Selfishly, not hearing about Will eased his conscience over his growing desire for his best friend. It was a dick move to kiss a girl whose heart belonged to someone else. It was okay if she’d moved on. His not knowing allowed him to justify his thoughts.
“Close your eyes,” she said, looking up at him with her hands inside the bag. He obliged. “Okay, open them.”
He had no clue what to expect as far as baby stuff went, but he couldn’t have imagined a better comforter than one with Winnie the Pooh on it. “It’s perfect.”
“I know! Right? I love it.” She squeezed it to her chest. “I bought the whole bedding set.” Tucking the quilt under her arm, she moved to the other two bags and showed him the things she’d bought: a couple of blankets, several footed pajamas, a stuffed “peekaboo” bear, and a diaper bag. He paid close attention to her words, his heart swelling and his head…his head telling him how cool it would be to be a dad.
How had Will given this up? If the Brit were standing in this kitchen right now, would he be so quick to dismiss Liv and what they could have together? She was glowing. Beautiful beyond compare. Plus she was smart, kind, funny, and when she cared about someone, there was nothing she wouldn’t do.
The guy was a complete asshat for letting her go.
Danny gripped the edge of the counter. What if Will realized he’d made a mistake and got in touch with Liv?
The future flashed before Danny. He’d already started soaking up as much of Liv as he could so he’d remember every detail when he lost the ability to see her. But Will had the advantage of seeing her for the next fifty years. Of seeing not only his child grow up, but grandchildren, too. And if not Will, Liv could always fall in love with someone else who would be able to provide in the ways Danny couldn’t. Lots of couples have open marriages. We’ll talk about that down the road.
“Hey, where did you just go?” she asked, breaking into his contemplations.
“Nowhere. Just tired. I’m going to bed.”
She picked up the bag of ice and handed it to him. “Put this on your eye for a few more minutes before you fall asleep.”
“Will do. Good night.”
“Night. And again, I’m really sorry for attacking you.”
“It’ll make for a great story to tell our baby one day.” He had no idea why he said that, given the commentary that had just run through his head, but the smile on Liv’s face made it worth it. He got to his room, stripped, and climbed into bed to check his email on his laptop. Jennifer had said she’d send her design ideas for the hotel.
He had several messages in his inbox, including one from Sophie inviting him and Liv to a barbeque next weekend. A new email popped up before he could respond.
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Can’t sleep
November 4, 9:55 PM
You still awake?
Danny debated on whether to respond, which tied a knot in his chest. Since when didn’t he want to talk to Liv? Since all he could think about was getting her naked, that’s when. All their emails worsened his desire.
Danny Ellis
Re: Yep
November 4, 9:56 PM
What’s up? You usually hit the pillow and you’re out.
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Feel terrible
November 4, 9:56 PM
The candle is taunting me. I think I have to gift it to someone now.
Danny Ellis
Re: Forget about it
November 4, 9:57 PM
Do not feel bad. You were pretty impressive with your self-defense skills. Keep the candle as a reminder of how badass you can be. Besides, my eye is only swollen shut and a nice plum color now.
Olivia Lincoln
Re: WHAT?
November 4, 9:57 PM
Tell me you’re kidding.
Danny Ellis
Re: I’m kidding
November 4, 9:58 PM
It’s going to be fine thanks to your bag of ice.
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Frozen Face
November 4, 9:58 PM
Are you icing right now? Typing one handed? Please let me make it up to you. If I have to look at your face marred by my foolishness for the next few days I need to do something to make up for it.
Danny Ellis
Re: Not necessary
November 4, 9:59 PM
But let’s just say for arguments sake, I was to say okay. What did you have in mind?
Danny Ellis
Re: Liv?
November 4, 10:03 PM
You fall asleep on me?
Oliva Lincoln
Re: Still here
November 4, 10:04 PM
I was thinking I could start with a few kisses to make you feel better.
Danny Ellis
Re: Playing with fire
November 4, 10:04 PM
What exactly are you saying?
Oliva Lincoln
Re: Maybe we should
November 4, 10:05 PM
I don’t know what I’m saying. I just know I don’t think I want to stop at one kiss with you. Do you?
Danny’s head fell back against his headboard. Hell no, he didn’t want to stop, but he didn’t know if that made it right. Or smart. A half hour ago he’d been wondering if he should find a way to get in touch with Will. Tell him to get his ass on a plane and come see what he was missing. Give the guy a chance to come to his senses. Give Liv a chance to see if she still loved him.