"We can finish this later."
Because I need space to clear my head, and because if I'm about to give in—really give in—she deserves more than a parking lot. "When we get home," I finish.
That last word hits her—I see it. I feel it. And I smile gently as I step out of the car.
Yeah… that feels right too.
29
Tessa
Dropping the last box into my room, my breath comes harder. My legs grow weak, and the lowest point of my core aches in a way I've never felt before. I run through a mental calendar of the last time I worked out—at Krunk or in the gym—but then it hits me.
The single trash bag of towels Liam let me carry isn't what's killing me.
"Alright, that's the last one."
Liam drops a box twice the size of the last one he brought up and runs a hand through his hair. Somewhere between trips four and five, he lost the crewneck he was wearing, and now the plain white tee he had on underneath is clinging to the peaks of his chest, and his bulging biceps are on full display.
My mouth runs dry as I imagine his lips on mine for the thousandth time today—and half of those happenedbeforehe kissed me in his truck.
But… he kissed me in his truck.
As always, that conversation between us left me with an almost pleasant whiplash.
I wasn't sure where he was going with the t-shirt thing at first. If there's one thing I can't take more of, it's a grown-man tantrum. But when he came out and admitted the truth—no holding back or pulling away this time—I realized that's something I never had before.
Real investment.
Deep feelings.
Honest communication.
And, my God, it turned me on.
Watching him sling boxes for the next half hour didn't help. But having to ride here in his truck with him smelling the way I like best—like him but with a hint of hard work—nearly put me over the edge.
Now, we're standing here, his hands on his hips and mine pulled tight across my chest to calm the peaks below my sweatshirt. The weight of our conversation from earlier is still hanging between us.
"Thank you," I say, my voice huskier than I intend for it to be.
He tips his chin down. "Of course."
I pinch my lips together to stop myself from blurtingWhat now? What happens next?Liam shoves his hands into his pockets, which is sexy in itself, but the way he looks me over so thoroughly—so obviously—starts a fire I can only attempt to smother by pressing my thighs together tightly.
"What are you—what are you thinking?" I manage to string together.
Liam exhales something close to a groan and takes a step toward me. "We’re home now, Tessa.”
I gulp, too afraid of the sound I might make if I open my mouth. “Mhmm.”
He comes closer still, each step slow and deliberate. “And we said we'd finish what we started earlier."
"Uh huh."
He tries—and fails—to smother a smile as he steps toe-to-toe with me. "Talk to me."
My throat rolls as my shoulders reach my ears and my head shakes side to side slowly. The fact that I'm acutely aware that not knowing what to say makes it look like I’m having a medical emergency… doesn't help.
