I snort out a laugh. “Wait, are you serious?”

“But they go great with my shirt,” he chuckles.

I laugh softly, but soon a hint of weariness creeps back. “What are you up to tonight, apart from driving me crazy?”

“Reading,” he answers simply. “Had to help my neighbor, Ronald, out earlier with his boat.”

“Oh? How’s Margaret Anne doing?” I ask, missing the squishy pug.

“She’s actually staying over with me tonight. Ronald had to spend the night in the hospital, so she’s keeping me company.”

“I hope Ronald’s okay.”

“He’ll be fine.”

“So you have a woman staying over, huh?”

“I wouldn’t exactly call Margaret Anne a woman,” he says with amusement. “She’s more like a lady.”

“Refined and poised?” I question with a grin.