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“I’m so sorry to hear about the accident. That sounds horribly traumatic, and I am so thankful you made it out okay.” My voice shakes with emotion.
“Why does it sound like there is a but in your tone?” he asks.
“I can’t be with you, Liam. I can’t do it. I’m sorry,” I say.
“What is this about? Is it because of Carter? Did he hurt you, Skylar? Because if he did, I don’t care what kind of fine I’ll pay. . .” His voice is laced with anger and a deep conviction to protect me. It reminds me of the way he loved me when we were young. He was always so careful with my heart. Maybe too careful.
“I can’t talk about it.” I hold my stomach as a wave of nausea washes over me.
“Okay.” His voice softens. “I don’t want to upset you. I just told you about the accident so you understand I can’t walk away from you now. I haven’t been with a woman since before the accident because the only one I want is you. I’m not saying this to make you feel any pressure at all. I just want you to know you’re important to me. I let you down when we were kids, but I let myself down too. I’m a grown man now, and I plan to show you how reliable I can be. And not just reliable, baby. I want to make you feel good and have you writhing beneath me every night, but I know we need to work up to that. Just know I have your back. I’m not walking away this time.”
By the time he says those last words, tears stream down my cheeks and shivers prickle my skin from the promise of his words. They are everything I’ve always wanted to hear. I gave Liam my heart when I was just a teenager. And if I’m being honest, I never really got it back.
“Liam.”
“I don’t want to upset you, baby.” He can clearly hear I’m crying. “I wish I could be there to hold you in my arms.”
“I want that too,” I admit, surprising myself. “But I don’t know if I can handle more than that.”
“I don’t know what Lewis did to you, but I’m going to win your trust over, Skylar Ward. I can promise you that.” The surety in his voice causes a rush of excitement inside me despite the tears.
I remain quiet.
“Sky, say something,” he pleads.
“Please promise me you won’t talk to Carter about me anymore or mention Crew to him. Please, Liam. I need to hear you make the promise,” I beg.
“I promise,” he agrees.
“Thank you.” I wipe at my nose since it’s dripping. Shit, I’m a mess. I want to soak up and bask in everything Liam said tonight, but I can’t. Carter is ruining this moment for me too. I yawn, feeling emotionally drained.
“I should get to sleep,” I say.
“I need to see you tomorrow.” He sounds insistent.
“I’ll call you after my shift, but I don’t think I can come to you. I can’t just leave Crew.”
“I understand.” He sounds defeated. “Have sweet dreams, Sky.”
“You too,” I say, and we end the call.
I head into bed feeling like an emotional mess. Why can’t my life ever be normal? I finally have this great guy come into my life, and I’m scared to feel anything. Scared to take the plunge with him. Scared for Crew to get too close to him. But most of all, I’m scared of Carter Lewis.
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
Skylar
I’m rushing to get Crew to school on time as the wind whips the snow in our face. I hold my son’s hand as we make our way down the street. It’s so cold it hurts to breathe. Once I drop Crew off at school, I remind him Patty is picking him up today. His response is to cheer because he loves spending time with her. I kiss my son and wish him a good day, and then I’m running to catch the bus.
In my head, I’m cursing winter and New York City. Even though I love this city most of the time. By the time I get on the bus, I’m panting, and my lungs burn from the cold air.
“Hi, Phil,” I say to the driver.
“It’s a cold one today.” He shakes his head.
“Sure is,” I say and find a seat in the middle of the bus.
My life has taken an unexpected turn since Liam barged into my world the night he showed up at the diner with his friends. I take a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed. And when I get off at my stop close to the diner, I brace myself for the cold winds. I walk up to the diner, and I’m happy to see Jim isn’t sitting outside on a cold day like today. I also hope he is safely tucked away at a shelter.
