Page 85 of He Loves Me Knot

“That Quinn and Elle have some real fun and relax. To get Quinn’s mother off her high horse and to just see how magical this place can be if you let yourself enjoy it—like I did when we went to La Fortuna. Maybe once they all realize how much fun the wedding could be here, Elle and Quinn will feel like they can speak up.”

A few seconds ticked by before Callum bowed his head. “You don’t need me. You need my e—Sophia. She handles everything like that around here. And unlike my mum, she’s young and probably goes out. Does more interesting things than lead yoga sessions.”

“Oh.”Shoot. “You’re right. She probably does have a lot of connections with local tours.” Liddy approached him and sat beside him. She didn’t want to seem selfish, especially considering how much she had asked of him. “Would you ask her?”

Callum kept his gaze straight ahead. “To be clear, is this a new favor or just an extension of the old one?”

She laughed, then looked over at him and saw his deadpan expression. “Wait. You’re serious?”

Is he still mad at me over the whole thing with Sergio?

“Callum . . . you know I’m not actually planning on going on that date with Sergio, if that’s what’s bothering you.”

“You can date whoever you want. That’s none of my business.”

Oh my God, he’s so infuriating.

His choice of words is interesting, though.

Just like when she’d told him his family issues were none of her business.

Enough of this.

“So we’re just going to pretend that kiss in the hot springs never happened? Is that it?” She stood, prickles going up her spine. She wished there was more room to pace in here. “You’re angry. I get it. But I refuse to believe you didn’t feel anything or that it was some sort of casual peck to you. I’m not going to keep skirting around this when an honest conversation could solve this tension between us.”

“What would you like for me to pretend it was? Four days ago, you couldn’t stand me, Liddy. That’s the truth. And another truth is that itwasjust a kiss. Nothing more. I’m not looking for a relationship. I don’t do them.”

Oh, ouch.She took a quick breath, realizing her mistake as embarrassment shimmied its way through her.This is why I shouldn’t have said anything.She crossed her arms. “I didn’t say I was looking for a relationship, either, did I?”

“Then what should it matter if you go out with Sergio? You liked him before you thought he was a thief, right? And now he’s not. Sounds like a straightforward decision in my book.” Callum leveled his chin with her.

Wow, he really doesn’t give a shit, does he?

He didn’t need to spell it out any more clearly.

“All right, fine. I’ll go.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Glad we had this talk. Now are you going to help me save my sister—and your good friend’s—wedding? Or do I have to do something in return to make you pretend to be a decent human being and help me again?”

“I don’t know. I kind of like the idea of you owing me. Could come in handy.” Callum went over to his suitcase and peeled off his shirt, with a comfort level that had clearly come in the last few days. He flung his used shirt into the corner of the room, his well-muscled back taut and rigid with tension.

Asshole.

Pulling out a short-sleeved, button-down shirt, he put it on, then turned back toward her as he buttoned it. “But I’ll help. Even if it means going and asking for the help of the person I was hoping to avoid.”

Anger surged through her. “Don’t worry, you’re such a peach. I’m sure she feels the same way.”

Callum’s eyes flicked toward hers, and his lips drew to a line. “I’ll find you later and let you know what Sophia comes up with.” He strode past her, irritation in his every movement, then went out the door.

Unexpected tears pricked her eyes.

“I’m not looking for a relationship.”His voice rang through her head.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

That was so stupid of me. Of course, he’s not. And even if he was, he’s not looking for someone like me. He’s too busy letting events that happened forever ago continue to wound him.

She pulled out her rescued cell phone and swiped it open. Relief flooded her as her home page picture—one of Elle, Kyle, and Liddy at Christmas—swam before her watery eyes.

She swiped the tears away.