A Heart to Trust by A.L. Brooks (romantic books to read txt) 📗

outside of work if she is trying something shitty. “Tomorrow doesn’t work for me, so we’ll have to do it today. This afternoon sometime?”

Tamara glared at her before marching into the kitchen.

“Whatever time works for you. I can meet you wherever is easiest too. You could come here, if you like. Or we can meet at yours. Or anywhere you feel more comfortable.”

“No, it’s okay, I’ll come to you.” She had visions of Tamara stalking them through Brooklyn in an effort to prevent Jenny from speaking to Olivia, so heading to midtown would be safer.

“Do you still have my address?” Olivia asked.

“I do.”

“Well, great. Come over any time you like.”

“Okay. I’ll text you when I’m on my way.” Jeez, I hope I’m not making a colossal mistake here.

“Thank you. I’ll see you later.”

Jenny hung up and shoved the phone into the back pocket of her jeans.

“You aren’t serious?” Tamara stood in the kitchen doorway, her arms folded across her chest.

“She said nothing is what it seems. That it would all make sense if I heard her out.” Jenny shrugged. “I’ve got nothing to lose by listening.” I hope.

“I hope you’re right.” Tamara’s mouth was set in a tight line. “And she’d better not mess with you again or I’ll…I’ll do something!”

Roz burst out laughing. “I’m sure she’ll be terrified, baby.”

Jenny snorted as Tamara flipped Roz the bird and stomped back into the kitchen.

Roz and Jenny managed to placate Tamara—eventually—and Jenny hung out with them a little longer before heading home.

“I’m only mad because I care about you, you know that, right?” Tamara said as Jenny hauled on her jacket.

“I know. And I appreciate it, really. But there is definitely something going on with Olivia, and I want to know what it is. If nothing else, it might make working together easier.”

“I guess so. I’m just so worried you’re going to get your heart broken.”

“I’ll keep it wrapped up tight, don’t you worry.” She gave Tamara a wink even as her own brain laughed at her confidence. She knew she had very little resistance when it came to Olivia, and she remembered how hard she’d had to work just this week to try to keep thoughts of Olivia out of her head. The idea that she had any hope of protecting herself from the irresistible Olivia was a joke that wasn’t remotely funny.

Chapter 28

Jenny’s steps slowed as she turned the corner onto Olivia’s block. Was this the dumbest thing she’d ever done? She didn’t know, but she did know if talking to Olivia now didn’t resolve anything, she was definitely, one hundred percent, absolutely not going to pursue anything more with Olivia. This was it. The end.

With that thought lifting her shoulders and straightening her spine, she upped her pace. When she reached the fancy entrance, the doorman showed her in, giving her a big smile. Jenny realized it was the same guy from the night she’d brought drunk Olivia home, and she gave him a nod.

The elevator ride took forever; her heart rate increased with every floor climbed. Eventually, she arrived on the top floor and exited.

Olivia answered the door immediately. “Hi. Thank you for coming over.” Her voice was soft and low.

She looked amazing, even in super casual clothes, and Jenny tried not to ogle. Olivia in jeans was a thing of beauty. And the tight-fitting, long-sleeved V-neck that showed off smooth, creamy skin was grossly unfair in Jenny’s weakened state.

Jenny blinked a couple times before finding her voice again. “How are you?”

“I’m good.” Olivia didn’t sound convincing, but before Jenny could say any more, she stepped aside to motion Jenny into the apartment.

A big dog padded up the hallway as Jenny took her first step inside. “You have a dog?”

“No, this is my neighbor’s.” Olivia looked down at the dog. “This is Barnaby. He’s a little old and slow, but we get along okay. Whenever his owner, who’s rather old himself, is away or indisposed, I take care of Barnaby.”

Jenny bent and held out her hand so he could sniff her and check her out. “He’s gorgeous.”

“Yes, he is.” Olivia closed the front door. “He’s also very lazy and a total duvet hog. I make him sleep in his own bed now. The first time I looked after him, I had him in my bed. Halfway through the night, I woke up freezing because he’d stolen the entire duvet and made a nest for himself at the end of the bed.”

Jenny snorted. “Clever boy.”

From somewhere in the apartment, Jenny heard a man’s voice. The infamous husband? So he would be in the apartment while Olivia explained herself to Jenny. That was a little weird.

Olivia must have seen something in Jenny’s expression. “Yes, that’s Broderick. He’s probably talking to his brother, who probably got a call from their mother earlier this morning.” She exhaled loudly. “None of that will make sense to you right now, but trust me, soon it will. Come on. You can hang your coat on any of the hooks. Feel free to keep your boots on if you wish.”

“Great, thanks.” More confused than she was when Olivia had first called her earlier, Jenny hung the jacket then numbly followed her down the hallway.

Barnaby kept pace with them until he reached a tatty, red tartan dog bed halfway along the hallway. He stepped into it, turned a couple times, then flopped onto his side and laid his head down with a heavy sigh.

“And that’s that.” Olivia chuckled. “I doubt he’ll move to say goodbye when you leave.”

Jenny grinned. “I won’t take offense, Barnaby.”

They entered a good-sized kitchen kitted out with all sorts of fancy equipment, half of which Jenny couldn’t even identify.

“So, would you like a drink? Coffee? Tea? Something cold?” Olivia’s hands were half-folded in front of her belly, her fingers twisting and turning as she spoke.

“Just water will be fine.” Jenny took the seat Olivia offered her at a small table in the corner of the room and waited.

Olivia was halfway across