Page 71 of Strictly Pretend

It’s a strange feeling, wanting to know everything and nothing all at the same time. “Maybe that’s Brooks’ story to tell,” I get out.

“But he’s not telling you it, is he? Did you know that after he broke it off, his ex-fiancée had to be admitted to a clinic for treatment?”

I swallow hard.

“Liane Parker, that’s her name.” He pulls up a photograph on his phone and shows me. “Beautiful, isn’t she?”

I look at the willowy beautiful blonde staring out through the screen and a shot of jealousy rushes through me. Yes, she’s beautiful. She’s wearing a silver dress, her hair tumbling overher shoulders. There’s barely any makeup on her face but she honestly doesn’t need it.

Will scrolls through his phone and then shows me another photograph. This time she’s standing in front of a building. Brooks is with her, his arm around her waist, the two of them laughing at whoever is taking the photograph.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so relaxed. So happy.

My stomach twists. I’m not going to be jealous of my fake fiance’s ex. That would be stupid. He’s single now, that’s all that matters.

Or engaged to me.Whatever.

“You don’t know this man,” Will tells me.

“Yes I do,” I say stubbornly, even if it feels like a lie. But I’m in this thing deep. I’m not even sure I know how to tell the truth anymore.

“If you knew him, you’d know about his relationship with Liane. Ever wondered why he’s hidden that from you?” Will asks. “Ever wondered what else he’s hiding?”

“No.” I shake my head stubbornly.

Will’s gaze is narrow as his eyes catch mine. “Has he told you he can’t have kids?”

I blink. “What?”

“I thought not,” Will says smugly. “But it’s true. I got it from the horse’s mouth. Liane was very informative when I spoke to her earlier. And she was very clear. Brooks Salinger can’t have kids. That’s why things went wrong between them.” He looks so pleased with himself it makes me shiver. “I wonder why he never told youthatbefore he asked you to marry him.”

His words are like a slap to my face. Brooks can’t have children? Why did he never tell me about that? I hate how blindsided I feel. I blink away the tears that sting at my eyes. I thought he trusted me.

“It’s okay to be shocked,” Will says, his voice soft. “And I know I hurt you. But we were never engaged. I never made you any promises.”

“I’m sure Brooks has his reasons for not telling me,” I say stubbornly, trying to ignore the twinge in my chest. But it hurts, dammit. I hate that he didn’t tell me.

And it hits me. I told him everything about me. About losing my family, about losing Will. How much it all hurt. But he kept his cards so close to his chest.

“Yeah, his main reasons are he’s using you,” he says, his voice harsh.

I narrow my eyes at Will. “Why are you telling me this? What does it have to do with you?” I try to bluster it out, because I do not want this man knowing I’m hurt by this.

Will swallows. “I know the way we ended wasn’t… good.”

“I saw you balls deep in another woman,” I point out. “Not good doesn’t cut it.”

His nostrils flare as he inhales. “I know. I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that. Nobody does. But you don’t deserve this either. And maybe it’s time for me to make up for what I did to you.”

I blink. “You just don’t want me to be happy,” I tell him.

“That’s not true. I want you to be happy. Just not with him.”

“Then with who?” Or is it whom? I frown, trying to remember.

“Somebody who can give you what you need.” He reaches out to cup my face, but I take a step back just in time. “Seriously, sweetheart, you deserve better than him.”

“Thanks, but I think that’s my decision.” I take a breath.

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