“Let it go. You know how he is with excess emotion.” I tell him.
“I will. For now,” he says with a sly smirk. I roll my eyes, a constant activity around Walker, as he heads back to the dinner.
Then it’s just me and Maddie. The silence is awkward before we both begin to speak simultaneously.
“So, I’m sor..” she says.
“Hey can we...” I say.
“Ladies first.”
“I have a lot to say and I don’t really want to say it standing in the hallway next to a restaurant bathroom. Can we get together and talk, Liam? Like really talk?”
“I’d really like that, Mads. I have so much I want to say to you too.” I take her hand in mine, unable to resist touching her. “Can we do it soon? I’m not sure I can wait much longer. I miss you.”
“Tomorrow’s Friday. How about after my kids’ class? I could make dinner at my place?”
“That perfect. You have a pretty packed schedule on Friday’s. Let me handle food, okay?” Her smile is shy, almost tentative at my offer. “Can I hug you? I’ve missed my Maddie hugs.”
Her pretty green eyes widen, her sudden smile lights up her face. She leans toward me, holding her breath as I sweep her into my arms. Sighing, she wraps her arms around my torso, snuggling into my chest. I breathe in her wildflower scent, pulling her closer. Neither of us moves, both concerned about breaking this temporary spell of contentment. I can do this all night. She’s worth it.
It certainly doesn’t feel enough when she pulls away, eyes bright and glossy.
“Tomorrow?” she asks softly.
“Tomorrow.” I answer. “Can I get Ace in the morning?”
“I’m sure he’d love that. He’s missed you, too.”
I watch her walk away, hope blooming in my heart. Maybe it’s not too late for us after all.
Madison
Liam is true to his word the next morning, stopping by to pick up Ace before his morning run. We kept our conversation light, which I appreciate with a full day of classes ahead of me. The tension between us is still there, but the dread is absent, and that’s been the most helpful part of me keeping my sanity intact. The breakfast sandwich and coffee he brings me don’t hurt his cause either, and I’m wearing a smile as I head off to teach my first class of the day.
The day drags, but my last class finally ends, and when Lila, picking up on my impatience to be done with my work day, offers to finish cleaning up for the night. I happily take her up on it.
Noting Liam’s Range Rover parked next to my Jeep, I take the steps two at a time, eager to see him after our separation. The delicious smell of my favorite Thai takeout greets me as I open the door. Liam, looking far too good in a Wolves t-shirt and some Levi’s, is standing at my counter, opening a bottle of wine for us. His hair is damp from the shower, and his hazel eyes light up the second he sees me. My feet carry me across the roombefore I can stop myself, and I practically throw myself into his arms.
He pulls me in tight, burying his face in my neck and breathing deeply. I bury my face in his chest, reveling in the solid feel of him against my cheek. The piney smell of his cologne mixed with the scent of body wash and something else that’s uniquely him. It feels like safety, comfort, and home, which makes me tight my grip. I want to hold him so tightly that he never leaves again. We stand there for a long time, both of us unable or unwilling to break the moment, until his stomach rumbles so loudly it startles us both, and we break away with soft laughter.
“I see some things never change.” I tease gently, with equal parts amusement and affection. He blushes and ducks his head in obvious embarrassment.
“Come on, hockey boy. Let’s get you fed before we both get hangry. We’ll both be better on a full stomach.” I tug him toward the breakfast bar, where he’s already set us up with plates and silverware.
“I’ll get the wine.” He says, grabbing my favorite Chardonnay. Just more evidence that he pays attention.
“I thought you didn’t like wine?” I ask, but he shakes his head as he pours us each a glass.
“It’s growing on me.” He says with a wink. Placing a glass next to my plate and seating himself next to me.
“I got your favorite. Pad Thai with extra peanuts. Medium spice.” he pushes a styrofoam container towards me. As I fill my plate with noodles and chicken, I realize that I’m just as hungry as he is. I was too nervous to eat anything at lunch, but my appetite is back with a vengeance.
We eat in silence until we’ve chased away the sharp edge of hunger. Then we take our time, enjoying the food and keeping the conversation light. When we’ve eaten our fill and cleanedup the kitchen, he leads me over to the couch. The mood has mellowed, the food and wine reducing the tension and reducing the stress we’re both feeling.“Do you want to start, Mads? I don’t mind waiting.” It warms my heart that he’s so considerate.
“I can do that.” I say, tamping down the sudden burst of nerves that appear, I take a deep breath and jump right in.
“I really want to say first that I’m sorry, Liam. About so many things, but mainly for the hurtful things I said that night in the car. What I said wasn’t fair. I was scared and angry, and I took it out on you. I know I hurt you, and that’s what I feel the worst about, because that’s actually the last thing I want to do.”
