Three dots appear, then disappear just as quickly.
When they flicker again, my pulse spikes.
Liam: Good. I’ve been trying to be chill since I’ve been home, but it’s not working.
Heat spreads through me.
Another message pops up.
Liam: I meant what I said tonight. I don’t want to pressure you, but I want to see you again. And often.
My chest tightens. Good Lord, I feel like I’m reliving my first crush with the way he makes my stomach flutter with nerves.
Before I can reply, another one arrives.
Liam: Dinner again soon. No work talk. Just us.
I let out a soft laugh and bring my phone to my chest.
Bossy.
I look at my phone again and finally reply.
Alie: I’ll think about it.
He replies instantly.
Liam: I’m not letting you disappear on me again. Sweet dreams, Alie.
I stare at the screen, sigh, then drop my hand to my side.
My world feels like it’s tilting.
As I walk, I turn off the hallway light and whisper to myself, “What the fuck are you doing, Alie?”
But the truth follows me in the dark.
A truth, I already know. I’m definitely going to see him outside of work again.
CHAPTER
EIGHTEEN
Liam
The second I walk into the facility, I know that my focusing on my job will be difficult.
Not because of my schedule.
Because Alie is here.
Somewhere in this building—behind glass walls, closed doors, and professional boundaries—is the woman I’ve been thinking about, craving for two years.
Apparently, one kiss isn’t gonna cut it for me. I want more.
I walk into the locker room, toss my bag down into my cubby, and try to focus on my routine. Tape, stretch, talk to my teammates as they arrive. It should feel normal. I’ve been doing this for years.
But nothing feels the same.
