I know that man.
“Well, I keep him up to date, letting him know you are doing well,” Jayden shared, as if that was a good enough explanation for not hearing from him for weeks.
“Cool.”I sipped my wine so that my expression was hidden.
My instincts were right.Liam was staying away because my brother was informing him I was safe.That’s all this was.His need to protect.
He never truly loved me.
Except now he’s standing beside his Jeep outside my house.
Do not read into it.
I speed up my steps and pull up my big girl panties.He’s probably just visiting to clear the air.
“Hey.”I smile.
“Jess,” Liam purrs, walking over until he’s only a few feet from me.
“In the neighborhood?”I aim for light and airy even though my heart is pounding.
“Something like that.”
Goddamn this man.He looks so good in his long beige shorts, navy T-shirt and dark sunglasses.His hair is mussed perfectly, and even his sneakers look sexy.
I am crazy.
I chew the inside of my cheek because I don’t know what to say.I’m not inviting him into the house.
“I want to take you to lunch.”
“What?”
“A date.”
“What?”
“A lunch date.”
“I know what that is.Why?”I stumble over my words.
Liam takes a step closer, his hand falls on my lycra clad hips.“Because, Squirt, I am in love with you.You belong with me, and I’m done waiting.”
My mouth falls open as my cheeks heat.His sexy smile steals my heart, all the broken pieces, and it feels like they are flying around us, seeking a place to land.
“Liam...”
“I spent over twenty-five years lying to myselfandyou about my feelings, Jess.Please don’t do it.You love me.I love you.”
Hope springs but I don’t trust it.I can’t.
So, I make a joke.
“Would’ve been weird asking me on a date when I was five.”
He smirks.“Nothing wrong with a cookie and milk date.”
I blush further.
