“The worst. He started off with I like older, more experienced women.” I tell him with a raised eyebrow.
“Oh God, he didn’t.”
“He did.”
“Well, he’s a hockey player, maybe he’s been hit in the head a lot.” We both chuckle. After he called me old, I’m not feeling sympathetic to the poor kid’s plight.
“I could have handled him,” I tell him without rancor.
“Oh no doubt, Mads. But we brought them, and I’m the Captain, so I kinda had to say something. I mean, we were pretty clear about not hitting on you.” My eyes narrow at that last comment.
“Not that I object, since I’m not interested in dating anyone right now, but why did you say that? I know how to say “no,” Liam.” There’s an edge to my tone now. Liam frowns for a minute before answering.
“But you shouldn’t have to. We know you can handle yourself. But today isn’t about fending off guys. It’s about getting you settled into your new place after you just got out of arelationship. We’re here to help, not make you uncomfortable. Besides, he broke the bro code and that’s on him. I mean, I get it. You’re amazingly hot and one of the coolest people I know. Anyone would be lucky to go out with you, but it was wrong to approach you like that.”
I’m stuck at “amazingly hot”. I probably should be mad that they stepped in like that, but I’m not. Nope, Liam just said I’m amazingly hot, and now that’s all I can think about. I’ve never seen Liam get protective of me, and it’s all kinds of hot.
“We love you, Mads. I know we can be a bit protective, but it’s not you we don’t trust. It’s those guys. Besides, we don’t even know some of these guys very well yet.”
He steps closer and pulls me against his chest, holding me close. I lean into him, breathing in the piney, spicy smell that uniquely him. Polo in the green bottle.. my favorite. It’s so familiar but not, because this time I’m noticing how the hard muscles of his chest and arms feel against the softness of my skin. How safe and warm I feel all wrapped up in him. How my body lights up when I’m in his arms. He sighs and pulls me closer, kissing the top of my head just like Kenji.
Except it doesn’t feel like Kenji, because I’m deeply aware of how Liam’s body feels against mine. My body heats and my core aches. It’s been so damn long since I’ve felt this way about a man. I shift in his arms before I register the hardness against my stomach. Before I can say a word, he’s pulled away and headed out the door.
“Gotta go grab something. Almost forgot.” He yells out as he disappears down the outside stairs. I gave Liam a hard-on. I find that information absurdly thrilling, so I’m still smiling like a loon when Walker and Kenji walk in.
“What’s up with Liam? He went running towards his car like the apartment was on fire.” Kenji asks.
“No idea,” I say as stack the plates in the cabinet, humming to myself.
“Need any help with that?” Kenji asks. I shake my head.
“Nah, this is the last of the dishes. Would you guys mind unloading that box of books? Just put them on the shelves and I’ll organize them later.”
“We can organize for you, Maddie Bear. How do you want them?”
“Can you group them by genre?” I ask Kenji.
“No problem. We got this.” Walker gives Kenji an exasperated look but eventually shrugs and starts helping. The thought of those two organizing my collection of romance books is wonderfully entertaining. I doubt my brother has even heard the word genre before.
Liam appears at the door, his soft golden-brown hair askew. He looks flushed but determined, and he’s holding a cute wicker basket in his large hands.
“Oh, did your mom send that?” Everyone loves a housewarming gift, and I’m no exception. His mom is so thoughtful.
“Uh, no. Actually, it’s from me.” He looks simultaneously nervous and proud.
“You? By yourself?” I double-check because this is so out of character for Liam.
“I can be thoughtful, Mads.” He’s slightly defensive, and I suddenly feel like an ungrateful brat.
“I’m sorry. You’re right. You most definitely can and I appreciate it.” I say, before setting the basket on the counter and using it as an excuse to give him another hug. I squeeze him tight in apology, but also because I like how his body feels against mine. We’re both reluctant to let go, holding the hug just longer than necessary.
“Oh, I love presents. I can’t wait to see them.” I say, my voice bright with excitement. There’s a pale green candle right on top. I remove the lid and take a sniff. Oh, eucalyptus with a hint of sage, maybe.
“Oh, I like that. Eucalyptus and sage? It smells delicious.” He nods, and I set it on the countertop, moving to the next item. It’s a pair of olive-green towels with these adorable koala bears on them. Koala bears are my absolute favorite animals.
“Awww, Liam! These are so cute and prefect for my kitchen. I can’t believe you remembered.” I’m gushing now. His cheeks are pink, but he’s wearing a huge grin. It’s quite the look. Kind of adorable. I go to the next item to distract myself from that train of thought.
“Wow, this is exactly what I need for my fridge, Liam.” I say as I pull out a pad of paper with a magnetic strip on the back. It’s a pretty pale yellow with daisies doting the border, and it says “Grocery List” at the top. There’s a pen attached that has a daisy for a cap, and the pad of paper has a little attachment on the side for the pen. It’s perfect and exactly what I need. I never remember everything when I go to the store. Daisies are even my favorite flower. I attach it to the frig.
