“You guys done being all lovey dovey yet? It’s gross and I need a nap.” Walker says, looking at us suspiciously. Not as under the radar as I’d hoped. I stick my tongue out at him likethe mature adult that I am. He smirks as we all get ready to leave.
Madison
“You guys ready to head out? Who paid?” Liam asks.
“I got it handled.” Kenji says as he stands and slips his wallet back into the pocket of his joggers. “I did win the bet.”
He gives Walker an arrogant smile, and of course, my brother takes the bait. Boys. They continue to argue about the fairness of the bet. A bet I still don’t know the details of, although I’m sure I can imagine. We say goodbye to Kenji and Walker when they learn we’re headed to the bookstore down the street. Not a place Walker wants to hang out. Kenji loves the bookstore, but he shoots me a smile and says he has to head home. I give him a grateful look.
I love my neighborhood. It’s set up with a small-town feel even though it’s in the middle of downtown Denver. There’s an enormous park in the middle that’s surrounded by five-to six-story buildings. I love that the buildings aren’t too tall but still surround the park. The street level is full of small shops and businesses. There are some restaurants, a coffee shop, a wine bar, the bookstore, and of course my yoga studio. It gives avillage square type of vibe of a European hamlet instead of a big city neighborhood.
Liam’s arm is around my lower back now, and it’s perfect. I snuggle up under his shoulder with a smile because I like how we fit together.
“So, I need to grab a book I’ve been looking for. It’s not on audio, so I’ll have to just read it.” Liam tells me as we walk.
“Oh, the horror.” I smile softly at him, my voice lightly teasing, as we stroll down the street.
“Hey, I’m not as good at reading as you are Mads. I’ve always envied your ability to read books so quickly. I struggle a bit with my dyslexia and all.” Liam confesses.
He rarely mentions it, and I’m ashamed to say that I’d forgotten about it. It makes perfect sense why audiobooks work better for him. Now I remember how much he struggled with that in high school. I was only teasing, but it’s clear I’ve hit a nerve from his defensive tone. I wouldn’t have teased him if I’d remembered about his disability, and it’s killing me.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. It’s so wonderful that audio books can help you read in a different way.” I say, wanting to reassure him. “Everyone needs to do what works best for them.”
“Thanks for saying that. I guess I’ve always felt a bit left behind when it comes to reading.” His pensive look tells me it affected him more than he’s letting on.
“Oh Liam! I’m so sorry if I ever made you feel less than because of your dyslexia. If I did, it was unintentional.” My face flushes as I try to remember if I’ve ever said to him about reading.
“You never made me feel less than about reading, Mad girl. You were more of an inspiration for me actually.” His heartfelt words flood me with relief.
“I’m glad.” I say with soft affection as I give him a squeeze. “So how are you liking that hockey romance?”
“I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. I’ve already started the next book in the series.”
“Seriously?” I did not expect that answer. This man is full of interesting revelations.
“Yeah, the hockey guy texts were hilarious.”
“What about the spicy parts?”
“Oh yeah, Uhh.” His eyes veer down to the ground, and his cheeks blossom with color.
“Liam Ferguson, are you embarrassed?”
“No!... Well maybe.” He shakes his head, then looks me in the eye and says, “I got a hard on in the morning when I was running while I listening. So, now I just listen to those books when I’m alone. And now all I can think about it doing all those things with you.”
“Oh!” His words make my core heat, and then that’s all I can think about himdoingall those things to me, too. My breath catches.
Liam tugs me into the small alley right next to the bookshop, and the next thing I know, I’m mashed up against the wall before I can say a word. He’s leaning over me, eyes blazing. I can barely breathe, I’m so turned on. He’s doing the book boyfriend lean against the wall, and his baseball hat is on backwards. He better be about to kiss me because I’ll explode if he doesn’t.
“Oh no, pretty girl. Did you think could get away with teasing me like that in public with no repercussions?” He whispers, voice deep and low.
“Yes, I did.” I murmur, eyes glued to his.
“Is that so?” Every nerve ending in my neck vibrates with need as he trails puffs of hot breath up and over the shell of my ear.
“Oh God.” I let out a filthy moan, fisting the front of his shirt so my knees don’t give out on me.
“Fuck. No one’s ever affected me the way you do.” he whispers next to my ear, causing my skin to pebble up, and I shiver.
