Her cheeks ignite in a beautiful blush.
“See you tonight, firecracker.”
Chapter 37
Kendall
I’m smiling like an idiot as I park my car three blocks from Liam’s condo.
I grab my phone to text him.
Just parked. You didn’t tell me the road in front of your house was closed, so it’s gonna take me a few minutes to get to you.
I grab the bag of takeout and hop out of the car, lock it, and head down the darkened street toward Liam’s place.
A second later, my phone buzzes.
Liam: Sorry about that, I forgot they started resurfacing the road today. I’ll make it up to you ;)
I bite back a smile while walking along the sidewalk in his neighborhood. It’s the perfect October evening in Nashville. The air is crisp, but it’s not cold yet. In my sweater and leggings, I’m perfectly comfortable.
But this day is perfect for another reason.
Liam was amazing today. He went out of his way to make sure my aunt was comfortable and felt included in his team’s family and friends skate event. I think about how happy they both looked when he took her onto the ice. I could tell that he genuinely enjoyed spending time with her.
He didn’t do it begrudgingly or because he was trying to score points with me. He did it because he honestly likes being with her.
My heart slingshots around my chest.
Maybe it’s weird that this means so much to me. But it does. Because ever since I’ve been a caretaker for my aunt, it’s always ended up being a problem in my dating life.
But with Liam, it’s not an issue at all. And that makes him more amazing than any guy I’ve dated before.
Except we’re not dating. We’re just friends who are hooking up—exactly what I wanted.
A weird feeling settles in my gut. It feels wrong to think of Liam as a friend with benefits when so far he’s better than any boyfriend I’ve had.
I push that thought aside. I don’t want to think about why that bothers me so much.
Someone whistles behind me. “Hey, pretty lady.”
I look across the street and see a guy standing by the bus stop, smirking at me. Every muscle in my body tenses.
I quickly look away and pick up my pace.
“You don’t wanna say hi?” he hollers across the street.
I pass him without saying a word. I turn the corner to the street where Liam’s condo is and glance over my shoulder at the bus stop. The guy’s not there anymore. Shit.
“Where you off to? Can I keep you company?”
The hairs on the back of my neck prick up. The guy is behind me now. I can hear his footsteps.
My heart hammers in my chest and my breathing picks up. I swallow and try to even out my breathing. Liam’s building is just two blocks away.
I can make it. I can make it. I can make it…
With a shaky hand, I dial Liam. He answers on the second ring.
