Briony barely made it through a mile before she was completely out of breath. Seeing her struggle, James immediately slowed down and suggested they just walk instead.

They strolled along the edge of the man-made lake, taking in the early morning calm.

James unscrewed the cap from a bottle of spring water and handed it to Briony.

"Thanks," she said, taking a few gulps. "Honestly, I think I'm in worse shape than those old folks I see out here."

James grinned. "Of course! Those guys are tough as oxen. Plus, they don't have to work anymore and get a pension on top of that. Makes you jealous, doesn't it?"

Briony rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

"Oh, by the way, I went to THE WORLD last night to pick up a friend. Guess who I ran into?"

Briony glanced at him. "Who?"

"Lorna and Barrie."

She frowned. "They went to the bar together?"

"Yeah. They didn't see me, but I definitely saw Barrie with his arm around Lorna as they went into a private lounge. The two of them looked pretty cozy-anyone would think they were a couple."

pressed her lips together,

If her character was questionable, that could have some effect on

and was heading out, I ran

"She saw you?"

And..." He trailed off, remembering how she'd made a snide

she looks like she's done this before. Bryn, not to be mean, but your ex-husband

Briony just sighed.

added, "You're the exception, you know. You just got fooled back then, but it's okay—your eyes are open

gave a dry laugh. "Thanks, little brother. You're really good at

I aim

shot him a mock glare. "And would you stop licking your lips all

He blinked, confused. "Why?"

worried you'll end up poisoning yourself one of these

at

...

back to Skybreeze Retreat right at

and Aster were still

kitchen, Marlene

two of them come in together, he waved

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