“Well then you should have gone through the insurance company rather than doing it on your own.” She stalked toward the living room.
“What car are you driving now?” He followed her.
“My mother’s. She went and got a loan for a new vehicle last week.” Liza dropped onto the couch, her head ached and her stomach bothered her again. A bottle rattled in front of her, she glanced up to see Julian holding her pills.
“I’ll get you a glass of water.” He headed into the kitchen.
At least he had dropped the car conversation. She poured one of the pills out of the bottle and then closed the lid.
Julian handed her the glass of water and sat down on the coffee table in front of her. “How is it fair to your mother to have to buy a new car when you have one parked at my father’s house not serving a damn purpose?” He rested her hands on her knees.
Liza cocked her head and her gaze moved to his hands.
He lifted his hands in surrender and put them in his lap. “Sorry, you’re having my baby. It’s hard to think of you as just a friend.”
She took the pill and sipped at the water. “Should have thought about that before you broke up with me.” She licked her lips. “Convince your father to give me a bill and I’ll pay him off.”
“You want a bill from my father?” A smug look crossed Julian’s face. “You want to know how much the car’s worth?”
“I don’t take handouts.” She wanted to fold her arms across her chest, but knew it would accent her boobs. She dropped them to her side.
He leaned closer. “Fifteen thousand.”
Liza’s jaw dropped at the number. “F-fifteen thousand?”
“It’s last year’s model, Liza. I had full intention of paying for it.”
“I can’t—” She rested her head in her hands. Good thing, she’d given the car back, there was no way she could pay that.
“No, you can’t, I know it.” Julian stood and began pacing. “Hell, I knew it when I made the deal.”
“Then why, Julian?” She followed his movements with her gaze.
“When Dad first bought the car, fine. I could see you feeling this way. But you’re pregnant with my baby. Your job drags you all over the place. Is it so wrong for me to want to keep both safe?” He sat down next to her and put his hand on her shoulder. “Hell, I’ll put it in my name and you can use it if you’re going to insist on being stubborn.”
“I’m not being stubborn.” Liza looked away from him.
“I bought the car for a reason, because despite meeting you a couple days before I felt something for you.”
She stared up at him. “Then why did you break up with me?”
“Because I’m scared. I’ve made enough relationship mistakes.” Julian dropped his hand.
“I understand.” Liza flipped her hands over. She wanted to shake him. “I’ve never once thought about cheating on someone.”
“We’ve known each other for all of what five, six weeks?” He continued when she nodded. “We’ve spent the last three barely speaking to each other. We’re still getting to know each other.”
“But you knew me well enough for us to spend almost two weeks in your bed.” This was getting them nowhere.
“Look at it from my perspective I’ve always wanted kids, but never thought I could have them. Needless to say, I was surprised.” He twisted the ring on his finger and glanced over at her. “I’m excited about the pregnancy. In hindsight, I’d do things different, but I’m still excited.”
Liza looked down at her hands and let out a deep breath. “What are we going to do?”
“I want to be there for you in whatever way you’ll let me. I want to be part of my baby’s life.” He grasped her hand. “And I want to get to know you better. Maybe even get back to where we were before I blew it?”
“I’m scared. I want to do the right thing for the baby.” She weaved her fingers together with his. The simple touch made her feel better.
“We’re at least on the same page.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
“Yeah.”
“Now, the car.”
“Julian—”
He held his hand up. “Listen to me for a minute. You can’t afford to pay my dad but Mom did ruin your car and they need to make it right. Please take it.”
“No!”
“Would it help if I bought the car off my dad and let you borrow it?”
She shook her head.
“Come on, Liza. I got you pregnant. The least I can do is buy you a car.”
Liza laughed. “My mother told me the same thing the other day.”
“See, please? Take the damn car. It’s already in your name. Drive it.”
Liza paused and then shook her head. “Fine, but you have to drive the car I’m driving now to my parent’s house on Sunday.”
Julian cringed. “I have a feeling the first meeting with your parents isn’t going to be the most pleasant meeting.”
“Probably not.” She nodded. “Considering I had to call them when I discovered your little ploy with the car.”
The doorbell rang.
Julian opened the door.
“Who is it?” Liza grabbed the blanket off the couch. Her stomach growled. She was hungry. And not nauseous. The pill must be working.
Julian pulled out his wallet, but didn’t answer her question. When he shut the door she saw the boxes in his hand and smiled. “You didn’t have any food. It’s not the healthiest, but at least you can eat something. I didn’t know what you could eat, so I ordered cheese pizza and breadsticks.”
“Are you going to stay here and eat with me?”
“Can I?” He placed the box on the table and sat down beside her. “Do you mind if I put my arm around you?”
“I suppose, I could live with that.”
He picked up the box again and plopped it on her lap. “Eat something.” He wrapped his arm around her.
Liza settled in next to him and opened the box. “I promise to go grocery shopping tomorrow.”
Julian chuckled and took a slice of pizza from the box. “When I told you the other day I missed you, I meant it.”
“You stopped after that?”
“No, I got used to having you around.”
“Good to know.”
They finished dinner in silence. Liza put the pizza in the refrigerator and checked the time. It was closing in on six o’clock, but she was exhausted. The pill worked for her nausea, but made her sleepy as well.
She walked into the living room and dropped onto the couch next to Julian. “I’m exhausted.”
“Is that my cue to leave?” He pressed a kiss into her hair.
“I think I need to rest for the night.”
Julian stood and held his hand out to her. She took his hand and let him pull her up. “Can I give you a hug?”
“Why?” She rested her hands on his shoulders.
“I need to, because maybe, there are feelings there?” His hands went around her waist.
She clasped her hands behind his neck. “Are you sure about that? Or was it a question?”
Julian released her. “There are feelings there. I’m going to ask a stupid question. I know you’re not showing, but can I . . .”
“Yes, you can touch my belly.”
“Good.” He pulled her back into his arms this time with her back to him and brought both his hands to rest on her belly. Energy shot through him as he came in contact with her, something he had never felt before. The sudden and intense need to stay right there was overwhelming. “Wow.”
“Yeah – it was rather intense.” She turned around.
“I take it you felt it, too.”
“Definitely.”
“I don’t want to leave.”
“Yeah, well I may be willing to forgive you, but I’m not ready to have you in my bed again.”
“I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“No, you need to go home, Julian.”
“All right.”
He nodded. “Why don’t you go lay down and I’ll make sure everything’s locked up here before I go?”
“As long as you’re not on my couch in the morning, okay.”
“Good night, Liza.”
“Good night.”
*****
April 26th
By the time Liza woke up for work the next morning she found her kitchen well stocked with plenty of food. The keys to the car Everett bought her on the table. She picked up a sleeve of crackers to try to keep the nausea under control. And went in search of the prescription Julian had filled the day before. She found it and a note from Julian.
Thought I’d try to make things a bit easier for you. Asked the pharmacist what would help with nausea and picked those up for you. Miss you, Julian.
She glanced at the clock and then dialed her mother’s number.
“Hey you feeling any better today?”
Liza went to the sink for a glass of water. “Things are looking up.” She took the pill, put the glass in the drainer and went to put away the non-perishables he left stacked on her counter. “How is it, I fell for the sweetest jerk in the world?”
“You and Julian are talking?”
“Sort of. He drives me crazy, Mom.” Liza stacked the boxes of crackers in the pantry, then closed the door and sunk to the floor. “He’s an insufferable flirt and can be a downright jerk. But then, in one afternoon, he reminds me why I fell in love with him in the first place.”
Her mother laughed. “So what are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. I’m terrified I’ll end up raising my baby alone. I won’t give it up and the alternative is out of the question.” Liza let out a heavy breath. “Julian is the sweetest man I’ve ever met, but damn when he’s off . . . watch out. What’s a lifetime of this going to be like for us all?”
“Why don’t you talk to his dad? And didn’t you say he had a brother who is bipolar? Talk to them,” her mother suggested. “I know you, you won’t give up on him.”
Liza laughed. “I couldn’t if I tried. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. It physically hurts to think about not being with him.”
“Allow yourself to get over the hurt he caused you and then take it slow. Make him come to you. If he wants the relationship, he needs to work at it.”
Liza found herself nodding. She checked the time, she’d have to get going soon. “He’s coming out to the house on Sunday. Somehow he convinced me to take the car, so I’ll be dropping yours off. Sorry about the mess with that.”
Sally chuckled. “That’s okay, your brother needs a car. I have to get ready for work.”
“Me, too.” Liza stood and headed toward her bedroom. “I love you, Mom. Thanks.”
“No problem, kiddo. Love you, too. Try to have a good day.”
“I will.” Liza smiled as she ended the call. Things weren’t perfect, but maybe there was a bright spot.
Chapter Thirteen
April 29th
Julian arrived early on Sunday morning. It was the first time he’d seen her since Wednesday. “Can’t we call your parents and have them meet us half-way?” He sat on the couch, waiting for Liza to get ready. He’d rather be at his parent’s house since he hadn’t been there for Sunday breakfast in two weeks. “Or we could have them meet at my parent’s house?”
“No, you promised me you’d drive the car to them,” Liza called to him from the bedroom.
“They’re going to hate me.”
Liza walked out of the bedroom, rolling up the sleeves on her gray top, and chuckled. “Did you just whine?” She flopped down next to him to put on her shoes.
“I think I did.” He bumped her shoulder with his. “You look really good today.”
“And look at you, white button-up shirt, dark wash blue jeans. Who are you trying to impress?” She smiled. “I half expected you to show up in a three-piece suit.”
“I’m sure, an asshole covered in tattoos, who grows pot, and got their daughter pregnant was who they planned their daughter to be with.”
Liza laughed. “They won’t hate you. They’re not happy, but they won’t hate you.”
Julian met her gaze. “I guess we should be going then.”
*****
By the time they arrived, Julian was seething. He got out of the car and slammed the door. She was already there and waiting from him. He stalked over to her and shook his finger at her. “You drive way too fast on these country roads for someone who’s pregnant.”
“I grew up on these roads. I know them better than I do the roads of Bryton.” She shrugged.
He growled and raked his hands through his hair. “Don’t you realize how dangerous a car accident could be in your condition? You don’t need to go that fast.”
“Like you’d take them any slower?” She glared at him, her hands planted on her hips.
He let out a heavy breath. “I just want you to be safe.” Pulling her into his arms, he pressed a kiss to his cheek.
She shoved him away. “Damn it, you’re doing it again.”
“Doing what?” He put his hands up in surrender.
“Pretending we’re a couple. It’s not funny.” She marched toward the door.
He caught her arm and twirled her toward him. “I want us to be a couple again.”
She pulled her arm away from him and jabbed at his chest with her finger. “Then ask me.”
“Liza—”
The door to the house opened. “You two going to stand out here fighting all morning?”
Julian looked up to see her mother standing in the doorway her arms folded across her chest. The resemblance was there. Like mother like daughter.
Liza went over and hugged her mother. She whispered something to make Liza laugh.
Julian walked over to them. “Mrs. Thomas.” He held out his hand and she shook it.
“It’s Sally.” Her gaze was skeptical. “Julian, I presume and even though you were clearly fighting in my front yard, I see you two are on speaking terms.”
“Yes, Ma’am. I was getting after her for driving too fast.” He put his hands in his pockets and bounced on his heels.
“Don’t call me, Ma’am.” She held the door open for both of them.
“Might be a hard habit to break me.” Julian followed her and Liza inside.
Liza’s father stood up from his place at the table to meet them. Liza went over to hug him and then looked at Julian. “Dad, this is Julian Vitalli. Julian, this is my dad, Rick Thomas.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Thomas.” Julian held out his hand for her father.
“I can’t say nice to meet you fits in this situation.” Rick gave Julian a stern look.
Julian dropped his hand. “I completely understand, Sir. And I apologize, wasn’t my finest hour.” He blew out a breath. “I think I should go sit in the car.”
Sally cleared her throat and took a seat at the dining room table. “You didn’t expect this to be the most pleasant afternoon of your life did you? I mean, our daughter is pregnant with your child and from what we understand you didn’t take it well.”
“No, I didn’t, but I’m trying to make up for it and ensure she’s taken care of.” Julian held his hands out from his body. He hadn’t dealt with this much of an interrogation since he was sixteen.
“Knowing my daughter, I doubt ‘being taken care of’ is high on her priority list. I think feelings and emotions may be a little more of what she’s looking for.” Sally chuckled.
“We’re working on it. Getting to know each other better.” Liza stepped closer to him.
“You’re supposed to do that before you get pregnant.” Rick crossed his arms.
“I agree and in a perfect world it would have happened that way.” Julian back-pedaled faster than a kid getting chased by a bully. “But I didn’t even think I could get anyone pregnant. My ex-wives and I tried to get pregnant. It didn’t happen. I’m thirty-three years old and there has never been a pregnancy scare.”
“Wives, as in plur
al?” When he nodded, Sally continued. “It doesn’t give you an excuse to react the way you did.”
“I am fully prepared to take responsibility for my actions. It’s my hope we can work it out and be together, but I don’t want to make a promise I can’t keep. I don’t want a third ex-wife.” Julian looked around the house. It was small, but comfortable. The kitchen, dining room, and living room all joined in an open concept. His brain was stalling trying to come up with something to say to make them understand.
Liza interlocked her fingers with his.
He looked over at her.
She gave him a smile and squeezed his hand. “What Julian is trying to say is he cares and is supporting me in the only way he can.”
Rick stood up and rested his hand on Liza’s shoulder. “Are you up for a stroll? Just you and me.”
Liza gripped Julian’s hand tighter and patted it with her other hand before nodding to her father. “I suppose.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed Julian on the cheek. “You’ll be fine,” she whispered.
“Are you sure?” He glanced over at her mother.
“Of course.”
Julian caught her arm. “I do care a great deal about you.”
“I know.” She gave him a smile before she headed out the door with her father.
“Why don’t you sit down?” Sally motioned to the chair across from her.
Julian sat down. “You know, I have every intention of taking care of your daughter and our baby.”
“You’re repeating yourself, are you nervous?” She nodded. “You said you’re going to take responsibility, you’ve said you’re going to take care of her, and I even heard you say you cared about her. The one thing I haven’t heard you say is anything about the ‘L’ word.”
“I know where this is going. I have a great deal of feelings for your daughter, but do you want me to speak honestly or use the other ‘L’ word and lie to you both?” Damn it! Why couldn’t he force the words out? He loved Liza, but he couldn’t force the words from his lips. Three little words, which would make a world of difference to her and everyone else, but damn if he could say them.
“It’s going to take her a while to fully trust you again.”
“Yes. I screwed up.” He rested his arms on the table.
“I don’t know how you convinced her to take the car. When she talked to me, she was adamant about not taking it.” She mirrored his movement.
If You Only Knew (And Then Came Love Book 1) Page 22