The Arrangement (The Arrangement, #1)

by Kiersten Modglin

Life wasn’t going to slow down because of our crisis. I just had to learn to keep up.

I became the figure of authority, and no longer was I considered a friend.

So, I sat. And I thought. Which was most often a dangerous thing.

I supposed that was what had made me so afraid. I didn’t know when my life had become what it was. It all felt like I’d woken up one morning and looked around at my half-grown children, my stagnant career, and a husband who wanted nothing to do with me, and I realized I had no idea how we’d gotten here.

Back then, I had no idea how much peace I’d have one day all too soon.

For me, cheating on my wife had never been something I planned on. I wasn’t proud of myself for what I’d done. Not that night or any of the nights before. And, to my surprise, it didn’t feel any better now, just because I had permission.

Everything could’ve gone so much differently, if only I’d been a better man.

People like to pretend they have no control over the way their life turns out, but the truth is that they just refuse to deal with the hard stuff because it’s too painful and messy. You know what’s even more painful and sticky? Prolonging bad situations for your own comfort. No one can solve your problems for you,

“I’ve been cheating on you,” I said, a grimace on my face as I lifted my head from my hands. “With Seth.”

“For better or worse. Because your only choice now is to kill me yourself or stay with me forever. I own your secret now, Peter. I own you.”