Page 26 of Feel Me

“I meant what I said, Livy,” Lake says as he puts his napkin down. I look down at our finished dinner and then lift my gaze up to him.

“What’s that?”

“You’re the only person I’d like to share these issues with. Maybe we could talk about it after I take you home tonight. It’s less public. Is that okay?”

My heart speeds up, and it feels as if it flip-flops in my chest. Part of me wants to say no. A bigger part of me knows that turning him away could hurt him. If Winnie hadn’t been with me after I got free from Douglas, I’m pretty sure I’d be dead. Sure, life isn’t great, but I have moments where I’m almost happy. I know I’ll never be as carefree as I was when Bear was alive, but it still feels better than it did before I met Lake. I can’t deny that.

“Sure, but only if you want to,” I reassure him.

“Livy?”

I look up in surprise and my gaze lands on Blade and Winnie. I expect the guilt to slam down on me. I mean, I’m out with a guy after telling Blade I’ll never get over Bear. That’s enough to condemn me. I don’t even need to bring in the fact that Blade and I were close to marriage at one time. Winnie is studying me carefully, and that worries me even more. My best friend is trained to see things that other people can’t. She was my therapist and my best friend. She knows me inside and out. Damn it.

I force a smile onto my face. “Hey guys,” I say quietly.

I can feel Lake watching me, but I ignore it for now. I can’t allow myself to feel guilty. I’m not. Lake and I are just friends, and even if we weren’t, Blade has moved on and is over-the-moon happy with Winnie. I’m just being silly. Still, Blade would have every right to judge me. He was Bear’s brother. I try to prepare myself for the worst. No matter what Blade says, I’ll survive.

I’ve been through worse.

17

MEETING THE FAMILY

LAKE

I see the exact moment Olivia tenses when someone says her name. I turn to look and see a tall man in an expensive suit and her friend Winnie, whom I’ve met a handful of times through Colt. Winnie is a close cousin to Colt and his brothers. I’ve been carefully asking questions about Olivia. I told Colt I wanted to know because she was skittish, and if there was a danger, then I needed to know. I told them I wanted to make up to her for being an ass. I wanted to help keep her safe. I’m not sure he bought it entirely, but he has shared small things with me about her. Because of that, I know Winnie is her best friend. Their opinions obviously mean a lot to Olivia. Is she ashamed of me? It’s a possibility, but if she is, I’ll work to change her view of me. I didn’t think Olivia came from money like the guy in front of me obviously does. Is this her type? If that’s true, I’m shit out of luck. Suddenly, my day with Olivia—which was looking promising—sours.

I watch them walk over to us. I don’t miss the way the man’s eyes look at me—cool, accessing, and clearly showing his dislike. I frown. Something about him is familiar, but I’m used to that look. It doesn’t faze me at this point.

“Livy! I didn’t know you were coming out today. The three of us could have met up for dinner,” Winnie responds, breaking the ice, which seems to have settled in the room.

“Hey, Winnie,” Olivia says hugging her. Winnie immediately sits down beside her, and Mr. Asshole sits beside me. He holds himself stiff, which makes me want to laugh. I don’t, but instead I look at Olivia, giving her a reassuring smile. She just glances at me, but she returns it. That’s enough for now.

“Lake had a doctor appointment. I had a therapy session, so we just decided to go together,” Olivia explains. Her words shouldn’t upset me, but I can’t deny hearing her describe our day out the way she did isn’t annoying. I don’t let it show. I knew getting close to her was going to be a long, winding road. Doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating though.

“Lake,” Winnie says, her voice weighing my name. I already know her man finds it lacking. I lean back against the booth seat, as if I don’t have a problem in the world.

“Hey,” I respond.

“You look familiar,” the man says.

I turn my head to look at him. “I doubt it. It’s obvious you and I don’t frequent the same places,” I answer with a smirk.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asks, obviously upset with my answer.

“You don’t see many suits muckin’ stalls,” I explain. Olivia instantly giggles.

“Lake’s got you there, Blade.”

Blade grunts. I wink at Olivia and her cheeks blush the prettiest pink I’ve seen. She really is beautiful.

“I’m going to go to the restroom for a minute,” Olivia whispers.

“I’ll go with you,” Winnie says at once. I watch as the women walk away. Blade gets up and takes the seat Olivia was in and stares straight at me.

“Afraid it will hurt your reputation if you sit too close to me?” I ask.

“You need to stay away from Livy,” Blade replies.