Page 99 of Can't Take My Eyes Off You

‘We on a break?’ Gunner asks, entering Liv’s section, a sandwich in his hand. ‘Or is this the gossip section now?’

‘Gossip,’ Liv says, zero hesitation. ‘They’re moving in together and Will’s going to ask Berkley to marry him, tonight.’

I cock my head, a little annoyed. ‘Ijustasked if I could trust you and two minutes later you blurt my secret out to someone.’

‘If you didn’t want anyone to know, you should have led with that. Gunner is a part of the secrets club. He knows everything.’

He’s now staring at me while eating his sandwich. ‘Really? You’re going to propose?’

I nod. I know Gunner. Not super well, but enough to know he genuinely has Berkley’s best interests at heart. He’s also a tad protective over both these women he spends his days with.

‘Please tell me you’re not thinking of doing it on camera in the middle of a soccer field? I didn’t get great feedback with that one,’ he says.

‘No,’ I say with a laugh. ‘Iactuallyknow her.’

Gun wipes a hand on his jeans then extends it my way. ‘Considering you’re the only man she’s ever truly wanted, congratulations.’

I take his hand, feeling almost giddy inside. Congratulations on my hopeful upcoming engagement. My chest bubbles with excitement. I’ve never had this feeling. Not on the show. Not over money. Not even over my ex-BFF Jack Daniel’s. Only Berkley does this to me.

‘This is a secrets circle, right?’ I ask.

The two of them nod. ‘Well, pillow talk has informed me that you two are into one another as more than just friends and co-workers. Maybe you two should finally have that conversation?’ As the words leave my lips, I’m backing away from Liv’s desk, leaving them alone.

Her jaw drops and her glare is meant to drop me dead, but Gunner’s eyes are on her and the goofy grin on his face as he attempts to act casual and eat his lunch says Berkley’s not wrong. Maybe they just needed a push?

‘William.’ Almost as soon as I’m back at the front counter, my father – or rather the man who probably isnotmy father – approaches me slowly. I say nothing, just straighten up the front counter, looking busy.

‘I overheard you talking to Olivia and Gunner.’

Fuck.

‘Did youreallybuy her an engagement ring?’

‘You’re the person whose opinion I want the least on this,’ I admit.

‘Fine. But I’ve been married thirty-plus years so I know a bit about the process.’

‘If we were looking for a marriage to influence us, it wouldn’t be yours.’

Dad nods, his head full of dark hair disheveled in a way it usually isn’t. He’s still wearing a suit, like he’s headed to work. I don’t think he has casual clothes as I’ve never seen him in anything besides slacks and dress shirts.

‘I realize you think you know everything but—’

‘I think no such thing,’ I say, cutting him off. ‘But I do know you don’t actually give a shit about anything I do. You’re toxic. I told you I want out of this family and I meant that. Especially knowing what I now know. The only reason you’re here is because Berkley doesn’t have the heart to let someone be homeless. Enjoy it, ’cause once I can convince her to kick you out, I don’t ever want to see you again.’

‘That’s a little harsh, don’t you think?’

‘Not really. I think it’s only fair you know I’m disappointed in you and literally only trying to save myself here.’

‘Because you had it so bad? You got everything you wanted in life. Had experiences most people never get.’

‘I did. The kind that leave you with lasting memories I’ll cherish forever, and then there are the experiences that have me questioning my existence and leaving me with scars so deep I don’t know how to heal them but am desperately trying.’

‘You’re hurt because I gave you a good life? That’s rich—’ His voice bellows through the store.

‘Stop. It. Jacob.’ Mom’s voice drowns his, as she suddenly is standing behind him, speaking loud enough that Mike pops out of Liv’s department to watch.

‘I thought you had a headache?’ Jacob asks her.

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