Page 42 of Rules of Engagement
"That you took full advantage of, I'm sure."
"I'm no saint," he admitted. "But from the day I knew she existed, my life changed. I committed myself to marriage and Piper, and I'll commit myself again when the right woman comes along."
"That's… admirable."
Something about the way she said it… “You don't believe me?"
"No, I… I have no reason not to."
"But?" If she had something to say, she needed to say it.
She plucked at the strings with her finger, staring down at the bag she held.
"But people tend to mean what they say at the time—until it's not convenient for them anymore."
His heart pinched at the expression she wore. "James isn't the only man who broke your trust, is he?"
An uncomfortable-sounding laugh emerged from her, and she grabbed another bag.
"Can anyone ever truly be trusted?"
"So you plan to live out your entire life afraid to love?"
"I'm not—"
"Who's lying now?" he asked, his gaze direct, holding hers, willing her not to look away.
"You've been there," she acknowledged with a lift of her chin, "so you know what it's like. Why would you or I or anyone risk that level of hurt again?"
"Come on, really? What about Lincoln and Amelia? You can't be one of those people who think you have one chance and that's it."
"I'm not but… I warned you I was cynical. You know, let's change the subject. Please."
He sat back in the chair and studied her, wondering how to crack the protective shell walled around her. "Not yet. How many guys have you dated since you and the ex ended?"
Carter waited, watching her. Eliza didn't speak. And then it dawned on him. "No one? Seriously?"
"How many women have you dated since— Wait, I seriouslydon'twant to know the answer to that."
"Hey, it's not as many as you obviously think," he said, not liking it that she thought of him that way. "I'm a single parent and self-employed business owner. That doesn't leave a whole lot of time. What's your excuse? Why haven't you gone out with anyone? I know you've been asked."
"I… have."
"But you turned the poor guys down and broke their hearts because you're afraid?"
"I've been working nonstop to salvage what was left of my business."
"Okay. I'll give you that. But you don't have that to worry about now. You've rehired Kellie," he said, referring to the woman who'd appeared at the hotel last weekend and worked from his living room tonight, "and I heard you tell Amelia that some of the people who'd originally gone with James are now rescheduling. So, once the wedding is over, we're going out."
"Who says?"
"I do."
"And if I disagree? What, are you just going to throw me over your shoulder like a caveman if you show up and I refuse to go?"
Reminded of what he'd told Lincoln that night a week or so ago, Carter bit back a grin. "Only if I have to. Come on. We'll be two battle-weary new friends who are just hanging out."
"A business dinner? To discuss my ideas and what might be involved in the design?"
