Page 101 of Bitter Heat

“Yes,” Sarai said absently as she continued to scribble. “I just got back. I had some other things to take care of here. He’ll be back soon. What’s your favorite flower?”

“Jasmine.”

Sarai winked. “Gotcha. Is there anything else that you want me to organize for your big day?”

“Um, no. Thank you.”

Sarai rose and tucked her iPad away. “I’m so happy for you two.”

She didn’t have the energy to smile so she nodded. “Thank you.”

Sarai cocked her head to the side and examined her for a moment. Her expression softened. “Are you okay?”

“Of course.”

“I know this is a lot, and you’ve had a rough few months, but I think this is a step in the right direction. If what you wrote is true, you guys had something special. You don’t want to let that go. You’re getting a second chance, and that’s a beautiful thing.”

Sarai radiated sincerity. She didn’t have the heart to shatter her illusions.

“Roth holds everything close to his chest, but he’s a good man,” Sarai continued as she shouldered her bag. “No one can force him to do anything. He knows what he wants, and he doesn’t stop until he obtains it.” She cocked her head to the side. “He’s different with you.”

She said nothing.

“Have you been settling in well?” Sarai asked, tactfully changing the subject.

“Yes.” She waved vaguely. “I’ve been spending a lot of time in the kitchen.”

“You’re a cook?”

“No. I’ve been working in there.”

Sarai’s eyes lit up. “You’re writing?”

“Trying to, but there’s a lot going on.”

Sarai gave her a sympathetic look. “I bet. Maybe after the wedding, you can really get to work. Are you writing book five?”

“Yes.”

Sarai put a hand on her chest and took a deep breath. “I can’t wait to see how you wrap this all up. If you ever need anyone to read for you, call me, okay?”

She nodded. “I will. Thank you.”

Sarai checked her watch. “I’ll get everything sorted. In the meantime, you need anything, I’m your girl.”

“I will.”

Sarai walked to the elevator. Was it a coincidence that she blocked the keypad or was she being paranoid? And how the fuck did Sarai have a code and she didn’t? Jasmine ground her teeth.

“By the way, Roth said to call him when you get a chance,” Sarai said over her shoulder as she boarded the elevator.

Fuck him.

Chapter 17

Seven Years Ago

She was walking across campus when she saw him. He was standing beneath a tree, hands in pockets, and getting a lot of attention from the girls passing by. He wore dark glasses, jeans, a light blue button up, and a gray sports coat. He made college boys look like they were going through puberty. The sight of him made her already heavy heart sink to her toes. He shouldn’t be here.

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