She sighed, on one hand relieved, because she was worried he’d figured out she was pregnant, which was totally paranoid because there’s no way he’d believe that. She still barely believed it herself. On the other hand, her concern rose at his quiet confidence that he’d be able to easily entice her into his bed. Because his confidence was well founded.
“That has nothing to do with it,” she responded. “The truth is, I’ve been a bit off lately and my doctor suggested I drop some things from my diet for a little while. In fact, I don’t think I should eat the lasagna. I’m sorry, I should have warned you.”
“Is it something serious?” he asked, concern in his chocolate-brown eyes.
“No, I’m perfectly healthy. It’s … uh … food sensitivities. It’ll take a little time to figure it out, so for now, I’m being careful what I eat. The salad is fine, though.”
She took another bite. Hopefully, that explanation would cover any issues that came up with food. Including the fact she wouldn’t be drinking coffee or tea unless it was decaf.
“And what about the banana cream pie I have for dessert?”
“Really?” Her mouth watered at the thought. “Um … yeah … I think I can handle that.” It was her favorite dessert of all time.
“Good.”
They continued eating. Her salad was done in no time and she reached for a roll.
“How are your siblings?” he asked.
“They’re fine. Jaime’s going a bit crazy with the boys out of school for the summer. Kurt’s back from his honeymoon and the two of them seem disgustingly happy.”
“That’s nice. I’m happy for them.”
The wistful look in Liam’s eyes troubled her. She knew he wanted that happiness with her, but it was a fairy tale he was clinging to.
“And how’s your business?” she asked.
She bit into the roll she’d finished buttering. It was fresh and warm and melted in her mouth.
“It’s doing very well. I’m considering buying a chain of resort hotels. That’s why I’m going away for a few weeks.”
“Really? That’s different for you.”
His current company was more high-tech based. He’d invested in a few good ideas and had picked some winners.
“Diversifying is always good, but mostly, I wanted a change.” He pushed his empty plate aside. “But I’m sure you don’t really want to talk about business.”
“No, that’s true. I want to talk about you signing the divorce papers.”
He laughed, then stood up. “I’ll get dessert. Coffee?”
“Um, no. Herbal tea if you have it. Or decaf.”
He returned a few minutes later with a cup of fragrant apple-cinnamon tea and set a plate with a generous portion of pie in front of her.
She picked up her fork and took a bite of the dessert. The creamy feel of it in her mouth and the delightful taste of the banana and custard made her melt.
“Oh, that’s so good.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
The pie was gone all too quickly. She sipped her tea and realized he was only half done.
“I can get you another piece,” he offered.
“No, thanks. I’ll have more salad.”
She filled her bowl, then when they’d both finished the meal, helped him clear the table.
She settled into a chair kitty-corner to the couch. He brought her another cup of tea and set it in front of her, then sat down on the couch with his glass of wine.
The sun was setting over the lake, giving them a stunning view of the rose, mauve, and blue streaked sky reflected in the water.
After a few moments of appreciating the view, Liam turned to her.
“Abi, I really want to have a serious discussion about us. I want us to get back together. I know I was an idiot after … what happened. I pulled away and I deeply regret that.” He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, and stared into her eyes. “But I really do love you. And I’m going to do everything I can this weekend to prove that I won’t let you down again.”
The intensity of his voice and his deep, penetrating gaze unsettled her. Her fingers tightened around her cup.
“Liam, I’m in love with Del,” she blurted.
He frowned. “I know the two of you are close. You’ve been friends for a long time, but—”
“Del and I are together now. He even asked me to marry him.”
He clasped his hands together, frowning. “I see. That’s very odd since at the wedding, the two of you were still just friends.” His eyebrow rose. “And, in fact, the last I saw, Del had stormed off.”
“Because of you.”
He shrugged. “Still, it seems quite a turnaround.”
“Yes, well, I went and talked to him. When things are right, they can move quickly.”
“I don’t think four years is particularly fast.” His eyes grew solemn. “Now with you and I … that was fast. Because you and I are meant to be together.”
She pursed her lips. “No, Del and I are meant to be together.”
He leaned back. “So Del was perfectly okay with you coming here to spend the weekend with me?”
“He knows I’m here to talk to you about the divorce, and we’re both anxious to have you sign the papers so we can move forward with our relationship.”
He rested his hands on his long, lean, denim-clad thighs.
“Hmm. So you’re telling me your incentive for me to sign the papers is so you can leave me for my best friend?”
She sighed. “Liam, you have to let me go.”
He shook his head, his intense gaze locking on hers.
“Not in a million years, kitten. You’re mine.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Abi stood up, her heart sinking.
“If this is how you’re going to be, there’s really no point in me staying.”
“But you will. Because if you really want to be with Del, you’ll do everything you can to convince me. Just as I’ll do everything I can to convince you. We’re a lot alike in that way. We don’t give up on what we want.”
“Well, right now
