He laughed, and I couldn’t help but giggle. This was only my second day of being with Liam, besides the two I’d slept through, and it felt like I’d known him forever.
I slowly let off the brake and gently pushed on the gas. The Subaru started down the drive and, after the turn, I managed to keep it on the gravel country road.
“Looks like we can safely say you know how to drive.”
Smiling, I felt a small sense of accomplishment. No other memories had come back to me, but being able to do somethingas simple as driving made me feel like I knew a little something about myself.
“I wish we could go into town and buy some clothes.”
Liam sighed. “I plan on going in to get you some stuff. Believe me, I wish you could go with me.”
I slowed and put the car in Park. “Could I go in a disguise, like we talked about?”
He shrugged. “Do you feel comfortable doing that?”
Chewing on my lower lip, I shook my head and sighed. “Not really. I think I would be a nervous wreck the entire time.”
Giving me a soft smile, he said, “Let’s turn around up there and head back. I’ve got to get some work done before Billy hunts me down.”
After I executed a perfect three-point turn, we headed back toward Liam’s home. It was a gorgeous log and rock home, and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw it come into view.
“Your home is so beautiful.”
“Thank you,” he replied.
I pushed the button to open the garage door and pulled in and parked like a pro. When I turned the car off, I felt the sting of tears at the back of my eyes. I had a life before all of this. I knew how to drive, I worked somewhere, I had to have had a family and I couldn’t remember any of it.
Liam had already gotten out of the car and was letting Piper out. When he saw I was still in the car, he walked over and opened the driver’s-side door. He leaned in and asked, “Hey, what’s wrong?”
Trying hard not to cry, I turned and looked at him. What would he think if I were to ask him to hold me. Would he think I was weak? Or that I was coming on to him?
Before any other thoughts could pop into my mind, he took my hand and guided me out of the car. He shut the door, cupped my face in his warm hands, and said, “It’s going to be alright.You’ll get your memory back and we’ll figure out who kidnapped you. I promise, Mallory.”
They were promises we both knew he shouldn’t make. But I smiled anyway, nodded my head, and turned to walk into the house. Liam stopped me, pulled me to his body and wrapped his arms around me. I buried my face into his chest and let my tears spill free.
##
The sound of Liam’s truck pulling up made my stomach flip with anticipation. I wasn’t sure why, since I’d seen him earlier this morning. I had occupied the time since he’d been gone with baking. I’d found a website I could add ingredients to, and it spits out recipes you could make with what you had on hand.
I’d been mentally exhausted after Randy left yesterday and had asked Liam if we could skip movie night, and he was so understanding. Even though I’d been tired, I’d still laid in bed for hours, replaying in my mind Liam telling me I was beautiful. The driving this morning had been another happy moment that allowed me to forget being in the basement.
Piper ran from wherever she’d been upstairs and barked at the front door, patiently waiting for Liam to walk in.
When he entered, he was carrying so many bags, I thought for sure he was going to tip over.
“Oh my gosh, what did you buy?” I asked as he walked into the living room and dropped them all on the sofa. After working on the ranch this morning, he’d swung by briefly to tell me he was going into Lewistown to get me some clothes and a phone.
“I paid Mrs. Grace to shop for me. I told her a friend from college was here visiting and had lost her luggage. I don’t think she believed me for one second. And I hope your sizes are all right.”
Taking in all the bags, I frowned. “I guessed on my sizes, but I’m sure we’ll be okay. How did she pay for it all?”
“I gave her cash.”
My mouth fell open. “You gave her cash to go shopping for you and trusted that she wouldn’t just take off with the money?”
He laughed. “Small towns, Mallory. I’m beginning to think you’re not from one. Besides, Mrs. Grace was my high school English teacher.”
It was my turn to laugh. “No, I don’t think I’m from a small town. I would never do that.”
