Page 107 of Not Exactly Mr. Darcy
“Actually, yes. She’s not like the others. There’s no other man in her life. She’s honest like that. And I think that’s her problem. She’s been jerked around by people who have promised one thing then done another, so to think of you being like that just hurt her too much.” George had winced. “Although I wassureshe knew.”
Now, standing here, waiting for Liv to meet his gaze, his heart felt like he was balancing on a precipice.Lord, please help her to forgive me.
“Olivia, I haven’t come all this way just to be stuck on the front steps,” Veronica complained. “Now, I know you two have some things to talk about, but I’m coming inside. It’s far too hot out here.”
“Oh, of course. I’m sorry.” Liv bent and kissed Veronica’s cheek, then opened the door wider and let her inside. Then shifted as if to bar his way, her gaze still not quite meeting his.
Okay. He deserved her mistrust. “How are you?”
She lifted weary eyes and finally met his. “Tired.”
He opened his arms as an invitation to a hug, but she shook her head, her eyes filling.
No, no.“Liv, I’m sorry.”
“I thought I could trust you,” she whispered.
Oh, how he hated being the cause of her disappointment. “Is … is there somewhere we can talk?”
“No. We’re about to eat dinner. My dad had a heart attack and he only got home yesterday.”
He nodded. “I’m so sorry. Veronica mentioned that’s why you left so quickly. That’s why she asked me to accompany her. He’s been in my prayers.”
“Thanks.”
Oh, how he hated this strain between them. “But that’s not the only reason I wanted to come,” he said softly.
Her gaze found his again, her eyebrows lifting. “Then why are—?”
“Oh!” Another woman, who shared strikingly similar features to Liv save for blue eyes instead of green, stared from the door. “You must be Liam Browne.”
He held out his hand. “I’m afraid you have me at the disadvantage.”
She gripped it firmly. “I’m Emma-Jane. EJ.”
“The tech guru.”
Her head tilted, her eyes narrowing. “Is that what Liv told you?”
“You created a successful dating app, or something.”
“Yes. My friend Jordan and I created Dream Match. Have you heard of it?” Her gaze tapered. “Of course, from what I hear, you’re not exactly in the market for it, are you?”
Heat travelled up his neck and he glanced at Liv. “I certainly hope not. But I don’t know if my dream match feels the same way.”
EJ’s half smile expanded into a smile holding a similar light to her sister’s. “I can see you two need to talk. I’ll make your excuses.”
“But—” Liv’s protest was cut off by the door closing.
Okay, if he appreciated EJ before, he had a newfound respect for the woman now. “She’s pretty smart.”
Liv rolled her eyes. “That makes one of us.”
“Liv.” He felt like he’d been given a gift when she didn’t shrug his hand from her arm. “Please, can we talk? There’s a lot I need to say.”
“Sure is,” she muttered.
He glanced around then pointed to a wooden bench near a small sandstone birdbath. It was placed under a tall purple-flowering tree with a sculptural trunk. “That’s pretty.”
