“You just restored her.”
“Which proves I can do it again.” He cups my neck, and this time, his mouth devours mine.
My head spins from his hesitant introduction to his sanctuary, from his apology, from his ministration.
The kiss deepens. He’s claiming me, in the most desperate and equally confident way. He devours me like I’m his oxygen, his next breath, and his last exhale.
Essential. Critical. Vital.
His.
“Thank you,” he says when we come up for air.
“For what?” I wrap my legs around his waist to keep him close.
“For considering the car.” The reverence in his eyes is breath-stealing. If I didn’t grow up in my grandpa’s garage, I would not understand what he sees in my gesture.
“Maybe we can fuck on the workbench?” I bite my lip.
“Will you accept the partnership?”
I sigh, my palms feeling the metal beneath me, but the chaos in my chest remains strong. “You know how to kill the mood.”
He steps closer, his knees nudging between mine. He pinches my chin, tilting my face up, leaving me no choice but to meet his eyes.
“Okay, let me put it this way”—his voice is low and steady—“youwillaccept the partnership. You would have three months ago, and nothing has changed.”
Except everything has.
“I’m pissed at Corm for making me compete,” I say, sounding like a petulant child even to myself.
“So get over it.”
There is no cruelty in his words. He’s just naming things as they are. Not giving me special treatment. Pushing me, like I’m his equal.
“You’re not giving up your dream on my account,” he adds.
The force behind his words lands somewhere deep, disarming.
He isn’t posturing. He isn’t trying to steer me. He’s standing behind me.
Solid.
Unyielding.
My throat tightens. God help me, I love how fiercely he believesin me.
I wish things were this easy.
“Liam,” I say, softer now, my fingers curling into the fabric of his T-shirt. Finally, I understand the hint of gas in his scent. “I need to consider the baby. Becoming a partner is a responsibility, and I don’t think they’d even go for it once they find out I’m pregnant.”
“Bullshit.” His hands slide to my shoulders as if he wants to shake me, but he just squeezes. “That has nothing to do with what you deserve.”
“I don’t think Corm will see it that way.”
A corner of his mouth lifts, slow and knowing. “I’m sure my girl has some information that would help her explain to him what actually matters.”
My girl.
