10

Liliana

Except for a brief moment at the bar, I hadn't spoken to Alistair all evening. In theory, I should have felt relieved. But being near Alistair only made me feel guilty about how strongly I felt for him.

On our way back from the dance floor, I saw him stand up from the table and walk away as I approached.

He was avoiding me.

Alistair had no reason to avoid me unless he was trying to stay away for the same reasons I should have avoided him.

He had the self-control that seemed to elude me.

Knowing that made it worse. It made me wish things had been different the day we met. And the thought that Alistair might feel the same way thrilled me like nothing else.

But as I observed woman after woman approach him, I began to doubt myself. Maybe the connection I felt with Alistair was one-sided, just wishful thinking on my part.

Many women seemed familiar with Alistair, touching his arms affectionately. He reciprocated warmly, whether he knew them or was meeting them for the first time.

They all seemed to enjoy his attention, much like I did. Perhaps Alistair was just naturally kind and attentive to everyone. I wasn't special.

I wondered if Alistair was genuinely enjoying himself or simply putting on a façade.

Lost in thought, I didn't hear Julian come up behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist, nuzzling my neck. I stiffened in surprise.

"There you are," he murmured against my skin. "What are you doing hiding back here all alone?"

I turned in his arms to face him. "Sorry, just needed a moment away. It's crowded in there."

Julian studied my face, his brow furrowing. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine," I said cheerfully. "Just a bit overwhelmed by the crowd, that's all."

“Good,” he said, planting a kiss on my temple. “Let’s go sit at the table. I’ll be right there.”

Julian went to talk to Alistair, and a few minutes later they returned to the table where I sat with Grandpa and Dave.

Alistair stood a few feet away, glaring at Julian. Julian then moved to sit down again, but instead of taking the chair, he dropped to one knee, fumbling for something in his pocket.

My heart skipped a beat.

Oh no. No.

NO.

I stared at him in shock, my mouth hanging open. Marriage had never been discussed between us, not even remotely.

I hoped he would see my silent plea and stop before it was too late. But he didn’t.

“Liliana, I know this is sudden. But when you know, you know, right?” Julian said earnestly.

“Julian,” I said, shaking my head slightly. “Honey—”

He opened a ring box in front of me. Inside was a round solitaire ring surrounded by sapphires. It was beautiful, but also clearly expensive.

“I love you, Liliana. Will you marry me?”

His smile was hopeful and sincere. Tears welled up in my eyes.

“Julian . . . it’s—it’s beautiful. But—”

“Here,” he said, taking the ring out and reaching for my hand.

I pulled my hand away gently to prevent him from putting it on my finger.

“We’ve never discussed marriage before. I wish we could have talked about this first, Julian.”

My face flushed with embarrassment. While he hadn’t made a big scene, some nearby patrons were watching us expectantly. Both our grandfathers looked on with serious expressions, not the joyous ones I had hoped for.

“Well,” Julian said, clearly flustered. “I thought a surprise would be more romantic.” He kept smiling. “Isn’t it?”

I stammered, trying to saynoandmaybeandfor some peopleall at the same time.

My heart ached at his hopeful look.

Get up off your knee, damn it.

The volume of the music in the bar went up suddenly, making it harder for other people to hear our discussion.

I looked to the bar. Alistair stood at the controls and had clearly been the one to turn it up. His expression was hard as he gave me a quick nod.

There he was, coming to my rescue again.

“Are you—are you saying no?” Julian asked, his nervous laughter breaking my heart just a little.

“No,” I said, wrapping his hand in both of mine. “I mean, I’m just not . . . not ready for something like that. It’s not no, it’s . . . not yet. It’s just such a big step. I'm so sorry." I squeezed his hand.

Julian looked stunned. I knew he'd seen this night unfolding very differently. Julian nodded, attempting a brave smile though his eyes were sad.

"It's okay. I clearly misread things between us,” he said as he cleared his throat.

Julian laughed and shoved the ring box into his pocket. “Not theworstnight of my life, at least.”

“Julian, I’m sorry. You just caught me—”

“Everybody,” Julian said loudly as he stood and held his glass of beer in his hands.

My gaze met Alistair’s, and I could see he was as worried about what Julian was going to say as I was.

Julian spoke above the music. “Now that my little show’s over,” he said, still trying to laugh it off, “I wanted to say congratulations to my brother Alistair. I know congratulations is a strange thing to say when selling a business you didn’t want to sell, but it’s for the future. Congratulations on making a fresh start. Here’s hoping for your success, brother.”

He held his beer toward Alistair and took a big drink as most of the crowd saidhear, hearand other nice things.

Relief washed over me. I caught Alistair staring at me with that same look ofthank godon his face.

My grandpa reached over and put his hand over mine. He closed his eyes and nodded, telling me without speaking that I’d done the right thing.

I had. I knew it in my bones.

I’d hurt Julian even though I hadn’t meant to, but saying yes just to avoid an embarrassing moment in public would have been the wrong thing.

I could feel Alistair staring at me from behind the bar, so I looked his way. He’d just watched me turn down his brother’s proposal.

In the few seconds we stared at each other, I felt more desire, more heat building in my body, than I had in the months I’d been with Julian.

Alistair didn’t come to the table for the rest of the party. I hadn’t really expected he would.