Page 85 of Love for a Lifetime

“There’s someone in our lives who would be hurt if we were together.”

Dawson stared into her eyes, hoping to find the answer to that vague revelation in their shadows. “Are you talking about Beau? Yeah, he’s your brother, but he already knows I’d fight him and whoever else for you. So that’s not an issue.”

“What do you mean he already knows?” Olivia asked.

“He knows how I feel. He knows I’d do anything for you. I’d never hurt you.”

Dawson almost let the word love slip out. While it was entirely true, he didn’t think Olivia would take it too well if he kissed her and threw his undying love on the table in the same night.

Olivia paused before saying, “I can’t believe you told Beau.”

“I would have told you too if you weren’t so stubborn.”

“I’m not stubborn.” She said the words, but there wasn’t a fire behind them.

“Yes, you are. But that’s…” He’d almost let the L-word slip again. “That’s a good thing.”

Olivia lifted his hand and slipped her fingers in the spaces between his. That connection zipped all the way to his toes, and the longer their palms were pressed together, the harder it was to tell where he ended and she began.

“I wasn’t talking about Beau,” she whispered. “It’s really not my place to tell.”

“If it affects us, then I think we should talk about it.”

Olivia sighed and lifted her chin. “It’s Anna.”

Dawson narrowed his eyes, hoping to get a better look at Olivia’s expression in the darkness. “Um, why would she care?”

Olivia huffed. “You really have no idea. She likes you, and she’s been dying for you to notice her for years.”

Dawson straightened, waiting for the punchline that didn’t come. “Are you serious? Anna Harris?”

Olivia only nodded.

Wow. That was unexpected. He’d known Anna all his life, but he’d never had more than friendly feelings for her. She was beautiful, but their personalities didn’t match up.

He was the life of the party, and while Anna was usually smiling, it was more friendly than joking. She hardly ever responded to his humor.

That wasn’t to say he didn’t get along with her. He did. It was just easier in group situations.

Olivia fidgeted her fingers. “She’s been hoping you’d notice her for a while. It's been tearing me up because I want her to be happy, and I felt terrible hoping you’d notice me too.”

“Ha! Notice you? I am borderline obsessed with you, and you were the only one who didn’t notice.”

She chuckled. “I’m your friend, and we hang out a lot.”

“Ever wonder why I drop everything when you call? You’re my queen because you have my loyalty, my protection, and my entire heart.”

Olivia hung her head, covering her face with her hands.

Dawson reached for her, gently pulling her hands down. “Does this help?”

“It should, shouldn’t it? We’re on the same page, but I’m still an awful friend. I can’t stand the thought of hurting her. I need to know if this is real or just a phase for you.”

“Are you kidding me, woman?” He wanted to drop the word love and put her fears to rest, but he’d always been patient with Olivia, and he’d stick to that plan. “Don’t take my word for it. I’ll prove it to you. I’ve got nothing but time.”

“So, you don’t think I should tell Anna yet?”

“I’m not telling you what to do, but the whole Anna thing is a non-issue.”

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