She glanced at her paperwork again. This was what they’d all been waiting for, whether they knew it or not. Now that it was here, his promise was fulfilled, and the bubble they’d lived in together would burst. She’d start her new life and he would go back to his.
Was that why she’d finally kissed him? Because she knew it was her last chance? She’d been sick in front of him, broken and fragile in front of him, and now she could add desperate and sex-starved to the list. What could she even say after that?
Sorry about that leg hump, Liam, it’s been a long dry spell?
Digging through the clean laundry for her favorite pair of patched up jeans and an oversized t-shirt, she started to dress. She couldn’t hide in her bedroom all day, and after she apologized for her part in Spidergate, she’d tell Liam the good news and handle whatever came next.
She walked down the stairs that opened on the spacious, high-ceilinged living room that she’d spent so much time in and shook her head, seeing it all with fresh eyes. Her sanctuary for the last twelve months had been a gilded palace that Liam’s friend called a “rustic getaway.” At least, that’s what he told her. She’d never met the owner, since he’d spent the last year in Europe with his girlfriend.
She wished she could thank him for being their own personal Daddy Warbucks. She had definitely felt a bit like Annie the first time she’d walked in the door. After a lifetime of small apartments and garage sale furniture, it had taken some getting used to.
Her dreams had always been bite-sized and ordinary. A small house of her own. A week’s vacation on some island where drinks were served in coconuts. If she were lucky, maybe a backyard with enough room for a dog.
There was nothing bite-sized about this place. It had five bedrooms, two gourmet kitchens—indoor and outdoor, which Liam loved—and a swimming pool with a friggin’ waterfall.
Going back to lumpy sofas and instant macaroni and cheese after this was never going to be easy.
Poor little orphan girl. So many people would love to have your problems.
She knew how lucky she was that her best friend had basically been her wish-granting genie, taking her from a nightmare and dropping her in this paradise to heal. Now she needed to be brave enough to use her last wish to set him free.
He wasn’t in the kitchen. She padded to the coffeemaker, pouring a much-needed cup before glancing out the window. Was he outside? Or had he left the house to give her space because that was just the kind of guy he was?
She wasn’t sure if she was relieved or disappointed with that idea.
“Dani.”
She whirled, hot coffee splashing onto her hand. “Damn it.”
He was there in an instant, taking the cup away and guiding her hand under the tap.
She twisted her wrist out of his grip and smiled apologetically. “Thank you, but it’s nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. I startled you.”
She didn’t deal well with surprises or people sneaking up behind her. There were times she still held her breath when it happened, expecting a blow. Liam knew that, like he knew everything else about her.
She put more space between them before meeting his narrowed gaze. “I’m sorry, too.”
He scowled. “We don’t have to talk about it now.”
The new Dani is brave.
“Yes, we do. And I am sorry that this morning made things weird. Especially since I wanted everything to be perfect when I told you my news.” She offered him a smile that was almost genuine. “I got something in the mail on Thursday.”
“I know.” He looked uncomfortable with the admission. “Terry called me last night.”
Well, that was anticlimactic. “You knew? Way to ruin my surprise, big mouth lawyer.”
Terry was Liam’s lawyer friend, doing a favor for her at his request. Still, she’d wanted to be the one to tell him. “Well, that’s great. And I’m officially a new woman. Sadly, they didn’t make me a year younger and three inches taller on my ID, but beggars can’t be choosers.
His expression softened. “Congratulations, Ms. Harris.”
He always knew exactly what to say. “Thank you, kind sir. I couldn’t have done it without you. And about what happened upstairs. I—”
“Let’s drop it for now, okay? Okay,” he repeated firmly before she could respond, clapping his hands together to change the subject. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, we can really celebrate. I hope the new you still likes sangria. I’ve made a few gallons for our battle of the sexes.”
Dani pressed a hand to her forehead. “That’s tonight?”
How had she forgotten? They’d both accidentally invited people over on the same night, but decided not to change their plans. Much. Her friend Kaya and his buddy Jace weren’t exactly on speaking terms, but Dani would keep her girls’ night poolside, and Liam would have his poker party in the den. The kitchen would be neutral ground, with both sides agreeing to play nice.