Page 36 of The Rake I Wished For
“No, I…” Harlow cleared his throat. “I knew you’d give me the money if I asked. But I…I didn’t want to ask. I didn’t want you to feel obligated, and—”
“And you thought I wouldn’t trust you to see it through.”
Harlow met his friend’s gaze. His friend who’d never had trouble speaking bluntly and who’d always seen right through him.
Just like his sister.
Harlow gave a short nod.
“Harlow…” Liam shook his head. “I’ve believed in you long before you ever began to believe in yourself.”
Harlow’s brows hitched up in surprise, but Liam wasn’t done.
“I knew you’d outgrow your father’s tendencies, just like I rose to the occasion when duty called. I never doubted you, Harlow. I’ve just been waiting for you to see for yourself what sort of man you are, because I’ve always known.”
Harlow stared at his friend in shock. Not just because of the message behind his words, which were still making their way through his clattering mind. But also the sheer volume of words. That was by far the most he’d heard his friend utter at one time.
“Jocelyn too,” Liam said, almost as an afterthought.
Harlow blinked. “Pardon?”
Liam’s lips twitched slightly, no doubt at Harlow’s stunned expression. “I was just saying that both my sister and I have known for an age what a good man you are.”
Harlow stared. The mention of Jocelyn just now was more than he could bear. His heart was too full, his mind too cluttered.
He couldn’t seem to catch up with all that Liam was saying.
Liam clapped a hand on his shoulder with a small smile. “Why else do you think I’d entrust you with Jocelyn’s care?”
And that was it. That was the moment Harlow was crushed by guilt. “You give me too much credit, Liam.”
“Nonsense, I—”
“Your trust has been misplaced.” He drew in a deep breath. “Particularly when it comes to Jocelyn.”
Liam froze, his gaze sharp and piercing. But Harlow refused to look away.
“Explain,” Liam grunted.
What was the use in denying it? He’d have to explain eventually, why he was staying away. “I’m afraid I’ve fallen in love with your sister.”
“You’ve…” Liam’s eyes were wide with surprise.
And Harlow waited. He braced himself for the anger. Maybe even a blow to the face.
Lord knew he’d deserve it.
Harlow lifted his chin, ready to take a punch, but then…
Liam laughed.
Nay, he guffawed.
Harlow stared in horror as his stern, serious friend bent over with laughter.
“What are you laughing about?”
“It’s just… Finally!” Liam said as his laughter faded to a smug grin. “I've been waiting ages for you two to see what's right in front of your faces.”
