A Little Bit Engaged

A loud noise woke Cara O’Neal. Bolting upright in bed, she blinked. Once, twice…

The time on the digital clock glowed a faint green.

11:28 p.m.

Clutching the comforter, she half-expected a tremor to roll through the condo—a disturbing thought given San Francisco’s Marina District was built on a landfill.

A buzz shattered the silence. It was her building’s security system. Not an earthquake.

Nothing to worry about.

She flexed her fingers, allowing her racing pulse to slow to a more normal rate.

The building’s front door was kept locked. An intercom system allowed visitors to buzz a resident’s unit, and then they had to wait to be let inside. Except…

No one she knew would drop by this late on a Monday night. Maybe Geoff, her friend from unit 301, had gone for a run and left his keys at home. That had happened before but never past bedtime.

Reaching toward the nightstand, she turned on the lamp.

Loki, the longhaired black cat she’d adopted years ago from a rescue group in Southern California, meowed from the pillow next to hers. He flicked his tail once before giving her the evil eye. Not his my-bowl-is-only-half-full-I’m-starving look, but his you-woke-me-up-now-rub-me-back-to-sleep-or-die green-eyed glare.

“Sorry to disturb His Royal Highness, but I can’t leave someone outside at this hour.” At least the weather in early March had been warmer than usual. Yawning, she crawled out of bed, padded across the floor, and then pressed the intercom button. “Hello?”

“It’s Brody. Let me in before someone recognizes me.”

Brody Simmons.

Her breath caught in her throat, her muscles tensing.

What is he doing here?

She pressed the button to unlock the front entrance.

Growing up, Brody had been her closest friend. She’d had a crush on him from high school through college. Okay, maybe a little longer than that. But no one knew, thank goodness. That would have been awkward when Brody and Caitlin, her twin sister, started dating.

Three years, one month, and four days ago.

Not that Cara was counting.

But his late-night visit with no warning concerned her. Running her thumbs across her fingertips, she thought about calling Caitlin. Maybe her sister would know what was going on. Except Caitlin hadn’t returned any calls or texts for over two weeks. Brody wasn’t much better. He rarely called, but he would occasionally text or video chat.

Cara hadn’t seen him in person since he’d taken her to the Academy Awards ceremony last year when Caitlin had been too sick to attend. Cara had loved the once-in-a-lifetime experience. Since then, Brody had been filming one movie after another. A week ago, she’d glimpsed him and her sister at the Oscars. They appeared fine, but something must have happened to bring him to San Francisco.

A fight with Caitlin? A problem on his latest movie set? A need to escape the rabid fans chasing after one of Hollywood’s sexiest leading men?

Loki rubbed against her leg.

“Brody will be here in two or three minutes,” she said to the furry love of her life.

She didn’t consider changing out of her tiger-striped footie pajamas. Sexy lingerie and sophisticated styles weren’t in Cara’s dresser or closet. She preferred footie, flannel, and fleece jammies. Not only did they keep her warm at night, but they were also comfy, cute, and fun.

After brushing her fingers through hair that was tangled and wavy from the braid she’d worn earlier, she gave up with a sigh. Brody wouldn’t care if she answered the door naked. The only woman he noticed, the only one he wanted, was Caitlin.

Their love emanates beyond the screen.

Cara winced. Three years later, the movie critic’s observation still stung. She’d never stood a chance with Brody except in her dreams, but Cara had almost convinced herself that he and Caitlin had simply nailed the roles of star-crossed lovers because of their acting abilities.

Until the two kissed at the movie’s premiere.

No one could fake that kind of passion, that kind of…love.

True love.

Forever love.

What Cara had wanted with Brody.

But the fantasies had blown up in her face. Right there on the red carpet. Her dreams hadn’t come true. They’d been crushed and pummeled into grains of sand.

Unlike her sister, Cara wasn’t a good actress, but hiding her crush had been easy enough. Keeping her broken heart a secret from the two people who knew her best, however, had proven impossible when they acted so lovey-dovey around her. Not their fault, but she couldn’t handle being the third wheel and witnessing their constant PDA.

To distance herself, she’d moved from Los Angeles after she found a better librarian job in San Francisco. Caitlin purchased this condo for Cara to rent after she’d mentioned her trouble finding an affordable place that allowed pets, and she appreciated her sister’s generosity. Caitlin’s crazy schedule kept the two from talking much these days, and Cara missed their phone calls. Even though Caitlin defined diva, they were still twin sisters who shared a bond few understood.

Time had flown by since Cara moved nearly three years ago. Too bad she didn’t still have the job that had brought her to San Francisco. Ten months ago, she’d been laid off.

Three long knocks sounded, followed by two short ones. It was the secret code they’d used at the tree house behind Brody’s childhood home where his parents still lived.

“Cara.” He sounded impatient.

Inhaling deeply, she opened the door.

Sunglasses covered Brody’s killer baby blues, but they did nothing to mask his classically handsome features. A multicolored, striped beanie hid his thick brown hair. An oversized navy hoodie disguised his to-die-for body. With his six-foot-plus height and athletic build, he could easily be mistaken for a professional athlete.

Definitely swoon-worthy.

She clutched the door handle.

It was a good thing she’d developed immunity to his attractiveness and charm. No more weak knees. Forget the drawn-out sighs. She’d left those behind with her crush. For her sake and her sister’s.

“Hey.” Brody stepped inside, closed the door behind him, dropped his backpack onto the floor, and enveloped her in a bear hug. His trademark since he was fourteen and no longer embarrassed to touch girls.

Although, she wasn’t sure if he viewed her as a female or ever had. She’d been parked in the friend zone for so long her windshield was plastered with tickets. Yet, that hadn’t stopped her from trying to get him to notice her in high school. She’d been so hopeful then.

Now she could enjoy taking a glimpse or two, but that was as far as it would go.

His scent—a mix of his shampoo and him—surrounded Cara. She wanted to inhale deeply to soak up the smell, but she didn’t.

“It’s good to see you.” Brody let go of her. Off came his sunglasses, hat, and sweatshirt. He placed them on top of the small wooden bookcase where she kept her purse and keys. “Sorry I didn’t call first. Nice pjs.”

Cara struck a silly tiger pose. “A birthday present to myself.”

“Not a book?”

“I gave myself one of those, too.”

Brody laughed. “Were you asleep?”

“Yes, and Loki’s not pleased. He doesn’t like to be disturbed.”

“Sorry, dude,” Brody said to the cat.

Turning, Loki presented a perfect view of his backside.

Typical cat. “I thought you were filming.”

“Finished.” Glancing around, Brody shifted his weight from foot to foot. “You alone?”

Cara wanted to groan. Of course, she was alone. She wanted nothing more than to fall in love—to open her heart and her life to someone special. So far, no luck.

“Only Loki and me.”

“You mentioned something about a date the last time we talked.”

He’d wanted to know how she was doing after being unemployed and then finding a job to tide her over until she found a new position in her field. “Yes. Turns out he’s allergic to cats. Sneezing, eyes watering, and hives broke out when he entered the condo. Shortest first date ever.”

“That sucks.”

“Try, try again.” She motioned Brody into the living room. “So…”

He plopped onto her couch, a slipcovered love seat she’d assembled herself. “How do you like being a book concierge?”

That was her title at Cassandra’s Attic, an independent bookstore here in San Francisco, where she worked part-time. “I enjoy it. Cassie’s a great boss, her husband, Troy, has wonderful ideas for improving the store, and my coworkers are nice, but…”

“You miss working in a library.”

Yes and no, but the bottom line came down to the one thing her parents wouldn’t allow her to forget. “It’s what my degree is in.”

“How’s the job search going?”

Heat rushed up her neck. So many libraries had turned her down that Cara felt as if she were a new college graduate with zero work experience, but she wasn’t giving up. The perfect job was out there somewhere. She would find it.

“I have a second interview on Friday for a position I’d love.” She crossed her fingers. “I’ve also been volunteering at a public library when I can. I may have found a new calling.”

“What’s that?”

A ball of warmth formed in her chest. “Working in the children’s section.”

His mouth quirked. “I thought rare books were your thing?”

“They are, but I’d forgotten how much I enjoy story time. Another employee handles it at the bookstore, but I’m having fun at the library.” Picturing the children from Friday’s session filled her with joy. “Seeing young faces light up as I read—their eyes full of excitement and anticipation—is incredible. It makes me remember why I fell in love with books when I was younger.”

“Doing this really makes you happy.”

“So happy. I feel like I’m making a difference with these kids.” She shimmied her shoulders. “I’m going to ask if the library will let me start themed book clubs for various ages, and then I want to propose a theater and dance reading group for kids who learn better kinesthetically.”

“Wow. Fantastic ideas.” His face brightened. “You sound excited. Much better than I thought you’d be doing.”

She shrugged. “I have an occasional off moment, but I won’t let losing my job bring me down.”

“The university was stupid to let you go.”

“I didn’t have enough seniority. Nothing anyone could do.” If she’d stayed in Los Angeles, she would still be employed. But moving had been the right decision. Her new job had been a dream while it lasted, and the distance had allowed her to get over her crush. Brody was nothing more than a friend now. Although…she’d created yet another problem by leaving Southern California. She now felt like an outsider in her family.

“What’s going on with you?” she asked. “You didn’t come here to talk about my employment situation.”

Humor flashed in his eyes, followed by a sheepish grin. One he’d used for as long as she could remember. Knowing she could still read him filled her with a sense of relief. “You’ve always been the smart one.”

The three of them used to joke about how Caitlin got the beauty and Cara the brains. Being smart was great, but more than once, she’d wished they’d been identical twins instead of fraternal ones. Looking like her sexy, gorgeous actress sister wouldn’t suck.

“What brings you to San Francisco?” Cara asked.

“Caitlin.”

Cara wasn’t surprised. Her sister was a magnet for trouble, always had been. Cara and Brody had grown up trying to get Caitlin out of one jam after another. They’d offered support when anxiety issues made her want to hurt herself—a terrifying time no one wanted repeated, but therapy and medication kept that under control these days. Still, Caitlin had found herself in trouble a few times. Fortunately, whenever things got out of hand for her, Brody had a knack for minimizing any damage. A good thing since Cara wasn’t there to help, but she did what she could from afar.

“Spill,” she said.

Loki jumped onto the couch, and the cat bumped his head against Brody’s hand.

He rubbed Loki’s neck. “I hope you’ve been taking care of Cara.”

She wouldn’t let Brody distract her by talking to her cat. “I’m waiting.”

“I…” Loki climbed onto Brody’s lap. “This is more difficult than I thought it would be. I tried to talk Caitlin into coming, but she bailed.”

Caitlin avoided conflict by being indirect when she wanted something. Cara hoped Brody hadn’t been talked into doing her sister’s dirty work. He was too busy for that. Unless Caitlin wanted Cara to do something for her.

She scooted closer. “Hey. You can tell me anything.”

He nodded, but his gaze bounced from one thing to another, focusing on every object in the room except her.

Something was up. Something big. She knew his every expression, all his secrets. At least she used to. That was Caitlin’s job now.

But time and distance hadn’t changed Cara’s ability to sense what was going on in his head. Growing up, she’d believed nothing could come between them. Maybe things hadn’t changed as much as she thought. “Brody.”

“This isn’t easy to say.”

Cara’s stomach clenched. Maybe he wasn’t there with a simple request from her sister. “You’re scaring me.”

“Sorry. It’s just…” He stared at Loki. The cat was stretched out, purring. “Caitlin and I need your help.”

“You know I’d do anything for you guys.” Cara would, too. Caitlin and Brody might occupy a different universe from Cara’s, but the two, along with Loki and her parents, meant everything to her. “Just tell me what you need.”

Brody pulled something from his pocket—a black velvet ring box.

An engagement ring.

He was going to ask her sister to marry him.

Mr. and Mrs. Brody Simmons.

The phrase spiraled inside Cara’s brain like a cyclone.

Her stomach dropped. Her throat tightened. Tears stung her eyes.

She dreamed of living happily ever after, but she’d never come close to grabbing the golden ring. Caitlin, however, would have hers.

A mix of emotions swirled through Cara. Happiness for her sister. A knife to the heart for herself.

An awful and pathetic response, but a true one, nonetheless.

Caitlin marrying Brody wasn’t the problem. Her sister led a charmed life. Sure, she’d spent difficult years working both as a cocktail waitress and a cosmetic-counter salesclerk while trying to break into show business, but then her dreams came true as if a fairy godmother had waved her magic wand and cast a whatever-your-heart-desires spell.

Hit movie franchise, adoring fans, a loving boyfriend who would soon be her fiancé.

Once, just once, Cara wanted to be the princess. To wear the figurative tiara and hold the sparkling scepter like Caitlin. Was that too much to ask?

Probably.

A laugh bubbled inside Cara, but she couldn’t let it escape.

Now her sister would be adding a veil, a wedding ring, and Prince Charming as her husband. Her life would be even more perfect, a real-life happily ever after.

Cara wanted that, too. Someday…

At least an impending engagement explained why Brody was here. No trouble. This was a happy visit.

Shoring up the proper enthusiasm, she smiled. “My parents will be so excited. I am.”

Despite the burst of jealousy, she was happy. Her sister marrying the perfect guy was a good thing. Brody protected Caitlin, put her first, and made her laugh. Cara would love to have someone like him in her life.

He opened the ring box’s lid. A diamond solitaire gleamed.

She inhaled sharply. The vintage engagement ring was exactly what she would have picked out for herself, though the style seemed a tad old-fashioned for her sister’s modern tastes. Still, Caitlin would love whatever Brody bought her.

“Wow.” Cara’s fingers itched to move closer, but she forced herself not to touch her sister’s gorgeous ring. “Caitlin’s going to love this.”

“It’s not for her.”

Cara’s gaze jerked up to meet Brody’s. “What?”

As he swallowed, his Adam’s apple seemed twice as big as normal. He appeared almost nervous. “It’s for you.”

Her heart slammed against her rib cage. Air rushed from her lungs. Questions exploded in her brain. She opened her mouth, but she couldn’t speak. Her gaze went from the ring to Brody.

“You asked what Caitlin and I need.” His gaze implored Cara. “We—I—need you to marry me.”

Cara’s openmouthed, you’re-certifiably-insane expression hit Brody like a microphone boom to the head. He scooted away from her until his thigh bumped into the armrest of the love seat.

Stupid. He needed to slow down—to explain. “That didn’t come out right.”

“Which part?”

Her pretty features hardened on her heart-shaped face, a stark contrast from her usual cheery disposition. Brown hair, full and wavy, fell past her shoulders. Strands stuck out, reminding him of a lion’s mane. Forget her adorable tiger pajamas. Her green eyes blazed, wild and angry, as if she might attack. This was so not the Cara he knew.

“The diamond ring or the proposal?” she asked.

“Both.” He took a deep breath and then another. His rapid pulse didn’t slow. His chest squeezed tighter. “Cara—”

“Are you drunk?” She pinned him with a sharp gaze. More jade than the emerald of Caitlin’s. “Because otherwise—”

“I’m sober.” A conscious decision he’d made on the flight to San Francisco. “Although I wouldn’t say no to a beer if you’re offering.”

Annoyed didn’t begin to describe her expression. Not good. He couldn’t remember the last time Cara had gotten this upset with him.

Her mouth slanted. “This isn’t funny. If Caitlin knew…”

“She knows.” The words tumbled out. So much for slowing down. “She’s why I’m here.”

Cara’s eyebrows pulled together in a sympathetic gesture, but annoyance returned in a flash. Her mouth pinched as if she’d eaten something sour. “Not even my sister could get herself into this much trouble.”

More wanted to fly out of his mouth, but he kept his lips pressed together. Cara was the only woman who made him feel unsure of himself, like he was in sixth grade again. He hadn’t always felt this way around her.

Not when they lived next door to each other. Not when they sat next to each other on the school bus. Not when they called each other best friends through high school and when she was in college.

But after she’d graduated, something changed. Maybe because she seemed smarter than she had been when she was in school. Or maybe because she’d gone from the clichéd ugly duckling—too thin and tall with features that didn’t quite fit her face—to a beautiful swan. Caitlin still joked about giving her twin sister a gift certificate to a plastic surgeon when they turned thirty in two years, even though Cara didn’t need it.

“Caitlin did get herself into trouble,” he finally said. “Not on purpose, but she needs our help.”

“You mean she’s dragging us into one of her problems again.”

As he nodded, Cara stared down her nose. The gesture reminded him of her twin, a rare similarity between two vastly different women. Next to his mother and late grandmother, Caitlin and Cara were the most important females in his life.

She crossed her arms over her chest. “What did my sister do this time?”

“Screwed up big-time on camera.”

“That’s why you showed up with a ring and proposed?” Disbelief filled Cara’s voice.

He didn’t blame her. “This wasn’t my idea, but Caitlin didn’t leave me much choice.”

Cara’s lips narrowed into a thin line. The one person who’d always taken his side didn’t believe him. The realization slashed through him like a blade.

She gave a slight shake of her head. “There’s always a choice.”

Maybe in Cara’s world. Not so much in his. Since his acting career took off, he’d felt like a trained dog performing tricks on command for Caitlin and his management team. He hated it.

Tonight, however, was different. Brody would do whatever he could to keep Caitlin’s reputation from being ruined. No way could she keep her anxiety under control if the truth got out and her carefully crafted façade was exposed. The consequence might be too much for her to bear.

He pulled his phone from his pocket. “I should have had you watch this video before I said anything. You can see for yourself what’s going on.”

Cara’s lips pursed. Her doubt was as clear as her makeup-free face.

Brody hit play. He’d seen this clip so many times he’d memorized what had been said, but it hadn’t made the situation any better. He felt worse. Awful about what Caitlin had done. Regret for having to drag sweet Cara into her sister’s PR mess.

An image of beautiful, sexy, pain-in-the-butt Cait Neal—she’d dropped the “lin” and the “O” for her stage name—appeared on the screen with her flawless makeup and flowing blond hair.

“I hardly recognize her with lighter hair,” Cara said. “But no matter what color or style, Caitlin always looks amazing.”

Looking amazing was a Cait Neal trademark, no matter if she was grabbing a cappuccino from a corner coffee shop or being interviewed on the red carpet. Brody could get away with wearing board shorts and a ratty T-shirt. When Caitlin dressed casually in shorts and a tank top, she put the same thought into her clothing choice as if she were attending a formal event. This morning for the interview shoot, her well-paid stylist had mixed designer label clothing with off-the-rack finds to create an outfit that would generate oohs and aahs from fans and fashionistas.

Cara angled the screen toward her face. “The video quality’s not the best.”

“Caitlin’s assistant filmed this on the sly. Evidence in case Auntie Shark got creative with the editing.”

“Shouldn’t that nickname and the need for evidence have been red flags the interview wasn’t a good idea?” Cara asked.

“Caitlin’s publicist set it up.”

The Auntie Shark nickname was well earned. The woman came across like a doting relative until the opportunity arose to chomp off an appendage with a biting comment or innuendo.

“The buzz on Caitlin’s new film is bad. It’s a romantic comedy, but the focus audiences didn’t laugh during the screenings.” She wanted the same blockbuster box office results on her first movie without him as he’d had with his first film without her. “Your sister needs as much press as possible to fill theaters this weekend.”

“Don’t you mean positive press?”

“That was the plan.” Emphasis on was. Sweat dampened the back of his neck.

On the screen, Caitlin sat on her living room couch next to a forty-something female news show host who acted more like a gossip columnist than a highly regarded journalist.

“So, what’s going on with you and Brody Simmons?” Auntie Shark’s voice sounded nonchalant.

“Everything’s great between us.” Caitlin didn’t miss a beat replying. Practice made the answer automatic. “We’ve been together for over three years.”

“That’s a long time in the movie business.” The way Auntie Shark emphasized the last word made Brody cringe. In hindsight, the speech pattern had been a warning of incoming fire. “Is that why you were at a bridal salon looking at wedding dresses?”

“I—I…” Caitlin’s stuttering matched her deer-in-the-headlights expression.

Brody’s heart ached for her. Years of dealing with the media and knowing what to say with a camera rolling had disappeared in a nanosecond. If only he’d been there, but Caitlin said she had everything under control and not to change his plans.

He’d let her down. And for what? To shoot hoops with a few guys from the gym.

“Why was Caitlin at a bridal salon?” Cara asked in that logical tone of hers.

Brody motioned to the screen. “Just watch.”

“Tell us the truth, Cait.” Auntie Shark sounded mean, almost hateful. “Have you and Brody been lying to your fans? Are you secretly planning a wedding?”

Cara leaned closer to the screen, blocking his view. “Caitlin’s face is so pale. I haven’t seen her this stressed since high school. She looks like she might pass out.”

“Fainting would have been good. Saying we were getting married would have been the best solution.”

Friends, fans, and foes would have understood them not wanting to make a spectacle out of a wedding. A lie, maybe, but what was one more?

“Pause the video,” Cara said.

Brody did.

“I don’t get it.” Lines creased Cara’s forehead, matching the confusion in her gaze. Brody knew she hated not understanding something. “If you’re marrying Caitlin, why are you here with an engagement ring asking me to marry you?”

“Watch.” He hit play. “Three, two, one…”

Tears shot from Caitlin’s eyes like water exploding from a broken fire hydrant.

Brody felt a pang. He should have been there.

“We’re not getting married,” Caitlin hiccupped between sobs. Streams of mascara-stained tears flowed down her cheeks. “Brody and I… We aren’t engaged. We broke up.”

Cara’s lips parted, her eyes widened, and then she blinked several times. Her face tightened into a pained expression that made him feel like a jerk. “Why did you break up? Is Caitlin okay? Did you hurt her?”

“Keep watching.”

Auntie Shark patted Caitlin’s arm. “I’m so sorry.”

Caitlin swiped her hand across her face. The move made a bigger mess of her makeup. She appeared oh-so-human, not the perfectly put together actress that girls and teens idolized.

Auntie Shark extended a tissue. “Take your time, dear.”

“Thank you.” Caitlin dabbed her face slowly as if trying to think of what to say next. If only she hadn’t rushed… “I didn’t want our fans to find out this way, but I suppose there isn’t a good time to tell them.”

“Tell them what?” Auntie Shark sounded giddy.

Caitlin stared straight at the camera. Her vulnerability clawed at him. “About Brody.”

“What about him?”

“He’s… He’s getting married.”

“Huh?” Cara muttered.

“What?” Auntie Shark’s mouth gaped. “Who is he marrying?”

Caitlin’s slight pause told Brody she was making this up as she went. “My twin sister.”

“No!” Auntie Shark and Cara shouted at the same time.

The horror in that one word twisted his heart. He’d experienced the same shock, disbelief, and…hurt. He knew the question—Why, Caitlin?—was echoing in Cara’s head the way it had resounded in his. He patted her hand. Not much support, but this was all he could give her. They were in this together, or they would be if she agreed to be his temporary fiancée.

“You can’t be serious.” Auntie Shark appeared shocked.

“I’m afraid so.” Caitlin sniffled. “They’ve been secretly dating. I don’t know how long this has been going on, but they attended the Academy Awards together last year when I was sick. Maybe it started then. I’m trying to be happy for them. I was at the bridal salon to try on bridesmaid dresses, but it’s…hard. The two people I love most in this world betrayed me in the worst possible way.” She wiped her eyes with a tissue before she straightened. “And you know, it’s so bizarre how life is imitating art.”

“What do you mean?” Auntie Shark’s tone was sympathetic, but her eyes gleamed with dollar signs. No doubt this exclusive, juicy morsel had thrilled her.

“My new film Trouble in Tulle is about a jilted bride whose groom runs off with her best friend. Everyone should see the movie when it opens this weekend.” Caitlin perked up for a moment, but then, as if on cue, more tears flooded her cheeks. “My sister is…was…my best friend.”

“Oh, no. No. No. No.” Cara’s voice trembled. Her lower lip quivered. “Please tell me this is a sick joke. An early April Fool’s prank. Payback for me making fun of your movie franchise.”

Brody wanted to wipe away her worry. Instead, he shut off the video. “I wish I could.”

Cara stared at his phone. “I don’t know what to say.”

“I know the feeling. It’s like I’m on a roller coaster that won’t stop—only, this ride hasn’t been any fun.” He placed his phone on the old, beat-up trunk that doubled as a coffee table. “I just want it to end.”

“Why would Caitlin do this to me? To us?” The pain in Cara’s voice hurt Brody. “I’ve stayed out of the public eye on purpose. Now she’s pushing me into the spotlight. Can you stop this?”

The hope in Cara’s gaze made him want to say yes, but he couldn’t tell her another lie. “I thought about going to my lawyer, but Caitlin talked me out of it. She said the real-life parallel with the movie is too perfect not to exploit. The show was taped this morning. It’s set to air on Thursday. That gives us time.”

“Time for what?” The lines on Cara’s forehead deepened. “My sister has lost it.”

“Caitlin panicked.” She needed people to think well of her, and she’d been stressed over her film’s release. He wished she hadn’t dragged him and Cara into this, but he wouldn’t desert Caitlin. Without her, he would have never been cast as her costar in a role that turned both of them into megastars. He not only owed Caitlin, but he also cared about her. They could have lost her when she was seventeen and mentally hit rock bottom. He didn’t want that to happen again. “She’s worried about her reputation. We need to play along. Pretend to be engaged.”

“Other actors have survived bad reviews and box office flops. Why is this any different?”

The upcoming premiere was only one reason Caitlin had reacted this way. Brody dragged his hand through his hair.

“And let’s not play dumb.” Cara squared her shoulders. “My sister didn’t come up with the life-imitating-art speech on the fly. This was premeditated.”

“No, it wasn’t,” he countered. “Caitlin was caught off guard. Her anxiety ramped up. She did what she could to salvage the situation.”

“What situation? She threw us under the bus. No, in front of a runaway semi. Or train.”

“Caitlin’s built her career on being a sweet, honest person. A role model for young women. She did what she had to do, and we have to help her.”

“Help, yes, but not enable.” Cara rubbed her face. “Caitlin must be having a mental breakdown. Or maybe she’s taking a new anxiety medication, and this is a side effect. Those are the only reasons for her to have lied so badly.”

Guilt coated Brody’s mouth. He rubbed his sweaty palms over his thighs. The last two and a half years replayed in his mind. Each memory made his throat hurt more, but he had to tell the truth. “Not everything Caitlin said was a lie.”

Cara’s lips curved into a condescending smile that hit like a kick from an undefeated MMA fighter. “Don’t let love blind you.”

The tightness in his chest quadrupled. Lying to her had been difficult, but he never expected to feel as if his own heart was going to explode. “There’s stuff you don’t know.”

The color of Cara’s eyes deepened to a forest green. “What stuff?”

He wanted to skip this part, make something up the way Caitlin had during her interview, but Cara deserved to hear the truth, even though she wouldn’t like what he had to say. “Caitlin and I broke up two and a half years ago. Since then, we’ve been pretending to date.”

Cara blinked. “Pretending?”

She sounded breathless as if she couldn’t believe what he was saying. Brody understood. If he could change the past, he would. He would tell Cara the truth. No, he wouldn’t have pretended he and Caitlin were still dating.

“Yes.” Saying that brought no relief. Only regret.

“But you and Caitlin are in love.”

“I love Caitlin, just not romantically. She feels the same way about me. But there are benefits to us remaining a couple until the final movie in the franchise releases in December, so we—”

“Lied.”

The lump in his throat grew to the size of a baseball. He nodded and then swallowed. “No one else knew.”

“If that’s supposed to make me feel better—”

“It’s not. But I didn’t want you to think we kept the truth only from you. In January, we were planning to release a statement about breaking up and then go on with our lives and careers separately. But now…”

Cara’s face flushed. “I see.”

She bowed her head, causing her hair to fall forward and hide her face, but her voice told him all he needed to know. She was disappointed in him.

Brody had hurt her, even though she wouldn’t tell him that. He wished she would. He wanted Cara to scream or shout, to do something emotional like her sister would. Instead, she sat calmly, twirling a strand of hair with her index finger. She did that whenever she was thinking about something. But thinking and analyzing—two of Cara’s strengths—wouldn’t change anything. He felt like the worst friend ever.

Her eyebrows drew together. “Why didn’t Caitlin say you were together and secretly planning a wedding? She could have said a friend or a member of her entourage was getting married. No one would have known the truth.”

“That would have been better.”

“Yes, except…” Cara sighed. “None of those mirror the plot of Caitlin’s movie as well as her lie about us.”

“We’re trapped.”

“Only if we agree.”

He’d agreed to help Caitlin before he caught his flight, but he needed Cara to pull this off. “We can’t leave Caitlin to handle this mess on her own. I’m not about to watch her spiral until she decides fixing things isn’t worth it.”

Cara’s face paled. “My sister wouldn’t do that again. She promised…”

“I don’t want to take that chance, and I know you don’t either.”

Seeing Caitlin hospitalized ten years ago for a psych evaluation had been bad enough. Maybe they’d given into her demands too much since then. Coddled her. Let her get away with stuff others wouldn’t. But the alternative…

He blew out a breath. “That means we’re stuck. For now.”

A beat passed. And another. “I love Caitlin, but this could just be another one of her elaborate schemes.”

“Maybe.” But Caitlin’s fear had been real.

“Her anxiety has seemed better.”

“There’s no guarantee that will continue.”

“But what she’s claiming could hurt you. It could also cause problems with my job search and call into question my character since I volunteer with children.” Cara’s tone was thoughtful, not upset.

Brody understood why she felt that way, except… “True, but Caitlin’s always been fragile emotionally. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help her out of this mess. Are you?”