Chapter 12

“You need to try a pie pop.” Brody wasn’t sure which he enjoyed better—the pie pops or seeing Cara’s smile return. Nah, her smile won hands down. “You love apple pie. You’ll love this.”

She laughed, a sound he hadn’t expected to hear today but no complaints. Especially if her laughter continued.

“They must be good.” She eyed one with feigned suspicion, making him think she was a better actress than she let on. “You’ve eaten five of them.”

The twinkle in her eyes made not staring difficult. He handed her one. “Please.”

Cara took a bite. “Okay, you’re right. This is delicious.”

“These are a must have.” He put a check mark on the bag. “Planning a wedding is fun.”

“That’s because food is involved.”

“And you’re here, too.” Despite what was happening on the internet and outside her condo, hanging out with Cara was nice. He would bet if they weren’t under so much stress, things would be even more fun. “I forgot what being around people not in the business is like. I’ve been missing out.”

“Well, you know where I am. Or will be, once I’m back in the condo.”

“I’m not waiting a year or more to visit. Although next time, I’ll bring an inflatable mattress.”

“You can have my bed.”

“There’s room enough for us both.” He kept his tone light. “Remember how we used to sleep next to each other in the tree house?”

She laughed. “That floor was so hard. Way more uncomfortable than the couch.”

“We were young enough not to care.”

“We cared about some things.” She grinned. “I’ll never forget the time the flashlight went out.”

“And it rained.” Oh, man. He’d forgotten about that.

“We were soaked and stuck in the dark. It was so miserable.”

“Best. Night. Ever.”

“Second best,” she countered. “After the Academy Awards.”

That surprised him. “Really? I thought telling scary stories and staying up all night because we were too afraid to close our eyes was better.”

She stared off into the distance, and he wondered if she was thinking about when they were kids. They hadn’t been addicted to cell phones then. Instead, they ran around, played, and talked to each other in person.

“You may be right,” she said finally.

“Such good times.” He could rattle off more that he’d forgotten about over the years. “Why’d we stop?”

“We grew up. You and Caitlin moved to L.A. to become actors. I enrolled at San Jose State.”

“Then you joined us in L.A.”

“Until I moved to San Francisco,” she reminded him.

Time had flown by. A part of him wished he could turn back the clock. “Hard to believe it’s been almost ten years since we received our high school diplomas.”

“Doesn’t seem that long ago,” she agreed.

“That’s what happens with close friends.”

Her nod pleased him.

They were close friends, but something was drawing them together in a not-just-friends way. Maybe this energy, this tension, had always been there, but Brody hadn’t wanted to feel it. He did now. He couldn’t get enough.

Brody scooted closer, nervous as a boy asking a girl out for the first time. “I had an ulterior motive for giving you that pie pop.”

She didn’t move away but leaned forward slightly. “What was that?”

“There was only one apple. It’s your favorite, so I thought maybe I could get a taste.”

“Should have told me before I ate all of it.”

He leaned closer. “There’s another way for me to get a taste.”

Her lips parted slightly. “You think?”

“I know.”

Brody leaned in to kiss her. She met him halfway. Her lips pressed against his before he could make his move.

He didn’t mind. Her taking the initiative was a turn-on. And her kiss…

She tasted like apples—sweet and warm with a bit of tartness.

Just right.

Wrapping his arm around Cara, he pulled her onto his lap. Her fingers sifted through his hair while her lips moved across his and heated his blood. He couldn’t get enough of her kiss.

Or her.

A knock sounded on the door.

He reluctantly pulled away. The lock clicked. A growl sounded—one that three floors of residents likely heard.

“Loki,” they said at the same time and then laughed.

Brody tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “We’ll have to finish this later. When we’re alone.”

He couldn’t wait. And based on the anticipation in Cara’s eyes, neither could she.

♥ ♥ ♥

With Jackson and Rizzo in the apartment, kissing was put on hold. Cara should be relieved, not frustrated. But she wanted to see what happened next with Brody. Unfortunately, he was more interested in talking with the two bodyguards. One tale about movie making or being in the military led to another. This could go on all evening.

Cara rose from the couch. “I’m going to read.”

Escaping into a story would keep her mind off Brody. She lay in bed with Loki at her side and a book in her hands.

After turning the page, Cara flipped back. She hadn’t comprehended a single paragraph she’d read. The reason?

Brody.

She didn’t know where their unexpected connection was coming from. Boredom? Desperation? Being stuck together?

Cara wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer. She rubbed Loki. “I’d better shut off my brain and sleep, or I’ll be a zombie at the interview and later at work.”

The cat didn’t respond, only stretched out on the pillow next to hers.

She laughed. “You’re such a creature of habit, but then, so am I. That’s why we get along so well.”

She and Brody, however, were different, not complete opposites, but close. Still, they got along and when they kissed…

Thinking about being in his arms with her lips against his brought a big smile to her face.

Yes, the man could kiss.

Maybe she’d dream about him and more kisses. She’d like that.

Cara set her alarm, crawled between the sheets, and rubbed Loki under his neck. “Tomorrow’s a big day. I need to nail the interview.”

And get the job.

The university was one of the top in the country with an amazing library system. Their rare books collection was first rate, and she wouldn’t have to move. San Francisco had been her home for the past three years, and even though she had no family nearby, where else would she go?

Los Angeles.

Her heart rate stuttered.

Cara glanced at the diamond on her finger. The urge to remove the ring was strong, but the security team was observant enough they’d notice. “Maybe whoever’s interviewing me won’t notice the ring and doesn’t care about Hollywood gossip.”

Oh, please let that be the case.

Crossing her fingers, she rolled onto her side to face Loki. “But no matter what happens, I’ve got you.”

And she had Brody.

For now.

♥ ♥ ♥

Friday morning, Brody sat at the table with a cup of coffee. He’d heard Cara in her bedroom earlier. He hoped she’d slept better than he had.

“Good morning,” she said, walking into the living room.

He did a double take. Cara looked sophisticated and sexy in her gray suit and coordinating pumps. He wanted her to wow the hiring team at the library.

He grinned. “You’re getting this job.”

“I hope so because it would be a dream position.”

“The time has come for your dreams to come true.” If anyone deserved that to happen, it was her.

Her phone rang. “Hello, this is Cara O’Neal… Good morning, Ms. Windecott… Yes, I was just getting ready to leave… Oh.”

Cara’s shoulders sagged. With a dejected expression on her face, she plopped onto the couch.

Bad news? He hoped not, but he rose from the table and walked toward her.

“No, I understand. Thank you for calling and saving me the trip there.” As she touched the phone’s screen, she leaned against the cushions. Her face scrunched. “My interview was canceled.”

He was at her side in an instant. “Why?”

Tears gleamed. “The person said they filled the position, but I heard of two others who are scheduled for second interviews next week. I have a feeling the job is available, but they no longer want me. I can’t say I blame them. Who wants to hire a pregnant woman who stole her twin sister’s boyfriend?”

With a hitch to her breath, she rubbed her wet eyes.

Cara’s reaction and sadness stabbed his heart. This was her dream job, and her sister had destroyed Cara’s chance of interviewing for it. “They might have filled the position.”

“Maybe.” Her tone suggested it was unlikely. Her eyes dimmed. “I have the sinking feeling other libraries will feel the same way about me.”

“Once the engagement is over—”

“I don’t think that will matter. The truth coming out will just show people I’m dishonest. I didn’t really think through what pretending might mean long term for me.”

But she had now. Brody could tell based on the way the light in her eyes went from dim to off. The slight tremble of her chin belied her blank expression. She was struggling to hold herself together. He wished she’d let her emotions show—cry, shout, scream.

Standing, she wiped her palms against her skirt. “I’d better change and then call Cassie to see what time she wants me to come in today.”

Brody hated hearing the disappointment and resignation in Cara’s voice. Nothing he did or said would fix it. “Cara—”

“I knew there would be consequences, but I never expected Caitlin to go this far.” Straightening, Cara squared her shoulders. “I’ve managed since being laid off. I’ll survive this.”

“You deserve better than that.”

“So do you.” Her gaze softened, and the tenderness in her expression left him breathless. “You deserve a lot better from Caitlin, too.”

Yes, but his only concern was Cara. Seeing her so hurt gutted him. His only hope was everything would be back to normal soon. It had to be. Or he would end this.

No matter what the consequences to him and Caitlin.

♥ ♥ ♥

Entering Cassandra’s Attic on Friday morning was almost cathartic. Cara felt as if she’d gotten back a piece of herself—her life. Rizzo and Kai had agreed to her request to keep their distance and not shadow her every movement. Right now, they were stationed inside the front door, watching everyone who entered. She appreciated that and having some space of her own. This was where she belonged, surrounded by books and her coworkers, who greeted her with hugs.

Moe, a tall, thin guy with cropped black hair and a multicolored Mohawk down the center, hugged her. He leaned close to her.

“The boss said we’re not supposed to ask questions, but when you’re ready to talk about this,” he whispered, “I’m buying because I want to know everything.”

Typical Moe. She laughed. Maybe this charade was getting easier to handle. “We’re on.”

Renee, the bookstore’s barista who was a bubbly redhead, ran down the stairs from the attic portion of the store. She hugged Cara. “When you take a break, come up and see me.”

“I will.”

After Cara placed her coat and purse into her locker, she went behind the counter and logged into the computer. A sense of contentment, something foreign to her over the past few days, flowed through her. The university library might not want her, but she had a job here—one where she excelled and had friends who cared about her. That counted for a lot.

Ponytail bobbing, Cassie hurried toward her. Today, her boss had traded a long skirt for a pair of jeans and a sweater topped off with a colorful scarf. “How are you holding up?”

“I’ve been better.” Cara reached into the inbox for the customer request forms. Only two were there. Weird. “Not many requests. Were the past two days slow?”

“Not really.” Cassie’s forehead creased. “We had a couple of cancellations.”

That was strange. Until the truth slammed into Cara. Her shoulders drooped. “It’s because of me.”

“No one mentioned you.”

The timing was too coincidental. “I’d heard this place wasn’t mentioned online, but I’m listed on the staff website, aren’t I?”

Cassie nodded.

Cara forced herself to stand tall and not hunch. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.”

Except it was. She’d agreed to pretend with Brody. Granted, she had no idea her sister would become a sociopathic liar, but Cara had only herself to blame. A landslide of rocks filled her stomach, weighing her down with regret for agreeing to this charade. “Let me fill these two requests and then I’ll go before the paparazzi show up. I don’t want my presence to hurt business.”

Cassie shook her head. “It hasn’t.”

Yet was implied but left unspoken.

The rocks in Cara’s stomach shifted. She nearly doubled over. “It’s not a chance I’m willing to take.”

“I don’t want to lose you.” Cassie’s voice cracked. Her eyes gleamed. “You’re a big reason profits are up this quarter and last.”

That still didn’t change what Cara needed to do. She wouldn’t allow the bookstore to suffer because of her. “Maybe after things settle down, if you want me back…?”

“I do,” Cassie didn’t hesitate to reply. “I just hate seeing you hurting.”

Cara thought she was better at hiding her emotions. She touched her boss’s arm. “I’ll be okay. Honest.”

It might take time, but Cara wouldn’t give up hope that she could salvage her career and reputation once the pretending and gossip stopped. She couldn’t. No matter what Caitlin pulled next.

“If you need anything. Find yourself in a jam. Whatever. Call.” The words shot from Cassie’s mouth. “Troy knows many people. Geoff, too. And there’s always Brett Matthews in Portland. He’d help his favorite book concierge in a heartbeat.”

Not wanting to cry or she might fall apart completely, Cara blinked and then nodded. “I’ll find you when I’m finished here.”

She grabbed the first request and set to work.

A half hour later, the orders were filled. Cara cleaned up the concierge desk. She hated to leave, but she kept telling herself this was for the best. Maybe not for her, but for Cassandra’s Attic. She comforted herself by thinking about spending the rest of the day with Brody and Loki. Sure, they would be trapped in the apartment, but they would make her feel better.

“Excuse me?” A pretty young woman came up to the counter. She was dressed nicely in a down vest, sweater, jeans, and boots, and held a cup containing a pink smoothie. Most likely one of the strawberry blends from upstairs. Renee was making a name for herself with her smoothie recipes. “Are you the book concierge?”

“Yes, I’m Cara.” Helping one last customer would be the perfect end to her shift and make her feel as if she’d contributed today. “What can I help you find?”

“Your conscience.” In one smooth move, the woman flipped the lid off the cup and tossed the smoothie on Cara. “You’re vile. I hope you and your baby die and rot in hell for what you’ve done to your poor sister. Brody will never love you. He might marry you, but Caitlin is the love of his life.”

Pink liquid dripped down Cara’s face. It covered not only her but also the computer and some of the counter.

Two blurs flashed in front of her. By the time she could wipe her eyes, Rizzo and Kai had subdued the woman. As they dragged her away from the counter, Cassie held a phone to her ear while Moe raced over with paper towels.

The sweet scent of the smoothie sent Cara’s stomach roiling. Each breath seemed to draw in less oxygen. Her vision blurred.

Grabbing hold of the counter covered her fingers in smoothie, but she needed to hold on to something or she’d fall over. Dizzy. She couldn’t stand up straight.

She squeezed her eyes shut, but that only made her more aware of the liquid in her hair and on her.

“We’ll get you cleaned up.” Moe wiped her off. “Cassie’s calling the police.”

“I didn’t want to cause trouble.” Cara’s voice sounded hoarse, unnatural, a way she’d never heard it.

“Your bodyguards have everything under control.” Moe glanced over his shoulder. “Except they’re berating each other for not stopping it.”

“They couldn’t have known.” The words rushed out. “She looked so…normal.”

“So does your sister.” Moe’s expression hardened. “I would have never expected her to act like such a stark-raving-mad lunatic.”

“I love you.” Cara used one of the paper towels to clean her face.

“I know.” He grinned. “The feeling’s mutual, but don’t tell your fiancé. He could beat me up with his pinky.”

She drew away. “Brody wouldn’t.”

“Probably not,” Moe admitted. “But if you were my girl, I would.”

Cassie hurried over. “The police are on their way.”

Everyone in the bookstore stared at them. Well, her. Their expressions ranged from pity to contempt.

Cara forced herself to breathe. “I was hoping to get out of here before anything happened. The computer—”

“Is covered by insurance,” Cassie interrupted. Compassion filled her blue eyes. “Don’t worry about anything. Stress isn’t good for the baby.”

Tears exploded. Cara couldn’t stop them. She turned away, not wanting anyone to see her like this.

A moment later, Rizzo had her in his arms. “The police can get her statement later. I’m getting her out of here.”

She didn’t know where he was taking her, but she didn’t care. As long as Brody would be there. If anyone could make this better, he could.