Page 43 of Lorenzo & Lily

“Always were. That hasn’t changed.”

“Oh. But why did you kiss me?”

“I’ve made it clear where I expect us to go, you and I. I know you have reservations. We’ll talk about them, work through them. After that, if you’re truly not interested, we’ll find a way to exist for our daughter’s sake.”

Her chin went up. “How do you know I’m even interested?”

His eyes narrowed and his mouth tightened for a moment, then he went back to an easy grin. “You kissed me back.”

“You took me by surprise.”

He leaned in closer. “Keep telling yourself that, if it makes you feel better.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Are you trying to annoy me?”

She was too fucking cute. “No. I’m trying to seduce you. Slowly.”

Her mouth dropped open.

“Bye, Lily. There are still agents nearby if you need them. I’ll let you know when to expect the movers and I’ll see you both tomorrow.” He kissed her forehead, then stepped back. She stood at the sink with her arms crossed, her face in disbelief and confusion. He’d hoped things between them would be more settled, but it would need some more time.

Three days, he decided as he walked out the door. Surely, three days would be enough time for her to get used to him again, and for her to – hopefully – fall in love with him again.

Then he’d start thinking about his proposal.

* * *

Lily watched him leave, her mind whirling. Did he really want them to be a couple, to pick up where they left off, as best they could? She still wasn’t sure she believed it. Nor was she sure he’d really forgiven her for her betrayal, for leaving him all those years ago. She’d lived with the fear of this conversation for years, and it seemed as though it had all gone too smoothly.

When her parents had first disowned her, when she’d first been separated from Lorenzo because she’d been deemed ‘not good enough’ for him, she’d been left with heaps of self-doubt and a low value of her worth. It was only now, after a few years of living on her own with Liliana and proving she could take care of them both, that her self-confidence had filtered back.

She wanted to believe he was sincere. When he’d gone to see Liliana, she’d snuck up to the room and watched him spend a few tender moments with their daughter. She knew he truly wanted to be a father. If she were honest with herself, she always known he’d be an excellent one.

How could he think he wasn’t worthy of her? The truth was, she was the one who wasn’t worthy of him. Her scandalous family wouldn’t make her good princess material. Lorenzo’s family wasn’t likely to accept her, either.

Would he still want her, if his family rejected her, as she expected they would? It’s true, once upon a time Lorenzo had wanted her. Tonight, he’d said the same. She’d certainly never stopped wanting him. After years of trying to connect with him and failing, she had learned to stop dreaming, stop hoping for a reconciliation. All her hopes and dreams focused on Liliana now; she had none to spare for her own.

What did a woman do when she could dream again? Could hope for things she thought she’d never have?

She ran both hands through her hair, fisted them for a moment, then let go. She couldn’t think about this now. She had to prepare for their move and, once Liliana woke in the early hours of the day, it would be harder to do. So, she’d just have to do it now.

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