Chapter 1

In a twelve-second introduction, Ryan denied our nine years together.

At our college reunion, Ryan put his hand on Sophie's waist and led her toward our old classmates.

When Mark from the rowing team asked who I was, Ryan did not blink.

"Oh, Catherine?" he said, his grip tightening around Sophie's waist. "We just share the lease on the downtown apartment. Roommates."

The word knocked the breath out of me.

I looked at the man who had kissed my forehead before we left the house tonight, yet his eyes slid past mine, locking onto the professional photographer circling the room.

Sophie took a step closer to him, her champagne flute resting against her collarbone.

She leaned toward my ear, bringing her heavy, sweet perfume with her.

"Ryan picked out this emerald dress for me," she whispered with a smirk. "He said green brings out my eyes. Don't we look good together?"

She turned slightly so the photographer could catch them side by side.

I looked at Ryan, waiting for him to step away from her and acknowledge the nine years we had shared.

Instead, he grabbed my elbow and pulled me away from the crowd, his fingers digging into my skin.

"Play along for one night, Cath," he muttered.

"Sophie's divorce was finalized last week. Her ex's friends are here, watching her. I told her I'd stay close."

"So she's your date, and I'm your roommate?"

"It's one night, Cath. Stop making everything about you."

Before I could respond, the photographer called out for couples to gather near the ice sculpture.

Sophie slid her arm through Ryan's and faced the camera.

I stepped out of the picture.

Afterward, Ryan pressed a key into Sophie's palm and walked her toward the waiting cars.

I checked my wristwatch. Ten-forty at night.

The last overnight express train to Chicago departed Central Station in exactly fifty-five minutes.

My sister had offered me her spare room in Chicago more than once. Tonight, I was finally going to take it.

I would not stay and play a supporting role in Ryan's rescue mission.

Liam caught my eye from across the room.

We hadn't spoken since graduation, but Liam came straight to me.

"You look like you need a getaway driver," Liam said, his voice low and steady. "My car is parked right out front. Tell me where you need to go."

"My apartment," I said, grabbing my wool coat from the back of the chair. "I need to grab my bags before the eleven-thirty-five train leaves."

The drive took twenty minutes. Neither of us spoke over the steady beat of the windshield wipers.

When we reached the fourth floor of my building, I pulled my house keys from my purse, my hand shaking slightly as I aimed for the deadbolt.

Before I could insert my key, the lock turned from inside.

Sophie opened the door wearing the gray cashmere sweater Ryan had given me for my birthday.

"Why are you back so early?" she asked.