Page 71 of Lost in You (The Monroes 3)

Waving a hand, she shook her head. “I know. It’s all right.”

“Really?”

Laying her apron on the counter beside her, she blew out a sigh. “I don’t know what to call this—us. I know you didn’t want to get into all of this with Brock, but hearing you say the words just had me thinking.”

His chest clenched. “About?”

She opened her mouth, then closed it. “Nothing. Come find me when you’re done. I’ll probably be out by the pond watching the little duck family.”

Macy let herself out the back door, the screen slamming behind her. Liam had no idea what she’d been wanting to say, but whatever had gone through her mind had involved them.

No, they weren’t “just friends” as he’d indicated, but at least she understood why he hadn’t said more. Seriously, what could’ve been said? Like he was just going to tell Brock, an impressionable eighteen-year-old, that he and Macy were having sex as often as they could, but they weren’t dating. In fact, they’d never gone on a date.

And that was a smack of reality to the face. He’d been adamant that Macy not treat him like the other guys she’d seen, yet here he was making sure she did just that. He’d never taken her on a date. He’d never even attempted to actually do something romantic.

Romantic? Is that where he wanted to go with this?

He glanced around the empty kitchen. His kitchen, technically. He’d given Zach the exact specifications for the remodel, not having a clue he’d actually be the one working here. Yet, here he was. Fate was funny that way.

Liam didn’t even remember what he wanted to get started on for tomorrow’s prep. Shifting slightly, he stared out the back door.

The pond in the distance was always a breathtaking view, but the woman standing at the edge was captivating. The skirt of her dress blew in the breeze, swaying against her bare legs. He had no clue what expression she wore on her face, had no idea what she was thinking.

When he’d come back, he never dreamed he’d get tangled up with her. He wasn’t sorry. How could he be when she was such a bright spot in his life? How could he regret being here for his family when they needed him most?

He had a serious decision to make. When the phone rang, Liam ignored it. The machine would pick up and Sophie would return the call later. He continued watching Macy. She tucked the dress against the back of her legs as she lowered herself to the grass. What was she thinking? About the child she was going to foster? The potential of adoption? What went through her mind when she thought about him? She knew he wanted to go, but they’d never fully discussed that fact.

Perhaps they were both avoiding a topic that would invite more questions than answers—and emotions neither were ready to deal with.

With an unwanted ache in his heart, Liam turned away and started working. The sooner he got done, the sooner he and Macy could leave. He wanted to know what was going on in that head of hers. And if that coincided with her heart, then he’d have to be ready to deal with those emotions as well.

* * *

“Perfect.”

Macy stood back and watched as Liam adjusted the curtains on the newly hung rod in the spare room. The curtains were perfect, as was the view from her angle. When she’d sat out by the pond earlier, she’d worried about where she and Liam were headed. But then she realized she needed to keep her questions to herself because she didn’t want Liam to feel pressured to stay. He owed her nothing, had promised her nothing.

Still, she deserved to know if he was for sure going back to Savannah. He’d tell her. Surely he wouldn’t keep something like that all to himself. Liam had been honest with her from the start. So, for now, she’d enjoy their time together.

Liam came down off the step stool and propped his hands on his hips. “You’ve done a good job in here.”

Macy glanced around the room. The twin bed in the corner with a bright yellow blanket and yellow and white checkered sheets. The toy chest, and the small basket overflowing with new books. The white chest of drawers she’d had as a little girl had been repainted and now held a little giraffe lamp.

“I hope she likes it.” What would the little girl think? Macy only hoped she could provide some stability, some sense of security. “I’m a little nervous.”

With outstretched arms, Liam crossed to her and pulled her into his embrace. “You’re going to be fine. You’re going to care for her—”

His cell went off, cutting through the moment. Macy stepped back and waited while he pulled the phone from his pocket.

He glanced at the screen first before answering. “Hey, Sophie.”

Not wanting to seem like she was obviously listening, Macy went to gather the empty curtain containers. She threw them away in the kitchen and came back to fold up the step stool. Liam’s closed eyes, his head dropped forward, shoulders slumped, put Macy on alert.

Placing a comforting hand on his arm, she couldn’t help the thoughts spinning through her mind. Was someone hurt? Was it Brock? Did something happen at the resort?

“I’ll think about it,” he finally stated. “Yeah, um . . . that’s great. I’ll let you know.”

When he hung up and slid the phone back into his pocket, he raked a hand through his hair and pulled in a deep breath. The fact he hadn’t looked at her yet also sent warning bells off inside her head.

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