Only One (Ward Sisters Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

work, Liam.”
    “Not everyone wants to attach themselves to their college girlfriend.” Why Rob wanted to be with awful Rachel Wilson, he had no idea. That girl was a liar and a cheater.
    Not that he could tell Rob.
    “Not so sure that's going to last anymore, Liam.”
    “What? Why?” Liam feigned shock.
    “She practically broke the engagement when she left for Australia.”
    “Oh. That's, uh, too bad.”
    “I know you don't like her, Liam.”
    “Doesn't mean you're not hurting, Rob. I'm sorry for that.”
    “Don't sweat it. Hey, we'll be there in a couple minutes. You need to swing by your place to get your bag?”
    “Yeah. Can I take a quick shower? We have time for that?”
    “Plenty. See you in five.”
     
    **********
     
    Malibu, California, six and a half years ago...
     
    Six months later, when Rachel returned to L.A., she broke up with Rob for good. He let her keep the ring, which Liam thought was foolish. It had cost a quarter million dollars.
    Sitting at Rob's house on the Pacific shore of Malibu, they drank a beer together. “Robbie, I have to tell you something.”
    “Uh-oh. You're calling me Robbie. This can't be good.”
    “It's not. Don't be mad at me, okay?”
    “Did you sleep with Rachel?” he asked.
    “What? No fucking way. Why would you ask that?”
    “Because I'm pretty sure she was screwing her director while she was on location. I doubt it's the first time she's cheated.”
    “Yeah, about that. I caught her.”
    “When? Recently?”
    “No, Robbie, in college. Remember that weekend you went to Patrick's christening?”
    “How could I forget? You refused to be in the same room with Rachel for a while after that.”
    “With good reason. I caught her riding Jake like a bull. Next morning, I found her in my bed, wearing my Bruins shirt.”
    “That's what happened to that shirt? Did you sleep with her?”
    “No. She came in while I was sleeping and took it. Wore it so I couldn't take it back. Then she threatened to let you find it at her apartment if I told you that she cheated on you.”
    “She blackmailed you?”
    Liam nodded. “Said that if I told you, she'd make sure you thought I was the one who cheated with her. That you'd believe her because you didn't think you were worthy of her. Told me you were her meal ticket and that she was going to the top with you whether I liked it or not. I could either remain your friend or you could hate me, but no matter what, I wouldn't stand in her way.”
    “Holy mother of God. Why didn't you tell me before?”
    “You were too important to me, Robbie. I've hated every day that I didn't tell you. She never deserved you. If your mom hadn't told me that she didn't expect it to last, I'd have told you before.”
    “My mother told you that she thought it wouldn't last?” His face dropped and his eyes were sad.
    “Robbie, she knew instinctively that Rachel wasn't in it for you, just for the fame. But she said it was pretty evident after the big tabloid scandal a couple years ago.”
    Rob nodded. Rachel had left him high and dry, running off for lengthy location shoots repeatedly and leaving Rob to fend for himself with the tabloids. That was when Rick started his security company and became Rob's bodyguard.
    “I'm glad you told me. I'm a little pissed that you never said anything before, but at the time, she was right; I'd probably have taken her side instead of yours. I was too far gone over her then. I wish you'd said something later, though. I haven't felt confident she'd stick around for a while now.”
    “You deserve someone who will.”
    “So do you.”
    “Yeah, probably not in the cards for me, buddy.”
    “I don't believe that. You'll meet the right girl someday.”
    “Keep dreamin'. I'm not meant to be a family man.”
    “I think you are. I'll find you someone.”
    “When? In your abundance of free time?” Liam laughed.
    Rob chuckled in return. “Touché. Let's drink to Rachel being out of my life forever.”
    “Aren't you