Martier looked up sharply, shaking her head in denial.

Claudette squeezed her hands. "I loved Aaron for more years than I care to admit. I forgave him for not wanting to broadcast our relationship in the workplace. And I convinced myself that I didn't need more. Marriage, kids. Because we were perfect just the way we were—when it's just between the two of us it's perfect." She swallowed and looked away. "I lied to myself because he didn't act like the other men in the ...