Nodding, he glances around the coffee shop. “She was there.”
“Is she alright?”
I wouldn’t know her if I passed her on the street, but I ask because he’s tense. His hand is wrapped around the ceramic mug in a death grip.
“She’s good.” He half-smiles. “Happy. Excited to be a mom.”
I take a sip of my coffee. It’s bitter.
“Being an uncle is a pretty big deal.” Leaning back, he exhales. “This will be my third time.”
“I’m a one-time aunt.” I push the mug away from me before I slide it closer again.
I didn’t come here for small talk. I’m not even sure what I came for anymore. I yank my bag onto my lap. “I think I should go, Liam. I don’t think this is going to…”
“Don’t.” His voice comes out strained. “I’m sorry about last night, Athena. I let you down.”
He didn’t. It’s not his fault that Darcy showed up or that he had to take that call. That’s all timing and circumstance. If anything, fate played a role in the night too.
“Darcy had no right coming over.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “We broke up months ago. I don’t know what she was thinking showing up like that.”
I know what she was thinking.He’s hot.
She still wants him. I can’t blame her for that.
“I was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” I say before I swallow another sip of the bitter coffee.
“You were in the right place.” He inches forward. “I really like you, Athena.”
“I like you too,” I admit.
Before I can tell him that I’m not a fan of coming face-to-face with his ex-girlfriends, he clears his throat. “I propose we lay our cards on the table right now.”
I watch as he taps his hand on the tabletop.
“I have a past. I own it.” His eyes lock on mine. “I can’t erase any of it. I want you to know that I’m not interested in anyonebut you. I know we said we’re keeping it casual, and I’m good with that, but let me be clear that the only woman I want to hang out with is you.”
Nervous, I spit the words out before thinking through what I should say. “My past isn’t like your past.”
Did that sound as judgy as I think it did?
For a second, I think I’ve offended him, but he cracks a smile. “Lucky you.”
I can’t leave well enough alone, so I try and explain. “I’ve only been with two men before. I’ve dated more guys, but I’ve only…”
Why did I tell him how many sexual partners I’ve had?
I need to keep my mouth shut.
He brushes his hair away from his forehead. “I wish my past was more like your past.”
Sometimes I wish mine were more like his.
I don’t regret not jumping into bed with more guys in college, but I wish that the men I had sex with were better partners.
More caring and loving, and it would have helped if they knew how to get me off.
“I’ve got a few ex-girlfriends in this city.” He shakes his head. “But that’s what they are. Exes. I don’t want to reconnect with any of them.”
