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We continue in silence for another minute before Liam slows down the car.
"We're here," he says, his voice a soothing hum. "Where do you live? I'll take you there."
Surprise flickers across my face.
"Wait," I say, raising an eyebrow at him.
"Are you planning to walk home in this rain?"
He nods, the corners of his mouth tilting up in a half-smile.
"Yeah, why not?"
I roll my eyes at him.
"You're crazy if you think I'll let you walk in this rain."
He seems taken aback by my refusal, his eyes wide with surprise.
"Then what do you suggest we do?"
A reckless idea crosses my mind.
"Would you like to... stay in the car? At least until the rain eases?"
I question my sanity. I should be letting him go, should be pushing him away, yet here I am, asking him to stay. I crave just a few more minutes of his company. A few minutes can't possibly upend my world, can they?
Liam seems unsure. He gazes out at the pouring rain before leaning back in his seat.
"I'll park behind the market," he says finally. "We can wait there until the rain eases off."
I breathe a sigh of relief, my heart pounding against my ribs. I'm not ready to say goodbye. Not just yet.
Chapter 6 - Liam
The car's headlights reflect off the wet, glistening pavement of the Willow Creek Market's parking lot as I pull into an empty spot. My mind can't let go of the feel of Kate's hand leaving mine a few minutes ago, the lingering warmth still present on my skin.
Her beautiful eyes had held mine with a soft intensity before she'd pulled away, leaving me questioning every moment we'd spent together tonight.
Was she just being polite when she asked me to stay in her car, waiting for the torrential rain to pass? Was there something more, a silent plea for me to stay with her just a bit longer?
The depth of my longing for her surprises me, even if I know it’s a dangerous game. She’s beautiful, fierce, and kind, with a mysterious aura around her that has hooked me from our first meeting.
As I switch off the ignition, the storm around us takes a ferocious turn. The rhythmic pounding of rain on the roof instantly transports me back to the battlefield, the sound of gunfire echoing in my ears. I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, my heart pounding.
Instinctively, my hand shoots to my leg, the old wound throbbing as if to join the memories threatening to overrun me. I can't lose control, not now, not in front of her.
"You okay?" Her voice is gentle against the storm raging inside and outside the car.
I flash her a quick smile, forcing my body to relax.
"Yeah, just wasn't expecting the rain to come down this hard tonight."
She gives a soft laugh, her gaze meeting mine.
"Neither was I, but at least we're not out in it. I'm glad you didn't leave on foot."
Her concern for me leaves me speechless, and I just nod in response. She's breaking down my defenses without even trying, leaving me feeling vulnerable. But there's also an odd comfort in her presence, a warmth I hadn't known I was craving.
