He throws a packet of soy sauce at me.
“Fuck off,” he laughs.
Finally, our trip is starting to feel like the vacation it was meant to be.
Chapter 23
Damon
I’m fucking terrified.
I’ve waited my whole life to experience Liam like this, and I’m so afraid it’s going to vanish as quickly as it appeared. I’m trying like hell to live in the moment so that when we go our separate ways in a few days, I’ll stand a chance of surviving the aftermath.
No chance; my stomach is already a ball of fucking knots.
I’m trying to prevent the spiral I feel coming on every time I think about it.
Hearing Liam’s laugh and seeing his smile across the table like this is so easy. We never struggle for things to talk about, and our conversations cover everything from alien theories to the stock market. Neither of us fully understands some of the topics brought up by the other, but it’s always been fun as hell to dive into each other’s minds.
While we’re waiting on the check, Liam begins passionately talking about wanting a job change. He’s brought up Owen and Storm’s B&B several times now, and ideas are swirling in my head.
“Hey, when we get back, could I have a couple hours to work? You could hit a few of those runs I won’t do off the backside, if you want. I need to check in on a couple of client accounts.”
His eyes light up at the idea, and I quickly make an addendum to my statement.
“Butyou have to promise me you’ll go down with at least one other skier. I won’t be able to concentrate if I’m worrying about you getting into a situation out on that gnarly terrain all by yourself.”
The sarcastic shit salutes me. “Yes, sir.”
We stand and push our chairs in, and Liam grabs my hand, but I immediately pull away.
The hurt in his eyes is clear as day.
“Shit, Li. I’m sorry. I’ve spent so long being careful not to give anything away that it’s going to take some getting used to, especially in public.”
Easily forgiving me, like always, Liam gives me a wicked grin. “You sure didn’t seem to mind in the locker room.”
“There was no one else in there!” I whisper in a muted shout.
“Damon, I want to hold your hand, so I’m going to lace our fingers together now and lead you out of this restaurant. There. Is that enough warning?”
“Fucking dick,” I mutter, not bothering to hide my smile.
Amusement dances in his eyes as he follows through with his statement and laces our fingers together before pulling my hand to his mouth and kissing my knuckles.
Oh, hell. I’m in so fucking deep.
When we get backto the cabin, Liam changes, and I help him with his boots. By the time I get him out the door, ensuring hehas plenty of cash, my Amex, Chapstick, his phone, and a trail map, I’m vibrating with nervous energy to make the call I thought of this afternoon at lunch.
I’m probably putting the cart way before the horse, and Li might even be a little pissed at me for making assumptions, but this is what I do, especially where Liam is concerned.
I get myself set up in the living room. The bar would be a better place to work, but I want to be able to see the deck, the hot tub, and the intermittent splotches of color as skiers race down the slope next to our cabin.
Opening my laptop, I pull up the account I need and do a quick check just to make sure there are no issues that need to be addressed before I call. When asking for a favor, it’s best that I have all my ducks in a row for the job he’s paying me to do.
Once I’m satisfied everything looks good, I dial the number.
“Bluewater Hotel and Spa, this is Carly, how may I help you?” the voice says on the other end of the line.
