Until Forever by E. L. Todd Read Free Book Online Page A

boring nurse with no life?”
    “What? You were never boring, Monnique. You were perfect.”
    “Do you realize that I’m on the cover of a million magazines in the country? Do you get how big that is?”
    “Yes,” I said firmly. “But I’m not surprised because you’re so gorgeous. But you need to separate work from your personal life. You’re mixing the two. Honestly, I don’t want model Monnique. She’s shallow and superficial.”
    “I am not,” she said firmly. “I’m just adapting.”
    “All you do is work all the time.”
    “I’m trying to cut back.”
    I gripped my skull because I was so frustrated. “Monnique, we’re just going in circles here.”
    She crossed her arms over her chest. “What do you want me to do? Quit?”
    Yes, that would help.
    “You told me to pursue my dream and do what I wanted to do.”
    “But I didn’t know it would be like this…”
    “Are you really going to be that selfish?”
    I was starting to realize it wasn’t just the job that was causing strife between us. A lot more had changed. “Just forget it.”
    “Forget it?” She stepped closer to me. “Cortland, if you have something to say, just say it.”
    “I…I don’t know you anymore.”
    Her eyes darkened. “What does that mean?”
    “I feel like…we aren’t the same people anymore.”
    She processed my words for a while, replaying them over and over. “Are you…ending this with me?” The pain in her eyes broke my heart. “You said you would never walk away unless I walked away first. You’re taking that back?” Her eyes coated with tears. “I’m sorry, okay? I’ll try to be better. I’ll try to get more time off of work. I’ll stop being…bitchy. Please don’t go.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and cried into my chest. “I love you.”
    Feeling her in my arms made me feel weak. She was so small, smaller than she had ever been. I felt her ribs against my arms every time she breathed. I hated seeing Monnique in pain. It killed me every time. My hand moved down her back. “I love you too.”
    “Cortland, we’ll work on this. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
    “Okay.”
    She sniffed. “You aren’t leaving me?”
    “No,” I whispered.
    She pulled away and pressed her lips to mine. The taste of salt was on her lips. My mouth moved against hers, and all the love I felt for her since the moment we met radiated through me. I gave her my entire heart and I couldn’t just take it back. It was hard to give up on someone that was your whole world. You wanted to keep fighting even if there was no victory. You’d fail over and over again but it wouldn’t change anything. I was stuck.
    We moved to her bedroom, where clothes were shed and our bodies combined. When I felt her, I was lost. I made love to her like I had every other night, touching her heart with mine. Our hands touched, gripping tightly. And I lost myself in her, like I had so many times.
     
    Meet me at the Shake Shack. Ryan’s message popped up.
    I was avoiding everyone lately. I just didn’t feel like talking or doing anything. I just wanted to be alone. I’m busy.
    Dude, it’s important. It’s about Janice.
    I couldn’t dessert my best friend if he was going through a hard time. I’d be there for him no matter what. Okay. B there soon .
    I headed to the small shop where we got burgers and shakes. But when I walked inside, I didn’t see Ryan anywhere. Instead, Flynn sat in a booth, looking directly at me.
    Was this a coincidence or some sick joke?
    I approached his table. “Is Ryan here?”
    “No.” He stared me down. “I knew you wouldn’t meet me if I asked, so Ryan tricked you into coming here.”
    I felt the betrayal inside me. I couldn’t believe Ryan manipulated me like that.
    Flynn didn’t move from the booth. “Can we talk?”
    “What do you want to talk about?”
    “Take a seat.” He nodded to the other side.
    I didn’t know why, but I really didn’t like this guy. Judging by the way he was