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I somehow keep a straight face. “So?”
“So…” He grins. “Don’t want you to get your panties in a knot about it.”
I pull a beer from the fridge and twist it open. “Why would I care?”
He shrugs, grinning. “Okay. Whatever you say.”
I feel my heart galloping in my chest as Liam walks away laughing. Bringing someone? Who? Why? What in the ever-loving fuck? It’s been a while since I’ve seen her around or spoken to her, but I just imagined she was busy with performances because of the holiday season. It’s always a hectic time for her plus with the arrival of the baby. I know she’s been over there because Hunter has randomly thrown it into our text convos. Part of me feels blindsided by Sophie dating, but I really shouldn’t. I’m sure it’s because of that stupid ass app that Maddie was so fucking supportive of.
I finish my beer and open another. Hopefully, by the time she arrives, I’ll have drnk so much I won’t even care that she’s here with someone else.
An hour passes and the house is full of people from all different times of Liam’s and my life. Work and college friends, some of the neighbors, and a few people I don’t even know. I continue to drink my worries away and am relieved when Sophie isn’t on time. I halfway wonder if she decided to stay away and won’t show. I’d rather that because I’m not sure I could handle seeing her with another man, though it’s my own damn fault. I pushed her to that. The reality is, I can’t have my cake and eat it too. I can’t expect her to wait around for me forever because that’s how long it may take me to get over my own bullshit.
Ellie, one of the girls who works with Liam, has been eyeing me all night. Eventually, she walks over to me, wearing a mini skirt and high heels, and strikes up a conversation. As soon as she begins to explain exactly what it is she does, the door opens, and Sophie walks in. I completely zone out by how gorgeous she looks with classic red lips and her hair pulled up halfway, showing the softness of her neck I once tasted. She takes a few steps forward, and that’s when I see her date. There’s nothing special about him—tall, dark hair, wearing a stupid polo shirt and khakis. His eyes stay focused on Sophie as if she gets out of his sight, he’ll strike like a snake ready to attack.
Immediately, I hate him.
Sophie goes to Liam and introduces Mr. Douche, and I try to focus back on Ellie even though she’s already realized I’m not paying attention. Her eyes follow my gaze, and she spots Sophie.
“You like her or something?” she asks, and it’s the first time anyone has ever thrown that question at me. Do I like her? Fuck, if I could, I’d love her. But I keep that to myself.
I look at Ellie, giving her my full attention. “No. She’s just a friend. Really good friends with Liam.”
She grins. “Oh, so he likes her?”
Shaking my head, I laugh, then take a sip of my beer, placing my back toward Sophie. It’s better I don’t see her right now, not when she’s looking so deliciously distracting.
“No. I’m pretty sure Liam is like the Grinch. His heart is three sizes too small.”
This causes her to laugh, which makes me chuckle. Ellie is a nice girl, and she keeps throwing me those “let’s fuck” vibes, but I can’t go there with her. Ever since Sophie, I haven’t been with another woman. I’ve tried, but I’m pretty sure she broke my dick that night in the bathroom. She’s the only woman I want, and my head and heart are too damn stubborn to give in. Actually, it’s the only way I can protect her from me and the black cloud that follows me around.
I hear Sophie giggle in the corner and see that guy’s hands all over her, touching her, pulling her closer to him until their lips crash together. My jaw clenches, and I excuse myself. Walking away from Ellie, I go to the kitchen, needing to be alone. As I place my hands on the counter and suck in a deep breath, Liam enters.
“You mad, bro?” When he chuckles, I want to punch him right in the throat.
“Shut the fuck up.” I let out a breath, one that feels as if it were smothering me from the inside out.
“Listen. You had plenty of chances to be with her. And I knew, I fucking knew you seeing her with someone was going to do this, so that’s why I warned you.”
He’s right, of course, but I’d never admit it out loud. I can’t.
Moving closer, he places his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “I understand how hard it’s been since Emma, and I also know what really trying to move on means and that you might not be ready for that yet. Regardless, I’m here for you, always. You know that.”
