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“Forget what happened,” he said gruffly. “It’s history.”
“History?” She laughed. “We were climbing all over each other five minutes before I was supposed to say ‘I do,’ and you say that’s history?” Angrily she jerked against his hands. “Maybe you can forget what we did, but I can’t.”
“Of course you can. Okay, we did something neither of us is proud of, but—”
“I’d never be able to look at William again without thinking of how I betrayed him.”
“Dammit, we all make mistakes.”
“Yes,” she said coldly, “but not all of us are so callous that we can pretend they didn’t happen.”
Liam let go of her. “Bill wants you back.”
“Well, I’m not going back.”
“You have to! Otherwise—”
“Otherwise, what?” She smiled thinly. “You’ll have to admit to your part in this mess?”
“This has nothing to do with me,” Liam said quickly.
“Oh, give me a break.” Jessie’s eyes narrowed. “You’re no better than I am. You decided to find me and fast-talk me into going back to William so you wouldn’t have to live the rest of your life dodging the sight of yourself in mirrors.” Her mouth twisted. “Spare me the lies, Liam. This has everything to do with you.”
He stepped forward, his eyes hard and cold. “Okay. I’m not proud of what I did, but I’m not the one who decided to handle it by running away and leaving Bill at the altar.”
Jessie’s face fell. “Was he—was he very upset?”
“Was he…” Liam laughed. “Hell, no. The woman he loves leaves him a note and takes off just before she’s supposed to become his wife. Why would he be upset?”
“I didn’t want to hurt him,” she whispered. “I’d have done anything—”
“Anything but go through with the wedding.”
“How can you say that to me, damn you?” Her face lifted, and there was the glitter of tears in her eyes. “He’s your friend. Do you really want him to marry a woman who—who was in another man’s arms right before the ceremony?”
Not another man’s, Liam thought. My arms. Mine….
“There’s no point in ruining Bill’s life because of a moment’s stupidity,” he said gruffly.
Jessie stared at him. Then she swung away and unlocked the door to her car. “And what about my life?” Her voice broke. “Did you ever think of that?”
“Dammit!” Liam grabbed her and turned her toward him. “You love him. You said so. What am I supposed to say, huh? ‘Bill, look, maybe it’s better all around if the wedding’s off?’”
“Say whatever you like. Just—just don’t break his heart by telling him the truth.”
“Look, let’s start again, okay? Bill asked me to find you, and to ask you to come back to him.”
“Why didn’t he come himself? Oh, don’t bother answering. William knows you’re a master at convincing women to do things they don’t want to do.”
“Fine. That’s how you want to play it?” A muscle knotted in his jaw. “I’ll take the responsibility. All of it, if that makes you feel better. What happened was my fault.”
“It was! I certainly wouldn’t have…” Jessie hesitated. “No. It wasn’t. I wanted you to kiss me, Liam. I thought about what it would be like, all last night.”
“Don’t say that,” Liam said quickly, trying not to think about the rush of pleasure he felt hearing her confession.
“Why shouldn’t I? I can’t tell William the truth, but I’m tired of lying to myself.” Her voice wobbled again but her gaze was steady. “You’re right. We made a mistake. Period. End of story—except that mistake made me face something I think I’ve known for weeks. I’m not right for William or maybe—maybe he’s not right for me. Either way, I’m not going to marry him. Tell him I wish him all the best. Tell him…” Tears filled her eyes. “Oh, God,” she whispered, “I’m so ashamed.”
Liam didn’t think. He reached out and Jessie went into his embrace as if she’d been born for no other reason.
