“That’s good to know.”
He taps his palm on the table before he flips his hand over and motions for me to place my hand in his.
I do.
“Give me a chance to be your third, Athena.” He lowers his voice. “It doesn’t have to be tonight or tomorrow. Hell, I’m a patient man, but I want you. I think I’ve made that clear.”
I want you too, Liam.
The words play on my tongue, but they sit there unspoken.
“Here’s a plan.” His eyes meet mine. “I’ll drop by your class on Tuesday, and if I show any improvement in my floral design skills, you’ll hang out with me.”
“After class?” I ask.
“After class,” he affirms with a nod.
He comes with baggage, but I do too. Mine isn’t in the form of ex-boyfriends, but I still carry it with me always.
I can’t fault him for his past.
Glancing down at my hand nestled in his palm, I nod. “It’s a deal.”
“I need to up my flower game.” He laughs. “Any pointers?”
I shake my head. “What fun is it if I help you cheat? You’re on your own, Liam.”
“I’ll figure it out.” He leans back, still holding tightly to my hand. “There’s no way in hell that I’m going to fuck up my chance for extra time with my teacher.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Liam
I madeit within a block of my apartment before I turned around and headed back to the coffee shop.
I didn’t forget anything. I’m not craving another cup of the bitter brew.
I left after kissing Athena on the forehead and watching her take off down the sidewalk headed home.
The temptation to follow her was strong, but if she wants me at her apartment at some point, she’ll invite me.
I admit I’m surprised that she’s only been with two men. She’s beautiful and sensual in a way that is disarming.
My dick was throbbing as I sat on the uncomfortable red leather and watched her drink her coffee. I could have stayed in that spot for hours, but she was the one who called it a night.
“Wolf!” Rhys Quillan calls out to me as I round the corner headed for the café.
He sent me three text messages today. My phone sat in my pocket, silenced by order of the staff inside the hospital. I followthe rules if need be, and after a string of alerts, I was warned by a nurse to shut off my device.
I didn’t go that far, but it was quiet enough that I missed Rhys’s repeated attempts to reach out to me.
After I left the café earlier, he called, and I suggested we meet here. I know he lives within walking distance. I’m not billing him for this. He needs a few minutes of my time to get through the weekend. On Monday, he’s back in class. His weekdays are filled with responsibility instead of the endless empty hours on Saturdays and Sundays that are devoted to memories.
He told me during our first session that the time between Friday afternoon and his first class of the week is his downfall.
Sporting newly bleached blond hair, Rhys raises an arm. “I’m over here.”
He’s impossible to miss. The sidewalk isn’t as crowded as it was when I said goodbye to Athena. The city is winding down for the night.
