Falling for Him by Alexandra O'Hurley Page A

dropped a coat to the pile, her back to the woman as she pulled another from the box. “I don’t know what you mean.”
    “I think you do.”
    Olivia turned around and faced Jenny. The woman had her arms crossed over her bosom, one hip jutting out as she stood defensively, staring Olivia down. “I think you’re seeing things.”
    “You realize his attention is only misplaced blame, right? He feels bad for you because of your fall. His pity has morphed into this insane notion that he has feelings for you.”
    At first Olivia was taken aback by the words. Did he have feelings for her? Misplaced blame ? What was Jenny talking about?
    Olivia stared at Jenny, not sure what to say in response. A small smile began to turn up the edges of Jenny’s lips and Olivia wondered if she was missing something she should know.
    It was apparent Jenny sought to wound Olivia. She wanted to walk away, but she refused to let the woman think she’d won. But was she being a masochist standing there, egging her on for more information? “And why do you say that?”
    “He and I have been dating for well over a year. It’s become quite serious between us, and I’m sure he was going to propose at any moment, prior to this little bump in the road.” Jenny stopped speaking, her gaze raking over Olivia. “I can’t see why he’d want you over me, pity or not.”
    Olivia’s mouth dropped at the woman’s gall. She had a few curves and was a bit on the shy side, but she wasn’t a leper, either. “You’re so sure he wouldn’t want me?”
    “He’s a doctor. There’s a certain expectation for him in the community. He’s part of the elite. He’ll take part in charities and fund-raisers and the like, especially once he opens his own practice. He’s a member of this club, a man of substance. He needs a beautiful, cultured, social butterfly on his arm, a woman who can entertain and charm those around her. He needs someone to elevate him. I don’t see you as any of that.”
    “Enough, Jenny.”
    Olivia swung her head toward the door and saw Liam standing there. Embarrassment flooded her at the thought he’d possibly been there and heard Jenny’s words. She didn’t want to interfere in his relationship with Jenny, no matter how mismatched she thought they were. Liam was an adult and could make his own choices, good, bad, or in between. Being caught in an argument where her supposed flaws were listed for him to hear had been embarrassing, to say the least.
    Olivia turned to Jenny, who was as red as Olivia felt. Her jaw was also clenched, as if she had more vile things to say, but was holding them back due to Liam.
    “Maria has asked me to deliver a few boxes to the food bank that couldn’t fit on the truck. I think you need to come with me, Jenny.” As he spoke the words, his gaze never left Olivia’s. “Head out to the car and I’ll be along in a moment.”
    Jenny pivoted and headed for the door. She paused beside him and gave him a look before glaring at Olivia over her shoulder. Once the woman was gone, Olivia took a deep breath and fought the tide of emotion running through her.
    “She’s wrong. You know that, right?”
    The words were everything she’d told herself over the years, so why did they hurt so much? “Is she?”
    Liam stepped into the room and closed the door. He walked a few steps until he was closer to her. “You’re intelligent, warm, and … beautiful.”
    Tears glittered in her eyes as he uttered the last word. Was he only saying it to make her feel better? “Jenny’s waiting for you.”
    “Don’t let her win. You’re stronger than that.” Liam pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head. Then he released her and walked out the door.
    She watched the door for several moments, her body and mind not knowing what to do next. Jenny’s words had been jarring, but so had Liam’s. Funny how Jenny’s negativity had been easier to hear.
    * * * *
    “I can’t believe you. That was really