“Li, what the fuck are you doing?” I ask.
“Trying to impress my man. Is it working?”
“Yes. But it’s working so well that if I fall, I’m pretty sure I’m going to snap my dick in half.”
He laughs and pushes against my chest, sending himself backwards and separating our skis before turning around flawlessly, earning claps and cheers from the ski lift overhead.
I’ve never dated a badass before, but I really fucking like it.
Dated.
I’m fuckingdatingLiam.
My mind continues to whirl at the revelation. It’s only been a handful of days since this started, but for the first time in our lives, it’s Liam who is sure about something, and I’m left floundering.
I wish I were just able to focus on how incredible it feels to hold him at night, wake up next to him in the morning, hear him moan my name, and feel his fingers in my hair. But it’s impossible not to fear the future. Losing Liam has always been my greatest fear, especially after his mom died. He thinks I moved to Boston for those three months forhim, and partly I did…but part of me did it forme, too. I developed a paralyzing fear that Liam would be struck with the same sickness, or that he would be the victim of a home invasion, a car accident, or any number of other events, and I wouldn’t be there for him.
So, we spent three months healing each other after the loss of his mom, and by the time he could make it through his daily routine without having a major breakdown, I also stopped having panic attacks. At least until I had to leave him.
I watch as Liam comes to a very graceful stop by the lift.
“Again?” he asks, banging his ski pole against his boot to dislodge some snow buildup before clipping back in.
It’s fucking frigid out here today. Li’s goggles are pulled down, and his neck gaiter is pulled up, so no skin is visible anywhere. I look the same.
I check the clock on the lift house and realize we have time for one more run before we need to get ready for our massages.
Thanks to a cancellation, I was able to snag an appointment for four o’clock, and after skiing on these sore legs, I’m really looking forward to it.
“Again,” I confirm. “But this will have to be our last one if we want to get to our massages on time.”
“Ugh,” he groans. “We need more time! We just got to the good stuff.”
“I know,” I agree in a somber tone.
And then it hits me.
I’m going to move to Boston. Permanently.
If that’s where Liam feels he needs to be, then fuck it, that’s where I need to be, too. Especially now. The thought should be terrifying, but after everything that’s come to light on this trip, it feels like the last puzzle piece.
After all, most of my job can be done remotely, and if that’s not good enough, I’ll fly home when I need to. It’ll be hard to leave my family behind, especially since I just got Tay back, but he has Knox. And all I’ve ever wanted was Liam.
Now that I have him, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him. Hell, maybe I could open a northeastern branch of our office.
I’m beginning to realize opportunities can be made anywhere as long as you’re willing to look.
“Better make it count then,” Liam says, grinning as we get ready to make our final run of the day.
“I can promise you I will.” I smile back.
Chapter 30
Liam
The spa is tucked away in a private corner of the resort property. As soon as we enter the building, we’re pleasantly greeted by a young blonde behind a tall wooden desk. The whole lobby smells like lavender.
There’s very soft instrumental music playing at a comfortable volume in the background, and the wall to our left is a cascading water feature that empties into a pool with small fish.
