And in a handful of days, they’d head back to Dallas—back to their lives—and say goodbye to each other. Oh, she might run into her at the courtyard, if she made it a point to go there, but that was it. Here, with just the two them, they were allies. But back there, back in the real world? No. They ran in different circles. They might be friendly enough here, but she couldn’t see that being sustained in Dallas.

She shook her head, then got up and walked on. What was she thinking? That maybe she and Abby could continue this…this pretend relationship once home? That maybe Abby might want to get together occasionally? And do what? Have sex? Go out to dinner? Hang out?

“Don’t be stupid,” she muttered to herself. No. None of those things were going to happen. She didn’t want them to happen. She was perfectly happy—content—with the way things were. And the sooner she got back to it, the better it would be, and she could push these crazy thoughts aside for good.

Yes. That’s exactly what she would do. Three more days here. Then the New Year would be upon them and one long drive back to Dallas would put an end to this pretense.

She looked up into the sky as she walked—the blue, blue sky. It was bright and sunny and the snowcapped peaks surrounding Red River were nearly dazzling. It was picture-perfect. With a sigh, she pulled her gaze away. The blue she was feeling didn’t match the sky. No, it was dark and gloomy…that place where she was. She didn’t even chance a call to Addison. Addison would sense her mood and be full of questions.

So she walked on alone, trying to find some cheer on this suddenly gloomy day.

Chapter Thirty-four

Abby bit down on Nic’s shoulder as she climaxed, trying to stifle the scream that wanted to come out. She rested her weight on top of Nic, smiling against her skin. Who knew she had such a passionate side to her? And who knew she’d become obsessed with sex? Because that’s what it was, wasn’t it?

“Are you tired of me yet?”

Nic laughed quietly beneath her. “Tired of you? Should I be?”

She lifted her head. “You know, you said you only have affairs. Quick ones at that. I took that to mean you slept with them one, two, maybe three nights at the most.”

“Ah. And this is what? Seven?”

“I think it’s eight. I don’t know anymore.” She shifted off Nic, resting on her side now. “Even though I agreed to your counteroffer, I still had no intention of sleeping with you, you know.”

“No? You planned to renege on our deal?”