Page 41 of Undeniable

He nodded, taking a bite of his dinner. “Have you talked to your mom recently?”

I’d told him all about our brunch.

I shook my head. “No. Not since her visit.”

That had been weeks ago. She hadn’t reached out—not that that was unusual. But neither had I.

“I can understand why you’re upset. Do you want me to talk to her?”

I stared at my plate, pushing the food around. “No. But thanks. I just wish it didn’t feel like she’s always trying to ‘fix’ me.”

“Livie,” he said, placing his hand on mine. “You’re perfect just the way you are.”

I appreciated my dad saying that. We’d always been close, but hearing those words from him was validating.

“Mom sure doesn’t think so.”

“She loves you. I think, sometimes, she just doesn’t know how to show it. But I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself. I’m sure that wasn’t easy.”

I nodded, staring at the table. It all felt so petty in comparison to Connor’s family history. And yet, he’d never made me feel that way.

“Thanks, Dad. I just don’t know where we go from here.”

“You’ll figure it out.” He patted my hand. “I’m positive of it. And I’m always here if you need to talk.”

I smiled, feeling better already.

“So what else is going on with you?” he asked. “You seeing anyone?”

“Dad!” My eyes were wide when I glanced up at him.

“What?” He shrugged. “You’re beautiful, young. Surely you have a number of interested suitors.”

“Suitors?” I teased. “What is this—the nineteenth century?”

“You know what I mean, Livie.” He narrowed his eyes at me.

“Yeah. I do. And, no, there isn’t anyone.” Not really. A romanticized idea of a relationship with a man across the country who might not be single certainly didn’t count. “What about you?” I asked, enjoying the way Dad squirmed when I turned the question around on him.

After the divorce, my dad had never remarried. Never so much as dated anyone seriously, at least not that I was aware of. I knew he’d been burned by my mom, but he was still young. He was still very handsome. And I wanted him to be happy.

“You know you’re the only girl for me,” he quipped, throwing me his usual answer. “How’s work?”

While I was grateful for the change of subject, I wished it had been to something else. I still hadn’t told him about Seth’s request, and I didn’t intend to.

I didn’t want to put my dad in that position. And I didn’t want him to feel like he needed to agree. I wanted to succeed on my own merits.

So I merely said, “Fine.”

He furrowed his brows. “Just fine? Usually you’re raving about the latest book you’ve read or the elevator clings you helped design for an event.”

I lifted a shoulder. How could I tell my dad that I was crushing on a guy I’d met over the internet? A guy who, as it turned out, very likely had a girlfriend.

CHAPTERTEN

“Come in,” Clay said from across his office. His back was turned to me, and I shut the door behind me.

I sank down into the chair, though I didn’t feel at ease. Decker and I were still at odds. Katie avoided me in the office. And worst of all, Olivia was acting weird—cagey or something. Ordinarily, I considered myself skilled at reading people, but at the moment…I couldn’t seem to get anything right.

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