Locked in unity, the trio stared at her as if their lives hung in the balance on her next words. She understood the feeling. Two paths spread before her. One led to a world of color and hope and happiness. The other to an existence in shades of gray, heartbreak, and loneliness.
For many, the choice would be clear. Yet Liv worried the life she wanted would converge with the life she feared in the near distance, when Zeke finally understood the magnitude of his choice.
Setting aside her packing, she bent down and kissed her son’s forehead. “Why don’t you and Sadie go downstairs and ask Miss Henri for help with your fish, while I speak to Zeke.”
“Does that mean we can stay?”
“Let me think on it.”
Brodie nodded, misery weighing down his narrow shoulders. He placed his catch back in his basket.
Zeke squeezed his shoulder. “I’ll see you later, sport.”
Her son hesitated a moment, then wrapped his arms around Zeke’s waist.
Zeke stood immobile for a stunned second before he returned the gesture. Brodie broke off and ran down the stairs. Sadie followed.
Zeke stared after her son for a long second before turning back to her.
“The threat is still out there,” he said.
“I’m aware.”
“He’s safe here.”
“I know how to protect my son, Zeke.”
“The man who assaulted you knew where you worked and where your son went to school. He likely knows where you live, too.”
“He won’t catch me unawares again.”
“Liv.” He took a step forward.
She held up a hand, stopping him. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, Zeke. But we’re not your problem.” She took in their surroundings. “You have enough on your plate.”
The skin on his face tautened. “You’re not a damn problem. I—care about you. And Brodie.”
She swallowed hard. “I’ve enjoyed our time together, but I can’t take this”—she waved her hand between them—“whatever this is between us, any further.”
He closed the space between them and traced the side of her face with the back of his finger. “What if I don’t agree?”
Unable to stop herself, she lifted a hand to his chest, absorbed his warmth, his strength.
He leaned down and kissed her. Drugged her with his taste, his heat, his temptation. She would never get enough of this, of him. It was then she felt the first crack in her heart.
Easing out of the kiss, she brushed her thumb over his damp lower lip before meeting his eyes.
“I could fall in love with you, Zeke. No matter what you think, you’re not ready for that kind of commitment. I have to stop this now while I can walk away with my heart intact.” She edged around him. “I’ll see you this evening.”
“Liv—”
She managed a smile. “Can’t wait to see your costume.”
Turning away, she kept her strides unhurried, even though every cell in her body begged her to run.
But the special agent in her, the Thornton in her, would not allow her emotions to take control. An abundance of emotion destroyed friendships, careers, families.
Love.