Page 48 of Sizzle

Moving into him, I wrap my arms around his waist. “Nowhere else I’d rather be in this universe.”

We sway in the field, the warm breeze whipping around us as Liam holds me and shifts from foot to foot, even though there is no music.

“Will we hear from the police today, you think?” I don’t want to bring it up, but I know it’s on his mind, and he’s avoiding talking about it to try to spare me the ugliness.

“Last I heard was from Dad when he gave us that text update around six a.m. The guy, Nolan Walger, lawyered up. All they could charge him with was trespassing and attempted theft, but he wouldn’t talk about who he is or where he comes from. Dad thinks he’ll be released today to await the trial, which will be so slow to get off the ground. So basically, we still know nothing.”

I read the text from his phone this morning about how this Nolan guy refused to give any explanation. According to the law, that’s fine, and he’ll have to answer in front of a jury after he enters his plea. But Liam is right, that could take ages.

My man gives a frustrated sigh as he slices off more tomato for us. “I just want to know why. I could give fuck all about justice or retribution, I want to know why he’s doing this. Or who he’s doing this on behalf of.”

That’s the million-dollar question and one that won’t be answered quickly. If he lets it, this will drive Liam mad.

“I know you do, I know that. But right now, we’re all doing exactly what we can. So try to put it out of your mind and put me to work. Let me entertain you with how terrible I’d be at your job if I were to do it.”

Even in his early stages of fury, those gray eyes heat with lust. “I could definitely think of many ways to put you to work.”

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Ashton. No tractor sex until later.” I munch the last of my tomato and wipe my hands like I’m ready for the next thing.

“We’ll see how long you last, beautiful.”

That sexy bastard has the nerve to roll his eyes and wink at me before thrusting a harvesting crate in my direction.

22

GABRIELLE

Aweek later, Liam insists we meet up with his family at The Laura Inn, their usual drinking spot, for a normal night out.

Not that I don’t love the idea of being on his arm, of being a bigger part of the Ashton crew, but something about public dates is still freaking me out. For fuck’s sake, I’ve told the man I love him, yet I still can’t get over the idea that one of my former students might see us together.

Still, he’s been so pent up these last few days that I know I need to agree to it. Which is how I find myself in the passenger seat of his truck headed for downtown on a Friday night.

Liam’s thumb taps on the steering wheel repetitively, and I can tell he’s lost in his own world.

Two days ago, Alana and Liam went down to the city to try the pizza from that video they saw, but Liam knew instantly it wasn’t the same. The girl who made the video wasn’t accurate in her tastebuds, as Liam told me, and it tasted nothing like the Ashton sauce.

So we were back at square one while the cops try to investigate where the trespasser came from or what his end game is. The Hope Crest police so far haven’t found any leads to who he might be associated with, and I know it’s driving Liam crazy. We’re trying to be patient, but with how scary that night was, I know everyone in his family, and the two of us are on edge.

The Laura Inn is lit up in all its glory tonight, with groups chatting at the outdoor tables as we walk inside. As we make our way over to the couches by the fireplace, I feel that strong, warm hand on my back. Immediately, I shrug away from Liam.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just …” Gesturing to the room around us, full of Hope Crest residents who look to be the same age as Liam, I try to point out that anyone could see.

“We’re all adults, Gabrielle.” He rolls his eyes at me.

“These are your peers,” I whisper-hiss.

“Again with this three-year age gap? It’s ancient history, goddammit.” I can tell he’s getting more and more frustrated by the second.

Diverting us from the couch, he nods his head so that I follow him to the hallway by the bathrooms.

“You’re overreacting.” Liam moves toward me, looking like he might put his arms around me as I back away.

Wrong thing to say to a woman in any situation, but especially when she actually is. It only makes me go into hyperdrive in my freak-out.

“I’m not! What if someone says something?”

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