One Love for Liv

by Marianne Arkins

  Liv pushed past Mike and the dog without a word and ran for the street. She hurried down the sidewalk, rounded the corner and stopped dead.

  Her car was gone. Perfect.

  She dropped her head into her hands and gave into her tears. When Spike ambled over and pressed against her, she welcomed his comfort and laid her cheek against his strong shoulder.

  *

  Mike followed Liv out to the street, wondering why he felt so lousy. She was the one who’d lied to him, after all. Though, when he thought about it, she hadn’t lied exactly, just hadn’t told him everything.

  And, he had to admit, until he’d pounced on her last night and again this morning, whether she had a significant other hadn’t been an issue. They’d been friends, and nothing more. Then she’d gone and given him that goofy painting. None of his girlfriends had ever done that before. They gave him food, or they bought sexy lingerie to show off for him, or the occasional “man” gift: cologne, tools, a tie.

  Liv’s gift had touched him in a place he hadn’t known existed. It made him feel special, unique and…loved. And he’d known then he wanted her like he’d never wanted another woman.

  Apparently he wasn’t the only man to feel that way. She had a fiancé who was ready to commit his life to her.

  Still, was Mike ready to throw in the towel? True, he didn’t poach, but what if she was having second thoughts about her engagement? If she broke it off, it wouldn’t be poaching, right? If he continued to have her clean for him until she was single again, but kept his hands off of her, he’d still be playing by the rules.

  In the meantime, he could help her see how wrong her fiancé was for her, and how right he was. Except—Liv went for serious and long term. That was clear. And Mike didn’t. He’d lived through his parents’ disastrous marriage, had seen more than one happy relationship ruined by vows.

  Why risk it? Take things as they came, one step at a time, no promises of forever.

  For now, he’d ask her to stay on, just to keep her close. He didn’t know if she’d agree after seeing his outburst of temper, but he hoped she would. And now that everything was out in the open, there shouldn’t be any more surprises.

  When he turned the corner outside his complex, he found her sitting on the edge of the sidewalk crying into Spike’s fur. He was surprised, to say the least, that she was willingly so close to the dog. He recalled her abject fear the first time she’d seen him. And the second. And the third. It looked like Spike had finally made a breakthrough. Now, if only Rett could do the same.

  “Liv?”

  She jumped at the sound of his voice, but didn’t look at him.

  “Hey.” He moved closer and sat down on the other side of Spike, using the dog as a buffer but slipping his arm over the top and brushing his fingertips against her shoulder. “Look, I’m sorry I blew up.”

  She turned away and wiped her eyes and her nose on the sleeve of her sweater. When she finally faced him, he decided she even looked good when she cried. “I deserved it.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t leave.”

  She snorted. “I didn’t have a choice.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Someone took my car.” She gestured loosely toward the street, as though it took more strength than she had to hold her arm up.

  She said it so calmly, Mike was certain he’d misheard her. “Excuse me?”

  “My car.” She flung her free hand outward and fluttered it around. “It’s gone. Spike and I had a deal—he’d keep an eye on it and I’d buy him treats, but he’s a flop as a guard dog.”

  “You’re taking this awfully well.” Mike caught her flapping hand and held it. His thumb made little circles on the back. He didn’t think that violated his decision to keep away from her physically. It wasn’t like he’d tackled her on the sofa again or something. He got rock hard just thinking about the way their morning had started and admonished his body for its reaction.

  She shrugged and pulled her hand away. “Would going into hysterics help things? Besides, it’s insured.”

  “Maybe we should go in and call the police.”

  “I can do it from here.” Liv waved her cell phone in the air. “I was just having a pity party first.” She inhaled deeply before calling information for the non-emergency number for the Salem Police Department. She and Mike sat together, along with Spike, and waited for the cops to arrive.

  “Liv, can I ask you a favor?” He wanted to reach out for her hand again, but barely restrained himself. He couldn’t seem to stop wanting to touch her.

  “Sure. Ask away.”

  “Will you keep coming here to take care of my place for a while?” When she tried to stand, he pressed a hand on her shoulder to hold her in place. “I’ve gotten sort of used to it. Used to you.”

  “No.” One hard word with no explanation. Mike wanted more.

  He leaned closer, pulled her hand to his chest and stroked it. Spike got tired of being the meat in their sandwich and slithered out from in between them, so Mike slid closer. “Please?”

  “Oh, Mike.” He wanted to do a little dance when she sighed his name. He was winning. Before he got her to agree, though, the cruiser showed up.

  A female cop stepped out of the vehicle, pad of paper in hand, and greeted them. After Liv told her what had happened, she readied her pen. “Let me just get some information from you for the police report. You’ll need it for your insurance claim.”

  “Mike,” Liv turned to him suddenly. “Would you please take my bag up to the apartment? I’ll need to wait there when this is done.”

  He wasn’t sure why it was so important for him to do it this moment, but at least he knew she wasn’t leaving yet. Mike picked up her bag, the top unzipped and gaping open just enough to give him a tantalizing glimpse of something white and frothy.

  He tore his gaze away from the lingerie. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “Perfect.”

  He hurried upstairs and tossed the bag into the apartment. When he returned, Liv was signing the report. She’d certainly gotten that done quickly. They waved goodbye to the officer, and Mike turned to Liv, slipping an arm around her shoulders.

  “I’ll take you home,” he offered.

  “No.” She looked at him. Smiled a sad smile. “I have a friend I can call, but thanks anyway.”

  Mike suddenly realized she might be talking about her fiancé, and half hoped, half dreaded he would get to meet the competition. “If you’re sure.”

  “I’m sure.” She tugged her hand away and dug through her hand bag, pulling out a small white card and her phone. “I’ll call now.” He let her wander away a few steps, but listened in.

  “Larry? It’s Liv.”

  Mike watched her entire demeanor change when she talked to the guy on the phone. She relaxed and smiled naturally. She obviously liked this Larry she was talking to. He tamped down a surge of jealousy and focused on the conversation again.

  “I know it’s a bit of a haul, but could you come get me? You know I’m good for it.” She laughed into the phone. “Three hours?” She glanced over at Mike with a question in her eyes and he nodded. “That’s fine. Here’s the address.” She rattled off the name and number of his complex, laughing once again at something the guy said, before hanging up.

  She rejoined Mike, staying a few inches away to avoid touching him. “He’ll be here around lunch time. In the meantime, why don’t we give Spike a bath?”

  “I don’t think you realize what you’re in for.” Mike didn’t think his tub would even hold the pooch. “You know what? I think there’s a do-it-yourself dog wash over on Broadway. Why don’t we take him there?”

  She looked relieved at his answer, and he could only surmise she didn’t really want to be alone with him privately. That would change, but for now he’d take just being with her.

  They gathered up the dog and stuffed him into the back seat of Mike’s car. In an attempt to keep the drool on the outside of the car, he rolled down
the window for Spike. That accomplished, he held the door open for Liv to get in, closing it behind her. He circled the car to get in.

  “I don’t think letting him run around loose in the seat is such a great idea,” Liv said as Mike slipped into the driver’s seat and snapped his seat belt into place.

  “He’s fine.” Mike started the car and pulled out, laughing when Spike barked happily in the back.

  “If I had a house with a yard, I’d take him in a minute.” Liv watched the dog with longing.

  “You’re joking.” Mike flashed her a look of utter disbelief.

  “Nope. He’s growing on me.” Liv’s body was pressed against the door and Mike was aware that, whether unconsciously or purposefully, she was keeping as much space between them as possible.

  They rode the rest of the short trip in silence.

  Spike was cleaned in no time. He loved the water, but managed to drench both Mike and Liv by shaking his huge body several times during the bath.

  “Next time, we should bring raincoats!” Liv said over Mike’s laughter, ducking behind him to avoid the latest shower.

  If his heart warmed a bit when she said “next time”, he refused to acknowledge it. But he did nod and grin before letting Spike leap out of the waist-high tub and shake again.

  The ride home was an adventure. Spike was full of energy and kept trying to jump his wet body into the front seat, all the while barking excitedly.

  “Let’s not do this again,” Mike said, pushing the dog back for what felt like the hundredth time. The sleeve of his shirt was soaked, though he wasn’t certain if it was water or drool, or a strange mixture of both.

  Liv hugged her door to keep away from the dog’s elephant-sized paws. He’d knocked her in the head once, and she’d apparently learned from that experience. She looked over at Mike and burst out laughing.

  “I haven’t had this much fun in…” She tipped her head to the side, eyes closed, thinking. “I can’t remember when.”

  Mike raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Livvy, you need to get a life. This is not fun.” Spike woofed in his ear again, following it up with a sloppy dog kiss. Mike swiped his only slightly drier sleeve across his face. “See what I mean?”

  Liv just laughed and turned away to look out the window.

  They pulled onto the street in front of Mike’s complex. With any luck at all, his primo spot would still be open. Drawing closer, he cursed under his breath. “Who the heck needed a cab on a Sunday morning?” The yellow vehicle was in his space. He doubled parked beside it, hoping to grab the spot when the cab left.

  “That would be me.” Liv waved at the driver. “He’s early.”

  “That’s your friend? That old man?”

  Liv slid him a withering look. “Is there a rule that says I have to choose my friends based on their age or gender?”

  “No, of course not. I’m just surprised. You don’t seem the type.”

  Her look grew even more scathing, her nostrils flared, and Mike was certain he was about to get blasted, but she opted to step out of the car and slam the door.

  He jumped out and held the back door open to let Spike out as well. He and the dog walked to where Liv was bent over, talking to the cab driver through his open window.

  Though he’d decided to keep his hands off of Liv, it didn’t stop him from admiring her tiny, round butt in those tight jeans. His hands itched to grab hold, but he stuffed them in his pockets instead and strolled up beside her.

  “Hi.” He stuck a hand out toward the driver. “I’m Mike.”

  The man placed a gnarled hand in his for a firm shake. “Larry. Pleased to meet you, Mike.”

  Liv straightened and looked up at Mike, resentment still very much evident in her gaze. “Would you please get my bag so I can leave?”

  “Will do.” He nodded to Larry and whistled as he headed back to the apartment.

  Chapter Eleven

  Liv watched Mike walk away, her gaze never leaving his retreating form until he turned the corner and moved out of her sight. She loved watching him walk, but wasn’t thrilled with the “away” part.

  She still felt guilty she hadn’t been completely honest with him. Hiding her identity was getting more difficult, as she’d discovered this morning when she’d started to make the police report. At least she’d had a good excuse to get him away while she gave all her information to the cop. If he’d heard her home address or the type of car stolen, it would have given the game away.

  She was so messed up about her feelings for him and was desperate for insight into some serious decisions that needed to be made. She knew just the man to help her, a man who had opened her eyes in the past.

  “Larry, do you have time to join me for lunch?”

  “Actually, my shift is over, so I’m all yours.”

  She patted his hand and affection for him welled up in her heart. It was amazing how much she enjoyed being around him after knowing him only a few hours.

  “I’ll treat you to a meal, then. Your choice of where, since you did so well with the pizza place last time.”

  “You look a little unhappy, missy.”

  “I’ll be okay. I’d just like to get your opinion on some things.” She circled around the cab and stood on the sidewalk to wait for Mike.

  In only a few minutes he appeared, toting her bag. “Hey, Larry,” he called through the open window. “If you’ll pop the trunk, I’ll put this in.”

  “You can just put it in the back seat.” Liv suggested. “I’m going to sit in the front.”

  “Okey dokey.” He placed the bag inside the cab and shut the door, revolving slowly around until he faced Liv. “See you tomorrow?”

  Liv shrugged. “I’ll call you and let you know. I still don’t think it’s a good idea, Mike.”

  Mike put his hands in the air. “Hands off, I swear.” He took a step forward, making her just a tad breathless. “Liv, I liked having you around even before I kissed you. Nothing’s changed about that.”

  At Mike’s words, Liv’s heart did a stutter step and fell at his feet. She clenched her hands together and closed her eyes at the exquisite pain of that feeling. When she opened them again, Mike stared at her oddly.

  “I’ll call you,” Liv said, softly this time. “I like being around you, too.” She touched the side of his face with her palm for a short second and then slid into the passenger seat of the cab. Mike got into his car and backed up to let them out.

  When they pulled away, Liv couldn’t help but watch him over her shoulder until he was out of sight.

  “So, Liv, you got some problems and one of them is that guy right there,” Larry began. “Want to talk about it?”

  She leaned her forehead against the window. “Over lunch. Please.”

  “I know just the place.”

  They drove for half an hour and stopped at a little deli tucked between a print shop and a laundromat.

  “How do you find these places, Larry?”

  “Word of mouth, missy. Remember, I talk to a lot of people every day.”

  They strolled, arm in arm, inside and up to the counter. It was early and a Sunday, so there were no other customers inside, only a diminutive young man with a trio of hoop earrings in his left eyebrow and black lipstick that matched his long, black hair. Liv couldn’t help but stare at him for a moment, before realizing it was rude. She tried to imagine anyone she knew looking so…unconcerned about others’ opinions. Part of her was repulsed by the man, and part of her admired him.

  “What’ll you have, Liv?” Larry’s question made her jump a bit, and she giggled at the reaction.

  Liv hadn’t ever ordered a deli sandwich, couldn’t remember even eating one, unless she counted the sub Mike had made for her a week ago. That had been about the best meal she’d ever had. Except for the pizza. And sharing Chinese.

  She shook her head to erase the memory. “What do you suggest?”

  Larry waggled a gnarled finger at her. “Nope. You choose. I don’t think yo
u’ve ever done much of your own choosing of anything.”

  She closed her eyes and pictured the sandwich Mike had made, and then realized he’d pretty much made that decision for her, too. Good heavens. She could think for herself. Couldn’t she?

  She looked over the menu, ignoring the impatient sighs of the employee. Tapping her lip with one manicured finger, she contemplated each choice, but kept coming back to one in particular.

  “I’ll have the meatball sandwich.” Her father would be horrified, spewing information at her about fat and sodium content, and Liv tried not to feel guilty about her choice. She’d just work out twice today to make up for it.

  What good was life if you couldn’t enjoy it a little?

  “Good choice.” Larry’s voice was full of approval, and Liv preened a bit at the sound. “That’s one of my favorites. But today, I think I’ll have pastrami on rye with spicy mustard.”

  They gathered their food and found a table in the far corner of the tiny deli. Liv realized immediately she’d have to eat her sandwich with a fork and knife, and started hacking away at it with the plasticware the bored worker had supplied her.

  “So who’s this Mike fellow?” Larry started the conversation immediately.

  “Oh, Larry.” Liv sighed the words around a bite of meatball, feeling a little sinful as she disregarded the first rule of polite eating. “My life is so messed up.”

  “Tell me what’s going on, missy. I’ll share with you the wisdom of my many years.” Larry chuckled and took a small bite of his sandwich.

  “A week ago, I found evidence my fiancé was cheating on me.” Was it only a week ago? It felt like years.

  “And?”

  “And I tried to see him for an explanation, but he canceled our appointment. So I followed him and saw him with another woman.”

  “You caught him in a compromising position?” Larry patted her hand.

  She shook her head. “It wasn’t actually compromising, though they did seem sort of cozy, and Geoff isn’t cozy with anyone, not even me. So I knew that had to be her.”

  Larry gave a tiny shake of his head and took another bite, gesturing for her to continue. Liv quickly told him the tale, and he listened without interrupting, encouraging her with an occasional nod or grunt.