If I Break THE COMPLETE SERIES Bundle by Portia Moore Page A

of fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. She starts to unpack bags and put groceries away, but I can tell her full attention is on me.
    “So how is everything?” she asks casually.
    “Everything is good.” I nod, pulling a carton of milk from the bag.
    “You didn’t call me this week.”
    “I know. I, um, I wanted to surprise you,” I say, hoping that doesn’t sound like a lie.
    “You did! When I saw that Audi parked in the driveway, I couldn’t believe my eyes! So again, how long do I have you guys?” she asks as if she’s a hotel desk clerk.
    “Oh, well, I was thinking I’d stay a week or two,” I tell her, busying myself by taking out a bottle of juice and avoiding her eyes.
    “You are?” she asks, surprised.
    “Yeah, well, if that’s okay with you,” I say hesitantly.
    “Of course it is, honey. I love your company, and you know that you’re always welcome here. It’s just… two weeks is quite a long time. Is Cal here?” she inquires.
    Here’s my chance. Just tell her. Just say it! “N-no, um, that’s actually why I’m here.”
    She stops going through the bag and gives me her full attention; her look is intimidating. “What’s wrong?”
    “Oh, nothing’s wrong. It’s just that Cal’s gone on another business trip, and the penthouse gets lonely at night. I thought, I haven’t seen you in a while.” I laugh slightly. God, why didn’t I just tell her? I missed the perfect opportunity. Now this whole time, I’m going to be on pins and needles and have to remember my own lies.
    “Oh.” She looks at me skeptically, the look quickly replaced by a smile. “Well, I’m really glad you’re here.” She gives me another hug. “How about I finish up here, you go to your room and get settled, and I’ll order us some lunch?”
    “That’d be great.” I get up from the table. “You sure you don’t want any help?”
    “No, I’m fine. Go get settled,” she insists.
    I walk out of the kitchen and head for my car. I hate lying to my aunt, or lying in general, but if I told her why I was really here… I open up the trunk and heave my big suitcase out, setting it on the ground with a plop. As I roll it up the walkway toward the house, I notice Raven standing at the door with a huge smile and the phone close to her ear.
    Please tell me she’s not talking to who I think she’s talking to.
    “Lauren, honey, Cal’s on the phone!” she calls.
    My heart stops for a minute. She loves that man so much, I swear, if he weren’t my husband and he were just a little bit older, she’d be on him like a Chanel bag in the clearance section, if there is such a thing.
    “I’m kind of in the middle of something,” I call to her as sweetly as I can, squashing my annoyance and anger as I head back over to the car, trying to look busy shuffling through my bags.
    “Lauren Brooks! Get over here right this minute. You can bring your bags in later,” she says in a calm but forceful tone.
    I feel my shoulders drop as I slowly walk up to the porch, a small pout on my face. I remember I’m supposed to pretend I’m happy. I take the phone from her. “I’m going to take this in the house.”
    “Sure,” she tells me.
    I walk into the dining room and close the door. I take a huge breath and bring the phone to my ear.
    “I knew you were going to be at Raven’s,” he says before I even let him know I’m there.
    How wonderful of you , I think and roll my eyes.
    “You’re not talking to me?” he asks.
    I sigh in disbelief. He still thinks I’m “not talking to him.” I’ve left him, and he’s shrugging it off as a temper tantrum. Obviously, he doesn’t get it.
    “Two calls. It must be my lucky day,” I mumble sarcastically, pacing the room.
    “I know. I was wrong,” he says.
    “You really mean that? Or are you just saying what you think I want to hear?”
    “I mean what I say.” He sounds offended.
    “Cal, I’m tired of doing this with you.” I sigh.
    “Well, what do you want me