Page 78 of The Savior

Liam leaned back and dropped his head against the couch. “Look, a year ago, Julia was my world.”

Uncomfortable guilt panged in her. “I know.”

He turned to look at her and waited until she looked up at him. He apparently wouldn’t let her face away forever. “I haven’t noticed anyone since her.”

Chelsea’s cheeks flamed. “You don’t have to say anything else.”

“I’ve always known you were attractive.” He ran a hand through his hair. “If someone had asked me about you, I would have said you were hot. But I wasn’t attracted to you.”

“I get it. I promise.”Please shut your pie hole!“It’s not like I was pining for my best friend’s boyfriend.”

“I know.” He smiled flatly, then after hours seemed to sludge by, he asked, “What now?”

Good question. Though there was only one answer.Work.It kept her sane before, it would do the trick now. “We keep an eye on Linda and Frank—if you still want my help.”

“Of course I do.” He scowled as if she’d lost her mind.

“Okay. Good.” She straightened on the couch and wondered what should happen next.Should I ask him to leave? Offer him a smoothie? Should I go to bed while he takes the couch?It couldn’t have been past five in the morning.

Liam stretched and stood then gave her an innocent peck on her temple. “I’ll text you later.”

And that was that. The previous night was thoroughly acknowledged, never to be spoken of again. They agreed there’d been an attraction, but there was nothing to it, and they’d confirmed unsaid certainties. Liam would always be considered Julia’s boyfriend, and Chelsea would always be the best friend. Truths like that were impossible to change.

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