Page 77 of He Loves Me Knot
Liddy’s cheeks warmed.
She released Sergio’s hand, her palm breaking out in a clammy sweat.This is so awkward.Avoiding Callum’s gaze, she cleared her throat. “I don’t even know what to say, Sergio. Yes—um, I was looking for you. Because I assumed you stole the dress since I came out of the bathroom, and you were gone. Which I’m so sorry for. Again.”
“I think you said that already,” Callum said in a low voice.
Maybe you should apologize, too, Callum,she wanted to say. But Callum was still staring at Sergio with disdain.
“It’s fine. Relax. You’re here for a vacation, yes? This is the land of Pura Vida.” Sergio glanced over his shoulder. “Listen, I’m taking a tour group back to San Jose tomorrow, but after that, I have a few days off. Why don’t I come to Samara and take you to see some things?”
Liddy felt the weight of both men’s stares on her.
Yikes. After everything I accused Sergio of, turning him down seems awful.
But Elle, Mom, Kyle, and everyone else had sounded . . .annoyedin their messages. And those messages were sent before she’d told Quinn she’d lost her phone. It’d already been another day since then.
“I-I’ve spent a lot of time away from my family already,” Liddy explained. “I don’t know how much more time I can take away from them. I want to make things up to you, and I know we talked about meeting up, but?—”
“Okay, well, how about I just come and take you to dinner? There’s a good bar in Samara for dancing, too.” Sergio winked. “You know, to make things up to me.”
Liddy searched Sergio’s handsome face.
He would come all the way to Samara just to take me to dinner?
She felt terrible saying no.
He’d been put through, frankly,a loton her behalf. Not to mention her unjust hatred toward him. And if Logan hadn’tleft a fucking bag of marijuanain the dress bag, she would have probably made plans to meet up with Sergio during this trip. She never would have spent this time with Callum.
She felt equally terrible saying yes.
Because shehadspent this time with Callum. And something had started that she hadn’t expected.
If she said yes to Sergio, how on earth would she explain going out with Sergio when she’d already told her family that she was dating Callum?
And how can I accept a date from Sergio after that kiss with Callum?
Feeling as though she would buckle under the pressure, she blurted out, “All right, that would be good. I’m atLa Hacienda Tropical.”
“Perfect.” Sergio smiled again, not bothering to look at Callum. “I’ll find you there. Let’s say Wednesday night? I can callLa Haciendaand leave a message.”
“Make it Tuesday. I have the rehearsal dinner on Wednesday.”
He nodded and gave her a wink. “I have to go,bella.Buenas noches.”
She watched him go, her stomach feeling like lead. Surely, she could think of a way to get out of the date. Then she turned toward Callum, breathing out as her face flamed. “I didn’t know how to tell him no,” she said, still unable to look him in the eyes.
“I noticed,” Callum said flatly.
Oh no. Callum is going to think I still like him.
“Callum, I don’t actually intend to go out with him.”
Callum’s jaw was set in anger, his expression stony. “You know what, Liddy? It really doesn’t matter. You’re free to do whatever you want.”
“But—”
Callum stepped back. “I’m serious. It’s fine. Sergio is right. You should enjoy yourself right now. That’s what today was all about. Just enjoyment, nothing serious. I’m just relieved we know where that dress is and are done chasing Sergio.” He cleared his throat. “I think jet lag is catching up with me, though, so are you ready to head back to the room?”
Liddy searched his face.