I needed a break. A separation from that conversation and what I wanted to do with Liam next. His harsh reactions were immediate and certain. He never even considered that my parents were right. And no matter how angry he got, it never affected the gentle way he held me. I had no doubt that he’d show that same care and self-control when we were together. He’d never get so caught up in his own pleasure that he’d be oblivious to me being caught in a panic. I just needed a break, and then I wanted to feel what it would be like to let go and be with him.
“Ha! I won!” It was close, but with the board almost full, he’d had no choice but to give me the opening I needed.
“Very impressive.”
I grinned. It was hard to wrap my head around how good the night had been. How amazing Liam was. I told him everything—well, almost everything—and we’d gotten right back to enjoying ourselves. No weirdness. It felt like a million pounds had been lifted from my shoulders. “Want to go relax on the couch for a while?”
“It’s late, Firefly. I should take you home.”
I glanced at the clock, shocked to see it was after one in the morning. I guess I’d have to wait for another day to see if I’d be less jumpy when we touched now that he knew. “It is late, but I drove here, remember?”
“I’m driving you home.”
“It’s fi—” The determination and tenderness etched into his face made it clear I wasn’t going to win that argument. And to be honest, his concern felt so good, it was an argument I was happy to lose.
“Okay, but how will I get my car back? I’ll need it Monday morning.”
“One sec.”
Liam pulled out his phone, and after a couple of messages back and forth, he declared it was no problem. “We’ll take your car, and Ryan will pick me up and drive me back home.”
“Thank you, but that’s really not necessary.”
“There’s no way I’m leaving you to get home yourself, not at this time of the night, and not when you’re rattled, like you probably are. We could take care of the car tomorrow, but you should have it in case you need to go anywhere.”
Part of me wanted to insist I’d be fine, but I couldn’t lie to him. He was right.
A short while later, we walked into my apartment, and Thor gave Liam a warm welcome right after he gave me a long, much-needed hug. Liam took him out with me, and it was on the tip of my tongue to say no, but I really was rattled from dredging up all those memories. Plus, it was late. Just for tonight, I could let myself lean on him. I’d pull myself back together tomorrow.
Then we were back in my apartment and there was nothing else to do. My heart was pounding, and I didn’t know if it was because he was going to leave or because he hadn’t yet. What could I say or do to show him how I felt before he left? I needed him to know how much I appreciated his support. How much I wanted more with him.
Liam slid a hand across my neck, gently holding me as he pressed a long kiss to my forehead. It was sweet, but not what I wanted. I grabbed the collar of his shirt and tugged him downto meet my lips. I kissed him with desperation, letting all my emotions spill out into him.
“Firefly,” he breathed against my lips before he pulled away, still holding me, tilting my head up to meet his anguished eyes. “Are you going to be alright tonight?”
I shrugged. I didn’t want to say no. Couldn’t say yes.
“Would you feel better if I stayed? I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“No. I’ll be okay.” I did trust him, but still, I didn’t like anyone having access to me while I was sleeping. “It’s not you. It’s just…”
“I get it. You never need to apologize for having your boundaries.”
“Thank you.”
“Just so you know, though, if you wanted me to, I’d be more than happy to stay with you. Not to do anything, but just so you aren’t alone. I hate to leave you now.”
My heart melted. “I’ll be fine.”
“Are you going to be able to sleep?”
“I really am okay. I was more anxious about it before, knowing I’d have to tell you. Now that I did, it’s not so bad.” That was basically true. I felt better than when I was anticipating telling him. But that didn’t mean it was good now. Just that it was worse before.
“Call me if you have a bad dream. Or if you can’t sleep. Or if you need anything.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Liam