After Dad died, even after the Millers came into our life, my relationship with my own mother never fully went back to what it was. We were always just a step below equal footing, often tossing the role of caretaker back and forth like a game of hot potato.
Before I have to say anything, Chuck cuts in, “You should listen to him, Boss.”
With that, Chuck goes back to his task and quickly walks back to the kitchen. Now just Liam and me, we stare at each other for a long moment. I know this ridiculous, stupid idea has some merit to it. A small, cruel part of me still wants that companionship, thatlove, that I thought a marriage would be.
I can’t bring myself to agree to the plan, but I’m not fighting him on it either.
As the silence drags on, Liam pulls a pen out of his pocket and grabs a napkin. He quickly scribbles down his number and slides it across the counter.
“We can figure this out later, ifyouwant to, but I want you to have this,” Liam says. The meaningful look he tacks on silently implies it’s for when Stefan contacts me again.
I take the paper and slip it into my leggings pocket. It’s enough for him, so he pushes off the counter and says with a wink, “See you around, honey.”
Shaking my head, I bite back a smile and take another sip of my tea, watching him leave Brighter Daze. I’ve always hated pet names, only used to hearing them with more condescension than affection. The singular word sends a delightful shiver down my spine when he’s the one saying it,reminiscent of the soft brush of his fingers as he unzipped my dress.
Who knows what chaos dating the new guy in town will cause, but trouble sounds a hell of a lot more enticing when it’s wrapped up in tattoos and a broad, six-foot-two build.
I don’t spend my day contemplating if I should text him. I already know I will, because it’s easier to say yes when I don’t have to look at his devastatingly handsome face at the same time.
Chapter Nine
Calypso
Wednesday, June 28 at 8:48 PM
We need rules if we’re going to “date”
Liam
I love rules
If I’ve learned anything about you this week, it’s only so you can break them
;)
First rule - no flirting
Let’s be realistic
Plus we’re supposed to be DATING. I’m flirty
And handsy
And clingy
Thursday, June 29 at 6:34 AM
Are you ready to be serious about this?
Did you go to sleep before 9
No you gave me a headache so I took a bath
I could help you relax
You talk WAY too much to do anything other than stress me out
Give my mouth something to do then
