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Liam’s eyes dart to mine before returning to the road, his arms flexing against the steering wheel as he kneads the leather beneath his palm. “I guess, for me, that means I’d like to marry you and build a life together, a home, and if we want children, then we cross that bridge when we come to it.”
My hands immediately calm and stop twisting as I take in Liam’s profile. Imagining a life together is something I haven’t let myself do since we were sixteen, but the difference is, I’m not afraid anymore. I’m… excited. For the first time since my mum’s accident, I feel lighter. I’ve gained a part of me that I thought was lost. The part that makes plans for the future I deserve.
“I think I want that, too.” I smile. The feeling of joy overcomes me. I’m getting everything I ever wanted with the boy I’ve loved since I was sixteen.
Liam’s hand reaches for mine and as he brings it to his lips, his stubble grazing against my skin before he presses peppered kisses along my knuckles. “I love you,” he says against my hand.
“I love you more.”
“Not like I love you.”
For once, I’m not falling, I’m soaring.
41
Liam
Itapmypenon my desk.
One, two, one, two, one, two.
The low light of the sun blares through my office windows, burning my eyes as I stare directly into the beam that’s projecting onto my desk. My hand drops the pen and assaults my hair instead, tugging the strands backwards and forwards.
A knock on my door has my eyes focussing again. “Come in.”
Grayson appears with a cup of coffee and places it on my desk in front of me. The nutty aroma steaming from the cup as it drifts up to my nose. “What’s with your hair?” He frowns as he looks at me. I bet I look like a mad-man from the way I’ve been running my hands through it.
“Nothing. What’s wrong with yours?” I retort, snapping the cup from the table.
“Oooo, someone’s touchy. Wanna talk about it or just ignore the elephant in the room, that seems to have taken up residence in that nest on your head?”
“Elephants don’t live in nests, dickhead.”
“Okay, well then, enjoy your coffee. Don’t say I didn’t offer.” He turns and spins on his heels, his fresh white trainers squeaking against the wooden floor. Before his hand reaches the doorknob, I grumble to myself then shout, “Wait.” When he turns wearing a cocky smirk, I almost want to change my mind, but I know I need to vent for a second.
Grayson strides over to the chair opposite my desk as he settles in and sips his coffee. “Talk to your agony aunt.”
I laugh heartily for the first time today. Scrubbing my hand down my face, I take a deep breath. “I need to talk to Dad about Claire again. he…” I pause, contemplating if I should tell him, but decide I trust him. “He’s her sponsor and I don’t know… when he told me I feel like I was so shocked that I didn’t actually process it properly.”
He nods thoughtfully. “I had no idea, man.”
“Yeah, it’s been a whirlwind.” I shake my head. “Jess is doing so well with all of this, and I don’t want to complicate things for her.”
“And your dad might do that?”
“Maybe, I don’t know…” I trail off. “I’m just…”
“Procrastinating?”
I nod, fiddling with my pen again.
“Want my advice?”
“Like you’re going to leave here without giving it to me anyway.”
“Rude.” He adjusts his black tie that’s blended into his black shirt. “But you’re right. You need to stop letting your dad control so much of everything. I’ve seen the hours you put in here. I’ve seen your plans to expand, Liam, and they’re fucking good. Not just that, they’re just what this place needs. So, if anyone deserves more respect around here it’s you. Talk to him, sort it out and get me promoted whilst you’re at it.” His wide grin has me mirroring him.
“Thanks man.” I say, grateful for him.
