Page 46 of Undeniable

I was turninginto an Olivia addict, but I didn’t say that. And after how quiet she’d been the past few days, I was just grateful she was texting me more frequently again. The situation with my dad had been weighing on me, but it was nothing compared to how I felt when faced with Olivia’s absence from my life. And that terrified me.

It’s all your fault.

Olivia: Right. Sure it is.

Olivia: Actually, there’s a new release I’ve been interested in reading.

I typed out a quick reply.

Romance? Fantasy? General fiction?

Olivia: Romance.

Tropes?

Olivia: Age gap. Opposites attract. Bodyguard romance.

Can you sense me rolling my eyes from New York?

Olivia: Why? Because of the age gap?

She was teasing.We both knew it. Before I could respond, a new message came through.

Olivia: Seriously? I thought it could be interesting. You can fact-check it.

I can tell you right now, it’s going to be mostly wrong.

Olivia: Oh, come on. Give the author a little credit. ??

Why? Is this a fantasy of yours? Bodyguard romance. ????

Three dots appeared then disappeared.Then reappeared again, dancing on the screen. What was she thinking?

Olivia: Wouldn’t you love to know. ??

Seriously?This woman was maddening at times.

If it is, I might know someone who could help you fulfill that fantasy.

Olivia: Clay?

I clenchedthe phone in my hand, nearly shattering the screen. She better be joking.

Me: No. He’s married.

But even ifhe weren’t—fuck no. She was mine.

Mine?

Another text arrived while I was processing that thought.

I am so in over my head.And yet, I couldn’t stop.

Olivia: Let me think…

There is only one correct answer.

“Who’s Olivia?”Lucy asked, leaning over my shoulder.

---