Love Like Her (Against All Odds #3) - Claudia Y. Burgoa Page 0,70

to stop introducing me to the entire male population in Denver. She gave him my address.

“I thought we were friends,” I say as soon as she answers.

“Hi to you too.”

“First, you’re setting me up—after I told you to stop doing that. Then, you give him my address.”

“I did?”

“Don’t claim ignorance. He just made a food delivery,” I argue, biting into one of the cupcakes he left.

“How do you know it wasn’t Calvin? I could’ve asked him to bring you food.”

“Holly, I love you, but right now I’m about to pack my things and leave. Unless you have a good explanation,” I threaten her.

“I didn’t know he was with you when your dad had a heart attack or when your mom was going through chemo,” she says, instead of justifying her behavior.

I frown, walking back and forth in the kitchen, looking at the delicious sandwich that I want to eat, but I refuse to he bought it.

He purchased the cupcakes too, and you just ate one.

“He told you about that?”

“It came up when I told him you didn’t need someone who would only be there when he needs some fun,” she explains to me. “The desperate guy who begged me for your address isn’t anything like the player I believed he was. I’m not judging you, but why didn’t you tell me that he’s been there for you?”

“It seemed pointless. Those were the times when we’d agree that things between us would never work. Nothing has changed. If anything, I realized today that I’m his fuck buddy,” I explain.

It felt weird to say, hey, I had the best week of my life, but he left me—again. It’s not much different from when my parents kept sending me from one place to another. Eros just appeared occasionally, and then he was gone for a long time.

“Things between us would never work,” I state. “For one, he’s older. He lives here. I live… everywhere.”

“No offense, but you sound like a Dr. Seuss book. I understand that you feel betrayed because earlier today he was with that girl, Misty,” she continues. “That’s something you two have to discuss. Now, about you two belonging. I’m not sure if that’s the case. Again, that’s something only you and Eros can decide—together. If you ask me, it’s time for you to find a home. You don’t have to be jumping from one place to another to make everyone happy. Also, he’s thirty-six. Only five years older than you. Do you have any other excuses?”

“He’s in love with Misty.”

“Liv, he’s not. The guy was distraught because he feels like he’s losing you. He’s beside himself. If I gave him your address, it was because he earned it, not just because he’s so freaking hot that I want you to tell me all about the hot makeup sex.”

“I heard that,” Calvin yells.

Holly laughs. “You’re still my number one.”

“It doesn’t hurt hearing it at least ten times a day, Hol.”

I laugh. “Go to your husband. You should stop worrying about me.”

“Listen, I’m not saying forgive him right away, but at least give him the benefit of the doubt. Or sleep with him one last time. Have you seen his body?”

“Good night, Hol,” I say, ending the call.

After hanging up, I see there’s another text from Eros. It’s a gif of a puppy saying sorry. I hate that he knows how to make me feel special.

Liv: Thank you for the food.

Eros: Can we try this again?

Liv: What is THIS?

Eros: Us.

Liv: There’s never been an us.

Eros: You can deny it, but there’s always been something between us. We can’t lose it.

Liv: I don’t think it’s a good idea.

Eros: I’m not giving up, Liv.

Liv: Goodbye.

Eros: It’s never goodbye between us, Liv.

Eros: Never.

I read the last two texts several times. Every time I say goodbye, he says this isn’t a goodbye, but a see you around. It’s like he just can’t let me go. I’m confused, hurt, and even lost. What am I supposed to do with him?

In my little experience with guys, when something ends, it’s over and we move on. Why is it never over with Eros?

He doesn’t love me. Why did I fall in love with him? Am I my mother? I call Dad.

When he answers, I ask, “Why did you marry Mom?”

“And I was worried about this call. I thought you were calling to discuss work-related matters. That would’ve been easy.” He chuckles. “Why are you asking that?”

“I know why you divorced. You didn’t love her. Why marry her if