I run my hands through Sam’s fur and I look down at the sweet boy. His tongue is out a bit, his eyes are brighter than I’ve seen them, and my heart thumps. “Penny for your thoughts?” Liam asks.
“I wish I could adopt Sam.”
His brow furrows. “Why don’t you? I’m sure Ms. Kate would love—”
I cut him off, “I don’t only live with Mom anymore, remember?”
Liam’s smile drops into a frown and he looks off to the side. “Then,we’lladopt him,” he simply says, and my head snaps up; Sam’s does as well, even though he doesn’t understand what’s going on.
“What? No, we can’t do that.” I sigh, not believing this is a true proposition. “Liam, first off, the moment Ana sees him, she’ll want to adopt four more, or keep Sam for herself. William practically has to pry her away from all the dogs she encounters.”
He laughs. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
“And we can’t keep him at my house because Josh hates animals, said so himself. Besides, we’re going to Mella Colta soon, and—”
“Then, we’ll take him with us.” I give him a faux glare and he sighs. “In all seriousness, Mom will love that we keep Sam at the house. We have more than enough room, and when we do go to college, I want to move in with you.” I gasp at that and he gives me a smug smile. “Don’t act like you didn’t see this coming. Sure, we’ve been officially dating for a day, but we’re not a normal couple. I’ve wanted to live with you forever, and besides, I can rent us a place close by campus. The best part being that I’d get to wake up next to you every day.” My heart beats a little faster and I place my head on his chest, huffing at this stubborn boy. “So, is that a yes?” I rub Sam’s face, cooing at him before finally looking up at Liam.
“Taking care of a dog is a lot of work ...” He probably thinks that it’s a no, but then I sigh with a small smile. “But in the meantime, I’ll definitely consider it.”
His face lights up and he whispers, “And the whole moving in with me when we start school?”
“I love how you snuck that in there.”
“I saw an opportunity, and I took it.”
I chuckle, grabbing his face. “I would love to spend my mornings with you, Liam Parker.” He pulls me closer and kisses me, happiness thrumming in my veins.
“Mm, Freckles, as much as I wanna stay out here with you, it’s late and you need sleep.” I pull back, my body sandwiched between his legs as he leans against the hood of his car. We’re parked in front of my house, and have been for a while, but I don’t want to go inside. My nose rubs against his and he smiles at the gesture.
“I know, I know,” I mumble, unable to resist leaning in for another kiss.
Can this boy get any more addicting?
I wrap my arms around him, my fingers drifting to the hairs on the back of his neck, and he sighs. Reluctantly, he pulls back, smiling as he rubs a thumb across my cheekbone.
“Just so you know, you’renevergetting rid of me. We’re stuck together, Ms. Harrison,” he murmurs, and I grin at him.
“You know, I think I’ll be good with that, Mr. Parker.” A small smile makes its way to my face, but then he pulls back a little more as we see a car’s headlights approaching quickly. Grabbing my hand, he walks us up the driveway as the person driving weaves around.
“Josh’s car,” I mutter. Josh steps out, and Liam’s guard goes up as the smell of alcohol wafts through the air. My jaw drops at that, as I’ve never seen Josh drunk,ever. He sneers when he sees us, his dress shirt untucked, tie yanked low.
Something isn’t right.
He passes by us without saying a word and we don’t say anything either. As the front door slams, I take a deep breath and Liam looks at me, confused. The lights flick on and I hear Mom’s voice from inside.
A cold sweat breaks out across my back and a coil of dread starts in my stomach. I push away from Liam and he stalks behind me as we get closer to the front door. The yelling grows and I swing the door open. Josh’s eyes are red, Mom is cowering slightly, and I freeze.
I don’t think there’s been a single moment in my life where I’ve experienced fear as intense as when I got into a car accident. I was only five years old, but to this day, I rememberevery single thing. The feeling of dread, of impending fear, and it all comes rushing back when I see Josh’s hand connect with Mom’s cheek, the sound echoing through the space.
I gasp and Liam shoves me in a dark corner of the foyer. “Stay here. You understand me?” I nod shakily and he kisses my forehead before moving into the living room. Mom looks up at Josh, shock and fear alive in her features, but before he can hit her again, Liam interrupts.
“Don’t you dare put another hand on her.” He stops Josh’s arm, throwing it back at him as he stands in front of Mom, her hand cradling her cheek.
“This is my family, and I will do as I please.”
I can’t move a single inch and a warm tear runs down my face.
“I’m done.” Mom’s voice is crystal clear, and my head snaps up at that. She moves from in front of Liam, but he stays next to her while Josh stands there like a predator ready to pounce.
