Page 163 of Between Regrets and Promises

With an eyebrow popped, he gives me a pointed look. “Have you ever thought of asking her?”

“No.” I wince. “Up until recently, I hadn’t realized I needed to. I’ve made it very clear that I’m in love with Sophie. Plus, Serena and me—no.” I shake my head. “She’s Emma’s sister. I don’t see her that wayat all.”

“Well, might want to think about asking her, that way the air is cleared and you’ll know for sure. Otherwise, what other explanation is there for why she’s been coming around so much?” he asks.

“She’s worried about me, though she doesn’t have to be. She thought I’d spiral down again after Weston and Dalton. But she also saved my ass.”

“Or…” A booming laugh fills the room. “It’s because you’re available. You and Sophie haven’t progressed, so maybe, in her mind, she thinks she has a chance.”

My brows pinch together at the thought. “I don’t want her. Ineverwanted her. There’s nothing there, and that line has never been crossed—neverwill be crossed,” I declare.

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean she doesn’t want it to happen. Put yourself in Sophie’s shoes. She’s trying to get her head right and wants to be the woman for you but in her own time. It’s already difficult enough for her as it is, but then Serena comes aroundflaunting her tits and batting her eyes at you every second she can. I know you don’t want her, but does Sophie know that?”

“Well, I tried telling her tonight, but she wasn’t having it. Said maybe I’d be better with her anyway.”

Liam chuckles, shaking his head.

“What, Dr. Know-it-all?”

“You honestly know nothing about women, huh? I’m shocked you ever got laid.”

I roll my eyes. “Jesus fuck. Get on with it…”

“That’s her way of pushing you away because of her own insecurities on top of what she’s already feeling guilty about—your weird relationship status that is. So with all of that and then seeing you with Serena tonight, I can see why she acted the way she did. She planned this for you tonight, and you essentially brought a date.”

“Oh my God,” I groan, my head falling back as my temples throb. “A friend. I brought a friend! You came tonight. Does that mean you came as my date too?”

“Well, you did buy drinks,” he mocks. “Serena’s different, and you know it. She’s at the house a lot, and you two have a friendship Sophie can’t understand because it’s still new to her. You’re gonna need to do more than justtellher. You need to show Sophie that she’s the one you want.”

“Well, it’s hard to describe Serena’s and my friendship because we have a bond most people don’t, and after all this time, I’ve never noticed her changing how she acts around me. But I guess I can see how it looks from the outside, even if it’s nothing,” I say. “But I guess I’ll have to show her, then.”

“Thatta boy, now you’re learning.” Liam slaps my shoulder with a shit-eating grin.

Standing, I slap him right back. “Thanks, Dr. Liam. Who knew you had so many special skills? Wait, don’t answer that. You’re your own biggest fan.”

“Ha!” He beams. “And my pleasure. But next time, I’m charging you.”

Shaking my head, I walk out of his room and go to the bathroom. Right now, after this revelation, I need a cold shower.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

SOPHIE

Sitting on my bed,I stare at the wall. My emotions are going crazy like I might break down at any moment. Watching Serena touch Mason and laugh at everything he said made something inside me snap. Noticing the way she responded to him, it was more than obvious she has feelings for him, and the thought blinded me. I could hardly concentrate at dinner. While I feel bad for how I acted, I know I’m not going crazy in thinking Serena is after him.

Or maybe I am.

Needing to know if it was only me or not, I text Lennon because she’ll be honest. It’s not too late, and I’m sure she’s just settling down for the night.

Sophie

So. I have a question.

Lennon

Go for it. I’m sure I have an answer.

I pause before I type the message and wonder if I’m being a jealous girlfriend. Then I laugh because our relationship ison hold, which means I have no right to be. Mason should be able to do whatever he wants, and it’s my fault because I took the lead and put us on pause. I want to give him all of me, not shards of who I used to be, and that’s going to take time. If only I knew how long.

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