Page 73 of A Lie in Church

“I’m fine,” I said, trying my hardest not to get lost in the warmth from his body. I tried.

“You smell nice,” he whispered close to my neck, his lips brushing against my skin.

“Thank you.” I smiled and closed my eyes. I was comforting him—that was all this was.

I woke up late.I left Tristan’s room immediately after I found him still sleeping. I went to shower and changed into a white sundress. I put my hair up in a loose ponytail and applied my lip gloss. I met Morris in the kitchen, cooking, as if we had a celebration.

“Why are you cooking all this?” I asked, stealing one spiced steak he’d cut into strips.

“We are having guests.”

“Guests?” I grinned and licked my finger, scooping in the sauce, and my tongue danced in delight.

“Mr. Sanchester informed me this morning,” Morris told me.

I thought of who might be coming.Do I have to play the girlfriend role?It had been so exhausting the last time.

It didn’t take long for us to finish in the kitchen. I helped to set the food at the table in the garden, where Tristan wanted it. It looked fancy as I stared at it from the porch.

“Well done, Morris,” I said after he was done arranging the seats.

“You too, Miss Simpson.” He smiled.

“Oh, it was nothing.” I waved it off.

The doorbell caught our attention.

“I’ll get it,” I said quickly.

“It’s my job, Miss Simpson; please allow me.”

I hated when he spoke like that. I rolled my eyes in defeat while he laughed.

Tristan walked down the stairs in black jogger shorts and a blue T-shirt that hugged his flexing biceps. His blond hair had a few strands falling across his right temple. The color of his hair was still confusing, as if it changed color. It looked bronze today.

I was too busy staring at him to notice our guests. I turned around and saw Adrian in dark jeans and a white Henley. He left two buttons undone to show off his gold chains and toned chest. The lady on his arm spoiled my smile, drilling a hole in my chest.

Her ebony hair reached her waist, and she wore a green dress that showed off her perfect curves.

Tristan and Adrian shook hands while I stood four feet away, staring.

“Chloe?” Adrian’s voice stole my gaze away.

“Hi, Adrian.” I tried my best not to show the pain in my voice. The fake smile on my face hurt my cheeks.

“Chloe, meet Karen, my girlfriend.”

Girlfriend?

“Hi, Karen.” I beamed.

She was so pretty.

“Don’t be like that. Come here.” She withdrew from his arm and came to hug me. “Adrian told me a lot about you. Your eyes are so pretty,” she said, looking at my face closely.

“Thanks.” I grinned.

She was so sweet too.