Liam is that for me.
My kindred spirit.
My soul companion.
I’m floored by the realization, while he’s unaware of the magnitude of my thoughts as he tears open the package.
Can he see on my face how altered I feel?
Before I can speak, he murmurs, “Bel…you didn’t.”
My cheeks warm under the potency of his amazed expression. Like Liam, I like to provide for my loved ones too. Now I’m getting the impression that he’s not used to being given much, that even when he gets alittle, he lights up like a little kid on Christmas morning.
I’m not sure if I should burst into tears or be joyful.
In his hands, my boyfriend is holding the first edition ofThe Fellowship of the Ring, hardback and printed in the 1950s. He’s read his paperback copy over ten times. The spine is entirely cracked. Since he enjoyed the story so much, I figured he should have this version. One he could proudly showcase on his bookshelf.
“I did.” I bite my lip. “Do you like it?”
His fingers touch the book like it’s the most precious memorabilia ever. “This is the best gift I’ve ever gotten. I can’t believe you did this for me.”
“I’d do anything for you.”
Without glancing away from me, Liam puts the book on the nightstand and cradles my face. I gravitate towards him like it’s the most natural thing. “I’d do anything for you too, Bel.”
My heart soars like a thousand doves taking flight.
Closing the distance, our mouths finally meet.
No feeling in the world can compare to kissing Liam. It always starts slow and sensual and transforms into fast and demanding like a wave that overtakes your being. You’re helpless to go with the current. A sea of bliss and our lips cling to one another like ship-wrecked lovers.
“Liam,” I moan when his tongue teases the seam of my mouth. His hands are going from my waist, to my rib cage, to my heavy breasts. Fondling my nipples over my sweater dress and starting the trip all over again. My libido is on fire. “I need you.”
Liam releases my lips, breathing hard. His chest bows underneath my hands. “You want me?”
His tone is laced with a hint of apprehension. If I wasn’t aware of Liam’s fear of rejection and insecurity, I might have assumed he was playing hard to get because it’s been a month that we’ve been kissing and grinding and never crossing past second base.
But I know how much words—reassurance—matter to him.
I nod desperately, digging my fingers into the collar of his dress shirt. “Yes, Liam. Please. I can’t even think straight anymore. I need you inside of me.Now.”
His hard-on is poking my thigh like a greenlight. “Fuck, Bel. I want you too. Down to my bones, I ache with need for you.”
A zing of gratification lights my nerve endings.
This is going to happen.
We’re finally going to make love.
I attack his clothes with enthusiasm, but Liam hastily grabs my hands. “W-Wait. L-Let me close the lights.”
I pause, frowning. “Why would we shut the lights?”
His blue eyes are veneered with desire, but there’s a vulnerable edge too.
I can practically see the wheels in his mind churning as he attempts to say it.
Suddenly, it hits me.
