Page 9 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

That I already knew.

“I did hear that Nathaniel’s cousin from Wayward is coming for a visit next week, something about a poker tournament.”

I didn’t know anything about that.

“I’ll look into it,” I said, walking inside.

The house was quiet, but the kitchen lights were on. I sat down at the table and stared at the napkin holder. My thumb rubbed at the black-and-gold ring, still not fully believing what Kaylani had done and unsure how to keep us safe.

It felt like moments later that Nathaniel came in, though my numb ass insisted it had been much longer. I glanced up at him. He looked sharp and put together, ready to face the day. He stopped short when he saw me sitting there.

“You look like hell,” he stated mildly. “Arizona that bad?”

“Just a very long weekend,” I replied.

He poured himself coffee, leaned against the counter, and studied me over the rim of his mug.

“The snobby horse people too much for you?”

I snorted. “Something like that.”

“You sure nothing is going on that I should know about?”

I lifted my head and rolled out my shoulders.

“No. I just need a coffee. What’s on the agenda today?” I asked, then stood up and poured myself a cup. I loved how the pot was never empty, someone always ensured there was a fresh one.

Nathaniel ran through the day. Meetings. Calls. Security adjustments. Names and times washed over me and none of them stuck. My thoughts kept pulling me back to Kaylani.

We were fucking married.

My hand shook as I stirred a splash of creamer into the mug. I’d never even contemplated getting married. In my line of work, every day could be your last. I would never saddle anyone with that, least of all Kaylani.

“And…” Nathaniel continued, “I’ve decided to get a bunch of monkeys from the circus. I’m going to train them to shit on my father’s car.”

I blinked. “What?”

“And he’s back.” He smirked.

I scrubbed a hand over my face. “Sorry, I’m really tired.”

“You want the day off? You don’t look so good.”

“No,” I said immediately. “I’m fine, promise.”

I wanted to tell him the truth but couldn’t. Not yet.

Nathaniel watched me for a second longer than necessary.

“You sure,” he asked, his onyx eyes searching my face.

I masked all my feelings and shrugged.

“Yes, I’m fine. Now stop asking me, you sound like an old hen.”

“An old hen? What the fuck? Old hen, my ass,” he grumbled, walking to the door. “I’m not old,” he snarled, making me laugh. “Come on, asshole, I’ll fill you in on the rest once we get to the office. That is, if you can stay awake that long, grandpa.”

I followed Nathaniel, but the weight in my chest didn’t ease. I wasn’t simply tired, I was lying to my best friend. To my boss. To the man who trusted me with his life and his family. If my future with Kaylani stood a chance, I needed to figure out a way to tell Nathaniel and get him on my side. Easier said than done. How the hell did you tell your best friend that you broke the oldest guy code in the book?