He responds swiftly. Like he’s been waiting all day for me to come to my senses.
I just finished a photoshoot and I need a ride. Will you come get me? —Bel
He doesn’t reply for a solid minute.
Have I shocked him?
Oh, God. Maybe he’s unavailable. Embarrassment heats my cheeks. It’s Saturday, meaning he might be working at MacGregor. I should have thought about that before texting him.
Or I can just call an Uber. It’s totally okay! —Bel
Don’t call an Uber. I’ll be there. Just text me the address. —Liam
My heart drums a fast beat. I text him my location.
It’ll take me six minutes to get to you. —Liam
Oh, wow. I guess he was in the area.
I really appreciate it. Can we talk on the drive? —Bel
I’d love that. —Liam
A waiting game ensues and the anxious knot in my stomach gently unravels. I get so caught up in the musician singing his song that I startle when a hesitant, “Bel?” rings out behind me after a few minutes.
Pivoting around, I find Liam standing on the sidewalk next to a parallel parked SUV.
My warrior in shining armour’s eyes are running over my body desperately, as though I’m a sight for his sore eyes. The way his lips part and a gentle sigh escapes him when I take a step his way nearly undoes me.
Liam O’Connell is magnificent to behold. More so when he stands there waiting for me with his heart on his sleeve. His gaze tells me what his words cannot.You mean everything to me, he’s saying,and I need you as badly as you need me.
I cross the distance towards him. The crowd parts around us as we stand before one another. The sensation of home sinks into my bones.
“You came,” I whisper.
Liam’s blue gaze is alight with emotion. “You texted.”
“Thank you, Liam.” My hand reaches out for his.
He bridges the gap like he’s been longing for me to hold his hand forever. “I’ll always come for you, Bel. In a heartbeat. Night or day. No matter the time. That’s my promise to you.”
God, I lovehim.
Liam lifts my hand to his lips hesitantly and places a delicate peck. “You look incredible.”
I turn to mush at his compliment.
My free hand skims down his robust torso. Tonight, he’s wearing a grey sweater polo, black slacks, and polished brown shoes. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up to his elbows, so I see his tattooed forearms and the silver watch circling his right wrist. My grumpy mountain man is so put together tonight and I’m practically drooling at the sight he creates. “You too look incredibly handsome.”
Liam seems like he’s about to pass out from my praise.
Before that can happen, he directs us towards the passenger side of his black SUV. He opens the door and I freeze when I notice a thick bouquet of sunflowers resting on the seat.
I arch my eyebrow.
Liam fumbles and his cheeks pinken as he hands me the bouquet. “I-I got these for you.”
“When?” Because I can’t fathom how this man was able to run the errand between now and my texts.
