Page 4 of Everyone’s a Liar

Marcel’s amusement faded, as if he sensed Livia’s smoldering sense of unease. She didn’t know what was happening between the two men, but there’d been an ugly expression on Jacob’s face that she’d never seen before.

“Did you call the cops?”

“No, the stranger left and, a few minutes later, Jacob took off.”

Marcel clicked his tongue. “You should tell the police, Livia.”

“And say what?” Livia spread her arms in a gesture of helplessness. “That the man who I willingly offered a key to my house showed up and searched through my underwear drawer? And that a stranger came in and pushed him and left? As far as I know, they didn’t take anything, and didn’t do any damage. I’m not sure there was any actual crime committed.”

“Still … it’s weird.”

“It’s beyond weird,” Livia agreed, pulling her phone out of the leather satchel she’d slung over her shoulder. She searched through her most recent photos before turning the phone to show Marcel. “Which is why I took a picture of him through the window so he couldn’t deny what I saw, and then sent him a text telling him to come by today and leave the key to my house. The creep.”

Marcel narrowed his eyes, as if struggling to make out the blurry image. It wasn’t entirely her fault. The thick screen over the window had cast a shadow and her hand had been shaking so badly she couldn’t hold the phone still.

Obviously, it was enough to convince him she was telling the truth. Marcel shook his head, leaning back in his swivel chair.

“A shame. But I warned you when Jacob walked through the door that he was trouble.”

“Bullshit.” Livia dropped the phone back into her satchel. “You told me to—and I quote—‘hit that fine thing.’”

Marcel tried and failed to look innocent. “Did I?”

Livia rolled her eyes. “It’s my fault. I should never have listened to you. You have terrible taste in men.”

“Brutal, but accurate,” Marcel conceded.

“Love sucks,” Livia muttered, stomping past the reception desk and into her office at the back of the building.

She might have terrible taste in men, but she was an amazing real estate agent.

Time to focus on what mattered. Making money.

Lots of money.

CHAPTER 2

New Orleans, LA

Monday, June 23rd

Livia arrived at her office bright and early to discover Marcel brewing himself a large cappuccino. He was the only one who knew how to work the complicated machine that had cost her a small fortune, and he took full advantage of his expertise. This morning he was stylishly attired in a tight, short-sleeved cashmere sweater and white slacks.

Livia had chosen a loose tunic dress that reached her ankles. Her brunette curls were knotted on top of her head, leaving a few tendrils to fall against her neck. It was too hot for her expensive skirts and tailored jackets. Plus, today she planned to inspect the new subdivision that a local developer had given her the opportunity to sell. The dozen homes were in various stages of construction and she kept a close eye on them. She wanted to make sure they were perfect before she put them on the market. Today was a day for comfort, not starch and high heels.

“Still nothing?” Marcel demanded the second she stepped through the front door.

Livia shook her head. There was no need to ask who he meant. They’d both been waiting on pins and needles for Jacob Pearson to come to the office and drop off her key.

“Nothing. I spent the weekend texting, calling, and leaving messages. He’s ignored all of them.”

Marcel sipped his cappuccino. “You have been well and truly ghosted, sweetie.”

“Good riddance.” Livia didn’t have to pretend her indifference. She’d had five days to come to terms with the knowledge Jacob hadn’t been the man of her dreams. He was just another loser who’d disappointed her. “I had the locks changed and upgraded the security system at my house. Time to move on.”

Marcel sent her a horrified glance. “You’re going to let him walk away without a proper goodbye?”

“Like I said. Good riddance.”