Her gaze swung back to the hallway’s shadowed entrance and another thought struck. Switching gears, Allison turned and headed that way, instead. A moment later, she found herself standing in the opened doorway of Liam’s home office.
“You’re really good with her,” she spoke to his back as he stood in front of his desk.
He finished putting the wand inside its black, rectangular case and turned to face her. “She’s a great kid,” he grinned. “And you’re an amazing mom.”
“Ha!” she barked out a sarcastic laugh. “If I was so amazing, we wouldn’t be in this mess.” A deep sigh. “I just hope, for her sake, that this is all over soon.”
Liam’s booted feet ate up the distance between them. He didn’t stop moving until he was inches away. “You really need to give yourself more credit, Al. Try to see in yourself what I see.”
“Such as?”
“You’re smart. Brave. And it’s obvious to anyone with eyes that you love that little girl more than life itself.”
“I do.” A quick blink sent an unexpected tear racing down her cheek.
“I know.” Liam used his thumb to feather it away.
He didn’t immediately pull back, as she’d thought he would. Instead, he tucked a wayward curl gently behind her ear. Without thinking too much into it, Allison lifted a hand and wrapped her fingers around his thick wrist.
“Whatever happens, I need you to know how much I appreciate all you’ve done. First the hotel, and now you’ve opened up your home….” More tears formed but she was able to forcefully keep them at bay. “Seeing you with Maddie makes me wish—” She cut herself short.
“What, darlin’?” Liam asked, refusing to let it go. “What is it you wish?”
She couldn’t tell him what she’d been thinking. The man would probably think she was completely off her rocker. But as she stood there, staring up into a set of eyes she longed to get lost in, Allison realized the choice was no longer hers.
In the course of a few days, Liam Cutler had come to play a vital role in both her and Maddie’s lives. He’d somehow gone from stranger to hired bodyguard to…dare she think it…a friend.
Only he wasn’t staring back at her in a platonic friend kind of way.
The browns of his eyes had grown almost black with heat, and his expression was consumed with what she’d describe as primal, male interest. And unless she was way,wayoff base with her assessment, Allison instinctively knew?—
He wants me.
Her chest swelled and her body ached for his touch, which was so inappropriate given the situation. Even so, Allison couldn’t help but to lean into his touch.
It was wrong for a list of valid, logical reasons. But in that moment, she decided to throw caution to the wind.
Just one kiss. That’s all she needed to remind herself she was still very much alive.
The urge to feel something other than worry and fear grew exponentially with every second that passed. Allison was driven forward by the sudden, intense need to know Tommy hadn’t broken her completely.
Liam leaned in closer. She lifted herself onto her tiptoes. And then…he kissed her.
It was hot. Wet. An explosion of passion ignited by that very first touch. Liam took the kiss deeper, and she was more than happy to oblige.
Allison wrapped her arms around him, pressing her breasts flush against his chest. He held her close, his warm embrace so sweet and comforting and loving. And though it made absolutely no sense whatsoever, Liam’s hold felt so incredibly right.
Time stood still, and the world around her faded as she gave into her body’s selfish need. A moment later, the kiss came to a slow, organic stop.
Liam pulled away slowly, and it was on the tip of her tongue to apologize for her behavior. Then she saw the smile creeping up his rugged, handsome face, and Allison reminded herself she had nothing to apologize for.
“I should be sorry, but I’m not,” he drawled.
Her own smile formed, and she wondered not for the first time whether the man could read her mind. “I’m not sorry, either.”Surprisingly enough.“But?—”
The rest of what she’d been about to say was cut short by the ringing of Liam’s doorbell.
“Expecting company?” She switched gears.
