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“Really?” I run a hand through my hair, fisting the back of it and trying to not sound as scared as I feel. “But doesn’t he live in California?”
“Yes.” Mikayla’s excitement fades as she picks up my mood, and then she suddenly realizes why I’m asking. “You don’t have to worry about that.” She squeezes my arm. “It’s miles away from Fuckwit. He won’t even know you’re in the same state. California’s huge.”
“Yeah.” I let out a nervous laugh, feeling like an idiot. Of course it’s huge. Of course Theo won’t know I’m there. Why would he? The chances of bumping into him are slim to none.
“And I really want you to see Dad again. He’s dying to give you a big ol’ hug and see how little Ray-Ray’s doing.” Mikayla’s voice has softened, and I glance at her pleading expression.
Great. Now I’ll never be able to say no.
Sensing Liam’s gaze on me, I glance his way and try to find my smile. My tired face feels stiff.
He studies me for a moment, then turns to Mick. “Can I come too?”
For reasons I can’t even explain, relief blossoms inside me, lifting my tight lips into a genuine grin.
Did he seriously just say that?
For me?
“I’m sure that’ll be fine.” Mick grabs her phone and starts texting. “Will your mom be pissed that you’re missing Christmas?”
And the relief burns away as I realize he shouldn’t be offering this. His family needs him. I can’t expect him to come just because I’m nervous over something that has a very slim chance of even happening. Just because knowing he’ll be there helps me breathe easier.
Why is that?
Have I come to rely on this man without even realizing it?
Do I even want to rely on a man again?
A knot forms in my belly, and I nearly miss the fact that Liam is talking again.
“I mean, sure, she’ll be disappointed, but she’ll survive.” He glances at me with a smile. “Cali sounds like fun.”
“Yay! Ethan’s gonna be stoked.” Mick jumps up, holding the phone to her ear and racing out of the room. She’s either calling her dad or her boyfriend, making Christmas plans that I should seriously be more excited about.
A winter getaway at a luxury resort with my best friend and two guys who are quickly becoming some of my favorite people?
It sounds amazing.
But…
“What about your dad?” I have to ask, right?
Liam clenches his jaw. “I’ll give Ethan’s dad a call, see if he’ll be willing to keep an eye on him for me. Or at least make sure he’s on standby if he goes and does something stupid again.”
“Are you sure?”
Swiveling to face me, he runs his fingers lightly over my ear before resting them in my hair. “I’m sure I want to be there with you.”
Then he leans forward and kisses the tip of my nose.
And that knot in my stomach starts to unravel, making way for a blooming sensation that feels so good, it just might be addictive.
CHAPTER 18
LIAM
To say the resort is lush is an understatement.
