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Liam’s no longer sleeping on Asher’s jacking-off couch, so I don’t feel bad about that anymore. In fact, he slept in his own bed last night. With me. And that was divine.
I’m not sure I want to leave.
Great, so you’re gonna do exactly what you said you wouldn’t. Fall hard and fast for a guy, then move in with him after mere weeks.
Shit. I don’t want to think about the fact that I’m repeating history.
Taking a tray of used dishes from the diner and through to the kitchen, I dump it down for the dishwasher and manage to give him a distracted smile. I think he says something to me but I’m not sure what, and I rudely ignore him as I head back out to do a final coffee round before finishing my shift for the day.
Liam’s picking me up. Just the thought of that is a huge comfort, and… Crap, I’m totally relying on him. I’m acting the exact same way I did with Theo. Making my every thought and breath revolve around this new man in my life.
But Liam’s different. He’s nothing like Theo. Relying on him is a safe bet. And his friends are amazing and protective too. I know Mikayla’s looking for a roomie, and getting an apartment together makes sense in so many ways, but…
I don’t know if I can handle living without Liam.
Ugh. Does that make me pathetic?
The question circles my brain as I refill coffee mugs and try to be the polite, attentive waitress I’m supposed to be. I’m pretty sure I’m failing, and it’s with a huge sense of relief that I return the coffeepot to the burner and head for the break room.
“Evening, Ray,” the night manager greets me as I gather my things to leave. “How’d the afternoon go?”
“Yeah, pretty good. No drama. They’re at the tail end of the dinner rush now.”
“Got it.” Her salt-and-pepper curls bob as she ties on her apron. “You have a good night.”
“Thanks. You too.”
Pulling on my coat, I feel that rush of anticipation, knowing Liam will be out there in Ethan's truck, waiting to take me back to Hockey House where I'll be safe and warm.
And that doesn't make me pathetic. Wanting to feel safe is a good thing. And there’s nothing wrong with needing someone… is there?
But when I step out of the diner and don’t see him, the fear that clutches my belly is so intense, I nearly buckle. I should wait inside. My heart hammers as I walk backward and end up bumping into the wall. My gaze darts to the snowy street as shadows quickly turn into lurking creeps and the laughter echoing around the corner sounds high-pitched and manic. My vision goes wonky as I fight the sensation of stepping into my own horror movie.
A car horn blasts, making me flinch.
I whip around, ready to flee back inside when I spot Ethan’s truck pulling up.
“Hola, bella.” Liam grins at me through the open window.
“Hey.” I wave, trying to catch my breath as I jump up into the truck.
“Sorry I’m late. Practice went a little over tonight.”
“No problem.” I smile, desperate to hide the mini meltdown I was experiencing just before he pulled up.
Gunning away from the diner, Liam heads to the intersection and turns left instead of right.
“Where are we going?” I point out the window. “Hockey House is back that way.”
“I know.” He grins. “But I promised you we were going to work on some self-defense moves, and I figured we could start tonight.”
“Self-defense.” I nod, trying to look more confident than I feel.
This is good. I do need to learn how to throw a punch. Whether I feel capable of doing that is beside the point. The least I can do is learn, right?
Nerves skitter through me as we drive the darkened streets, then pull into an empty parking lot.
“This gym belongs to Hank. I work here when it’s not hockey season.”
