Page 13 of Legally Yours

On our way to his house, I realize that I’m relieved. I don’t have to go back to the apartment I shared with David. I just don’t want to face him right now. Maybe later when I’ve got my head together a bit – everything has moved so quickly.

When we arrive at Liam’s place, I am in awe. It’s a penthouse. It’s huge, modern and beautiful.

Liam gives me the tour, and there’s so much to take in. I look around everywhere, feeling like a tourist. My head is swiveling to take in the high ceilings, the huge windows, the furniture, the appliances. I’d almost rather stare at our surroundings than look at his face!

“Okay, let’s look at the rooms,” he says. “There’s a few you can pick from.”

For a moment, I don’t know what to say, feeling kind of embarrassed about how we’re going to do this.

“Here’s a room right next to my own room. It has everything you need, including an en-suite bathroom. Large walk-in-closet, a huge bay window and window seat.”

“Wow, this one is big! And I love the color scheme.” The walls are a relaxing light blue, and the wood floor is covered with medium blue throw rugs. I walk in and look around. I look at the bathroom. It is big, with a large tub and shower.

“What else do you have? I’d like to choose right,” I say, grinning at him. I may as well make the most of this, after all.

“Come with me,” he says, registering that I’m playing with him somewhat, a small smile on his lips. “This room isn’t as big, but it does have the bay window and window seat.”

“Was this apartment built with window seats in every bedroom?”

“It was. Even my room has two.”

“Oooh, I need to look at it!”

Liam smiles at me and takes my hand in his as he takes me to what is the largest bedroom in the penthouse. “Take a look.”

I drop his hand and enter. I am breathless. This room is the largest and most beautiful. It has not one, buttwobay windows and window seats. The walls are pale gray and the throw rugs are darker gray. I look at the king-sized bed and gulp.

I quickly turn and look into the bathroom. It’s bigger than the first guest room bathroom. The colors here are also shades of gray. Plus, it has a towel warmer. I leave the bathroom and check the walk-in closet out. Next, I spot a second walk in-closet. It’s about the same size as the first bedroom I saw. I sigh and look at Liam.

“For now, I’ll take the first guest room you showed me. The blue one.” I’m actually excited to get my things from the apartment, then realize I’m not going back there – we’re shopping for new clothes.

“I’ll have the housekeeper put your luggage in here. And we’ll go shopping tomorrow. Let me show you the rest of the house.” Liam turns and walks downstairs, and I follow him. I see multiple closets as I walk down the hall. I look at the wood floor. It’s gleaming and clean.

“Do you have a full crew of people to help you keep your home clean?”

He turns, with a grin on his face. “Of course. Can you imagine how much time it would take for one person to clean all of this?”

I shake my head. “No, thanks!”

He laughs as we carry on, and I start to feel better about the situation. There’s something about him that puts me at ease. He’s so good-looking and, so far, has treated me like a queen. As nice as he’s treating me, it would be easy to fall for him. But I won’t ever fall in love again – men can’t be trusted.

13

LIAM

We created a storm of publicity when we landed in New York. Someone took our picture while we were still inside the airport. And now, the news is racing everywhere that Cassandra and I have gotten married. It seems that every newspaper and television station knows.

I wake up when I hear my phone ringing. Looking at the screen, I see that it’s my mom. At the same time, I am out of bed and walking toward Cassandra’s room to check on her, speaking quietly so I won’t disturb her. Mom is anything but quiet.

“Liam, just who is this model? Did you have a fling with her? What happened to Eunice? You have to break up with this woman and marry Eunice!”

Mom’s breath is raspy. Clearly, she is shocked. She also really likes Eunice. I scrub my face with one hand as we speak. She’s not going to take the news of what Eunice did to me well, at all.

“Mom, I had to end it with Eunice. I caught her cheating on me.”

“But, who is this other woman? Have you known her for more than just a few days?”We won’t bother answering that question for mom. She doesn’t need to hear it.

“This woman is someone I met, and she was there for me when I found out what Eunice did to me. Mom, she’s beautiful. She’s also strong.”Oh, my God. I’m not just saying this still just to convince mom. I mean every word I’m saying. She’s wonderful. Hell, she’s terrific!