“Well,” Madison said, folding her arms tightly across her chest. Her gaze didn’t soften as it landed on Cassidy. “Looks like Liam was telling the truth.”
Cassidy winced. “I know. I-I need to apologize.”
“You think?” Madison’s voice sharpened.
Kit sucked in her breath.
Cassidy knew Madison loved Liam like a brother, and she was not happy with Cassidy for hurting her friend. She got that.
Cassidy’s stomach twisted. She didn’t have a defense. Not one that would make sense. Not when Madison was right. She’d let her hurt speak louder than her trust.
“I didn’t mean to,” she said quietly. “I was just… upset.”
Madison’s arms stayed crossed, her voice sharp. “Being upset doesn’t give you the right to hurt people. Especially not someone like Liam.”
“He hurt me too, you know. He pushed me away first. I just reacted.”
That gave Madison pause.
Cassidy’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I’ll make it right. I love him.”
Madison’s expression faltered, softening at the edges. “You love him?” she asked, voice lower now.
Cassidy nodded. “More than I’ve ever loved anyone. That’s why it hurts so much.”
Madison sighed, arms slowly uncrossing. “Liam’s not perfect. He’s stubborn, and when he gets scared, he shuts down. But you’re right. He pushed you away.” She looked Cassidy in the eye. “So go tell him that. Tell him you love him. Tell him you’re not scared. And this time, don’t let him run.”
She would.
But not tonight.
Tonight, Cassidy needed a moment to collect herself, to let her thoughts settle. Her emotions had been a mess lately. That was nothing new when it came to Liam. They’d always had this strange mix of tension and chemistry, equal parts competition and connection.
And now, with part of her display needing to be rebuilt, she just wanted to focus. She needed quiet. Some clarity. Then she’d find Liam and make things right.
Because deep down, she’d never truly believed he was the one behind the sabotage. Madison had seen it too and called her out on it. Cassidy had let her frustration speak louder than her heart. She’d been hurt when he had pulled back from her, confused by his sudden shift.
But she wasn’t scared of what they were becoming. Not anymore.
She needed him to know that.
She liked what they were doing together. She liked how it felt to be with him, how safe he made her feel when things got messy. No one had ever taken the time to learn her the way Liam had. No one had ever made her feel so comfortable in her own skin.
So she hated that Liam had said he was uncomfortable. But deep down she knew it was because he cared about her and he didn’t understand that she was ready for this. That he was the right man for her.
Being with him had felt more natural than anything else in her life.
She didn’t want to hold back. Not now. Not with him.
Liam helped her feel things she’d spent years pushing down. He made her want more, not just passion, but presence. A real connection.
And she needed him to know that she was finally ready for it.
FORTY-NINE
CASSIDY
Friday, December 19th
