Page 28 of Miss Understanding

“I owe you an apology for yesterday.”

What the hell was happening? Who was this man? Maybe I had bumped my head. Was it possible to get hypothermia from five minutes outside? Perhaps I was hallucinating.

“I dragged you here and have been less than appreciative of your time. And since my sister really liked you and invited you over, I want to say I’m sorry for getting annoyed. I’d like it if you came tonight.”

I simply stared. Seeing this human side of him while wrapped up in the warm sweater that smelled of him was doing funny things to my insides. I should still say no. Hell, I never should’ve accepted the invite to begin with. But his sister was so friendly, and I was in serious need of company outside of the Grinch who stole any sense of humor. Not to mention I had a burning curiosity to learn more about his family. Considering Allison was the complete opposite of her brother, who could blame me for wanting to discover more about his home life?

“Say something.”

“I don’t know what to say. I think it’s the first time you’ve ever apologized.”

“I’m sure it’s not the first time it was owed. I don’t properly appreciate all you do. I realize I don’t always make it easy.”

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

Maybe this whole grief thing and being home was making him sappy. Or perhaps he was the one who’d hit his head. “I, um, appreciate you saying that. Sorry for calling you a dick.” It wasn’t my best career move for sure.

He cracked a smile. “I’m sure I’ve been thought of as worse. Thanks for cooking the meals. I’m afraid I’m horrible in the kitchen, and French toast sounds way too good to pass up. Let me get the fire started, then I’ll eat.”

Taking a tally, there were two thank yous and an I’m sorry. And even a compliment. As I watched him start a fire with practiced ease, I wondered for the very first time if perhaps I didn’t know the real Liam Davenport at all.

* * *

After three hours of going through paperwork and highlighting important details, I was ready for a break. Unfortunately, the snow had stopped with only a couple inches on the ground, which meant no snowman today, but on the other hand, it wouldn’t make driving terrible. At least that’s what logic told me. But apparently I had absolutely no reference point.

“Do you mind if I take the truck to the store?”

He gave me a side-eye. “Yes, I do mind. You can’t drive in the snow.”

“How do you know?” I was mildly offended despite realizing he was probably right.

“You’re a Southern California driver. A drop of rain causes people to freak out there.”

This was true. We did freak out. Still I didn’t want to admit it.

“Do you know what to do if you skid?”

Had no clue. “Um, push on the brakes?”

My guess earned me a shake of the head. “Stepping on the brakes is definitely what you don’t want to do. You have to turn into the skid. Give me ten minutes, and I’ll take you to the store. I want to be sure I pay anyhow.”

Fifteen minutes later Liam was pushing the cart down the aisles for me while I got the ingredients for enchiladas. There was something very strange about the situation. It was almost domestic. Like we were a couple. Of course, smelling him on the sweater I was wearing wasn’t helping such weird thoughts. I probably should take it off, but I hadn’t yet.

“Where is the medicine aisle?” he queried.

“Normally in the middle. You okay?”

“Just a headache.”

“Oh, you should’ve said something. I have Motrin in my purse.”

“It’s fine. I’ll get some for myself.”

We were walking toward the center of the store when he stopped suddenly. “Aw. Hell.”

“What?” I scanned the aisle, spotting a busty redhead coming right for us.

“Oh my God. Liam Davenport,” she yelled from ten feet away, rapidly approaching in her stilettos.