“It’s my mom,” I say as I reach over to silence the noise.
“You can answer it,” he says as he rises from the couch. “I’ll be right back.”
I watch as he walks to a room at the end of the hall before shaking my head out of the daze.
“Hi, Mom,” I answer, joy laced in my voice.
“Hi, mi amor, I haven’t talked to you all day. I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”
Holding the phone between my ear and shoulder, I give her the briefest rundown on the last twenty-four hours, omitting the fact that I’m seated in Liam’s apartment because I don’t have time for all the questions I know will follow.
As she’s telling me about something happening with one of their neighbors, Liam walks out of the room I assume is his bedroom. He’s changed his clothes completely. And he looks justas hot. If not hotter than before. Gray joggers and a Spider-Man T-shirt. It’s cute and a little nerdy, but I love everything about it.
My mom and I end the call as he’s in the kitchen, and I get up to walk toward him.
“You changed.” My eyes stutter on the joggers.
He nods. “Want to watch a movie or finish the puzzle? Or we can keep talking too.”
“I assumed seeing you in your jammies means you’re ready for me to leave so you can get to bed.”
“I don’t sleep in this,” he says as he smirks, taking one of the cups from the sink and placing it in the dishwasher.
I roll my eyes at what he’s insinuating and playfully push his arm.
“And I don’t want to go to sleep yet. I want to spend time with you.”
“Okay.” My cheeks feel warm as I lean against the counter, watching him do the second most domestic thing I’ve seen all night.
Once he finishes loading the dishwasher, his attention turns to me. Eyes blazing as he works them up and down my frame.
“If you want to get more comfortable, you can change into some of my clothes,” he offers.
“I live next door,” I say, tipping my head toward my apartment. “I could always go grab something of mine.”
“Or you could wear mine. You’d look hot in my clothes, Dem.”
“Clothes are for overnight guests, Liam. I’m not your overnight guest. I’m your?—”
“What? What are you? Finish that sentence.” His voice is smooth as he crosses his arms over his chest. The Spider-Man logo popping out over his forearms.
“We’re—I don’t know exactly. Hanging out? I don’t know, Liam. I’ve quite literally only been with one man my entire life soI don’t actually know what to call someone who is my friend but I also like to kiss—even though I probably shouldn’t.”
With my back against the countertop, he comes closer, his body directly in front of mine and I look up to make eye contact with him. He drops his arms to his sides, and I want them on me. I want his touch. His taste. His warmth. I may not know what the hell to classify this as, but I don’t think I care right now.
“A friend you like to kiss is often referred to as a friend with benefits,” he whispers when he leans in and goose bumps overtake me. “Except, I’m not sure I like that term when it comes to you. It doesn’t feel strong enough. Because with you, Dem, I feel it down to my bones. A longing, a connection, a desire that can’t possibly be summed up as friends with benefits.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Thank you for clearing that up,” I whisper back, heart racing.
“I could kiss you right now—as an example. But only if you want.” He inches closer, and I inhale his scent.
My breathing picks up and I can feel the heat building in my belly.
“I am a hands-on learner,” I respond breathlessly.
Before I can think my next thought, his lips are on me. Hungry. Starved. His hands pull at my hips, bringing me closer to him as I moan into his mouth. His body pushes against mine and his tongue swipes over my lips in the most teasing way.
A desperate groan leaves his chest. The neediness. The desire. I feel every ounce of it as Liam’s mouth moves against mine.
