Page 9 of Worth the Risk

“No, it’s okay. Thanks Gar.” He nods and makes it to the front door swiping his key fob and managing to get the door opened while still holding Rosie.

“What’s up with those two?” Liam asks watching as they disappear into the building.

“Just friends.” I shrug. “They know each other from back home, they reconnected in a class and we kind of adopted him into our duo. Though I’m not sure he wanted to be. He’s a good guy though.” Liam nods.

“Ahh, I think Ryan’s into her.”

“You think?” We both laugh.

“Let me walk you to your door.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I know but I want to.”

“Okay.” We get out of his car and walk the short distance to the front door. I scan my key fob that gives us access to the building and he opens the door. “We’re on the first floor, 113, it’s just a few doors down on the right.” We head that way and reach my apartment too quickly. Even though were walking in silence it feels nice, he feels like the type of person you can just be with, you don’t have to do or say anything and you’re still content.

“This is it.” I point to the door just in front of us. “I’d invite you in to see it but we kind of just moved in like this morning so we don’t even have anything. We’re sleeping on an air mattress in the living room.” I let out an awkward laugh, not sure if that’s incredibly embarrassing.

“Wow, you’ve had quite the day then.”

“You could say that.” I let out a breath. “Thank you for everything. You’ve been amazing, you’re a really great guy Liam.”

He smiles at me. “You’re welcome.” I can’t resist the urge any longer and I hug him. It takes him half a second but he hugs me back, it’s the kind of hug you could stay in forever. Strong and comfortable. As we slowly pull apart, I stand on my tip toes and I kiss him on the cheek.

“Goodnight Liam.” I open the door and step inside, turning to face him again.

“Goodnight Emilia.” I smile, his eyes not leaving mine while I close and lock the door.

Rosie is now awake after her little car siesta and sitting on our makeshift bed in the center of the living room, eyes wide and staring at me in anticipation. “So, did you kiss him?”

“What? No.”

“Why not!”

“Well I did, on the cheek.” I shrug.

“So your aim’s a little off.”

I pick up a pillow and throw it at her and we both erupt into a fit of laughter. “I doubt he would want me to kiss him, I was just crying in front of him and he probably thinks I’m some crazy dumb girl he has to rescue.” I mutter, shaking my head since I feel ridiculous, I walk over to the bathroom to wash off my makeup.

“But you’re not some crazy dumb girl.” Rosie says, following me into the bathroom.

“Right, but he doesn’t actually know me.” Throwing my cotton round into the small trash can, one of the few things we do have in this apartment that we brought from our dorm. I head back out into the living room, Rosie hot on my heels.

“But I bet he wants to, I mean he gave you his clothes and he drove you home.” Climbing into bed, I snuggle into the blankets and sigh, hoping Rosie will drop it but knowing she’s not done voicing her opinion yet. “And you’re still wearing said clothes. Just saying.”

Chapter 6

Liam

September

I get back to our college house around supper time the day before classes start up. I’ve spent the last two months at my family's home, spending time with them and doing some one-on-one coaching with middle schoolers to earn some money. I’m grateful that I don’t have to worry about rent or the cost of school or even my car. Mom and Dean, my step-dad, bought me my Jeep in high school and my tuition is covered by an account mom and dad had set up and contributed to when I was born. Lucky isn’t even the right word for it, I’m blessed. I love coaching though and having my own money that I made myself just feels good.

“Hey,” I call out when I enter the house, “I’m home.” Ryan’s truck is here but I don’t get a response. Ryan left home yesterday to return to campus, I guess he was meeting some teammates for dinner. I head upstairs and throw my bags on my bed before knocking on Ryan’s door.

“Uh, one sec.” Ryan shouts before appearing in the doorway that he has only slightly cracked open. “Hey bro, glad you’re back.”

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