As I poke at my lemon torte, my phone buzzes with a text.

I pull it from my purse and flinch. It’s from Rich. Shit. I need to block this damn new number. Should I do it now or wait until the weekend is over? If I block him now will he do worse than harass me with old pictures?

Before I can decide, I read the text.

I learned some interesting things about Carter today. We need to talk. My room. Tonight. Eleven. Only tell Carter if you want him to see my photo collection.

I shove my phone back into my purse before Carter sees.

My gaze drifts to Rich as everyone finishes their dessert. What does he think he knows? He catches me looking and winks, his grin suggesting lovers’ secrets and quiet promises.

I hate him so much.

Carter touches my wrist, and I jump. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asks softly.

“Yeah.” I force a smile. “Fine. A little chilly.” He starts to shrug out of his coat, but I put a hand on his arm. “Don’t. I’m fine.”

He studies me for a long beat before lifting a hand to my face and cupping my jaw. “Don’t shut me out, okay? You don’t have to do this alone.”

The words rock me so hard that my throat goes thick, and I have to swallow back tears. I feel so damn alone.

I don’t want to lie to Carter. But I don’t want him to know the truth, either. There’s the rub.

“Carter!” Liam calls from the opposite side of the patio. “Come here. I want you to meet my cousin.”

Carter nods at him then searches my face one more time before pulling away.

I can’t sit still anymore, so I’m happy to follow everyone’s lead and leave the table. I weave through the small crowd and step into the dim sitting area just off the patio where vines climb white trellises up the side of a gazebo.

Carter’s words echo in my head. “You don’t have to do this alone.” But don’t I? What’s the alternative? What would Carter think of me if he saw those pictures? If he knew what I did?

I’m not left alone with my thoughts for long before my sister joins me. “Are you and Carter fighting?”

I shake my head. “We’re fine. Why?”

“You looked distant all through dinner. I thought maybe he said something that upset you.” She bumps my shoulder with hers. “Let me know if you need me to beat him up.”

I snort. “That wouldn’t be a fair fight.”

“Hey, I can hold my own.”

I laugh. “Oh, I know you can. It wouldn’t be fair because Carter wouldn’t fight back.”

She sighs and watches him talk to her fiancé across the patio before turning back to me. “You’re really okay?”

The words are right there on my tongue: I hate that Rich is here. He ruined my whole life, and I’ll never be able to escape him as long as he’s welcome with our family.