“I’m fine,” she said. “Nothing’s wrong. I’d better be getting back to the house, though. I’d like to see what Auntie Wang found out, and we need to go over the task list for the house again. Maybe you can give me a more firm date of completion. I really need to make some plans.”

The drive home was quiet. Quinn had no words to make small talk, and Liam obviously felt the same. The vibe was off, and they both knew it. And it was her fault. A few times she wished he’d just talk. He could appease her curiosity about his family situation and why he was single. She’d never ask. That’d be too much.

But she’d love to know.

Not to mention if he filled the truck with his own story, it would help her forget hers. But that didn’t happen, and by the time they were pulling into Maria’s driveway an hour later, Quinn was in a state of despair about how wrecked her life was. How was she going to forgive Ethan for what he’d done? And what if this thing with Gina wasn’t a fling? What if he loved her?

She needed to get home before it was too late. Before all she’d worked so hard for was completely gone.

In the next second, she told herself she was a complete fool.

She didn’t know what she wanted. Or what to do.

Liam turned off the ignition, but his hands went straight back to the wheel.

“I hope I was an acceptable tour guide.” He said it slowly and solemnly.

She was gathering up her backpack and her empty water bottle, but she paused.

“Of course you were. I’ve had the best day. Really, it was so nice of you to take me to see everything,” she said, feeling as though her silence had hurt his feelings. “It was amazing.”

He nodded, but he didn’t look convinced.

His expression was heartbreaking. Like a disappointed little boy. But one with a strong jawline and handsome profile.

She stumbled over her words now.

“I—I’m sorry, Liam. I didn’t mean to slip into a mood. It’s just that I have a lot going on. Stuff that has nothing to do with the stress of the house. It’s just a—it’s a lot.”

He looked at her.

“I thought after our long day together, we were becoming friends. But maybe you need more time.”

“More time for what?”

This time a sigh accompanied his reply. “To trust me.”

With that, he climbed out of the truck and came around and opened her door. Quinn stepped out, feeling awkward. She wanted to tell Liam that she did trust him. She was the confusing one.

Before she could say anything else, the front door opened and Maria was there, waving at them to hurry.