“You know what I mean, Livie.” He narrowed his eyes at me.
“Yeah. I do. And, no, there isn’t anyone. What about you?” I asked, enjoying the way he squirmed when I turned the question around on him.
After the divorce, my dad had never remarried. Never so much as dated anyone seriously, at least not that I knew of. I knew he’d been burned, but he was still young. He was still very handsome. And I wanted him to be happy.
“You know you’re the only girl for me,” he quipped, throwing me his usual answer. “How’s work?”
While I was grateful for the change of subject, I wished it had been to something else. I still hadn’t told him about Seth’s request, and I didn’t intend to.
“Fine.”
He furrowed his brows. “Just fine? Usually you’re raving about the latest book you’ve read.”
How could I tell him that I was crushing on a guy I’d met over the internet? A guy who, as it turned out, very likely had a girlfriend. I knew it was too good to be true. Guys like Connor didn’t fall for girls like me. And the fact that I’d put myself out there only made me feel like a fool.
Chapter Eight
Connor
Katie stood in the doorway to my room, but my mind was still on Olivia. Even from across the country, she occupied my thoughts more often than not. And while I thought I’d been clear in my intentions with Katie, her unexpected visit made me question that.
“Hey.” I stood, wiping my hands on my pants.
“Hey.” She gave me a coy grin, closing the door behind her before sauntering over to me. “I’ve missed you.”
When she reached up to wrap her arms around my neck, I grabbed her wrists to stop her. Her face fell. “What’s wrong?”
“We need to talk.”
“I thought that was the whole point of this—not talking?” she teased, though she couldn’t hide the pain that flashed in her eyes.
“It is.Was,” I corrected.
“Was?” She took a step back. “Are you brea—” She swallowed, her eyes wide. “Are you really going to end this?”
I nodded, trying to gauge her emotions. It had been weeks since the incident in the break room. Though I’d apologized, I hadn’t initiated anything. I hadn’t called or texted, and neither had she…until now. Not that that was out of the norm, but this time was different—at least, it was for me. Ever since I’d started talking with Olivia, there’d been a shift. And these days, there wasn’t room in my brain for anyone but her.
“I’ve tried to be patient with your injury,” Katie said. “I gave you space because that’s what I thought you needed.”
“I know.” I held up my hands. “And I’m sorry. But I can’t do this anymore.”
This had been a long time coming, and I should’ve done it sooner. But I didn’t say that. I valued my balls too much. Besides, I’d still have to see her at work, and I didn’t want things to be awkward.
“What’s changed?” she pleaded. “Why can’t we keep doing what we were doing?”
“I’ve changed.” I smiled down at her, hoping she’d understand without asking for more.
She wiped away a tear with the back of her sleeve. “I just don’t understand. Unless—” She glanced up at me, suspicion in her gaze. “You’ve met someone else.”
I shook my head, taking her hands in mine. “Katie, you’re a wonderful person. And you deserve more.”
She sniffled, and my gut churned with unease. Heath had been right, the bastard.
I wrapped my arm around her, giving her a hug as I ushered her toward the door. “I should’ve listened to my friends,” she muttered. “They all warned me about you. They told me you’d never want more than sex.”
I frowned. I distinctly recalled telling her this could never be anything more than sex. And I remembered her agreeing. But I should’ve known better. “Do you need a ride home?”
She shook her head, wiping her tears as we neared the door. “I’ll be fine.”
