Page 73 of Undeniable

I’d done some research before coming to LA, and I had a few places I was hoping to take her during my visit. As much as Olivia loved food, she wasn’t the type of woman who wanted to be wined and dined. That said, I wanted to make her feel special. Because she was.

She nodded. “Sounds good.”

Traffic sucked, but we spent most of the drive talking about our latest read and her favorite local places. I scanned the scenery, marveling at the difference from Manhattan.

“Wait…” A billboard caught my eye, and I leaned forward to get a better look through the windshield. “Is that your dad?”

“Yeah.” She laughed.

He was wearing a suit and tie, a football field in the background. He looked…kind. Handsome.

I thought about how different he was from my own dad. A man who had abused his wife and abandoned his son. Would I even recognize him if I saw him? I tried to imagine how I’d feel if he died and I never saw him again.

“Hey.” Olivia placed her hand on my thigh. “Where did you go just now?”

Talking about my dad seemed like such a heavy topic for a date. And yet, this wasn’t the typical second date.

“I was thinking about my dad.” I stared out the window. “He has stage four cancer and wants to see me.”

“Wow. That’s…a lot.” When I met her eyes, they were filled with questions and concern. Never judgment. Olivia never judged me. “What are you going to do?”

I slid my hand over hers and returned them both to her lap. I didn’t want to distract her while she was driving, but the traffic was moving so slow at the moment we may as well have been parked.

“Honestly?” I asked. “I don’t know.”

We were both silent a moment, then I said, “He wrote me a letter.”

“Have you read it?”

I shook my head, my eyes focused on the Hollywood sign. “No.”

“What do you think it says?”

“I’m sorry. I’m different. Who knows?” I clenched my free hand then released it.

“Do you think seeing him would help or hurt?”

I groaned, dragging my hand down my face. “Not a fucking clue.”

Tatum had asked me the same thing when I’d told him about the letter and my dad’s request. And I hadn’t had an answer then either.

“I’m sure you’ll make the decision that’s right for you.” She gave my thigh a squeeze as we finally pulled into the circular drive at the front of the Huxley Grand.

I hoped she was right.

She handed the keys to the valet, and then I slid my hand into hers. I’d never really done the hand-holding thing. But with Olivia, it felt natural.

We stepped inside the elevator, and I draped my arm around her shoulder. She smiled up at me, her glossy pink lips irresistible. I dipped my head and captured her lips with a kiss, loving the feel of her mouth against mine.

The elevator chimed, and the doors opened to my floor. “Come on,” I said, guiding her down the hall.

I flashed the keycard and opened the door for her. She stepped inside, admiring the room. “I love the Huxley Grand,” she said with a happy sigh.

It was nice. Parquet flooring. Wood details. Fresh flowers. But I much preferred her home.

“You’ve stayed here before?” I asked.

“Yeah. My dad once had a big awards event and took me as his date. We got ready here.” Her wistful smile told me it was a good memory.