Without my glasses on, sometimes I get a better read on myself.
Tonight, I look into my eyes and recognize the emotion I saw in Liam’s eyes earlier, the emotion I couldn’t read at the time. But I can read it in my own face.
Lust.
I put my hand to my mouth to mute my gasp.
So Liam is just as torn by these crazy feelings as I am.
But the way he pulled away during our kiss…it’s like he used the excuse of the champagne to stop whatever is between us.
I return to my room and climb into bed.
We’ve only been traveling together for one day.
I can’t imagine what day two will bring.
CHAPTERNINE
When I wake up in the morning, Ashley’s already sent a text that the Wild family in Texas is excited to see Liam and me whenever we arrive.
I quickly check the map. Only five hours from here to there.
I call Ashley, and she picks up with, “I’m going to hazard a guess that you and Liam either aren’t speaking or you caved and admitted you want each other desperately.”
I laugh. “You have a great way of pressing for intel.”
“Am I right?”
“We’re still speaking, and we didn’t have sex.”
“Damn.” She sounds truly disappointed. “I really think you’d be good for him. And vice versa.”
“You also said Liam is complex and jaded.”
“All the Storms are. I’m still marrying one of them.”
“We’re not all meant to be with a Storm.” I ignore the pang in my chest and climb out of bed to start getting dressed while I talk to her. “I need to hop off shortly, Ash. Let’s flesh out our plan for this video we’re doing later.”
“Good idea.”
I throw on a turquoise, short-sleeved, fitted shirt and pair it with jeans and combat boots. I know it’s going to be hot out, but I also know I’m going to be filming on a cattle ranch, and I’ve learned avoiding open-toed shoes is a smart choice.
Ashley and I chat for a few minutes about how to flip back and forth between our two videos, and then we say goodbye with plans for me to call her once I’m at the ranch.
When I make my way downstairs with my suitcase in hand, Liam is standing in front of the kitchen counter on a video call with Lulu.
I can’t see her from my angle, but I can hear her adorable voice call out, “Daddy,” as she giggles.
Liam’s got a paper bag on top of his head, and he’s making silly faces at her.
He lifts his head at my entrance.
Our eyes lock over the top of his laptop.
Another morning of not shaving and his scruff looks sexier than ever. He’s wearing a light green tee, and I can just glimpse the waistband of worn blue jeans behind the countertop.
I smile at him and put down my suitcase before returning upstairs to give him privacy.
