“Awww, thank you,” she said as she put Zeus’ leash on him.
Jake rubbed the dog’s head. “He’s a sweet boy, and he listens. You’ve done a great job training him.”
Addy beamed with pride at her fur baby as she rubbed his scruff. Liam shook Jake’s hand and followed Addy and Zeus to her SUV. She already placed blankets in the back for him.
Bending to the dog’s level, Liam spoke softly, letting him sniff his hand and giving him a few rubs before he picked him up and sat him inside her vehicle.
“Hey, do you want to have dinner with Zeus and me?” she asked, peering at him.
“I can’t. Leo wants me back for an emergency meeting. I must return in twenty minutes,” he informed her.
“Oh, I guess we’ll be going then,” she said, disappointed.
Liam followed her to her house and helped Zeus down. Addy punched in the code and slowly escorted Zeus inside.
“I can hold dinner if you want,” she suggested, gazing at him.
“I don’t know how long we’ll be. I’ll text you when we finish. If it’s not too late,” he added.
“All right,” she said, glancing down at her feet.
Liam wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her, but today’s events put a damper on his feelings. He didn’t have the heart to fight with her or even tell her how it hurt to see her longing for Sam.
“Did I do something?” she asked nervously, biting her fingernail.
“No, Addy. I’m in a rush to get back to a meeting. Do you need anything before I go?”
“No. We’re fine. I can get Zeus settled on my own. Thank you for your help,” she said, rising on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
“You’re welcome,” he said before returning to his truck. His stomach twisted, and he barely glanced at her as he backed out of the driveway. It felt like they connected on several levels, and yet Addy couldn’t forget about Sam. Forget. It didn’t seem likethe right word. She refused to move on. Liam wanted a future with her, not a relationship where she wished he were someone else. Instead of wishing she’d move on, Liam told himself maybe he’d be the one walking away.
CHAPTER 20
Addyson watchedLiam back out of the driveway. Zeus nudged her hand as if reminding her of his homecoming.
“I’m sorry, baby. I got distracted,” she said, petting him. “I’m happy you’re finally back at home.”
Zeus wiggled his butt and leaned against her, showing her how much he missed her.
“How about we get dinner started? Then I’ll feed you, and we can sit in the backyard for a bit. You can’t be jumping around until Jake gives you permission,” she said softly as she entered the kitchen.
She stopped short when she saw the beautiful bouquet and card sitting on her counter. Picking up the card, she opened the envelope.
It read:
Addy,
Thank you for another wonderful night together. The memory of it will stay ingrained in my soul forever. Enjoy your night with Zeus. I’ll be thinking of you.
--Liam
The words madeher body recall his hands on her. The heated kisses spread warmth throughout her body, making her squirm as images of them together flashed through her mind. Then why did he act cold when he met her at Jake’s?
Setting the card down, she smelled the colorful blooms. Addy wanted to reach for her phone and call him, but she doubted he’d answer. First, he said Leo called an emergency meeting. Second, she felt like he didn’t want to talk to her. When he said goodbye, he sounded distant and aloof.
With her mind on Liam, she went to the fridge and pulled out a pan of baked spaghetti she made before leaving for her shift. She hated wasting time cooking when she thought of many more pleasurable things to do with Liam. Even watching TV turned from mundane to something cherished. She loved the feel of his arms around her while she lay her head in his lap.
Zeus whimpered beside her.
