Chapter Text
“I never stood a chance, did I?” There was a grim resignation to Dani’s voice. “It’s not just about the job, there’s more baggage. Your other partner, maybe?” She raised an eyebrow in question as she said it.
Elliot couldn’t counter the argument anymore than he could take back the kiss that they’d shared–impulsively, wrongly–a few weeks before. Liv–wherever she was–still weighed heavy on his mind, his heart, his soul. Dani was a decent detective and an attractive woman, but she wasn’t Liv.
“Olivia was . . .” He looked toward the ceiling. “Singular, but that’s not what this is about.”
“No?” She didn’t believe him anymore than he believed himself. “What is it about then?”
“You’re grieving.” He deflected. “Your husband, Eden . . . I don’t belong on that list.”
She reached for his hand. “No . . .” she agreed, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “You were never mine to begin with.”