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There’s a tension in the air, and he’s quiet. But in a way that’s different from the times when we’re quiet together.
Maybe it’s what he said. He’s wiped out. They lost. And he’s feeling it.
Except I’ve seen them lose before. I’ve seen him tired. I’ve seen him have an off-game and a grumpy mood.
This feels different, somehow.
Resting my hand at his back because it’s become impossible for me not to touch him, I ask, “Can I get you anything?”
He stills, almost like he’s wrestling with something. But then he takes my hand for a light squeeze. “Nah, I’m fine. Long day is all.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
He leans in and kisses the side of my head before letting me go. “I’m good. Go to bed. I’ll be in later.”
“Okay. Sure.”
I slip into bed a few minutes later. We’ve only been together—living together–a couple of months. And half of it, Liam hasn’t even been here. Of course, there are moods I haven’t seen before. Things I’m not aware of. Everyone needs time to themselves, and the only sanctuary this man had has been overrun by me.
Whatever this is, it’s not worth the anxious knot building low in my chest.
That’s what I tell myself. Only he never comes to bed.
When I get up for work, Liam’s crashed out on the thinking couch.
Not a big deal. People fall asleep like that all the time.
By accident.
Except, the way his phone is propped up against his water on the coffee table with the alarm icon showing in the corner of the otherwise dark screen suggests this was intentional. A choice. One he possibly didn’t want me to know he’d made, or he would have slept in the guest bedroom. So why—
I cut off those thoughts before they can spin out any more and head for the shower, telling myself,It’s nothing.
I wash my hair and blow it dry, securing it in a wide barrette at my neck. Apply the light makeup I wear for work and stare at my reflection in the mirror.
It’s nothing.
I dress in a beige skirt and cream blouse, turn for my jewelry box— And nearly jump out of my skin.
“Liam.” My hand flies to my racing heart and a laugh rises within me before falling flat when I see the way he’s watching me. Crossed arms, jaw tight. Eyes not quite meeting mine.
Ornotnothing, then.
24
Liam
Iwant to wrap my arms around her and pull her into me. Walk us back to our bed and hold her for all the hours I lost last night. But after that text from Jess, I don’t feel like I can ever touch this woman again.
And maybe she senses it too, because she takes a step closer, reaching for me. To take my hand or press hers against my chest the way she sometimes does? The way I love.
Instead, she stops and tucks her arms around herself in a vulnerable reflection of my guarded stance.
“Have a minute to talk?” I ask, the words falling as heavy as boulders between us.
She follows me out to the living room where she sits. And when I don’t join her on the couch but move to another, I can see on her face she knows what’s coming.
I clear my throat. “This thing between us. It’s been good. Fun.”
