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Swaying my hips to the beat of the music, I let myself brush against him, feeling his strong hands on my waist. It almost felt like they belonged there, making me feel safe and secure.
Something about Liam’s new aura, reminiscent of the bad-boy type, nearly had me in a chokehold. I was never one to mess with men who seemed even remotely dangerous, but I was too curious about what he had gotten up to since leaving town.
He was a walking daydream, and while it felt like I was betraying myself, I couldn’t ignore how his presence made my entire body ring with excitement.
“What attracted you back to Rose Valley?” I asked, speaking loud enough for only him to hear me.
“I made my mark on the city, but I’m ready to pursue my passions after putting them on the back burner for so long,” he said, keeping up with my dancing. “I wanted a place in the pack again, too.”
While I didn’t want to give him much credit for any of his choices, it was admirable how he returned, regardless of the success he had garnered in the city. It seemed he was after a simpler life, and I couldn’t fault him for that.
“Have they been welcoming?”
Glancing over my shoulder, I caught his nod.
“More than I imagined. It’s been a relief.”
I didn’t doubt that. Comradery was a big part of the pack, even if a shifter were to leave and return. So long as they didn’t cause any trouble on the way out, Kai was an understanding man.
“Do you have any bookings yet?” I questioned, aware that enough time had passed for word to spread about the tattoo studio opening soon. While the article wasn’t out yet, information moved quickly through the locals.
“I have quite a few tentative ones. The guys have talked to me about their interests already,” he said, letting a smile spread across his lips as I turned around to face him fully. “Why so inquisitive? Is there another article about me coming out?”
Relieved by his more positive expression, I snickered. “No, not yet. I’m just curious.”
Liam shrugged and let his hands settle on my waist, bringing me closer. “I can’t fault you for that.”
I swallowed against my dry throat, overcome by our proximity. “So, you don’t mind all my questions?”
He chuckled. “I’ll allow it for now.”
“Good,” I murmured, offering him a hazy smile. “What did you miss the most about town?”
Liam took in a breath while he thought to himself. “I missed the homey comfort of it. Like how it felt as a kid to walk inside after playing all afternoon and dinner is already cooking. I spent so long here that it never really stopped feeling like home.”
I immediately knew what he meant since I had similar memories of my own, even if I had never been away for long. Nodding, I wanted him to know I understood. “It’s hard to forget where you grew up.”
“The city was great and all, but it’ll never beat this place.”
“What was your childhood like?” I asked, hardly realizing the territory I was treading into.
Liam hesitated at that, narrowing his eyes at me suspiciously. “Why are you so persistent about finding out my past?”
With the bravery instilled in me thanks to the drinks, I replied evenly, “I’m waiting for you to realize who I am.”
Confusion muddled his features, but the flicker of recognition moved through his eyes. “That’s right, you never gave me your name.”
Ignoring the slight nerves that coursed through me, worried about what his reaction might be, I came out with it.
“I’m Cora Barlowe. We grew up together.”
Finally, the look of complete understanding filled his features, and we were on the same page.
“I had the feeling I knew you from somewhere.”
I expected him to pull away, realizing his disgust in front of my eyes. To regret ever letting himself get remotely close to me.
But he didn’t. Instead, Liam continued dancing with me like nothing had changed. If anything, there was one less mystery for him to decode.
