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When did I get so awkward at flirting? She probably thinks I’m a real creeper.
“I was teasing, you know,” he hurried to say. “I would never push you like that.”
As they rounded the corner in silence, Liam wondered if he was reading her wrong. Maybe she wasn’t even open to a relationship beyond friendship. She was way too nice to admit to his face if his paraplegia was too much to handle.
“Carly, let me be honest.” He kept his gaze trained ahead, unable to bear to see what her reaction might be. “I like you, and I’d love to spend time with you. To get to know you better. But if a relationship with me is off the table... for whatever reason... just tell me now. I don’t care if it’s my broken spine or something else. You don’t have to explain. Just tell me if we have a chance or not.”
She was quiet for a long time. Which couldn’t be a good sign.
“Liam, I’m the one who’s broken.” Her voice was tight. “I’ve only had one serious relationship in my life, and it didn’t end well. I haven’t dated since.”
“Why?” Surprising anger boiled inside him. “What did he do to you? What did he say?”
“It wasn’t his fault.” Liam hated the defeated expression on her face. “The guy thought he was getting one thing, and he got something else. He said I’m like a bait and switch.”
“Nobody is perfect.” Liam wanted to pummel this guy who’d made Carly feel so insecure. “But you’re smart and sweet and caring. He had no right to tear you down because he had false expectations.”
They stopped outside Liam’s room.
“You’re sweet to say that, Liam, but in this case, it’s true. My roommate told me the same thing last night. I sabotage most relationships before they start. All because I haven’t had the courage to face something that happened in my past.”
“If that’s the case, it has to be destiny that brought us together.” Liam said. “No one has struggled to deal with the past more than I have. Maybe we can help each other.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Do you swear you haven’t been talking to my roommate?”
He drew an imaginary X across his chest. “Cross my heart and hope to miss your guacamole!”
At last, he coaxed the beginnings of a smile onto her face, though it faded quickly, replaced by a flash of pain as deep as his own.
“I know you mean well, but I don’t think I can handle talking about the past. At least not right now.”
Maybe if he opened up about everything that had happened, she would do the same. It would be painful, especially on the eve of the accident’s anniversary, yet worth it if he found some resolution. And maybe he would finally break through her defenses.
She’d discouraged him, but she hadn’t closed the door. And as his physical therapist could attest, Liam didn’t give up easily.
But now wasn’t the time to press.
“In that case, let’s go play in the snow and forget everything that ever happened.”
Her silver eyes crinkled at the corners with a genuine smile. “Actually, that sounds like a great idea.”
CHAPTER 11
CARLY
Turned out Bran had a gear closet that included coats, hats, and gloves in every conceivable size and color. Being cold-natured, Carly bundled up with multiple layers.
“You look like that kid from the Christmas movie,” Liam told her. “I’m not sure you’ll be able to bend with that much stuff on.”
“I’ll take the risk,” Carly said.
Though she’d secretly been worried about how Liam would get around, she shouldn’t have. He explained that he loved being outdoors in the winter, and there were more adaptations for people with paralysis than she’d ever imagined.
He was even proficient at skiing on some kind of agile sled contraption he sat on, while his hands operated a short ski-footed pole on each side. She loved the enthusiasm in his sparkling green eyes as he described the rush of flying down the slopes. Maybe meeting Liam had been providential, after all. Picturing him happy and enjoying his life would ease her mind, so she could finally let him go. She could end her pointless, juvenile crush and move on.
Then he mentioned how fun it would be for them to go skiing together someday, even though she’d told him earlier they couldn’t have a relationship. The guy didn’t dissuade easily.
But she knew they couldn’t have a future together. Though he didn’t realize it yet, both of them were haunted by the past they shared. And if that wasn’t enough to turn him off, her bald head would be. Wearing her wig and lashes was kind of like using a Hollywood filter on her pictures. She looked pretty good, but it wasn’t real. And Liam had enough baggage to carry around without being saddled with her ailment in addition.
