Yet today he’s back to treating me like Jayden’s annoying sister.
While I’m frustrated and impatient for him to work it out, underneath my own bratty façade is the fear he might not.I can’t imagine myself with anyone else but Captain Liam Rutherford.
My pilot.
The first time I saw Liam in uniform, I swear my panties were soaked in three-point-five seconds.My god, he looked sexy.
Even mom commented.
“Doesn’t Liam look nice?”she sighed.
“Patricia, really?”Dad chastised.
“I’m just saying, he’s a good-looking boy.”Mom winked at me as Dad walked out of the room, shaking his head.
“He could be your son-in-law if you play your cards right.”I bumped my arm against hers.
“Jessie.Liam is too old for you—much too old—and he’s your brother’s best friend.Focus on dating boys in your year.”
I honestly had looked.The problem was, I hadn’t been interested in anyone.
Miles Scott had kissed me the year before that day, and I’m almost certain it was his first time.He bit my tongue and dribbled.
God, it was horrible.
Now here I am cruising with the top down in Liam’s Jeep and have his full undivided attention.I’m so giddy I want to throw my arms up and sing.
Sure, part of that attention is thanks to my black skater dress, which barely covers my butt.Hashtag, not sorry.
A girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do.
Then again, perhaps showing off my long legs is likely what got me in trouble back in Texas?
Bullshit, we shouldn’t have to walk around in potato sacks to be safe in this world.
Stifling those thoughts and the feel of my bruises, I twist in the seat to face Liam.
“Can we cruise down Rodeo Drive and then head down Santa Monica Boulevard to the beach?”
“This is Santa Monica.”His eyes flick to me, hovering for a moment on my cleavage, then back at the road.
“Oh.”I glance around.
He laughs, and I smile back at him.
It’s like he’s defrosting before my eyes.
“I get it, darlin’.The first time in the City of Angels is fun.Soak it up, Jessie.”Liam grins and turns up the music.
I throw my arms into the air and let out a howl.
Liam lets out his own howl as he rests his wrist on the steering wheel, and we both start singing.The warm California breeze whips my hair around me, filling me with all kinds of hope.
I close my eyes, still singing, and imagine we are in love.That I have his ring in my hand and...maybe his baby in my belly.
Californian dreaming.
I’m dreaming the man next to me finally—finally—reveals how he feels about me.
