Page 115 of Perfect Satisfaction

I lift my face, not hiding a single emotion behind a mask. Carys sucks in an enormous breath before stating, “You’re in love with her.”

“Irrevocably. I have no idea how to break through her shell other than showing her I won’t do anything for money.” Before she can ask, I hold up a hand. “Don’t ask me about what happened with Angela. As you said, I owe an apology to her and until she’s ready for it, I won’t explain myself to someone else.”

When Carys steps close, she holds the photoSexy and Socialcaptured of both Sula and Liza backstage at Emily Freeman’s show. “And this? How do you plan on dealing with this?”

“With the truth.”

She studies me for a moment before accepting my answer. “Then let’s get to work.”

CHAPTERFIFTY-NINE

There are about 300 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy.

I wish for the same thing on each and every one.

—StellaNova

“I understand.”

I whirl around and face Sula. The light streaming through the curtains I’ve pulled back illuminates her face. I catch my breath at what I see there.

Freedom.

Her words confirm it. “I would never... that is, if you love her, Arek. You should be with her. Fight for her. Do everything within your power to never let her go. I won’t stand in your way.”

She starts to slip away but I snatch her hand and yank her to me until her body is nestled up against my bare chest. I clearly enunciate, “Liza Hina is not the woman I’m in love with.”

She opens her mouth and I lay my finger across it. “You are, Sula. And if it takes me forever, I’ll make you understand that.”

“I believe some part of you always will be.” My arms band around her tighter. I’m about to speak but she cuts me off at the knees. Her eyes drift shut. Her hands hover over my chest as if they remember what it feels like from pure muscle memory.

I want nothing more than to tell her what I’ve put in motion, but I’m awaiting word of it happening. Still, for long moments, I feel the heat of her body close.

Then I hear her whisper, “I hate our forever has always had a deadline.”

That’s when I know I did the right thing.

I am fighting for the woman I love, Sula. I’ll make you believe that sooner rather than later.

CHAPTERSIXTY

Fact. Americans have spent approximately 900 million dollars on elliptical trainers in the last fifteen years alone.

Also fact. Each year in the United States, there are between 6.5 and 9 million yard sales.

Coincidence?

I think not.

—Moore You Want

July

“Pain doesn’t just go away!You have to build up a tolerance.”

“I hate her,” I gasp.

“Work through it!”