Loud, joyful screams come from down the shore. We both tilt our heads in the direction of the noise, but it’s too dark to see anything. It sounds like a group of college kids, probably coming out of the soon-to-be closed bars.
Liam and I look back at each other, our legs still tangled together as he lies over me.
“Are you ready to go?”
No.
I nod. “Yeah, let’s go.”
He pushes up, giving me room to sit. I look around at our things spread out along the blanket; my shopping bags, wrapped up s’mores sourdough, Liam’s keys, and a few other random items. Awkwardness rushes through me, and I hate myself for feeling uncertain after the moment we shared. Especially when Liam fills me with newfound confidence in most situations. The kind that I’m usually faking.
When he doesn’t stand, I look in his direction. He hasn’t moved at all, only inches from me.
His hand slips into my hair again and he gently pulls my head back. I anticipate the kiss before he moves, but it’s much more tender and affectionate than I expected.
“If this was a one time thing, tell me now,” he says seriously. There’s no anger in his eyes but there’s hope.
I shake my head. “No, no.” I swallow down my hesitation. “I don’t want to go backward.”
His muscles loosen. “Good.”
That’s the end of the conversation. He pushes back and gathers our things quickly. I watch him in silence, appreciating his easy acceptance of this situation. I would understand if he needed the “What are we?” talk but he doesn’t. Not now, at least.
It’s like Liam can read deeper into my words, always finding the true intention or meaning when I can’t form the words to voice it.
He sees me.
Liam holds his hand out and pulls me up when I slip mine into his. We finish wrapping up the blanket and putting out the fire, silent companionship tying a connected string around us.
Chapter Sixteen
Liam
Of all the fucking days.
I slam the door to my 4Runner and try to take a breath.
It’s been four days since mine and Calypso’s moment on the beach. Things haven’t progressed the way I hoped when I dropped her off that night, but I can’t blame either of us for that.
Someone saw ourheated momenton the beach and it’s been a big topic of discussion over the last few days. It doesn’t sound like they were there long enough to see me pull her shirt down, but it was enough time to figure out who we were.
I guess the fire and moon were brighter than we thought.
Calypso hasn’t been angry—I wouldn’t even say she’s embarrassed. She’s been a little off since Lexi told her about the mumblings around town. Other than making sure she was okay, I haven’t brought it up again. She cut the conversation down quickly, clearly not wanting to talk about it.
Part of me wonders if her feelings are similar to mine.
I couldn’t give a fuck that someone saw us. If they had actually seen even an inch of her body that I revealed, it would be a different story.
Someone knowing that I’m actually lucky enough to have a shot with this goddess of a woman? Shout it from the rooftops. Put it in the town paper. Make sure Stefan is subscribed and deliver it to his doorstep.
What I fucking hate is that so many of our moments are for our ruse around town—but having her in my hands again wasours. It was fueled by the mutual, raw attraction for each other that we’ve never been able to ignore. It's been two months since our ruse began and we've done our best to try, but it's always there, simmering below the surface.
Sure, I come to Brighter Daze every morning. We go out to dinner, sometimes alone and other times with our families. Pippa asks about her every time I’m at the studio, and Aunt Willa is begging me to bring her over. The town sees us as this nearly perfect couple in their honeymoon stage.
Which is great. I have three meetings this week about projects for the new year, plus a few small renovations scheduled through December. I trust my knowledge and skills to prove that I’m capable of stepping in for Stanley, but Calypso’s influence has opened these doors for me. I’ll never be too prideful to admit any of that.
That whole situation isn’t even why I’m in a pissy mood today.
